But the heart always will (India, Nance)

[Lovely]

Name: Captain Robert Nance Aliases: Robin sometimes "Nancy" as a slight BD: November 25 Debut Age: age 34 Location: Opal Rank: Second Mate played by: Tripp created: 2007 likeness used: Sean Bean

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Name: Unknown Aliases: India, In BD: unknown Debut Age: 21 Location: Opal Rank: 'guest' played by: Lovely created: 2007 likeness used: Masumi Max

[tripp]

July 18, 1740
morning

The Opal had pulled into view in the wee hours of the morning and now it was docked, ready to be resupplied and for it's crew to have a chance for some entertainment. Treasure was up on deck of course over seeing the arrangements for the crew and sending out messangers to her contacts so she could make her trades, get her perks and conduct what business she needed to.

The ship needed more crew, she needed men she could trust. The Opal lacked a First Mate as well as a cabin boy.. and a few others wouldn't hurt.. but she had to chose carefully. There were many men who simply would not sail with a woman nevermind under one.. there were others who would think she was easily over taken and only wished to sign on for the purpose of taking her ship or her...

She barked her orders out and her crew scurried, the rum supplier a man missing his left eye and with a scar running from his brow to his chin came aboard and the captain had the crates belonging to him brought up from below and they spent some time haggling. Once they reached and agreement the rum was loaded and his crates off loaded. He shook the captain's hand and left without any real trouble.

The Captain now stood on the deck with one of the boys who wished to sign on with the Opal's crew.

"Captain..?!! A word, please!"

The bellow came from the dock and a pair of men giving the Opal a thorough washing with their eyes. The light-haired one who'd called out appeared older than his mate, looking at the riggings and pointing a few things out in discussion.

The dark haired one took note as he leaned on a cart holding a burlap of dark and light loaves, a barrel of dried meats and a colorful assortment of sweet fruit. Though he listened to what the other man was saying, his eyes diverted only momentarily to the ropes and sails before fixing again on the deck, waiting for the captain to emerge.

Hearing the man call out for the Captain, she frowned and gave the boy a pat on the arm and shrugged. "I'm very popular this morning.." She gave a small chuckle and turned from where they were heading to go up and see what she was needed for, perhaps another to sign on and she could save time having them sign the articles together. "Hopefully this wont take long.." She moved back to show herself on deck, regarding both men who were waiting with a curious expression.

Certainly her memory was not so short this time to avoid recognizing the dark haired man who offered a cordial smile as he leaned, rocking the cart a little as a minute gesture that these were indeed for her and her crew, as were his services. He'd brought her his answer... and an additional set of hands if the good captain felt the older man was worthy of her cruise as well.

"Good morning, Captain." His voice was clear and carried well, quite used to conveying the importance of his thoughts to several at once though it softened to a near mumble as he introduced himself. He gave the tag-along a nod and addressed the captain directly, diplomatically with hardly a blink. "Amethyst.. stunning," he did note the unusual shade of the captain's eyes with all due respect before extending a gentleman's handshake as he would to any captain above his own rank... which at the moment he really didn't have at all. He was merely a merchant now and nothing more... other than a wealth of knowledge and hard work she could put to good use, he hoped. His attention was drawn immediately from the woman to the observations of the small tears and a few bits of loosened rigs and jib that would cause her no small amount of grief if left unattended. "Robert Nance... Robin," he smiled and the lines of his face creased around an angry scar above his eye though there was little anger anywhere else in the man that could be seen. "Your associate caught my attention," he pointed out the man and cart then pointed to the masts. "And those have as well. He tells me you're in need of crew. You do need someone to attend to those very soon."

The other man wheeled the cart closer to keep it from being looted with his back turned, eyeing all the while the tag-along somewhat sharply. Not wishing to put the good captain in another awkward position though, his slights were silenced in favor of further introductions to ease the situation. "Your father sends his best. He left port yesterday, but made arrangements for these," he said, most of it a blatant lie except to tell her that Jack had again slipped away from them both. The arrangements for the provisions she'd know had been his own and repayment for her kindness, ten-fold. "If your offer stands, I'd be honored."

The cordial smile was returned to the dark one, along with a tip of her head, she'd certainly not forgotten him or the offer she'd made for a place aboard her ship should he find that her father's ship had gone ahead without him. She suspected Jack would not wait, as she was sure he had as well but he needed to know for sure and now he did and had returned.

To the man with the light hair she did her best not to read into his comment which she knew to be about her eyes and not the sails of the ship, although.. there was a thought to have the sails a dark purple.. the pearl had black sails and at night... She would ponder such when given proper time. Her attention turned to the man in front of her as she motioned him closer and then waved a hand about her ship. "You have a good eye mister Nance.. Robin.. You know ships, seas, and sailors, well.. and I'll have to properly reward my associate later for bringing the Opal to your attention."

She waved to Will to bring himself and his loot aboard to be tended to and her glance over his cart showed her approval of what he offered. "Pity we missed meeting up with him, would have been nice to share a bit of rum.. perhaps another day. Thank you for delivering the provisions." She half turned to the boy and motioned between the two men. "This is Mister Turner, the Opal's First Mate and this is mister Nance as you have heard.." She tapped her finger against her lip as she regarded Robin for a long moment. "I think the three of us have things to discuss." She meant herself Robin and Will as to where to place Nance in the scheme of things, he was no cabin boy or lowly sailor.. everything about him spoke of experience and skill. "I was about to have the boy sign the articles.. " She looked to Will, he'd either bring Nance along or escort him to her cabin where she'd join them to discuss matters after swearing in the other. It appeared her visit to Tortuga would involve more business than pleasure, but the benefit to the Opal would make up for that.

"Take your time with the lad and we'll put these below. With your permission, whether I stay or not it wouldn't be right to let you set off without fixing what's obvious." Nance would offer her that service at the least, regardless of an accord for his continued employment. "Merchant sailor.. or was once," he mentioned about her observation of his experience.

Will chuckled as he tied the sack of loaves shut and hoisted it over his shoulder, giving the others a little more information about the humbled man before them, "Merchant =Captain= once. A meeting it shall be." He nodded his greeting to the boy and his agreement on letting them meet soon. "Welcome aboard, lad. Make good use - she keeps a tight ship."

Her eyebrow raised slightly as Will corrected the information and she gave a slow nod of her head, more to consider.. "We'll discuss arrangements after I see to this young man." She gave the boy in mention a look that said she might be thinking about dunking him in the ocean, just because she could. He acted in a respectful manner and didn't step out of bounds, so for the moment he was safe from being fish bait. "Mister Turner, Mister Nance.." She bade the older men a short goodbye and nodded that she'd be with them shortly. Her attention turned back to the boy and she motioned him to go with her again, so that they could get things signed and the oaths sworn. We'll have a much improved crew when we leave port this time. She thought to herself and was pleased so far with who had joined them. A first mate, a crewman with much potential, and.. a former captain she needed to decide how best to place..

After the boy swore in she let him go off to collect a few things and enjoy a few more hours in Tortuga before they left port. A light breeze brought the scent of the sea and lifted her hair slightly as she made her way across the deck and then inside to her cabin where Will should have taken mister Nance so they could discuss arrangements, requests, and offers. Her boots were light over the boards but made enough noise as she wasn't sneaking up to let them know she was coming to the door at a decent pace.

