AU: The Pirate and the Stowaway [Lucas]

[Karalie Heise]

Suffocating.  Karalie was slowly suffocating, and it wasn't because her bodice was too tight, though it was.  Her wedding was in three days time and the very thought of becoming a wife made her ill, especially to William.  He was handsome and aristocratic but his tongue was sharp and often times cruel, and his hands were far worse.  He'd already voiced the changes she would be expected to make on his behalf once she was officially his, and none of them sounded appealing.  There was no escape, either.  It wasn't a union of love, but rather of business.  The Truscott family was a noble one and her father all but offered her as a gift to their eldest son.  It would help their own nobility and the last thing Karalie wanted was to disgrace her family.  She was their only hope, being an only child.  But where on earth could she go?

It was after a meeting with William that she realized she couldn't go through with it, her parents be damned.  He'd come to her home to offer a gift; a necklace.  It was large and ostentatious, nothing she would find herself wearing normally.  It was all a show for her parents and when he'd gotten her alone he spoke of the life they would live, the things that would be expected of her and the materialistic gifts she could earn in return.  How lucky she would be to bear his sons.  His hand slipped up her leg and when she pushed it away she received a quick, sharp blow to the cheek along with a harsh scolding.  She wouldn't be allowed to push him away once they were wed unless she wanted to risk serious consequences.  When he'd gone she cried, knowing that this was not a life she could lead.  How could she become William's wife when the mere thought of him made her ill?  She'd spent hardly any time at all planning her escape, but she knew it was her only chance at a life worth living.  She had to leave.  Tonight.

Karalie slipped her sack over her shoulder, a common dress wrapped around her small frame.  She'd packed a few changes of clothes and taken some food from the kitchen along with some small odds and ends she thought she might need for survival, tucking as much away as she could before heading to the docks.  It was the middle of the night and she was exhausted, but the adrenaline kept her feet moving, fear keeping her senses sharp and alert.  The pungent smell of the ocean hit her hard as she came upon the ships.  Even they were still and silent in the wee hours of the morning, their occupants sleeping off the spirits they'd likely ingested in abundance at the pubs.  She made her way to the farthest boat, slipping silently up onto its deck before making her way down into the hold.  It was too dark to make much out.  She'd left her lantern at home like a fool in the hopes of being more discreet in her escape.  It was there, down in the hold that she found a pile of empty, musty old potato sacks.  She pushed them together best she could and set herself down upon them, covering herself.  She had no idea where the ship would take her, but anywhere seemed better than in William Truscott's arms.  Between her weariness and the gentle rocking of the ship, she soon found herself fast asleep, the hope of a brighter future offering her mind peace at last.

[Lucas Blacke]

''Like a barrel o' rum I will roll aboard, where stories a'e told!''

A woman followed him as he rolled ahead a barrel of the stuff even though the captain had told him not to, or told any of the men to bring any booze or anything else from shore and instead just keeping it at the stuff they had on the ship already. The captain swore he'd makje sure the ship was restocked and ready to go. Sadly Lucas was the one to be charged with making sure everything was ready to go. Though luckily this allowed him to bring more stuff on board than they needed, so no one would bat an eye at the extra bottle of rum.

''Aye, me beaut. At long las' we meet again!'' He adressed the last boat in the line of three as an old friend of his, widening his arms with a smirk on his face as he forced the women behind him to step back. ''This, me wench,'' He said as he turned around and waved at the ship behind him, only half making sure the barrel of rum didn't vanish. ''Be a fine specimen! Few lasses can conquer a scandal 'eart like that thar beaut can!'' He then motioned for the woman to come closer again and obviously she did, as it wasn't every day they saw a pirate like him just setting foot in a pub and paying for an entire barrel of rum.

He grabbed a hold of her and planted a firm kiss on her mouth before pushing her off. ''Aye! 'S th' las' thing a pira'e needs ta do afore boardin' 'is ship!'' He turned around and rolled the barrel of rum forward once more in the direction of the ship he was going to board. ''Say our goodbyes ta one o' those landlubbers! 'S nothin' more than tradition, lass.'' He waved her off then as she became smaller and smaller, saying nothing to him in return as she just looked at him, leaving him wondering if she even understood what he said. He wiped at his lips with the back of his hand and smirked. ''Ya bette' be off lass. No need ta stay aroun' an' hurt more than yer doin' righ' now.''

He then turned away completely and motioned for the people on the ship already awake to hoist the barrel of rum aboard, luckily they were competent and would know what to do with it; half for the captain and half for them.

