The Greed of the Seven Seas [M] [IC]

[Moonlit_Fae]

Captain V pulled herself up easily from the side of the ship. Her figure was in full nudity as she began to dry and shifted from mermaid form into her human form. She had spent her early morning in the depths of the sea fishing for her crew. She dropped the sack that was around her back ono the deck and numerous fish, crabs, and squids fell out. Captain V snapped her fingers and one of her crew members hastily came and collected the food bounty. He also came with a bag of clothes for her. This was her normal morning routine after all. She was always up before first light; she was never one who could sleep. “Bring these to the cook. Have him ready them for first meal.” Her requests of her crew were always clear and concise. She always expected to be followed. It was an easy price to pay on her ship. Always follow captain orders and have loyalty for the crew, and the spoils would follow soon after. Any crew member that crossed her would be sorry. Her temper was everchanging as the undulating sea. The crew member gave a firm nod. “Yes, Cap’n V…”, he muttered before scampering off to the galley.
The sun rays were just coming up over the horizon as she dressed herself.

The new day’s light reflected off the gold hoop in her left ear. Captain V wore black, tight birches with matching knee-high boots. Her shirt was a loose white shirt held in place by a black vest. Her doublet was a navy blue with shiny silver seashell buttons for embodiment. To top if all off was her oversized hat with a blue feather in it. Her belt she tied around herself held her cutlass, a small hand axe, waterskin, and pouch. She pulled out her compass from her coat pocket and saw they were due west at 20 knots. She gave a firm nod, knowing the Siren’s Song was right on course. By day’s end they would be at the island marked on the map, hopefully with piles of treasure awaiting their arrival. She was itching for some adventure and was also hoping this treasure would be guarded. Her cutlass was thirsty for some blood. Speaking of thirsty, V pulled her waterskin from her waistbelt. This waterskin rarely saw water, it usually was tucked away with rum or vodka. As she took a giant swig of vodka tainted with sea water it slid down her throat easily. The burn of the alcohol was like a warm hug from an old friend. “Now I will be ready for the day. Hmm I wonder where Blackfin is. I’ll need him to go over defenses with prior to anchoring offshore.” Captain V tended to talk to herself. She never expected anyone to respond, it just helped her to organize her thoughts.

Blackfin was her First Mate and most trusted companion after his few years of service to her. She knew his first name of course but stuck to calling him by his nickname. He seemed to have a troubled past, but she never bothered to ask. She would let people share what they want with her. It was not her business to pry. What mattered was Blackfin always had her back in battles and helped her with proper strategy.He also helped to keep the crew in check when others rarely questioned her. Captain V also asked his advice on many matters, he was a true confidant. She always rewarded him handsomely with funds for his service. V did find it humorous that he tended to squander most of his spoils to gambling.

As she made her way up the stairs to the helm of the ship to keep it on course, she saw the main deck come alive. Her crew members were startling to bustle about with their known duties. All different kinds of creatures tended to sails, rigs, and clean the deck. A small smile crept its way upon her tanned skin at the sight. Her face held a few scars. There was a diagonal scar across her mouth, a few knicks on her cheeks, and one at the bottom of her right eyes. The rest of her body held even more scars, showing the many sea battles she has fared. She was proud of her tally marks. A true captain fights along with the crew to build bonds and display strength.

Captain V now stood peacefully as the ocean breeze brought some of the sea’s mist upon her skin. “Ah, nothing but the pirate’s life for me…” she began to sing to herself in a low tone. Her voice was mesmerizing and had the power to enchant. She made sure not to sing too loud as she did not want to put anyone underneath her spell. Captain V was strict about never lulling her crew members into a trance. Anyone that was here was because of their own free will. They could also leave when they wanted. This helped to stop mutinies from happening. Despite being a ruffian, she had a small code of honor just for her crew.

