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| Late Night Swim | |
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| Topic Started: 6 Apr 2007, 07:07 PM (493 Views) | |
| Brendan | 6 Apr 2007, 07:07 PM Post #1 |
A Legend. In regimentals. Pwn.
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Originally posted by Kisha Boswell. It was not long since sunset, in fact only a matter of an hour or so. Kisha had watched the sky melt into its rings of colour to black, sand between her toes and the sweet soothing sound of waves tickling her ears. It was a beautiful night, as well any Caribbean night should be. But this one, for no particular reason, felt especially lovely. The stars were just starting to appear when the idea came to her mind, and it was not long after they shone brightly that she gave into it. And so now her figure bobbed in the water not too far from shore. She felt the energy of the strange balance between daring free woman, a gleeful girl, and some temptress of the deep overwhelm her spirit. The beach here was a decent walk from town and peacefully distant from the docs (and of course also the more official buildings nearby it). Given the isolation Kisha felt, be it fact or a condition she only convinced herself of, a swim could not be passed up. She was not the best swimmer in the world, but that did not make it any less pleasant. Work would be unavoidable later in the evening, but drunken tavern patrons were hardly going to mind the remnants of a little salt water (that is in fact if they even noticed it anyway). Her clothes, however, would need to be dry and so they were left behind- left semi neatly on a stone as close to the water�s edge as she could manage without the waves getting to them. They were easily and quickly removed, and would be just as simply worked back on. Never underestimate the speedy dressing and undressing of a whore, after all: she�d had much more than a little practice. A few running steps and a splash and it was done. The water moved like a dance to Kisha, and she relished in it almost as gleefully as a child might. The cool, weightless feeling was nothing short of heavenly. Her thick, curly dark hair moved around her with a mind of its own, pulled straight by the weight of the moisture, and whips of it sticking to her damp face. She was trying not to get it too wet, given that it was painted, and for the most part she was succeeding. For now anyway. Floating her eyes ventured up to the sliver of moon in the sky. A new moon was only a few nights away. "If you can count on nothing else, you can count on the moon": an old saying of her aunt's. "It is perhaps the only predictable darkness in this world, and a reliable light". Kisha smiled at the thought, the familiar weight of her talisman against her chest. Maybe her family was not as far gone as she thought� |
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| Brendan | 6 Apr 2007, 07:08 PM Post #2 |
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A Legend. In regimentals. Pwn.
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Originally posted by kataubrey. Nothing very much changed Katherine. Certainly now that she had more friends she spent more time away from the house by her mother's leave. If nothing else, Mrs. Aubrey had reasoned, spending more time among the noble young ladies of Port Royal would help refine Katherine and make her more attractive -- and more likely to meet -- the sort of men society would find acceptable. Thus far, it was working reasonably well, but Katherine's love of the outdoors overruled her mother's desires on occasion. So it was today: she had made some idle statements about taking tea at so-and-so's place, then a late dinner at such-and-such. Really, nobody should bother waiting up for her, it was ever such a busy day. But Katherine's tastes in company had not changed, and rather than practice sitting quite still for hours on end she had taken charcoals and watercolors, heavy paper and a book or two, all packed neatly in a smallish leather satchel, and she had gone to the wilderness. There was still a great deal of this on the island -- Jamaica was not all settled, and there was plenty of wildlife in the jungle-like woods outside of town. It was this that Katherine loved most of all, and she spent long hours walking down game trails, painting pictures of unusual birds and beautiful flowers. And in the heat of the early evening, she fell asleep beneath a tree and alongside a prettily trickling stream. She awoke in darkness, somewhat alarmed and curious as to the hour. Already the stars were coming out, though she could not tell through the branches how long it had been since the sun had set. She could not even recall where she was, exactly, as she had intentionally made herself hopelessly lost rather than be discovered before she was finished. So she followed the stream, hiking up little rocky defiles and even hopping across natural stepping-stones until the trees parted. Here now was the coast, though gaze as she might she could not see the city from here. Walking in the sand was rather clumsy in her high-heeled shoes -- she had not been able to avoid wearing these, sadly, nor the now slightly grubby finery of deepest emerald green -- and so she paused, liberating one foot and then the other to walk stocking-footed along the sand. This was much more pleasant, and it gave her the time to appreciate the sounds and smells of the waves kissing the shore. She had not expected to find anyone else, but in a curve of the land where the water was deep and calm, she thought that she could see a dark shape bobbing in the water. Her suspicions were at least somewhat confirmed when she stumbled over Kisha's clothing. Pausing to determine what they actually were, she squinted out over the water: "Have you lost your garments?" |
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| Brendan | 6 Apr 2007, 07:08 PM Post #3 |
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A Legend. In regimentals. Pwn.
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Originally posted by Kisha Boswell. In her moment of quiet reflection Kisha had not noticed the approaching stranger. It was easy for her to fall into the moment, and so when it was disturbed she was slightly startled. She sank a little deeper in the dark water, her face, neck and the very top of slender, mid toned shoulders peeking out. She was naturally relieved that it was only some society girl, and so recovered quickly.
She raised a dark slender brow, "Lost? Well no. Do they look particularly lost to you?" her voice was a far cry from anything most people had here. It had an accent that was predominantly muddled, the heart of it something attributed to her Roma tongue rather than the fake emphasized Spanish she often used (not to say that the Spanish influence wasn't included in the rest of it, of course). It was her natural voice- half because she hadn't thought to cover it, and the rest because she didn't think this would be trouble. Or at least she hoped so anyway. Her dark eyes glanced over the girl with curiosity, taking time to think the situation over. She was younger, and perhaps a little rebelious this one- wandering out here at night, and holding her shoes. No, this one wouldn't be trouble. She would however no doubt ask questions. Given the situation though Kisha couldn't blame her. It isn't everday you find naked ladies in the sea. |
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| Brendan | 6 Apr 2007, 07:09 PM Post #4 |
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A Legend. In regimentals. Pwn.
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Originally posted by kataubrey. Though sailors might, one could suppose, if the mermaid legends were true. Regardless, it is obviously not a daily occurrence for Katherine, and she regarded the dark spot as it resolved itself into a woman's head and shoulders. Kisha's voice in general and her accent in particular had no immediate visible effect on the young lady stooping by her clothing -- certainly the tones were unusual, not Spanish nor French nor any flavor of British, which put the swimming woman into the pool of people known by little more than 'foreign', a term which might encompass the Quechua, the Roma, and any unfortunate Chinese sailor washed ashore in the Caribbean. "If you were not in the water," Katherine reasoned, "they would be lost -- or at least, they would be clothing without a body. Which they still are. But they're clothing with a body nearby, which I suppose makes them less lost. But usually clothing is on a body. Still, were I to bathe in the sea, I should change into a bathing costume and leave my clothing on the bank." She paused then, leaning a bit further out to look in the water: "You... aren't wearing a bathing costume, are you." |
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| Brendan | 6 Apr 2007, 07:09 PM Post #5 |
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A Legend. In regimentals. Pwn.
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Originally posted by Kisha Boswell. The tones and patterns of speach from Katherine were amusing to follow. She answered the question like some form of riddle, and in the process she revealed part of her thought process. Kisha chuckled lightly at the girl. She was clearly at some form of loss at the situation, and to Kisha it was highly entertaining.
