Crimson & Charles's escapades ©

Plans put in place and the crew capturing the betrayer for @Charles_Twining to pass judgement on his fate.

@Charles_Twining waits in the cell for daylight to disperse.. deep in thought…….’Dawn an’ I am still awake. Nothin’ left to do but play the Waitin’ Game…will @Crimson_Tide1 be able to pull off our insane breakout plan tonight.. OR will they hang me today like the guard said’? He rubs a shaky hand over his face, more nervous than a man cares to admit. ‘It’s a race with an uncertain outcome. One I don’t want to lose.’ Still in thought…

‘Another part of this time puzzle perplexes me..IF @Crimson_Tide1 an’ I pull this off, then maybe time can truly be changed..or can it? On one hand, I know what my past should hold for me, the deadly course I took to become a vampire, on the other hand.. @Crimson_Tide1 an’ I have already altered time..there was never any raid on the SeaSerpent nor Inca gold in my past..No Inca gold, no prison, no breakout’ Thinks ‘If I am hung today or die in the breakout..that is the only proof time can be altered..for none of it happened…BUT if I escape tonight..does that simply set me back on my true course, to my true future..of the undead? Can one really ever outrun their past?’ ..He has to wait for the answer..

Disturbed in his thoughts @Charles_Twining  hears the heavy thud  of guard boots marching down the corridor, his heart sinks as he questions his fate and mine.. ‘Has @Crimson_Tide1 an’ my time finally run out?’ A sudden lightness fills @Charles_Twining, as he thinks ‘If I hang..time has changed. No vampire. No immortality, No blood. No death..? Final peace? 

The two guards who have tormented @Charles_Twining the most stand at the cell door, by their scowls he can tell they are not pleased. He thinks that the cogs in the tumbler of time are still working as he hears them say ‘you are one lucky bastard Pirate Twining…Lucky the Gov’nor of Tortuga is a religious man an’ tis Sunday’ They give @Charles_Twining a cold glare as they say ‘No hangin’ on the Sabbath..not even scum like you’! @Charles_Twining vaguely hears himself answer as glibly as his pride can muster ‘Sorry to disappoint’! His thoughts filled with me and TIME! 

Later that night…

Full dark and the time has come…@Charles_Twining digs in with his toes and manages to climb the wall to see out the window to the harbor, he see’s the ship is in perfect position and he thinks how lucky he is to be in a gaol cell with such a fortuitous angle. @Charles_Twining recalls his instructions given to me to pass on to @Joshamee_ about giving a boost to the cannon ball shots.. he thinks if he survives the blast then him and I will be off and away. He chuckles to himself at how fucking easy he makes it all sound…nothing to it at all! 

I watch as the dusk rolls in off the horizon..the sultry sound of the waves lapping against the ship..knowing @Charles_Twining is counting on us..as I am. I walk over to @Joshamee_ and ask if the men are ready. My hands firm on the rail as fear mixed with adrenalin fills me. @Joshamee_ tells me the men are ready and I suspect from the swig or rum he takes from his pouch he’s as nervous as I am. He assures me he’ll be waiting for the signal and then he’ll send one back towards the gaol and @Charles_Twining. I pat @Joshamee_ on the back as a row boat is made ready..wishing him good luck I climb down into it with a small crew.

I’m not really one for praying..but tonight I do.. 

Sitting in the boat with the men..going over in my mind the plan one last time as I listen to the stroke of the oars one beat nearer to freeing @Charles_Twining. Jolted in thought by the oars being lifted as we make dock..gathering what we need, my foot planted on the cobbles

We walk into the dark..playing a rowdy crew on some shore leave until we hit the familiar back alleys. Leaving one man in place between the view of the ship and the gaol holding a lantern..the rest of us carry on. The crew and I place ourselves in precarious places around the gaol..waiting to free @Charles_Twining

I nod to one of the crew to give the signal to our man in the alley to signal @Joshamee_ aboard our ship. 

A crew member aboard the ship shouts the signal is given and @Joshamee_ gives orders for @Charles_Twining to be signalled. Spotting it @Charles_Twining drops down from the window..thinking this is it SHOW TIME! 

Giving a few seconds for places to be taken @Joshamee_ shouts to FIRE the cannons already laden with the extra power @Charles_Twining told us of. As the first shot roars into the night @Charles_Twining races to the farthest part of the cell away from the outside wall and ducks down.  Hearing the whistle of the shot run through, my body jumps with the blast. 

@Charles_Twining thinks that by the sound of the explosion, the added nitro is enough to wake the dead…or put a real fear in to ‘em. Nice work!! The first shot was close—but not close enough. He figures to pull this off the next shot needs to be in his fuckin’ ear’! 

@Joshamee_ shouts orders to fire into the heart of it all, the men steady on their feet as they load the special order to go.

The acrid smell of cordite fills the air as pandemonium erupts outside @Charles_Twining’s cell, all hell is breaking loose and the guards are in a panic. Panic is good, the more panic there is, the more chance @Charles_Twining can escape in it. 

@Joshameee_ spits on his hands as the next shot fires - shouting to the crew to let the next one be his..pouring rum over the ball he shouts it’s for the Captain @Charles_Twining!!! The ship near shakes as the shot fires.. scoring a Direct Hit! 

