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Evangeline's Song [Open - started]



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Sun May 18, 2014 1:34 pm
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crossroads says...



She comes in the night, they say. Like a shadow, as if invisible, she sails in complete silence, barely disturbing the calmness of the sea, never truly approaching the shore. Her captain is cursed, her crew no longer alive, and her treasures worthy of every life lost to finding it.
In the darkness of the Summer Solstice, she arrives. She stays on the sea, a quiet observer just out of reach, barely if ever visible in the daylight and nothing but a silhuette at night. No lights come from it, no voices, no movements.
Only music.
On the night just before she leaves - the night of the Winter Solstice - notes said to be of inhuman beauty cross the waves, reaching the ears of those who listen. Only those of pure heart can hear it - and no one who hears can ever resist it. They take small boats and sail away, not once turning back to the homes they are leaving. They leave their toys, their parents or lovers, walk or swim into the sea and disappear without a trace. No bodies are ever found. No soul ever returns.
She leaves on the dawn after the Solstice, as quietly as she came. Many ships have tried following her. Many bodies have washed to the shore several days or even months later.

They call her simply The Ghost, but if one dares to come close - close enough to see, but not to touch - they might notice the thin letters, faded but still visible on her side. They read
Evangeline, and it is told it was the name of the captain's long lost love.

***


It is 1863. in what we could call the Alternate England. Industrialisation is the big news, but it takes unexpected turns - houses are built on top of each other, ports created over their roofs. Ships rest in the air, built for the sea but instead sailing high above it, leaving the ocean to the creatures resting in it. Only some are brave enough to take their ships down to it - the trained officers of the Royal Navy, and pirates.

Captain Arrow of The Wing, the Navy's pride, has heard the story of the ship of spirits more times than he could count, and never believed in them - not until he was given a piece of a map which, as told by every book and every sailor he saught help from, lead to the resting spot of Evangeline, and all those who heard its music. Knowing of the disappearances - mostly of children - and the short known history of the ship now referred to as the Ghost, he swore to be the one to find it and do all in his power to see it gone once and for all.

Captain Hutchings of The Old Maiden has heard the stories too. Sailing the seas fearlessly, even with the Navy at his tail, s/he is known for the love for treasure. The Maiden's last hunt didn't bring much gold - but in the eyes of captain Hutchings, a partial map is all that's needed. The inscriptions in a corner read the name of Evangeline. And this ship of spirits, stories say, can lead the way to treasures unimaginable.

*

So what is this about?


The three ships - The Wing, Evangeline and The Old Maiden - are the center of this story. It starts with the night of the Winter Solstice, as the music is heard by those of pure hearts (meaning mostly children). They leave their homes and enter the sea, unnoticed by anyone and caring about nothing but coming close to Evangeline.

Captain Hutchings and Captain Arrow have both gathered crews of individuals ready to go on this kind of potentially dangerous adventure. They are driven by different goals, but in pursuit of the same ship, and, ultimately, the same place. What they don't know is that they're both doing that, and that each of them has one part of the map that would lead them there. What they also don't know is that there's a third piece of the map as well, in possession of Cassander Gyles, the captain of Evangeline, and that the story of the Ghost Ship isn't the only story that might come true as they sail further from their land.

The Wing is the Navy's ship, and captain Arrow is the Navy's captain. He pursues Evangeline, but will also see to fight the Maiden and stop the pirates in their quest. Captain Hutchings is a pirate. S/he will pursue Evangeline as well, but most likely also try to put Captain Arrow off the Maiden's tail. Both captains realise that children are the ones who can hear Evangeline's call, and they both might have a child or two on board to lead them. These kids would feel the need to disappear under the sea just like the others have, and hence might need a guardian of some sort.

Where do you come in?

You are a crew member of either of the three ships. All roles are playable, with only a few guidelines:

~ try to make plausible crew members - that is, these are not cruise ships. Each person should have some kind of a role
~ Captain Arrow must be male - or at least, biologically male
~ All of the captains, as well as any crew member of a higher position, should be of reasonable age
~ The era is 19th century, the place is an alternate version of Victorian England. Think steampunk, but keep as historically accurate as you can when it comes to names and alike
~ crew of Evangeline is no longer living. They can be as tangible as you wish, and come from any time starting with 15th century. Once they died, they stopped aging, and need no changing clothes, sleeping or food. They know they can't leave the ship, and they know of the song and the children, but not all of them knows the whole story behind the reason for it all. Also, they aren't necessarily mean or vengeful or anything towards the living.
~ This is a fairly good site for reference on crew positions - http://www.brethrenofthegreatlakes.com/ ... topic=72.0

Slots

~ Captains can add as many NPC crew members as they like, and I will add more slots if really necessary.
~ mind you, the captains aren't just cool spots - it means responsibility too (explained below).
~ some suggestions may include - captains, first mates, second mate, navigators, cooks, gunners, cabin boys/girls, doctors, etc.