She shook her head, a grin across her face revealing her amusment easily. "Haven't one to wear. And I'm not so much bathing as just enjoying the evening sea. Its not every night thats this lovely, or that the beach is this empty for that matter. You should try it sometime." Cue lightbulb, here came the curve ball "In fact, if you'd like to join me you're more than welcome." The words rolled out of her mouth, her infectious grin struggling not to become a smirk. Though while she knew the inviation would be refused she honestly meant it. The sea was, after all, not simply hers and the silence while relaxing could also get lonely. |
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| Brendan | 6 Apr 2007, 07:10 PM Post #6 |
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A Legend. In regimentals. Pwn.
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Originally posted by kataubrey. A fair smile crossed Katherine's face at Kisha's words, and she sat down in the sand with some discomfort. Doing anything but standing primly in these corsets was unpleasant enough; sleeping had not been pleasant, despite the lack of a great deal to cinch in, and she was without doubt getting to the point when she'd much rather go home and let her skin breathe for a few moments. It was a beautiful night, too, with a sweet breeze coming in from the sea and the starry sky above. The little points of light lit the edges of the waves, turning them from pitch-black to glimmering and frosted. And the water would undoubtedly be pleasantly cool but not so cold as to bring discomfort... Even as she thought this, Kisha was saying "In fact, if you'd like to join me you're more than welcome." This made Katherine blink briefly -- had the woman read her mind? Surely not, but nevertheless she yearned to immerse herself in the water. "I'd never be able to get back into my garments properly," Katherine murmured. "If I'm lucky and clever, nobody would see me returning home, but if they did I should have to explain by what courses I managed to have done with my corset. I swam all the time when I was a little girl, though. When we first came to the island, the doctor had said it would be healthy for me to swim in the warm waters as long as I dried off quickly after. I liked the salt-smell that remained." |
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| Brendan | 6 Apr 2007, 07:10 PM Post #7 |
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A Legend. In regimentals. Pwn.
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Originally posted by Kisha Boswell. As she listened to Katherine speak Kisha went from amused to delighted. And in turn because of that instead of trying to be witty Kisha offered kindness. "I could help you easily enough." she shrugged, shoulders popping up and then hiding once more in the water. "Personally I think its too nice a night to waste, but its up to you." Kisha had never had servants in her life to help her dress, and it was frequent practice at the whorehouse for the ladies to help eachother lace up. At least with those who could be bothered. Kisha usually did not, however she generally lent a hand where needed. Partially because she had a community-wise mindset, but also so that when she needed help she wouldn't have to use a bedpost. If the girl wanted to swim she should. It would only take a minute and a hand to help her and that was hardly a delay on the plans Kisha had for the evening. |
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| Brendan | 6 Apr 2007, 07:10 PM Post #8 |
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A Legend. In regimentals. Pwn.
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Originally posted by kataubrey. Apparently young Katherine was not the traditional society lady -- she was genially curious rather than shocked to find a woman swimming unclothed and alone, she was taking the peculiar woman seriously... either she was truly a rebellious creature or she was terribly naive. Perhaps there was indeed a little of both. Katherine laughed down at herself a moment, plucking at the material of her dress. "Mother would call me quite wicked, and a long stream of other words. She might well even punish me. But it's been a long time since I was able to bathe in the sea, and I've never done it without clothes nor in the starlight." That seemed to settle it. It was something she had never done, and it was something that would not obviously bring harm. Remote as they were, nobody would find them -- she had only stumbled here by accident, and how many such coincidences could there be? And she would clean the salt form her skin when she returned home and nobody would be the better. "If you promise to help me," she called, rising somewhat awkwardly to her feet. It took her a good deal longer than it would have ever taken Kisha to disrobe; regardless of the amount of clothing she was wearing, it seemed that Katherine did indeed usually have help putting on her clothing. Removing them was rather an easier venture, but what with folding each piece just so and placing them on the sand, it was quite the little production. In the end she stood in only her underrobe, a thin and half-translucent cotton shift. She hesitated with this, looking left and right to make completely certain that nobody else had come blundering through the trees, then quickly shucked this as well and trotted swiftly for the water. As her ankles began to splash she started to laugh like a child, delighted and innocent -- even if she did have one arm covering her chest and the other hand shielding the rest of a lady that oughtn't be seen without half a dozen layers of clothing. When the water was as high as her waist she dove in head-first, dousing her dark hair and letting the water rush across her face before bobbing to the surface again. |
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| Brendan | 6 Apr 2007, 07:11 PM Post #9 |
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A Legend. In regimentals. Pwn.
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Originally posted by Kisha Boswell. "Mother would call me quite wicked, and a long stream of other words. She might well even punish me. But it's been a long time since I was able to bathe in the sea, and I've never done it without clothes nor in the starlight." She laughed good naturedly, well now there was the spirit! Parental punishment seemed such a distant thing to Kisha, and had for some time now. Not simply because her family was so long gone, but in that Gyspy ways were not those of 'normal people'. Punishment wasn't a fear so much as social regection from the group, and everything that had structure did so with some form of ryme and reason: you did not tell people you were roma because they might kill you, and you did not screw with spirits because they might ruin you. It was an odd mix of harsh reality and strong spirituality. Kisha carried the first always. The latter she did not give up, but practicality required her to make certain exceptions in order to observe the first more closely. "If you promise to help me," "Promise." she said with some authority to her voice, a hand on her heart. She honestly had nothing to gain in stranding the girl, and she had in fact not even thought of it. Helping her and being nice might help, and usually did. Kisha knew the value of new friends as much as she did customers. You need them both to survive and stay three steps ahead of the curve. Both could cause their troubles as well, but right now that wasn't a concern. She watched Katherine hit the water, smiling and genuinely glad to see her enjoying herself. As she resufaced she grinned, her dark eyes meeting Katherine's easily. "All that you hoped for and more yes? I'm Kisha, by the way." Offering her name was like offering friendship, and while something that she didn't always like to give it would gain profit- if only in learning her new companion's name. |
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| Brendan | 6 Apr 2007, 07:12 PM Post #10 |
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A Legend. In regimentals. Pwn.
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Originally posted by kataubrey. Dark eyes met dark eyes, twinkling in the starlight before Katherine raised her face to the sky. Such a beautiful night -- tiny spots of silver scattered across the velvety black, and the water felt just as marvelous as she had hoped it would. Her feet stirred up a little of the white sand below in tiny clouds, and she submerged briefly to pluck up a shell she'd come close to stepping on. "All that you hoped for and more yes? I'm Kisha, by the way." She turned to look at the other woman, flashing a warm smile. "All that I hoped for and more. And I'm Katherine. It's very good to meet you." Those words, almost mechanical in polite conversation, nevertheless sounded so genuine that they must have been more than reflex. The little shell-fragment now rested in her hand, and she turned it back and forth in her palm to look it over. Nothing more than an oyster shell, nothing unusual, yet its texture was not unattractive for all that. She studied it a moment before tossing it back out to sea, only then turning back to Kisha to study her more closely. Pretty. Not ever so much older than her, but that was hard to tell in the dark and with her painted face... Oh. That did explain something. But rather than drawing away in horror at swimming with -- what euphemisms did her brother use? Lady of the evening? Mistress of negotiable affection? -- she merely took the opportunity, as ever, to learn more. It would never do to assume, however... so: "Do you get to do this often? I'm not sure what you do for a living, I mean. And I don't suppose you're married." All said with the innocent curiosity of a child, open and guileless. |
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| Brendan | 6 Apr 2007, 07:12 PM Post #11 |
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A Legend. In regimentals. Pwn.