Another round of canon shot whistles through the air and it hits the gaol @Charles_Twining feels the walls shudder around him. Debris splinters everywhere hitting the target near side as the crew and I wait in our places around the gaol. 

A guard appears at @Charles_Twining’s cell, fumbling with keys, a sword in his other hand..he shouts somethin’ about slitting his throat. @Charles_Twining shouts out ‘sorry pal, I have another idea’ as he unlocks the cell door and starts to swing it open, @Charles_Twining grabs the guards arm, yanking hard he pins the guard to the door banging his face into the bars. The force so strong the iron door continues to swing open with the guard riding right around with it. @Charles_Twining and the guard are eyeball to eyeball with only the cell bars between them, the guards fingers trying to gouge out Charles’s one good eye. 

In the meantime @Joshamee_ lights the fuse of the cannon and he covers his ears with his hands as it yields it’s load, pushing him and the crewmen back in force, he thinks if that don’t do it the Devil himself won’t be able to. @Joshamee_ gives orders to get ready to cast off. 

I watch as the power of the cannon blast rips through the masonry thats likely stood for a Century before us. Hearing shouting and movement about the goal..but it’s not time to show ourselves yet. Slow steps turn to running and screaming from the taverns echoes into the night air..pandemonium and pure chaos sets in. 

Another canon shot explodes, a direct hit as the outer wall shatters—implodin’ a shit ton of rock into the cell… crushin’ everythin’ in its path fortunate for @Charles_Twining, the thing in it’s path was the guard…the timing of Charles’s maneuver had him using the whoreson guard and the iron cell door like a shield from the blast…

@Charles_Twining gives a small chuckle as he thinks ‘Now I DO have to laugh at this..flames erupt around me… the god cursed gaol is ablaze’! Holy shit! He pushes the guard away and starts to head for the gaping hole blasted in the wall… flames licking at his boots. He hears a dog yelp… it’s the gaol dog who warmed his feet somewhere down the smoke filled corridor, no time to spare, yet @Charles_Twining stops thinking ‘Damn dog’ he whistles, piercin’ loud and shouts ‘Listen up dog if you wanna save your fur’!

Nothing more he can do for the dog… he’s shown him the way out… the rest is up to the mutt.  @Charles_Twining turns and runs for the opening blasted in the wall just as I appear out of the smoke. 

 

@Charles_Twining spares precious seconds in an embrace… relieved to see me and with a half smile quips ‘Took you long enough, Red’. I smile back returning the embrace as an axe dangles from my hand..quipping back ‘do you really need to ask? I ask @Charles_Twining to stand still so I can cut the chains from him, the bracelets we can deal with aboard the ship. 

With a crooked smile he holds out his shackled hands against a blown out gaol bolder nervously saying ‘Aye, Red. Have a care not to chop off a finger… or…‘nother appendage’. I bring the axe up above my head as I look @Charles_Twining in the eye telling him ‘I’ll be sure not to miss ..’

Myaim is true and the chains snap apart. I smirk at @Charles_Twining as he says  ’Nice shot, Red’ He grabs my arm, lookin’ for a way out and turns to me and quips ‘Remind me not to piss you off’

I Run with @Charles_Twining to the safe stash of weapons hidden behind carts..I tell him to take his pick ..as I take my preferences. He grins at me while he grabs a sword, and stuffs as many knives and pistols in his boots and pants as he can before asking me ‘Where do we go from here’?

I reply ‘when we get through this lot’ as I stares at what’s coming towards us steel highlighted in the flicker of flames.. ‘it’s that way’ I point. @Charles_Twining races with me away from the burning gaol and the guards in hot pursuit—they’re not stupid, they know whos cell has the hole in it.

Guards split us apart..steel grazing steel as the fight commences..bringing my sword down fast into a wrist..Our men about us..the hollers echoing into the night sky. I jump back as @Charles_Twining sways his blade in defence of me. @Charles_Twining veers off as I stop to battle with one guard, Charles swings his blade, deflecting another guard from gutting me. The guards sword parries with @Charles__Twining’s the sound of metal rings in the night… their bodies entwined, each seeking the death plunge. The guard may be brute strength, but @Charles_Twining is more cunning as he slips the knife blade up under the guards ribs..his air whooshing out.  I glance  in acknowledgement to him as we fight our way through the mangle of bodies and clashing swords.  

I drive my sword deep into the unsuspecting…screeching ‘you didn’t think a woman could be so fearsome hmm’? ‘As I twist it inside his guts..I spy what looks like a gigantic dog shape in the night ..tackling down a guard. Heading for freedom I’m pulled back by my arm..twisting around..my finger already on the trigger I fire. @Charles_Twining casts his guard to the ground and sees I have dispatched mine he calls out to me  ’Lets go’! I marry up with him and we run.

