Pursuits of Pirates [IC]

The whipping wind makes the sails taut as the salty smell of the ocean washes over the ship. Maytoc was standing on the dock, observing her ship, Tactician's Dream, a well outfitted caravel. The masthead was simple, designed for speed rather than flair. The sail was painted with her symbol, a map, opened partially, over a pair of crossed swords. She breathed deeply, adjusting her hat, and smiled. Today her crew was gathering, and they would set out on their very first voyage. She could hardly wait, even though she knew she could. She slowly walked onboard, getting a feel for her new ship.

The town was abuzz, rumors flying. Strange characters had gathered, seemingly being summoned on the day of this voyage. The rumors of the captain being powerful beyond ordinary people were being bandied about, and the tavern was full of her soon-to-be crew. The wind was perfect, the weather beautiful, and the temperature at a nice place.

There was one ship in port, the Tactician's Dream, and Maytoc decided it was time to call for her crew. She focused, using her telepathy to locate her crew and subsequently set a pull towards her ship in their minds.

Maeve gripped her fiddle, drawing her bow across it, skipping lightly over the strings and she grinned at her small audience. She tossed her loose red curls back and began playing an old but well loved jig and the patrons began to clap and sing along with the bawdy lyrics. A couple of pirates grabbed some of the barmaids and danced in tight circles, kicking the heels of their well worn boots as the girl's skirts flared out in their spinning steps. Maeve laughed with joy and picked up the pace of her tune, the dancers twirling and shouting. When she finished she took a small bow to their applause and held her large plumed hat out into which was tossed a variety of coins of silver and copper.

A dark haired man in the back of the tavern caught her eye, his scarred visage was unfamiliar but she felt a chill when he stared at her. She looked him over quickly, his clothes were shabby and dirty but he was armed with fine weaponry, a large cutlass and two daggers. Maeve noticed a small design on the scabbard and she swallowed hard, the hairs on the back of her neck standing on end. It was a broken heart with two daggers crossed over it, it was his sign. This must be one of his men, here to finish what he could not.

"No more, I must take a break or me fingers will bleed again," Maeve waved off the calls for more songs and tucked the coins in her leather pouch tied to her bodice next to her ivory handled dagger. "Jolly good dancing, mates!"

She anxiously moved over to the bar and took an ale offered, downing it in two gulps and wiped the foam from her mouth. Maeve put her fiddle in her case and tucked it into the larger bag at her feet, keeping her eye on the pirate who was now slowly moving around the back of the tavern to cut off her escape. She felt for the pistol she kept tucked in her belt at her side, hidden under a sash tied around her waist. Suddenly she felt a tingling in her mind and tilted her head slightly, filled with the urge to walk outside to the pier. Without thinking she paid her tab and picked up her bag, heading out the door and into the bright sunshine. The dark haired man cursed and tried to move past some drunken patrons to pursue her but was shoved back with angry shouts and a scuffle broke out.

A strong gust of wind made her grab her hat and push it harder onto her head, her loose skirts whipping around her calf length leather boots. She walked steadily down the pier, glancing back now and again, carrying her heavy bag and mindlessly following an urge to move on. Soon she saw a ship moored at the dock, a new one from the look of it, sleek and modern. Her walk slowed as she gazed at it, the emblem of a map and crossed swords emblazoned on the crisp sail. Her mouth opened slightly as she looked at it and then she blinked and looked around, hardly remembering the long walk up the pier. Maeve saw a solitary figure and she waved hesitantly.

“Aye, there, Miss! You the captain?"

Chris swung open the door a lot harder than he meant to, the door flew open smashing against the wall making a loud crack. The door creaked as it fell down, away from the wall it had been smashed against. The entire inn turned and stared at the newcomer "Yeah....my captain'll pay fer that." he said looking around the room. He walked into the inn as if he hadn't just broken a door, looking carefully around the room for any signs of his soon to be captain. walking to the side he had this strange tug on his mind, to go to the only ship in the port.

Turning around and walking out the door he ran into a massive muscular man, the man fell backwards landing on his hind quarters. "Ey, the hell!" the man replied standing up quickly. Chris looked up at the man, no sense of caring in his voice as he spoke "Sorry." Chris turned to continue on, the mans arm shot up and grabbed his shoulder turning him with a punch. Chris took the punch to the face, His face stayed stock still as the fist made contact. "Bad idea..." Chris said with a grin, while he punched the man in the chest sending him flying backwards. The man landed a good 10 feet back with a roll. Chris cracked his neck and walked off towards the ship.

As Chris walked through the town people tended to move away from him, it could be his scythe, or it could just be his aura of 'leave me alone!'. To be truthfully honest he loved having fun, but he tended to give off that aura on accident. As he neared the only ship in the port, he saw one girl with red hair and a fiddle yell towards the ship he was going to. Walking past her he turned towards the ship and yelled up "Hey! You the captain of this ship?! oh and you the one who told me to come here?!" Chris looked up at the ship with a single female walking back and forth.

