Fantasy Forsaken Lands IC

[Solar Daddy]

Ambiance









Southampton, England, 1637 A.D.







The sweltering heat of the morning sun seemed to bake the port alive, with the only haven from its unyielding rays being the sparse shade found around the docks and the fervent sea winds keeping the gulls in the air. Southampton was lively and impressive, boasting a size only rivaled by London itself to the Northeast. The buildings towered over the citizens, aged and sun stained turning pure white into a faded yellow. Even those accustomed to cities would find Southampton a bustling metropolis filled with people from all walks of life conducting business, living their lives or travelling from afar. All manner of dress and stature were seen here, from the noble and elite to the downtrodden and poor. No matter who had cobbled your shoes, all soles walked the same muddy streets here.



More impressive than the intense visuals of the city, Southampton's harbor was home to countless ships, from the smallest of rowboats to the most stately galleons. Rigging, sails, netting and other busy architecture of naval life existed in all spaces near the water, as did the overwhelming smell of salt and catch of the day. Most here were only doing so for business, as the docks were hostile to simply wander about aimlessly. Many had gathered here in Southampton, more than usual, to oversee the release of the ships intended to carry off new settlers to help in the efforts of colonizing the Americas across the Atlantic ocean. It was a great endeavor to send such people across the world, but the return on investment, while risky, could bring untold fame to the Crown and its subsidiaries.



Resting silently in harbor alongside other vessels of its class and stature were three galleons, lined side by side, surrounded by endless bustling and activity. These ships were being given their last round of inspections, while cargo was to be loaded on, as well as its vital population that would become the ship's inhabitants for the next two months. The Amity, The Hope, and The Titan would be delivering many to the new world. Though The Amity and The Hope were merchant ships before, adjusted slightly for the intention of crossing the Atlantic for colonial purposes, The Titan was originally a galleon belonging to the English navy, having been decommissioned and ultimately repurposed to join the pilgrimage only a few months before departure.



316 people in total would board these ships and head to the new world this evening. Men, women and children all would be expected to endure the arduous process of crossing the ocean, but they were all prepared as well as they could be for the journey ahead. Many, like Eli Mason of Exeter and his family, awaited to board on the docks leading to the trio of ships in harbor. The masses had already been sorted by the ships they would be travelling on; Eli would be making the journey aboard The Amity, which was the flagship of this journey.



After hours of documentation, check-ups and waiting, the boarding process had finally begun. The Masons were one of the first to board, proving their identities to the quartermaster before stepping onto the decks with all their worldly possessions. The first thing on Eli's agenda was to get situated with their sleeping arrangements. Most on the pilgrimage would reside on makeshift cots in the cargo holds of the ship with little personal space, while some of the more important members of the journey had segmented quarters below decks. Eli and his family was unfortunate enough to join the masses in the cargo hold, and quickly busied himself and his family securing what little they brought in a secure location by their cots.



Above deck, Eli would later rest upon the ship's starboard parapet and watched as The Amity and her sister ships left harbor. Some on shore and aboard would wave to each other as the ships began their journey officially, and Southampton began slowly shrinking as they passed the Isle of Wight on their way West. There would be no turning back from the trip now. All aboard the pilgrimage were to either make their way to the Americas, or swim back to England in shame.



Eli Mason remained above decks for some time, writing the musings of his journey down in a worn leather journal. Many others walked along the promenade of The Amity, admiring the view of the calm ocean around them. For most, this would be their first time aboard a ship, and many had spent their precious maiden voyage ejecting their breakfast over the side. In the wake of The Amity were The Hope and The Titan, following only a few tens of meters in her flanks. This would be Eli and his family's home for the next few months, so he committed most of what he saw to memory, including the strangers he'd be living with for the time being.

​

 

[Pipsqueak]

Southampten had never managed to capture the simplicity and seclusion of the countryside, and it was safe to say it never would. The bustling city full of chiming bells cuing ship's departures and arrivals, of chattering passerby and the gleeful giggles of children, of seagull cries and the clop clop cloping of horses drawing carts- None of this was much to Edmund's liking. The worst, of course, was the business of it all. Back home, Eddie could listen to the world around him without the blanket of confusion and claustrophobia. The trees and soft tussles of grass spoke easily and freely- He found himself thinking of them often.

Now must have been one of those times. It wasn't until a small force of pressure was felt on his shoulder that Edmund finally glanced up from the cobbled pathway. He turned slightly to glance back at the woman behind him- a peculiar woman dressed in all black. Jane Doe, an interesting character indeed. He hadn't seen her since their time competing for an apprenticeship in Bristol, only having met back up last night. He'd been worried that he hadn't yet earned her forgiveness for taking the opportunity away from her, but she seemed to have no ill will. Jane had greeted him warmly whilst out on a night walk. Apparently, she'd been having the same trouble falling asleep that he had. New beginnings were never easy, no matter what they promised.

"Sorry Jane... I was just thinking of home. Is everything alright?" She nodded, though her expression was impossible to read through the doctor's mask. Instead, she pointed with a gloved finger towards the harbor. Following her point of interest, Edmund realized he had nearly walked right past the three massive ships that stood in the dock. The two stood silently for a moment, gazing at the large wooden structures in awe.

"I'll say! Impressive, aren't they? Which is the one we're boarding?" Edmund looked around towards his silent companion once more. It wasn't that he was this oblivious all the time. In fact, before he'd gotten sent away, people in his hometown had praised him for being so diligent and hard working! Unfortunately Jane insisted on taking care of him, which often made him look (And feel) like a fool.

Once again she pointed, this time to the ship in the middle.