Fleeing from the carnage..our crew already ahead of us..panting out my words to Charles as we run ‘Towards the dock then the sea…

@Charles_Twining and I race across the dock, we spot the gaol dog come out of the shadows to take a guard down by the ankles. I give a glance over to the dog as I hear a shriek in agony..blood flaying from the animals teeth

Out of  pure perversity, @Charles_Twining stops to shout back at the guards in pursuit ‘Today was the day you ALMOST hung Charles Twining!’ then he and I disappear down another alley way… almost to the dock… we can see some of our men, oars at the ready.. to row out to the ship. We run head on for the dock..not stopping .

I yell out as we jump into the sea.. and I lose the weight of my weapons as I go under the water..the flow of water in my ears as I hold my breath..then rising slowly to surface..coughing.  @Charles_Twining hits the water with me, and he sinks deep under the weight of his weapons too..he loses a few and he bounces back to the surface spluttering. Growling at me he spits ’ Nuthin’ more ignominous than a pirate swimmin’. We swim fast to catch up with the crew in the row boat..hearing shots being fired at us from the shore..

My hands feeling the wood of the row boat..and being heaved aboard like wet mackerel..slumping inside…breathing heavy, @Charles_Twining dragged inside the boat beside me wet but fucking yet alive!

He meets my knowing gaze and winks..panting ‘We did it, Red! I dont know how we did, but we did’! He turns to the rowing crewmen promising them gold for all! 

I laugh as I breath answering @Charles_Twining ‘We did at that Charles’ I grip his hand saying ‘now lets get the hell out of here. He smiles at me and squeezes my hand..but his thoughts are filled with ‘I may be saved, but am I back on my time path’?

To be continued….

pupsdeadgirl:

Discovering Turks and Caicos - Island Video overview (by turkscaicosrez)

OOC: I want to go here one day.

The silver slid over the palm and the deal was done…or so @Charles_Twining and I thought…

The night was upon us..@Charles_Twining gives @Joshamee_ his last instructions “You and the men stay out of site til @Crimson_Tide1 an’ I signal from the ship”  

He slaps @Joshamee_s back and @Charles_Twining and I leave the ship..slipping into the shadows towards our prey The Sea Serpent. Loaded with Inca gold..we’d be set for life..for eternity. Our plan solid, the rum soaked sailor paid to leave the hatch open for us. We Slip down the narrow alley…hugging the walls then across to the dock and our fortune.

I follow behind @Charles_Twining, stopped suddenly by his hand holding me back, he scowls as he listens realising something isn’t quite right. Only hearing the sound of the water lapping against the harbour, staring into the shadows… He questions where are the tavern noises?, the noise of business in the harbour? - he takes a step back..moving me with him. He knows the exact moment the plan went bad - the same feeling as when the floor drops from under you…at the gallows. @Charles_Twining pulls his sword from it’s sheath and the steel shrieks into the night air, he roars at me to run. I acknowledge it’s a trap…but hesitating..I look at him, his back to me..blocking the path between me and the Kings Royals buying me time to escape. He senses I am still behind him and he roars at me again to go…I run, my footsteps pound through my body as I hear the blade of @Charles_Twining’s catch against the soldiers.

Locked in his own fight, the point of @Charles_Twining’s sword meeting the first soldier, his eyes widen as he listens to @Charles_Twining ask if he’ll hang him for less if he surrenders. @Charles_Twining grins as he pushes the soldiers body off the blade of his sword like kebab meat…straight into the path of two more coming at him, he raises his sword high, lopping of their heads as they fall. Fighting panic, no vampire strength to save him as the swarms of soldiers fill the passageway, swarming around him like bee’s to honey. @Charles_Twining shouts out “I’ll die a pirate” and waits for the death blow, but it doesn’t arrive. “Send me to hell, my friends await” he shouts again but instead he sees the butt of a rifle…. the taste of blood….and blackness. 

Running from the carnage I come face to face with a soldier, before I know it my knife is in his stomach..and he falls into me. I pull him into a doorway as more soldiers run passed.

I know I need to go back to @Charles_Twining. I slip the dead soldiers coat on and his pants, tucking my hair in I retrace my steps. I follow keeping well back from the foray, catching the glancing shimmer of steel in the night. My breathing heavy, my stomach in knots as I watch them drag @Charles_Twining by the armpits, I’m close enough to hear the drag of his boots on the cobbles. I feel fear but I must pursue it, following at a distance, a small trail of blood leads me to where they take @Charles_Twining. A pirates fate..he knows it too…his last thought ‘fuck me they want a hanging’……..To be continued

He stands on deck with his legs braced against the waves…as the ship glides through the water…the quarry close…our rewards near. @Charles_Twining moves to the ships rail..taking out the spy glass and seeing through it in the distance..there.. a spot on the horizon..the ship we have been waiting for. The cog in the wheel in the calendar from 400 years ago has returned. He inhales the sea air..breathing in deep..then bellows to @Joshamee_ to prepare the men…for we are the predators of the ocean…waiting to pounce on the unsuspecting merchant ships and other vessels alike … 

His words flush me with excitement as he tells @Joshamee_ we are picking a fat pearl from the sea tonight..he turns to me..winking..and knowing this is what I’ve been waiting for..the thrill of life..mixed with death..and the rewards it can bring. 

