Falling for a Fish Story (Octavia, Dormy)

[tripp]

Name: Dominick Aliases: Dormouse, Dom/Dorm BD: January 17 Debut Age: 24 Location: Opal Rank: Crew played by: Tripp created: likeness used: Hugh Dancy

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Name: Octavia Aliases: Oct, "Octapus Roberts" BD: December 4 Debut Age: 18 Location: Opal Rank: Crew played by: Lovely created: 2007 likeness used: Vanessa Hessler

[tripp]

July 18, 1740
Tortuga - late afternoon

More than the boy and former captain had taken an interest in the Opal and being a part of her crew. There was now a young, haunted girl on board, Octavia, who'd said nothing at all to him when the captain took her back for discussions. He finished his chore with assigning bunks for those needing them then was back to monitor the goings-on with the captain. Will had taken an interest in keeping his ears open to what Jacquetta had to say to each of the prospective shipmates, but what he heard at the captain's door now surprised him.

He was glad to have been eavesdropping, especially being thought of as the main character in a bit of an apparent fish story, though it lacked the element of sea turtles in favor of an Octopus? The creature was said to have gotten a hold of him.. HIM!... and this girl had helped him escape? He made his lurking known at the door, "An octa-what? Do I get any say in the story about the one that got away? Namely me?"

"Maybe.. I'll consider your suggestions."

He leaned at the door, considering an apple and considering her words and the story told. He watched the young girl as her past was fabricated and wondered just how he might hold up his part of it should someone ask him as an aside in port one day. "To get me... and get my sword... it would've had to have been some immense battle before it, I think. Not likely I'd be quite conscious."

"But of course.. a giant octapus.. eight legs, one brave man fighting!" She winked at him as she shifted from where she leaned, her red hair flowing over her shoulders like the very tentacles she spoke of. She took up a stance as if re-enacting the scene. "Brave, bold... dashing.. " Her arm reached out as if she were the creature coming at him now, switching roles.

He tossed the apple in the air, grabbing it again as if the hilt of his favored blade had come to his hand from the very air itself. "The crew was horrified. Save the captain!.. they cried. Well of course," he said taking his place bravely and circling the blonde girl's seat, 'threatening' Treasure with the round fruit as if it would cut her in half.

He leaned to the girl's shoulder to mutter, "Wagers on the side, I could hear them... would the creature take him or would he best the creature first? I wonder.. as I turn and ... one man against eight mighty legs, one I go for, but another... right here.. and the scar to show. Who but a brave young girl... that's you...to pick up my fallen sword?"

He pulled his collar slightly, the top of a mark showing enough to convince though it was from no sea creature.

Octavia stood up somewhat dramatically, caught up in the scene and story with them. "But of course, because I was small and quick.. those huge legs could not get ahold of me.. like a slippery little fish." She reached as if she held his sword now, lunging and hacking the leg which had gotten him. "gasp.. is it too late.. are we all doomed?" She spun and ducked and stabbed at the imaginary beast.

Treasure looked over to Will with a wink and flashed him a smile as she pivoted and wrapped her arm around him. "The beast was determined to take the courageous first mate, angered that he'd wounded it and intent on taking him down to its watery lair!" She bit his shoulder lightly and laughed. "To devour him later and suck his bones clean."

"You're enjoying this," he muttered, having to chuckle a little. He fought though not terribly hard as he would against a truly fearsome creature. He tugged at her arm, feigning great woe at the misfortune. "Unable to break free... I can't breathe to yell, but I see her... how she hacked this way and cut, lithe and fast. One tentacle fell and the beast's ire rose."

"It roared! Fearsome and foul breath hot against the poor first mate's face." Haaaah she breathed on him, gripping him tighter and letting him see how her eyes sparkled so playful and bright. Her hip pressed against his as she stood to the side facing him, almost as if they were engaged in a dance. "Nearly looked hopeless for the poor fellow, the beast was so determined to have him!"

"But the girl wouldn't let her mate go down like that, she would not give up! On she went, cutting at the tentacles which thrashed and curled trying to grab her.. Will's sword in one hand, her dagger in the other, she plunged further into the fray, trying to get to the first mate before the beast squeezed the life from him!" She acted it out, ducking and bending back, each hand holding the invisible weapon as she fought the beast, hacking another limb off and moving closer.

"No need to fully demonstrate... please," he smiled, not wanting to get overly squoze, not like this. He dodged and tugged still, playing out the part. "Until finally, the only tentacle was the one holding the firstmate. What to do? Would the beast sink me to the depths and drown me, leaving me to serve Davy Jones? No! Biting back as she sunk the last blow...I was freed as the last tentacle fell." He thumped the floor as if dropped from a height and bowed to the girl for her bravery. "True story...," he nodded, pointing to the scar.

Octavia nodded her head, hand on her hip, giving a good 'pirate' scowl and then looked to the captain and the first mate. "Does this mean... I can stay?"

Treasure chuckled as she let go of Will, the final blow killing the beast. She turned, a hand on her own hip as her eyes moved over the girl. "We'll have to get you better fitting clothes.. those are entirely too big and would hinder you in a fight." She looked at Will and hoped to catch his eye, she approved but wondered what he might have to add, besides embellishing a good story. "What say you? You are in her debt now that she's saved your life and all."

"I say she better keep a sharp eye out... and keep her hand off my sword," he winked, taking a nip of the apple. "More I believe she's still in our debt for taking her on. No offense... part of being the crew."

"None taken." Octavia said with a slight nod, folding her hands behind her back as she regarded both of the officers, trying not to smile as she was thrilled to be taken on.

"Get your gear and report back within the hour." Treasure ordered her firmly, stepping around Will and plucking the apple from his hand to take a bite before giving it back. She watched as the girl ran off to do as she was told to. She turned to regard Will with a small smile. "You're quite the story teller.."

"Who said I made it up? Haven't told you about all my adventures with Jack, have I, hm?"

[tripp]

June 18, 1740
late afternoon

A smaller young man or 'boy' with blond hair was making his way through the people gathered in different places along the docks, a large sack was slung over 'his' shoulder. He bent a little under it's weight as he walked, his long hair tied back and partially hidden under a rag like many sailors would keep theirs. With his head kept down he didn't stick out from the crowd much and seemed like any other young man who might be heading to a ship.

It wasn't until he was walking onto the deck of the Opal and paused to look up at the sky with a small smile, that it was noticable that he was not a boy. He was actually a pretty young woman who had a good grip on her bag and was looking around the ship now as if she belonged there, walking along slowly and studying things as she went. Octavia had already met with the Captain and first mate, she'd been told to return and join the crew, so here she was, very ready to leave Tortuga and the life she'd been born into behind her for the chance at something that she had some say in.

Crossing 'his' path with as much abandon as determination, a scraggleheaded youth stopped the passerby at the shoulder, almost as if he wanted to pick a fight. It wasn't a game he was after, however. "Pardonez. Où le bateau est appelé l'Opale?" He gestured to the ships docked there, not knowing one from the next, it seemed.

She turned at the hand on her shoulder, her free hand dropping to her hip as her head jerked to regard the man who had grabbed her. Well perhaps that was a bit more than he'd truly done, she realized as his words rattled through her startled mind. "You're standing on her deck, friend." Octavia smiled a little, setting her hand on her hip rather than pulling the dagger tucked there.

"English." His head bent and he appeared to struggle with his words and hers. He looked up with a kind smile, a scar carving it deeper beneath his cheek. "Her deck. Alors je suis arrivé. Connaissez-vous le capitaine... mon ami?" He returned the kindness of being called a friend, adding a nod. He most certainly had found he was in the right place and wanted to know if this person knew the captain.

"Oui, mais moi parler français couramment." Though it didn't appear he spoke English as well, living in Tortuga all her life she actually spoke a few languages and then knew bits of several beyond that. Octavia smiled a little more brightly and shifted to put her hand on his arm so she could gently turn him as she pointed out where the Captain's cabin was. "Le bout I a vu le capitaine, elle parlait avec Monsieur Turner."

"Turner? Qui est votre capitaine ? Un femme?" He asked who this captain woman was, seeming amazed that it was a woman at all as his face wrinkled into his visions of stories he'd heard here in port. Some names also resonnated with familiarity in myth and legend, others with no small amount of awesome fear and upset. There was one known as Turner that sounded familiar to him, but he was not the captain? Then who was? He looked closer at this 'boy' before him upon hearing that 'she' was speaking with Mr Turner. "Un femme?" He reached out to the shroud about this 'boy's' locks, questioning quietly with a smirk.

Octavia sort of smiled at his questions. "Oui." She gestured in the same direction as she had before, indicating that the captain was a woman and where he'd find her. The boy's hand rose toward her hair and he asked again, the way he was looking at her and smiling she knew he was asking about her now. "Oui." She said again and nodded her head. "I am a woman."

She was disguised and it amused him a little as he looked around them, his hand resting to her shoulder. "Vous vous cachez. Pourquoi vous cachez-vous ? Non tous les hommes sont les bêtes terribles." He chuckled, confiding in her that not all men were monsters. His gentle smile would confirm that he meant no harm to her.

She looked at him with an odd expression and then shook her head and chuckled quietly. "I don't hide. A dress would not be suitable attire for my duties here. I dress for that, not to hide what I am.. " She gestured to the loose fit of the clothes on her slender frame. "I do not have much... This was the best I could do for now. " She smiled a little and her eyes moved over him slowly. "And yes... all men are animals." It was said with a voice that held years of watching how men treated her mother.. even the nice ones were animals.

His hand brushed her cheek, tipping her chin in jest. "Femme sage," he grinned, nodding to her wisdom and looking around them again. He may have appeared simply empty headed and in need of proper grooming, but the scar said more as did his movements and expression. "Smart. Je pense... kind... smart girl. Merci. In there, the captain?" He pulled his hand to himself to adjust the sack he carried and nodded where she had, offering his hand for her to lead him and make introductions. "You will take me to her?"

