|
|
Post by Donna Katherine Lopez on Aug 27, 2007 22:28:34 GMT -5
The day was like no other, the winds were blowing with a sense of freedom, and all eyes were on the spanish Donna who was walking down the long wooden docks of Port Royal. She pushed through the people, not unkindly, but with a sense of tension - showing that her patience was wearing thin. Behind her came a row of men from the tavern-inn that she had been the resident of for the last month. Each one carried a large trunk, some marked with an irom brand ML, others with an inscription of KL carved in a flowing script. The former containing household items from the Casa de Lopez, owned by the reputable Don Miguel, and the latter reflecting upon Kate's own personal items.
Finally Kate signaled for the procession to stop. In front of her was a ship named the HMS Intrepid, the ship her uncle had been accepted aboard, and the ship that she would use to find her way to New Spain and her new home with Miguel - the man who was old enough to be her father. Sneering she took the rope that acted as a railing to the wooden plank that seperated her from her destiny. Once aboard, her entourage of belongings began to board, and Kate herself looked for the Captain her uncle had talked about.
"Capitan! Capitan!" She said in her own Spanish accent, knowing only an officer from a seaman - not bothering with the tedious work of knowing Captain from Quartermaster. Finally the trunks had been piled neatly, as the men had only orders to take them to the ship and not below decks. "Thank You" she said simply, gracefully, and still with a sting of poison. To herself she wondered only where the blasted captain and uncle of hers was...she was not one to wait.
|
|
|
|
Post by Chastity Williams on Aug 29, 2007 17:26:07 GMT -5
Chastity stood at the dock with her parents. The good-bye party was fully underway at this point, and the girl couldn't help but feel bored and irksome as she smiled politley and waited to be let aboard the ship. Her father; it seemed; was also growing bored, and had wandered off to speak to some navy pals of his own. Chastity thought it was too much to hope for her mother to get the same idea.
The older woman waqs busy fussing of Chastity, who had long since given up listening. It was the same tale she'd been hearing all her life, and even more frequently since the voyage had been planned. You must conduct yourself with poise and dignity, daughter; you are of noble rank! Behave yourself whilst you are at sea, and learn to open your eyes to the world beyond our shores... Had she been with her brothers, Chastity would have snorted aloud at this comment. Hadn't it been her mother who encouraged her to shut her mind to the knowledge offered by her brothers' turtors? Hadn't it been Chastity who was eager to learn?
And so it was with barely restrained anger that Chastity was finally allowed to board the ship, her brothers carrying her two trunks aboard behind her. Everything being said and done; when she watched her family's carriage at last pull way from the docks, it was a bittersweet moment. She was finally on her own; to find adventure, fate, and whatever lay ahead.
She moved to the rail of the ship, and leaned over in what her mother would have not considered poised and dignified; allowing the warm salty air the whisper over her face. She wore her light brown hair pulled up; cascading neathly down the back of her neck. The dress her mother had chosen for her was pale blue, suposedly to set off her eyes; though Chastity thought such a gown was more fit to wear to a ball than aboard an ocean vessel.
On impulse; she lifted the small brass bird cage onto the rail; being sure to hold it steady. Feel the wind, Aleta? She whispered delightedly to the small white dove inside, Doesn't it taste of freedom!
ooc: perhaps we shall wait for marc to return? as it is his ship? |
|
|
|
Post by Marc Redevance on Aug 30, 2007 18:28:33 GMT -5
Admiral on deck...
The heavy wooden door to the Admiral's quarters swung open neatly, and a handsome man in a smart uniform stepped out into the warn, sunny day. Marc Redevance had just been making plans for this voyage in his study; where they're going, what supplies they need, etc. Though he already had the highest rank of Admiral, Marc was rather young for the post, and sometimes he acted like it too. His short blond hair swayed slightly in the salty breeze as he walked down to where passengers were finally boarding the ship. Keeping a keen lookout for any suspicious persons, Marc searched for one man he needed to see; Hayden Laurence, his First Officer.
Marc had only met Officer Laurence a couple times, when he was requesting the post, but other then that Marc knew nothing really about him. He smiled politely to a couple of young women that just walked up the ramp, but otherwise kept scanning the slowly dissipating crowd below. When he still didn't show up, Marc gave a small sigh and walked to the poop deck to stand behind the wheel. Looking a little annoyed, he proceeded to keep a close watch on the people now milling around on the Intrepid.