I hear @Joshamee_ bustle below deck..barking orders to the men..their feet soon scurrying around us. Gripping the ships rail I stare hard into the distance..seeing what @Charles_Twining saw..then turning back as I hear the main sails unfurl and they catch the breeze…moving the ship on faster 

@Charles_Twining passes me the spy glass..I near snatch it out of his hand as he points. I see close up what he saw in the kaleidoscope of time…his voice truly human as he spits out his words…the ship can try and run from us..but we will have it..and have it all. My excitement welling to bursting point - realising a hunger flows through me, deeper than even I had anticipated as I tell him what I see and that I want it too…The chase is on…

@Charles_Twining turns the wheel of the ship so she’s fair laying on her side..as the waves sweep across the deck…the wind catching the sails…the rigging shaking as we pick up more speed. He shouts to @Joshamee_ to have the men get the cannons loaded and have swords at the ready. 

I watch as @Joshamee_ clips a sailor around the head for being late on deck..he grabs the powder boy as he salutes @Charles_Twining and follows orders to make ready the cannons..

I move closer to @Charles_Twining on a promise of adventure like I’ve never tasted before. My hand rests over his on the wheel as I feel the power of the sea beneath us. I tell him I am grateful to him for improving my swordmanship.. he smiles a cunning smile as he takes out two pistols from his belt and shoves them in mine telling me a sword is mighty dandy but a bullet to the head is better. 

Stumbling forward as I am loaded with pistol..I tell @charles_Twining I have a need to experience …what they call ‘running them through’ ..

Hearing @Joshamee_ shout up to the barrel man to see if he see’s action from the deck of our prey..and he comes running to @Charles_Twining to report we haven’t been spotted yet for what we are. Charles tells him to carry on  to steal upon them, to steal their gold and steal their lives so there be no tales to be told. I cast my eye over the crew as they prepare for battle…

@Charles_Twining turns back to me…to tell me how vicious I am..and with a look of sadness in his eye tells me the day I gut a man under my sword..is the day my soul is no more. I reassure him my soul is intact - I just have no heart where most are concerned any more..it’s the way of our world for him and I. Breathing in and tasting the salt in the air @Charles_Twining reminds me of being one who has already lost his soul…and that I should hang on to mine for as long as I can. I watch as he pulls his sabre from it’s scabbard. My hand rests on his chest..telling him if anyone is to get my soul…it will be him.  I turn away swiftly…as I watch @Joshamee_ brush passed us checking the grappling hooks. I sense within our bond..@Charles_Twining’s genuine feeling of pain?…of love? at my words..I turn back to him…not speaking of what I feel between us…instead distracting by telling him we’ll set this night on fire grinning widely asking him to show me it all! 

@Charles_Twining bellows to @Joshamee_ to hoist the colors..to let them see what wickedness is coming their way..

@Charles_Twining watches in grim delight as the vast ocean is swallowed beneath the prow of The Calamity, my own excitement pumps through my veins, my heart near pounding out of my chest..watching all the commotion around me.  He bellows from the pit of his stomach staring up at the sky ‘the sea is my deliverance and this night is OURS!!

The ship runs along side our quarry and the crew let out a cheer under @Charles_Twining’s words. I see @Joshamee_ take a his pouch and have a swig of rum…thinking it’s a good idea..I run below deck to our Quarters, grabbing a half bottle from the night before I return above deck..and pass it to @Charles_Twining. I tell him to drink up because this night is HIS..he drinks it like it was his last then shouts out to the crew to stand ready at the cannons to blow a hole in our preys belly. He drinks another and Roars those damming words FIRE!! FIRE!! FIRE!! @Joshamee_ carries @Charles_Twining’s words forward to the crew and the ship shakes under our feet as the cannons blast for all they’re worth. The smell of cordite fills the air, smoke burns our nostrils - I place my hands over my ears as the cannons pound the other ship.. 

@Charles_Twining watches me ready to cross into his old world where blood is spilt for profit and glory - I feel his pride..but I also know I am abandoned to my own fate this night. @Joshamee_ awaits orders to fire a chain shot - to disable our prey so she is unable to run…and @Charles_Twining doesn’t disappoint..giving the order the shot is fired…and it wraps around the main mast..bringing it crashing down. ‘We got ‘er’ shouts @Joshamee_ his black powdered hands rubbing together…the grappling ropes are thrown and @Charles_Twining gives the orders to pull the ship to our own anchoring her to us…and we are ready to board. I can see the crew of the stricken vessel waiting…their eyes as eager as ours..

@Charles_Twining shouts out to the captain ‘God has abandoned ye, for this is the bloody Devil that comes aboard’. My hand on my belt..ready..waiting for the signal..then it comes. @Charles_Twining tells me to go…to join their ranks this night…in death or glory..Taking a rope, I turn to him, a glint in my eye as I swing across. @Joshamee_ swings beside me - I see him kick a crew member bawling at him to follow the Captains orders. I land square on in front of a sailor..without a thought I pull my pistol cocking it and shooting him between the eyes.