Her eyes narrowed as he continued to touch her, her gaze intently watching his every move and expression. She didn't lash out at him but she didn't let her guard down either. "Yes, last I saw her she was.." Octavia sighed softly and nodded her head, she would take him there. Her hand reached out to his and she clasped it to shake it firmly, though her hands were soft rather than rough. "Je suis Octavia." She introduced herself as she held his hand.

He was taken aback at the abrupt planting of his hand in hers. Well spoken for not saying she disliked being touched. He noted it and smiled. "Tobias. Toby...," he clarified, shaking her hand firmly like a boy agreeing to a bargain, though his eyes gently flirted a kinder acknowledgment of her fair sex that he would not speak of aloud, despite the desire to take her hand as a gentleman should.

She let go of his hand and stood there watching him for a moment trying to figure out what he was thinking, of course she could only speculate and she gave him a soft smile in return. His expression was kind whatever his thoughts might be. "Come on." She adjusted her own sack of belongings and as she did the shirt she wore stretched and shifted enough for a slight outline of her more feminine form to be shown for a moment before she tugged the shirt to let it blouse loosely around her again. She turned to head toward the captain's cabin and assumed Toby would follow her.

He was in close step, paying attention to others who might be as well. His sack was over his shoulder but slack and clutched more loosely to his belly, guarding it close. "When is she leaving port?"

"You'll have to ask the captain that." She turned over her shoulder to flash him a quick almost teasing smile as she hurried her step and soon brought him to stand in front of a set of doors. She knocked of course to either gain entry or be sent away or even to find out if the room was empty.

For the moment he was timid, feeling bare and vividly in-the-open between a world he was ridding himself of and the door he feared would possibly open to worse. When he'd heard about the Opal he hadn't heard about these sirens and their masterful work on men. In the few minutes he'd known this creature, he was already convinced he wished to stay and learn more about the fire that lurked behind her eyes. He trusted few but she'd earned it, maybe only by the way she tried to speak with him and not make fun of his words as so many did. He was an outsider, but welcomed. Hopefully the captain would be as kind. His feet shuffled as he waited for the response with her.

"State your business." Came the call from inside the cabin, the voice was firm but not at all masculine.

Octavia cleared her throat and answered in return. "Captain, it's Octavia. I have returned as ordered and I ran into a potential crew member when coming on board, I've brought him to speak with you." She flashed Toby a brief smile while they waited.

Toby stopped rocking on his heels and clutched his satchel tighter. It was true. He looked at the door as if it'd grown molten jowls and tried to devour him, keeping his hand from pushing the door open or following the girl further. Potential crew. He was a terrifying step away from his first real voyage, one he desperately wished to embark on soon. A sharp swallow carved the air into his throat, making him cough unexpectedly. He'd announced himself well enough now and the meager grin he gave her was one searching for an answer on what he was to do next. Stand tall, he clawed at his thoughts, trying to heap them back together into a semblance of strength and willingness to serve. "Oui capitaine. Je suis venu pour vous joindre, si je peux," he nodded, speaking to the planks that separated him from his pending freedom, agreeing that was why he was here, as pending crew, if they'd have him.

"Enter." The command was simple and again the voice firm but not harsh. When Octavia pushed the door open, Treasure was sitting at her table awaiting them, there was a small stack on the edge of the table of neatly folded clothes. A few items for Octavia that would be a better fit for the slim girl than what she had. They were older items that had belonged to Treasure and since she had newer items, it was better to let these go to good use.

Octavia gave Toby another small brief smile, her dark green eyes lighting up a bit to encourage and reassure him before the smile tucked itself away and she opened the door to the Captain's cabin.

Toby stood in the doorway, a slender man, young, willing yet wary, with bright blue eyes that saw clearly and sharply into the dim cabin, smiling before the smile on his lips curled and deepened the scar on his cheek. "Bonjour," he chirped out with a rich voice, the kind that with training would give commands that could be understood well and clear.

**END SCENE**

[tripp]

22 July 1740 - midday
Runners' Isle - a sandbar that Jack has become quite familiar with...

The exclamaition came as the two from the dingy approached the two on the sand. "Thank goodness the rum is not gone!" Jack picked up a jug that seemed to be there waiting for him.

Cervantes staggered up to him with an empty bottle, looking him over. "This one is." He burped at the man and tossed the empty jug over his shoulder. He took the man's jug from his hands just before he'd chanced a sip. "Thank you...," he raised it in a slight toast and started drinking it himself.

Jack slapped him like a sissy girl and stuck his tongue out, trying to snatch his bottle back.

He dodged. "Found it fair... you weren't using it... Who are you?"

He puffed up with a smile. "I'm Captain Jack Sparrow."

The other on the sand staggered up to his feet and ran over as he heard the name. "Sparrow?! I heard they'd hanged him for the attack on the Mireille! You can't be..."

"He' s lying. A hang'd man can't talk, now can he? Get the other bottles boy and get ready. We're leaving."

"I am not lying! I wouldn't lie.. well not about that anyway. I am Captain Jack Sparrow in the flesh.. not hanged.. very much alive thank you." Grabs the bottle from the dark man. "This is my rum and I'm not sharing it with you." Looks to the one who ran up. "But you.. I'll share with.. tell what else have you heard about me, son?"

"Oh Jack.. please.. we've all heard your stories.. I personally would like to hear theirs, since they're drinking MY rum."

"Yours? A lady and a kind one to share, madamoiselle," he said, aghast but not rudely so as he straightened himself from his error and addressed her with a proper bow of thanks. "Merci. You were not the one I accuse of lying monsieur.. it was the boy who makes stories in his head. But you do not contradict him? You are... Monsieur Jacques... Sparrow?"

"I'm not lying either! I heard it when we were in St Tropez! You must have been sleeping, but I swear it. He's famous!"

"Yes, Yes.. he's famous.. " She rolled her eyes and stepped closer, extending her hand to the dark haired man first. "I'm Captain... Sparrow." She finished after a slight pause and a glance at the ever amused Jack, who seemed overly pleased to be recognised. "He's going to be horrible to deal with now that you've puffed his ego, you know?"

"Forgive him for the outbursts. The sun has played tricks on us both. Captain, is it? Enchantee, Captain Sparrow. Edouard Cervantes," he introduced himself with every bit of French flair and accent with a rumbling trill of a heavy Spanish undertone that matched his dark features. "You are his terribly burdened wife?"

"No!" Both captains exclaimed at once. Giving each other quite the look of 'eew!' "Mm not my wife, no.. never had the pleasure of being married. Jacquetta is..."

"His terribly burdened daughter.." She finished for him, pulling the bottle of rum from his hand and taking a swig before handing it back.

The boy burst in again and tried to make himself sound important as well. "I'm Dominick," he smiled and bounced with a rosey-nosed enthusiasm that said he'd had more rum than he was used to and far too much sun for his fair complexion. "Dominick ... um, just Dominick. I'm an orphan, but I'm from St Malo, too!"

"It's a pleasure to meet you both." She offered her hand to Dominick and gave both a small nod and polite smile.

Cervantes' eyes darted from the girl to the man and back. He smiled slowly. "She is most handsome, monsieur. You are very fortunate. Ah! As are we, are we not? We've kept your rum safe, madamoiselle. Not a drop has gone to waste."

Dominick nodded, smiling proudly though all three of them were brightly blurred in front of him. "Not a drop wasted. Very good quality," he nodded again, though the repeated bobbing and standing in the heat of the sun was making his stomach spin.

He smiled proudly, almost as if he wasn't sure what to do with himself when Cervantes complimented Treasure. "That she is, she looks like her mother thankfully. She'd be awfully ugly with a moustache." He stayed puffed - between the compliment of Treasure and being recognised he was a pig in a mud bath. "Well at least they drank it instead of setting fire to it." Jack hmphed and folded his arms to the comments about the rum, shrugging as Treasure gave him a questioning look. He held onto his jug of rum as if he thought someone was going to snatch it away, taking lengthy sips off of it. He was happy to have it since Treasure had locked him in the brig without any for so terribly long.

Treasure let the burning comment go as Jack brushed it off though she was sure he'd explain it in some elaborate story later. "Yes it does seem that none has gone to waste.. but might you enlighten me as to how you ended up here with my rum and not a ship in sight?"

Dominick stepped in to explain before Cervantes' mouth had even twitched to start. "We fought our way, we did. You should have seen him crossing swords. It was magnificent! We'd stowed on with the runners. We had no idea - we just saw the opportunity and climbed on. We'd go anywhere there wasn't a British in sight, y'see. They know him, most of them do. He's almost famous too, but not like him," he said, pointing to Jack again in admiring stance, trying to keep himself standing as he turned to look at each of them as he spoke. His eyes juttered like he was about to topple over, but he spun to keep himself up like a top. "Then, we were off, we were. They were rum runners! Thieves, captain... stealing away from the company's stocks with barrels.. HUGE barrels of rum they'd stolen and there we were, hiding in amongst them unseen. Well at first. We got here and that's when they found us... and left us."

Cervantes smiled meekly and stood, straight, his hands folded before him, staring at the sand and contemplating taking a mouthful to the boy's tongue to keep it quiet a moment. His jaw worked into an apology as he looked up at the woman and her father. "The runners... weren't quite so proud that we'd kept so close a watch over their hold," he grinned. He reached out to Dominick to pull him back beside himself and keep him out of harm's way, or from falling at the feet of the woman and embarrassing them both more. "In exchange for our lives, they changed their minds and let us continue our vigil here... without a means of leaving, of course. We're at your mercy, decide what you will."

"You tapped into their livelyhood.. you're lucky they didn't kill you for it." Treasure commented quietly.