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Originally posted by Kisha Boswell. It was not difficult to judge Kisha's profession, and she preferred it that way. After all, that meant she didn't have to find work so much as let it find her. Kisha did rather well with it too usually. Spirited and beautiful she did not have eek by like some others, but instead was somewhat comfortable. That is not to say that she had money to spare on whim, but it did leave her with a sense of security. It was a perk to staying in one place and securing a list of regulars, and unfortunatly that was the hardest part of the whole job. Ah well. She was young, and also practical. Now was the time to earn. She could wander later. "I could do it often, I suppose. But then it wouldn't feel quite so special now would it?" She winked, her smile still holding bright. Whatever she was, she was clearly happy or at the very least content. "And no, not married and with no sights on it either. A professional woman, I guess you could say, and its generally a lifetime sort of comitment. So married to my work." she chuckled a little. "Not necissarily by choice but thats not so different from a lot of people I'd say." She was not ashamed of what she was- save for perhaps when around her own kind. It was a trade, and even though a necissary one not one she wished sometimes she could reverse. She was Roma, even if outside the community now, and if she could not marry within it she would not. And given her profession she knew that was something best forgotten. More than marriage she simply wanted to be back within her troupe, or any troupe for that matter. This solitude felt lethal. She was open because there was no real reason not to be, at least not in this topic of general discussion. And again, it made for fair trade. She liked to know things, and perhaps in that she and Katherine were sisters. "And what about you? I'll guess not married yet, but hopeful maybe?" |
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| Brendan | 6 Apr 2007, 07:13 PM Post #12 |
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A Legend. In regimentals. Pwn.
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Originally posted by kataubrey. "Those women," Katherine's mother had said, "are no better than they should be." "How good should they be, then?" the young Katherine had inquired, and received an order to keep her lips shut in answer. Yet Kisha didn't seem anything like the descriptions she'd heard of women of her kind. She had the painted face, yes, and she certainly wasn't wearing a stitch in this seawater. Come to that, though, Katherine met at least half of those requirements, and from the distance of only ten feet who could tell the salient differences between the two? Women like her were supposed to be venal, grasping creatures, caring only about money. Anything that wasn't profiting them wasn't worth their time. But here was a woman joyful with her life -- even if she did admit it wasn't all she'd planned -- and looking to have a pleasant evening rather than a profitable one. It bore thinking about, and for the briefest moment Katherine felt a pang of envy. Not to be what this woman was, goodness no, but to be able to take control of her own destiny. She let out a somewhat mournful sigh at these thoughts, just a split second after Kisha's question. "Mmm?" Her mind flitted back to the words she knew she'd heard, and she actually blushed a little. "Not married, no. Hopeful, I suppose. I still don't know what I think about the whole silly business." |
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| Brendan | 6 Apr 2007, 07:13 PM Post #13 |
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A Legend. In regimentals. Pwn.
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Originally posted by Kisha Boswell. "Not married, no. Hopeful, I suppose. I still don't know what I think about the whole silly business." "I'll take it then its not entirely in your hands then?" she sighed, letting herself again preoccupy her eyes with the sky."You know, I pity the whole institution. Some people might be honestly happy but how many? Can't be much, I'm certainly busy enough. But that hardly helps the wives, normally anyway." Kisha couldn't envy the wealthy even if she tried. The whole thing seemed like traps and weights... everything she could never desire. Working on your back was hardly glamorous, but at least she did as she pleased. She looked back to Katherine. "Do us both a favor. Don't get tricked into anything you don't know you'd be happy with. Trust me, the money and the name aren't worth a dime in the long run." At the moment Kisha felt much older than she was. But then again she had an "education" the likes of which society people didn't. How many discontent husbands did she deal with on an average week? Counting would make her head spin. What was the point of vows if you weren't going to stick to it? Were a title and money that great? She could see it this way she knew because she would never know. She could pretend, and had, and none of it appealed to her. Katherine seemed different. She certainly had a spirit, and likely a head to go with it. Kisha wished her well. It would be hard to show both in the world she was involved in. "So what're you doing this late at the beach anyway?" and just like that the topic was changed and the wisdom faded. It wasn't often Katherine's type were on the beach, especially at this hour. Kisha didn't know what girls like her did with their time, but she certainly didn't see them around often. |
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| Brendan | 6 Apr 2007, 07:14 PM Post #14 |
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A Legend. In regimentals. Pwn.
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Originally posted by kataubrey. "I'll take it then its not entirely in your hands then?" Shaking her head a little, Katherine swam a few strokes along, letting her head fall back into the water to let her black hair expand into a shadow upon a shadow. "Is it ever? My family will choose my husband, not me, but he must choose me first. If I am consulted, I shall be very lucky. I suppose there are men in Port Royal I would not mind marrying, but my tongue always tangles whenever I talk to them. Arthur, my brother, tells me I'm very clever, but in front of a man I'd like to impress -- or just know better -- I start either tripping over my words and saying the most foolish things or I start... babbling about history or plants or animals or whatever's on my mind. It just makes me look foolish." She straightened again, dragging her hand through the water with a somewhat regretful air. Flicking her eyes up at the mention of 'entertaining' married men, she looked at Kisha rather sadly. "What is it they're really looking for? Mother just tells me to be pretty and ladylike, and that's all any respectable man wants in a wife. Pretty and ladylike and quiet. And fertile. I feel like a horse." Flicking the water, Katherine's nose wrinkled sourly. "So what're you doing this late at the beach anyway?" Shivering briefly as a gust of cool air reached them, Katherine rolled onto her back to float in the water. "I was taking a walk out in the forests -- there are ever so many peculiar things to find out there! -- and got rather lost, so I took a nap. When I awoke I had no more idea where I was than I had when I fell asleep, so I decided to see if I could find out. I'm supposed to be at a party, I guess, but nobody will notice I'm not there." |
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| Brendan | 6 Apr 2007, 07:14 PM Post #15 |
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A Legend. In regimentals. Pwn.
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Originally posted by Kisha Boswell. Kisha made a few strokes, extending her body in the water. Her limbs were lean, but slightly muscular in a feminine manner, and they moved slowly in the water to their fullest reaches. Kisha's body was her instrument and the center of her profession, so she treated it well. She ate enough to keep her figure soft on eyes and touch, and took precausions on her skin to be sure it matched. Her light skin was life saving, and she tried to keep it from the sun's kiss to keep it that way. But it still had its flaws. There was always a scratch or a bruise somewhere from rough handling, and her feet could barely feel the grainyness of the sand beneith them (a price she was willing to pay to avoid shoes). Laregly there were few scars, and she considered herself lucky there. Her thick, dark hair billowed around her freely and completely untamable. It matched not only the women in her family, but their spirit- also something passed strongly along to Kisha. What is it they're really looking for? Mother just tells me to be pretty and ladylike, and that's all any respectable man wants in a wife. Pretty and ladylike and quiet. And fertile. I feel like a horse." "I don't blame you there. Men are about as rediculous as they come, and in that they're also painfully predictable. Find yourself someone who likes the babbling. Silence is overrated." Kisha disliked the quite and often wouldn't be herself- especially if someone told her to be. Why a man shouldn't prize a woman's mind as much as her capacity to cook, clean or look pretty was curious. Maybe it was the gyspy in her- if you weren't quick in mind (be it traditional intelligence or unorthodoxed cunning) and fast of feet you were as good as useless. It was part of the package you looked for and hopefully enjoyed. Even if the wife was a far cry from the head of the household it didn't mean she should be useless. "I'm supposed to be at a party, I guess, but nobody will notice I'm not there." She smiled, looking back to Katherine. "Well technically two can be a party, so you've met your social requirement for the night I'd say." |
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| Brendan | 6 Apr 2007, 07:14 PM Post #16 |
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A Legend. In regimentals. Pwn.
