Chapter One

[Ruby Red Gemma]

~** Placing the brass nibbed pen back in its place on her oak desk, Ruby took a deep breath and let it out slowly, blowing the ink on the parchment she had just spent the last two hours scrawling across as she poured out her heart to a man who would never read the hundreds of such letters she had composed. Once the ink was dry, she completed the ritual of rolling the parchment between nimble fingers, with a growing sense of peace slowly releasing the worried lines of stress which had begun to creep around her eyes and alabaster forehead. Her long dark hair hung loose and brushed over her right shoulder as Ruby Gemma rose from her seat, taking the rolled up parchment over to the large trunk which sat under the left side window of her room. Using all of her strength to lift the lid, she carefully reached in and felt her way around in the darkness until she felt a soft leather pouch which had been hidden under the hundreds of scrolls that almost filled the trunk. Seemingly absently, without thinking of what she was doing, and even as her green eyes gazed out the window, she quickly opened the leather pouch and selected a ribbon. Tying the ribbon around the scroll, she then threw them both inside the trunk, before slamming the lid shut.

She leant against the trunk, her chest heaving as she willed the unshed tears to remain exactly where they were for the time being. Taking deep breaths in and out she allowed the view outside of her window to work its magic.

She had found a small lagoon several months ago, an untouched paradise of crystal clear aqua water, sandy white beaches and lush tropical rainforest that covered the tall mountains which formed around the lagoon in an almost perfect oval shape. The lagoon was only available through a small pathway through the mountains which was just wide enough to admit her ship. Even as she gazed over towards what appeared to be a cave cut into the mountains, Ruby was pleased to see construction underway for the two guard’s towers she had given the order to be constructed only a few days ago. Her keen gaze turned back towards the main beach and the thick rainforest which joined the sandy beach with a gently bubbling creek. In her mind’s eye, she could see the spot she had chosen for her new home to be built. She was toying with the idea of building a tree house as it had long been a dream of hers. Zanis had assured her that it was possible, and she hoped that he was right.

The sound of men laughing caused her to lean out the window and look down in time to see Sebastion and Eric standing up in the small boat they had just rowed back from the beach, and were tossing bananas up to Sean who was balancing on the edge of the deck while catching/dodging banana bombs. Eric seemed to sense Ruby watching as his sapphire blue eyes found hers almost instantly. He tipped her a wink as his smile got broader before he whistled under his breath and nodded his head towards her.
Sebastion and Sean, brothers she had picked up in a port a few months ago, both instantly stopped laughing and offered her a mock salute before Sebastion quipped
~Top of the mornin to ye Cap’ain!~


Ruby just rolled her eyes and smiled at the men.

~Make sure I have one of those bananas with my breakfast..~ she called out, her gaze resting on Eric for a moment longer than the rest, a gaze that he both registered and understood. Ruby pulled her body back inside the window, her knee bumping the trunk beneath her, bringing her attention back to the huge metal trunk which was both polished and rusted in too many places to count. The edge of a sketch she had drawn a few years ago was visible through the cracks of the trunk. She caught a glimpse of those eyes, the bridge of his nose and a lock of his hair before she quickly shoved the sketch back into the dark trunk where it belonged.

Moving away slowly from the trunk, her gaze fixed on it in a silent frozen mark of horror, Ruby jumped when she heard the soft knocks on the door behind her. Running a shaking hand through her dark tumble of curls, Ruby took in a deep breath which she let out slowly and shakily as she made her way to the door. Opening the heavy oak door slowly, she grinned as the sight of Eric filled the door frame.

~Just what I need..~ she purred, before she grabbed him by the shirt and pulled him inside her room.

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More than a few pleasurable hours later, Ruby left Eric asleep in her bed before she dressed quickly in her normal sailing outfit: tight leather pants, peasant blouse, coat and boots. Greeting the few men who she saw below deck, Ruby climbed the spiral staircase to leave the cool quiet serenity she had needed so badly and entered a hive of activity.

Sebastion and Sean had managed to bring up all the fruits and berries they had found on the island and were carrying the crates down to the kitchen. The Deck Hands were doing their job, washing the decks and mending nets and ropes. Ruby felt a quiet sense of satisfaction when she saw how well the ship was running and she told Zanis of her pleasure over breakfast which she ate as she always did; sitting on her plank, basking in the sun.

The plank was at the front of the ship and what it lacked in length it made up for in width. The men knew that this spot was hers and were therefore banned from ever bothering her while she was there. It was the highest point (aside from the crows nest) and therefore one of the quietest. She had spent many days and nights up here over the past year. For the first weeks after the split, she had stayed here for days on end; protected by Zanis who stood on guard and provided blankets, food and water when either was needed. It had only been when a storm had erupted out at sea that she had finally relinquished her plank and had retired to her room for the next few weeks.

Eating her breakfast today however, and savouring the taste of fresh banana in her mouth, she felt better after pouring out her heart into another letter he would never read. She was working hard at leaving her heart and her memories of him buried deep within that dark trunk. Perhaps today would be the day she would make it through without crying a thousand tears.

She heard a polite cough from beneath her and she waved a hand absently, indicating that her dishes could be taken away. Gazing down at the clear water beneath her she saw the two ships carpenters swimming back to the boat. Their strong backs glistened in the sun, which was now shining directly above the boat. Her romp with Eric had been an unplanned diversion to her normal routine, and Ruby realised that it was now much later than she had realised. She had wanted to set sail before midday, however it looked like that time had passed perhaps an hour before. Almost as if he had read her mind, Zanis stepped up to the ships wheel and began to bark out orders. The carpenters crawled over the edge of the boat near the plank and she smiled at them as she began her downward climb. One of them, a young Spaniard she had picked up somewhere along the way, offered her his hand which she took gratefully as she climbed down the rope ladder. Jumping off the last rung she landed with a thud of her boots just as the anchor locked into place on its winch. As the wind picked up and the ship began to move, Ruby made her way over to the ships wheel and grinned at Zanis.