"Well I think you should at least shoot a few fingers off for them drinking our rum like that." Jack offered with a sage nod of his head. "Maybe only one pinky off the boy, I rather like him, he knows who I am."

Treasure growled and gave her father a look as if to tell him to shut up. "It's not our rum, it's my rum.. you are a guest.. a stow away on my ship, remember?" She gave a half grin and turned back to Cervantes. "Well you see now we have a slight dilemma. You've taken a share of my rum but you're not part of my crew.. whatever should we do to remedy that?" She looked from one to the other of these stranded men, wondering if they were getting the hint.

"We could be part of your crew!" Dominick's suggestion burst out before it was thought out. He heard the words as they flew away and he shifted behind Cervantes. "That wasn't a good thought, was it?"

"It might be a splendid thought, boy. For you. The price on your head can be worked off in a public bath within a fortnight in the next port I strand you in," he muttered, though he had no intention of leaving his young friend behind. The price on his own head was a little more steep and appeared to have just gotten steeper. "At what cost is a few bottles of rum in exchange for guarding the rest from those that would steal it from you outright, madamoiselle? Ours is not theft, it was payment and therefore, we are already a part of your crew, keeping it safe until such time as now for you to have us load it on board for you, non?"

"If the boy wants to be a pirate let him be a pirate I say!" Jack exclaimed with a bit of gusto and a smile, reaching out to usher the younger man over with them.

Jacquetta gave her father an exasperated look and sighed, squaring her shoulders and looking at Cervantes dead in the eye. "You're not crew until I say you're crew and you swear an oath to me and my crew. My crew does not address me as mademoiselle, the preferred term is Captain." She stepped closer, to make her point clear, she was not some frilly girl tagging along with her daddy and she knew how to handle herself. "Do you have any qualms about sailing under my command?"

Dominick's tongue was loose and more thoughts he should have kept silent flew out. "He doesn't have qualms about anything - he's fearless! He's not afraid of you or your command." He almost moved out of Cervantes' shadow, speaking almost too proudly. "I'm not either. I could sail on your ship."

His hand wasn't fast enough and his blade was kept safely at his side. His boot however sufficed to attempt to silence the boy briefly as it shot out to the ankle near it. He chuckled softly. "I fear many things... Captain," he said purposely, fully speaking out the word clearly. "Mostly I fear becoming part of the Dutchman's crew. The boy has made his point - that I fear as well. If we could pay our debt with our hands, you have ours to do what work you require... both of us." He jerked Dominick's shoulder to pull him front again in view for her approval. "Starting with loading your rum on your ship, Captain."

She looked at Dominick and chuckled a bit. "Jack likes you, he says you should be a pirate, so you'll be a pirate.. this way at the very least he'll tell you all his tales and it will keep him from annoying me.. go on and help him load the barrels on the dingy." She motioned for Cervantes to come closer, to step aside with her a moment, only a few feet away from where they now stood.

Jack pouted a little at being told to load rum barrels, but since it was rum and he wanted to be sure they had enough on this voyage, he didn't protest too loudly. Slapping Dominick on the arm he motined to the dingy and crossed his arms as if to merely watch.

The smack on Dominick's arm was almost enough to send him akilter. He stumbled a foot or two , but regained his steps. Getting off the island was worth the price of carrying the barrels, though he was a small and slight sprite of boy not fully in his growth as a man and his nourishment had been lacking on top of the wealth of rum that sickened him. He didn't protest the man watching him, but certainly hoped he didn't drop anything either.

Cervantes observed the boy a moment to be sure he was alright then followed with the captain as requested, begging her words with a questioning look only. His attention was fixed on her, only now seeing the unusual color of her eyes as he stood close. His own earthen toned gaze questioned more deeply what her intention was, as well as her connection with the runners, somewhere asking in their depth if his life, or at least that of the boy would indeed be spared.

"Does that boy have any idea that he's gleefully joining a band of pirates or will he wake up thoroughly surprised tomorrow?" She asked him with an amused smile, Cervantes was touched by the effect of the rum but not as blantantly as the boy and she had questions for him about his sailing experience and prior rank. "Are you fully aware what it means to sign on with such a crew?" Who knew if he'd ever sailed with pirates before this.

"Oui. He should. He's already signed on with one," he admitted quietly, still gazing at her eyes and trying to see within them. "Je suis Malouin... les coursairs de Saint-Malo.. He who has hired him is already himself a pirate it would seem. Les Coursairs, madamoiselle... pardonez... Captain...Not a British has crossed my blade and yet survived, but no longer does even France request anything of me but a rope about my neck."

"And so the picture becomes more clear, thank you." She took in a deep breath and let it out, offering him a small smile. "You are willing to form a new alliance and swear loyalty to me? I sail under no flag but my own."

He gestured to the empty isle and open sea around them. "Your flag, or no flag?" He smiled. "Naturellement. Nous naviguons sous vos couleurs. Your colors are now ours." He bowed graciously and only now felt the dull thump of rum tapping the sides of his skull.

"When you have recovered from your ... payment for guarding our rum, I request that you come see me. The Opal has a fair crew though a few more wont hurt and I have ideas now that I know more about you and your young friend." Though the boy that was with him could have easily been older than her tender age of eighteen.

He stood up to regard her and nodded curtly at her orders. "I should lend him a hand, should I not? Your father's pride has seemed to stop his feet from his task."

"He's been pouting since I had him thrown in the brig. He'll get over it." She chuckled and nodded her head towards the two closer to the dingy agreeing that Cervantes should lend a hand.

Dominick had loaded his barrel onto the dingy and looked at the man who seemed to direct and watch more than help. The spinning and bending was doing him little good and he leaned down against his knees, breathing roughly. "There are more," he pointed out. He seemed like he actually expected Jack to lift a finger, even after he'd threatened to shoot off his.

Cervantes stood slowly, watching the woman before him and turning a glance toward Jack. "And still he does not help the boy? Your father's pride..," he chuckled through a tilted smile. "He pouts worse than Dominick. How is it he is your guest and not your mentor, I ask." He shielded his own pale eyes away from the glaring sun and sand behind the shadow of his thickly gloved hand. "Thieves, barbarians, murderers... and pirates all the same roam these waters and he lifts no hand or blade to aid you, only his tongue as he stands behind you? An interesting man, your father."

[tripp]

22 July, 1740
late evening after 'Je Suis Maloin'

"I've been shot!" Dominick shrieked as he woke with a start, running his hand over his sore head, surmising the pain in his skull and the discoloration on his skin as he pulled his palm into view was caused by that very event. As he rubbed his sore fingers together and his consciousness rolled slowly back into miserable existence, it became clear that the redness on his fingers was only due to the burst blisters from first loading several barrels of rum, then rowing, apparently a great deal more than he was used to, to bring them, himself and Cervantes onto a ship he didn't recognize. The headache was due to the one barrel that had been removed from the stash and consumed lovingly at the time, now loathingly remembered as he sat back to ease the throbbing.

His friend sat nearby in their cell, against the hull, propped in musty straw and laughing at him. "You're not shot, but you are awake, are you not? Look around! We're both alive!" He chuckled, pitching a small but full goatskin at him to drink. "Water. You need it. It's all we're having for dinner until the captain gives us an audience."

"Captain?" He winced as the sound of his own voice seemed even too loud. He wasn't ready for anything to be thrown and took a moment to realize what Cerv meant. He picked up the skin and uncorked the stale liquid. He drank it anyway. "Where is he? Where are we?"

"She... is on deck deciding what's to be done with us," he said with less humor. He pushed himself up to stand and look around their cell and the hold. "We... are in her debt, are we not? It was her rum you can thank for your health, boy. Don't forget that. Believe me, she won't. We're aboard the Opal, Captain Sparrow's ship. The younger, mademoiselle Sparrow it seems."

"Sparrow... I remember! Jack, is he on board too?"

Cervantes sighed and leaned against the door of their cage. "Undoubtedly."

"Oy! Then call him down! I want to hear more about him. He can teach us so much about being real pirates!"

"He's busy just now.. You'll have to settle for me." Came the female voice as the young pirate girl came into view holding a tray with what appeared to be dinner for them. "How's your stomach. Can you eat?" She looked to the older man behind Dominick and gave a nod. "Good evening.. I have been asked to bring you dinner."

Dominick nodded eagerly. The girl was quite pretty, enough for him to forget the headache and the rest for a moment. His stomach had been empty too long and ached from the sickness. "Dinner with the Captain? Y'hear that? The Captain, Cerv!"

"I heard her, boy. Hold your tongue." Cervantes tried to quiet him, knowing it wasn't likely to work. "He hears what he wishes. Dinner here it is, is it not? More straw?" Cervantes wasn't so easily taken in nor impressed, but he wouldn't turn down real food if it was offered.

"You can eat straw if that's what you prefer." Octavia replied tartily with a slight cock of her hips as she brought the tray closer for them to smell the food. She looked to the younger man with a smile. "What's your name?" She knelt down to slide the tray through the slot at the bottom of the cell door. "Cook made a hearty stew and some bread."

Not holding back from the offered plate, he dove at it and spoke with a mouthful of the bread. "Dominick," he smiled, chewing heartily.

"Could've been poisoned, boy," Cervantes laughed, watching him and nodding at the girl's retort. "What are you called, miss? And is it the Captain we are thanking for this feast?"

"Nice to meet you Dominick. I'm Octavia. Otherwise known as Octapus Roberts.." She looked to the older man as she straightened up and she offered him a slight smile and a nod. "I suppose you are thanking the Captain, this is her ship and she is the one in charge.."

"Octapus?" Dominick coughed and stood back from her and the stew, giving her a strange look. "She's bewitched! A servant of the kracken, I bet, sent to kill us."