[Yggdrasil_Hugger]

Deep in the belly of the ship, Blackfin awoke at the same time every morning. 15 minutes before the rest of the crew, Blackfin maintained the idea that he was always ready to fight or dish out the punishments the captain saw fit. He snapped on his belt and the leather straps that held his swords. He always slept with his boots on. That was one thing he was always ready for. With a quiet shing, he pulled the blade of his cutlass out of his scabbard to inspect it. The metal dully gleamed in the little morning light that made it belowdecks. Perfect. Finally, he slipped on his hat, the single red feather moving lightly with the shifting of the waves.

Around him, the crew stirred from their sleep. He watched them for a moment, before striding up the stairs to the middecks. On this level, he could hear the cook begin the stew. From the smell, nothing new. As he reached abovedecks, the powder monkey called for him.

"First Mate Blackfin!"

"Aye powder monkey?"

"During our last run-in with The Mary-Ann, we used quite a bit of black powder. We'll need to pick up more if we plan on surviving our next fight with them."

"I'll pass on the message to the captain. Everything functional?"

"Aye First Mate!"

"Very well." He nodded, before continuing forward. He blinked in the harsh morning sunlight and cursed the fact he couldn't make use of an eyepatch. Most pirates had both eyes, but keeping one eye in darkness helped them see when they transitioned between decks. In any case, he needed to talk with his captain.

As he walked across the upper decks, the ship came alive about him. Crew of all shapes and sizes began tending to the ship, cleaning, rigging, tying, untying, pulling this, pushing that. They worked in easy, fluid motions like they had done hundreds of times. Finally, he climbed the last few stairs and stood beside his captain.

"Mornin' Cap'm."

[Enigma]

Dragon sniffed and stirred where she laid on top of the mizzen topmast yard like a cat. She had her breakfast following the midwatch, diving off the deck into the sea where she found a nice big tuna. The first time she brought her catch back, she'd landed in her natural form, the large fish in her mouth, and ate it before returning to her human form.

The captain and the crew were upset, they had to scrub the deck down, and they threw buckets of water on her, too. Since then, she made sure to eat her catch before returning to the ship, swimming just ahead of it before snagging the hull in her human form so as not to make the ship roll too much. The barnacles didn't bother her much, they were crunchy and slimy.

She crawled out from under the topgallant top, rubbing her eyes with one hand, while the left snagged the starboard backstay, just in reach. Curling her leg around the cable, she slid down to the rail, pausing to make sure nobody was trying to claim the spot when she hopped off onto the main deck.

Blackfin was coming, heading for the starboard ladder to the aftercastle, there to make words to the captain. They had so many words, it made her head spin sometimes. She cocked her head and wrinkled her nose as he approached, making sure to keep out of his way.

She followed him up the ladder, pausing on the top step and stood there, waiting.

[Lu321]

Lola groaned softly as she woke up, peeking her eyes open to look around. Most of the crew was still fast asleep, although some were quietly hauling themselves up from their bunks and starting to get ready. It was a comforting sight. She could only remember a few times when she had woken up without a crew around her.

Sitting up in her bunk, she yawned, brushing her messy black hair out ofher face. Winding it into a tight bun like she did almost every morning, She dressed in her usual baggy pants and loose shirt before turning her attention to her right foot. Making sure the metal was clean and the straps that kept it attached to her leg were tight, she slipped her boots on. Grabbing the belt that held her rapier, she put it on before heading above deck.

Cursing as she opened the door to the bright sun, the area around her grew darker. She cursed again, letting herself get used to the brightness before releasing her grasp on the light around her. Continuing up the stairs, she noticed some of the crew scrubbing the deck and quickly joined them. Her day had started, and she couldn't wait to see what it would bring.

[Moonlit_Fae]

Captain V stopped her singing as soon as she heard the familiar footfalls of her first mate approach her. As he addressed her she nodded back, her hat slightly falling foraward on her face. She easily pushed it back up. "Mornin' Blackfin? How did ya sleep?" This was their usual place to meet and catch up with reports surrounding the crew and the ship. Also to discuss battle tactics and navigational routes. "I wanted to discuss today's adventure.", she said as she shot him a toothy grin. She turned to him slightly and noticed the red colored child that was stowed away on this ship before Captain V had stolen the ship a few years back. V was fond of the girl and let her do her own thing. Little thing didn't talk much, but V liked it that way. The child was still fierce and had the spirit of a pirate. Not to mention she was a great weapon when needed since she could turn into a dragon. V also nodded to her to acknowledge her presence. She wasn't too sure how the child felt about her, but it didn't matter.