Cliff sat in the corner of the tavern sipping the water he had ordered. He was scanning the crowd, searching for anyone he recognized, hoping to find the person who had called him here. So far no one was familiar to him, but one of the patrons had caught his attention. There was a red head playing the fiddle, she stood out for obvious reason, but she was good. The music was lovely and most of the tavern was dancing to it, even he was tapping his foot in time with the music. She then, suddenly stopped, heading to the bar looking a little startled. Cliff thought nothing of it and continued his search of the tavern. Then there was a crash at the door, as man entered the tavern. Cliff heard the man say something about paying for it, but missed the first part when something told him to go to the port.

As Cliff stood to leave, he stood into a man with dark hair trying to navigate the people, knocking him back a few steps. The dark haired man cursed as he regained his composer. Cliff turned to apologies, but then the dark haired man rushed forward, and Cliff's hunting instinct took over. Cliff turned, grabbing the man's outstretched arm, and twisted it behind the man's back. Then he pushed the man forward, knocking him into a table, spilling several patrons drinks. Then the fight broke out, and Cliff slipped away in the commotion, headed to the port.

Cliff headed to the pier with few passerby's anywhere in sight, but that was probably due to the fact that he had a pistol with a 10" barrel hanging by his side. He never left that gun anywhere, it was the only thing from his home that he actually agreed with. It was the gun he first shot, and the first weapon he truly loved. He was never much a fan of any other weapons besides fire arms. Cliff arrived at the port and saw there was one ship in dock. As he neared the ship, he saw some familiar faces, the red haired fiddler and the one who broke the door back at the tavern, standing next to the ship. Then Cliff noticed the woman on deck, and shouted up, "I suppose your the one who called us here to be your crew, captain." Cliff didn't know what was going on, but he was looking forward to finding out.

Maytoc turned, pleased the first three had easily followed their instincts when they were told to go somewhere by them. "Aye, that I am. I was the one who called you all to this island in the first place. Yes, even you, Maeve." She said, looking directly at her. "All of you are invited to be my crewmembers, and sail with me to new horizons, and make our way to that ultimate treasure, One Piece." She smiled, as the ship creaked a little from the waves. The plank was down, and the ship inviting to all.

The smell of cooked beef,fresh bread,and an array of spices fills coming from a high class restaurant. Inside we find Jason,putting the finishing touches on his Filet Mignon with a red wine sauce. With his last order complete Jason puts the plate out for the waiter as he quickly cleans his stove. With his cooking duties done Jason quickly leaves the kitchen and meets the owner outside. "Are you sure you can't stay ? I'm willing to raise your pay !" The owner pleads hoping to keep the young chef. "Sorry boss but I've already got a job planned. If I'm ever back in the area I'll be sure to work for you again !!!" Jason replies as he puts two fingers to his lips and lets out a loud whistle. A brown blur jumps off the roof of the restaurant and lands on Jason's head at the sound of his whistle. There sits Nikki ready to go as she chirps happily,as the two take off for the market. "Alright,I know we're running a little late but we can't meet the captain without a gift. Lets split up and find something she would like." Jason says as the two part ways. As Jason looks at the different stalls a special wine bottle catches his eye. "Would you look at this...a 1978 La Tâche. A little bit if cheese and some salted crackers would make a great gift." Jason says to himself as he makes the purchase. With the wine,cheese,and crackers neatly placed in a straw basket Jason calls for Nikki as the two regroup. "Alright I've got my gift,so what did you get ?" Jason asks as Nikki pulls out what she got. With a big smile Nikki pulls out...a wallet ??? Jason smiles at Nikki as he reaches out his hand....and lightly pinches Nikki's cheeks. "What have I told you about taking things that aren't yours ??? Now why don't you go return this while I wait for you here." Jason says trying to hold back the anger in his voice. With a slightly swollen cheek and a giant sweat drop on her head Nikki scampers off and returns the wallet. With the stolen item returned,Jason and Nikki head off for the docks to the Tactician's Dream. As the duo arrive at the boat,a few of the crew members had already arrived. "Jason Triden and Nikki De Monkey reporting for duty !!!" Jason says with a salute with Nikki mimicking him on his head.

Maeve met the woman's eyes and held them for a moment, there was something oddly familiar about the gaze. She looked back at the unfurled sail, the unusal emblem bright in the sunlight and something stirred like a memory in her mind and then faded again. She blinked and looked up, suddenly aware of the three men standing near her on the dock. Maeve looked at them briefly and nodded, tilting her hat slightly to them. To her surprise one of them had a monkey on his head and she peered curiously at it before picking up her bag.
The redhead took one last look back, searching the docks for the dark haired thug hired by her jealous former lover. Not seeing him she strolled up the plank to board the ship and stood before the captain.
"Maeve Roisin, minstrel and songstress at yer service, Captain," she bowed into a curtsey with a sweep of her fancy hat.