Suddenly a crash was heard from where all the supplies and luggage were being loaded on to the ship. Jumping slightly, Admiral Redevance frowned with frusteration and hurried to the lower deck to see what was going on. A dark, burly man had accidentally dropped a large crate, whose contents were now spread all over the deck; apples. Marc could bare remain calm.
"Good sir, can't you be more careful?" Marc's angry voice resounded over a rather hushed crowd. "Have those apples picked up, immediately! If I didn't need more men to help with preparing this ship, I'd have you thrown off at once." His voice turned into a slight growl as he finished his sentence. The large man just rolled his eyes as the Admiral turned away, and slowly began to put the apples back into the empty crate. A couple of other sailors joined in to give a hand. Marc marched back to the stern of this ship, and sighed angrily, now positively glaring out over the crowd of people and passengers.
... as you were, good sir. |
|
|
|
Post by Hayden Gregory Laurence on Aug 31, 2007 22:50:01 GMT -5
The night had been long, and Hayden had the feeling that the day would be even longer. Dreams of his last voyage had haunted what few hours of sleep that he had managed to have between the various engagements that had occupied his time. Of course now was a new day, and already Hayden was behind - the departure of his next ship looming close as he hadn't even gotten to the docks yet. It was a habit of his not to be late, but it happened to everyone, and today of all days it was happening to Hayden.
Slowly the official made his way through the crowded docks to the ship, already hearing the sweet voice of his dearest niece and silently thanking the Lord that she had been spared from the "civilized" imprisonment that the British proudly used to keep watch over their 'enemies'. Taking a moment to sweep his hair back into a manageable state, Hayden tucked his hat under his arm and proceeded to walk the gang plank up to the ship in an orderly fashion, exposing none of his fears and anxieties over the coming voyage.
Skimming the deck, Hayden hoped that he wouldn't have to deal with a captain who punished for small offenses. He was somewhat relieved to see that Kate would have another lady with her on her journey, and he hoped, in an amusing manner, that the stranger would be a spirit just as Kate was...otherwise they will plague each other...Hayden thought with a smile. Quickly, though, his demeanor changed as he spotted Admiral Redevance speaking to a man who had spilled some cargo. Taking long and drawn out strides that gave a strong impression, Hayden made it to the Admiral's side and although he had already spoken to the Admiral a couple of times before, all formality was put into this one critical introduction.
"Officer Hayden Laurence, sir, ready and waiting for command" Hayden spoke in a formal and strong voice, one filled with passion for king and country, as well as for the sea. With one swift motion Hayden bowed and replaced his hat on his head, feeling full of a sense of pride, a sense of adventure, and a sense of the unknown.
|
|
|
|
Post by Marc Redevance on Sept 1, 2007 21:23:26 GMT -5
Feel the sea, it's calling...
Marc was taking deep, slow breaths to get his temper under control, which was already subsiding. Normally, he would not be so tense, but today they were already running behind the schedule, and he didn't understand why people just kept making more setbacks. He watched the three sailors pick up the last few spilled apples, shut the crate and carry it down below deck. All of the cargo had now been loaded, all the supplies and baggage of the passengers, most of whom were now milling around on the lower deck, waving frantically to their family and friends and chatting together excitedly. The Admiral spotted one individual moving swiftly through the crowd, and he recognized the man as Hayden Laurence. Marc gave him a terse salute as he introduced himself.
"As you were, Officer Laurence." Marc began, smiling a little, noticing Hayden's stiff posture as a sign of formality."Good, you've made it. I was beginning to get a little anxious, but better late then never, non?" His French accent gave his voice a sharp, ringing quality that cut clearly through all the hubbub around them. "Come, we must get all the crew and passengers on board at once. We are running late."
Taking long strides, the Admiral was quickly positioned near the gangplank, overlooking the sea of faces on the harbor.
"All crew and passengers to board immediately; we cast off in 5 minutes!" He said as loudly as he could, hoping that everyone would be accounted for. He could feel the tension and excitement down below rise like a wave, as everyone hurried to let others pass that needed to get on board, and those that were boarding hurrying to get to the gangplank.
"Mr. Laurence," he said, turning back to his First Officer, "Please make sure everyone boards that is accounted for, and raise the gangplank in 5 minutes." Hoping that all would go as planned, Marc back to the wheel, and grasped it's worn handles affectionately.
