Against All Flags - A Pervy Pirate Adventure (Group RP, 18+)

[Milieu]

Dominic wasn’t really a frequent patron of the brothel, but he couldn’t deny that it had its appeal. Along with offering a little physical company for a while, there was always the opportunity to snag tidbits of gossip about who had been coming and going that night and what new things in town might offer the prospect of work. He was good with his hands and never balked at heavy lifting, so there usually wasn’t a shortage of odd jobs available to him, but lingering on one task for too long got old and he welcomed the opportunity to try new things.

 

Tonight had been run-of-the-mill as far as information went, save for one thing; the new ship that had docked and looked to be staying for a day or two. Dominic had made a mental note to look into it, whether the crew was taking on new workers or not. Even if they weren’t, new faces often meant new excitement for a few days. Dominic could use some excitement every now and again.

 

He left the back rooms of the tavern and made for the bar, intending to sit and soak up the chatter while he drank. With any luck, he could hear more about this new ship and its crew, and if they’d be open to having some new blood among them. He’d never sailed extensively, but the idea of it appealed to him. Seeing new places, eating new foods, meeting new pretty girls… and pretty men. If the mystery ship was taking on new hands, Dominic would likely jump at the chance.

[|WW|]

"I was afeard for ya when Maddie said ya just left without a word to no one," Pearl scolded, wiping her hands on the rag she'd just given him a hearty smack with. "Next time ya come see me before ya go disappearin! Ya hear?" Looking sincere he nodded to the woman, reaching up to lightly stroke between the felines risen ears. "Oui, Madam," he answered politely, having been schooled to treat women with courtesy. Even when they were nothing short of a thorn in your side; the fairer sex deserved props. This also had to do with the fact that he had absolutely no pull towards that particular gender. You could respect something a lot more when you weren't out to crawl under their skirts at every given moment.

"Quite a few Black Jacks flying in port today," he commented, still scratching the feline idly. A deep purr of contentment pouring out from the black beast. Pearl huffed and nodded, turning her head to toss a glance over the busy interior. "And they just keep comin. Ya be certain there's a full house comin' for tonight. But ain't that always the way of things," she answered, planting a fist on her hip while looking back to his handsome face. If it weren't for the clothes and long hair, he would look very out of place. Refined features holding not one scar and eyes the color of dazzling jade, their depths captivating and yet politely guarded. It was a cryin' shame he liked the Pole. She sighed and broke the invasive stare, knowing she'd get nowhere with this man.

"So ya stickin' around this time? I guess ya be needin' a room. A pint too?" He lowered his hand, gently shaking the pouch concealed in his vest. "If you can manage, yes," he answered, reaching in the bag to deposit appropriate coin into her hands after. Someone would have to be crazy to actually bring a pouch out in the open around this place. That was just asking to get plundered later, and not in the preferred hole either.

She nodded and fisted the money, sailing back through the crowd like a proud ship slicing through the ocean waves. If he had one thing in this town that was lucky, it was the ladies. He knew quite a few, and they were all plenty good to him when he did manage to show up on their shore. He could be thankful for the connections, even if they weren't on par with someone say- like the Governor. That was a completely different level entirely. He'd only seen the man a few times, and even the smallest thought of that unattractive male made his willy duck away like a turtle in it's shell. Unpleasant experience.

Waiting he scanned the bar, taking in the many patrons who swarmed the space like moths to a flame. There were quite a few unfamiliar faces, but that wasn't exactly strange; with this being a busy port and all. A many number of ships eased into rest here, whether it was to replenish supplies or sell acquired loot. It all ended up exchanging hands here somewhere. As his gaze traveled, it paused on a man who'd been there a while before him. He could tell by how far he'd polished the weapons, nearly finished with a sword he was lovingly holding in plain sight.

He couldn't hear what the discussion was between the men currently, but reading lips did help a smidgeon from his viewpoint. He made out something about a Merry Dancer and pirates. He could only assume that the Merry Dancer was a ship, considering he'd never heard a male refer to a woman as a 'merry dancer'; sounded a bit ridiculous. He attempted to make out a bit more, but his vision was blocked by Pearl who set his pint and mug down, some of the liquid sloshing over the edge. She tossed a key on the table and mid-bounce he caught the token and slipped it away much like a slight-of-hand trick.

 

"Merci," he spoke quietly, taking the mug to hand; lifting it for a satisfying first gulp of the taverns well known booze. "Ya just remember what I said. No leaving without a word this time," she pinched his cheek until it turned red and waltzed off humming out a catchy tune. Giving another small glance to his silent companion, he sighed. "Guess we'd better be looking for that job opportunity soon." The one eye stared back at him, offering no retort to the suggestion; but a small curl of it's tail around his neck showed she was at least partially listening.