Cervantes laughed again, leaning his head against the side of his cell. "Stories, boy, only stories. She is only a girl. With a gift... better than straw."

"Oh goodness..." She rolled her eyes and folded her arms as she regarded the boy with a look of slight disgust on her face. "Only a girl who earned her name in battle not by being bewitched. I'm sure If I was a man called that you wouldn't have said the same."

"Not to be so certain. He hears things that twist his thoughts in directions the stars and winds were never meant to chart, mademoiselle Octavia. Eat, my friend..., eat and try not to speak until your thoughts dine as well." He was at a loss to explain how his young friend arrived at the conclusions he did at times. "If there would be enough to share... ?"

Dom swallowed his crumbs roughly but quietly. Maybe what he'd said sounded crazy, but he had heard about such creatures that walked out of the very sea to trick men on land. His curiosity won over Cerv's warning. "In battle? Against the British?"

"You may have to wrestle it from him.." She hooked her thumb toward Dom in reply to Cervantes question of the food. "There was supposed to be enough for both of you." Octavia pulled a piece of wrapped bread that she'd not eaten from her own dinner. She held it out to Cervantes to help his own stomach while the boy ate the other food earnestly. She smiled a little at Dominick. "No not the British... Against a giant octapus.. much like the kraken I suppose only not nearly as large as what I've heard the kraken to be. Big enough though.." She shrugged, setting her free hand to her hip.

Still in teasing humor, he poked further at the boy. "What do you think is in this stew? Leave us a taste." He took the corner of bread with a nod, pinching a meager piece in his fingers to bring to his dry mouth. His opinion of the girl slowly formed as he listened. "If you can manage against such a creature, why keep us caged? We are.. unarmed... certainly not so many to disarm as a squid, non?"

The story took a turn that made him stop the bowl of his spoon in a shaking grasp and put it back into the mixture. He held the meal out to his friend, no longer interested in it. Cerv had asked clearly enough for them both and he nodded. "What threat are we in here?"

Octavia chuckled and leaned against the bars that made up the cell they were in. "Let me tell you a little secret.. you're not prisoners. You're down here to sober up.. The Captain didn't want you wandering around all out of your head or sick all over and since your friend here is so protective like.. this was simply temporary until you had your head on straight to be presentable." She looked at Dominick with an amused smiled, trailing her fingers across the bars lightly. "You already swore in with us, and personally I'm not worried one bit about you, like he said you don't have but two arms." She was clearly razzing the young man as evident by her grin. She winked and looked over to Cervantes. "I believe you are expected once you're ready, Captain wished to discuss some things with you?"

"One of us is sober," Cervantes insisted with a slight bow to her, thankfully that his crimes had not been something unremembered.

"I never swear. Do I? I swore to nothing," he defended, shaking his head. "That would be one of his tricks, not mine."

"Oh bother.. if you don't remember then you're going to have to do it again. You volunteered to join the crew.. If you can't hold your rum then you shouldn't drink so much." She shook her head and looked to Cervantes. "I suppose then you'll be coming with me to see the Captain."

"No, take me too. I... I remember," he said, trying to convince himself he did. Some pieces were clear and others clearly weren't or were missing altogether. Cervantes hadn't let him out of his sight it seemed in months and now the thought panicked him a little. "Don't leave me here alone."

"Stories he remembers... unless he is in them, non? Come boy, stand up and come here," he chuckled, ready to carry him by the collar if necessary. "Leave him here and he'll just scare the rats."

Her eyes moved back and forth between the two men and then she just nodded. She'd heard of men.. being close, years at sea and turning to each other for comforts that they had no women to provide.. at least she didn't have to worry about either of them trying to break down her door at night. "Very well." She shifted the key to the cell from where it was tucked under her belt and moved to unlock the door for them. "Right this way." The door swung back and she stepped ahead, motioning them to follow her.

Dom watched her eyes dart, wondering what she looked at. "You don't believe me, do you? It's true, I do remember. Standing on the beach, we were, and he was trying to be smart, putting me to work while he watched. Just like Jack, I do remember that now." He couldn't rightly forget, feeling his fingers sting from the broth that had spilled onto the torn blisters.

"We will be honored for the Captain's audience, will we not, young friend? She is waiting for us and a woman is never to be kept waiting." Cervantes' sympathies were with the girl, wondering also what thoughts she kept behind the expression.

[Lovely]

July 27, 1740
afternoon


Octavia was passing by and patted Dom on the shoulder, giving him a slight smile.

"What's the pat for? Have I got bird droppings on me?"

Laughs softly and gives him a slight grin. "Nah.. wouldn't touch you if you did."

The mop that had in recent days become nearly his best friend besides Cervantes was leaned on as he looked at her curiously. "Then what's it for? Commisserating? Pity? I thought I didn't understand British. I think I understand this crew even less," he bemoaned quietly, setting the swab in motion again over the deck boards.

"I just saw you .. looking. It's a little obvious, at least to me, maybe because I'm a girl and all... But.. you miss him, when you're not able to be closer. It's alright, you've been together a long time and all." She nodded toward where his dark haired compainion had been. "Nothing to understand, just a friendly tap from someone who likes you and my way of distracting you and telling you it's alright." She shrugged, her slender shoulders shifting the shirt she wore. She was a small girl, but definitely a girl beneath the better fitting clothes.

"Beg pardon?" The confusion squinted his eyes more than the glaring sun had been doing as it shone off the water at his feet. "Looking at what?"

"Cervantes, silly." She leaned closer to speak quietly, smiling at him and looking less like the tough pirate she tried to come off as, and more like a young girl simply smiling sweetly at a boy. It really wasn't her fault she was built the way she was.

If any looking was to be done, he was doing it now, glancing down as hidden as he could manage when she leaned close. He stammered, caught by the thoughts such a brief glimpse brought him and he forced his eyes to scan upward to her smile. "Oh, well of course. I was going to ask him something, but silly, yes - I forgot what it was. Excuse me," he shrugged and pushed the strings of sooty wet cotton at her feet to move so he could finish this chore and address the long list remaining.

She giggled and scampered her feet back at his mopping. "Dominick.." She shook her head, thinking he was just adorable as she shifted past him, bumping his shoulder with hers. "Don't worry your secret is safe with me." She winked and sauntered off to attend some nearby rigging.

"What? Octavia, what are you on about? What secret?" The mop was slopped into its bucket and left as he stepped up behind her. He glanced around for the firstmate, wary of any additional chores being added due to his shirking, but her words begged the question. "What have I to worry about a secret?"

She straightened up as he came up and put her hand on his arm. "I saw you looking.. and I noticed it the first time I met you." She blushed a little and gave him another sweet smile. "It's alright, I like you.. I won't let on to anyone.."

At her? He blushed a little himself, believing an apology for his staring was in order. "I... don't make it a habit to look. It only leads to trouble. We haven't be able to afford much of that," he admitted, though what he meant and what she appeared to assume were not the same.

"So I've heard.. I haven't.. " She cleared her throat, feeling the blush rise, but Dom was so sweet and he was no threat.. it would be nice to have a friend she could talk to on the ship. "I haven't had.. much trouble myself.. perhaps.. now that you're on the ship and have joined the crew and all.. you'll have some time for.. such things again."

[Lovely]

"Again?" The knotted confusion was back. He leaned closer in confidence. "Octavia, what has been said to you about me? I haven't... I'm not...," he stammered hopelessly now with his admission about 'again' not being the issue as much as 'at all' of it ever happening. His voice lowered, fearing the ridicule from his friend or those who had not yet become his friend on board. "I've never been with a girl, if that's what you mean." His eyes juttered again, trying to look anywhere but in her eyes with the fear that she'd laugh.

"Never ever? Not even once?" She asked softly, her hand tightening on his arm a little. She bit her lip and reached up to touch his chin trying to get his gaze focused on her and so he could see she was not making fun of him. "It's alright.. I'm sorry if I made you .. feel awkward." Her voice lowered as she told him in confidence. "I haven't ever.. either.. with a man. I've only ever kissed one.. so I'm the last one around here who would judge you for such."

Dominick's darting gaze rested uneasily as she reached to touch him. It was all he could do not be the bearer of another gifted kiss to her at that moment, but his duties were being ignored where likely his behavior wasn't. To take such advantage, he'd learned, was a sure invitation to a cold and salty bath he wasn't wanting. "What has that to do with anything, anyway, right? Judgement on a ship is what it is. Can't escape what people see, or hear."

"I..." She opened her mouth and closed it again, a small pout coming to her lips. "I'm sorry, I brought it up.. I was just.. you're right." She said with a shrug, letting her hand drop. "I forget sometimes.. I'm a girl on a ship of men.. you don't think like we do." She smiled again. "You should get back to work, I should too.. " She motioned that they should get back to their chores.

His smile was left parted with a question he wasn't sure how to ask. "Have I offended you? Was that the secret? It's really hardly a secret, and probably quite apparent given the actions of some on board. Cervantes, in his subtle way, has always warned me about what to covet and what to catch. Never catch anything you may need to cast away, boy, he says. It will make you covet more." How was he trying to explain it, that desires were simply something they'd never had time for, though he was sure Cervantes had a string of such 'secrets', such coveted treasures in every port, though he'd never shared those stories.

Her expression might have mirrored his somewhat as his words confused her. "You haven't offended me.. I truly meant it when I said I like you. I think that perhaps I offended you with bringing it up.. I shouldn't have. I should have just let it pass. Tis the girl in me.. " She smiled again, though she really wasn't sure what all he meant with what he said about coveting things.

He nodded, unsure of where the conversation had turned and what more to say. Dominick looked at the drying salt ring on the boards he was neglecting and took a step back toward his mop. "You didn't, Octavia. I'm not easily offended, frankly. Perhaps what I was thinking earlier will return to my thoughts, perhaps it was nothing at all to do with Cervantes. Who's to say? Be well. If you want to speak more with me, I very much think I'll be here the better part of the afternoon," he sighed, looking over the length of deck that had yet to be swabbed.