~Good work my main man… now move over, I want to drive my baby..~

Taking the wheel, Ruby grinned like a loon as she manoeuvred her ship through the narrow gaps between the mountains. She nodded approvingly as the ship glided past the guards towers, surprised to see them almost completely finished. The Spaniard climbed out on some rigging and grabbed his mallet off the right hand tower as the ship sailed past the constructions, the sight of his dark skin glistening in the sun a brief distraction for the young Captain. He felt her eyes upon him and gave her a grin, which she returned in kind as he climbed back down the rigging and landed on the deck before the ship was plummeted into darkness. There was a few minutes of complete darkness as the ship sailed through the narrow passage before the sun shone down upon the crew again and “The Red Queen” left the comfort of her home pot and sailed out to sea.

Zanis barked his orders and soon the main flags were up and full of wind as the ship surged forward. Ruby lost herself in the thrill of sailing, just as she always did and soon the sun was setting below the horizon. She sailed into the night, a large golden moon her only companiion in a sky of midnight blue. The wind picked up and Ruby shivered in the cold, indicating to Zanis that he should take over. Taking her leave from the crew for the night, Ruby cast one last glance around top deck before she opened the door to retire to her chambers, ignoring the questioning gaze from Eric as she descended the stairs, the door swinging shut behind her.

When a knock came on her door an hour later, it was the Spaniard and not Eric who waited on the other side. Ruby greeted him wearing a smile and not much else, and they spent the next few hours exploring the Spanish and English names for various parts of the male and female anatomy.

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By the time that she left her room, Ruby’s thighs ached with a delicious sense of pain as she climbed the stairs, emerging on the top deck of a ship brimming with excitement. The familiar sights of the port of Darbeljem were popping up on either side of the ship and Ruby shifted her skirts around her as she went and took her place at the ships wheel. Talking to Zanis, as he parked the ship perfectly at the dock, Ruby left a long list of instructions before she jiggled the small leather pouch she had brought with her for this visit to Darbeljem and tossed the leather strap over her head. Tucking the pouch down between her cleavage, she caught Eric’s gaze and nodded as he arrived beside her. Accepting his arm, she walked beside him till they reached the plank and left the ship for the thrills of Darbeljem.


As soon as her bootclad feet hit the galley way, Eric let go of her arm and fell into step behind her, as was his place. Ruby quickly made her way to the three shops she had been planning on visiting, enjoying this feminine pastime of shopping far more than she thought she should. The patchwork quilt she had ordered on her last visit to this port, was waiting for her, wrapped in thin brown paper and tied with a simple bow of yarn. Eric carried the packaged quilt, and the several other parcels and boxes which soon followed.

After putting in another two pairs of boots to be resoled at the Cobblers, Ruby looked up from the busy streets to see the sun had set a few hours ago. Lights twinkled in store front windows, street lamps burnt low and the area had taken on a more seedy perspective almost instantly. She was grateful when Eric offloaded the packages to one of the other crew members so that his strong arms were free if she needed them. Pulling her long jacket closer around her lithe frame, Ruby squared her shoulders and raised her head, the large red heart emblazoned upon the back of her coat symbolising that the Scarlet Queen was back in town as she stalked towards the tavern.

Pushing open the heavy door of the “Pretty Parrot” tavern a few hours later; Ruby was not surprised to see that her men had already found themselves a cosy corner and were singing sea shanties rather loudly. She laughed and went to join them as Eric went to the bar and got them both their chosen drinks. Although all of the men on her ship had shared her bed in some form or another, Eric was definitely the flavour of the month and he wore the title well. The other men automatically cleared a space beside her as he sat down and placed her tankard in front of her. Ignoring the casual arm he placed on the back of her chair, Ruby raised her drink and led her men in a chorus of cheers and more sea shanties.

After a few more drinks, Ruby was starting to see double and the tavern was growing exceedingly noisy. She turned around, searching for Eric to tell him to get her out of here, but he was nowhere to be seen. Finally, she heard his voice and rose wobbly on her feet to follow the sound.

Eric was sitting at a small round table in a tucked away corner, the cards and money on the table suggesting he had been enjoying a game of poker before the fight had broken out. A large bald man was swaying unsteadily on his feet; spit flying from his mouth as he raged.

~You can laugh as much as you want you fuckin tosser but I know what I saw! It’s that ship I tell ya.. the one they always go on about it.. full of gold bullion it is.. I couldn’t pick any up cause it was too deep but I got some coins.. and gems.. and..~

The man clutched his heart and fell forward, his large bulk crashing onto the table sending cards and coins everywhere. Eric noticed one of the coins looked different and he picked it up quickly, eager for a better look. Before he could study it however, a red headed pirate to his left was holding up a similar coin and yelled out ~It’s one of those Spanish ones.. the one from the stories… ~

A hush fell over the tavern and Eric quickly pocketed the coin before turning his gaze towards Ruby. She met those brilliant blue orbs with her own emerald gaze and nodded slightly as he tipped his head toward the door. The tavern began to buzz as all the occupants there that night began to talk of this mysterious coin and the possibility that the story they had all heard in their infancy, hell; the very reason that most of them had become pirates in the first place was in actual fact; a reality.

Ruby tried to make it to the door to follow Eric but was quickly stopped by the throng of people who were now talking noisily in the tavern. It felt like there was no free space, as the tavern was so full of people that night. She began to feel claustrophobic until a cool hand reached out from the throes of the people around her and grabbed her by the wrist.*

[JamesNautice]

"Sliding along on a sheet of glass Cap'n, we should be making port within three hours time." The voice rang out heavy in his ears, like a loud yell in a large room. James' finger ran along the long scar across his left eye that had been left in that altercation that seemed so far away and yet the pain was as close to him as yesterday. The events of that day he couldn't even put into words or explain to himself the reasoning of how things had degraded so fast and now it was all he could think about. The rage of this time separated by choices not his own, they fueled his brutality on the seas as he began to become more bold and perhaps reckless in his endeavor to imprint his name into nautical history.