"That must be The Amity." He said allowed, to neither of their help. And then there it was. As soon as the sentence had escaped, the feeling of dread and near paralyzing fear began to take its place. Edmund's mouth became dry, his heart pounding as hard as the waves against the ships. Tentatively, he raised his hand to the silver cross hung around his neck.

"God, may you see us safely across these waters. Let us find the new land and escape to a better life. Please give us the courage needed, and the ability to use what was given to us wisely." White knuckled, he finished his quick prayer and continued numbly to the ship. He didn't have to look to know Jane was as confident about this as she was walking on solid ground. Since he'd known her she'd never shown fear, not even to him. The knowledge that at least one of them was calm seemed to make the awful feeling subdued just a bit.

"Next!" The low tone of the quartermaster was hardly heard against the sounds of the boarding passenger's own conversations. Standing on the docks waiting to board, Edmund felt like sheep being led to a slaughterhouse. They both took one step, then two, then three, then one. Closer and closer until finally it came their turn to show their documents. Eddie held his breath, watching, tensed, as the bearded man inspected Jane's papers closely.

"Please work, please work." And it did. As the fear dissipated completely, he realized that's what had really scared him. If they hadn't been able to board, they'd both be destined to a hellish existence- or lack thereof. Sparing Jane a relieved glance, he continued onto the ship, now at ease.

"Thank you." The small, mousy voice spoke up. Though he'd heard it before, it still surprised him.

"You're very welcome, dear Jane. Come along then." The two headed to find a good place to rest, hoping to catch up on the sleep they so desperately needed. The hard part was over. How bad could the rest of this be?

 

[Aeris]

Lillian stared out in awe at the sight before her. Her feet ached from days of walking but at last, she had made it to Southampton. A part of her still wasn't sure this was a good idea, the odds of finding her family across the Atlantic were far-fetched. Surely leaving Ireland would have been good enough, but she couldn't shake the words of a passerby she had overheard while sweeping the streets one morning.

"A lot of families are going. They say it's a chance to start over in a new world."

It wasn't a lot to go on, and surely her family was realistically back in Ireland still. But Lily didn't see the harm in crossing the Atlantic on the off chance the people who left her all those years ago were thinking the same thing. At any rate, maybe she could start over too. With that thought ringing loud and clear, Lily attempted to brush the dust off her tattered clothes- which she had patched up over the years- and set off towards the ships.

"Hello," she greeted one of the guards checking identification as she nervously handed hers over. The man nodded in response as he looked from her papers to her. It wasn't that she lied on her papers, not entirely. But her papers didn't mention that she didn't have a full name, nor that she was an orphan from Ireland. After several agonizing seconds, the guard finally handed her papers back to her. "Welcome to The Amity." He muttered before beckoning the next passenger over.

The thought that she wouldn't be able to just get up and go when she was ready didn't occur until the ship had left the harbor. The pit of anxiety only grew bigger as she watched Southhampton until it was just a dot in the distance. She hadn't stayed in one spot longer than a few weeks at most, the last time she really stayed anywhere was at the orphanage.

There was no turning back now, she would simply have to live with the path she was taking.

Lillian found a small corner that had not been claimed yet and began laying out her few belongings. It wasn't a lot, it wasn't anything really. But pretending like she had belongings made her feel a bit better. Lily fell asleep that night clutching her necklace as she dreamed about a life she hoped to have soon.

 

[Solar Daddy]

The rocking of the Amity put many in a state of constant sickness. For the first few days of the journey, the upper decks of the ship were lined with those expelling their breakfast into the sea. The constant turmoil of motion was relentless and more than one occasion of a passenger wishing to be brought back to Southampton occurred. These sentiments weren't heeded whatsoever; the hysterics were to be ignored. Everyone had signed on for a new life in a new world, whether it ended in their doom or not. Some simply couldn't withstand the thought of being so far from land, or the thought of the ocean floor lying thousands of meters below, with nothing but water and unknown sea creatures in between. The nearest land continuously got further and further away, and even though they exceeded the distance a normal human could swim within hours of departure, some even attempted to throw themselves overboard to get back to their old lives.

But the Amity, the Hope, and the Titan marched on like the restless pursuits of vanity they were.

The first week concluded rather peacefully despite the occasional cry to the gods for divine intervention. The schedule was routine, with little deviation: Wake up, eat, lounge about, talk with other passengers, eat, sleep. It was dreadfully boring for those who weren't conversationalists, but those who thrived in social situations found themselves pleasantly busy. Those such as Eli Mason and his family mostly stayed to themselves, with only Eli branching out infrequently to discuss the future with his fellow passengers. He had made a name for himself, if a small one, for the knowledge he possessed; few seemed to compare to Eli's wit, regardless of how true it was.

Other notable members of the cast aboard the Amity included Ansel Duncan, a preacher of high renown in London. His constant talk of God and the fear all should have in His almighty being have permeated all decks and all attempts to block out the sermons. Unfortunately for the members aboard the Amity, Ansel was someone who had over half the ship enraptured in his teachings. When someone informed you of the only way to secure your soul in heaven, it was often a preach you listened to, regardless of your beliefs.

Another commoner among the crew was Grace Morgan, wife of Bernard Morgan who was an run-of-the-mill farming family. Despite Bernard being wholly uninteresting at his core, Grace had a proclivity for gossip, and not just simple words either; she'd been getting acquainted with a handful of others aboard, learning secrets and spouting them out to others in hushed tones. It seemed Grace was quite the troublemaker, and despite her reputation being rather known after a few days, people couldn't seem to keep away from her. On such a confined space with so many strangers, everyone wanted in on the news; who to stay away from, who to trust, and so on.