**END SCENE**

[tripp]

July 20 1740
early morning

Whilst everyone was engaged in their morning duties and trading their shifts on watch, Nance might chance to see something strange on any given day fresh out of port. Actually seeing it, however, wasn't at all expected. Having gone to find the delay in the rationing of morning bread and water, he'd found the cook strangely detained with a large welt on his head and the cook's bunk occupied - briefly - by someone he didn't at all know and certainly hadn't recalled being interviewed by the captain. While attending the cook to ensure he'd live, the bunk's occupant tried slipping away, though at sea he wouldn't get far... and likely hadn't intended to if he'd boarded the ship with the intent to sail with it in the first place. Nance managed a hold on him though there was a strange willingness to be captured it seemed, especially when told he'd be taken directly to the captain for immediate reprimand... and maybe even some raucous entertainment to set the tone for this particular cruise out of Tortuga.

"Captain..," Nance presented the man with little ceremony, still holding him by a stained and thread-bare collar. "Caught this sneaking aboard and gadding about...Should I kill it?"

"Hello darling."

The reply was a loud slap from the Captain's hand.

"I probably deserved that."

"No... you deserve this...," Will slapped him too the other direction, turning him to face Jacquetta again. He grinned somewhat apologetically to Treasure and shrugged. "He had it coming.. Put him in the brig. I'll deal with him later."

Nance was very confused, watching between the three. "You know him?"

Jack looks at Nance and chuffs up "Don't you know who I am?"

Looks him over thoroughly and shrugs. "Haven't a clue."

"I'm Captain Jack Sparrow." Smiles, raising his eyebrows a bit.

"Ah...." Robin sighed as if it was all clear now and looked at him more closely, then let him go for Will to manage with the upper hand. "Never heard of you. But he has. Captain, your orders for him?"

Grinning delightedly, he laughed a silent 'ha' at Will as he looks over at Treasure. "Yes, Captain... Sparrow.. what are your orders?" He seems thoroughly amused and not worried.

Treasure turns and takes a step toward Jack grinning but stops short and tips her head to the side. "You heard Mister Turner. Put him in the brig."

"Aye. Irons too? He doesn't look like he can slip out the cell." Robin wasn't much taller, but he did stand still and straight, more imposing than the ducking, darting man beside him.

Will was trying not to crack into too much of a smile. "Don't be fooled by this one. Irons too, Mister Nance. Don't take your eye off him a second."

Jack grinned even brighter, seeming to puff proudly over both Treasure and Will. His lips twitched and he cast his gaze over Will. "Pirate." He taunted and then set his gaze on the firey redhead. "Captain.. I'll be awaiting your audience in my suite." He flicked his wrist as if to dismiss the orders and put his hands in front of him thrusting them toward Nance to cuff him. "I don't suppose there's any rum in the brig?"

Robin was completely bewildered now, taking the cuffs he'd pulled along with him to shackle the strangely smiling man. "Should I know who you are and why... Sparrow, you say? Captain...?"

"Do it, Mister Nance. And no rum for you, not until the Captain's done with you... 'Captain'," Will dug slightly at Jack, folding his arms to watch delightedly to see if Jack would truly allow Nance to pull him below deck or if he'd slip his cell and anything else as usual. "I'd say they're well acquainted, yes."

"And you, Mister Turner... How well have you acquainted yourself with.. my Treasure.. hmm?" He asked, spinning on his heel before Nance could cuff him. "Is that what this is, hmm? You want something of mine? Perhaps we can bargain.. over a bit of rum?"

"Captain Sparrow.. you appear to be shipless.. again. I'd say you haven't much to bargain with, do you?" Her voice came from slightly behind Will's shoulder where she stood.

"Mister Nance....?" Will gave Robin a look and second warning not to be deceived by this man's ramblings and darting maneuvers. "It would do you well to secure those irons quickly... please." He turned to the other man, "The Captain and I have been ... engaged in serious discussion, Jack." He had been given his orders, afterall. Who better to help spin the tale than the master himself?

Nance's keen observation didn't let the words or the glances slide too far past him. There was some sort of clever game here and he was the odd man looking in. He reached for Jack's wrist to clamp one shackle around it and keep him from waltzing away too far. "You heard the Captain, Captain... no bargain.. no discussion. Your cell, sir."

His eyes flared slightly in shock and his head tipped to the side in curious expression, long enough to allow his wrist to be cuffed before his lips pulled back over his teeth. "What are you up to Will?" He asked, his gaze coming darkly to meet the other man's before darting past him to the captain of the Opal. "Engaged.... in serious discussion.. I'm most eager to hear all about it.." His smile turned mischievious again as his eyes swept over the woman. "Finally find the Treasure you were meant to be obsessed with?" His head turned to look down at the cuff and then back to his girl. "Fine ship you have here Captain Sparrow.. fine upstanding crew, too."

He frowned and eyed Nance who had already gotten one cuff on him. "Perhaps you can find enough hospitality to allow your guest a wee bit of rum while he awaits your company.." His eyes darted back to Will. "That is once you've attended your prior engagements."

"I'll Consider your requests while I see to my business." She replied, not moving from where she stood and eyeing the man with a careful gaze. "Mister Nance, if you'd please escort Captain Sparrow to our fine brig."

"Aye," he nodded again and pulled the other shackle out to capture the second wrist if he could manage to without a scuffle in front of the captain. "Come with me."

"Ah... a moment, Mister Nance. A few things I believe our guest should have brought on board with him... his pistol.. and his compass, if you wouldn't mind. Thank you," he grinned, digging that much deeper. "I'm sure the Captain would find great pleasure in using them from now on."

Treasure nearly had to bite her lip to keep from chuckling as she watched, though she simply met her father's gaze with an arched brow, expecting him to protest deeply that his prize possessions were being taken from him. He deserved the bit of digging from Will but finding him here was most .. disturbing.

Jack sighed and looked back to Treasure, seeing that she wasn't going to stop Will, he sighed again. "You've already taken what's most valuable to me.. taking the rest are you now?" He smiled still, watching Will and trying to read his face. The pistol and sword he pulled free himself, shoving them toward Will. The compass he pulled off his belt and held it out, dangling it before Mister Turner. "Take good care of her Will, she's truly extraordainary.. you'll find nothing like her in this world or the next."

"See things as you will, Jack," Will grinned, letting the picture build itself as he knew it would. It had taken far less time to crack the man than he'd thought. "I'd never allow a thing to harm her." His sincerity and the retained innocence shimmering in his eye beneath the smirk might tell Jack more than he'd known, but he tried to blink it away and turn to hold the door for Nance.

Robin took the compass and belt as requested, proferring them up to Treasure as Will suggested. Once done, he'd clasp the wrist and be off.

"Thank you mister Nance." She took the items without batting an eye and gave him a nod. "Even without these he's a clever rake.. be alert to any tricks he might try to pull. Don't let your guard down for a moment." She warned, but her gaze would show she did not doubt his ability or that he was a fully capable second mate for the Opal.

Jack's eyes stayed on Will for a long moment, seeming to bore into him for what answers he could find, though his outward expression was still his normal 'everything is a fun adventure' pose. "You're still sore at me aren't you?"

"You got me drunk and left me for lost on a lark, Jack. Mister Nance, if you please," he stepped from the door, answering the man more with a coldly returned glare.