As he walked the plank up to the ship himself he cast one last glance at the city they would leave behind and saluted it with a sarcastic smirk. ''Won' be missin' this 'ere shitter, aye?'' The people who were working on getting the barrel on board nodded as they then got back to working. ''I be off ta check on th' supplies.'' He told them even as he was already walking in the direction of the area where the supplies for the journey would be. And he would start with the potatoes. They would need to go first. Or be used for a victory of sorts.

''Cap'n this cap'n that.. when is I gettin' th' words I be deservin'?'' He mumbled as he went down into the hold and stepped around the area, looking at everything they had. As far as he could see everything was in place, and with the barrel of rum he'd just gotten them it'd all be complete. Though the potato sacks seemed oddly close to one another..

He pushed a few of them aside to make more room between them as it was not the way he had left them and noticed something moving behind them. He slowly took out his blunderbuss and continued pushing the sacks aside, letting his eyes fall upon the form of a woman behind them. He smirked as he cocked his gun. ''We don' take kindly ta stowaways 'ere. Be''er get off afore I waste a bulle' on yer sorry ass.'' He leaned in slightly. ''No' that yer ass be ugly o' anythin'.'' He assured her as he smirked.

''Once w' go y' 'ave no chances lef', ye'll nee' ta bite th' bullet o' convince m' ta let ya stay.''

[Karalie Heise]

Safety was a powerful drug indeed.  For the first time in months Karalie felt at peace.  Yes, she was on a strange ship with lord knew who, but she was also about to be halfway around the world from her fiance, which in itself was reason to celebrate.  She slept better than she had in weeks despite how uncomfortable the potato sacks were.  The Heise family weren't the most affluent family but they certainly had more than enough to get by with some luxury.  Warm, comfortable beds with feather pillows were certainly on that list, but it was a small price to pay.  Surely when she reached her destination someone would see her worth and in no time she would be back in the laps of luxury.  Perhaps her life would be more grand than if she'd become a Truscott.

It was the movement above her that made her stir, and then the sudden draft.  She realized quickly that someone was above her and she also knew there was little she could do to conceal herself, so instead she backed away.  The boat rocked and swayed as it normally did and she didn't know how far from land they were, if at all yet.  The man she met was handsome but certainly on the roguish side.  Had she climbed onto a pirates ship? No, pirates didn't simply dock.  Surely he was just a scruffy sailor.

She didn't realize the danger she was in until he pulled out a pistol, her heart suddenly climbing into her throat.  Wide, dark pleading eyes met the pale of the ruffian before her and she held a hand out as if to halt him. His comment about her rear made her cheeks turn fire red and her lips pursed.  She reminded herself he was a man, and men certainly couldn't help themselves from looking, though a gentleman would never utter a word of approval over a woman's body.  Not a respectable man, anyway, and this was certainly no respectable man.

"Please," She pleaded softly, her droopy curls sticky on her neck from the salt in the air.  "I mean no harm, honest, I.."  She licked her lips and swallowed hard, not sure what she could offer.  Her eyes suddenly widened.  "I can pay for my travels if you would kindly let me stay."  She reached for the horrid locket she'd been given only the evening before and offered it to the man.  "It's imperative I leave.  Please.. I won't be any trouble." She assured, nipping the inside of her bottom lip, hoping he would find it in him to take pity on her.

[Lucas Blacke]

He could hear this one was British. As in one of those snotty spoiled brats from the town, wanting to get out of something and jumping ship. Usually they would go aboard the ships of men with a mission, take a few months and dock somewhere else. But she had for some reason jumped aboard the Sea's grail, a pirate ship. They docked once every year, if even that. Right now she would have been lucky though, the stocks they had taken aboard were only enough for six months, counting the entire crew. But that would change, there would be raids and prisoners would be had if they took them at the time, and ships would be plundered so they could stay on board much longer.

Seemed she hadn't done her homework. ''Ya think a simple trinket is gon' be 'nough ta keep me from announcin' a beaut like ya?'' He shook his head with a smirk, but it quickly faded as he took a second look at the locket she had been dangling in front of him. It looked valuable, maybe this one was a rich one. Seemed fate had smiled upon Blacke as he yanked the locket out of her hands. She could come in handy, and maybe it would be wise to keep her from the rest of the crew for now. They hadn't left yet, but a few weeks on the ocean would turn a man mad if he knew there was a woman on board, and this one hadn't a whole lot to say about anything.