Emeline Sterret was another name of renown after only a short time aboard the Amity. A shopkeeper in her old life selling all kinds of exotic wares, Emeline originally came from Glasgow in Scotland but ventured to the new world, according to her own testament, "just to try something new." She was seen by most as beautiful, engaging, and benevolent; most aboard either envied her or were jealous of those she interacted with. She was almost a direct antithesis to Grace, usually uplifting others and calming those feeling uneasy of the future rather than sowing further discord in her fellow passengers.

One final member of note among the crew was Jasper Pymer. He found himself aboard the Amity as a potential leader for Prosperity's government in the near future. Growing up in a wealthy family in Southampton, Jasper found himself in many positions he fancied solely on his name alone. When he made mention of wanting to be governor someday, his father became hellbent on sending the spoiled, young son of his to strike a deal with the leaders of the colonization efforts, and soon Jasper found himself dreading his wish to lead. He was known to be snobby, near deranged in his expectations of servitude from other passengers, and was all around rude to others. Jasper often found himself in verbal fights with other passengers, Eli included, who often tried bringing the highly ambitious Pymer heir back to realism.

These notable people, in addition to the hundred or so other passengers aboard, kept life interesting during the journey. It was quiet, boring, and overall dreadful to endure the trip, even with only a week out of the two month trip over. The food was low quality; the company was really the only thing keeping many of the younger passengers from droning on about lack of stimulation.

That was, until the morning of the 8th day. Bells tolled, shouts rang out across the upper decks, which soon reciprocated below decks as well. Light sleepers were quickly awakened by the sudden disturbance, but any who attempted to make their way above decks were kept from doing so by the crew. It wasn't long before most were up and about, quickly contemplating what had happened above decks that was cause for such alarm.

The trio of ships all halted after some time, and gangplanks were produced between the ships so that the captains could convene on recent events. The rumors grew to be almost unbearably fervent as people speculated the disaster that had befallen the voyage.

An hour passed before the captains returned to their respective ships and they began moving again. An announcement was made, requesting that everyone crowd the upper decks to listen to the captain, Francis Miller, recount the events that had transpired the night before.

"Caution is advised." Francis' booming voice rose over the murmurs in the crowd. The stout man rested his hands upon the railing by the wheel, looking down at the masses beneath his wide brimmed cap and boisterous, near cumbersome clothes. "There was a murder last night. Catherine Hughey's body was found, strung up against the mast with torn clothing and multiple stab wounds. Her mouth was gagged. Her possessions remained on her person."

Francis paused, letting the outcries naturally swell. Some questioned more about the death, others asked who was the culprit, and still others wondered what was done with the body. Francis allowed the questions to die down before continuing. "We are looking into the matter. Catherine was not very well known, thus we believe she couldn't have had many enemies. Any who have witnesses of other crew members going above decks in the late hours of the night are to report directly to me. Any help is greatly appreciated. For now, I would remain vigilant and watch out for any suspicious activity. We are not looking to cause alarm or hysteria, but a murderer resides within our ranks and we all must do our part to ensure justice is brought to this person."

With that, Francis dismissed the crowd. A handful of people were summoned by Francis himself to his office, while others willingly went along to provide their accounts of the night.

Eli Mason, who'd remained in the crowd until after most had dissipated, ran a hand through his hair after momentarily removing his brimmed hat. After placing it back upon his crown, Eli let out a hefty sigh. "The world's gone mad. We've been at sea for a week and already people are losing their minds." Eli rested against the perimeter of the ship, gazing onto the deck. He eyed every person who passed, silently judging them all. Anyone could be a murderer, especially when so little clues were accounted for.

 

[Pipsqueak]

Unlike his ever observant companion, Edmund had taken it upon himself to sleep for the both of them. 8 days had passed since their departure, and Eddy had rested for 3 of them. He'd never been a heavy sleeper, ever curious in his childhood and too worried about the day's work ahead growing up, but at some point the body and mind of a person had to take over. The pair had settled themselves near the back of the ship on the late afternoon on the 7th day, exhaustion wearing on Edmund like a blanket. Against his better judgement, he'd entertained what felt like half the ship's female passengers, and quite a few eagerly sociable men. Most were nice people, some inquiring a bit too much about his life and Jane, while others were seemingly looking for an anchor. Eddy was used to people looking at him for protection or companionship. Protection he could provide, at least, and said as much to some of the others. Companionship was not in his peripherals as of now, and kindly let the rest down.

Unfortunately some people couldn't take no for an answer. One woman who had introduced herself as Grace had been stuck to him like glue since the beginning of this passage. She was a talker, which seemed the only good thing about her. It left Eddy to daze off in his own head as she rambled on about trivial matters aboard the ship. Still, the moments she'd allowed herself to pause her gossiping she took instead to try flirting. Poorly. Edmund was fairly certain he'd heard mention of her husband a few times, which only made him more uncomfortable. Any time he'd catch her headed his way, his immediate instinct was to look for any sign of the man that had taken her hand. Of course, Jane helped as well.

There were moments when Eddy really appreciated her motherly nature. Jane was a woman of few words, but enough poise to put anyone in their place just with a stance. Grace seemed weary enough of her. Enough, at least, to grant them a peaceful night. With all of the social interaction, it was really no wonder Edmund had drifted off so fast. Of course nothing this good can last forever. Eddy wasn't quite sure when he'd been awakened. The chiming bells were alarming, but the worried murmurs from the dozens of awoken passengers shocked his nerves enough to recognize that something was amiss. He preferred to stick to the back of the crowd as they were herded to the top, near shoulder to shoulder with Jane. Her feelings, like always, were unreadable underneath her mask. He grabbed his cross necklace in habit, wishing suddenly that he had had the foresight to make a quick protection spell. Idiot.