It was beginning to make some amount of sense as he listened though it wasn't his place to ask or opine. "Aye, sir. Captain if you'll be needing me, I'll be done with this in two shakes. Mister Turner..." He nodded, though there was a bit of a smile that asked them both to please let him in on the rest when he came back.

"Ahh but at least I didn't just throw you over board." Jack winked, chuckling softly as he turned to go with Mister Nance. "You could remember that and get me some rum at least while I rot in the brig." He swaggered off as if he were the one leading the second mate instead of the other way around.

Treasure watched Jack and Will mostly, though she offered Robin a nod. "Find out who was on watch and see that they are duly reprimanded for not catching him before he got far enough for you to have to do so, thank you Mister Nance."

Robin nodded as he and Jack slipped out the door. He kept Jack quite within reach, taking the warnings to heart and keeping a close eye on him until he was secured.

Will closed the door and sighed heavily with a grin that finally spread wide. He shook his head. "You can't tell me that was entirely unexpected."

"Not unexpected, No." She sighed and set Jack's affects on her table, her fingers brushing over then gently. "Quite disturbing is what it was. Where do you suppose the Pearl is this time?" She looked up from Jack's things to Will as he stood by the door. "I did not expect him to.. react like he did at your.. implications about things."

"Hmm... I did try to warn you. I had a feeling he wouldn't like the idea no matter who it was, but I think that it might even remotely be me disturbs him as much as his appearance here disturbs you," he explained, going back to what he'd mentioned in their discussions. "As for the Pearl, she's not sailing alone. I have my suspicions. Barbossa perhaps... or possibly only Mister Gibbs simply forgot to ensure Jack was on board," he added, chuckling. "I think rum is in order. You have a guest to deal with."

"How long can I leave him in the brig for, do you think?" She smirked a little and let her eyes roll over Will, seeming to pull his visage in to wipe out Jack's. "You did warn me, but I still would have made the same choice, even if I'd expected this reaction. It doesn't change anything.. at least on my half."

"You're assuming he makes it all the way below deck. If Mister Nance heeds warnings as well as you do, hm?" Will stepped foward to resume their earlier discussion.

"Mister Nance is an older and wiser man.. I'm sure he will heed the warnings.. that doesn't mean Jack will make it below. Even if he doesn't.. it still changes nothing between you and I.. unless you feel something should be altered?" She watched him as he stepped forward, trying not to read too much into the movement.

"No." He shook his head, denying some of his thoughts that did beg for a few changes in course, but steered from those fears. If her father didn't deter her, it wasn't his place to deny her. Some of the anger at Jack was still very much present and he couldn't help feeling compelled to make the man suffer, but it wouldn't and couldn't be at Treasure's expense. "He asked me a question I didn't exactly answer, but should I have... I'd say, yes, I think I have."

"Which question would you be referring to?" She asked in a softer voice, her head tilting slightly as she came around the table toward him. She wasn't fully angry with Jack and it was easier for her to set those feelings aside, though she knew Will was warring with his own a bit.

"Something... someone to be obsessed with," he said quietly, watching her actions, her expressions. A kernel of truth in each to play on later, embellish and expose carefully, whether others watched or not.

The corners of her mouth twitched as she stepped up to him, letting her hands splay flat against his chest as she looked into his eyes. "And this someone.. would that be Jack or me?" Her hands shifted just slightly in a brief caress of his muscular chest as she tipped her head, offering him a taste of her smile.

His reply was the same as his agreement, though slightly more descriptive in his silence as he ensured that the obsession was nothing at all to do with the man that had just been escorted away.

[Lovely]

July 28, 1740
near dusk


Storms at sea clear off as quickly as they brew...they come hard, fast, and show no mercy. Luckily the Opal had come up on the tail end of such a storm and avoided the fate of 'whooooosh... blam, crack, sink'... The Captain was pleased when the clouds started to roll away and the sky cleared, it was a relief not to have to plough through or try to circle around it.. they were lucky this time and the relief was evident as the crew started to chatter amoung themselves again.

"Sail!" Someone shouted, though the murmurs were quite a different sound than the usual roar of triumph. There was an odd hush that rumbled over the voices as the 'sail' turned out to be mostly floating, not waving. "More or less..." The wreck was tremendous and debris was everywhere as the Opal cut into the edge of where the once-majestic ship had been.

Will came up to the starboard side behind the others. "Captain? Looks like there may be survivors, look!"

Captain Sparrow was already moving to that side of the deck, having heard the call as well. "I suppose we should see what she has to offer us." She grinned a bit, catching Will's eye and giving a nod for orders to be called out as she turned to find where Nance was.

Will nodded at the captain's request and began by tapping shoulders, peeling the onlookers away from gawking. "You... and you... lower a boat and get out there. Pull anyone in you can reach. You... up in the nest and look for any furled sails... make sure this wasn't an attack - they might not be far if so..."

Robin stayed the boy's hand. "Easy. Salvage first then scout. Even if they're out there and turn sail, cannon fire's not reaching us until you have what you want out of the water... breathing or not."

Will pulled his hand away. "Then salvage... mate. Get in a boat and show them how it's done," he snipped with a shallow grin and a fire haunting his eyes. He wasn't going to make the same mistake he had before regardless of this man's experience.

"Oh... well... aye sir," Robin nodded, trying to keep the sarcasm and humor as thin as the first mate's grin. He'd do as told. "Who's with me? Get on ye!" He hollered, setting off to untie one of the boats and bring up what or who they could find.

"Oy!" The dark haired youth did have a voice, and it carried well over the hollers and rumblings of the crew. He'd spotted enough in the water himself to be ready to set oars down and practically flew to help Nance lower the boat.

Toby was checking the sky more than the water. The storm held a rough wind behind her still that kept a few white caps perched on the waves around them. He stole up beside Will. "Let them go to their boats, but keep them close, sir. Storms like her, they circle round." The sky above them was clear, but the wall on the horizon held a mystery he had no interest in unraveling with the Opal's sails.

"Noted, thank you. Then get your charts below and prepare for visitors," Will snipped, getting Toby on his way to watch for such an occurrence.

Out in the wreckage strewn over a large crate that had not yet sunk was a woman with long raven locks, she was passed out, looking almost as if she was having a peaceful nap. She wore a dress of such fine style and fabric that one would assume she was some sort of fine lady perhaps even nobility. The beauty wore a gorgeous jeweled necklace, what was left in her hair of pins adorned with jewels to match, and a small dagger was clutched in her hand. The tears in the dress she wore revealed red and black marking on her arms. She moaned softly and her eyes fluttered open as the shouting and splashing sounds reached her through the 'thick' fog she felt like she'd been in.

There were a few scattered survivors of the wreck, many had perished and more slipped away in the hours since as they clung to debries or tried to swim hoping by some miracle another ship would pass and rescue them... most didn't make it long enough to see the sky clear or the Opal as it came up to the site. Josette clung to the debris she'd managed to get her upper half on and had found herself floating somewhat near the fancy lady but for a while couldn't get close enough to check on her. She'd just drifted that far when the Opal was upon them, so to speak. Josette looked up at the voices and splashing, worried and at the same time grateful that another ship had come along.

Vic was eager to hit the water and trying to be easy on the ropes so the dinghy wouldn't crack coming down too fast. "I could have told him there were survivors. Look!" He pointed out to the mops of dark hair and sparkles that were barely keeping above water between the bits of floating debris. There was too much in the way to row around and he was off in the water himself, going after the first girl. "Oy, hold on!" He called around a mouthful of salt water as he swam to her and pushed the useless scrap aside for Nance to row closer.