"We will be at this island of Lost Haven by mid-afternoon. It is a few miles off the coast of al-Andalus. This is where the treasure will be, according to the map I scored from our last sea battle." She smiled, remembering them defeating the Mary Ann. Although they did not come out of that sea battle truly unscathed. A few crew members had died "There is a chance they are racing there as we are now. I need to know how well our defenses are holding up from our last skirmish." She gestured for a trusted crew member to take of the helm and steer the ship. V also motioned over to the small, red child. "Dragon, if you wish to learn how to steer the ship under supervision I would be happy to teach you or have Jimin here can show you while I tend to ohter matters." She simply left it at that before leading Blackfin into her Captain's Quarters.

Inside was a mess with random bottles and clothes spilled about. Some of her favorite treasures laying about, shimmering from the day's light from some of the port holes. In the center of her room was a large circular table with numerous maps unfolded. Captain V made her way there to show it to Blackfin. There she pointed to the island they were headed to. A smaller map lay beside it showing the path to the treasure.

"I want your thoughts on defenses for land battle in case we run into indigenous people. There is also the matter of taking on another battle with the Mary Ann or another ship that might cross paths with the Siren's Song." She looked back up at him and awaited his report.

On the main deck the bell rang out to announce first meal of the day. The ship's cook was a small dwarf woman named Claudia. She had messy red hair she kept in a bun atop her head. One of her legs was also missing, replaced by a wooden peg leg. Her closest companion was a black cat named Jude, that always was close by her.

Claudia grumbled loudly. "Come get yer slop!" She stood by a fresh boiling pot of seafood stew that she and another crew member had carried out. Crew mates were expected to line up with their bowl and get one sloppy serving each. The crew were also responsible for keeping track of their own bowls and cutlery.

[Enigma]

"Dragon," the captain said, summoning her and pointing at the ship's wheel.

You	I	here
How	Happy	Show
Steer	You	You
Ship	Jimin	I

Dragon smiled, showing off her teeth - which wasn't a challenge here - usually. She shared her smile with Jimin, who gave her a funny look and shook his head at her, making her frown. as the captain and Blackfin left to go below. While the captain's cabin was okay, it wasn't as dark as below deck.

[Yggdrasil_Hugger]

"I slept fine, Cap'm." He listened as she talked, watching the crew go about their duties. He also watched the little red girl scurry about. He didn't mind her or pay much mind to her, but she seemed to be careful to never cross paths directly with him. It was strange, but he couldn't fault her.

As his Captain got onto the topic of defenses, he frowned slightly. She said something to Dragon, then turned on her heel and led him to her Captain's Quarters. The air smelled heavily of booze and clothes were tossed about the room with no real rhyme or reason. Just how it always was.

He studied the two maps she had pointed to, making a mental note of any changes in elevation and any illustrations of monsters. Many times they weren't simple illustrations. He thought for a moment, before replying,

"In terms of defense, the powder monkey says we're low on black powder. We'll need to pick up more if we plan on surviving another run-in with The Mary Ann. For any natives, I suggest we put on a show. If we show them we're an unstoppable force, we can cow their defenses without a single drop of blood being spilt," he paused, then continued, "from our crew of course. Worst case scenario, we'll have to show them how powerful we really are." He chuckled, a smile revealing his industrial-grade blender teeth.

Elsewhere, Claudia called for breakfast, and the crew briefly left their duties in segments. For them to all leave at once, the ship would be unmanned and vulnerable, so they went in shifts. By the time the first was done eating, the second had started.

[Lu321]

Lola smiled as she heard the call for breakfast. She was unlucky enough to be in the last segment, but she didn't mind. She could see the Captain and her first mate heading towards the Captain's Quarters, which wasn't unusual. She didn't know much about where they were headed to, but she did know that they were following a map stolen from the Mary Anne.