As the news unfurled, so too did the tension. Eddy crossed himself quickly, overcome with the urge to throw up. How could something like this happen so quickly? Was it human nature to cause destruction where there seemed to be peace? He felt Jane's gaze on him, and he reminded himself that he was the anchor. Taking a deep breath, Eddy cleared his throat and moved to the side of the ship, away from straying ears.

"There's nothing to be done about a corpse. I've not got enough supplies to cook up something useful..."

"Must we do something?" Jane's soft voice floated from underneath the mask. Edmund regarded her with concern before running a hand through his hair.

"Yes. I'm a physician, after all." It was his job to protect innocent people. Between the power he'd been blessed to learn and the healing nature of his occupation, he certainly had a duty to these people.

"I... Jane, might you go collect Grace for me? If someone here should know anything aside from the murderer, it should be her. I'll go speak to the captain, see if I cannot make myself acquainted with the victim." Okay, at least there was a plan. Jane nodded minutely before turning, almost floating, on her heel to find the gossip. Pale, shaky hands rested on the silver necklace once more before Eddy gathered enough courage to speak with the captain. The man had holed up in his office with a few others, so Edmund knocked carefully, unsure whether it was wise to interrupt a meeting at a time like this.

 

[spottednewt]

A swing in his arms and a song in his heart, Tiago strutted the decks of The murder cruise Amity like he’d been seafaring his entire life; and nothing at all like he’d spent the first 72 hours of the voyage vomit-glued to an aft bulwark. The day he’d found his sealegs was transformative - of so he told himself - like he’d been blind before and now he saw, or like he’d been washed in seaspray for three days and could finally wash his ass.
He saw it as a new genesis. A grand but feeble declaration; a sign from God himself that Tiago would've found anywhere, if not for his seasickness. He would’ve found divine purpose in coffee grounds or the smell of dead fish if needed. —Like anyone who had already made a decision, looking for any reasoning that would serve his predisposed purposes. He was clawing at something bigger than himself. It made every step away from his family home lighter. It made him taller; it puffed out his chest and put a song on his lips.

While working in England, he’d already planned out the entire voyage. He’d help the deck hands with their grunt work. He’d teach Spanish to whoever he could. He’d read to the children. He’d spend every sunrise on the highest point he could find with a cup of coffee and a plan for the day. He’d be artfully idealistic; and he’d follow through. Barring the illness he saw in the beginning, like the fire that he’d emerge from as a Phoenix, he’d been right on track to follow all of his plans.

A murder, was not in his fuckin plans. Of course, there would be struggle and strife - he’d even planned for a period of stir-crazy cabin fever where children and adults alike would make up games and play in the Cargo hold for hours. They’d have some of their best and worst meals those days. They’d have deep and wide conversations. They’d bond and be stronger for it.
They wouldn’t bind and stab each other multiple goddamn times in the first week.

Had the others already forgotten the sprawling sunsets that melted into the horizon like butter? He hadn’t forgotten; and he wouldn’t.

"The world's gone mad. We've been at sea for a week and already people are losing their minds."

Tiago hummed along to the stranger next to him, standing still, frozen in the brutality of it all as others filed past them and back into the recessive corners or the dark depths of their goliathan ships. His own gaze for the human stream wasn’t one of judgment, but of confusion and veiled betrayal.

“Have you been on a voyage such as this before?” Tiago leaned towards Eli with his question, although he’d already assumed that any man of greying age had already been on an adventure such as this. That was all he’d known, anyway.

“Is this…. Something that happens?” He added more slowly before the man could respond.

 

[Aeris]

The first seven days had passed quickly in Lily's eyes. She'd spent most of her days tucked away in a corner, silently watching the other guests talk amongst themselves. It was quite uncomfortable being trapped with so many people, and several times Lily had to remind herself she was unable to throw herself off the side of the ship and swim back to shore. Regardless of what her instincts wanted to do, she forced herself to accept the path she had chosen, even if she was beginning to regret it.

If it was one thing the young woman was grateful for, it was the food. Though bland in most people's eyes, Lillian was happy she had a promised meal every day after years of countless nights she would go to sleep hungry. Likewise, she was happy she had a small cot. It wasn't much, but she would take this any day over sleeping in a bale of hay, ready to flee should she be discovered.

Not all her days went by quietly, however. It was the fifth day of their voyage Lillian had met Emeline. She hadn't wanted to talk at first, but Emeline had taken a liking to Lily's pendant. It had taken exactly two days of Emeline talking to Lily for her cold exterior to melt, though she still remained vague about her past and why she was on the Amity, Lily appreciated having a friend of some kind.

Lily had gone to bed the night before disaster struck believing finally she had made the right choice in boarding this ship.

Oh, how wrong she would feel in just a few hours.

Lillian woke on the first ring of a bell the morning of the eighth day. She jumped from her cot, sweeping all her belongings up with her by instinct. She clutched the pendant tightly in her fist as the passengers crowded around to await further news. There were many things Lily assumed had caused such a scene, food shortage, a storm, even a small fight perhaps. A murder had been the last thing on her mind.

If she wasn't on a ship a thousand miles out at sea right now, Lily would have been gone before anyone had time to register she was ever a person in the group. Every instinct wanted her to leave, it was no longer safe here. But she couldn't and now they were stuck with a murderer in the middle of the ocean. Lillian's ears perked up at the two men beside her talking. With her mind in survival mode, now was as good of a time as any to make some new friends.

"I would hope this doesn't happen often..." she interjected into their conversation. "I've traveled quite a bit and this is the first murder I've witnessed."