"Is she alive?" Josette asked, calling to the man from not too far beyond the jeweled lady. She struggled with her long skirts to get higher on the piece she clung to, before she was pulled under. She gave a small cry as she felt the tug, her dress had gotten tangled and caught on something below the water that was pulling her down..

"Aye miss... oh no you don't! Take a breath!" He yelled, hoping she'd be able before her head went beneath the surface. He hoped her friend was sturdy and snug on her crate for the moment as he bobbed up like a dolphin himself and dove beneath the waves, kicking down to find what had grabbed this one and started down with her. Hoping it wasn't a shark, he struck out with the knife from his side, cutting loose what he found to be a balloon of tangled fabric around a board and the chock it held, heavily weighing the girl's soaked skirts and tugging her with them. The cloth had been good quality and thick, taking a long moment to cut free from her as his own breath bubbled away from him in his haste. One more moment and likely neither would be seen again. Vic's hand finally cut the mass loose and shot upward with her, in search of the dinghy and Nance.

Nance shook his head. Well, the boy was already in the water, so he'd stay in the dinghy and start hauling. He pulled up a barrel of powder, hoping to find it had kept dry when he next saw Vic kicking off to a second stop. Their dinghy was closest to the girls while the second boat gathered a couple more barrels and crates to be inspected once they were back on board. One or two more possible survivors seemed to be pulled up, though their status appeared grim if the grey coloring he could see from here told him all he needed to know. Rowing to the crate Vic had abandoned, he helped the girl who clung, hoping she had the strength to hold on to him and the will to allow his help. "Let go of the crate miss, and give me your hand. We've got you," and the crate once he pulled her up. He gave her all the assistance he could, if it meant getting in the drink himself. Vic popped up again and had his hands full - quite. On second thought, if the crate would hold, it could be dragged. They needed room for the girls. Nance slipped the ropes around the crate this girl had been floating on to pull it behind them instead. Now he rowed over and reached an oar out behind Vic. "Ahoy... Corvid, here!" He steadied the boat for the boy to pull the girl he'd righted and helped get her in the boat as well. Himself, powder and two girls in heavy wet clothes - he could probably hold Vic as well, but nothing more and there were still crates to pull up.

The first man who'd come to her little crate raft had roused her enough that her eyes were open and her fingers curled tightly around her dagger, she would have driven it into his chest but he swam off to aide another. When the next came for her with his dingy, her gaze was guarded and cool, the dagger raised in warning when he reached for her, but lowered to allow him to pull her onto the small boat. Her fingers dug into his shoulder as he lifted her and she growled softly. She was not fatally injured but enough to cause her pain, which she did not like at all. Once he had her settled, she stared at him, wounded and at his mercy yet full of fire. She could not remember her own name but knew about the sea, ships, sailors, pirates.. and a host of 'finer' topics.

Josette wrapped her arms tightly around the man who rescued her from sinking, clinging to him in thanks and exhuastion. She gasped for air for a few moments , taking in deep breaths once she could. "Thank you.." Her dress was not as fine as the lady on the crate nor were her jewels as large, but in her hair and around her neck one could see the glint of what she did have, especially up close. Her chest heaved with gasping breaths now that she could take in air again, being sucked down had frightened her considerably and for a moment she'd thought she was a goner. Her lips brushed his cheek softly in thanks, though they were cool from her time in the water. As the other boat approached to get them, Josette clung a little tighter to Corvid? she heard the other man's voice call him. She was glad to be saved yet afraid.. these men were strangers to her and she knew nothing of their intentions or what sort of ship they came from. Between her legs she could barely feel the purse she'd tied and hidden there, hoping that she'd survive and knowing she'd need what she had to continue on... what if they took it from her? What if they did much worse than rob her? She'd known pirates and they weren't always the nicest of men, at this point she was unsure of what sort they were and couldn't assume.

That bit of sparkle didn't escape his attention either, watching her twist the ring then seem as though it had shocked her hand into letting go of it suddenly. Pieced together it made some manner of sense. "I'm sorry," he muttered for her to hear, sincere for her mourning as he motioned a cross and silently held a moment for them both. He scarcely heard Nance's jibes but the tone was clear and Vic shot him a glance in return. Twisted? We'll see, he considered, grinning and rowing harder now as the man teased. "Are you both alright to climb, or be carried?"

"It's climb aboard or be dumped back in the drink." She hissed quietly at Corvid, her sharp eyes narrowing on the younger one as she shifted gingerly, settling more fully against Nance's lap and finding herself lightheaded again. "I suppose we will find out which it is when we get to the ship, yes?" Behind the full skirt and hidden from view her hand dug slightly where she held onto Nance's leg for balance and her weight came more heavily against him.

Her head lifted at Corvid's words and she gave him a faint smile and a simple nod of her head. He couldn't be so terrible to show such compassion and notice that she'd been toying with the ring. Her gaze drifted again to each of the three on the dingy with her. "I can help her.. I think I'm mostly fine.." They seemed genuinely sincere in their concern and intent of her and the other woman's well being, but who could be sure of anything yet? She offered another smile to the young man as he watched her again and then one to the older man as well. Her gaze kept darting back to Venge though she tried not to, he was quite handsome and well she'd never had a choice in who she married and there wasn't much attraction to those men on her part.

Nance leaned down briefly as her hand clutched tighter on him. Surely she knew exactly where her hand was. "Careful love... that's not made of wood," he cautioned, but let her get herself comfortable if it would keep her from slipping over the edge. He nodded to the other girl as he straightened and ignored the grip in his flesh to row steadily. "If she'll let go, you can help her with that scratch, too. Not much further." Good thing for that. Having a powderkeg resting against him as she was would feel safer at the moment than he felt, hoping she didn't move too much.

The woman's head turned toward Nance, she smiled, her eyes shuttering in a way that said she was thinking something wicked as Nance whispered to her. "Mm but something certainly feels like it is back there." She murmured in return, she was resting against him, not really holding herself up much at the moment, trying to save her strength for when she'd need it again.

Vic pulled in his oars and reached back for the ropes as they came up against the ship. "We're here. Time to go," he said, holding the rope with one hand and reaching to help the widow with the other.

"Clever..." Nance muttered and found no other words to suit him. There wasn't much that caused him to turn a shade, but a shade if not two darkened Nance's cheek briefly. He'd cough away the embarrassment but with her situated as she was, that was likely the worst choice and would make her point all the more clear... or rather his own. He instead put that force into his oars and straightened the boat up to the Opal's side where waiting hands reached down for the keg and a hand up to those climbing aboard.

"Thank you." Josette said directly to Venge, it was sincere and she almost dared to kiss his cheek again before carefully getting to her feet and allowing herself to be pulled up after the powderkeg. She glanced back at the man before she was helped over the side of the ship and onto the deck. She was then shuffled over to the small group of survivors that had been pulled up.

It was her turn and she knew they would take the dagger from her as she came up and if she fought them it would make things worse. With a sigh she eased off Nance's lap and turned to him, the weariness was showing a little in her gaze. She held her dagger out to him, handle first. "If you'd please keep this safe for me?"