[ravenwyck]

Nico dressed quickly as John left once again. He was a good boy, but Nico had a feeling that when The Merry Dancer set sail again, he wouldn’t be aboard. It was a melancholy thought, but not a bad one. Each man had to follow his own destiny and Annabelle was a strong woman with strong opinions and she’d not settle for a man who was never home. It was one more piece of business to be handled before he left, but he’d do what he good for the boy who’d served under him since he was just a scrawny powder monkey scrabbling about belowdecks.

 

Using his glass, Nico examined the details of his garb and gave himself a nod. Even in proper circles he’d pass well enough for a gentleman. Blue was not his color of choice on most occasions, but when he’d seen this fabric woven through with waves and the color of the sea around the greek island where he’d grown, he’d claimed the entire bolt. He was happy with the result. Fop that the was, Nico thought that even Willem would be impressed. It was strange to think that he genuinely did want to impress the man.

 

Nico sighed. Well, there was little chance of that now. Men were hung and worse for the things he’d done with John (and others). That a large portion of the crew shared his proclivities would mean nothing in the face of his Captain no longer meeting his eyes. At least they had the good sense to be discreet. It was one thing to lead some greasy trumped-up governor about on a string, but something else entirely to be faced with the truth of the act.

 

Perhaps, he was being fatalistic. Surely, a man who played at being a sodomite could at least accept the presence of one on his ship. Regardless of where the truth might lie, Nico wasn’t ready to face the man just yet. With one last sigh, he strapped on his sword and checked his more hidden weapons before knocking on the frame of the half closed door that separated him from his Captain.

 

“Harold is downstairs and Sebastian as well. I’m going to have a word with them before we head off to the party. Meet me down there when you are ready.” Nico spoke to the wall without actually poking his head through the door, then turned on his heels and headed down to the common room.

 

Downstairs, the men in question rose to greet him as he approached their shared table. Two men, as opposite as night and day. Harold the Younger was a short, stout man who’d never missed a meal and could talk the devil out of his finest silver. Sebastian Maynard was a tall lean mean with a keen eye for successful ventures. They were honest enough, as merchants went and Nico preferred them to the common rabble trying to hock their measly wares at the local market. Having grown up in a Merchant House, it was a pleasant experience to sit down with those who knew the proper workings of the trade.

 

Sebastian gave him mocking bow. “Why Lord Nico, I do believe that captain of yours is finally rubbing off on you. Heard about the battle. Nasty bit of work that. The Spaniard’s have no honor. But, you seem none the worse for wear.”

 

“The ‘Dancer’ needs a bit of work, but the crew accounted themselves well. She needs repairs and supplies, but there is loot enough in the holds to cover that and more.”

 

A quick and friendly grin lit across Harold’s face as the three men seated themselves. “Now that is what I was hoping to hear. How can me and ol’ Seb be of service?”

 

Motioning to the one of the serving girls, Nico ordered a round of drinks. Once their drinks had arrived and the first of the pleasantries were out of the way, he pulled out his lists of goods available and goods needed and they got down to negotiations. With his back against the wall, Nico kept an eye on the stairs waiting for the appearance of his Captain.

 

***

 

John had rushed out of the quartermaster’s room so quickly he hadn’t even cleaned up. He was afraid if he’d stayed he’d change his mind about his decision. He loved Annabelle and he was determined to be the man she deserved, but Nico had always been there for him. If not for him, he wouldn’t even have met her. He wouldn’t have even survived long enough to do so. He’d intended to head straight to the mansion after telling Nico the news. But his clothes were a mess and he did need to clean himself. With that in mind he made his way back to the ship.

 

There was no sign of the shipwright when he returned to the ship and John shrugged. If he was really interested in working on the ship, he’d be at the repair yard tomorrow. It had only been a feeble excuse to visit the quartermaster, anyway. And they had both known it. The sawbones’ cabin was on the way to his bunk, however, and John had a thought to ask him about the man who’d stopped by.

 

The truth was, he felt kind of sorry for the man. Not everyone got to choose whether to serve on a pirate’s ship. And a doctor was too valuable an asset to be allowed to leave when there wasn’t another to take his place. It was obvious he was unhappy with the position, but John had always done what he could to help him feel more at home. Maybe he could speak to Nico about arranging an escort for him so he could get some shore time.

 

It was odd for the doc not to answer his knock and John peeked in to see if the man was asleep. There was no sign of the doctor and his cabin felt strangely abandoned. He hadn’t made much effort to personalize the space, but his few personal effects were missing as were some of his supplies. The supplies were understandable, he was occasionally called to other areas of the ship instead of men being dragged to him. But his personal things were another story.