And now in this moment, the fires of what he had done so quickly in the past years still burned in his eyes. The bow sunk low, heavy with what they had collected still mostly unsold and untraded from their constant movement and avoidance of Naval ships that were looking for the Abyssal Lady. But even now as he looked at the fairly calm seas through the small port holes in his quarters, none of this mattered and even his crew had seen a change in him. The light that the young and ambitious captain had had was gone, and everything had turn dull and grim. The ship may have been running heavier but so was everything amongst every tinder of that ship. James had been at least smart enough to know that the tension that had arisen amongst even the loyalest of his crew was something palpable in the air and he could smell mutiny rising.

So James had decided that they would make for port, back to that familiar tavern where he knew that both his crew, his ship, and himself would be safe and sound for a more extended period of time. He had already ordered that each man be given his cut so that he could enjoy all the alcohol, food, and whores they could handle. And what he had planned to do was far less sporadic and impulsive, perhaps when he had drank himself into a stupor one of the local women may find him in a mood where he would take her and not one soul would blame him after being trapped with his men for all this time but it wasn't a clear and present thought within his mind. There was only one hope within him and as the slightly rhythmic sounds of his crew beginning to make preparations on docking it was all just a far away noise to his think about what she was doing and where she was.

James had never spoken about how it was a broken heart that had transformed him into a raging and quiet monster of a young man, but he knew that his crew was mostly well aware of the situation. His first mate Theodore or "Teddy" was the most aware, well Teddy was completely aware. And it was Teddy's voice that cut through that silence and his blank emotionless stare out into the expanse of the sea.

"The chances are..slim Cap'n. And even if she happens to be at this particular port, at this particular moment. Has enough time passed to heal what has been done? Beggin' your pardon Cap'n, but you have a constant reminder of the fury you have instilled in that woman." James' finger once again instinctively touched that raised and ragged skin that made a perfect line over that eye as he finally turned to look at Teddy. James was a fairly tall man, well built and tanned from his many years of weathering the seas not only in his adulthood but as a child as well. His hair was jet black and long, pulled into a ponytail and clasped and held in place with a weathered gold clasp that he had received from the same one whom had scarred his face. He was clean shaven and even in his sorrow and rage, he took to taking care of himself and be presentable. His attire wasn't anything flashy, dark pants with various belts holding his pistols and his saber, all of plain and common-folk design. His white shirt was uncommonly clean but commonly...common, and was covered by a black vest that held a few blades in hidden pockets amongst it. James had never took to dressing like he was the captain and instead sought to stake his respect and claim by his presence and even in his madness and anger, that cool and controlling feel blanketed his crew and gave them a sense of no matter how out of control he was, he was the man to get things done. And for all his arrogance and confidence, it was a ruse in the face of one person and not all the guns in all the royal navys could scare him more than that. And with that thought, he sought to fuel himself and quiet moments passed as he formulated what he would say as he looked at Teddy.

"I can only say that I hope for both endings. Perhaps all I need to do is get all this aggression out between a few bottles and a few whores, and perhaps none of that can make up for what I have experienced with her..God knows with her blasted libido, that whole worthless crew of dogs has had a turn. And I bet no matter what I may done or not done, that I consume her as she consumes me. It may sound poetic or like a dainty little dandy but every night I see that moon when the skies are clear and I can feel her reaching out, and every time it happens the Lady..She rolls. Like the mother ocean herself is feeling what is there and through all of this merciless bullocks, this what is meant to be. I will roll the dice and I will take my chances, to her or to ruin. I will make sure that you and the men have their shares and that they have their time ashore but this vendetta will not end for I have been soured. Any man knows he is free to go at any time he wishes, and if we lose crew in port, we will find some boys crazy enough to board." Maybe everything was abit pointed but it only brought a smile to Teddy's face, and his first mate knew that things were tense but he knew that the fierce loyalty down to the deckhands was not something that could be that easily broken. They weren't starving or sick, they were heavy with treasure and if they could pull into port to let off some of that pressure, everything would resume as the Captain wanted it.

The conversation didn't range too far beyond those words, James had finished the bit of food that he had eaten and had exited the quarters to stand on the observation deck and watch the horizon as they drew nearer and nearer. He held a blunderbuss against his shoulder, his hand on the butt steadying the weapon against him as he stood in silence and watched. There were things even in what he had said to Teddy that he regretted for there were members of her crew that he knew, had drank and had fun with. The circumstances of their lives was something that didn't lean to being fond, and the only truth of it that the distance of it was just a poison in the hearts of pirates and sailors alike. But he couldn't let it break him down, soon...soon he would be there and he would know this was the moment.

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Those long moments faded into the shouts and various noises of the comings and goings of those whom were kindred spirits with the likes of him. The smells both foul and sweet rising and falling away quickly as they passed slowly in that crowded harbor. And when he finally saw that ship, he wasn't sure how to react and he felt frozen for moments before he pointed the blunderbuss towards the docking directly beside the Red Queen. "She be here lads.." Those words were shouted but still they seemed hushed and stunted, but they were an order that was followed quickly as the lines were tossed and the ship was moored to the pier tightly and secured. The gangways were set and some of the lesser ranked men began to flood out in a rhythmic line as the board flexed and rapped against the pier in an almost constant sound. And when they all had scattered, the slow walk of James and his closest six crew members came through a few moments of silence following the clamoring. James didn't even really care about those behind him just led them along as he made his way rather fluidly about the port.

"Wheres the captain goin'?" One of the lower ranked members asked Teddy as they were walking along. It was the question of every mind except for James and Teddy for a fact, and there wasn't much space in between the question and the answer was quickly filled by Teddy's hoarse and weathered voice ringing out. "The Pretty Parrot.."

The answer was short and it was all two of the members could do but not to laugh at just the name of the tavern that was their destination. But Teddy knew this was either going to be unpleasant or really unpleasant. And as the rowdy sounds of the tavern grew nearer, James became more alive his eyes beginning to fill with more than just that dull stare of burning rage, now it was hopeful and playful. Almost sinister in more than just a destructive way and Teddy was worried about the trouble that loaded blunderbuss on James' shoulder could cause in this situation. But there wasn't much time between that thought and James' heavy booted foot kicking that door open to behold that was happening within.