...cast the ropes and free the sails! |
|
|
|
Post by Donna Katherine Lopez on Sept 2, 2007 18:12:04 GMT -5
Kate was beginning to feel like her normal self again...people were boarding and moving things all around her. She watched as someone took her luggage...hopefully to my rooms and not with the other cargo to the dirty depths of the ship...Kate thought bitterly as she curled her lip. Another woman boarded...she looked young, much younger than Kate herself felt, but perhaps they were close in age. Kate waited to say something, watching the girl looking over the rail. She had a bird with her, and she seemed to be quite fond of it. Slowly, as soon as Kate could see that she wasn't going to barge into some moment, she made her way to the rail next to the girl.
"Senorita, such a pretty dress might be ruined by the salt of the sea - might I suggest waiting until you are out of loved ones' views?" She said with a smile. She hoped that her first feelings had been right. This girl didn't seem to be the proper type, but her dress showed that someone had been at great lengths to turn her into a lady. Looking out to the sea Kate saw nothing that gave her comfort - only pride in a name that wasn't really hers, with a man who her father had owed a favor to.
Suddenly from behind she heard the orders, and realized that her uncle had gotten aboard without her notice. At the moment he seemed preoccupied with orders, there would be time for thanks later, when he could act like himself and she could break the aged persona that she had been hardened to hold and be the girl that she truly was. This would be a voyage to remember - and Kate wasn't going to let anything put a damper on it.
|
|
|
|
Post by Hayden Gregory Laurence on Sept 2, 2007 18:51:56 GMT -5
Hayden relaxed a little when the Admiral spoke, though not enough to be disrespectful. He nodded and moved with the admiral as he gave orders and quickly affirmed in his mind that all the passengers had come aboard. This was the point that he had been waiting for, the final moments when the ship would finally break free of the bondage within the port, and once again they would be able to sail wherever they had a mind to go, choosing their pace, and using the elements to their advantage. This was Hayden's love, his whole life was hinged on this moment, and this voyage would be a memorable one, his first as the First Officer of the ship. He had been lucky to gain the title, and he knew that the captain's experience would help him move up quickly in the ranks...perhaps he would one day be a captain - commanding a prize ship, or even one of the fleet. His imagination had wandered before he looked around again and caught up with the fast paced manner of things. The admiral was at the helm, and all seemed to be aboard that were going to be aboard.
"Raise the gang plank!" he called with a shout to the sailors - half of them looking old and seasoned, and the other half looking as if they wouldn't be able to tell fore from aft. The processes moved along with ease and despite the slow start, the morning would see them on their way.
"Admiral, all passengers accounted for, the gang plank is raised, and we have clearance to leave the port!" Hayden said in a full voice, knowing that this was the command that everyone had been waiting for. The onlookers would cheer in their own ways, the sailors would lighten up and hurry up their pace a bit, and the passengers would smile and cringe as they realized that they were finally about to embark. All in all the spectacle climaxed here, and soon after the command, the sails would begin to unfurl and the ship would finally move. The words were sweet in his mouth, and he hoped that the voyage would be even better than the rush of adrenaline that he was getting, the feeling that everything was finally happening, and it would all follow through nicely.
|
|
|
|
Post by Chastity Williams on Sept 3, 2007 19:27:41 GMT -5
Chastity stood at the rail, her neatly piled brown hair blowing about her face. Mother would be furious, if she could see! The thought flitted across her mind, and brought a wicked smile to the girl's face. She laughed shortly, caressing Aleta with the hand not holding her.
Her parents had long since driven away; rather than wait to see the ship leave port. Her mother had probably decided that any trouble her daughter might get into aboard the ship would happen whether she was there or not; and it was best not to stay around and identify herself with the mischeif. Chastity leaned over the rail, still holding the small dove gently in her hands. She stroked it with her forefinger, crooning gently to the bird, until her thoughts were interupted.
A brief smile flashed over her face, the grin crinkling her eyes and her teeth flashing int he afternoon sun. This was her true laugh; not the well-mannered simpering giggle her mother had tried so hard to drill into her skull. She recognized the young woman's accent as Spanish; one of the languages she had studied at the hand of her brothers' tutors. She inclinded her head respectfully, the smile still dancing in her eyes.
Hola, senora. Her eyes flitted to the ring on her third finger, and hoped she was correct in assuming this woman was married. I quite agree about the dress; but my mother could not resist. Alas; I fear all the other dresses she packed would not be much of an improvement. She gave a wry smirk, and extended one gloved hand forward, clutching her dove to her chest with the other.