I sense @Charles_Twining is not far behind me..he lands on deck..cutting down a sailor with one stroke of his sword..he slashes at two more…slitting the throat of another as he is sprayed in blood..a familiar taste and smell hits him. I run along the deck..drawing my sword it’s steel matching that of a mariner. The steel screeches as swords touch, I move with precision the way @Charles_Twining taught me. Telling the mariner this is the dance of death as I scream like the devil himself and run him through..feeling the squish of his guts as I twist my sword in him. I watch as his life fades from his eyes..he falls to his knees, then to my feet and I jump over him, moving on. I sense @Charles_Twining’s thoughts..’this is living life to the fullest, being a vampire is dead inside..this is LIFE!’ somehow his thought warms me. I look around me and see @Joshamee_ slit a sailors throat from ear to ear blood spills to the floor. I look for @Charles_Twining in the carnage..the bodies buried in battle…the screams as the angel of death carries off the unlucky ones..

I spot @Charles_Twining move passed @Joshamee_ the pair fighting like devils…then I see where Charles is aiming for..the Ships Captain..their eyes lock..and he tells the Captain the day is lost..and raising his sword above his head roars to him he’ll send word to his momma he died like a man then he swings his cold steel down in an arc and near splits the Captain in two. @Charles_Twining shouts to me and the crew to take the bounty..and sink the ship because as the saying goes Dead Men Tell No Tales! Full of adrenaline I move forward down the deck to then be confronted by a burly fellow his sword drawn, a grim smirk on his face..Staring him in the eyes I pull out my pistol..as I aim, his sword glances me a blow to my arm and I fire the shot..a broad smile forms across my face as he falls to the ground. Hearing @Charles_Twining’s voice I turn towards him, if there was fear..I did not show it. 

@Joshamee_ Gathers our crew and starts directing them on the @Charles_Twining’s orders to take the bounty to the Calamity then torch the ship. I feel the warmth of my own blood seep down my arm..tearing a dead mans shirt I tie it around my wound tight to stop the flow. @Charles_Twining moves towards me, checking my wound..and I know at one time he would’ve had the power to heal it..and drink me in. The silence between us is only broken by @Joshamee_ ordering the crew to put boarding planks from ship to ship and load up our rich pickings. @Charles_Twining asks if I am alright, even though he knows I am..he tells me I did well, and asks me if this is the kind of adventure I craved, he thinks we are kindred souls at heart. I smile up at him still breathing hard, I tell him it was life at it’s best. @Joshamee_ passes us by, letting @Charles_Twining know we didn’t suffer many losses on this nights raid. I take @Charles_Twining’s hand in mine and we walk across the gang plank back to the Calamity. The nights work almost done…just one more order for him to give, to cast the ship off from us and let it burn taking this tale with it. We watch as the sky lights up with an orangey glow..

@Charles_Twining whispers in my ear..and we go below deck to enjoy our treasures…leaving the men to celebrate in their own way with captured rum. 

The trail of devastation we leave floats along in the sea..for @Le_Bouche to find…can we really change history?

Until next time…

Strolling the deck…a gentle warm breeze blowing..I listen to the sea lap against the ship as I walk up behind @Charles_Twining. He leans over the ships rail in deep thought..I slip my arm around his waist, and lean my head on his back. I sense a worry in him, a worry he has not yet confided..I ask @Charles_Twining for a penny for his thoughts..hoping he may divulge to me..but alas..he keeps this one locked up inside.

 

Moving beside @Charles_Twining I look out to sea with him as we lay anchored with a vastness of blue surrounding us. Through our bond he knows I want to talk of the bar brawl..winking at me @Charles_Twining explains the rum was strong and he wasn’t at his best that night.  I tell him..a bond is a bond like life and death..and although he isn’t willing to tell me all, I can feel what’s closed up inside him, because @Charles_Twining and I are in deep and for keeps…as I said..in life and death.

I inhale the sea as I sense his inner turmoil, looking at him..I tell him it’s different for me too… feeling him like never before…I look at his face and smile saying it just takes longer for the bruises to heal is all. @Charles_Twining touches his black eye and puffed cheek - I sense his embarrassment as he grapples with having emotions again. He reminds himself of his once vampire strength and how grand it was, and how he’s very much mortal for now and has to survive off his cunning. Grinning as @Charles_Twining recollects how firey I was and he see’s fit to wager he could take me down in one. Responding to his moment of humour I stand proud with hands on hips, looking at him square on with half a smile..almost daring him to try. I remind @Charles_Twining that cunning is an old friend of mine..it’s helped me survive with him. I touch his bruise, staring passed him, my eyes slowly drawing back to his face…I tell him I know there is more on his mind because bar brawls are an every day hazard for us normally. 

Still not willing to share it all with me..@Charles_Twining tells me enough…that he’s living by the calendar and it’s telling him his past is catching up with him rapidly. He says that we may have turned back the centuries but time is marching…and it won’t be long before “it” finds him again.

I reassure @Charles_Twining it will find us both…my fingers find one of his dreadlocks and I exclaim he must be enjoying the feel of the sun on his back, being able to taste food again..and of course his beloved rum but most of all feeling the warmth of his body. @Charles_Twining open his hands looking down at them…exclaiming that the feel of warm blood in his veins is alarming yet welcome.