She'd be passed around like a tavern wench handing out free drinks. That wasn't to say he would spare her that fate, he'd just keep her to himself, make her last a bit longer. Though that also meant one more mouth to feed, but that could be arranged quite easily, he'd just share his own provisions with her for the time being. And being quarter master himself no one would take notice, or dare to speak up. Maybe the captain woould, but seeing as they knew each other personally he would rather keep out of whatever Blacke was doing. He wasn't called The Blacke Buccaneer for nothing. Normally, a quarter master would stay safe in times of plunder, but he was one who gladly killed anyone who got the way of his loot and the captain knew that.

''This 'ere trinket'll do fer now, lass. Bu' when we be off I'll be needin' more from ya.'' He didn't smile, laugh or wink, he was deadly serious as he brushed away a strand of her hair from in front of her eye with the tip of his gun, squatting in front of her. ''A man'll get lon'ly without a wench, an' bein' aboard a vessel with naught but men? I'll keep yer presence under wraps fer now, but I expect comp'nsation.''

Without awaiting a response he got up and turned around, climbing to the top deck of the ship.

''Aye! Ye rotten scallywags! Do yer work and stay outta my way an' all 'll be fine, got it?!''

He turned around once more and jumped down to her level, handing her a coin of his. ''This 'ere is the quarter masters coin. Keep it in case 'nyone catches ya. Show it ta them an' tell them yer mine. They'll back offa ye.''

[Karalie Heise]

His words struck fear into her heart.  She thought for sure the necklace would be enough.  It must have cost quite a bit, surely enough for him to let her stay on board for month or so until they reached the next harbor.  He yanked the necklace free from her grasp and she pulled her hand back, clutching it tight to her chest as if he would take that next.  She silently prayed he would have pity on her, for surely being thrown from the ship would be a death sentence, or worse.  Being William's bride seemed worth than any death sentence.  

Her eyes remained pleading as she looked upon him for mercy, kneeling there on the filthy ground like a dog groveling for scraps.  Is this what she's come to? Acting like a dog? She supposed it could be worse.  She'd heard stories of sailors and some might not even hear her pleas before tossing her off, or even making her their chamber maid. She was no chamber maid.  She was a good, virtuous, god fearing girl but desperate times might have to call for desperate measures.  Who knew, maybe he would be compassionate.. 

When he insisted he would be needing more she racked her brain trying to think of what else she could give him.  She didn't bring many valuables but surely he would be interested in something else she had.  When he came down to her level she shied away, freezing when his pistol swiped a lock of hair from her eyes.  She swallowed hard as he explained what more she would be expected to give and truth be told she didn't like the sound of it.  She was no wench.  Karalie had naively believed she would e able to sneak on and off without anyone ever knowing she was there, living quietly in the hold until the vessel docked at the next harbor.  She never thought she would be found out before the ship even left.  Perhaps if she'd had more time to plan her escape she could have been more prepared for a situation like this; going to the docks to see which ships came in and out.  Perhaps then she wouldn't be in the predicament she was in now.

The realization slowly sank in; he would keep her on board, hidden from the other ruffians, in exchange for..  She felt dirty even thinking of it, her eyes pulling away as the heat crept fiercely down her neck from her cheeks.  Karalie felt relief when he called for the others to stay away, though he remained.  How long did she have until he made her unclean? How long until the next port? She could survive a fortnight or two she supposed, starting over fresh in a new town.  It would be better to deal with just this one than the entire crew, she knew that.  It wouldn't be that bad, and certainly God would forgive her for her sins.


When he returned she pulled her knees tighter to her body, offering doe like eyes up to the young pirate as he offered her a coin.  She suddenly felt relieved and grateful though she knew what might lie ahead.  "Thank you." She murmured, reaching to take the coin.  She looked down at it, studying both the front and back before tucking it away into her sack for safe keeping.  She chewed her bottom lip a moment before looking back at him, the frightened gleam still there in her eye unsure if she could really trust him.  He was holding a firearm after all.  "I'm Karalie." She offered, trying to be polite.  Perhaps it would all be better if they had something to call each other, especially since wench simply would not do.

[Lucas Blacke]

She wasn't smart, that much he had figured out by now. Not in the sense of making demands but trying to talk to him and asking for something to call him by. He wouldn't have that, not on the first day of being the equivalent of being an illegal and only barely escaping death by the entire crew, and not necessarily by use of weapons. Though she didn't exactly ask to be completely honest she did imply wanting to know by throwing her own name out there. Karalie.

Karalie. Blacke shrugged. What did he care? She was his for the time being and he reserved the right to call her anything he wanted. Up until the point he took back the coin he gave her she didn't have to fear running out of a use and being offered up to the entire crew, but he wasn't going to put up with a prisoner talking before her turn.