I am Lady Chastity Williams, and this is Aleta. Please to meet you.
|
|
|
|
Post by Marc Redevance on Sept 4, 2007 23:15:01 GMT -5
Marc watched from behind the helm as his First Officer gave the order to raise the gangplank, and grasped the spokes of the wheel a little tighter in suppressed excitement. He had experienced many ship launched before, but not while he was the Admiral. Being totally in command was rather new to him, though he knew that he would get use to it very quickly. His father had always supported him, encouraged him to make a great Admiral, and he would not fail him now. He waited until the subordinates secured all of the ropes on the ship, and waited for the 'okay' signal from the sailors below deck. Almost as he finished thinking that thought, a young, skinny and inexperienced sailor ran up to him and gave a shaky salute.
"All luggage and supplies secured safely, Admiral sir!" he said breathlessly, as though he thought it to be an honor to be able to approach the Admiral. Chuckling slightly, Marc nodded.
"Thank you, lad. Go back to your post."
As the boy ran off, Marc looked up to see Hayden deliver his message.
"Alright, good work." he replied. He noticed that Hayden looked like he could barely contain himself. Most likely he was just as excited as he was for being able to give the order to launch the ship. Smiling slightly, Marc steadied himself, and looked at Hayden. "Mr. Laurence, give the order." He looked at all the hands that were now pausing in their work, waiting to be given permission to release the sails and ropes still binding the ship to the dock.
|
|
|
|
Post by Donna Katherine Lopez on Sept 5, 2007 22:27:09 GMT -5
"It is most delightful to make your aquaintence, Lady Chastity and Lady Aleta. I am Donna Katherine Lopez - but you may call me Kate, it makes me feel ever so much younger." Kate said, feeling the waves beneath the shifting ship take them farther from the port and the stiff greetings and proceedures that one was expected to follow in order to keep aquaintnces and make friends. Kate took the hand that held itself daintily and shook it with a confident femine touch. Kate was almost beaming as she watched the ship starting to move, and the excitement all around her made her feel just as young as she had ever felt.
"The dresses may seem a bit much, but they are essential to a woman's character," Kate started, then with a small smirk she added "Plus they keep your legs dry when the sea sprays up on deck...but if you are really against those garmets, I just happened to bring a couple of pairs of breeches..." She left the sentence for the other girl to interpret as she pleased. Inside, Kate had felt that Chastity seemed to be a woman as she herself was, willing to break those rules that seemed silly, and willing to bend those that she could to her advantage.
Pausing for a moment, Kate watched the curious bird, seeing in it more than just a soft white dove, but an intelligent being, being shipped across this voyage, bound only by her love for her owner. It was somewhat like herself, only it was duty, not love, that bound her to her destination.
(OOC: Sorry for lack of muse...Hayden will post tomorrow...)
|
|
|
|
Post by Marc Redevance on Sept 5, 2007 22:30:08 GMT -5
[ooc: Lol, the ship hasn't left the dock yet. o.o Marc told Hayden to give the order to release the sails and ship..]
|
|
|
|
Post by Hayden Gregory Laurence on Sept 6, 2007 17:52:37 GMT -5
Nodding in acceptance of the task at hand, Hayden quickly called out "Release mooring lines!" And watched several able seamen reach out to catch the lines being thrown onto the ship. They were free, and as a young child is uncertain as he lets go of his mother's hand to walk for the first time, so did the ship give an awkward shift as it no longer was bound to the stablility of the docks.
"Unfurl the foremast sails!" He called without wasting any time, sharp whistles ringing out as the orders were repeated in that shrill noise. Around himself, Hayden could only see trouble - should the wind blow the ship into the dock, should the ship find a hidden reef, should there be an assault waiting just outside the port - everything looked as if it would go wrong, but nothing had. Quickly the sails of the foremast were released and hauled to the proper length as to spill just enough wind to get out of the port safely.
"Sailing just west of leeward should get us out safely, Admiral" Hayden said, wraping up the end of unmooring the ship. The whistle continued with the small commands that most of the seamen knew by heart, and the ship slowly began to catch the wind and move, though creaking at first. Hayden looked out over the horizon, knowing that danger had not been left behind on the docks, there was plenty of it waiting on their journey, but for now the imediate threats were gone, and one breath could be made that wasn't rushed. One breath full of the sea air, that salty-sweet smell that seems to jog every sailor's memory to the best, and the worst, times.