 

[Solar Daddy]

The Amity, Captain's Quarters

Inside the confines of the rather spacious room, Francis Miller stared down at the battered corpse of Catherine Hughey, the poor twenty-something who'd been killed within a fortnight of their departure. Francis could barely meet the frozen gaze of the corpse, instead choosing to closely examine the various stabs made upon the body. Around him, a small group of mostly his officers and a few people of interest. Unfortunately, most of the "witnesses" who came forth initially spun a fantastical myth, either out of boredom or genuine belief. One man even suggested it was the work of Angels, having come down from heaven to punish them all one by one. Francis scoffed at the idea. There were no gods out here. Just the sea, a handful of farmers, and a murderer.

"I wish not to hear any more of these fairytales," Captain Miller said without removing his gaze from the body. "Those who give untruthful accounts will be considered tampering with official Beneficiary concerns, and I'll tie them to the damn figurehead to be food for the Sirens." Those around him didn't mutter a word. Slowly, one by one, the witnesses who were so diligent in informing the Captain of their opinions filtered out, not wanting to spark the ire of the ship's leader. It seemed to have been a decent enough threat. Hopefully, no more would arrive to spin him tales of intrigue and spectacularity.

Then, a knock on his door disrupted his descent into his loudening thoughts. Francis tilted his head up, then turned slowly. As was typical, one of Francis' minions went and checked the door, finding one Edmund Blythe on the other side. The man who answered the door, Timothy Cornwell, frowned down at the lad, his grimace seemingly frozen onto his face. "You're not here to tell the Captain another far fetched story are you? We'll strap you to the-"

Timothy was cut off in his reciting of Francis' punishment by the Captain himself. "Let the boy in," He said, waving his hand uncaringly forward. "I know this one. A physician. Just the profession I needed." Upon entering the room, Timothy shut it behind Edmund, remaining close to the door.

"I've read the files of those aboard with skills of interest. Yours was one of the first listed under medical care; I've no need for a healer, but I do need some investigatory work done involving the body." Francis ensured Edmund had stepped up to the table, within a quarter meter of the body, placing his knuckles on the table overlooking the body. "I need your help to determine how this was accomplished. I need to know the type of blade, the time of death - anything of importance you can gleam from a corpse. I know you're not a coroner, but you're the closest thing I have to one."

"Leave us." Francis barely waved his hand, speaking to no one in particular; the workers who still remained in the room hastily exited the Captain's quarters, leaving just Francis and Edmund in the poorly lit room. "I do not expect you to perform this task with a... prying audience." Francis explained.

The intense, dead eyes of Catherine Hughey seemed to stare directly into Edmund's chest, boring a hole right through him. Her blouse, a flowy white dress soaked through from the ocean spray, was just as damp with her own blood, mostly surrounding her torso and specifically her stomach. Unfortunately, there was no chance of Edmund escaping this ask; it was clear Francis had no intention of letting the boy leave until the examination was done.

The Amity, Below Decks

Jane had been asked to find Grace Morgan, the chatty wife of Bernard Morgan, who was where she always seemed to be; sitting on the creaky wooden chair beside her lice infested bed, in her cramped corner of the cargo hold. The gossiper was rarely seen without her quilt in hand, needle passing through the fabric expertly even as she spoke her much maligned secrets. Upon seeing Jane enter her neck of the woods, Grace gave a warm - and admittedly sinister - smile to the strange plague doctor.

"O," Grace began, halting her threading for a singular moment. "The mysterious stranger comes to pay me a visit. That is why you're here, is it not? No one comes this far below decks unless they want information," The hag snickered giddily, motioning with her head for Jane to sit beside her on the hay filled sack that was her and her husband's bed.

"Go on, I know you wish to speak to me about the murder. Ask away."

Pipsqueak

The Amity, Above Decks

Eli was no stranger to having discussions with those he barely knew. It was a must, when most of your life was spent in solitary on a farm, only to be thrusted into town to sell his crop to those in high demand of it. Shopkeepers, guards, the occasionally chatty passerby; Eli had perfected the art of simply being himself around strangers, which also just so happened to usually mean he commanded the space.

To Tiago, the Spaniard who'd approached no doubt from Mason speaking to himself, Eli responded firstly with a dissatisfied scoff. "I've spent time aboard a ship on a significantly shorter ride to France a time or two. Never anything like this, though; and Lord as my witness, it'll be the end of me." Eli uncaringly kicked the back of his boot against the parapet of the deck, then coughed into the crook of his arm. "Dying of consumption, or going mad and flinging yourself overboard; those are ways men die at sea. Murder is a completely different beast. I can't begin to imagine what Catherine had done to cause an enemy to perform such an act. And to have no one witness it, no one speak of it until the morning after... It's downright insane. My money's on one of the deck hands; slimy bastards they are. Always looking to make passenger's lives hell. One of them probably tried something, and didn't want to risk her spreading word, so he silenced her. Poor girl."

When the young lady showed up - Lillian, if Eli was correct - he quickly subdued any effort in talking about the murder in detail. To try and be at least mildly uplifting, what with the youth in their presence, Eli switched his tone. "Murder is rare at times like these, girl. No need to fret over it. I doubt this'll be a repeat offender; no one would dare try these same antics again, now that people are vigilant. Concerned." After a pause, Eli felt the need to reinstate his assurance. "No need to fear."