He smirked at her and pointed at her with his gun as if to show he was the one in charge there, and he would be for as long as they were on the seas. If she ran to the captain? He'd find the coin Blacke gave her and pull his hands away from her, perhaps even sending her back to him. In terms of rank he was second, in terms of respect he was first. And the fact he had a gold plated gun was the biggest sign of that, not to mention his sword that he had found in a raid on another ship.

''Yer name be o' no use ta me, lass. Ye be mine, remember? Ye'll react to whate'er I be callin' ye.'' Besides, calling her Karalie would be too long, he needed something short. And.. he waved his pistol in front of her face and finally put it against her head. ''An' afore I forge', I be needin' ye ta be a good lil' wench an' not yell or scream, an' certainly no' disobey.'' It'd be a waste to put a bullet through her brain. Besides, he'd get all dirty on the first day of the voyage and the food would be ruined. No, she'd better just obey him like a good girl.

He heard the simple deckhands on the top level wrestle with the ropes holding the ship near the shore and finally they took off as Blacke inhaled the salty air with a smirk. ''Seems we be off, lass. No turnin' back to tha' scurvy family o' yers now.'' Not that she could return even if they were still docked, but still, a vicious jab had to be made if only just with words.

They began to move and the ships first hand began to navigate to where they were going to go. Blacke had the most say in it, but they knew he was busy and would ask the captain instead, who would also understand and rather not disturb the quarter master. The respect he garnished even earned him his own private cabin instead of him having to sleep with the crew.

He got up and turned around, walking towards the top level before briefly looking over his shoulder with a smirk as he put the blunderbuss back in his belt. ''An' as for what ye can call me, master 'll do fer now.''

[Karalie Heise]

Karalie had foolishly mistaken his actions as kindness and was quickly learning she shouldn't trust this man.  She flinched when his pistol took aim at her once more, her heart pounding in her chest as she began to wonder if she'd left a bad situation for a worse one.  Yes, being married to William would be horrible, but at least she would have a nice warm bed at night, food in her belly and the promise of her family nearby.  Or would she? Here she had none of those luxuries and a man who found it appropriate to hold a gun to her as if she were some disobedient slave ready to run.  She put herself in that position, didn't he see that?  

The pirate laid down the rules and her lips remained tight, wishing he would put his firearm away. And would it really be so difficult to simply call her by her name?  Any number of nicknames might do, but wench? As if she were a common whore!  Her eyes looked up to the ceiling as he mentioned them taking off, tears threatening for the first time since she'd boarded the ship.  What had she gotten herself into? Only a fortnight, maybe two, she promised herself.  She could last that long! She could handle that, and when they docked she would make her great escape.  He wouldn't be able to keep her there on the ship, she'd find a way to escape! It wouldn't be so bad.. even if she never saw her family again..

The pirate retreated finally and she let out the breath she hadn't realized she'd been holding, pulling her bag closer to herself.  It won't be so bad.. She silently consoled, feeling if she didn't remind herself constantly then she would simply forget.  She watched him tuck the pistol back in his belt as he made his way towards the top level of the ship.  Master.  He expected her to call him master as if she were some common servant girl! The absolute nerve he had.  She opened her mouth to protest but thought better of it and quickly, shutting her lips and keeping them tight.  The silent reminders slipped through her mind as he made his way up top and left her to her own devices down there in the hold.

Karalie had never sailed on a ship before.  At first the swaying was comforting, but soon she found it made her feel dizzy and ill, the sour smell of ocean and fish made her queasy.  She found a space in the back of the hold behind some cargo boxes and made herself comfortable, keeping a bucket she'd found nearby for when she got sick, which had happened twice so far.  The second time nothing but bile came up, her stomach empty.  She had no appetite to eat between the seasickness and the depression that settled around her.  She'd found herself in quite the predicament and she wasn't entirely sure what to make of it.  

At some point she'd dozed off, the swaying of the ship lulling her to sleep.  The sound of footsteps roused her, her eyes adjusting as they slit open.  She woke fully when she realized someone was in the hold.  She sat up, pulling her knees tight to her chest once more, not sure if it were him or someone new.  She fished through her bag until her fingers clasped around the coin.  She needed to be prepared in case it wasn't the one who knew she was there.

[Lucas Blacke]

The night had been setting in, but it wasn't the end of the day for the crew yet. The ship was far from the docks by now, out at sea as a tiny blip in a vast ocean. By now swimming back to port on your own merit would mean certain death. Either by shark or fatigue, or other random pirates picking you up, though the odds of someone surviving that from this crew? Not that high. The people from The grail of the seas didn't hold much respect over other pirates, only amongst themselves. In a group they'd scare anyone, but when alone they wouldn't hesitate to thin the crew a bit.