Her smile brightened and she nodded her head. "I think I would like that very much... I have some things to attend myself, but perhaps I'll come find you when I'm finished." The soft green of her eyes sparkled up at him as she tipped her head, letting her soft smile beam out.

"I'd like that. You're kinder than this is," he motioned, lifting the splash of mop back out to the deck. "It's a comfort to have your company."

"Well thank you." She gave a slight curtsey and chuckled. "I shouldn't keep you from it.. I would feel awful if I got you in trouble." She started to turn away and stopped again. "Perahps.. if you'd like.. we could have our evening meal together?"

He nodded again, seeing the shadow of someone behind her approaching, likely the first mate, or someone as likely to tell him what more awaited him before that evening meal could be enjoyed. "Perhaps, if I'm entitled - once the captain has fully pardoned my debt of drink." His face soured at the thought of having any more yet anyway. "If not, come visit me later - second cell on the left," he chuckled as is he'd be difficult to find.

She laughed softly with him and her head shook slightly. "Alright, I will.. till we meet again." She winked and turned away, a sort of skip to her step as she hurried off to her own chores. Feeling she'd made a friend, someone aboard the ship she didn't need to fear.

[Lovely]

**************************

Evening


She came to Dominick as she promised, hoping they might have a chance to take a walk around the ship or some other way to get some air and peace for her own thoughts. She spotted him walking ahead of her now, sure to be on his way to his bunk after his day's chores, she hurried to catch him and he'd feel her gentle grip on his arm. "Dom."

Not certain at the voice at first, though certain enough it had startled him, Dom's reaction was to reach for a blade he didn't have, thankful for it should it have been the Captain finding him in the dark. He stopped, clearing his throat as the sudden chill settled and turned to see a hint of blonde in the deep shadow. "Octavia?"

"Yes." She let out the breath she'd held when he'd flinched at her touch. "I'm sorry I surprised you.. I was looking for you.. " She faltered, her words trailing off as she looked away, not entirely sure she'd made the right choice in seeking him out.

"Why should you apologize? And why are you looking for me? Oh, please assure me I'm not to do any more chores tonight," he sighed, feeling the ache of being in the sun on deck all day and feeling raw all over from the spray. She'd looked away, though, and he wondered. "Are you well?"

"I.. I only want your company for a bit." She smiled a little, though she felt troubled, she didn't want to show it too much. "Would you mind? I promise, I have no more chores for you.. but if you're tired, I understand if you'd rather just go to bed."

It was strange not to be directed, but asked instead. Dominick looked around the corridor, nodding though he wasn't sure how well she could see in the dim light. The moon was up but deep behind clouds he hoped would fade before turning to storm. "Not so very tired I can't offer you company for a while. There's a strain in your voice. I hear it. You're not well. Has something happened?"

She bit her lip and shook her head but then nodded. "I'm alright.. I needed some.. space and.. I didn't want to wander alone.. " She took in a deep breath and looked up to his face, he had such kind eyes, even though in the dark she could hardly see them. "Wander with me? Maybe we can find a quiet corner somewhere to sit and be undisturbed awhile..".

"Ha, look around. Nearly the whole deck alone at least until the moon comes back out. What sort of spaces are you needing?"

"Just not... with certain people." She chuckled softly. "I'm trying to avoid attention from someone.. so instead I came to get yours." She shook her head. "I know, it probably doesn't make sense but.. here I am.. so what corner looks good?"

His hand strayed out as if to steady her, though she seemed quite stable and unshakeable. Whomever she was avoiding, it appeared to be choice, not necessity, at least at the moment. "Here if it pleases you, or perhaps the aft deck, though it's very near the Captain's quarters." His own expression indicated that wasn't his first choice, but few would pass her door willingly for the same reasons.

"Here is fine." She moved closer to him, motioning to some crates they might use as a place to sit or to 'hide' behind. "You're sure you don't mind keeping me company? I'm not keeping you from any.. thing?"

"For instance? Perhaps a matted lump of moldy straw..," he shrugged a bit and pushed on a crate to be sure it could hold him.. and didn't dislodge any rats.

"Ah.. I thought.. perhaps.. you'd be going to see Cervantes.." She shrugged a little, who was she to say when she was avoiding the man who wanted her? She tested the crate next to the one he chose and then sat down, smiling a little. "At least you think I'm better than a lump of moldy straw." She teased with a small chuckle.

"Far, to be sure," he nodded, though he yawned with his fatigue that said he could take either now and be content. He shook the sleep away with a toss of his head and widened eyes. "I see Cervantes when I wake. He can certainly wait. He'd likely to be asleep, himself, with fewer chores and a bit more of the Captain's favor than me."

"Oh.." She wondered if he was upset that his.. friend had more of the Captain's favor than he did. She put her hand on his arm and gently rubbed it, a gesture of comfort and support as well as to possibly soothe any aches he might have. "You are tired.." She scolded lightly. "..and I'm keeping you from resting."

"No! Noo, it's alright," he insisted, though his voice carried a little more sharply than he'd intended as her hand came down lightly on his arm. The soothing touch might send him into sleep far easier than simply laying still waiting for the fatigue to wash through him. "I'm fine. And you came for me, so it's my help you need - and so you shall have." His hand patted hers gently.

Octavia looked around at his sharp word but it appeared no one was close enough to notice. She chuckled softly and turned her hand to catch his if she could. "You are so sweet." She said quietly, appreciating the fact that he was taking the time to keep her company. "I told you, I just wanted your company.."

She'd be familiar with the knot of his brow by now even if it was not clearly seen in the dark, that and his crooked, timid smile. "You really mean that? It's an honor for a mere cabin boy.. in training.. to have such a request." He looked to the floor, searching for words. "That my company would be sought... thank you." He turned back to look at her, wondering what it was she saw looking at him.

She shook her head chuckling again, though her other hand reached to touch his cheek. "Dominick, you shouldn't .. you're so much more than a mere cabin boy in training.. besides, I'm not much higher up.. I'd like to think of you as a.. friend."

She would feel the puff of his cheek with his smile. "Alright. Still an honor not to be called 'boy' at every turn," he said, insisting his point was still valid. "Not many seek me out for anything more than... let's say we didn't mention why, alright? Your reasons are your own and you promised it wasn't a chore. How can I help?"

She giggled softly. "Wouldn't be right at all for me to call you boy.. I think you're older than me by a bit." Even in the dark her eyes caught glimmers of light and sparkled when she smiled or laughed. "You are helping. You're making me feel better.. You're fun and you're sweet.. you make me laugh."

[Lovely]

July 28, 1740
Continues from: Permission


"It shall be, m'am, it shall be," he agreed, turning on his heel to find her and determine for himself if Nance was right. Even if he wasn't, the girl was now his and his alone.. He considered that as he ventured below to Octavia's cabin, pounding heartily upon the door.

The widowed girl had been left in her care for the moment and Octavia had seen to getting her something to eat and something to wear. Thankfully the clothes Octavia had first arrived in were a bit big on her and so they fit Josette's more ample curves much better. Josette was still quite slender but a bit more filled out than Octavia. At the knocking, Octavia called out to find out who it was. "What is it?"

Josette jumped at the sound, reaching nervously to tuck her now loose, long, curly, dark locks behind her ears. She bit at her lip, taking a deep breath to try to calm her nerves.

"I'm here to see her. Let me in," Venge called past the door. "Is she alright?" Perhaps she'd know his voice though she'd only heard him say a little.

"She's fine. Go away!" Octavia called back with some amount of sass in her tone. She unlatched the door and opened it a crack to glare at him.

Josette heard the voice through the door and her head tipped slightly, her eyes narrowing. "Is that.. the one called Corvid? The one who pulled me out of the water?"

He heard them both and smiled with a nod though he couldn't see the girl beyond Octavia. "By permission of the Captain, I'm here to see her. Now let me in," he insisted calmly.

Octavia sighed and nearly growled at him and let go of the door to allow him to enter the room. Taking a step back so she could be at the ready should he try anything... well just anything.

He stepped in and nodded his greeting to the woman in the small room with her then turned. "Now... leave me with her," he suggested plainly, raising an eyebrow at the blond girl.

"What?" Octavia asked, giving him a look that said he was crazy if he thought she was leaving. "I'm not leaving."

Josette turned so she was facing the man who came in, she swallowed as he told Octavia to leave. He'd stated he had the Captain's permission to see her and she took a deep breath, it wasn't as if she hadn't heard stories.. She folded her hands together in front of her waist and watched Venge as she waited for him to resolve things with the other girl.

"Well I'm not taking her out there, am I? Beg pardon, I mean that in every sense how it sounded," he said in a thin and quick apology to the other woman. "My affairs and hers are private and unless you have a better suggestion on making that happen...please... ?" He wasn't angry, but he was eager and his indulgences, even in conversation, weren't something he wished to have an audience for.

"It's my room.." Octavia looked from him to Josette and then sighed. "Very well." She was pouting as she left them to their 'private affairs' and went out of the cabin, closing the door behind her.

Josette simply nodded to his apology for the words as he meant them, her fingers toyed with the ring on her hand, slipping it off and setting it on the shelf. If he meant to have her, she would not be wearing her wedding ring when he did. She met Octavia's glance and just gave a single slight nod to the girl, once she'd gone Josette was left standing there... alone with Venge. She licked at her lips, her eyes fixed on him.

[Lovely]

July 28, 1740
After Octavia leaves Vic and Josie in her room


"Octavia," he suggested with a smile filled with delight and eagerness as he pulled the cloth back over his shoulders, hiding the scars. "Though she may keep you quite hidden until she's convinced you're ready. I'll fetch our minister while you fetch her. Send her out when it's time, then?"