(OOC:Yeah, I was kinda just anticipating the unmooring - not a whole lot of excitement for passengers)
|
|
|
|
Post by Chastity Williams on Sept 9, 2007 15:14:43 GMT -5
Chastity stood at the rail, the warm salty breeze lifting and toying with her neatly brushed hair. The morning was wonderfully sunny, and Chastity felt herself baking under the tedious layers of petticoats. The dress her mother had selected for this momentous occasion was a pale blue, with silver insets and darker trimming. It was supposed to set off her grey-blue eyes, but instead lent the girl a watery, muted appearance. As always, Chastity wore the silver necklace with the large pearl drops, and the matching pearl earbobs that her grandmother had given her.
Chastity curtsied slight over the extended hand, bobbing her head in a polite gesture. A pleasure, Lady Kate. Her pale eyes shone excitedly as she felt the lurch of the ship, as around them the bustling calls were shouted, and orders were carried out. This being her first voyage overseas, Chastity could barley contain her excitement to leave port, and with it; her entire restrained life, all of the social barriers that barred her way to freedom.
She sighed dramatically at Kate's offer, though her eyes held a rueful smile. Your offer is very kind, Lady Kate. But alas! The admiral is a friend of my father, and therefore my mother. If word was to leak out that I was spending the voyage in pants, rather than the expensive wardrobe she selected; she would not see fit to send me out on my own again, and I shall never be free of her! For that was indeed chastity's belief. She knew that after this voyage, she would return to England, and be married off to whichever man her mother deemed fit. Most probably some prudent snob atleast twice as old as she. Yet she was convinced; for it was the oly hope she had; that somehow, in someway, marriage would allow her more freedom than the life she led now. It had to.
Her pale blue eyes followed the older woman's glance to the dove, cradled gently in the crook of her arm. Chastity gave a small smile. A parting gift, from my brothers. I hve always loved birds, and envied their freedom.
|
|
|
|
Post by Marc Redevance on Sept 16, 2007 17:15:03 GMT -5
As thought the ship was stretching its tired old bones, the planks creaked and groaned slightly; the ship slowly sailed farther and farther away from the port, now sailing across the large bay. Soon they would be in open water, but that was at least half an hour away till they lost sight of land. Marc called for one of the more experienced sailors to take the wheel for him. He thanked the old chap, and walked to the the deck, where passengers were chatting together and exploring the ship. It felt good to walk on the slightly rolling ship again; felt familiar to be so accustomed to keeping his balance on the rocking sea. He walked to the rail, and watched the port slowly fall away, a content feeling warming him from the inside.
[ooc: Sorry, not much muse. Marc is open for conversation to anyone. He needs something to do. xD] |
|
|
|
Post by Donna Katherine Lopez on Sept 16, 2007 17:27:20 GMT -5
Listening to Chastity's words, Kate could see that the girl was much like herself. She glanced over to the captain, and smiled as she caught a look from the first mate. Yes, they were very much alike.
"Ah, my uncle is the First Mate - although my parents would probably commend me for any that yours might scold you for. It is my husband that I have to worry about, and thankfully, my uncle and I are close enough to understand what will and will not be found out. He is still my babysitter though...always saving me from trouble I'm quite capable of getting out of myself." She said, speaking in a far away tone. Her mind took her back to Spain, when her parents would let her do anything that the boys could do - and yet they would always send Hayden when he was around. Now she was grown, though, and Hayden still felt it was his duty to follow her around - good in some senses, but annoying in others.
"You are lucky to have such kind brothers...She is a lovely bird - I agree with you in saying their freedom is something most any woman should long for. You still have a chance to be free though - my chance has long passed." Kate couldn't help but wonder why Chastity was sailing, or where her destination was, although she knew it wasn't proper ettiquite to ask directly. Although she had been given loose reign in her studies, her ettiquite had been finely tuned, her father's years in the royal court, and her own experience in court had helped her realize the importance to such proceedures.
Taking a deep breath she sighed heavily, feeling the rock of the ship and taking in the surroundings. The admiral had just finished at the wheel and as Hayden continued his work, Kate smiled and dipped her head as he walked near them.
"Good Morning, Admiral - The weather seems fine for sailing, no?" She asked in a cordial tone.
|
|