James was sure that even his entrance wouldn't be enough to quiet the chaos that seemed to be ensuing within and perhaps that was the way he wanted it. He stepped inside as two of his crew made distance between the chaos in front of them and their Captain. James could see beyond all that, and it was like he had always felt, that the sea in its constant movements would bring him to this moment at one point and time or another. James was filled with a plethora of emotions in this moment and he felt like he was going to be driven crazy by that and the constant noise of these arguing and brawling men.
A boom, followed by a crack and falling of debris about where James stood ripped through the noise and silenced that crowd. The blunderbuss was rested against his shoulder again and the barrel smoked from it's recent discharge. James' men drew various weapons in response to their leader's shot, but it was once again arbitrary to what his goals were and the choices he had decided to make but his eyes were locked in the small window of view that he had right now, but when he yelled it could have been as loud as the roar of that blunderbuss,

"GEM!!!"................

[Ruby Red Gemma]

*Eric’s cool grasp found her wrist, his long fingers soon wrapping around her warm skin and bringing with them a sense of calm and peace. She smiled at him through the rowdy crowd, nodding in answer to his arched brow and head tilted towards the door. She allowed him to pull her through the crowd, his fingers slipping down her narrow wrist to entwine themselves in her fingers. Normally this gesture of his male dominance would have been solely for the benefits of the rest of the crew, but somehow knowing that nobody else could see this gesture made it all the more meaningful. The copious amount of ale she had consumed in the last few hours combined with the excitement of the discovery of the Spanish coin, made Ruby feel giddy as she trailed after Eric’s tall stride towards the door.


They had almost made their way to the door when there was a loud gunshot. Pirates all over the tavern retrieved cutlasses, blades and pistols from various hiding places, and Ruby felt down her right leg to where her favourite sword was hidden in her knee high boot. She tried to see who had made the first shot, but the tavern was now even more hectic than it been mere moments before. In the commotion, Eric was pulled away from her by a raging sea of angry and confused pirates, and Ruby pulled her blade out from its hiding place in her boot. Squaring her stance, she tried to steady her wobbly legs, the result of one too many ales; and was just beginning to find her feet when she was knocked sideways by a rather rowdy trio of pirates from another ship. Scrambling back to her feet, Ruby froze as her name was yelled across the tavern so loudly that it made the previous gunshot seem like a mouses whisper in comparison.


Without looking, Ruby knew who was responsible for the gunshot and the yelling of her name. Nobody called her Gem apart from Jimmy. Nobody would even dare to consider it. With her eyes narrowing into angry slits, Ruby cursed herself for leaving her pistol on the ship. While the prospect of shooting him dead was impossible despite its appeal, she wanted the weight of the smooth metal in her hand; something she could wave in his face to show him just how pissed off she was. Instead, all she had was her blade, the same blade that had almost robbed him of his eye nearly a year ago to the day.


She saw him then, his face becoming visible in the crowd that was now slowly started to drift away from him. The eyes, the nose.. those lips.. her sketch that she had found in the trunk earlier had not done him justice, and again she felt her breath catch in her throat at the mere sight of him. Even while she stared angrily at him, her nostrils flaring while her hands clenched at her side as the usual rage and hatred washed over her, she still felt her heart racing; her entire body aching to touch him again. Eric was forgotten, as were her men and the rest of the tavern patrons. For now, nobody existed except for the cocky son of a bitch who was now standing before her in all his glory.

He was noticably changed since their last encounter; the previous cheeky expression she had fallen in love with in youth, was now replaced with a hard and bitter look which she felt was a direct effect from his time away from her. She noticed the scar above his eye and a grin of satisfaction curled the edges of her upper lip.

~Nasty scar you got there Jimmy.. I say.. one more fraction of an inch and I could’ve made an earring from your eyeball..~ she sneered at him as the crowd now completely cleared away from both of them, enabling her to stalk closer to him.

~But then again, you always were a cheap bastard weren’t ya? I had to find my own engagement ring after all… so why I should I think an earring would be any different?~

She waved her hands in front of her so that he could see none of the jewellery he had ever given her were still gracing her fingers. Most notably absent was the engagement ring and wedding ring which had been a symbol of their love back before the tide had turned on their tortuous and turbulent relationship. The unblemished tan lines on this finger would show him that the rings had not been worn since that day she had literally kicked him overboard and had left him floundering in the ocean he loved so much. He would never know that both rings were worn on a chain around her neck.


She stalked up towards him, the sound of her boots ringing out across the now almost silent tavern as the few remaining pirates had taken their seats, ready to watch the show which was about to be put on just for them. Once Ruby was a mere inch from James, she pulled up her blade and held it up against him so that it was dangerously close to his chin.


~You should have stayed gone Jimmy…~ she snarled, her emerald eyes flashing with an intense heat. ~I’m sure with all the shit you stole off me over the years, you have more than enough loot to plunder your way through a million other ports… so why come here?~

He knew that this was her favoured port, and it didn’t escape her attention that he had probably come here with the intention of seeking her out. This revelation both confused and excited her.

~Oh, and for the record? Nobody calls me Gem.. I haven’t answered to that in a long time, lover.. so why start again now?~

She ran her finger over the edge of her razor sharp blood, taking delight in the sensation of pain which preceded the bright red droplet of blood to appear on her skin.


~Now then, unless you want a matching scar over your other eye, I suggest you take your big bad pistol and go and find some other ship to bother.. cause trust me baby, this one sailed a long time ago.. ~*

[zanis]

'Zanis traditionally stayed with the ship, as was his duty. He was not a particularly tall man, nor was he especially handsome or intimidating physically at under six feet in height. He's also fairly thin. However, he walks the ship in loose pants and sandals that fit tight, ensuring they stay on, and his standard of dress shows off the muscle definition in his body, every inch of his upper body looking like he was sculpted, not born. His reputation as a Master of fighting is well earned and battle proven time and again, and he has demonstrated his skills to the crew.... ON the crew, before when they needed a lesson in obediance.'