Eli turned again to Tiago, offering his hand. "Eli Mason. I hope you both have your heads on much the same as me. Rest o' this ship seems to be losing their minds at the mere thought of a death."

spottednewt Aeris

 

[Pipsqueak]

Jane was familiar with death, perhaps just as much as the poor, murdered girl. The topic of the afterlife and the intertwining balance of life and death was not something she shied away from, really, but she was certain her silence might have been taken in a manner dissimilar to her feelings by the woman she currently sat across from. Truthfully, she hadn't wanted to speak with her. Grace was clingy, talkative, and disloyal to probably more than just her husband. Basically everything Jane was not. It was not unusual for Jane to be silent in general, but speaking with Grace only made her want to sink into a comfortable hole in the ground and never lay eyes on anyone again.

Still, Eddie had asked her to do this, and she was not so far removed from the current situation as to go against his wishes. Digging the toe of her boots into the rough planks of the ship, Jane took a breath and began.

"I want to know what you've seen." She spoke quietly, her voice cracking from little use.

"Eddie wants to know what you've seen."

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He wanted to know what everyone had seen, and currently he was investigating everything the captain had happened upon that fateful morning. Eddie lightly trailed the woman's body with his fingertips, curiosity and worry digging into his soul. The murderer was still out there on the ship, probably blending in with the shock and sadness as easily as they had carried out this dreadful act. The cold stiffness from the once lively lady seemed to seep uncomfortably into his skin as he relayed the information as fast as his brain could come up with theories.

"Her body is freezing. Typically rigor mortis sets in a few hours after death. My guess is this happened only a few hours ago. Interestingly enough, though her body is soaked from sea spray, she hasn't begun to bloat. If I had to guess, she was strung up on the mast and then killed, sir." Unusual indeed. He assumed it was some sort of message. Why leave her body for everyone to see if they could have just hid it somewhere on the ship? But no, if they had her tied before killing her, it perhaps would mean they were talking to her first. To get information? To torture her? It was anyone's guess.

"The stab wounds... there are eight in total. Four in the abdomen, here," He pointed delicately to indicate to the captain, "Three in the back, and one just beneath the collarbone. Looking at the marks, it seems this was done with some sort of jagged object, I'd assume a knife of some kind. Hastily done as well... this was not a professional killing." Either that or someone had come upon the killer during their "work". If that were the case, someone else on this ship was an accomplice.

"Due to this woman being tied upon the mast, it must've been done by a very strong man, or there was help involved. Maybe one person, maybe more. And um, as you can see here," Eddie pointed to her wrists and ankles, "It seems she was struggling against the ropes. She knew she was going to die..." Despite his career choice, the thought of death still made him shudder. How could anyone do something like this and not feel remorse? It hadn't been Eddie's fault, of course, but the guilt still ate at him every day. It was nearly impossible to think there were people out here who did this on purpose.

Trying not to think too hard about it, the young man cleared his throat and continued to give the body another once- over.

"It seems she's got pieces of wood embedded into her skin near her abdomen and her feet. Did you see her come on without shoes, sir?" Eddie glanced back towards the captain questioningly.

"While this is my ship and I screened those who came aboard, I was not present for the boarding," Francis said plainly. "Not to mention, it's been days since we've set sail. She could've swiped a pair from someone else, or lost hers, or any number of things."

Eddie nodded, already knowing that would probably be his answer. He'd thought of that as well, but it was worth a shot.

Without reply Edmund began his search once more, bringing what little light the lantern cast in the small office closer to the body. It felt warmer in here, as if the intense gaze the captain held on him was burning the whole ship down.

"Everything else looks quite normal, sir. Except... Hm." Eddie had been trained to investigate every part of a corpse, no matter how trivial it might seem. It looked as though that advice was paying off.

"There is a small... carving? Right there, on her tongue. It looks to be a small cross." Without thinking, he grabbed the captain's arm to bring him closer, drawing the lantern in as well.

"Just there. Hardly noticeable, but certainly put there on purpose." Eddie pursed his lips, suddenly feeling nervous. Was this the work of some religious business? He moved his hand to the silver cross around his neck, realizing he'd been more reliant on it since boarding than his craft.

"What do you suppose we do?"

 

[Aeris]

Lillian wasn't sure what to make of the two men. Sure, they seemed like normal folks, but with the current events on the ship, she wasn't sure who she could trust anymore.

"My heads on just fine, thank you." Her tone came out more hostile than she had meant to, but she didn't wish to be treated like a child by the two. "I can assure you I've seen enough in my life. I don't wish to be spoken to as if I was a kid." Lily kept her tone more even this time, trying not to let her emotions get the best of her.

Lillian watched the rest of the crowd with a growing curiosity. It didn't make sense to murder someone, especially when they were all in such a crowded space. Whoever did it was confident they weren't gonna get caught in the act. And the longer the crime went unsolved, the higher the risk of them wanting to kill again. They had to figure out who could have done this, and fast.

"I reckon they may kill again if they think they've gotten away with it once." She voiced her thoughts to Eli and Tiago. "It probably be best if we stuck together, won't be as easy to kill if we're in a group." That was truly the last thing she wanted to do, but she didn't want to become a target either.

"...That being said, I'm Lillian Korlov, it's nice to meet ye'." She held her hand out rather stiffly as she introduced herself.

spottednewt Solar Daddy

 

[spottednewt]

Tiago’s mouth hung ever-so-slightly ajar as Lillian began, hand lifted slightly; suspended in time by the woman’s musings. An introduction interrupted, but he’d been too wrapped up in the way about her –the things she said– to find offense.

The man’s brow knitted together slowly as she continued about safety in numbers, hand moving slowly to finally meet Eli’s outstretched reach. He gave the man a firm handshake, a churn gripping his stomach as he placed the man’s face. Weighed down by all their worldly possessions, Montes remembered passing Eli and his family in the shuffle to board the boat. A knot formed in his throat at the idea of having so much to lose to one or more wicked characters aboard the vessel.