She looked at him in complete confusion and her head shook very lightly as she asked. "What do you mean send her out when it's time? Isn't it time now? We'll be married as soon as you get back with Nance.. wont we?" She started to fear he was trying to put her off again but wasn't sure that was exactly it.

Will stopped in his rush and reached out to settle her worry. "She will want to fuss, I'm nearly sure of it. The captain is entitled to have her feminine moments and as my wife, I want her to feel as beautiful as I see her," he said, showing clearly that admiration where before she'd seen fury and distance.

Fuss over what and what did her feminine moments have to do with Octavia fussing? She glanced down at her clothes, frowning as she thought more on the meaning of his words. "You.. you want me to.. Will.. this is all I have." It wasn't like she pranced around the ship in frills and lace or fancy dresses, nor did she have any desire to. She never worried or fussed over how she looked but suddenly she felt rather self conscious as Will seemed to point out that she wasn't beautiful as she was now. "I don't even have a dress.. you want me to have a dress and be all.. like other women you've known.." She looked at his face confused over his expression as it seemed opposite of his words.. perhaps he was imagining how she'd look.. how he wanted to see her. She stepped away from him and toward the door, her hands rubbing over her cheeks which she absently thought were probably smudged with something as they often seemed to be. "I'll fetch Octavia.. and do what I can to be presentable."

Will had been right about Octavia and her fussing, though once fussed over Treasure was pulled into the excitement of preening and Will was in for quite the surprise.. hopefully a pleasant one for him. By the time Octavia was done with her, she looked like the princess she'd once been or perhaps some pirate goddess in her dress and with her hair piled and pinned, cascading down over her bare shoulders. The dress was one that Octavia had seen in a haul and insisted would be perfect for tonight, the soft cream color and fine stitching were a beautiful compliment to Treasure's flame colored hair, bright eyes and smooth ivory skin. The captain felt like a lady and though had not worn a dress like this in years, she carried herself in it with poise and grace, moving as naturally as she did in her trousers and boots. Octavia had taken a few moments to doll herself up a bit for the occassion though was careful not to take attention away from the gorgeous bride, she was certain to be given a hard time if anyone saw her. Treasure pulled a few jewels from her private collection, including two rings which she put into Octavia's care before she sent her off to fetch Will and get his approval on the choice of rings. Treasure waited, feeling nervous and hopeful and excited..

Octavia nearly ran to find Will and Nance where they waited, her smile bright and overjoyed as she scurried up, she too was in a dress but one she'd brought on board with her and rather plain compared to the one Treasure wore. "We're ready." She announced quietly and held her hand out with the rings clutched tightly in her palm. "That is if these meet with your approval."

Will had come back toward the main deck with Nance in tow, still mopping his hands from some unruly work with a busted crate and bread that had soured. The dusty remnants peppered his shirt and trousers and he did his best to clean off the mess. Will stopped short as Octavia approached them, not sure he recognized the wiley girl in her finery at first. His tongue rested in the pocket of his cheek a moment as he looked her over then took the items from her hand. He was notably stunned at the genuine stones and delicate scrollwork from a fine smith, a hand far more delicate in its ability than he could ever hope with his own forge. The craftsmanship alone seemed to charge something new within him and he stopped Nance from his attempts at mopping off. That would not do. "Find clean trousers, even if torn and a shirt mostly mended. Hurry," he snapped at the man, sending him off for better gear than he currently sported. He turned his attention back to Octavia, gently pressing the rings back into her hand for safe-keeping. "They're beautiful. So are you. Be careful whose eye you catch, Octapus," he warned with a wink, acknowledging that he certainly wouldn't be the only one impressed with her current appearance, so unlike her usual boyish visage.

Nance humphed quietly, though he offered the young girl a smiling nod. Nicely revised, he thought. He gave Will a slight glare. His gear was good enough for the captain for her usual commands, why not now? "Very well. Everyone's heart goes a-flutter and their minds fly away with them." He tossed the rag he'd been using into a bucket of similar scraps that would be rinsed at some point. He turned and bolted off toward the lower cabins again for something suitable, quite aware that he was needed presently.

Octavia blushed lightly at the attention and compliments of both men, even though they were kind in giving them, it had been what she'd come here to avoid. It didn't make her feel dirty when they admired her, as it had with other men in Tortuga, those who expected her to be just like her mother or hoped that she would be. "I will, thank you." She smiled just a little and pulled her hand to her tummy, holding the rings safely in her grasp. "Shall I go back to wait with.. the Captain?"

Will chuckled a little. "Yes. Keep her mind from flying away. She still has a ship to command and I'm not about to stop her, just distract her for a while." He leaned close to the girl, looking around for the others, and whispered. "And I expect you will keep Nance and Cervantes in line during that time."

Octavia laughed softly and nodded her head, agreeing to give them as much of a hard time as she could while Will was otherwise occupied. "Of course." She grinned, as happy for them as she would be if it were her own night.

"Smart girl. Now go tend to the Captain while I reel in our Reverend appointee," he nodded, pleased that she accepted her post so freely.

"Consider him reeled, Mister Turner," Nance said, from behind him as he emerged on deck, rolling up the sleeves of a larger shirt than he normally wore. It was a darker color than most, but had fewer holes and no visible smudges. "Your lady awaits. If you're ready..?" He stood for inspection first then awaited Will's directlion for the ceremony to begin.

Octavia nodded again and scurried off, one hand holding the rings and the other lifting the hem of her skirt to keep it free from her feet. She didn't wait for the boys and expected that they would not delay in coming to the Captain's cabin for the ceremony.

Will turned toward the older man who'd emerged far quicker than he'd expected. He appreciated the man's sense of urgency as Will felt there were few others who truly understood the value of a single moment and what could be quickly lost within it. He exhaled and chuckled. "No time like the present, my friend. I'm ready," he nodded his approval and started after Octavia.

Nance appeared to soften a little and perhaps age another few years at once, looking on Will as he would a son and a brother, and considering their Captain as a young woman who could easily have been his own daughter. He'd never performed any ceremonies, but hoped he would recite the necessary details honorably and favorably. A brief wash of nerves prickled his skin before he followed Will toward the Captain's quarters. He rarely noticed the amulet that swung beneath his shirt, but today he paused to pull out its cord and kiss the small metal cross, begging forgiveness now for any manner in which he might stumble. His witness alone as a fellow ship captain would suffice to make their union legal, however these two people had become so much more to him than fellow travelers. He smiled proudly and hopped along more quickly to arrive with Will at Treasure's door.

Octavia arrived just before the men and Treasure's heart raced with anticipation as she waited the few moments it took Will and Nance to reach the door. Treasure wet her lips with her tongue as Octavia peeked out the door and then opened it to allow the boys to come in and for Will to see his lovely bride to be.

Will stopped at the door, stunned into a silent stare with Nance nearly running him down and pushing him into the room. Startled by Nance's push, he was pulled from the trance-like gaze though he was sure he felt his heart lumped in his throat and preventing the words from coming out. He hadn't been so stunned by beauty since... His gaze fell to the floor briefly with the sting of memories from so very long ago, a sting that showed behind the smile in the gloss of faint tears when he looked up again. She was so very much a different person, he reminded himself as he stepped forward to take her hands, though his footing was shaky and he felt he might fall.

Nance had no such problem speaking his mind. "We must have stowaways. I should inform the captain immediately of these two beautiful girls we've just uncovered on board," he grinned, the pride showing as he stepped around Will to take his place, though reaching out to help the wobbly lad before he tumbled himself to the captain's feet.

There was one moment when her heart filled with joy to near bursting as Will stared at her, then her heart did burst as he looked away then back to her with something else in his eyes. She wanted to cry and didn't understand what she'd done wrong to cause such a sting in his expression, she had thought he'd be pleased at how she'd been done up. Treasure didn't reach for Will's hands but gazed at him with pain and confusion washing over her own features. Perhaps this was a mistake, perhaps he didn't really want this or her.. if it was this difficult as it began. Maybe she wanted and loved him far more than he'd ever want or love her.. how else to explain his reaction to her? It was the same as always - pulling her closer and making her want and then.. this. She smiled at Nance's compliment though it did little to light her eyes, her laugh somewhat forced. "Thank you.." At least someone honestly appreciated the effort even if it wasn't the man she'd hoped to enchant.

"Beyond beautiful," Will muttered, watching her expressions falter as his footing did. He steadied himself as he corrected the older man's statement, though he hadn't said it harshly. He was awed and overwhelmed by this true princess who stood before him. He felt in that moment he was too wretched to deserve her but would fight with his dying breath... again... to keep her as his own. "Are we at your leisure, Mister Nance? The captain has given you an order to have her married. I insist you proceed at once. I won't have patience to wait another moment," he said, not able to pull his eyes away.

Nance jawed at air, tempted to speak again, but realizing his mistake before the words came out awry. He cleared his throat and motioned for Octavia to stand to his side with the rings ready. "Of course, Mister Turner. Captain Sparrow... if you're ready?"

Octavia watched Treasure and Will for a moment before moving beside Nance as he motioned for her to do so. She bit gently at her lower lip, feeling the weight of the two rings in her hand and feeling again the importance of her role tonight and also how special it was for her to be asked to witness this.

Treasure searched Will's eyes. almost asking him if he was ready or sure he wanted to do this. His words would have completely reassured her if she'd not seen his expression in the moments before, yet he stared at her now and she was at a loss to figure him out. "It is not an order Mister Nance.. it is a humble request and an honor to have you do so." She glanced at the man who'd been fetched from his bed or his duties to preform the ceremony for them.

"The honor is mine, Captain. If you'll both please face me and give my your hands," Nance said, reaching out for them.