'But today, the crew was in top form, and had the ship made ready for port in record time, and was well prepared to take on provisions and the other standard practices he's trained them. And since they finished early, he thought he'd go check on his captain. Despite how protective he's always been of her, he's likely the only man on the ship she hasn't taken to her quarters for her pleasures, and while he knows they would both enjoy such company he keeps things professional, he is her second in command before anything else. When he nears the Pretty Parot, her favorite haunt, and hears a shot and an arguement, he decides it's best to sneak around behind the other pirate. He's very skilled at stealth, and getting in position doesn't take long, hiding behind a stack of crates and listening closely. After all, he wouldn't be much of a first mate if he didn't know when his captain needed him.'

[JamesNautice]

James could only crack a smile as the sea seemed to part and the chaos was caged for those moments. He hadn’t seen her in so long and he had wondered what he was going to do when it came to this moment but when she approached him and he didn’t need to make his own, he stayed as still as the dead. For everything he had suffered through all of these years and what it had all amounted to, nothing she could have done in this moment could hurt him. Death would be a welcome respite to the manic red that he saw in every day of his life; he wanted it badly and hated it all the same. The darker part of choosing this life had come to fruition when he thought they would terrorize the seas together in a fear that would cascade through the generations. And so he did not mind his jewelry missing, nor her quip about his eye, all that mattered is she was closing this gap for better or worseWhen she finally upon him he could only continue to smile as she drew that blade closer to his neck, and when that distance had finally been closed a click was heard from his fingers and he closed that distance completely pinning that blade between them so that the tip drew blood but was stuck between them. James would produce his own blade and press it into her lower back as he looked down at her, knowing full well she wasn’t about to kill him, just as he had no intentions of harming her. Instead, in the instant their movements had ceased he would motion with his head towards where they were standing and a sack heavy with the sound of metal would be produce and tossed beside Gem. His men would form a half circle around where they were standing so that the only way to James was through Gem. James would finally make his voice heard once again, in response to everything she had to say to him and to a man he was plenty familiar with, sneaking about the still masses.

“Zanis, be a chum and fetch some of your boys and bring your Queen’s treasure to your hold.” James would speak in a cool even tone towards those crates providing less than adequate shielding from a sailor’s eyes. James would then turn his attention back to Gem. “You know Gem, you missed my eye and you never missed before. You wanted me hurt and reminded as bad as you would be reminded every moment we were apart. You knew dumping me overboard without restraints was a sure way to ensure that I would survive to remember what this wound meant to me. That sack contains much more in value than what I took from you. I hope that the swag keeps you happy because I will not be around to do so any longer.” James would draw quiet, leaning down a bit allowing the blade to slice a little deeper into his chin as he whispered to her. “You made me out to be such an evil man, and if that is what you wanted molded out of me then I will continue to stain the seas red with blood. You never stopped to think that I had any good intention with what WE had took in our plunderin’. But as I see it, I am even with you and you will have to deal with these consequences without the help of me owing you one bloody red cent. I have always loved you Gem, I do now. I hope you are happy knowing that I have suffered while you slaked your lust and passion with your crew. I plan on allowing myself to enjoy this moment at port as if it is the last time I will ever touch a woman because I don’t want the sweet smell of your hair to be my last thought of romance. Good-bye Gem...”

James would step backwards from the blade, allowing the blood to drip down his throat without a thought to it as he took his last glances and spun on his heel walking for the door. His men would close around him defensively as they exited the Parrot to allow for regular business to commence. James would wave them off as they finally gained enough distance from the Parrot for him to be comfortable.

“I do not suggest that you follow me into what I am about to do. Go for it lads, enjoy your time before we sail once more. You don’t need to see your Captain in what I am about to embark into” James tried to maintain a mischievous grin while he said it but when they all had gone to spend their gold, James simply turned back down towards the harbor and found the Lady once again. James had lied to Gem, he had no intentions on drinking anywhere outside his quarters. He had no intention of company, because she would always be the last image in his head. And so the rum flowed like water, dark and diabolical filling his head full with all of what he was feeling. He gave into his weakness while the darkness of that cabin sucked him into the Abyss that it’s name emplied.

[Ruby Red Gemma]

*The sound of her boots stalking along the gangplank rang out amongst the nearly deserted harbour, piercing the eerie silence which had settled upon the still waters in a misty cloak of wispy shadows as Ruby left the main road of Darbeljem and crossed the gangplank to the main jetty. The sun would be rising in a few hours and Ruby was looking forward to climbing into bed and burying herself under a mountain of blankets. The unexpected arrival of Jimmy and the equally surprising bag of loot, had been almost more than she could comprehend and combined with the words he had whispered to her in the Pretty Parrot Tavern, it had left her stunned.


Zanis and her men had carried the bag back to the ship while Ruby had stayed and spent the next hour searching for answers in the bottom of a bottle of rum. Finding nothing but a spinning head and dizzying nausea, Ruby had staggered out of the Tavern and was now making her way back to her beloved ship. As she stumbled over a discarded fishing net, Ruby looked up to see another familiar ship moored beside hers and her heart skipped a bit. It was the Abysall Lady, draped in darkness but unmistakable all the same. A faint light burned in the window of Jimmy’s chambers and Ruby bit her bottom lip anxiously at the thought of him being alone in there right now. Without thought, her boots started walking towards his ship, her heart quickening in pace with each step. Soon her feet were on the gangplank leading to the bottom deck and Ruby climbed aboard the ship without a backward glance. The rum she had just consumed had filled her with either bravery or stupidity, but Ruby was determined to see Jimmy and tell him exactly how she felt about his unexpected visit.