Blacke sat next to the captain as the entire crew talked about what they were going to do with the loot they would find, and the stories that were told were bigger than life itself. He doubted they would find any treasure, as the captain had pulled him aside earlier and told him the route they were going to take was a less traveled one, but in return they'd get to a place where they would be treated like kings. Less loot, for the ability to raid an entire city without force? Blacke would sign up for that, though he did have to admit he liked using force. But hey, the captain's call was law.

When Blacke suddenly told one of the swabbies to fetch some rum for them, usually he busted it out to end the night with, he forgot to think about what was down in the cargo hold. He had gotten up himself suddenly and strolled over, wanting to hear something as he told the crew and captain behind him to just continue on blabbering. He didn't hear much except the way the swabbie looked around and ruffled through sacks. Apparently, or so he assumed, they had a thief on board. And his assumption was confirmed when he saw the man put a potato in his pocket and grabbed one other to chow down right there.

''Whatye t'ink yer doin' mate?'' He jumped down into the hold and walked over to the unsuspecting man who had now turned around after quickly throwing the crunched potato to the ground. Looks were traded and it seemed like this swabbie would have the nerve to try and fight his way out of this stupidly, as Blacke knew his way around a fight and wasn't afraid to kill a man, but also because there was an entire pirate crew just upstairs. And you just didn't fuck with pirate loot.

''Those be mine potatoes. Ye best put 'em down afore I make ya choke o' 'em.'' He widened his arms, his coat following his arms and revealing his blunderbuss and saber. ''E'rythin' in thi' hold be mine. E'rythin'.'' He was talking about the stowaway who was down there somewhere as he suddenly drew his gun. ''I gladly ask ye to turn ta th' side o' th' ship so I don' damage me chow.'' He put his pistol against the head of the man and cocked it, it still holding the same bullet he had threatened Karalie with before.

The man tried fighting his way away from the gun but Blacke had him pushed against the ground before long, a thud sounding and alerting ther crew. Though Blacke assured them he had it under control and would give the punishment himself as he had found a thief. Pleas of mercy were heard but ignored. ''I been givin' ou' more mercy than a pira'e shoul' today.'' He smirked as he pressed the pistol against the back of his head and laughed. ''Thank ye fer no' makin' me waste me spuds.'' He said as he pulled the trigger instantly.

Then he ruffled through the pockets of the man and found the stray potato, the uneaten one. He looked around and decided to look in the back for the girl who he knew had to be hiding there. ''Ye know now wha' I be capable of.'' He dropped the potato next to her, noticing the bucket she had used when she got sick. ''I be gettin' someone ta clean him up late'. When the crew is asleep I'll ta'e ye ta me quarters.''

He wouldn't take no for an answer as he grabbed the bottles of rum he was required to bring and went up to the deck. '''Ave fun, me beaut.''

[Karalie Heise]

Karalie got to her feet, staying behind the cargo but peeking over ever so slightly to see who had come downstairs.  It didn't matter who it was, she didn't intend to make herself seen unless she was threatened to, which would likely be the case with the man she'd run into earlier.  He didn't take no for an answer, and truth be told she was afraid to disobey him.  Just because she willingly placed herself on a pirate ship didn't mean she didn't value her own life.  Though she didn't know at the time that it was a pirate ship she was boarding.

She saw her "master" enter the hold before the other man did, her head falling lower behind the cargo box she was hiding behind, though wide eyes remained on the scene unfolding before her.  He wouldn't kill that man, would he? Yes, he'd stolen, but he was hungry! Would he push her around if she dared to take a crumb from their bounty? Karalie realized she didn't want to find out.  She had some food packed away, it wasn't enough for their journey probably, but it would be enough for a few nights. Already she was feeling the pangs of hunger deep in her abdomen, but the situation at hand prevented her from wanting to eat, along with the threat of sickness once more.  

A scuffle began between the men and she found herself leaning further forward to see what was going on in the very dimly lit hold.  She could see better now that her eyes had adjusted to the darkness, but not everything was clear.  The man was pleading for his life and Karalie was sure the pirate would grant it, just this once, but when the shot was fired she yelped in horror, her eyes wide as she ducked down to the ground.  Her body betrayed her, quivering as thought she were dipped into a bath of ice water.  She clasped a hand over her mouth to steady her breathing, realizing she was already beginning to hyperventilate.  She'd just watched a man be killed!

His footsteps drew closer and she pushed herself as tight into the corner between the ships wall and the cargo box as she could, making herself as small as she possibly could.  She flinched at the sight of him, suddenly far more afraid than she had been earlier when he'd held the gun to her.  Now that she knew he wasn't afraid to pull that trigger she realized the grave danger she'd put herself in.  It wasn't a matter of just putting up with it for a fortnight or two; she would actually have to survive.  