Spoiler! :
~ The Wing - renamed The Majestic in the story
- Captain Arrow - @Birkhoff
- Ship's doctor - @kayfortnight
- First mate - @Leahweird
- Mercenary (hired for defense) - @Robusto
- Cabin boy - @ShadowVyper
- Navigator - @megsug
- the person who hears Evangeline's music - @megsug
- crew member - @Silverlock
- crew member - @Strange

~ The Old Maiden
- Captain Hutchings - @Shadowlight
- First mate - @AfterTheStorm
- Quartermaster/mistress - @Aurora99
- Master Gunman (and other stuff) - @TakeThatYouFiend
- crew member - @Elinor565
- crew member - @Seraphinaxx
-

~ Evangeline
- Captain Gyles - myself
- First Mate - @Rydia
- Quartermaster/mistress - @queerelves
- - the "child" onboard (used to be the one who heard the Song) - @Alvarin
- Cabin boy - @ScarlettFire
- crew member - @Aquestioning
- crew member - @Auxiira


On profiles, and other notes

- You're free to use whatever kind of template you want, but don't be too shy on words. I require more detailed info on the captains, and a picture or detailed written description of every person.
- One character per person for now, might turn to two depending on the interest and positions people play.
- The captains have the final word on what happens onboard of their ships - I have the final word on all the general things, twists which affect everyone, introducing new characters and alike, but if you have a "Can I break something on my ship?" kind of question, direct it to the person playing your captain. Captains, you direct your questions to me.
- The said captains also must include a part about their ships in their profile - what kind of the ship it is (no need to go into too many details, but tell us a bit about how many people can it hold, if it has any special colours or markings, is it old or new, is it your captain's first/only ship or not, and so on), if its name has a history, if there's something valuable and/or potentially important on it, and so on and so forth. You can change the captains' names, but I'd like to keep the ships' names as they are.
- Non-human creatures. They're a thing, but characters (except for the dead ones, who are ghosts or whatever) should be (mostly) human. As for the creatures, think mermaids, giant squids, kraken and alike, nothing too random and unrelated.
- If at some point when the crews are filled, there's lots of interest, new ships can be added and something thought on about them (there can be more than three pieces of the mentioned map, after all) - but let's keep to these three for now.

Calling people who expressed interest, people I want to lasso in, people whom I think might be interested, people who might not be interested but whatever...

Spoiler! :
@Rydia @Alvarin @Shadowlight (you three have your desired spots if you still desire them) @Leahweird @Lumi @StellaThomas @Nutty @ScarlettFire @ReisePiecey @RedBird @fortis @Lauren2010 @TemporarilyShane @Griffinkeeper @Charlie II @megsug @ShadowVyper @Blackwood @Iggy @Aurora99 @Fade @TakeThatYouFiend @AfterTheStorm @Judas @Aquestioning @queerelves @VeerenVKS @chibibo @Avalon @Liv @shinethroughthedark @kayfortnight @Zarhail @Robusto @Alvarin @Laure @SubtleSanity @BlackNether12 @Seraphinaxx @Aley @Auxiira @Cailey @ReisePiecey @Elinor%20Brynn @Audy
• previously ChildOfNowhere
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literary fantasy with a fairytale flavour





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Sun May 18, 2014 10:29 pm
Shadowlight says...