Will smiled gently. "He's wrong again. This honor is mine," he whispered gently, turning to take his place with more certain footing now. Perhaps he could tell her one day of the strange calmness of this ceremony compared to his earlier experience. His sword played no part this time and his attention was fully focused on Treasure and on Nance's words that needed only to be spoken softly for the four of them to hear, not shouted amongst clashing waves and metal. He much preferred this, he was sure. He set his hand out as requested and reached again for Treasure's with the other.

Treasure smiled a little at Nance's words and then with a light blush at how Will corrected him again, both men giving her a compliment. She let Will take her hand this time and reached the other out to Nance as she took in a deep breath. This was truly happening and though she had wondered about whether he really wanted it, Will showed more confidence in going ahead with the ceremony.

The words came out slowly from a distant memory. The man had not set foot in a proper church for many years. Nance set their hands together, Treasure's over Will's. "Octavia.. the rings, please," he then gestured, requesting the one that Will would place first.

Will watched intently and fought the urge to clasp her fingers then and pull her into his embrace. It would only be a few more moments, he assured himself, though his hand still twitched with the anticipation. He offered another grin as their friend presented the jeweled bands.

Treasure didn't notice if the words Nance spoke were perfectly delivered, only that he was asking for the rings and she trembled ever so slightly with excitement at being here in this moment. Her smile didn't falter but kept her mouth curved in joy. her fingers grasping back at Will's as she too longed to be pulled into his embrace.

Octavia nearly held her own breath as she watched and listened, dreaming for a moment of one day finding herself in such a wonderful place. She doubted it would happen for her with the life she'd chosen but lived in this moment with people she cared about. She brought the ring up for Will when she was asked to, smiling happily at both the bride and groom.

At Nance's direction, Will took the ring and repeated his words with quiet conviction and a subtle longing. "I shall," he nodded in agreement with his vow to her, sliding the ring in place over her finger he noted was truly delicate despite the strength of the woman possessing it. He set his hand above hers then, warming it between his trembling palms.

Nance directed Treasure now to do the same and take the ring she'd chosen for Will's hand.

Treasure blinked, feeling the tears well up in her eyes as she took the ring and echoed Will's vow as she slid it into place on his finger. "I shall.." She smiled and her eyes shone with pure and absolute happiness, her fingers gently gripping Will's as she promised him forever.

Nance dispensed with further formality as he was beginning to itch. "Kiss your wife, Mister Turner... Misses Turner," he said, nodding to the woman he scarcely recognized at that moment. He stepped back to allow them a little room in the small space where they'd gathered.

Will felt he could burst with laughter as he greedily complied with Nance's 'order'. Witnessed by these two only, he showed no further shyness as he reached for this all-important kiss. "I shall," he agreed.

Treasure let out a small delighted laugh as she all but leapt into Will's arms when he reached for her, she was not shy at all about showing her adoration of him in front of Nance and Octavia. Her arms wrapped around Will's shoulders and she kissed him for several long moments, seeming to forget for that time that anyone else existed but the two of them.

Octavia watched with a small awed smile and a shimmer of tears in her own eyes, it was beautiful and as tough as she tried to be, she couldnt hide how she was touched by the whole thing.

[Lovely]

July 30, 1740


Behind the damp, empty pails that rattled together and the mop of tied rags he carried, Dom yawned heartily but still smiled as he came down the rungs to the lower deck to stow the tools. A new storm was brewing but looked more like windless rain coming. Even if there was no angry wind, it was better to have the weather do his work and not let the loose tools get washed overboard. He'd done a fair bit for now. There were other assignments waiting, he was sure, he just needed to find Cerv, or Will, and quickly so he wouldn't be caught dawdling, or make himself look busy at the least. As he reached near the bottom, a rain drop shot down straight through the door landing him square twixt the momentary glance upward and the blink that followed before he tumbled off the last rung, startled and briefly blinded by the sudden water in his eye. Pails and handle and boy clattered for balance on the planks below, and he was sent askew onto his backside atop the wet mop with a bucket at either knee. He pawed at his eye with his sleeve, hoping to see in a moment, and hoping no one saw him.

Unfortunately for Dom, there was a witness to his fall and one he might wish hadn't seen his less than graceful tumble. Octavia held back a giggle at how adorable he looked all askew with buckets and mops, he was just the sweetest thing. Her expression showed her concern that no true harm had come to him and only his ego was bruised. "Dom.. are you hurt?" She asked him softly as she stepped closer and into his line of sight, reaching out a hand from her petite frame to help him up.

His heart sank the moment he heard the voice. Of all the crew to see him... "Octavia?" He squeaked, peeking around his fingers to the blonde blur that reached out to him. A blink or two later he realized she was trying to help him up and he looked back at her with his eyes still stinging as much as his pride. What harm was there taking her hand to help right himself? "No, not hurt, not really," he said, thinking twice about that when he rose up mostly under his own power, using her hand for balance. His backside was wet and not from the spray on deck. His first thought was always blood and whose it was!

"Yes, .. it's me." Her voice was more it's light tone once he had assured her he was okay. Her smile always seemed to be a little warmer and a little sweeter toward him, she felt very at ease around him. "Oh Dormy, what happened?" She asked about the fall, keeping hold of his hand as she reached with her other to fuss over him and brush at his shirt.

"Lost count on the way down. One more step than I remembered then I looked up and shouldn't have. Thankful it wasn't a gull," he chuckled, rubbing at his eye again, then glancing at his hand to be sure it hadn't been a bird. No red and nothing alarming to see, he lowered his hand and blinked again, shifting and twitching as she brushed at his shirt. He laughed a little and swatted at her gently. "Ticklish! Stop it," he pleaded, though not very strongly.

She didn't tease him for the missed step or his fall but she did get a sparkle of delight in her eyes as he revealed he was ticklish. "Oh?" She winked at him as she giggled softly and 'fussed' over him a bit more, making sure her fingers danced to deliver more of a tickle than a brush now. "Now you're in for it!" She whispered as she 'attacked' him.

Dom blinked again and darted backward as she brushed and raked gently enough to give him shudders beyond the tickling. The mop was still on the floor and his foot found it, rolling over it and he jerked backward again amidst laughter this time. He grasped for the nearest thing, her hand or arm or anything he could grab as he fished in the air against falling again though it seemed inevitable.

His laughter was as adorable as he was and it was contagious even as he grabbed at her and she started to tumble with him. He caught her arm and her slender form was pitched off balance against the weight of his masculine one and she came forward toward him.

It was a moment, a smallest fraction of a breath before he realized he was down on the floor again, witnessed again and this time up close as he pulled Octavia down with him. This time he wasn't sure if he really had hurt himself and he groaned if only to be sure he could still breathe, he'd been laughing so hard. "I'm horrible with standing up today. I should have stayed in my cot and been safer," he said, growing softer in his tone, looking up into the girl who fell with him.

She was a small girl and light so her falling onto him wasn't as much of a jar as the hard boards beneath him. She was surprised enough to simply lay over him for a moment instead of scrambling off. Octavia looked down into the gaze that stared up at her and she felt that familiar flip flop of her tummy that happened often when she was in his pressence. "Dormy don't say that.. if you had.. " She trailed realizing what she was about to say would have sounded silly to him.

"What? If I had what? You called me Dormy twice now," he grinned, stunned and wondering. "Thought only Cerv called me that. I like how you say it better."

"You like how I say it better?" She blushed at how he asked her to finish her thought and noticed that she'd called him Dormy but at the same time she felt shy at his reminder of Cervantes. The way Dom smiled at her made her wonder though she was afraid he'd be angry with her for liking him so much. After a moment of consideration she decided to tell him, it was Dom after all and he was kind, if a bit strange at times. "If you had stayed in bed.. you wouldn't have run into me. I enjoy your company more than anyone else."

If he was injured he hadn't really noticed. Dominick reached up to her hair that had fallen forward. "You're always nice to me," he observed aloud, sweeping the strands back to see her eyes. "Others whisper and say things I get pieces of, but you talk to me."

"You're always nice to me." She felt shy as he touched her hair but she didn't shy away from him, she smiled soft and sweet and kept gazing down at his warm eyes. "I've become quite fond of you and I'm not like most of the others on this ship. I enjoy talking to you.. you don't taunt me like some others do or might."

"Don't I? Maybe not like the others. They're cruel," he said, his observation tightening his expression briefly. "Never heard anywhere in the stories that the pirate code says we have to be cruel. Witty, cunning..," he explained, finding himself tangling deeper into her hair before he'd really realized it with his other thoughts he spoke. His fingers stopped and he stared a moment. "Deadly...Forever in love with the sea," he added, looking at the color of her eyes he'd not noticed this close before, how their color shifted at moments like the deep waves that carried them.

She nodded a bit to his words, agreeing that the others could be very cruel at times and really to all he said about what being a pirate was supposed to be like. The movement tangled his fingers further into her blond locks and brought her attention to the way he held her. She held his gaze and wondered at what thoughts he had beyond the words he'd spoken. "What does it say about falling in love with someone.. are pirates allowed to do that.. or can they only love the sea?"

[tripp]

July 31, 1740
night
Runs alongside: Promises

He'd never known there could be such unfathomable distance on a single ship as the space between himself and her cot as he attended his assigned chores to the point of much less pleasurable exhaustion than his time spent with Josette. Though there had been moments near her over the past two days and nights, their time alone had been impossible. Now that the storms thundered overhead, sending the crew below, Victor hoped that he'd be spared the hauling of buckets and pulling of ropes in favor of soothing his aching fingers over her beautiful shoulders. He found himself pressing his hands first against her narrow door as if trying to push away her cabinmates should they already be huddled together against the roar of the winds. He took a deep breath and knocked solidly, drowned out by a clap of thunder at first, then knocked again, cursing at the storm softly for delaying him seeing her even that one second longer.