Making her way quickly through the ship which was still familiar to her despite not setting foot on it for over a year now, Ruby was soon standing outside Jimmy’s door. Her hand paused before knocking on his door as the sudden thought of him entertaining someone behind closed doors rammed into her head with an almost blinding force. Standing there uncertainly, Ruby’s bottom lip quivered as she stepped back and backed into the wall behind her, images of Jimmy with a faceless whore swimming across her vision. With emerald eyes locked on the closed door in front of her, Ruby slid down the wall and sat on the floor outside Jimmy’s door as the tears she had kept at bay all day now began to slide down her cheeks.*

[Ruby Red Gemma]

(( Transcript of Live RP from the Mystic Tavern chat last night (be there or be square ))

22:02:38 [James] *James just stewed in the world of his emotions, drowned and amplified by the rum that he had been consuming in the hours following that confrontation at the Pretty Parrot. The third bottle had a quarter gone and he could have sworn somebody had taken the second one away from him. He was more drunk than he had been since he used to get drunk with Gem and they would rampage through the port before making love into the wee hours of the morning when the sun began to peek out over the water. The thought only made him tip that bottle back once more as he slumped back into his seat. It was only when nature called that he found himself staggering to his feet and stumbling to the door. He was wearing his pair of pants and nothing else, his chiseled body marred by scars of battle, most of them brand new from the campaign he had went on after being thrown off of her ship. Everything had healed cleanly but each one told a different story of his rage and anguish and constantly reminded him of his reasons. He stumbled out the door and straight to the railing to take care of his business, not really realizing that anyone was sitting in the darkness but when he came back towards the door, he stumbled and fell across the deck. When he turned his head to look around he saw her, feeling more than shocked James wouldnt be able to speak, the words wouldnt come to him for he was unsure of how he was feeling.* Gem? What are you doing on the Lady? Find the wrong gangway?...*There was so much that was boiling behind the concern he had, he wanted to say "Here to have your way with my crew too?" or various other words of malice but he couldnt find it in him. The tears on her cheeks and her eyes glistening in the moonlight, he couldnt find himself to be cold or mean. Instead his face remained stoic and calm for how drunk he was, the only thing he couldnt keep on track was his legs.*


22:09:45 [RubyRedGemma] *She blinked rapidly as he appeared suddenly before her. Her eyes strained to focus on his face and those eyes, but they continued to trail down to the sight of his naked torso and all the fresh scars she had never seen before. Her alabaster brow furrowed in concern as she gazed up at him, wiping the tears from her cheeks before she staggered to her feet. The words which were sitting on the tip of her tongue were quickly swallowed in a grimace as his words washed over her. ~No? I know where my ship is Jimmy! And since I was the first person to park my vessel here, I wonder why out of all the available ports in this harbour, you happen to choose the one right next to mine?~ Her words were slightly slurred and she stumbled slightly as she rose, but finally she was swaying.. standing .. in front of him. Her green eyes flashed at him as she wondered where his shirt was. Convinced that some whore was waiting for him inside Ruby glared at him and pushed him aside as she brushed past him and stumbled into his chambers. ~ Where is the whore? I?ll rip her eyes out.~ *

22:19:54 [James] *Watching her get to her feet prompted him to follow in suit and stand up with her. To find that she had intentionally came here to the Lady was confusing to him, but at the same time it revealed alot of information that perhaps if he wasnt so drunk he would have noticed before this moment. He became even more confused when she decided to stumble into his quarters and it dawned on him that she was wrecked as he was, sighing a small bit he would follow her into his quarters and shut the door behind him. His eyes would follow around the room, dimly lit by the one candle and yet it would show her that there was no one here, and no other exit besides the door they came from. He would walk past her and take a seat at his desk and open the bottle once again taking a long drink before sitting it down.* There has been no woman in the cabin of the Lady. I barely remember my flesh being warmed by anything besides the sun. Two people have seen the inside of this cabin, and now I guess that makes three. *James wasnt sure if he should offer her a seat, tell her to leave, or take her into his arms. This moment was more surreal and he wasnt sure if the alcohol wasnt messing with his mind. There hadnt been much time to think about alot, his murderous robbery of ships had dulled him into a one way path of thinking and now in the moment where he could feel something besides anger, he started to remember that he had not really experienced joy or pleasure in a long time. He knew he was damaged and perhaps he didnt handle this very well. Another drink was his answer to his wanderings.*

22:42:16 [RubyRedGemma] *Despite his words seeking to reassure her, it was only when her own search of his chambers was complete that she finally allowed herself to breathe a sigh of relief at finding him alone. Realising that she was in danger of passing out, Ruby stumbled over to his bed and sat down heavily on it. She had only ever shared this bed a few times with him since they had been wed but the memories were still there, deliciously torturous in their detail. Ruby buried her face in her hands, lock dark curls tumbling down as Jimmy took another drink. Steadying her ragged breathing, Ruby took one last long breath and let it out slowly as she raised her head and tucked her hair behind her ears. Locking eyes with Jimmy, Ruby shrugged and offered him a sad smile. ~Regardless of all the water under the proverbial bridge, the Jimmy I remember was always a gentleman and would never not share a drink with a lady..~ she laughed softly. ~Of course there are no ladies around here, but I?m thirsty, so?~ she held out her right hand, looking at him expectantly.*

22:54:39 [James] *James would sigh at her words, everything washing over him in a wave of shivers followed by that pain of lonliness deep within his gut. Why couldnt he stay away? Why was it that he needed to give in? Using the bottle as a brace, he would push and rise from his chair and walk over to her on the bed and hand her the bottle as he took a seat next to her on the bed. His eyes wouldnt find her but instead he would lean back on his elbows and look over the bed. The ring on his finger seemed as if it had been freshly put there and he couldnt help but let out another small sigh. He just didnt know what to think, or do. He was just wondering what she was thinking in this moment, and if he was the cause of her tears. He didnt even know if he should care but he did, he hated himself for it but he cared that she had been hurt enough by his words that she ended up in this state.* At the risk of seeming even less of a gentleman, what did you come here for Gem?