The Old Maiden
Spoiler! :
Ship name: The Old Maiden
Captain: Honor Hutchings
Crew:
Specifications: Duel purpose Ariel and Nautical Ironclad vessel
Means of propulsion: Propellers
Armory: 27 guns in all, a variety of cannons, torpedoes, and riffles and hand to and combat weapons.

https://ffalthalus.files.wordpress.com/ ... ip1280.jpg
Description (external): The Old Maiden is anything but old, most of her is brand new with the exception of her very bones. She is an iron clad wooden vessel with a large glass enclosed pilot house, double walled portholes set into her belly and a large figurehead in the shape of a rather sensual female figure with the upper body of a angel- wings stretched towards the heavens and the lower body of a mermaid- tail curled in incredibly delicate ways. THIS is the Maiden.
The vessel stands out in one very striking ways from other airships of it's kind. the 6 helicoptering propellers that keep the ship airborne. The two main propellers, one stationed at the stern and then the other placed three quarters of the way up the deck towards the prow. these Propellers sit on telescoping masts that can sink into the bowels of the ship when she is floating on the surface of the water.

The four smaller propellers are The Old Maiden's secret weapons. these four propellers each operating individually an independent from one another can swivel about, providing on the dime maneuverability to the vessel, but also can be turned entirely around so when she is afloat on the surface of the water they provide the propulsion to carry her alone without need for sails or paddle wheels.

Description (internal): The Old Maiden is broken into 4 decks- the first deck, the lowest deck is where all the cargo is held in 6 different compartments each one holding a certain type of cargo (her captain is rather fastidious) The second deck is where the crews quarters are, this deck also houses the galley and medical room where the ships surgeon does his work, the captains quarters are also on this deck in the bow of the ship. (in the picture the large windows near the bottom- this is where the captains quarters are)

The third deck is the gun-deck, this is the heart of the offensive properties of the ship, the cannons are ranged around this deck, and the shells and powder are held in to compartments, the rear and aft magazines just in case one is compromised so the whole ship isn't blown apart. the fourth deck is the top deck an on this sits the pilot house where all the ships navigational tools and implements are kept. reinforced with iron and very thick glass it serves as the eyes of the ship- and Captain Hutchings is often found here, Running the whole depths of the ship are two cylindrical openings, these are the propeller "tubes" When the propellers are not needed the two large ones sink into these cylinders.

Shipboard Rules: Captain Hutchings unlike many pirates is strict with his crew, but this in turn gives the crew a certain feeling of assurance in their lives. the Captain doesn't stand for disrespect to himself or his officers, he will gladly listen to a crew members concerns but he will not tolerate disrespect, the ladies on board his ship are to be treated with the utmost courtesy by the male members of his crew, these women maybe have chosen a life at sea but they are still ladies. He believes honor and morals- even for pirates are important and expects a certain level of decency from his crew and is not above using capitol punishment if the rules of his ship are disobeyed. (but he rarely has to do this) Drink is allowed but woe to the seaman found drunk at his post. Generally Captain Hutchings expects his crew to be well behaved, he isn't a puritan by any means, he lets his crew play hard but in turn expects them to work hard when needed.
"D*** the torpedoes! Four bells! Full speed ahead!"~ Admiral David Farragut





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Wed May 21, 2014 3:45 pm
birk says...



The Majestic

Spoiler! :
Ship name: The Majestic
Captain: Cillian Jack Arrow
Crew:150 men. Consisting of soldiers, officers and crew ranging from cabin boys to cooks and engine maintenance.
Specifications: First class Royal Navy battleship, with multi purpose means of transportation.
Means of propulsion: Propellers. Traditional sails for seafaring.
Armory: 32 main cannons. Additional smaller weaponry and assault equipment. Small arms, melee weapons and boarding tools also on board.

The Majestic

Description (external): The Majestic is the Navy's newest battleship, and it is most definately their finest. Built for the specific purpose of exploring the seas, taking down pirate ships, and perhaps most important of all; finding The Evangeline.

From the ground and up, it was built with a combination of steel and wood. With the steel providing the internal casing of the entire structure, while the exterior is put together a smooth wooden surface. Spread evenly over the length of the long ship, are three large poles. These poles is among the ships most important assets. Aside from providing the sail mast during sea voyages, the poles also serve as their means of air travel.

At the top of these poles are three large propellers which keep the ship airborne. Through the poles themselves, their function allows for the machinery in the bowels of the ship to keep them steady and operating. In addition to these main propellers, there are also two smaller ones going through the aft and stern of the ship. These allow for proper navigation.

Topside, there are also several lookout posts, cannons built into the railing and work stations for several necessities. Added to the top deck, there is also a small, but sturdy shack. This shack is completely locked down, has three doors and serves as the ships jail cell.