 

John rationalized that perhaps he was over thinking. It was no secret that the Captain and Nico were searching for a man more willing to serve. A man happy to be doing his work was more likely to do a good job. Nico always said so. Maybe Eijkman was just being hopeful of his prospects. As soon as they found a replacement, the doctor would be free to leave whenever he wanted and with pockets full of coin for his time. He’d probably heard there was another doctor in town or something. He’d mention it to the quartermaster… later. He’d already gone running to the man once today over ‘nothing.’ And surely that’s all this was. Putting the thought out of his mind he continued to his own small space for a fresh set of clothes and a place to clean up.

[SqueezeBabe]

Willem took a long look at himself in the mirror, casting a critical eye over every little detail. He fiddled with the ring on his finger as he did so, a nervous gesture from when he was a boy and desperately waiting for his father's approval over something.

 

He had to admit that the outfit looked good on him, the blue accentuating his typical nordic looks. He'd applied powder to his face, just enough to hide the redness of the latest batch of sunburn. His mother would probably be beside herself with how he looked he thought with a wry smile as he tied back his hair with a matching blue ribbon.

 

He chewed his lip as he took another look at himself, he'd "forgotten" the wig, but reasoned that it be far too hot to be wearing the awful thing and nobody besides those of noble birth would know that he was "supposed" to be wearing one and settled for gathering up the length at his nape.

 

He glanced out the window, taking note of the sun beginning to dip towards the horizon. He'd taken as much time as he could to get himself ready, fussing over the details. He knew he was stalling for time, childish as it was, but he couldn't quite decide if he was trying to avoid the Governor or trying to avoid Nico, which just made him feel all the more self conscious about it.

 

With a final glance at his reflection, Willem slid his stocking clad feet into his shoes, missing the soft leather boots he normally wore instantly, and made his way down the stairs towards the common room and where Nico was surely waiting for him.

 

The common room was starting to fill; traders, labourers and crewmen were all gathering after a hard day at work. His own crewmen would be finding taverns all over the island to frequent, presumably to get drunk and tumble with whores. What he and Nico would be doing would essentially be no different, hopefully without the tumbling part; Willem shuddered once more at the thought of the Governor laying hands on his person in such an overly familiar way.

 

He cast his eye over the gathering throng; it wasn't hard to find Nico, who, as well dressed as he was, also stood out from the crowd. He could see him at the table with two merchants (who were also better dressed than the general clientele); a glance out of the corner of his eye and a small gesture, inviting Willem over to join them. As Willem approached the table, a small pewter goblet of wine beat him there; Nico had already anticipated his arrival to the extent that a drink was waiting for him. Wine in such a vessel was not quite the normal thing, but he could understand why such a place wouldn't have crystal glasses to serve it in.

 

His noble clothes like some sort of armour, the walk through the commons had become more fluid and graceful as his body remembered how to walk "properly" and by the time he sat at the table, he was a gentleman through and through. He took a small, almost delicate sip of the wine as Nico concluded the negotiations. There was some good natured grumbling from the merchants; Nico drove a hard but fair bargain, and Willem knew that the ship would be restocked the following morning with all the necessary provisions and equipment by lunch tomorrow.

 

Willem allowed the conversation to flow around him, chiming in with witticisms as appropriate, falling into the role of the purebred aristocrat... In a way it was helping him prepare for his evening with the Governor so that by the time that he and Nico arrived, the courtesies would be flowing from his lips much like the wine he'd just finished drinking.

 

Willem glanced about the room, the noise had picked up with the addition of more people. He leaned in close to Nico's ear so that he could be heard without having to raise his voice. "Shall we go and grace his Lordship with our presence and get this nonsense over with?" Willem couldn't quite hide the moue of distaste that crossed his features; the Governors true intentions weighing heavily in his mind.

 

The conversation at a close, Willem thanked the Merchants for their time and assistance, leaving the table ahead of Nico and made his way through the crowd, gracefully dodging and sidestepping as he went until he was outside and then turned to see how far behind Nico was.

 

The thing that struck him the most was how much more imposing the man was. Broad shoulders seemingly forcing the crowd to part in front of him, helped by the fact that he was also a good head taller than most in the room. Willem felt his mouth go a little dry and licked his lips nervously; it wasn't something that he'd paid attention to previously, so why was he paying attention now? Realising that he was staring, Willem looked away guiltily, ducking his head to hide his expression as he attempted to compose himself.

 

As Nico approached him, Willem bowed gracefully, a smile playing around his lips and resorting to "hiding" behind his foppish mannerisms he held out his hand.

 

"Shall we?"