Warm for the first time in 450 years..he scratches a nail down the back of his hand…drawing a thin line of blood. Half joking @Charles_Twining says it’s too bad the human shell is so fragile..as he squints up at the sun..chuckling to me that when we return he’ll be the only tanned vampire. I laugh with him enjoying a moment of levity as I and he feel within each other that we’d both be happy staying in the past…it suits us both.  I look at @Charles_Twining trying not to dwell on having to return to normality..I break into a smile telling him the bounty here is plentiful. He laughs hard.. grimacing at the pain of his bruises.. agreeing that the plunder and bounty suits us, and if he is to meet his..maker…or death..let him do it feeding, fighting and fucking with the best of them..he grabs me and swings me. I twirl around @Charles_Twining laughing saying we are learning to bend the rules not completely breaking them. I tell him I want to go pirating and that I want to live like never before, gripping @Charles_Twining by the shoulders..I kiss him firmly on the lips pulling away laughing..letting him know I am enjoying myself with him. He roars with laughter, agreeing we will plunder the seas until our time is up..he bellows to @Joshamee_ to make sail. I give @Charles_Twining a broad smile as I hear the anchor being raised..and the crew scuttling around us. The sails unfurl and the breeze catches them..and we slowly move off…on a course @Charles_Twining has embedded like a scar in his brain. 

BOO!! 

@Charles_Twining finds himself looking out of  the coke bottle thick window of his old ship. He watches the sun set for the first time in centuries as he hears @Joshamee_ and the crew hustle on deck as they bring the ship to port. The men can smell the rum waitin’ on shore. and so can he. He chuckles to himself as he is reminded of how may years it’s been..to be sure it’s been about 445 years since he had his last sip of red rum. He shakes me as I doze on the bed..I can hear him whisper for me to wake up. I feel his gaze on me as he wonders where this adventure will lead us. For a moment I think it’s all a dream..opening my eyes I see the face of @Charles_Twining staring down at me, his hair brushes against my skin. It’s not a dream at all is it? I ask out loud and he shakes his head confirming we are well and truly back in time…his time. He’s been pondering on the edge of the bed all afternoon, wrestling with himself that he is indeed human again, and he’s not liking it too much. The thought that he is indeed as fragile as me. He tells me we must return to the present day..he’s thinking of more dangerous things..@Le_Bouche. 

I slide off the bed as @Charles_Twining talks with me…pulling my hair around my shoulder as I feel the sway of the ship. I agree with him that we do need to return to our present day…..but when…when will this free us?

Irritated at his breathing @Charles_Twining opens draws and cupboards shoving knives and guns in his clothes..exclaiming that shore awaits us and he wants to try and find some more voodoo to undo the magic surrounding us. He tosses me a couple of weapons as he reminds me he can be killed easier now.

He leads me above deck telling @Joshamee_ to leave a skeleton crew, the rest can have shore leave. I hitch up my skirts as he helps me into a dingy and he begins to row. This time the view is slightly different from the 21st Century 

He warns me of the dangers and reminds me to keep my bounty in my dress, I tell him that if any man touches me I’ll blow their head off. Laughing @Charles_Twining tells me not to get blood on my dress and I assure him, if I do - it won’t be mine. We reach the pier and he helps me out of the dingy, and we walk into the depths of Tortuga. The sound of merriment fills the air and the intoxicating aroma of food and drink wafts around us. I take a last glance at the ship in the distance anchored off shore before we disappear into the crowds. 

@Charles_Twining see’s the pleasure in my eyes and he knows I’m enjoying myself and he has to admit that he is too. I pull @Charles_Twining to one side when I spot a tavern…the sound of song emanating from it..we go inside. The smell of stale beer and the jovial atmosphere fills the room. I tell him I like this place and he agrees…saying cheap rum and no questions, every sailors favorite. 

He dusts off a chair and pulls it out for me - I pull my skirts to the side and take a seat opposite him, thinking it’s nice to know @Charles_Twining has lost none of his charming ways. He shouts to a barman to bring over some Rum, the good stuff, and within minutes the barman returns, tankards and rum.

 

I watch as @Charles_Twining sits and stares at the rum, almost drooling at it’s sight. I watch him tentatively clasp his hand around the tankard…and then lift it to his lips and drink it down. Slamming it back down on the table - he pours another as I drink mine. I beckon the barman over for more rum…and watch as @Charles_Twining drinks and drinks…revelling in the glorious taste. A song strikes up in the bar…and we tap our feet, getting more boisterous but having fun. I stand up and dance to the tune in front of @Charles_Twining, we are truly enjoying ourselves…until..I feel a hand come about my waist. I push the sailor away but again he comes back..pulling me towards him. I stamp on his foot and duck when he swings at me - standing back up and slapping his face - I turn to @Charles_Twining. The sailor pushes me and we fall on the table, his body smothers mine, I knee him in the crown jewels shouting at him. In a rage @Charles_Twining overturns the table and grabbing a bottle of rum smashes it over the sailors head. I rattle off the table and fall into a wench, she pushes me so I pull her hair…she pulls mine and we fall into a crowd fighting. The whole place erupts like a volcano.