The bow of the ship also boasts a large wooden figurehead, carved in the likeness of some sensual female sea creature. An artists take on an old myth. In her arms, the woman holds one of the most advanced types of technology mankind has so far created: an energy core. In the darkness, this serves as a fantastic source of light.

Description (internal)
: The Majestic has four decks. On the bottom deck, the machinery takes up all of the space, save for a selection of cargo. The machinery runs constantly whenever it is necessary. Above it, on the third deck, it holds another load of cargo, a large part of the sleeping quarters, and the galley where food is served.

On the second deck, the remaining sleeping quarters are stationed. In addition to this, the deck houses all of the cannons, counting twelve on each side. With them, and the eight cannons on the top deck, there are thirty-two in total.

Lastly, the top deck also has the captain's quarters, which are placed at the stern of the ship and is fitted with large reinforced bay windows. Leading into the captain's quarters, are the officers lounge. It fits a handful of men.


Shipboard Rules: Captain Arrow is at the moment one of the finest leaders within the Navy. He was specifically sought out to command this vessel and he was given authority to gather his officers as he thought fit.

Arrow is a very stern Captain; he doesn't tolerate disorderly conduct and will slam down hard on anyone breaking the rules or not doing their duty. He expects only the best.

The crew is allowed to drink on certain days. Depending on their work shift, they are expected to wake first thing in the morning, get their breakfast and head in for work. Displaying distrust or disrespect for your fellow shipmate, be it officer or crew, is unacceptable. Treason will be punishable by death.

If you are feeling ill, go to the doctor. If you feel like starting a sing-along; don't do it at night. If you see any trace of The Ghost, report it immidiately.
"I never saved anything for the swim back."


Do not mistake coincidence for fate. - Mr Eko

they're selling razor blades and mirrors in the street





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Sun Jun 01, 2014 2:57 am
crossroads says...



The Evangeline

Spoiler! :
Ship name: The Evangeline (sometimes referred to as the Ghost)
Captain: Cassander Gyles
Crew: 35. There once was more, but some choose to leave and never to return. The ship being the way it is, there is no need for many more.
Specifications: A brigantine with altered side-sails for aerial maneuvering
Means of propulsion: Traditional sails - it is one of the rare ships that still sail the traditional way
Armory: 12 cannons, a collection of various other smaller weapons and hand-to-hand combat equipment - all kept in good shape, none used much for a long time

Description (both external and internal): She looks something like this, except her sails are completely black - before it became a ghost ship, it was infamous for its way of approaching; silently, yet never hiding. If they'd put up a flag, it would have no sign nor colour on it either.
She's a small and swift ship, without capacity for much cargo but with construction that allows her to sail through waters that would easily be the death of other ships. The parts altered for aerial travel have never been tested, but are nonetheless kept in perfect condition.

The side-sails aren't visible, as they're hidden within the body of the ship and move by a set of mechanisms on the lowest of three decks.
There is a relatively small area under it, however - that is where the prisoners are held. It's kept in good shape just as the rest of the ship, but when Evangeline sails, it finds itself underwater, creating a special kind of atmosphere for the prisoners.

On the second deck, one finds the sleeping quarters and the kitchen, as well as the weaponry. As the crew no longer has the need to sleep or eat, and rare ones still practice those, this deck's purpose varies.

The captain's quarters are on the top deck - the back of the ship in the picture - and separate, small stairs lead from it directly to lower decks. These end in floor doors which are kept locked, the captain being the only one with access to the key.

Shipboard Rules:Over the years and with everything they've been through, the Evangeline's crew is more of a family than one would expect on a pirate ship. Partly for that reason, and partly because Cassander isn't fond of the militaristic-style chain of commands, Evangeline functions with just a couple of basic rules.
No one leaves the ship without the captain's permission, and no one boards the ship without captain's permission.
The crew is expected to adhere to the Code, and the captain's word is the law. For most part, however, the crew is free to use their time as they please.
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literary fantasy with a fairytale flavour





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Sun Jun 01, 2014 2:57 am
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crossroads says...



Cassander Gyles | Captain of the Evangeline | His quarters
December 22, 1863

*

"Daddy!"

I don't turn at her voice, but I can feel the smile spreading over my face. Even without looking, I know by the way her steps sound that she is carrying something carefully.
Turning my back to the sea to look at her, I find her standing in boy's clothing, with sleeves soaked in water, holding a small octopus in her hands.