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Originally posted by kataubrey. Bulky as women's fashions were, even in the heart of the Caribbean, Katherine almost seemed to sit inside her clothes rather than wear them. Oh, they were perfectly fitted to her, as well tailored as anyone could desire, but they nevertheless swallowed the delicate figure who gloried now in the gentle tide. Her skin was quite soft, of course, as befitted a lady; her figure was slight but not scrawny, healthy but not heavy. She regarded Kisha as curiously as she might an exotic bird, turning her head to watch the woman swim through the water. A smile crossed her face at Kisha's advice, and she shrugged. "Perhaps I will, at that. If I can find the man who isn't frightened away by my naming the flowers on party garlands, then probably we shall be very happy." "Well technically two can be a party, so you've met your social requirement for the night I'd say." Raising a foot from the depths and watching the water stream off it, sparkling in the starlight, Katherine couldn't help but laugh. "And this is a great deal more fun than sitting around with a little canape in my hand and doing my best not to talk or be bored. I can actually breathe, for a start." |
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| Brendan | 6 Apr 2007, 07:15 PM Post #17 |
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A Legend. In regimentals. Pwn.
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Originally posted by Kisha Boswell. "Perhaps I will, at that. If I can find the man who isn't frightened away by my naming the flowers on party garlands, then probably we shall be very happy." She laughed, the sort of laugh a girl aught to have- light, melodic, and undoubtably happy. "You just might." It was a strange thing really. They were very different, and yet not at the same time. Kisha looked to Katherine and felt good in her. It was easy to see that she enjoyed her company, and also that she wished well for her. Kisha decided that the next time she felt a spot of luck she'd send it her way. She was a sweet girl, and she disliked the thought of seeing that shattered. "And this is a great deal more fun than sitting around with a little canape in my hand and doing my best not to talk or be bored. I can actually breathe, for a start." "The sea can't be boring, it doesn't know how." she said it with a bright smile, the sort of smile that showed just how much she believed it. "But as far as breating goes don't get me started. Corsets are pretty, sure, but I would love a word with whoever came up with them. Though honestly not as much as I'd like to get my hands on the man that invented shoes." she smirked, looking to Katherine with friendly eyes "Men and their torturous devices.." |
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| Brendan | 6 Apr 2007, 07:15 PM Post #18 |
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A Legend. In regimentals. Pwn.
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Originally posted by kataubrey. She was an innocent -- sheerly so, or she wouldn't be swimming with Kisha in the first place. If she knew, really knew, the sort of trouble she might get into on these cheerful little jaunts, she'd be far brighter to stay inside. Of course, some of those parties were only marginally safer... "But as far as breathing goes don't get me started. Corsets are pretty, sure, but I would love a word with whoever came up with them. Though honestly not as much as I'd like to get my hands on the man that invented shoes." "My brother tells me I look very pretty and becoming in my corsets, when I have all those pounds of brocade on. I always tell him I feel like the prow of a ship. The last time I said that, he replied that if I was seeking an officer to marry, looking like the prow of a ship might be a positive benefit." She gave a rather unladylike snort at this. "And there you know all you need to about my brother. He is a terrible wicked rogue, but I love him well." Katherine stretches out and takes a few more strokes out toward the horizon, breathing in the fresh breezes. "You're right, though. The sea can't ever be boring. Not even out in the very middle of it. Everyone thought I would be terribly sick when we made the trip over from back home, that I'd never be able to keep food down. Couldn't have been further from the truth. A day into the voyage and they wanted to lock me back up in my room -- I was running about the deck and halfway hanging off the railings." |
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| Brendan | 6 Apr 2007, 07:16 PM Post #19 |
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A Legend. In regimentals. Pwn.
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Originally posted by Kisha Boswell. She chuckled at the comments on her brother. Siblings were wonderful. Kisha had two brothers herself, officially anyway. Who in the group wasn't thought of as family? They were both older, and she remembered them both at their best and most annoying. Brothers were special, and she knew that especially now. It strunk her deep, so much so that her usual reaction though of 'I wonder if I know him' didn't even kick in. She missed them more than she thought she did sometimes. "The last time I said that, he replied that if I was seeking an officer to marry, looking like the prow of a ship might be a positive benefit." She laughed a little with her, not as heartedly as before given her prick of sadness. "Well you never know, he might have a point there." "You're right, though. The sea can't ever be boring. Not even out in the very middle of it. Everyone thought I would be terribly sick when we made the trip over from back home, that I'd never be able to keep food down. Couldn't have been further from the truth. A day into the voyage and they wanted to lock me back up in my room -- I was running about the deck and halfway hanging off the railings." She smiled, feeling the sea on her body and letting it drink up her sadness. Her family were survivors, so perhaps somewhere they were moving on, much like Kisha. "My aunt used to tell me stories of the sea, how it could heal and revive. Especially when under the moon. I'm glad to see that she was right" she chuckled "and that you didn't fall off those railing." |
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| Brendan | 6 Apr 2007, 07:16 PM Post #20 |
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A Legend. In regimentals. Pwn.
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Originally posted by kataubrey. "They say it's unlucky, women being on the sea..." Katherine muses on this, drawing her hand through the water and idly tracing her legs back and forth beneath her. She no longer has sand under her feet, as this little cove has a few rather deep spots, but this does not seem to concern her overmuch. "It's never been unlucky for me, though. We moved out here partly for my health, and it seems to have been a good notion. I've hardly been ill a day. Port Royal agrees with me, I guess." She gave Kisha a curious look then: "I don't mean to pry, but you speak of your aunt... Where is it you came from? I've never heard an accent quite like yours. It's very exotic, very pretty, but also quite unusual." |
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| Brendan | 6 Apr 2007, 07:17 PM Post #21 |
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A Legend. In regimentals. Pwn.