“Tiago Montes,” He spoke finally, the name rolling off of his tongue with an ease that surprised him. “‘Pleasure to meet you both,” He continued without skipping a beat, turning on his heel to offer the woman his hand as well.

“I imagine that,” He swallowed the tightness in his chest before continuing, tossing his head slightly to the side as he found his words carefully. “Clumping up now could raise tensions even higher, but I believe I’d sleep better knowing that someone might be watching my back while I watch theirs.”

More surprises. He hadn’t known what would leave his mouth when he opened it, but he was pleasantly surprised with the even-keel strategy of it. Even his voice, slick with Spanish accent around the syllables and a low, solemn gruffness, sounded like a new start. –Sounded like the man, the adventurer, he was meant to be.

--Even if his gut told him that he, Lillian, and Eli could damn well hold each passenger over the side of the boat, one-by-one until somebody gave up some information. Someone had to know something.

Solar Daddy Aeris

 

[Solar Daddy]

The Amity, Below Decks

Grace's twisted smile only curved more sinisterly as Jane spoke. Her voice muffled by the mask seemed to almost give Grace more confidence in her position. "O, dear, I shall tell you all I know. I'm not some bank who deposits everyone else's secrets for my own sake. I like watching the waves churn, so to speak."

Grace Leaned back deep into her chair, looking up into the ceiling with a smile that only seemed to get bigger with every passing second. "Well, the poor girl suffered deeply, I'm afraid to say. I heard a deckhand found her strapped to the mast like a scarecrow. I know she suffered from the whispers about the ship, but... How could she? No one heard her cries in the night?" Grace giggled to herself, clearly leaving Jane in as much suspense as she could muster. Finally, she continued. "Some folk're saying she brought it upon herself. That she was doing something she shouldn't have, and someone found her secret. That there was evidence in her bunk that supported the theory. But who's to know? Soon those deckhands will strip her room of her belongings, and no one but the officials will know for sure..." Grace's words were drawn out towards the end, clearly egging on Jane to paw through Catherine's belongings.

"You might get caught interfering and hanged from the neck until dead. But it's worth it to find answers, don't you think? After all, my aging mind can't remember who told me such things anyway... Maybe I'll remember by the time you return. With whatever interesting things you find in Catherine's possession."

The Amity, Captain's Quarters

Captain Francis was mostly silent as Eddie examined Catherine's corpse. He listened closely to Edmund's revelations and answered any questions presented by the young temporary coroner. Despite the gravity of the situation, it seemed Francis had better places to be by his expression. It was clear he expected a quick wrap-up to the mystery and was less than happy the murderer was still unnamed, as if Edmund would even be able to come up with that on such little evidence.

When Edmund pointed out the cross carving in the girl's mouth, Francis gave a large grimace. The last thing he wanted was to deal with religious zealotry. He was a good and proper Christian, but some could cross the line handily. It seemed one already had.

"What should we do?" Francis repeated Edmund's question back at him. "We interrogate everyone your evidence points to. A large religious man; if it was a group instead who committed the murder, then someone will rat the others out eventually. I'm offering a plea deal. Whoever confesses or provides evidence for their associate's acts will get reduced sentences." Francis came to his conclusion rather quick, seemingly instantaneously. Either he was a well experienced, well rounded captain, or someone trying to look like one.

"Thank you for your support, Edmund. I may call upon you again in the future if similar... uh, problems continue." Francis motioned to the door. "You may leave. Don't mention anything you witnessed here to anyone else."

Once Eddie left the quarters, he summoned in his henchmen at the same time Edmund passed through the doors. If he listened closely, Edmund could hear Francis begin explaining how he wanted all of Catherine's belongings secured in the captain's cabin, just before the doors shut and became inaudible.

The Amity - Upper Decks

Eli Mason was unprepared for the fiery nature of Lillian, who he presumed would be a rather reserved due to her shy composure. Of course, he was pleasantly surprised, lest he be surrounded by sheep and not wolves. If someone as young as Lillian was this passionate, then Eli felt assured in the company he now kept. Maybe he wouldn't be the sole useful person aboard this voyage.

"No harm intended," Eli correctly quickly after shaking Tiago's hand with a nod. He then shook Lillian's hand a bit gentler. "Well, it's good to make your acquaintances, both of you. I imagine having more friends is better than less, especially in a time like this." Eli listened closely to both Tiago and Lillian, who recommended sticking together for their time aboard the Amity.

"It's not a bad idea. Until we start getting some hard facts, it's unwise to go at it alone. I'd rather people accuse us of being secretive over a dozen stab wounds in my gut." Eli responded with a heavy nod to Tiago in agreement. "We can make sure someone keeps an eye out while the rest sleep, in rounds. Maybe muscle some information out of those who might know things. But we need to be discrete about it. Can't risk starting a mob in a confined space like this. And-"

Eli paused as the door to the Captain's cabin across the deck opened up, and a lone Edmund walked out. Eli focused on the lad for a moment before realizing what had happened. That boy had more information on what was going on than anyone on the ship, speculating endlessly. He needed to get an audience with him before others convinced him to be quiet about what he knew.

"Excuse me!" Eli called, waving his hand towards Edmund. "Over here, boy. You look like a well rounded man, join us for a chat." He made it out to seem friendly and sociable, but he planned on weaning out every last fact he could from the Captain's muse. "Name's Eli, here are my good friends Tiago and Lillian-" Eli motioned to each of them as he said their name - "We were just talking about how horrifying this murder was, yeah? Know anything about that? Captain have any insights into current events?"