His face knotted and his scar showed deeply though briefly. Nance nodded and took the blade carefully, tucking it into the back of his belt for now. He somewhat understood, but why was she trusting him? "Get on ye and get that cut looked after," he said, helping her to right herself and climb up if she was able. He hesitated only wondering if he shouldn't carry her. He was still a captain in his own way, concerned about all he sailed with though the winds of fortune made him sail a different sort of course now. "If you need help..." He somehow felt saying more would be taken as insult instead of assistance.

Stepping away from the rail where he watched Nance and Corvid with their own 'bounty', it was time to check the status of their other finds and ensure they didn't stay too long in unfriendly water unless the cannons were readied. "Two more coming aboard, Captain. Injuries, but I think they'll live. Your orders?" Will wasn't sure what her intentions would be with the survivors, at least those that survived longer than the few minutes they had them on deck.

One man, mostly gray already when hoisted aboard had breathed his last and was being tossed back out to sea again, less his boots and usable wares and whatever coin he'd left to the living. Little ceremony was given beyond the men's fingers crossing over their chests and shoulders for his remains before the surf took him under.. he was Davy's now to keep.

"Yes sir." She replied with a weak smile as she let him help her up, she looked back at him as he offered more help. Growling lightly, she bared her teeth at him. "I'll be sure to claw the eyes out of the person closest to me in order to get your attention." She smirked and turned away clenching her jaw to keep from crying out as she was jarred in being pulled up.

The next two survivors were brought up, even though one was wounded they looked better off than the rest. The only other woman had expired and they were taking her valuables and tossing her over board. Josette chose to stand near the 'rich' woman even if she was a little scary as they watched the men dispose of the not long lasting survivors.

"Staying or going, lad?" Nance watched Corvid, expecting him to follow the skirts. He had an oar out ready to take to water again, keeping the other stirring lightly to keep them alongside the Opal as the second girl was assisted. "Not much left except getting a good look at what we pulled up." He cast a look up at the slip of black clothing as it and the girl were helped onto the deck above, only meant to tease the boy, but it was also the truth. There weren't many items left to retrieve.

Treasure looked out over to the 'salvage' that was happening and then to what survivors were still alive. "Two more brought aboard and two tossed back to Jones.. These two are standing on their own so that is far better than the others." She nodded to the women and then to the rest of the group which she unfortunately didn't think would make it long. "We have our articles but little good an oath will do them if it's broken or the punishment that would follow.. The one that is wounded, take her to Nance's quarters, I trust him to protect her and not take advantage of her weakened state. The one in black to be taken to the empty cabin next to his, Octavia to guard the doors for now and we'll finish this business and figure out what to do with them. The rest.. if they last long enough for us to sail again will be dealt with accordingly." She looked over at Will, for the first time a bit of worry in her eyes at to how the crew would deal with two attractive guests on board.

He was eager to assist the girls and ensure that their safety was paramount, but he was certain the Captain would ensure it, being a woman herself. He sighed, torn but agreeable. "They're not going anywhere. The rest of that haul is another story. Let's go."

Nance chuckled and tugged the ropes for the others to know they were done and would be back with more soon. They pushed off toward the wreckage again that was more and more dispersed. "I think she likes you," he said in confidence and sincerity. "Her friend seems to like no one except her knife." He thought about that and the blade at his back, wondering if that were true.

Will mulled over the orders and agreed that for now that seemed the best course, though he was curious about assigning the one to Nance. His questions would wait for later. Getting them sat down was priority, wherever they were to be sat. "Aye captain. Ladies, come with me please." He offered them each a hand, or arm if they needed steadying. No leering gesture met them, only the kind nod of a nearly innocent young man.

Vic grinned though he didn't blush. He could only hope the man was right, though he had his own insight to offer. "Maybe yours likes carving wood," he said of the other girl with a smirk, having heard their whispers with his keen ears. "You let her hold on, she's returning the favor, hah?"

Denied with the shake of his head and a chuckle, "What would I do with 'er? She's got a refinement about her no seafarer should chance to gather for himself - pirate or otherwise. No, I don't think so, Vic, but she is a sight to look on." Nance wasn't denying that at all. He'd met only a few in his travels with hair so dark and features so ... he did sigh and gave the thought more consideration. It would be some time before they were in port again to let her off and getting her back to her home could take years.

"You believe she does? She's a widow, Nance," he asked about the girl in black. Could she like him or was she simply grateful?

Corvid's next question broke that reverie and he gave the boy a looking over. He was eager and ernest in the question. "As her rescuer," Nance nodded and cautioned but he couldn't help but stoke the coals a little. "I could see a little glimmer of attraction in the tip of her smile. As a widow, her heart is likely out there in the wreckage, but bring -that- in for salvage and aye, I think you just might get to keep it." A moment later the laugh couldn't be contained any longer. "Just row, boy. Stroke what y'need when you get back on board."

Josette offered a faint smile for Will when he came to escort them wherever they were being taken, he seemed kind and wasn't leering. "Thank you." She said softly with a slight curtsy and took his offer of an arm, gently. She was soaked still and moving the the dress was a bit difficult even with it shorn from her rescue under the water.

The dark haired woman arched her eyebrow and her jaw tightened as she felt the sting of the cut. "So be it." She replied, stepping to walk beside him but not accepting his arm or his hand. He seemed almost sweet and it nearly made her smile. "Thank you." She added politely not wanting to be rude or ungrateful for his kindness or that of the captain.

Octavia had her orders to guard the women, help them out of their drenched clothes, and help find them suitable coverings to wear while their dresses were dried and repaired if they could be. She came up near Will and the women, hands folded behind her back. "Mister Turner.. I'm at your service."

"Are you? Thank you for the warning," Will stated quietly, leaning to whisper teasingly. "I don't see any squid about, but I'll be sure to alert you the moment I do. Per the captain, take that one to Nance's cabin and mind her scratch. The other, keep with you in yours and away from the rails. I'm not sure she's injured but the moment she's caught her breath, she may not be so tame."

Vic laughed and the sound sailed out ahead of them. "What you need and what I want went on board ahead of us. You can bet there'll be stroking sir, but not on any oar," he said, perhaps dreaming, but if the man was right, they'd see to having their hands full of something much softer than that.

Nance considered the boy's words more deeply than his own. It had been some time since any woman had twisted his thoughts, or his hands, in any semblance of desire. Strange that it would happen now. He leaned back into the pull of the oars, only to be reminded of the blade in his belt pulling against his waist. He straigthened himself up before being cut or bruised, but nonetheless aware of it as he'd been of her leaning against him moments before. The conversation quieted as he distracted himself with pulling the few last pieces of water-logged slag from the dwindling supply that was taking on more and dropping down further from view into the waves and ripples around them.

[Lovely]

July 28, 1740
Continues from: Salvage


Wait in his quarters? The captain's notion of humor or guardianship.. either and both Nance considered disturbing. First the girl had given him her dagger and now he wondered if he shouldn't have encouraged her to use it. At least he'd expected that outcome but now outside his own small quarters he wasn't sure what to expect at all. He pulled the sharp blade into his hand from where he'd tucked it to keep it safe and rapped the door to announce himself. Would she spring at him or would she have found some manner of poison to avoid what she may have felt to be a distasteful voyage with her new captors? The second thought made him push open the door hurriedly. "Miss...?!"