Josette had been busy with mending sails or scrubbing pots for the past few days, most everything else she had yet to learn but she'd not been the Captain's focus. Through Octavia she'd learned that the lady captain of the Opal had far more pleasant distractions, Oct had not directly spoken of anything but merely hinted and Josette was clever enough to get the idea. Josette worried about her fate aboard this ship and what it would mean when or if she was dropped off in some port, she also wondered about a certain man who had been granted permission for her company. Victor had only come to her once, the first night and since then she'd hardly seen him but for a few moments in passing here and there. Part of her worried that she'd somehow offended him or that he found joining with her so unpleasant he had not come back. Had she been foolish to allow him.. and was she foolish now for thinking of him? Perhaps she should have tried to fight him off rather than willingly allow him to bed her.. though she had enjoyed it very much.

She was running Octavia's brush through her hair when the knock at the door made them both jump and then giggle quietly. Josette was already undressed down to a shirt to sleep in, as was Octavia, the rest of the girl's clothes spread to dry a little over night.

Octavia sighed and grabbed up her dagger as she approached the door, standing close to it to speak through it. "Who's there?"

"Let me speak with Josette," he said quietly though firmly insisting and not identifying himself. Should he need to? He felt he shouldn't, not if she truly wished him to visit her. She would know his voice, he was certain.

Josette wasn't the only one who knew his voice and Octavia growled softly as she knew his visit would mean she was getting kicked out of her room again. "Victor." She unlatched the door and moved away from it, going to fetch her trousers and boots.

Josette was far happier at hearing the voice than her bunk mate was. "Victor!" Her voice sparking with delight though she reminded herself not to be overly excited at his visit or too read too much into it. She set the brush down and turned toward the door as Octavia moved away from it, trying not to rush to it or throw herself at him as soon as it opened.

His hand was still pressed against the door and it swung open as Josette spoke out his name. His attention was drawn first to the girl who gathered her things. "Stay if you want, I don't care," he told Octavia as he practically flew into the room toward Josette to enwrap her in an eager embrace.

"I'd rather not watch." Octavia quickly redressed but didn't tuck in her shirt and wrapped her belt over it. "You can stay.. I'll go sleep in your room." She started for the door and then stopped and glanced back at the couple. "Is Dominick in there?.. Even if he is, I'm still sleeping in there and you'll just have to deal with him on the morrow if he doesn't like it!" With that the fiesty little blonde headed off to find a place to rest for the night.

He had taken over her room so he could take the widow.. likely doing so on -her- bed! Octavia was infuriated with Victor and as promised found her way down to his quarters which he shared with Dominick. The girl had nothing against the boy she called Dormy and to tell the truth felt a little sweet over him, but he was not interested in her. Too bad, he was so handsome. She sighed and pushed open the door to the small room, she'd not bothered to knock and hardly looked before latching it behind her. "I'll be sleeping with you tonight since Vic has seen fit to take over my room." She announced as she set her boots down, hung her belt and sword on the end of one of the cots then reached to pull her trousers off.

"You're... what?!" Dominick had been already half asleep in the quiet of Victor's absence. The man had been unable to cease talking about the rescued widow, making even Dormy too tired to tell his own stories in return. The shock of Octavia's sudden and bursting appearance had woken him fully into a panic. Ever fearful of the captain's wrath, he wanted to be sure the girl the captain seemed to look on as a sister wasn't tricking him into playing out the dreams he'd spoken of only to Cerv, and ever-so-little to Victor as the other man's pauses would allow, intending him later harm. Not Octavia. She wouldn't... couldn't do such a thing, no matter what the others called her. She'd been kind since he'd come aboard. He flew off the cot before he'd fully realized his upright position, almost tumbling her over as he tried to stop her from removing her knickers. They'd already fallen to the floor around her bootless ankles as he clasped her hands and he steadied himself. "He's... so you came here?" He looked down slowly, admiring the curve of her leg.

[Lovely]

"Of course I came here.." She started in a harsh tone but it softened considerably as did her expression, looking up to him almost shyly as her thumbs brushed his fingers. Dormy wasn't the one she was angry with and she shouldn't take it out on him. "Vic's in my room with Josette.. I wasn't going to stay there while they.. Do you mind, terribly.. if I stay here with you? I know I'm safe with you.. you don't look at me like the other men, like I'm a.. wh*re."

[tripp]

Anger flashed through his own eyes briefly as he pulled his attention up from her bared legs. "Who could think that of you? I could never," he agreed, shaking his head now with a bit of sadness. He knew many aboard were crass and mean spirited, but he'd never thought what it could be like for a girl on a ship until that moment, noting how different her fingers felt than he'd considered. They were cool, but softer and smaller than he'd realized. He'd never thought that Octavia could be offended or even hurt, either. She seemed so bold, so admirably strong just like the captain. Dominick felt hot and ashamed now for the thoughts he did have, but he didn't believe he ever thought of her as a wh*re. "I don't mind. He thinks nothing of it, so you shouldn't either. Are you sure you...?" He nodded to the pile of items she was discarding in front of him. His own hands felt hot and he was sure he was shaking, though trying not to.

[Lovely]

"Everyone does, Dormy.." Her voice was soft, her gaze turned down to the floor and her expression sad. "Because of where I'm from.. because of what my mother is.. and because I was brave enough to walk onto this ship while it was in port and ask to join the crew. I wasn't forced aboard with little choice and kept by one of the men, though there are several who openly say they want to or worse threaten to make me.." Her cheeks flushed deep red and she looked down to the pile of clothes. "Some of the men 'know' my mother.. they know me.. it was expected I'd be like her and instead I ran away leaving them all foaming at the mouth and wanting to be the first to break me. I have to sleep with my door locked and the table in front of it." Her fingers tightened around his hands and she timidly brought her gaze up to his, the shimmer of tears making them shine. "I don't feel that way with you."

[tripp]

Seeing the sadness within her pulled his heart to ribbons as she clung to him, telling him she didn't fear him. He didn't want to show his anger about what the other men felt about her, but he was ever curious about her, himself, wanting to know why she did and said and chose how she did. He wanted to know everything about her and his tone shocked even him with the surprise that she felt so safe this close to him when he was on the verge of proving himself equally horrid as the men she hid from. "Why don't you? Why are you so sure I'm different than the rest of them? I ... I know that I am, but I hoped...," he paused, not sure what he hoped, rather knowing fully what he feared: that to her he was only like her protective brother, disinterested and distant. He stammered around a mouthful of air, watching the moment nearly escape him while she clung to his hands. She'd come to him because she trusted him and he was terrified! Dominick darted forward to silence himself and grace her with a soft, sudden kiss, one he found himself lingering in perhaps a breath too long. Had he hurt her? Did he scare her? He moved back slowly, his eyes wide, fearing the absolute worst. "I'm sorry, Octavia. I... I'm no better than they are."

[Lovely]

The kiss was a pleasant surprise and she was glad he lingered though she didn't think he'd lingered long enough, she was pouting a little as he moved back and apologised. Octavia shook her head and held onto his hands, pulling herself away from te door and closer to him. "Why would you hope that I would think you were like them? They're vile pigs!" She nearly spat the last, her eyes flaring with anger at how they treated her. "I would never sleep with one of those pigs.. I came to sleep with you!" Her fingers clutched and twisted around his a little, frustrated tears shining in her eyes. "You are NOT like them.. you don't make feel dirty or worthless.." Her lips trembled and she tried to think of how to prove it to him. "If you were no better than they are.. you wouldn't have kissed me so sweetly. You would have pawed me .. pushed me to the floor and tried to own me." She brought his hand up to her chest, pushing it against her so he cupped her gentle curve and then she reached to the back of his neck, yanking him into another kiss.

[tripp]

With his own hands trembling he couldn't help but clutch the fabric and softness where she set his fingers. The dreams he'd shared with his absent bunkmate suddenly had form and warmth and he was suddenly breathless and dizzy with curiosity. Dominick lingered hungrily in the kiss now knowing he had scarcely offended her other than having delayed his actions for weeks too long. Octavia's touch was gentle and cool on his neck and he could feel her lips still trembling, demanding more of his attention to try to soothe her anger. His hand moved down slowly and the other pulled her into an embrace as if clinging to the dream he feared would fade any moment.

[Lovely]

The dream was far from fading as Octavia built upon each brush of their lips, allowing her affection for him open the door to her desire. She'd seen and been taught enough to make her feel wicked even if she had saved her gift from being taken by any man thus far. Suddenly she wanted to give it away, to give that to her dear sweet Dormy, for he was the only who deserved it. Her lips pushed his mouth open a little within the kiss, tasting his hunger and encouraging him with a shy flick of her tongue against his. She kept her hand at the back of his neck, her cool figers shifting higher to curl into his hair a bit, his kiss was making her dizzy and wanting more. Her free hand danced over his arm and down to begin to free him of the coverings that seperated them.

[tripp]

She was as amazingly fast at untying knots as she was with tying them, expertly freeing him while his attention was turned to the curious sensation of her tongue dancing against his. It tickled and he didn't want to bite her. Containing the tickle sent the shudder rippling through him, meeting the unexpected cool air above his knees for a second, welcomed shiver. He had to pull away or he'd burst or bite or grab too tightly all at once. He felt he was learning to swim all over again, totally lost and floundering! As he leaned back briefly, a restrained cry melted with the laugh he cast to the tiny room. He swept her back into his embrace with a sudden bravery. He'd so much wanted this moment! He gazed now, unafraid as his feet found solid ground for him for the first time since she'd known him and just as his dream had paved a path for him, he delightedly charged forward without stumbling. The shirts she wore covered her like a boy and he longed to see her as the woman he'd dreamt of each night. "May I?" He asked quietly, but in a hopeful whisper absent of the shyness she'd seen as he grasped the cloth to lift it free at her permission.