@Charles_Twining lowers his head and runs at the sailor who doubles over and receives a left hook from Charles. The sailor swings back and hits @Charles_Twining who is dazed by the punch, and feeling how much it hurts! He commences rolling around on the floor fighting the sailor amongst the brawls going on around him. Then the sailors pals join in and there’s an immense scuffle and they start to pound @Charles_Twining with their fists. I am in the midst of a pile of arms and legs on the floor and try and crawl out to @Charles_Twining - I see him try and bite someone - obviously forgetting he has no fangs.I can hear @Charles_Twining shouting out in a drunken slur about lining his coffin with their spleens. .I try to get to him as I see the sailors are knocking @Charles_Twining senseless. Feeling real human pain as his insides are being caved in he  reaches in his boot for a devil of a knife and guts the first bastard from stem to stern. I crawl over to @Charles_Twining as the other sailors regroup, the rest of the bar still going at it hammer and tongs.  I help @Charles_Twining to his feet - we need to get out, don’t want murder on our already bloodied hands. As we leave @Charles_Twining throws one last threat to drink the sailors blood….every last drop…He leans against me as we leave the bar, I have a bottle in my hand and a purse of doubloons my sticky fingers could not resist. He looks at me with his crooked smile…thinking I enjoyed myself a bit too much….but I think he did too. We head back to the ship to nurse pride and wounds….until next time….

and so our adventure continues

The sun dips below the horizon and we are anchored off the shore of Tortuga…Haiti to those of you who don’t know…

I sense the rising of @Charles_Twining his coolness behind me as I stand at the boats rail..we look towards the shore …the lights of Tortuga and the distant music..stirring things inside @Charles_Twining. I ask myself if we’re doing the right thing by being here…pulling out so many memories from his human life. 

He asks me if I enjoyed the trip…I did…very much so and understand his love of the sea even more now..the feel of absolute freedom.

I can’t help but sense however much @Charles_Twining tries to hide it ..the turmoil strangling his gut. I ask him again if he is ready for what we’re about to do…dig up his past…in every sense of the word. @Charles_Twining nods…he’s as ready as ever he could be. He reassures me that being a pirate…they do not willingly give up what they connived to get…he knows I understand that.

It was the mutual respect of dishonesty that threw us together. 

Climbing into the dinghy with @Charles_Twining I watch as his body flexes when he starts to row.. like a duck to water. The vamp strength hidden as he takes his time to reach shore…not wanting to draw attention to us. 

I look forward to some pleasure with him…releasing us from our past months of magic, death, blood and more…

Reaching shore…@Charles_Twining assures me that Tortuga has it all..I smile and we walk together in the footsteps of his old life. This place stirring deep within his soul. I laugh at his take on Tortuga being like a Disneyland ride..but I know what he means all the same…the appearance for tourists after all. 

As we walk amongst the crowds I sense his hunger…and he senses my thirst. Looking ahead he sees an old favorite and pulls me inside the bar. It’s changed some…but the smell is still the same even after so many centuries. 

Settling into a booth, the low lights flickering around us…@Charles_Twining beckons a waiter over and I order a Red…I mean what else is there….smiling at @Charles_Twining I ask him if he wishes to feed..leaning my wrist discreetly towards him. I can almost feel his hunger…this has always excited me..the fascination of what he is …a Vampire. He holds my wrist and we sit in a way that lovers do….feeling him penetrate my skin as he starts to drink..I hold him close and giggle the attention away from him as the waiter leaves my Red and walks away. I feel my being pulled into @Charles_Twining, my hand strokes in his hair as he drinks me in…my eyes casting around the room trying not to look to suspicious. As Charles said..Vampires are not taken to kindly here..

Casting my eyes around the bar something in the darkness catches my attention..I nudge @Charles_Twining interrupting his feeding..he licks my blood from his lips and retracts fangs as he nods in the direction of what caught my eye. I feel him tense up slightly as he warns me of the things that hide in the dark. Dabbing my wrist clean with a napkin I find myself curious and needing to explore more…like a cat…but I am Red..I shuffle up to @Charles_Twining and we wander over to the table. A woman sits there surrounded by potions and pouches. 

I look at them..my amusement showing on my face. @Charles_Twining asks the woman in his wily way what she has that would be of interest to him and me his woman. Without a thought she holds up a small bottle - I take it from her..reading the label ‘Remembrance’…interesting. @Charles_Twining pays her and we go. As we leave the woman shouts after us ‘It’ll take us to where we want to be’! ..I sense his tension and I try to be jovial and convince him the potion is nothing more than tourist trade mumbo jumbo. We find ourselves quickly back at the shoreline - I hold the bottle up and decide I’d like to try it right away. @Charles_Twining takes my hand in a melodramatic way - reminding me the woman told us to hold hands. I pull the stop from the bottle with my teeth - leaning in close to @Charles_Twining. Sensing him wanting to knock it from my hand..but too late..I drink down the liquid…looking at him saying I feel nothing..no different. Then I feel it…an almighty rush..I grip him as tight as I can as we both feel the pull. @Charles_Twining feels the heat emanating from my body he tries to break our connection but can’t and we’re sucked into a vortex of blackness. Feeling the fear and exuberance clasping onto @Charles_Twining as we float in a sea of darkness…me being his anchor. He feels an electricity of sensation rush his veins…what was once cold is now hot..his body contorting at will as we rise from darkness to light…daylight…I feel his panic as my own heart races fast the warm flurry of air wraps around us. I gasp a breath of air as I grip @Charles_Twining - looking over his shoulders I see sailors hurrying past…old time dress…then the feel of my own heavy attire. The warmth of @Charles_Twining against my skin makes me break our hold..I cry out ‘Oh God..what have I done?’. I watch @Charles_Twining the panic in his face as he feels the sun against his skin..but instead of flames….air…he breathes…he LIVES…his chest heaving as he inhales and exhales…then falls to my feet in darkness once again..