They'd taken her dress to try and find a place to let it dry, she hadn't let them do much to tend her cut and because she'd been so 'fiesty' they let her be. Her corset and all were soaked so she'd taken them off as well and let the girl guarding the door take them from her. She was then left alone, wandering naked around this cabin which belonged to someone. She thought of taking a shirt and decided it might not be wise. She was led to believe they were trying to find her suitable dry clothing, she didn't mind being in bare skin only. This is how Nance would find her when he opened his door, sitting indian style in the middle of his bed, unpinning her hair, wearing only the jeweled necklace and earings they'd not yet taken from her.

Sitting bolt upright was also not what he expected. Nance had lunged into the room with such fright and force, he nearly could have landed on top of her. Quick to turn, the door was shut and his back now facing her as he took a deep breath. "Where is your dress?"

"They took it, it was soaked." She replied simply, watching him as he now stood there with his back to her. Her hands dropped as she freed her long, raven locks which flowed around her shoulders and down her back like silken ribbons.

He spoke over his shoulder and tried not to stare, or even look at all. "I suggest a trade. I'll return you this if you wrap up in... anything. Please." He held the dagger up between his fingers and felt the exchange was more than fair. Better to have her cut him to ribbons than wear less than the breadth of one about her person. His breath was shallow and his face more pink than he'd remembered feeling in some time.

"Am I that hideous to you?" She asked, her voice seeming soft as she shifted on the bed to reach out to take the dagger from his fingers. She set it with her hair pins and helped herself to the shirt she'd eyed earlier. "I'm covered." She told him as she worked the buttons of the shirt that hung to just above her knees, her bare feet feeling the wooden floor beneath them as she stood there.

"No. Nothing like it in the least," he admitted. His mouth felt dry and the words seemed too large to speak. He turned slowly as he heard the knife being set down. "Thank you. I'm.. that wasn't what I was expecting. I'm sorry."

Her when loose hung nearly to her waist and she brushed a bit behind her ear as she gazed at the man. "What were you expecting?" She asked, her fingers touching the gash on her head lightly after fussing with her hair.

"Clothes," he said simply, letting out the breath and letting his shoulders fall gently as he offered a small smile. "Other than that, I'm not sure I really expected you to be so.. lively. Or calm," he noted. He also noted the cut was mostly untended as her fingers drew to it. "Would you let me?"

"It would do me no good to wail or struggle against being in here. I would only bring myself more grief from it." She answered quietly about her calm state, eyeing him up and down as he stood in front of her. "Allow you to.. do what?" She was unsure what his attention was on or what his intent was.

[Lovely]

His grin faded into a stern twist for a brief moment. "To tend your cut. It's not dry either." He turned to get his water jug and a cloth. "You're right though. Wailing and crying doesn't help the crew any, I wouldn't expect it would help a guest, either. What's your name?"

"I will allow it.." She said cautiously, hesitant but giving in to let him take care of the wound. She moved to the bed, sitting as she had before, but facing the edge and him now, her pins and knife staying closer to the center of the bed. "I don't know." She answered his other question truthfully.

Uncorking the jug, he sloshed a small bit of water on the shred in his hand and approached her with it. Looking at the lump beneath the cut, he didn't doubt her word, but hoped that perhaps she was simply hiding her name. The jewels that adorned her weren't a simple commoner's but they weren't necessarily her own, either. "Tell me about those then, hm?" He motioned to them then dabbed lightly at her cut.

Her hand lifted and her fingers brushed over the necklace where it hung down over the top of her chest. "A gift from... from my mother before we left for..." She trailed off not having the answer to the rest of the question. "The doctor told me we'd been in an accident.. I don't remember it.."

And they'd let her keep them when they dumped her in here? What sort of pirates were these he'd signed on with? He snickered under his breath. The humor wasn't at her expense. "Likely wise not to remember much from here on out, either. Does that hurt?" He wondered about the damage of the wound, if she even felt it.

"It feels like I got my head smashed." She replied honestly, shrugging one of her shoulders. "The captain and the others will likely take these from me.. won't they?" She asked softly, running her fingers over the necklace. "I think I was giving them enough of a hard time with the wound and the dress that.." She chuckled. "The captain is a woman.. I saw her before they brought me down here."

"She is. She is fair but also stern and unpredictable," he said, trying to warn her off any ideas of womanly compassion. He'd met the captain's father, afterall. "Giving them a hard time perhaps might have earned you a right to keep them safe so the others fight over them less. They'll also draw danger to you on this ship, so don't consider it a favor."

"She must be a very strong woman to lead a crew of men at sea." She said with a quiet conviction in her voice. She closed her eyes and ran her fingers over the jewels for a moment again. "How does one keep something of value safe aboard such a ship?"

Wasn't that the captain's own question about having the women on board to start? "Fish stories," he muttered, though that was something to explain another day. "A careful eye and a more careful step. Yours or the ones guarding you, I'd say. Apparently, that is why you're in here with me. Second Mate, and guard it seems... Robin."

She nodded at first and even offered the barest of smiles for his kindness and advice. The smile melted into a pout as her head tipped down a moment, when she looked back up to him the expression was hard to read. "Thank you for being my guard Robin. I have no name to offer you in return, I'm sorry."

[Lovely]

"Apologies for something that can't be helped? Please, miss. You have greater things to worry on." His smile warmed now that the introductions were more proper and he was confident the cut was cleaned from salt and sickness. He rinsed the cloth and draped it over the rail of his cot to dry. Corking the jug again, he thought and turned to her. "Do you recall where you hail from?"

"No." She answered him softly, quietly as she curled around a bent leg, resting her cheek on her knee. "I remember broken pieces of different things. I don't remember where I was or where I came from.. I know it wasn't 'home'.. I was married.. but I couldn't remember him.. he failed to swim when the ship went down."

Had the loss of her memory also caused her to lose her ability to mourn the loss of a husband? He couldn't tell, but she'd been through much and might not yet have fully realized. "The lord must have thought his duties to be served... I'm sure he served well," Nance offered it if it would soothe, though what soothed her he could only guess and not know for the way she'd spat at him earlier.

"I don't know if I ever loved him.. before I lost my memories.. but I didn't after." She confessed, looking more sad at that than over his dying. "He made me uneasy.. he seemed.. happy that I couldn't remember things. But I don't remember enough to know why or what it was he was happy I didn't remember.. I suppose it doesn't matter, now. How odd is it that I've felt safer since being pulled onto your boat than I have felt since waking up after the accident?"

"No odder than being on the ship here with the rest," he laughed, finding it a stranger mix each day. A girl chopping up mythical squid, a stowaway father, dredged up lovelorn 'seaweed', a navigator half his age and a woman captain... now a widowed girl and her shipmate with no memory of herself... what could he possibly find odd in that? She might not find their company as amusing as he did at the moment and he sighed. "The mind may not find its place, but the heart always will, miss. Perhaps your heart feels more comfortable at sea... mine does. Are you hungry?"

She watched him with a curious expression her eyes following his every move. "Perhaps.. you are a wise man.. Robin." She offered him a slight smile which faded away, her natural expression seemed to be more indifferent, at least for now. "Yes. I am a bit hungry." She nodded a little and fidgited a bit.

"Stale bread?" Nance offered the choice as if it should delight a king's court even though it would likely offend even the most famished prisoner. There was little to offer until they made landfall again unless the captain decided these.. passengers.. should be offered any of their choicest fruit or dried meats that the first mate had procured when he was first brought on board. Nance took a step back a moment to look the girl over, her diminuitive yet fierce posture seeming to pull her out from beneath the shirt that covered her from all but his memory of the brief glimpse from moments before. Damn Victor and the teasing, but there had been more than a passing fancy that must have shown and probably did now that his own sudden hunger was clearly not for bread.