23:05:41 [RubyRedGemma] *She accepted the bottle gratefully, her right brow shooting up in surprise to see him sit down beside her on the bed. She found her body tensing while automatically turning towards him, and Ruby kept her eyes staring straight ahead as she spent the next few minutes taking long sips from the bottle. When he asked his question, she paused with the bottle in mid-air before she looked at him for a moment and then carried on taking another swig. Handing him the now nearly empty bottle, Ruby shrugged. ~I don?t know..~ her voice was soft and he would need to strain to hear her as she lay back on the bed and stared up at the ceiling above his bed. ~You.. surprised me tonight. I .. hadn?t expected to see you.. or .. cut you..~her eyes darted over towards him, but she couldn?t see him well enough so she propped herself up on her shoulders to study the freshly clotted cut her blade had made on his chin. ~Why do I always end up cutting you Jimmy? Judging by these..~ she reached down and traced over a fresh scar on his broad shoulder ~You have enough scars without me adding some more..~ Realising that she was touching the man she had sworn she would never let back into her heart again, whilst also lying in his bed, Ruby sat up quickly. Intent on jumping off the bed but instead falling back in a dizzy heap on the bed, Ruby groaned and pressed a cool hand against her clammy forehead. ~Why did I come here? Why did you Jimmy? You know this is my port.. and clearly.. judging by my.. what should I call it.. present? Payment? Constellation prize?!? You were obviously looking for me? so.. you found me Jimmy..~ she held out her arms and waved her hands around drunkenly. ~Here I be..~ *

23:29:33 [James] *James' breath caught in his throat when she touched his shoulder, it was something long dead to him and something that just seeing her had brought so fruitfully into his mind. That one touch was enough to make him flush with heat and he began to ache from head to toe. When she spoke to him, he wanted to blow up, his face became red as he thought about what was about to pass his lips and just as suddenly as it had arose, it subsided and he could only sigh again. He felt so broken, so weak and deprived. But seeing her in that state, he could only think of that ring and what he had promised her. Something that he had never given up on. He swallowed his pride, both physically and mentally, and pulled the covers open on one side. He knew she would want to remain still with how much she had drank and so he took the bottle away from her and sat it behind him on his desk. He would then carefully take her shoes off.* I thought that if I paid what I owed, I would feel better. Then I was going to leave to never see you again. I wanted to make you angry by telling you I was going to live it up while in this port..*He would shake his head as he moved and put his arms under her back and knees to lift her from the bed and place her where he had moved the covers, the scent of her almost made him lose his footing but he wasnt going to do anything to hurt her. He would then cover her slightly before returning to his chair at his desk and taking another drink from the bottle. A short breath and the fire would go out on the candle and only the moonlight would be illuminating the interior.* It was a lie though. I had no intention of any of that, except for paying you back. Just me and a few bottles.


[Ruby] *Her head felt soft and wooly and she shivered as she felt his hands under her back and knees as he lifted her easily, holding her to his warm familiar body for the briefest of moments before placing her back down in his bed. She instantly snuggled down in his sheets, stretching her limbs and realising her boots were now missing. She wanted to ask about her boots but he was still talking and all she could do was nod sleepily with her eyes fighting to stay open. She listened as he spoke, eyes under heavy lids watching him return back to his seat with his bottle in his hand. She wanted to be standing next to him, in complete control of her body and emotions. She wanted to be able to laugh in his face, tell him he was a pathetic loser and that he meant nothing to her. But all she could do was lay under the covers and watch him drink. After a minute she shifted back a bit and rolled over onto her side so that she was facing him. Propping her head up on one hand was just enough movement to cause her to curse outloud, gaining his attention should she have happened to have lost it. ~You could never repay what you took from me Jimmy..~ her voice was hoarse and smoky. ~Coins, jewels.. they mean nothing to me.. shiny trinkets if anything. But you took so much more from me you bastard..~ she snarled the last word as she struggled to sit up in the bed. Becoming entangled in the sheets, she kicked her legs in frustration before flopping back down on the bed. Glaring at him through the mop of curls that had tumbled over her forehead, Ruby reached down to disentangle herself from the bed clothes. ~You wanted to make me angry?~ she hissed. ~ Well mission fucking accomplished!~ Finally, she was free from the sheets and blanket and was climbing out of his bed. ~Where the fuck are my boots?~*


00:10:15 [James] *James wasnt sure what to do in that moment, he was just trying to make her comfortable and allow her the rest she needed and in an instant it had turned to anger. He wasnt sure how what he had said had changed everything that happened but when she arose in anger and began to look for the boots he had set at the foot of the bed. But something snapped in him before he could point them out and he stood wobbly but firmly.* What I did to you?! You didnt even give me a bloody chance at explaining what I had done, you just broke me down as soon as you thought I stole from you. I took that treasure to pay off the crown from going after you with everything they had. And what did I get for that? I got thrown overboard and I have lived a life of nothing but grief ever since. Dont fucking play the martyr while you have been enjoying your crew and life. You think your words hurt, that calling me a bastard is going to make you seem like the better part of this half.


00:39:42 [Ruby] *She blinked as he stood up and started yelling at her. It took her a few moments to get over the fact that he was actually speaking to her like this before she was able to hear what he said. Her alabaster brow furrowed as she tried to comprehend what he was saying. It was true that the seemingly unstoppable onslaught of people looking to claim the bounty on her head had appeared to have ceased suddenly, and she remembered questioning this with Zanis on more than one occasion. But to think that Jimmy had anything to do with it was even more mind blowing than being here in his cabin with him. She swallowed as she saw her boots at the end of the bed and sat down hard on the tangled bedclothes. Pulling her boots on quickly, Ruby rose unsteadily to her feet as Jimmy finished his tirade. ~What I do and who I do it with is my business Jimmy? I don?t know anything about this buying off the Crown thing that you mention, but if that is the case.. then.. ~she shrugged ~ What do you want me to say? You think that I wouldn?t have sacrificed my life a thousand times over for one more night with you?~ she shook her head, a tumble of dark curls flying around her face. ~I?ve been running from the law my entire life Jimmy? why couldn?t you realise I wanted to keep running.. with you by my side?~ she swayed on her feet and had to remind herself that she needed to stay upright. ~Anyway.. its late..~ Ruby turned and walked into the door frame. ~Ow..~ rubbing her shoulder, she staggered around and shot another hurt look in James? general direction before disappearing out the door.*