She looked between him and the potato he dropped, not daring to touch it.  It seemed tainted now that a man had been killed over it; a small, dirt covered root.  He promised someone would be down to clean the body and then she would be brought to his quarters.  That wasn't what she'd signed up for, but she supposed she was far more vulnerable down there.  At least in his quarters she would have some amount of safety from the others, if not from him, and he was far less likely to dirty his own room with blood.  Wasn't he?  She had no idea, but she was too frightened to protest or to even strangle a word out, not that she had anything to say.  

The time that ticked by went by slowly as her impending doom grew nearer.  Every sound made her tense, fearing he was coming for her.  What would he do once he had her in his quarters? What power did she have to stop him from doing as he pleased? How had she managed to put herself in a worse situation than she'd started? Shivering, she wished she'd stayed put, deciding the life with William would have been far better than whatever this pirate had planned for her.  At least William would have taken care of her on some level.. Yes, there would be no end in sight, she would be his until one of them died, but she wasn't entirely sure her current situation would be much different.  Who knew how long she would really be on the boat.  Who knew how often they docked? They had plenty of supplies and they had no qualms about killing people.  They could be there for months, and there was no guarantee she would be able to slip away when they did finally dock.

Someone came down to clean the body, two men hoisting it above and likely feeding it to the fish.  The smell of the blood nauseated her and she was glad that someone had come to clean it, though the smells seemed worse now.  She held her kerchief to her face, breathing through it and steadying her breath, willing herself not to retch while the men were down cleaning.  Once they had gone she dry heaved into her bucket, her body empty and unable to pull anything up and out.  
She was getting drowsy again when she heard another set of footsteps coming down into the hold, her body instinctively pulling away from the sound, pushing herself into the corner once more and making herself as small as humanly possible.  Before long he was standing above her.  She gazed at him with slightly sunken in eyes, red from crying all day.  This was it..  Life as she knew it was over, and the next time she saw land she would be a different woman.  Likely a very different woman..

"Please.." She whimpered softly, "Show mercy." It was a quiet plea, one she knew would mean nothing, but it was all she had.

[Lucas Blacke]

It took him little to no time to explain the men that the shot they heard had been due punishment for a thief; other than the captain they needed to believe his every word even if he lied. But the captain, he did require the full story and as such Blacke told it, how he caught the man stealing. But he also inquired as to why Blacke went down into the cargo hold where he normally would refrain from it, the only times he set foot in there was when he needed to take inventory and that was only once per week at best. He'd tried not to let go too much, but did have to tell the captain of the stowaway below deck, it being the reason he went there. What he left out, however, was who it was and what it was, and he did ask the captain -as a friend, not to say anything to the rest of the men.

''..she be mine. I'd 'ppreciate it if ye di'nt tell th' crew 'bout it. I can 'andle this one on me own.'' No weapons were shown, no faces were drawn, these were just two friends talking it over on their own terms. And in the end the captain did agree to keep his mouth shut, but only as a friend, which meant keeping her away from him. No problem, he could do that. Too much of a hassle to make a problem out of the situation anyway.

When everything that needed to be said had been said and most of the crew had turned in for what would be their first night at sea, Blacke did instead of turning in his cabin go down to the hold and 'inspect' as he would say the goods, see if any were harmed in the cleaning process. Except he wouldn't be doing that. He wanted to turn in himself, rum heavy on his breath yet not drunk enough to do anything out of the ordinary. Like any pirate he knew how not to get drunk.

He prowled around in the hold for a bit and finally found the one he was looking for. All he really needed to do was follow the smell of vomit. Or focus on it. She'd been lucky no one had noticed it yet, now that he focused on the smell. The only thing producing more smells was the ocean itself, and maybe that had been what saved her.

Blacke looked down on her as she looked with red eyes, pleading for mercy where she would get none. Or more than she deserved.. ''Th' crew be sleepin'.'' He announced as he ignored her plea for mercy and grabbed her arm. ''We be goin' ta me quarters now. Be a good lil' wench an' do as I say withou' makin' a fuss.'' He shoved his coat to the side slightly and revealed his gun, tapping it lightly with a smirk. ''Still 'ave this an' plenty o' bullets.''

Still, he didn't pull or press down too hard, he just guided her to his own quarters hastily, slightly fearing that someone would see them. Luckily his quarters were close and below the deck so they couldn't be heard if they made too much noise, not that they would but his threats wouldn't be heard by anyone but the one they were meant for. As they reached his quarters though he shoved her in forcefully first after he had opened the door and threw her on his bunk.