She took the bread graciously and nibbled at it, feeling his gaze more directly on her, she looked up to see him looking her over. The woman watched him, her head tilting slightly and her eyes moving over him with a curious expression which was neither timid nor shy. She may have been a lady of standing before but there was a wildness in her that seemed not to let her be a blushing and fawning or prim and proper girl. She finished the bite she was chewing and set the piece of bread back on the small table. Her fingers unclasped the necklace and then the earings, along with her hair pins she set them to the table, then brought her gaze back to his. "If you were to.. call me something.. what would it be?" She had no name to answer to and it seemed that there should be some manner for him to address her that would be more comfortable than having nothing at all. She read desire in his eyes and though she couldn't remember many things, her own name being one, she remembered other things.. She knew of many ways to provide him with pleasure and allow him to saite the hunger which showed. Without speaking of it, she began to undo the shirt she'd pulled on, slowly letting it lower and provide him a view of what he really wished to see.

[Lovely]

"A single name?" Nance watched the fabric come undone and licked the salt off of his lip. The jewels lay abandoned, not as prized as the gem that glowed for his eyes now, her ebony hair flowing over her bared shoulders again where she stood. His head shook, absent a name of his own social circles that seemed to fit.

"Something for you to call me.. something for me to answer to.. I have none." The fabric dripped away and slid down to the floor in a pool at her feet. She kept her eyes on his face watching his reaction to her, moving slowly as if in a dance for him. She shifted toward him, holding her hand out to him to invite him to join her.

She reached for him, not her dagger and not to fight or run past him. Nance was curious, his head tilting and the gray of his stare narrowing and darkening beneath the confusion. A step forward let him grasp her hand. "Should you answer to any man, miss? Do you know the ship you're on?"

She smiled and tugged him closer, guiding his hand to her hip. "Perhaps you have a point.. I may be too fierce to 'answer to any man'.. but a man who is not just any man.. hmmm the possibilities of what could be shared.." She reached for his other hand to guide it gently to the soft flesh she'd uncovered for him. "I don't know this ship, yet I believe I know ships like it.. strange.. it has a name.. yes? I'm still in need of one." Her head tipped toward one of her 'painted' shoulders and her lips held a pouting expression.

"Not any man?" He repeated, feeling the softness of her skin press back under the rough touch of his weathered fingers. "Then not just any man should hear those possibilities, unless...?" He smiled and his gaze fell to the floor. He was ordinary and she clearly wasn't if she could affect even him. He glanced up again at how her hair fell. "Then not just any name will suit you, will it? These are not blood and stain, are they? These... where are these from?" The drawings were aligned and seemed familiar, though he didn't know what they meant.

She paused and looked down at her arms, smiling a little as she held his hands. She turned her back to him, bringing his hands to her waist to rest there as she lifted her hair and revealed the 'painting' that covered her back. "They're from..before.. from.. home, before the accident.."

Each mark was clear and delicate on her, begging him to look closer he realized as his hands smoothed downward. He smiled with a note of sadness that even home seemed lost to her, truly a child of the sea now... though not at all a child he realized with the curve and tilt of her form under his fingers. Again her back was to him but he was not held down in a boat, unable to move. This time it was him stepping closer, his arms trying to curl around her in any delicate way though the thoughts he was having were not gentle on him.

It seemed strange that he would move as he did, seeking to curl around her, to embrace her and doing so in a manner that tried to be tender. She allowed him and helped him, sublte shifts of her form closer and against him. Her hands drifting to his, fanning his fingers and moving with them to hold her more firmly yet letting him explore what curves he might wish to. She knew this.. but not from the husband she didn't mourn, this was from before but obscured by the shadows that hid the rest of her memories from her. When she could feel his breath on her skin, her head turned and her arm snaked up, fingers sliding into his hair so she could pull his mouth to hers.

[Lovely]

August 23, 1740


It had been a calm few days at sea, the new 'crew' was settled in mostly now. The two women had been aboard for a month and though they weren't sailors, they were an asset to the ship, repairing sails and helping with cooking and other tasks that they learned as they went. The women and their chosen protectors seemed equally content and pleased with the arrangements and most of the crew respected the way things were. Cervantes appeared well suited to his position and was doing a fine job so far, Dominick was earning his keep and not causing trouble. Even Jack was mostly behaving which meant some trouble was brewing somewhere and would likely hit the Opal soon. Treasure smiled slightly at the thoughts that passed through her mind as she stood near the wheel watching over everything. She was about to turn and head to her cabin to make an entry in her log when a voice called out "Sail!" Her step halted and she looked to the horizion, indeed there was something there. She moved to resume her position, one arm folded behind her, resting at her lower back. She wondered if this was the trouble or simply a prelude to it. "Nance!" She called for the man's attention. "Make note of who spotted the sail." She told him as she scanned the water and the ship in the distance. This was no wreck, it was a bounty waiting for them to take it.

"Aye! Noted, Captain!" Nance shouted, gathering to direct those out of Will's reach. "Prepare to bring her around to meet the pretty lady, boys. Cannons to the ready but hold for the Captain's order!" He hopped down to attend a rope and secure a boom. East India Trading company was Nance's first guess, and first hope, though the other ship was too far out to identify yet. "Aye, give her a warm welcome, but expect surprises," he muttered to himself.

"Come on boys, lets catch ourselves a pretty fish." Treasure called out to encourage the men as they started to scramble into place to take on the other ship, all eager for the adventure and the bounty she might hold. The Opal was a fast ship, the fastest if what Jack said was true, and she believed this was one of the few truths he told, since he didn't like to say so often, and insult the Pearl.

She came up from where she'd been attending her 'chores', in an outfit she'd fashioned partly from the fine dress she'd been wearing when brought on board and a pair of trousers she'd been given. The top of her dress had been modified into a vest of sorts and the trousers taken in, her dagger strapped at her hip and her red and black markings showing on her strong arms. She didn't say anything as she came up beside Nance and reached to offer him help if he wanted it.

Nance looked up to see who was assisting him, struck to find her there, and just as pleased. "Thank you," he nodded, giving her a smile as he dug at the rope, pulling it hard with his foot anchoring him against the hull. "Take the end of the rope there, secure it. Can you knot it?" The question was fair considering what little he'd come to know about her thus far. It wasn't a simple thread meant to hold a closure on a gown, afterall, but meant to hold the boom in place and keep the sail tightly inward while the ship turned. If it took too much wind, they could veer and possibly tip under their own wake.

Her head nodded to his thank you. "You're welcome." Was her quietly spoken reply. She looked at the rope as she took it up in her hands, her eyes closed for a breath when he asked if she could knot it. When they opened as she exhaled, her movements were quick and precise. Her strength showed as she pulled the rope and secured it, knotting it perfectly before she turned her gaze moved back to Nance. Her expression seemed to question many things, if she'd done right and how did she know how to do so?