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Originally posted by Jack. ((I really should have posted yesterday, shouldn't I have? Yes, I should have.  I feel kind of bad for jumping in now, interrupting... If you prefer to continue sans Jack for a while, just ignore this (or ignore it until then). I've been stuck in crappy-writing mode anyway... I feel like the 13 year old fanfic writer from hell. :rolleyes: Anyway... Commandeering Gibbs for a bit...)) The Black Pearl slid slowly over the sea, approaching a cove near enough to Port Royal to get there easily by foot, and yet far enough to avoid attracting unwanted attention. Jack was in his cabin going over his plans, having put Gibbs in command with orders to call him when the ship was at anchor and the coast was clear. Through the open window behind him, Jack could hear the muffled shouting of orders, and then there was the familiar sound of the anchor cable running through the hawse hole. It was almost time then, but Jack was in no hurry; besides which, he didn't want to make a habit out of giving orders that didn't have to be followed. Jack decided to have some rum to pass the last few minutes away; one for the road. (Or one for the dirt path, if you wanted to get technical - but Jack wasn't picky about which modes of transportation to drink to.) He'd just put the bottle to his mouth when Gibbs barged into the cabin. Jack glared at him for not knocking, but before he had the chance to swallow his rum and speak his mind, he realised that Gibbs' face was almost grey, his mouth hanging open - Gibbs was terrified. "Captain..." That, coupled with a finger pointing vaguely in the direction of the door, was as far as Gibbs got. Jack, losing his patience, growled: "What is it?" When no quick reply was forthcoming, he added: "Ship? Navy? Fire?" all the while making a circular motion with his hand to indicate that Gibbs should pull himself together and reply already. "You have to see this," Gibbs managed to stammer, and he led the way, Jack rolling his eyes and putting on his hat before following. "There!" pointed Gibbs when they were on deck, handing Jack a spy glass. Jack scanned the shore, but saw nothing. "What exactly am I supposed to see, Mr. Gibbs?" "In the sea... Just look!" Jack lowered his view, still seeing nothing... No, wait - there was some movement there that had nothing to do with the regular motion of the sea. At this distance, Jack could hardly make out what it was. One, two shapes... Dolphins? Unlikely, so close to the shore. Finally Gibbs couldn't contain himself any longer. "Mermaids!" he said excitedly, almost shouting. "Sirens! We have to turn around immediately, before they see us. They'll doom the ship, and us with it." Jack, looking at the figures with closer attention now, couldn't deny that they looked remarkably like naked women. The power of suggestion, probably - but he was interested nonetheless. Taking the glass from his eye, Jack said: "I doubt that a few underdressed women could do much harm to the Pearl. Besides which, I planned to go ashore here, and that's what I'll do, savvy?" Gibbs turned a shade paler still, and Jack could only just prevent himself from grinning as he continued: "Personally, I look forward to making the ladies' acquaintance. Lower a boat." "Jack..." "No worries," said Jack, cutting Gibbs off; he knew him well enough to realise who he was most concerned about. "I'll go alone. As planned. You stay here and... guard the ship." |
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| Brendan | 6 Apr 2007, 07:18 PM Post #22 |
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A Legend. In regimentals. Pwn.
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Originally posted by Kisha Boswell. ((Nonsese! We're glad to have you Jack. It'll certainly put some giggles into the moment ))"They say it's unlucky, women being on the sea..." "A lot of things are supposed to be unlucky, but may not be. Luck is something very different to different people." She added it thoughtfully, her mind wandering over things that perhaps were foreign to her new friend. Kisha considered those things she herself was warry of: the cry of an owl, spirits, or even her state of marim� (contamination). Perhaps these things, and many others, were more tokens of luck to others. For Kisha, and any other Rom, they were tied deep to the roots of tradition and spirituality. "I don't mean to pry, but you speak of your aunt... Where is it you came from? I've never heard an accent quite like yours. It's very exotic, very pretty, but also quite unusual." Well damn. She should have known that was coming, but thats what she got for letting her guard down. She'd use her second defense. If Katherine guessed it a lie she would likely keep it to herself, and any suspition of her real origins would hopefully be ignored. Undoubtably they would be kept to herself. The girl hardly seemed the type to go crying to authorities about a lone gypsy, but her mention of possibly wedding a naval officer couldn't be ignored either. "I'm from Spain, but when I was younger I traveled with my father. I think its like that from the different languages I had to learn. Father was actually French, and mother was Spanish, as was my aunt who incidentally married an Italian. English is a far cry from my first tongue so I butcher its sound terribly." Most of it was lies, but not all. Her father had been French, and she did know an above average amount of languages. Of course, her Italian was quite rusty- she could get around if she needed to, but her grammar would be askew and her vocabulary limited. If she were surrounded by it she could pick it back up in a matter of days but right now that was hardly the situation. Still, the odds of this girl knowing it were slim. She was simply too English. It amused her really, for as good as she was at English it was one of her least favorites. It just didn't roll off the tongue right. But what could ever sound as lovely as Rom? Ah well... She sighed, letting herself lean in the water at a half float: her torso relaxed at the top of the water, and the very tips of her toes just barely feeling sand. The ship was too far off for her to notice yet, and she was hardly looking towards the horizon. The sky above simply absorbed her too much. The gentle light felt like a silent warmth that crept into her memories. One would think that without any real 'home' you couldn't be homesick, but nothing was farther from the truth. The troupe and its ways were home, but they were also long gone. It hurt to lie about it too, even if necissary. She was fiercly proud of her origins, pity they were so easily, and violently persecuted. |
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| Brendan | 6 Apr 2007, 07:19 PM Post #23 |
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A Legend. In regimentals. Pwn.
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Originally posted by kataubrey. "A lot of things are supposed to be unlucky, but may not be. Luck is something very different to different people." That seemed something of an odd thing to say, at least to Katherine's ears. Certainly sailors had their own ideas of luck, tailors another, and this cheerful whore likely had another entirely. "It seems to me," she mused, "that if some people think a thing is lucky and some think it is not, then either different things are truly lucky to different people or it's just a lot of silliness. Arthur says he makes his own luck; then again, he also says that sometimes things happen that not even a scientist can explain -- why a man healthy today might take a blow that should no more than bruise him and die in minutes tomorrow. Why one man survives his wounds or illness and another dies. I do not know what to make of it all." She leaned forward to swim out a bit more, her brow wrinkling as she saw... but no, it was only a little point of rock on the edge of that cove. It had surely always been there. As Katherine listened to Kisha's explanation of her origins, her little ears began to pick up bits here, bits there, of accents she recognized and had never heard. Still, as much as she concentrated, she could only gain a certain illumination -- the French was there, to be sure, and she had Italian and Spanish spoken by traders and sailors once in a great while. She'd heard more of the latter language in songs and poetry, and though she had never learned it she knew one of the languages it stemmed from -- Latin, which she could translate with reasonable accuracy as long as she had a primer and a pencil. French was far easier; she'd been taught that from the crib, though her brother had told her that his own Latin teacher had called it 'gutter Latin'. The thought made her laugh, a bell-like and unexpected sound. "You don't butcher the sound. It's rather pretty, I think, when you speak it. But French -- my mother's French, you know. You should hear her speak; French warring with Welsh trying to be very English is a sound you would not imagine. And accents do wrap about each other to sound very interesting when they come out." And there it is -- rational Katherine all over, taking the bits that she knows and the bits that she imagines and cobbling together a sort of sense of the world out of it all. For a moment there's nothing from her but the sound of her body moving through the water, then -- "Did you hear that? I swear I heard a Luscinia megarhynchos. A -- a nightingale, I mean. Someone must have brought one over from back home, or I am hearing things. I had never thought to hear one here!" |
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| Brendan | 6 Apr 2007, 07:19 PM Post #24 |
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A Legend. In regimentals. Pwn.
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Originally posted by Kisha Boswell. (( Since Jack is a little ways away we're going to keep going. But feel free to bring him in at any point that you're ready.  ) "I do not know what to make of it all." Kisha shrugged "Do you need to? I mean I'd take more heed in it if you were a gambler, but beyond that how much luck do you need? And even if you have it what says you have to know where it came from? You could appreciate having it all the same, sense of it or not." Listening to Katherine's description of her mother's voice set Kisha at ease. She had guessed correctly- she wasn't going to pry further and if she did suspect she was silent. She also chuckled a little thinking of the sound Katherine's mother's accent might have. Warring acceents. It was an odd concept for someone who had ones that blended. "Did you hear that? I swear I heard a Luscinia megarhynchos. A -- a nightingale, I mean. Someone must have brought one over from back home, or I am hearing things. I had never thought to hear one here!" "I did hear it, but I couldn't tell you what it was except that I haven't heard them here either. I sadly don't know much on birds or their sounds. A little, but not much." She was glad to see the girl so excited by the bird. Kisha herself had a great respect for nature, and its animals. Sometimes she felt more real there than in the busy gaje filled Port Royal. She lifted her foot, untangling a bit of seaweed that had gotten attached to her anklet. It was small and thin, the little bells on it making an odd noise given the water in them. Freed of the tangle she tossed the seaweed aside and let herslef move a little further with some full strokes. Even so, she had her back to the distant Pearl and was thus oblivious to the soon approaching Jack. |
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| Brendan | 6 Apr 2007, 07:19 PM Post #25 |
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A Legend. In regimentals. Pwn.