"Look whom I found."

In two small steps, I'm standing right in front of her, and then I crouch to be closer to her height, smirking at her prey. It's a tiny animal, still a child much like Van herself, completely still in my little girl's hands.

"What will you do with it?" I ask, although I suspect I already know the answer.

"Music," she says, not unexpectedly. "I want to teach it how to play the flute, and then sing with her."

"Her?"

"Aye."

I nod slowly. The way she smiles, with hope as much as anticipation, makes it strangely hard to say what I have to say.
"You should let her go," I tell her, and her smile slowly fades away. "You see.. she is alright now, but she belongs to the sea. If you keep her out of water for too long, she'll die."

"But that's unfair," Evangeline says, her voice sounding hurt and something changing in her eyes. "Nothing else dies on this ship! Only mommy and me, and now you say I can't have friends either? It's not her fault you cursed everyone!"


I woke up with a start, a book falling on the floor with a heavy thump. For a moment, I considered picking it up, glaring at the title on its covers - before I sighed instead, lying back on the bed and running my hand over my face. I knew every word in that book, having read it countless times over and over again.
Why can't I dream about that?

Forcing myself to think about the story, and picking up the book again before leaving my quarters, I walked out to the deck slowly, turning my eyes up to the sky. It was still just barely lit by the rising sun, the dawn painting in soft tones around the dark fabric of our sails.

I nodded to a couple of men's greetings, not for the first time wondering what some of them were doing while I was asleep. Most of them saw no reason for sleeping, not for decades already, and a part of me could understand it. Another part, however - the one which dreamt nicer dreams than my daughter blaming me for everything that happened - couldn't imagine a life without sleeping.

Life is not exactly what you have.

I shoved the thought away, making my way across the deck. The air was crisp, as it always was at this time of the year - and as always, I wasn't completely sure if I could truly feel it against my skin, or if it was my mind pulling memories of the sensations which would've once maybe made me tremble and reach for warmer clothes. I took a deep breath, knowing well enough I'm only doing it so I wouldn't forget how it's done, and turned my attention to the sea.
The waters were calm, hiding all the life beneath, tricking everyone who didn't know how to look. Soft ripples on the surface, a small circle of strangely darker colour; I've observed the ocean for centuries, and knew it as an old friend. Somewhere in there, there were still bodies of people I called my crew, my family. Somewhere lay hidden the bones of the ships I'd sank, the small treasures and seemingly worthless possessions of men, women and children who lost their lives to the sea in battles which I won.
I smiled a small mirthless smile, looking up at the horizon, narrowing my eyes at the sun.

Somewhere there, awaited the being I gave everything to, holding on to what I valued more than anything in the world and pulling our strings. Somewhere, in some deep-sea castle or an island hidden in the mist, it sat and waited for me to come again, to ask for what's mine after centuries of service. With each new day, I wished for it more, the thought of it glowing like a beacon in the darkness - the only thing that kept me alive.

Or rather, the only thing that keeps you from jumping off and letting the time do its job.

A silent cough behind me pulled me out of my thoughts, making me return to reality. The ocean was still calm, but far - quite far, but maybe not for too long - in the air, I could see a shape slowly moving. Without bothering to put up any proper expression, I turned my back to the sea, locking my eyes on the person looking at me.
*
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Tue Jun 03, 2014 12:04 am
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Alvarin says...



Rebecca Ann-Louise Lehmann | Passenger on the Evangeline | Top deck | December 22, 1863

December 22, 1863
Dear diary, and whoever comes across these bottles,
Time erodes everything, something that I've confirmed many times before, but I think it's finally starting to get to me. Even the boredom has gone away, and I'm afraid that there will not be much left of me soon. Happiness, innocence and spirit, time took it all from me, and now it feels like it's wearing down my very core. How long until I no longer feel like writing these pages? Will I end up like some of the ghosts I've seen on this ship, doing nothing but staring into space, feeling nothing and being nothing? I fear that day far more than I fear death and suffering. At least I am still me if I suffer, even if I am miserable.
The ship is sailing like it always has. The members of the crew are not completely the same, but close enough. I wish I could find it in me to take interest in at least one of them, but I hardly see the point in that anymore. After all, time took my curiosity rather early. I haven't bothered to take note of the weather lately, as it never really affects me too much, but I should probably mention that it is cold tonight - because it is nighttime as I write - as it always is during winter.
These passages only seem to get shorter and shorter, as I have less to write every day. Not much ever changes, except for the date, but I hope you'll understand that the inspiration to write is hard to keep alive in a place like this.
I saw a small island in the distance yesterday. When I borrowed the watchman's binoculars I saw a lonely tower rising above the tees surrounding it. If you read this, please help me.
~ Rebecca Ann-Louise Lehmann