Chris looked around with a yawn, he watched as the red head walked towards the plank. Chris followed after the red head, walking up the plank, the plank seemed to bend slightly under his feet. He watched Maeve as she said her name was, introduce herself and bogiving her a half ass salut "Hey cap'n Chris Metlin, also known as 'The Reaper' I'll be the muscle of this group." Chris chuckled at his own joke, he wasn't actually sure if that's what he was, but he was willing to challenge anyone for the title.

Cliff, noticing the plank bend under the weight of the one that broke the door, waits for him to get on board before stepping up himself. Apparently, the crew so far, consisted of a musician, a man that can only be described as a wall, and the guy with a monkey that had come up behind him. As Cliff boards the ship, he takes his gun and spins it on his finger, hoping to add a little flare to himself. "Aye captain, I'm Cliff Lacher. Now I don't know what we're doing or where we are going, but there is one thing I do know," Cliff suddenly catches his gun by the grip, "I can shoot." He then slides his pistol back into his holster, saying, "I can man the cannons and be a long ranged attacker, assuming we aren't the friendliest group on the seas."

Gil narrowed his eyes slightly when some white-haired kid just slammed a dark haired dude into his table, knocking off the several drinks... one of them being his. He had just bought it a few seconds ago and was only able to take a few sips. Damn it, today was not his day. This morning, the captain of some marine vessel literally kicked him off the ship for delaying a repair for a few days. Their ship was ancient, why fix something that was bound to get broken in an even shorter time span? He thought things were looking up when some pirate woman was looking for crew members, and even thought the day was going to go well when the tavern he went to had a pretty redhead playing some good music that he dozed off to... only to be rudely awakened by the sudden sound of the entrance door breaking by some random guy that left as soon as he came. And now, his drink. Gone. And the brat that caused it even escaped from the commotion he caused.

Gil sighed and stood up. There was nothing better to calm his nerves than looking at a fine array of ships. He nonchalantly sidestepped a punch and walked over a few collapsed bodies. Ugh. He certainly hoped the pirates he were to join weren't as rowdy and noisy. He left the tavern and walked through the streets in a slow manner, eyes fixated in front since it was too troublesome to actually move his eyes and observe his surroundings. When he reached the port and his gaze landed on the single ship present, his dull eyes suddenly brightened. It was love at first sight. She was beautiful - breathtaking, even! She didn't seem as well-endowed or flashy as others, but something about her pulled him to her. He had a feeling that, despite her simplicity, she was hiding something amazing and great. The last time he felt this motivated was when he learned the covers of a bed on a ship he was working on was made of silk. He was going to be with her, no matter the cost. He would soon learn that her name was Tactician's Dream.

He took a step forward, faintly hearing the captain's words and figured that she must be the one he was to be a shipwright too. His eyes went back to their non-existent glow as he slung his bag over his shoulder and put his other hand in his pocket, walking up slowly behind the group that had arrived before him. His back slumped further when he noticed that three of them were back at the tavern he was in earlier. Total coincidence, right? Or maybe the captain had some mumbo jumbo powers that brought them all here... Psh. Yeah. Right. When the four walked onto the ship, Gil eyed the plank wearily. He fell in love with the ship. He did. But it was just a plank, he'd upgrade its durability some other day.

When he took a step on the fine vessel, he first looked around at its structures, the introductions of the other crew members became a faint buzz in his mind. When done assessing it - not at all disappointed - he finally decided to check out the people he would be sailing with. The captain was a hot woman and Gil was a bit thrilled. Women pirates weren't ruffians like most of their male counterparts. She even seemed mature too. And she seemed like a capable leader to boot. Definitely a good start to his time on this ship. His gaze lingered when he saw a brunette guy with a monkey on his head. The hell? He's heard of parrots being on a pirate ship, but a monkey? He certainly hoped he wasn't a loud type of eccentric dude. And that his monkey knew where to relieve herself. He then noticed the redhead musician from earlier. Her music was nice and joyous, but Gil found that it was also a pretty good lullaby. She was on his good list for sure. The next dude he laid eyes on had a scythe... Well, Gil certainly knew who not to anger. He seemed pretty young, but looked pretty experienced and capable. Just so long as he didn't go grim reaper on them, he seems like a good addition. The last guy of the bunch was the white haired guy from earlier that started a fight in the tavern. Gil mentally groaned. Well, he supposed a pirate ship wouldn't be one without some violent members.

Figuring it was his time to say something, he tilted his head toward Maytoc. "Hey, captain. The name's Gil, your shipwright." He regarded everyone for a moment before sighing. "If I'm gonna be the one in charge of fixing things around here, I'll need to lay down some rules. Hope ya don't mind, captain." He held up two fingers. "One, don't damage the ship. Two, don't fight on the ship. Simple, eh? Be good little pirates and follow it."