 

[Pipsqueak]

Though Grace's words were noticeably laced with devious undertones, Jane couldn't deny the morbid curiosity she felt as she wondered what exactly she would find in the dead girl's belongings. She sat properly beside the gossip, eyeing strangers as they passed the pair without a second glance. Jane, however, noticed the somber attitude that spread like a disease throughout the ship's passengers. Nobody could attest to the rift she felt between herself and grief, or shock, but she knew it was there. It was written clearly across the features that she'd kept hidden since she could remember. Without the ability to share the sentiments, mixed with her growing need for knowledge, it was almost a guarantee that she would agree to the terms.

Leaning towards Grace until her mask touched the woman's ear, Jane lowered her voice to a whisper.

"You will be the death of us all." She forced Grace's head still with a gloved hand for a few seconds, letting the words sink in. Grace was not a woman to be taken lightly, it seemed.

Then, as if forgetting the past five minutes ever happened, Jane got up and went to find Edmund.
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Eddie pursed his lips into a thin line, watching almost enviously as the door shut in his face. He'd heard plenty as the men continued to talk, and he questioned briefly if he should risk sifting through Catherine's things before they could come to an agreement. Of course, the thought was quickly pushed aside. He couldn't do something like that in good conscience, whether it quickened the process of finding the murderer or not.

The witch ran a shaky hand through his hair, letting a breath he hadn't realized he'd been holding go softly before turning on his heel in a hope to find Jane. If the two could get together and-

The sharp voice that called to him made Eddie jump. He'd thought the captain had changed his mind for a moment before he realized the voice hadn't come from behind him, but instead from a mustached man that stood off to the side of the ship's deck with two other people.

"Shit..." Of course he wouldn't have been able to leave the captain's quarters without being noticed, especially with everyone now on edge. Steeling himself with his most charming smile, he sidled himself up to the little congregation easily as if he'd known them his whole life.

"Why, it's a pleasure Eli. Edmund Blythe." Eddie offered a handshake, nodding to the others politely. There were so many thoughts running through his head during the short exchange he nearly missed Eli's question. Given the circumstances, it wasn't hard for him to catch up.

"Unfortunately he's about as clueless as the rest of us it seems. 'Bout as shaken too, forgive my talking behind his back." Eddie was hesitant on how to go about speaking with anyone else on the ship. He was comfortable with people typically, though these were not typical circumstances.

"I've got a friend talking to others on the ship as we speak. I believe we can get more from those who slept on deck than anything the captain can supply, though for now I pray to God that we can make the rest of this trip as smoothly as possible." Grabbing the silver cross necklace, partly out of a comforting habit and partly to see if the mention of God seemed to strike particularly with any of these folks, Eddie cleared his throat.

"How about you three? Anything of note?"

 

[Aeris]

Lillian exchanged rather tense pleasantries with the two men before a third was beckoned over by Eli. She stood quietly, eyes squinted with suspicion as she listened to Edmund talk. He seemed trustworthy, though, she was sure anyone on this ship would seem trustworthy given the circumstances. It only took one person to charm a crowd.

"How's it the captain doesn't have a clue what's happening on his ship." She huffed once Edmund had finished explaining. Of all the people to know, she would think the one running things would have his foot in the door about everything that went on. Her gaze flicked to the crowds around them. Of course, there were a lot of people on the ship. It would be hard to keep tabs on this many folks. "I've not got a note of any kind, truth be told I just want to go to sleep knowing I'll wake in the mornin'. "

 

[spottednewt]

Solemn eyes full of secondhand wisdom tossed their gaze over the sea as Lillian spoke. He hadn’t thought to argue a Captain’s place of regale them with the stories his cousins swapped about the secretive ongoings of a ship’s innerworkings.

“They say a lack of sleep will send you mad before much else will,” He commented in a quiet voice before interrupting himself, scanning the decks for prying eyes, wondering who of them would be first to crack under such insidiously quiet, internal pressure.

“Edmund, you said? I don’t believe we’ve even crossed paths before.” Tiago shook his head, calloused hands gesturing to the magnitude of the ship. “What is it you do that the Captain would call on you in times like this? ...To read last rites?” He offered his best guess with the jerk of his chin towards the crucifix clasped between the other man’s fingers.

 

[Pipsqueak]

Eddie shook his head.

"No sir. Physician. My father is a priest back home, and though I share his faith, I cannot say that was quite my calling. The captain asked for my counsel for the autopsy. Are any of you religious, by chance?" He glanced between the three of them again, a margin of hope welling up in his chest. It was an opening he seized happily, for his own worldly comfort as well as the sliver of chance one of them might be behind this. Of course, as he looked at them all with an easy smile, none of them seemed too uncomfortable under the hidden suspicions being thrown about.

"I don't much mind the fanatic on board, though he's a bit too brazen for my tastes. I'd be much happ-" The words hung unfinished in the salty breeze when he caught sight of a familiar white mask approaching.

"Ah! Everyone, if you'd please, this is my old colleague and friend, Jane. She's the one I told you about. Jane, this is Tiago, Lillian, and Eli."

Eddie glanced at her questioningly. She shook her head slowly, indicating she'd gotten nothing out of Grace, and turned to give a small bow in greeting. The specifics of her encounter would be discussed for more quiet times.

"We were just discussing my time with the captain. Speaking of, he's offering a plea deal to anyone who might've seen anything or had anything to do with the murder. Reduced sentences for anyone who steps forward. I don't suppose that'd give the perpetrator much motivation, however. I'd assume he or she might still have hope of getting away. It is still early, after all."

The thought bounced around wildly in his head, and for a moment he felt angry. Whoever it was had no right to feel relief or hope, however temporary.