A Master of Tides

[InactiveCoffee]

@ExtremexColors

Spoiler

Captain West Calico was the Robin Hood of pirates, stealing from the wealthy and selfish and giving to the poor. In one of his lootings, he came across a young girl by the name of Jessamine and took her under his wing, making her his apprentice. Years later, when she was old enough and well-respected by the crew, Calico disappeared, leaving Jessamine in charge. She continued his work as he would have wished, gaining her own reputation and becoming better known as Miss Fortune, all the while searching for some sort of information on his disappearance. Eventually she found it, tucked away in the Captain's Quarters, a map and a note left for her by Calico himself to lead her to his greatest treasure. Now, she and her crew have set out to unfamiliar waters and dangerous territories in search of the treasure, all the while avoiding the King's crew that has been on the hunt for them since before Jessamine was taken apprentice.


Jessamine's first mate (you can name him whatever you'd like) has nothing but respect for his captain, she saved him from a life of poverty in the streets. He knows that if she hadn't invited him to join her crew, he would probably be dead by now, either killed by some other street scoundrel or hung for petty theft. He thought she was beautiful when he first met her, but now that he's worked for her and earned his way to the title of First Mate, he's completely in love with her.


Jessamine has no idea, mistaking his attraction for simple loyalty and he's content to let her continue thinking that. But with new and old dangers threatening to put their quest to an end, their strengths and emotions are put to the test.

(Plot courtesy of ExtremexColors)

 

[ExtremexColors]

Jessamine stood at the bow of her ship, watching over the horizon with sharp eyes. The wind in the sails and the water splashing below barely registered in her ears, which were well accustomed to the sounds of the sea. She could feel the breeze brushing past her face and though it was chilly, she took no notice. Her long jacket kept her warm enough. The sun had sunk down below the water now, turning it from streaks of brilliant reds and golds to a deep blackness. Stars had already begun to dot the sky and at the other side of the world, the moon was ascending from the water.


She turned on her heel and faced behind her, watching her crew work about on the deck. Further past them were the lights of a small town, growing dimmer and dimmer with distance. The town had been one final stop for supplies before setting out on their journey. Many ships would stay docked for the night, but not Jessamine's. It was better for them to work under the cover at night, for her and her crew knew these waters better than any. In a few days time they would be in new waters and Jessamine did not want her journey to be known. They would need to be cautious enough without the king's men chasing after them like dogs set loose from their ties.


Satisfied that they were on course, Jessamine crossed the deck and headed towards her cabin. She passed her crew and nodded to them. They nodded back and she could feel the respect in that simple gesture. She hoped she reciprocated well, though she had a feeling she did. They were following her to the ends of the earth after all.


Stepping into the cabin, she closed the door behind her and lit up a lantern. The darkness was chased away by the flickering of a small flame and she brought it over to the map, looking over it for the thousandth time. She had so many questions that she had yet to find answers to. Answers that this map was going to lead her to.

 

[InactiveCoffee]

Vincent watched the crew working on deck from his canopy perch, having been helping with the sails. His favorite thing was to climb through the rigging, and had become skilled at it enough he was occasionally asked if he were part monkey. He snickered softly at the memory, and shook his head. He watched the receding lights behind them, happy to be putting distance between them and the port town without having to flee for their lives. It was always a stressful time if the king's men were on their tails. He glanced back down to the deck, watching Jessamine leave from where she had been and walking toward her cabin. He was glad it was growing dark, and that he was pretty well alone up with the sails, otherwise he might have been more hesitant with the eye he used to look at Jessamine.


When alone, or unnoticed, he would watch her with a longing saved only for her. The way her body moved, and her clothes fit so well. He shut his eyes and shook himself. You're going to get yourself into trouble. Reign it in, Vince. He scolded himself silently. He sighed, and shifted from where he sat, curling his feet beneath his tall form. He walked along the spar a few steps before dropping down and catching himself on a bit of rope. It was a pointless line, to those who didn't know Vincent. He had placed it securely to give him a quick ride out of the rigging without endangering any of the important lines that kept the ship in working order. His feet landed with a rather loud thunk, his knees bending slightly to absorb the shock of landing. He stood straight, and stretched himself, his arms reaching above his head. "Good job, men. Looks like we're fit for open water, and the Captain seems pleased. Let's settle in for now." he said lightly as he approached Jessamine's cabin. He knocked lightly, "Captain? Need anything before I take post in the crow's nest?" he asked through the thick door.