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Originally posted by kataubrey. The talk of luck made Katherine shrug her shoulders lightly. "I think we could all use a bit of it. Though frankly, maybe it's a little presumptuous of me to wish for it. Already I was born quite well, I live in a beautiful part of the world, I have a family who cares for me, I want for very little in life. Certainly I want for no creature comforts. I've already used up most of my luck, I think..." She shrugged her shoulders again, pale under the moonlight as her toes reached the top of a sandbar. "But I suppose nobody is ever truly content. Even with all that, I still wish and long and yearn." "I did hear it, but I couldn't tell you what it was except that I haven't heard them here either. I sadly don't know much on birds or their sounds. A little, but not much." "When I was a little girl, we would go sometimes to the circus just to see the animals. That was my only reason for going, at least. Arthur liked the acrobats, Angeline liked the clowns..." Her voice was misty and distant, hardly there at all anymore. "I wasn't that interested in seeing the tricks that lions and tigers and bears and such could do, but sometimes they would just show the creatures off, and that was best of all. Birds like little jewels... and now I am here, where they came from. I read all about the animals and the plants of this place all the while we sailed. It seemed impossible to me that any of them were real, yet the paintings I'd seen in the books did not do them justice." |
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| Brendan | 6 Apr 2007, 07:20 PM Post #26 |
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A Legend. In regimentals. Pwn.
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Originally posted by Kisha Boswell. "But I suppose nobody is ever truly content. Even with all that, I still wish and long and yearn." "I don't really think anything can make anyone completely happy. Theres just too much to want to ever have it all. Its like wanting to see the sky from every inch of earth. You could do it, if you tried, but it'll take a lifetime." Kisha was at heart simple. She didn't want much. Alright so she wanted the impossible- her family and for the persecution to end. But was it much? She didn't think so. But, like a mythical treasure she had no idea where to find even a way to it. She didn't really thing things would change for the better. Over the course of her lifetime they had gotten progressively worse. She remembered when at some times some places would be happy to see gypsies- how they would dance and preform at festivals and trade freely. Now she felt like some animal lined up for the hunt. "..I read all about the animals and the plants of this place all the while we sailed. It seemed impossible to me that any of them were real, yet the paintings I'd seen in the books did not do them justice." "I don't think pictures and words can do anything as well as the orginal. They're nice, sure, but I never liked how fake they were. I like to be able to touch things, smell them... really see them for what they are. Otherwise it just doesn't seem real enough, no matter how detailed. Even mirrors feel that way- you can see yourself but what do you really see? Theres a lot more to something than just what you see of it, or what you think of it." Seeing was overrated maybe for Kisha. She resfused the flat, one dimensional view of anything. Perhaps her life on the border of law and in the shadows had affected her more than she ever thought. Nothing was ever what it seemed, and she had learned that the hard way. |
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| Brendan | 6 Apr 2007, 07:20 PM Post #27 |
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A Legend. In regimentals. Pwn.
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Originally posted by kataubrey. "I don't really think anything can make anyone completely happy. Theres just too much to want to ever have it all. Its like wanting to see the sky from every inch of earth. You could do it, if you tried, but it'll take a lifetime." "I should like to take a lifetime doing that," Katherine murmured with a slightly mournful sigh. "To see the sun rise over the Alps, or to watch it set over the ruins of one of those ancient Aztec temples. To sail around the world and see everything, everywhere, from pole to pole. To really know." She swam over to a spit of rock jutting up from under the water, scrambling onto it and sitting up in the moonlight for a moment as though she'd completely forgotten the rest of the world existed. It was just the sea and the stars and the moon beginning to rise. "I know I never will," she admitted, pulling her knees up and wrapping her arms about them. "When I marry, my husband will never allow such a thing from his wife. But maybe I can persuade him, whoever he may be, to let me sail with a ship one day, just to another island or something of the sort. Just so I can see something else." Regretfully she gazed down at the water, reaching a foot down to flick her toes into the water before raising herself on her toes and diving back down into it. This, at least, felt right. It felt clean and good and pure, and for a moment she could imagine herself a mermaid in truth, free as the tide, living among the fishes and seaweed and anemones and never having to wear a wretched corset again. |
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| Brendan | 6 Apr 2007, 07:20 PM Post #28 |
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A Legend. In regimentals. Pwn.
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Originally posted by Jack. Once pushed off, Jack rowed the boat away from the Pearl, in the rough direction of the, er... entities Gibbs had spotted. Thinking of his first mate, Jack looked up at the Pearl's rail, where the faces of some of the crew - yes, including Gibbs, predictably - were looking at their Captain slowly disappearing into the darkness as if they would never see him again. A superstitious lot - but then, most sailors were superstitious to some degree... and often to a large degree. Jack kept rowing on quietly, as he was in no hurry, and he had no wish to exhaust himself with physical exertion. He was extremely curious about what he'd find (presuming that whatever they were wouldn't have swum away by the time he got there), but Jack could be extremely patient when he had to be - or actually, the truth of the matter was more likely that he enjoyed delaying the moment of having his curiosity satisfied. Still, he looked over his shoulder frequently to check if he was still headed in the approximately right direction, and got an increasing better view of the beings that way. There was certainly wet skin, human or animal - and then one of them was up on a rock, and Jack thought he could spot hair, and... He frowned, a strange nervous feeling rising in his stomach. Gibbs wasn't... He couldn't have been right, could he? No, of course not... Probably. As Jack got nearer, he was glad he had been able to keep an eye on the figures, rowing straight at them - but he was also cautious. They'd be able to hear the oars moving through the water soon, recognise the sound - and what would they do then? Run and hide; attack maybe? Since stealth was impossible, and the appearance of stealth (and the implied hostility) undesirable, Jack decided on a bold move: he whistled. It was a gentler sound than singing, and the tune floating across the water was far more innocent than the lyrics would be to most; Yoho, yoho, a pirate's life for me... ((Yeah, I figured I'd give you some more time still, if you want it. ;))) |
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| Brendan | 6 Apr 2007, 07:21 PM Post #29 |
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A Legend. In regimentals. Pwn.