"At the ready, Captain," Dominick beamed, coming up beside her and eagerly seeking direction since Nance seemed too busy at the moment to send him after anything. A mop and bucket or a pitch of straw wasn't going to be much good in taking on a rival ship. The brightness of his smile shrank away slightly when he realized that before he'd merely watched and picked up the pieces afterward. It was Cervantes who was the skilled one. He knew patches and lashings well enough to help heal his shipmates after taking on British or Islanders, but he hadn't handled much more than a stout bladed knife in a close fight. Thick air was swallowed sharply. He'd never killed anyone, either. He didn't dare show that fear or lacking ability to the Captain. He was a pirate! A sworn blade at her command! He refused to back down from an order that might have him take a life and waited for her commands. He did hope that he could watch Cervantes and learn a little more, though, or even better - he could watch the infamous Captain Jack Sparrow!

Will came upon the beaming cabin boy as he confronted the captain and awaited orders. He had a thought or two and wondered if Treasure had the same thoughts in mind. "So it seems you are. Find our quartermaster and bring him here. He seems fit to want to use his blade in games, he can use it there," Will nodded toward the other ship, wondering whether he should voice his other consideration to send the dormouse with him and keep him occupied.

Nance watched the girl and how she called upon a memory she wasn't sure she could reach. So many things had escaped her he no longer felt he should ask what she knew or didn't, but would still try. The knot was one he wouldn't expect her to know randomly and was done with an understanding of someone who had been closely around ships for some time, by someone who knew the slack and weight of a rope. He nodded. "That's right, nicely done. Thank you again. How are you at climbing?" He didn't mean it to slight her or simply to watch her wiggle and sway up the mast. More ropes needed tending quickly if they were going to anchor at all or if there was going to be cannon fire.

She grinned, looking like she was a cat with a tiny mouse hidden behind the mischevious smile. She nodded, looking up with an expression that said again it was a memory she was reaching for but somehow she knew she could climb and enjoyed it. The clouded memories made her smile falter a moment -she knew the husband she'd lost would never let her do such things.. so why was she with him if he held her back and restricted her. Her gaze fell back to Nance. "You allow me to be who I am.. even though I don't fully remember what that is." The look in her eyes likely said how much that, how much he meant to her though she didn't have time to say more. With a shift of her feet and a small leap she started up the mast for the ropes that needed tending.

Josette came to offer what help she could in securing items on the deck and getting things ready for them to face off with the other ship. It was terribly exciting and though she'd heard many stories from her previous husbands, it was nothing like actually being a part of it. She was becoming more and more accustomned to this life and found that she did very much prefer to be a pirate than to be married off to them by her mother. She'd fled that life to find herself in this one.. and it felt like this is where she was supposed to be, even if she felt like she was lacking in knowledge of 'ship' things. She was willing to learn and doing her best to make herself useful aboard the Opal and to Victor in 'other' ways that made her blush lightly at the thought. Her outfit was much like those now worn by the other women aboard the ship, she'd helped to make them and was happy with the way they'd come out. Hers was most like Octavia's but a bit more feminine and soft than the other girls' since she mostly kept busy with cooking and sewing.

Treasure turned to Will after taking in the other ship for long moments and lowered her scope to give him a brief smile. "Off the starboard bow.. She looks ill equipped for a meeting with us. I suspect we won't need to waste much powder to bring her down. A few rounds and to the ropes I'd say.. what do you see?" She offered him the scope so that he might observe the ship as well and offer his thoughts, she already had her own ideas but wanted to know if his were similar.

Fetching Cervantes was all they wanted of him? His smile crimped with his confusion as he nodded. "I'll fetch him for you. Then we'll have our orders, right?" He did mean 'we' and wouldn't let his mentor have all the fun. At least it always had looked like fun though he knew the darker end of the story too. "Should I get Jack too? Where is he?"

"Jack will find his way, no need for you to fret over him. He pops up at the oddest times and in the strangest places. I need Cervantes on deck, though." Treasure spoke over her shoulder to Dominick, her gaze still out toward the other ship though she passed Wll her scope. "Be prepared boys.." She was speaking to Dom and others who were in range. "I expect the cannon fire to be over quickly, then it's to the ropes and into the fray. There's much fun to be had."

Will took the scope, keeping his commentary about Jack behind a sneering grin. She'd said it nicer than he'd have. She was right about having fun with taking on the other ship, though. "Could have that without firing a shot. Her crew's light.." he observed, spying the deck and the few hands he could see. He glanced back toward Nance and his helper as the Opal's sails took wind and snapped sharp under their turn. "We'll be on her in minutes with that wind in our favor. No way for her to outrun, or outgun... not so much as a hint of brass or spark of a fuse, yet. Either they don't see us coming... or they have no idea who we are. What do you say, Captain? Spare the powder and let the boys raise the colors and have their day?"

"Boys do need to have their fun, now don't they?" She smiled, the grin clearly showing she wanted to have her fun as well. "Well then mister Turner.. tell the men to spare the powder... let them have their fun." She turned to step up on the rail and gave the cry which would raise a cheer from the men. "Hoist the colors!" She'd let Will give the other half of the 'plan', they were a team after all.

Nance was on the task as the order rang out, he and another hand tying the Opal's vibrant warning, clashing metal blades and a wash of purple, to the ropes and pulling them higher for the black haired woman to secure while she climbed around the top of the mast. Indigo... Nance pondered, looking up at the woman and the flag and sails, deciding on something that had been troubling him.. perhaps India for her own ink that adorned her.

"All hands at the ready, Captain," Will nodded with a smile meant just for her as he returned the scope. He was intending to go aboard as well unless she had other plans. He turned to carry the order to the wind and the rest of the crew. "All hands - look alive!"

The girl on the mast was limber and quick, nearly soaring now as she flipped herself from one place to the next, perched and tightening things as needed. As the Opal's colors came up her legs went around the beam below her and she swung backwards, grasping and tying the bottom as she hung upside down. Moving just as swiftly she did the top and let the purple wave it's warning in the breeze along with her raven hair which whipped out behind her.

Dom ran off as told, in search of his friend, post haste. "Cervantes! Cerv... where are you? Oy, Cervantes?!" Down the ladders below deck and all the way down to the brig, he searched, dodging around other hands scurring above at the promise of the attack. What could he be doing that he wasn't already on deck and awaiting arrival at the other ship? Dominick stopped and turned back. The boats! Dom laughed and wondered if the man had already taken to one of the boats to gather all kinds of bounty from the ship. Strangely, he wondered... he hadn't seen Jack, either. He looked around as he resurfaced on deck, wondering where they both were. He had to find Cervantes. He had to show him how to handle a sword!

"Here boy. Hush your caterwaulings. You have found me, have you not?" Cervantes had heard the call to attention and had been checking the boats, but wasn't sitting idle in one. He appeared cross, but was merely only concerned. He'd seen the boy approach the Captain and first mate alone, directly without being called by them. "You're lucky she didn't decide to cast you overboard." He didn't want to scare his young friend or let him believe he was angry. Cervantes chuckled and turned the boy toward the Captain, setting his arm about the young man's shoulder as they walked. "You have a taste for this fight, do you not?"

"Taste? I crave it, Cerv. It's been months since we've crossed.. well, since you've crossed a blade and I've watched," he quieted, weighed under his mentor's arm, seeming burdened by more. Surely Cervantes wouldn't leave him if he was near death! He straightened himself up with the determination to show his friend what he was made of, that he could be victorious in a fight and do it alone. "I'm done watching. I'm a pirate now, a real pirate! Whatever's on that ship, I'm going to bring in my fair share!" The zeal was louder than he'd meant it, turning to see their steps had put them beside the captain yet again while he was ensconced in his thoughts and not paying attention.