''Be a good lil' girl an' stay quiet, okay?'' He asked- no, told her. His bed wasn't big enough for two people, but she could rest on it for now. He had stuff to do and wouldn't be going to sleep for a good few hours, kicking her to the ground and reclaiming his own bed. The desk would be his place for the next few hours, ink and quill being used to write notes that.. had to be written.

But before he did that, he walked over to his desk and opened a lock, pulling out a piece of fruit. For some reason he always held those close as not to get scurvy. An apple was thrown in her lap, what she did with it was up to her. ''I be needin' an energetic lass. Don' wan' a lifeless doll.''

[Karalie Heise]

He grabbed her roughly, pulling her to her feet and it was all she could do to grab her bag as she got up, quivering once more.  She didn't dare utter another sound, not so much as a whimper as he showed her the gun, his threat as heavy as the smell of booze on his lips.

Karalie walked quickly, looking briefly out at the ocean as they made their way above deck.  It was strange not seeing land anywhere, the moon bright in the sky.  Had she ever seen so many stars?  It was beautiful and eery all at once being out at sea like this.  It was like nothing she'd ever experienced before.

When they got to his quarters he thrust her inside, Karalie tumbling forward and hitting his bed.  She turned and watched him as he came in, locking the door behind him, hugged her bag to herself.  She watched him with large, frightened eyes unsure of his next move.  He had her necklace, he promised it was enough for now, but that didn't mean anything.  He didn't strike her as the honest type.  She sat here on the edge of the mattress, unsure what to do with herself, other than look around.  The room was small, but there was more than enough room for them both to simple be.  The bed wasn't as soft as the one she had at home, but it was far better than the hard, rotten planks in the ships hold.  He told her to stay quiet and she gladly obliged, her lips staying locked.  Her words seemed to fall upon deaf ears anyway.  He'd made it clear he didn't care what she had to say which suited her fine.  It would be easier to pass the time she supposed if she wasn't forced to chat with him, the murderous crook.


She was surprised when he thrust an apple her way.  She had fruit in her bag, but not much.  She still had yet to eat since boarding the boat, too sick and frightened to want to hold anything in her belly, but with the promise of food she suddenly felt her stomach twist.  She took a greedy bite of the fruit, realizing immediately how unladylike it was, and  forced herself to continue at a slower pace after that.  She wondered what he meant by needing an energetic lass.  He intended to keep her locked in there, after all.  What energy would she need for lazing around all day, unless of course he intended to put her to work there in his cabin.  But doing what? Probably his laundry or shining his boots.. polishing his sword? Who knew.  Her delicate hands weren't used to labor, but she knew she'd probably have to earn her way.

She ate all but the very center and then laid down on the bed. Despite her terror, rest was quick to grab hold of her.  She lay huddled up on the warm bed, hugging her bag to her chest as the sea rocked her and the gentle scrape of quill on parchment sang her to sleep.

[Lucas Blacke]

His eyes were getting heavy as he put down the last dot on the parchment, putting down the quill and moving the list he'd written to the side. It was a simple list consisting of what punishments were fit for what crime, he'd wanted to let the entire crew know what they could expect this way.

His head now laying heavy on his wrist as his eyelids felt heavier by the minute he decided to get up, stumble over to his bed and get some- oh, she was there. He'd gladly kick her off like he had said, but for some reason he wanted to let her sleep. He looked at her and how she was hugging the bag she had been dragging along for a while now abnd he wondered what it held. More valuables?

But that wassn't what was up right now, he needed some sleep if he was to do anything for the crew in the morning. He was one of the highest ranked officers, but that didn't mean he could laze around all day, he needed his sleep more than the wench did and she would understand that. He'd make her.

He took off his belt and put it on his desk and stowed his sword next to it. He yawned as he walked over to the bed and prodded the one on it awake, or tried to. No response. She was gone and probably for good reason, she was a landlubber and he knew what the seas did to those. Hell, he'd been one himself not so long ago, needing plenty of sleep and barfing the night away. Yet that was not the life of a pirate. With his rank came responsibilities that included not letting anything get to him, including nausea and lack of sleep.

Letting go of the idea of sleeping in his own bed after some thinking it over he decided to take a seat at his desk again, pulling out a few sheets of parchment to lie his head down on so he'd be mildly comfortable. The morning would probably be him having ruined a few pieces here and there, but if there was one thing he was good at it was sleeping everywhere. Maybe one day he'd be able to share his bed with someone, but not just yet.

No matter, he would have it the next night.