On my knees I cradle @Charles_Twining’s head in my lap..stroking his face…calling his name..willing him to wake. I wonder at my own bewilderment as I look around me..we’re on the deck of a ship…his ship. Suddenly he wakes startled - breathing, pushing me away in his confusion as he takes another breath. He tries to stand but fails..he asks me where we are…he’s still so disorientated from this experience. I kneel back over @Charles_Twining…grasping his shoulders…focused on him. Telling him to look around us..the ships deck, the clothing..I grab one of his dreadlocks and shove it under his nose..telling him we’re where he subconsciously put us…on his ship. @Charles_Twining grabs the his dreadlock from my hand reminding me it’s attached to him…and calling me wench..his mouth clamping shut again as he rekindles his old accent and ways….feeling the ship roll beneath him. Snatching the bottle from me he bellows at me and I feel a cat fight rage rise within me to smack him in the kisser old time wise. I notice @Charles_Twining’s attention drift to a sailor watching us …he commands @Joshamee_ to take his gaze from me and return to work. The shock of knowing @Joshamee_ hits @Charles_Twining…we are truly back in his old world of four centuries ago. I glare at @Charles_Twining telling him I didn’t think the chicken shit voodoo potion would work. Grabbing the rigging kind of liking where I find myself …on board @Charles_Twining’s ship.

 

He looks at me bemused but soon realizes where we are and I confirm to @Charles_Twining that we are indeed aboard his ship the Calamity…and we’re in one..

My hand runs down his shirt..feeling the odd sensation of his emotions and his warmth about me…I feel the beat of his heart as I rest my hand over his chest..He is alive! @Charles_Twining takes my arm…defensively telling me not to jest about his ship…she’s fully armed and none can out run her…he walks me brashly past sailors and @Joshamee_ bellowing orders to take us into safe port as he drags me down below deck. He threads his way through the corridor like cotton through a needle and kicking open the Captains quarters door pushes me inside, bolting the door behind us. @Charles_Twining paces his cabin..hands behind his back..realising he used to do this a long time ago..considering our predicament..the men are under his command again..my safety..and what awaits him. My eyes follow him as he paces…his old world words coming easy to me. His accent almost as English as mine. I stroke my hand across his oak desk…telling him there’s nothing we can do but LIVE it..he sits at his desk and in frustration shoves the papers to the floor..he wonders if he can command like before. He doesn’t have his vampire strength..our bond still complete…his emotions spill into mine..something I’ve not felt before. He worries for our survival. @Charles_Twining pulls me to his side..my arm slips around the back of the chair and his neck..my other pulls open the desk drawer..pulling out a pistol…somehow knowing it was there.

I reassure him that I stand with him by his side…I lift the pistol..holding it steady…feeling like I was meant to be with him through this…whatever it may be. @Charles_Twining tells me to put the pistol down…we need to plan.

So we are at sea…heading for port.

@Charles_Twining had his night alone in Port Royal..remembering his old haunts and feeding on the exotic…he wakes and I move  beside him…feeling his cool skin brush against mine…

He gets out of bed stepping into his jeans that had been discarded on the floor, I get up and slip on my robe …I open the shields to reveal the night and the view of the harbour

 

I walk over to the table in our bedroom and show @Charles_Twining the brochure of the boat I have found for us..he is very pleased..a mixture of sail and engine..I think he likes the idea of using sail only..a reflection of his past..

He likes the name of her too…’Good Girl’ 

We take ourselves off for a night on the town…painting it red in our own divine way. Upon our return some hours later @Charles_Twining makes himself familiar with the Captains cabin and settles into DeadRest. 

Raising the sails a few hours later we move out of the harbour and on towards our destination…Tortuga…a place full of memories for @Charles_Twining….

What secrets will it give up….

To be continued….

Darkness falls upon Port Royal - @Charles_Twining has risen and I can feel he is restless…eager to visit places from times gone by…I smile at him as he leaves…I watch from the balcony - his figure disappearing into the night …and so his memories start to unfold within him slowly….

The thoughts of Charles….

The Jamaican night falls cold upon the unwary—for many a sailor, this is where things that go bump in the night were real.

I slip though the back alleys of my favorite old Jamaican haunts

different century… but the vice remains unchanged…

A change in the ocean breeze—and like a shadow fallin’ over my grave… I think of @Le_Bouche and what cant be unchanged I ponder life… and death Ahhhh if it were only just that simple.

I chuckle to myself and disappear into the darkness… 

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