00:50:06 [James] *It was all infuriating to him, he had no intention of letting their lives go away from what they had been sharing. There had just been so many movements that it was inevitable that they would be shut down and she would be put to death for their crimes. He had done what he did purely so that they could continue this life together, and to hear her say what she had to say was more hurtful than any moment that had transpired since he hit the ocean and watched her sail away. He took another long drink as she disappeared out the door and after a moment of thought he rose from his seat and slammed the bottle into the wall as it shattered into a thousand pieces. He made his way slowly out the door and tried to locate her when he was on the other side* Gem!


00:58:28 [Ruby] *She didn?t remember how, but suddenly she found herself on the top deck. In her drunken stupor she mistook the ship as her own and began to run around, grabbing all the rigging and testing the knots. ~Zanis!~ she yelled. ~Where the fuck are the men? We should be sailing already!~ Ruby tripped over a soggy rope and went ass over tit on the slippery deck. Lying there with a throbbing back, staring up at the same stars that had been with her for so many nights such as this where she had lain there, thinking of Jimmy and their life together, Ruby felt suddenly distraught. Deep heaving sobs erupted from her panting chest as she pushed herself up so that she was sitting upright. It took several moments for her to climb shakily to her feet and when she did she looked over the right of the ship to see her own vessel parked next door. As a goofy grin lit up her face, despite the sobs that rang out of her mouth and the tears rolled down her cheeks, Ruby called out ~Ahhhh there she be lads!~ and promptly climbed up the nearest rigging. Soon she was standing unsteadily on the dock railing, gazing down at the dark murky water beneath her. ~Looks deep..~ she called out to anyone in particular before she stepped off the edge of the deck railing, plummeting to the cold, dark water below. Her body, laden down with her heavy boots an coat, hit the water with a deafening splash and begun to sink like a stone as Ruby?s green eyes stared up at the stars which still smiled at her from above the watery veil of her nautical tomb.*


01:09:22 [James] *James looked around for her, wondering exactly how far she could have made it with how much she had had to drink. Suddenly he heard her yell and he moved towards where he could see her ship, to see if that is where her voice came from but by the time he had made it to the edge of the ship, he was watching her jump from the dock down into the water. It was an instantaeously sobering moment that caused him to jump, diving from the ship down into where she had disappeared beneath the surface of the water. He found her quickly but realized that she was heavy enough to drag them both to the bottom. He took out his knife hidden in his boot and cut quickly through her coats. He left the very last undershirt as they were light enough now to make to the shoreline beneath the docks, his first concern was to make sure she was breathing but as she had only been under for moments, he knew that she was going to be just fine physically but obviously she wasnt feeling right in her mind.* God damn it Ruby! Dont do that to me..dont do that..*He hovered above her, hanging his head slightly as his body began to tremble. He wasnt cold in the warm tropical night but overcome with the thought of her drowning. She had hurt him more than anyone else ever had but that was the thing about the person you most love, they can do the most damage to you. In that moment he didnt move, his body just barely touching hers only her peasant shirt seperating them from each other. His head remained hung as he took in deep breaths and refused to move from her.*


01:23:46 [Ruby] *The water was dark and cool, welcoming her into a serene peaceful world where all thoughts and worries were washed clean to float away on the bubbles of air which kept escaping from her lungs as she sank deeper and deeper. The lack of oxygen caused her eyes to drift closed as she sank into what was undoubtedly to become her watery grave. She was aware of movement nearby and braced herself for the shark attack she was expecting, instead the sharpness she felt was a blade which seemed to be cutting her heavy coat from her. Ruby felt strong arms around her and then she was free of the dark water, her face breaking the surface of the ocean, allowing her to take a deep lungful of crisp, night air. Soon, James had her washed up on the shore under the dock and he was hovering over her, shaking as she was. As her senses came flooding back to her, she was achingly aware of the flimsy material of her peasant blouse which was now undoubtedly see through. Rolling her eyes, she grimaced as she crossed her arms over her breasts, wishing that she had taken the time to put on a corset before she had docked earlier. Instead, her large breasts hung freely, perky hard nipples clearly visible through the thin material. Ruby tried to sit up, her face coming dangerously close to James? before she backed away slowly. ~Eh.. what happened? I went for a swim, eh?~ she looked around for her coat as she started to shiver from a cool breeze that blew against her wet skin. ~Where?s my coat..~ she slurred, feeling around with her hands in the water, unmindful of the fact that her shirt was completely see through now and her movements were causing quite an eyeful for James, should he happen to look. *


01:35:33 [James] *James didnt look at first, just allowed her to move away from him once again. In that moment, he thought about giving up on this, he knew that somewhere deep inside of him all he wanted was for her to tell him that she was his again. When his eyes raised to look at her, to find the words that he needed in that moment when her particular predicament came to his attention. A dry, hard swallow is what came to him as his eyes not only beheld her breasts but became achingly aware of everything about her again. The drunken stupor still within his mind, now coming more into him as his adrenaline started to wear off and his heart stopped beating so hard. Arousal crept up within him and he felt bold, and perhaps it would be the wrong decision but he didnt care. His movements were quick and precise for being as sloshed as he was but he pulled her around and pulled her body into him so that the cold fabric and the feeling of her hard nipples were pressed tightly against his bare, warm and hard chest. He kissed her, he didnt know what else to do and so he kissed her, it was deep, passionate but brief. And when he was finished, he backed up alittle bit and watched her* You dont need to die for me Gem because I am right here. You are not stupid, so you wouldnt swim with your damn coat on. Now lets end this stupid drunken debate and just go back to my bloody cabin. The choice is yours Gem.