The thought of the other ship disgusted her. It had been a well earned victory, but the ghosts of the crewmates who had died seemed to haunt her, as did the ghosts of her father's long gone crew. Even though the Mary Anne was not the ship she had been searching for, that ship was on her top ten most hated list.

Smiling as it was her turn to get food, she grabbed her bowl from her bunk and went to the back of the line, patiently waiting her turn.

[Enigma]

At the ringing of eight bells, the next watch took their places, while the relieved watch standers went to grab their bowls, spoons, and cups to join the mess line. Dragon went over to the rail and climbed on top, watching the various creatures that made up the crew eat.

One particularly caught her eye - Lola. She had an elegant face with long pointed ears. Her right stroked her own ear, feeling the human-style curve. She glanced down at the metal foot, impervious to splinters. As always, she wonder why the elf wore it?

Still, she noticed that Lola moved with a certain grace, even when the ship rolled and pitched, she just seemed to flow her body in some curious way, always upright. She was not the only one to notice, either. Many of the crew, no matter what the species, seemed to enjoy watching her, especially from behind.

But there was a look in her eye, a sort of darkness. It grew before a fight, then faded away, only to build anew over the course of days, sometimes during the course of a watch.

She wondered where the elven girl would sit today?

[Moonlit_Fae]

Captain V grinned at Blackfin. She liked that they both shared a bloolust. Him so more than her. She did not mind though. It was one of his most useful attritbutes. He always got the job done, no questions asked. Her only rule was that he did not hurt any of their crew. If anyone on this ship had a problem with another crew member the rule was clear: It had to be settled with a duel. Just between those two crew members, clean fighting and no weapons. If someone died, they would still be given an honorbale burial. The duels also livened things up with longs days upon the open sea. Sometimes it was even fun to bet on the stronger crew member, to see if you could predict who would come out of the skirmish alive.

V studied the map some more. "We would lose time, but in two hours time we could land at this port." She pointed at the map. It was the country of al-Andalus (modern day Spain). "I want to set up a small crew and bring them on land with us. This time I would like to take Lola with us. Please arragne for a few others to come with us. Until then let's ask the crew members what supplies they need whether it be personal or professional." V liked to try and keep moral up in anyways she could. Landing at this port would also allow the crew members who felt their journey with her was over. It would also grant the oppurtunity to recruit new members. "Thank you again for your input, Blackfin. We will go with the idea of giving the local people of the island a big show. If that doesn't work, well then we will cut through them until the treasure is ours." The greed shown in her eyes.

After their discussion Captain V went back out on deck. She saw Jimin was ignoring Dragon, and the red-child stood next to him looking disheartened. This made V very anrgy. It was a simple request, teach the girl how to steer the ship. Her blood boiled over in her veins until it erupted like a volacano. "WHAR"RE YOU DOING?!" Her voice rang out loud from atop the helm, some crew members on the deck below stopping to watch the show. Probably wondering what set the Captain off again this time.

"I clearly asked for you to teach Dragon how to steer the ship. I come out here and see ya igrnoing her? I was very clear in my orders." She had a cold tone to her voice and her eyes were blank, almost blinded by rage. Jimin, the poor human, was shaking in his boots. She quickly backhanded Jimin and the slap reverberated in the open air. "Now be gone with ya. You better listen to me next time or it'll be the plank!" Her breathing was heavy and as she pulled out her waterskin and took another swig of aclohol.That seemed to do the trick. It was back to normal. V turned to Dragon as if nothing had happened. "Dragon, come here if you'd still like to learn.", she gently motioned for the child to come over with her hand.

Jimin mumbled a quick apology and then scarmbled off. He was one of the newer recruits. He still had to learn that Capatin V's word was final, no matter how small the request. At this point Claudia had served the last scoop from the bottom of the pot. As Jimin tried to scurry past her she swaddled his bottom with the ladle. "Capn' might seem tough, but it is just that she cares. You better make sure this is a crew you want to be a part of. You disrespected that little girl and in doing so disrespected the Capn'." Jimin gave a small nod, contemplating his actions as he went to his cot below decks.