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Originally posted by Kisha Boswell. "When I marry, my husband will never allow such a thing from his wife. But maybe I can persuade him, whoever he may be, to let me sail with a ship one day, just to another island or something of the sort. Just so I can see something else." Kisha realized easily that the life assigned her friend was not one she was fit for. She had too much of a free spirit to be some society woman. But, at the same time she wasn't exactly the sort to run off just to satisfy her curiosity. She'd strive for a middle ground, it seemed... but who could say that she would ever find it? The way marriage worked for these gaje was foreign to Kisha. She had heard plenty about it from the lips of her own kind, and also those seeking her services from time to time. It was no wonder that they were such unfaithful messes. For a moment she could almost see this girl at her camp, loving Rom ways as much as Kisha did. But then again Kisha had been raised that way, and once Rom always Rom. They survived as their own nation only because they thought the way they did. Blending in with host countries was necissary, but assimilation was worse than death. And yet it took no kris ((sort of a high gypsy council)) to make Kisha know that her ways were not recently that of Rom and that she was contaminated by their way of life. It was a repealable sentance, but for an unmarried woman doing as she was that was... well she didn't want to think about it. "It seems sad to just settle. But I guess with the right match you could also say you have enough funds to find your own way? Seeing the world isn't hard, but it might be if you expect to do it in a certain way." she chuckled a bit "Like say if you end up with a husband that is older you'll certainly have time as a widow. A little bleak maybe, but its an option to think about." In the brief silence between word exchange she caught the slight sound of whisling amoung the waves. Anything Katherine would move to say would be cut off "Shhh.. do you hear that?" A bird? It was easy to see her concentrating for a minute, almost as though she could feel that something was off. Perhaps she wouldn't have heard the sound at all, if it wasn't slightly familiar. She couldn't say for sure what it was but she could figure out where it was coming from. She looked out into the sea and... oh geeze. Where others could calucate numbers with lightening speed and accuracy, Kisha (who could only count for sake of money) could calculate in an entirely different way. Her mind reeled into situation assessment- a reflex and talent the likes of which she owed her life on more than one occasion. That approaching sound and movement in the not too distant distance was a rowboat. It was just close enough to see that, but not close enough for her to see who was in it. A single person, likely a man, was all that she could make out. Further behind the shape was a ship. With only moonlight she could not see the colours it hailed, but judging by which side of the island it was on she knew it wasn't naval. Likely it was something (and someone) who didn't want to be spotted by officials anymore than she did. Its lack to make port at all suggested illegal activities- wether involved with them at the immediate moment or not didn't matter. Her eyes darted to Katherine, who she knew would be spooked once she realized these facts... especially given her current state of nudity. Even if the man didn't notice them now, he would eventually, and if not them he would likely see their clothing. Time to move. She swam close to Katherine, pointing at the approaching shape. "If we don't want to make friends we need to move. You should gather the clothes and make for the trees." She knew that Katherine darting from the water would be spotted. Now that they were in fact not alone the stars and moonlight seemed all the brighter to Kisha. She would enact a form of charity to get Katherine out of here rather than run for it herself. After all, what did Kisha have to loose from being seen naked by some sailor? It was, despite situation, honestly ordinary. Beyond that she was used to dealing with them in general, where as Katherine would not be. "I will distract him so you can go. Then I'll meet you. Do not stay at the edge, but do not go too deep lest I loose you and my dress. Don't argue, go." She then reached into the water, her hands finding a few small shells and pebbles. They would have to do. Kisha swam out further, moving as silently as she could manage, and bore to her right- she did not want to put herself in line with the direct course of the approaching boat. She currsed the darkness for hiding the appearance of this person, but she also was greatful that it covered her and Katherine. Jack's hat would shadow any feature she might otherwise be able to recognize, but at least she could shee which way he turned his head. At the very edge of a sandbar, water reachng midway up her throat at this depth, her fingers rose to the surface. She would not swim further and give up footing... just in case. Her distance from the boat was enough that she should go overlooked, so logn as she did not make too much noise or movement. Still, should she mess this up she could be spotted without much hesitation. Kisha prayed that she would indeed not be seen, but her mind was still formulating a plan two just in case. She tossed a shell towards Jack's direction, the object landing just besides the boat and making a 'plooomp' type of noise in the water. Quickly, to be sure he noticed, she did it again. Except that this time she missed and got it -in- the boat. She grit her teeth. Kisha became very still, sinking into the water so that only her eyes protruded from the surface. Holding her breath, she waited. The waves made her hiding difficult, and her hair fanned out like some mess of tangled seaweed. Her eyes only changed direction once, glancing towards Katherine. She hoped she would move on her own now, while the small boat stopped, so that she would not have to make motions towards her for signal. Her fingers gripped a stone, ready to toss it again. Should he look towards shore while Katherine made towards it, Jack would find that same stone thrown not at the water or boat, but at him. |
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| Brendan | 6 Apr 2007, 07:21 PM Post #30 |
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A Legend. In regimentals. Pwn.
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Originally posted by kataubrey. "It seems sad to just settle. But I guess with the right match you could also say you have enough funds to find your own way? Seeing the world isn't hard, but it might be if you expect to do it in a certain way." she chuckled a bit "Like say if you end up with a husband that is older you'll certainly have time as a widow. A little bleak maybe, but its an option to think about." Sighing a bit, Katherine gave a weary nod. �That�s probably the best I can really hope for. A rich old man with a good name who leaves me enough to let me do as I will when he�s gone. At least it wouldn�t be quite so dreary as the more likely alternatives.� But if nothing else, this solution felt dreadful, chilly, unpleasant. Just the sort of thing her mother would suggest, honestly, but it wasn�t what Katherine wanted in her heart of hearts. It was a good solution, and the tiny pragmatist in her heart nodded approvingly, but� But in her young lady�s heart there was still a touch of romance. The thought that if she had to get married to someone, wouldn�t it be delightful to marry someone she loved? Who would make her laugh and make her think, who would keep her on her toes? Someone like -- Her thoughts were cut off by the distant whistling, her own ears pricking up at the same moment that Kisha�s did. Distant as it was, for a moment she murmured �Not the nightingale� a mockingbird? A loon? It almost sounds like a mourning-dove�s tone, but...� But no bird had that particular song. The mockingbird idea was actually rather long in remaining in her mind -- they could sound remarkably odd -- but when she heard the splash of the oars, a chill ran up her spine. Oh, dear� She followed Kisha�s gaze a step or two behind, eyes bulging at the sight of the approaching skiff. It was more frightening, somehow, than the great dark ship behind it, and while at this distance she could not see what flags it might be flying, the very fact that the moon did not so much gleam off the white of its sails as sink into their blackness and that of the keel� well, that told her much of what she needed to know, even beyond the obvious fact that there was no Port Royal dock in that cove. A little intelligence could be dreadful. Katherine yelped in outraged distress, her arms crossing over her chest as she ducked a bit further under the water. The whistling sounded so cheerful, admittedly, and if he�d wanted to sneak up on them he wouldn�t have started it. Even so, whether the fellow meant well or not, Miss Aubrey had no interest in any man seeing her in nothing but her skin. Kisha�s instructions snapped her out of her startled state, and she blinked owlishly at the woman before nodding once. �I�ll be back for you as soon as I can get marginally decent,� she said breathlessly, diving back under the water. She really was good at this -- a natural swimmer, Katherine wriggled like an alarmed fish toward the beach, only surfacing when there was no longer enough water to cover her. And then she sprinted across the sand as swiftly as she could, stumbling as her feet touched dry land again. The moon had risen enough that the white sand gleamed, and the dark patch over there� yes, those must be their clothes! Her arms reached down to scoop them up and she was on the move again, trying not to think about whatever else that silver light might be highlighting. She was a white shape in black shadows, her hair plastered in a not particularly attractive manner all along her shoulders and back, but her appearance was not her greatest worry at the moment. Clutching the clothing close to her, she darted into the shadows, slumping against a tree only a few feet in. Enough, for the moment. She was still near enough to the water to hear what might be happening, far enough to be an indistinct shape, and shielded enough that she could take stock. At the very least she should be able to get her underclothes on. The corset might have to wait, and that would make the outer dress impossible to wear properly, but she had no intention of letting Kisha remain there unprotected from whoever was in that boat. The thought that he would try to hurt them really didn�t occur to her. It just wouldn�t do to leave a friend in that situation. |
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| Brendan | 6 Apr 2007, 07:22 PM Post #31 |
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A Legend. In regimentals. Pwn.