[Karalie Heise]

For a moment Karalie forgot all about the pirate, the boat she was trapped on, and the life she'd left behind.  Dreams became her refuge, and they weren't bad ones.  The mixture of sunlight and water splashing against the ship was what stirred her.  It wasn't much light, it was probably just past dawn, but her dark, doe eyes opened.  The scene unfolded quickly and she woke with a start, sitting up and looking around.  She saw him there at the desk, asleep against some parchment and for a moment she felt grateful.  He'd held a gun to her, threatened her life several times, even murdered a man in front of her very eyes but in the end he'd fed her, kept her safe from the others and even gave up his bed for her.  Perhaps he was only making a show of his cold heart? Karalie wasn't entirely sure, but she would tread carefully and do as she was told either way.  There was no reason to provoke his anger.

She felt strangely well rested, though her stomach ached with hunger.  She opened her bag, pulling out a package wrapped in cheesecloth.  Inside was some crusty rustic bread and cheese.  The sight of it made her salivate at an alarming rate.  She tore into the bread, pushing some into her mouth before looking back at the man in the chair.  He looked young, possibly not terribly older than herself.  In another life she could have been attracted to him, but he was unkempt and she was used to her suitors being tidy and crisp.

She realized how absurd it was to be thinking of him as attractive.  He'd threatened to murder her after all and called her a wench.  He was a heartless pirate and she needed to toughen herself up for this journey locked there in his quarters.  She looked out the porthole as she ate, feeling more energetic than she had the day before.  When she heard him stir, her eyes landed back on him, sitting high on her place there on the bed.  

"Good morning." She greeted.  It didn't matter what he considered her, good manners were important.  "I have some bread and cheese if you'd like." She offered.  A fair trade for the apple and bed.

[Lucas Blacke]

The first night on the ship had not gone as planned. He'd killed someone, needed to write out the crimes and punishments for his crew and lied to the captain, one of his dearest friends. And then there was the wench hitching a ride on the boat who had somehow become property of Blacke. The mere thought of it, though even half asleep still, woke him up fully with a piece of parchment sticking to his cheek. He yanked it off as the words of her hit him.

She shouldn't be greeting him. Not like that anyway. Wait- she shouldn't be at all! He'd told her to keep silent the night before, hadn't he? So why did she talk anyway? And offering up food? For what purpose? He did mull it over briefly as it would help their entire stock last a bit longer but he didn't need it, why did she think he needed or even wanted it? ''Keep tha' yerself, lass. As said afore, ye be needin' yer energy fer when th' mood 'its me.'' He told her, oddly calm about it instead of scolding her about talking like he had intended.

He got up from behind his desk and picked up his belt, throwing it around his waist and clasping it tight as he then picked up his gun and moved his hand accross the barrel, blowing lightly before putting the gun between his belt and his pants. He moved aside his coat and took the saber from beside the desk, sheathing it at his side. He'd rarely used it, it was more for show than anything else yet he still knew how to use it.

''Get some mo'e rest. I'll be out soon an' who knows wha' I need from ye when I ge' back.'' He grinned at her and turned around, slightly hesitating to go out as he reached for the handle on his door.

He was sure the rest of the crew was awake by now, he would need to be there to not raise suspicion.

[Karalie Heise]

His words made her cheeks turn pink once more, her legs instinctively coming together.  She wanted to insist that he'd gotten her necklace and that should be enough for a few days, but she also didn't want a lashing.  Who knew what he was capable of, but she turned away in her protest, suddenly losing her appetite again.  Just the thought of him invading her sent chills down her spine.  

Before she knew it he was off again, leaving her to her own devices.  After a full nights rest she didn't feel much like sleeping anymore.  But what could she do?  She found a few books on pirate code and considered reading them, but would he punish her for touching his things? She supposed if he didn't want her to he would have told her so.  She was locked in his private quarters, after all.

By mid day she was getting antsy.  She wasn't used to being cooped up like this, and though the pirate code was something to do, i didn't exactly keep her interest.  She'd groomed her nails and combed out her hair, doing her best to salvage the limp curls that lay down her neck.  She tied them in a ribbon in the end, simply to get them out of her face.  Lastly she changed her dress.  She'd been sick in the other and a change felt good after having spent so much time in the last dress.

Though she feared his arrival, part of Karalie was looking forward to the company.  She was a social creature by nature and this quarantine didn't feel right.  Her heart raced when the door opened.  She pulled herself into the corner of the bed, watching the pirate enter, her eyes locked on him.  She dared not speak a word to him this time, suddenly feeling the anxious weight in her stomach at the unknown.  What did he expect of her? She hoped he brought water..