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Originally posted by Jack. ((Aye, 'tis a loon. :D)) Coming closer now, Jack didn't regularly look at the figures (or what he could see of them) anymore; he wanted to be sure they had noticed him first. He was just about to turn around and formally notice... whatever it was that was swimming there, making proper introductions if this were the kind of creatures one would introduce oneself to (at this point Jack decided that, luck being what it was, they'd probably be dolphins or something even less exciting, making his preparations quite ridiculous), when there was a sudden unexpected plop right next to the boat. Jack stopped rowing, quickly glancing around before ever so carefully leaning over to look at the spot where the sound had come from. Before he'd got halfway, something small flew through the air and landed in the boat. Jack picked it up and studied it carefully. A shell. He racked his brain trying to remember stories of mermaids throwing shells at handsome passers-by to lure them to their doom (or something of the sort), but he couldn't remember any. Which wasn't to say it didn't happen, of course... Jack looked out over the water on the side where the 'plop' had occurred, and saw... something. He peered closer, trying to decide whether the strange, dark, floating mass should be there or not - but then there was a sound far behind him; a footstep splashing in the shallowest part of the sea. He turned around abruptly, could only just see a vague light shape... Something small and hard hit the side of his head, knocking his hat off in the progress. Jack cursed violently but concisely, reaching for his head with one hand, for his hat with the other; then meekly added: "That was uncalled for..." |
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| Brendan | 6 Apr 2007, 07:22 PM Post #32 |
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A Legend. In regimentals. Pwn.
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Originally posted by Kisha Boswell. Kisha�s success at distraction was a relief. Katherine should have plenty a chance to grab clothing and run to the trees. She knew she herself wasn�t spotted yet, if only because the stranger was too preoccupied by being smacked with the thrown object. But was it really such a stranger? "That was uncalled for..." Maybe not. The curses and mumbling were just enough to make her recognize the voice. Without the hat she also caught his features in the moonlight. Well go figure. It took her a moment to think about who exactly it was, but once she ran the list through her head she had no doubt. How long had it been since she�d seen Jack Sparrow? Months, and quite a few at that. Half a year at least. What he was doing in Port Royal was curious, however far from unwelcome. Beyond being a paying customer, Kisha considered him a friend and interesting company. But he had given her a scare, and she still wanted to make sure that Katherine had a chance to get decent. She wasn�t worried anymore though so she would have a spot of fun. Kisha inched up to the boat in as silent of strokes as she could manage. Then she gave a chirp like whistle, similar perhaps to the sort you might use to call an animal. No sooner than the sound left her lips, Kisha ducked below the water, swimming across the underside of the boat and resurfacing within its shadow. She bit her lip and waited, treading water with a smirk-like glint in her dark eyes. She reached up, fingers gripping the edge of the boat and then one hand reached out and poked Jack. She had considered spitting some water on him, but given that she�d already thrown something at him she didn�t want to be mean about it. A poke would be just as surprising, and considerably less wet. There was hardly a need to be unseen now, or to escape. Katherine could afford to take her time now, and so could Kisha. Kisha hoped to give Jack get a hint of the surprise that he had caused the girls. It was after all only fair. |
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| Brendan | 6 Apr 2007, 07:23 PM Post #33 |
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A Legend. In regimentals. Pwn.
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Originally posted by kataubrey. Back in the forest, however, none of this was known. There was a man in a skiff and there was Kisha, and Katherine had no intention of leaving them alone together. Visions of -- well, she didn't quite know what to imagine, but she was certain it was ghastly -- drifted through her head, and as she struggled into her stays she craned her neck to hear. Nothing, as yet, was being said apart from Sparrow's words. The accent made her brow wrinkle even as she twisted the foundation garment's opening toward the back. Only partly tightened, she could do only a little more without help. That would be acceptable, though -- hardly fashionable, and it wouldn't make her look quite so much the fragile little doll, but she would be able to breathe and run and move more easily. The manteau was shrugged on afterward, hardly the worse for wear even after having sat in the sand for a time. Something was a bit uncomfortable and itchy, but that was hardly important right this moment. And now, she had to find a way to protect her friend. Surely that man wasn't harmless, and horrible things could happen when he realized he was talking to a naked woman! Casting about for something, anything, Katherine at last grabbed a fairly thick -- if halfway rotten -- piece of wood, hefting it in her hands. It wasn't too heavy for her, which was an added bonus. Slinging Kisha's clothing over one shoulder, she peered out through the leaves. Got to pick the right time... |
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| Brendan | 6 Apr 2007, 07:23 PM Post #34 |
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A Legend. In regimentals. Pwn.
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Originally posted by Jack. Jack rubbed his head and replaced his hat on it. He scanned the water around the boat, but there was nothing. Well, enough of these mermaids, or whatever they were... If they weren't intending to treat him well, they'd have to forgo the pleasure of his company. He would get himself to land, and quickly, before larger projectiles might be used. But then there was a whistle right next to the boat, and Jack, like any fool, jumped forward to see the source of his potentially dangerous situation. Little waves indicated that there had indeed been something (at least he wasn't imagining things then), but whatever it had been, it was gone now. Jack's eyes followed the waves as they moved away from the boat, and he noted that the floating mass had disappeared - no seaweed then, clearly. Something poked Jack in the back, and he nearly screamed; fortunately he didn't. Instinct taking over, he reached back with lightening speed and grabbed something slick and wet and - and remarkably soft. He turned around; his eyes found the hand, then followed the arm up to its owner. Slowly recognition set in - so slowly that Jack could actually feel it taking place in his mind. Still, it couldn't really have taken more than a second or two. The connection was made; the only problem now was to attach the right name to the face. He remembered the alias she had used (and was rather proud of that - after all, how long ago was that ball?), but her real name required some additional thinking. "Kisha..." It had left his mouth before he realised he remembered it. While he thought of everything they'd been through, his eyes amused themselves, wandering down to where the water finally - too soon - covered up her naked body. "How nice to see you again." |
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| Brendan | 6 Apr 2007, 07:24 PM Post #35 |
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A Legend. In regimentals. Pwn.
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Originally posted by Kisha Boswell. Her wrist grabbed she couldn't do much but hang on with her other hand, feet below treading so that she did not tip the boat and send Jack in with her. She laughed a bit, an almost imp like giggle that matched her grin almost too well. "Kisha..." It had left his mouth before he realised he remembered it. While he thought of everything they'd been through, his eyes amused themselves, wandering down to where the water finally - too soon - covered up her naked body. "How nice to see you again." "Well, good to see you too Jack. And sorry for the shell but the next time you sneak up on me when I'm out for a swim you ought to let me know its you first. Then maybe you'd get yourself an invitation instead of a fright." she gave a wink, her lips ear to ear in her seemingly ever present grin as she slipped her wrist away. She let her hand meet where the other one was, holding on lightly to the boat. Kisha was taking her time to say hello, but also still enjoying the water. Yes, Katherine would be decent by the time they got back and hopefully not worried. Her eyes glanced to shore and then back to Jack. As always she went straight for the eyes. There was no polite or shy looking away, and there never had been. "Would you mind giving a girl a head start to shore? My new friend Katherine is on the beach in a small panic about now." She gave a little wave towards shore, to ease Katherine, and then looked back to Jack with that same mischevious smile. Kisha was far from worried about Jack seeing her nude- both in that he already had and in that it would possibly provoke business. She just wanted to calm down Katherine. In fact, she had said a head start, but quite intentionally left out just how much of one she should be given....and her smile suggested that Jack also didn't need to ask. |
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4:05 AM Jul 30