After finishing the page of the diary I waited for the ink to dry, sighing quietly and looking up towards the horizon. The darkness was slowly giving way to the sunlight, and even after all those years I couldn't help but close my eyes and enjoy the warmth it brought with it. I had a thick coat, but it could only keep out the cold for so long, and for some reason I had found it strangely difficult to note down my thoughts.

When the ink was dry I carefully tore the page from its covers, rolling it and tying an old ribbon around it. I had lost track of how many bottled diary pages I had thrown into the ocean, but I had gotten used to doing it nearly every day. I always included what little I knew about our rout, as well as some trinket I had picked up. It used to be personal belongings, but I had run out of rings and necklaces, so now I settled for anything that caught my eye.

As I watched the bottle float away into the seemingly endless ocean I once again felt a pang of loneliness. No matter how much I hoped that someone would find the bottles and somehow locate the ship, I knew that it wouldn't happen. They were starting to way on my shoulders.. A hundred years of dead dreams. Prince charming wasn't going to rescue me from the evil pirates, and I was never going to get to grow up or even die.

I frowned as I saw the captain staring out over the ocean, much in the same way that I did. I could pity the other crew members, but not him. He was the one forcing me to stay in this hell. I had tried jumping overboard, time and time again, until I realized that he was never letting me go. I was to be the vessel for his darling Evangeline, and what I thought or felt about that didn't matter. As long as his precious daughter came back to him he didn't care if I had to spend an eternity in captivity. An eternity in the body of a child.

I coughed silently, alerting him to my presence, glaring at him as he turned around. "What's the matter, captain? You seem to be feeling a bit down," I said with mock politeness. It didn't matter how many years that passed. My hate for him never grew weaker. It was the only feeling that didn't, which was why I felt the need to cling to it. sticking diary pages in bottles and hating the captain had become the only two things that kept me sane, the only two things that didn't seem completely worthless during a hundred years of doing the same thing every day.

He seemed somewhat distant, shaking his head slowly and taking his time with an answer. "Not particularly, no. But I could say the same for you."

I frowned, looking away. "How can I be anything but down?" I caught myself before biting my lip, and instead glared at him again. "Not that you care about how feel." I smirked coldly. "Tell me, are you any closer to getting your daughter back, or will I have to stick around another hundred years?" As much as I want things to just end, I also wanted him to pay. To never get his daughter back would be pretty close to the kind of punishment I wanted him to get. If I had to choose between an eternity of misery for both of us, or for my life to end and him to have his daughter back, my choice would always be the former.

He sighed. "As cheerful as always, I see." A smile - not particularly genuine one - crept onto his face. "You know I can't tell how close I am to anything... but if it's of any comfort, I highly doubt it will take more than another century. You can be patient that long, right?"

"Well, of course. I'm here to please, am I not?" Not for the first time I wondered what would happened if I managed to scar myself badly. Surely he wouldn't want his daughter in a scarred body. Though I doubt he'd be nice enough to drop me off anywhere close to shore. "Is there anything else you need, other than my life and any chance I had of a normal, happy life?"

"I'm not the one who took your normal, happy life from you." His voice was colder now - not giving away any emotions, but not faking any either. "In fact, I'm the one who saved you from losing your life in general. What do you think would've happened to you if you didn't get on board?"

"I suppose I would have died an innocent child and gone to heaven, if such a place even exists." I tilted my head slightly to the side, smiling sweetly. "But then again, if I had never heard that music I would've never jumped off my father's ship." I let the smile die, just like any trace of happiness in me had died. "Don't act like you're some kind of savior. Everything you do is done purely out of selfish reasons. What right do you have to curse others so they'll have to suffer like you do?" I couldn't keep the anger out of my voice anymore, but it didn't really matter. If I could make him feel worse than he usually did then that was enough for me, not matter how upset I got.

With a calm little smile, he crouched down slowly and looked up at me. "After all these years.." He shook his head. "You know, if you didn't get pulled out by us that day, heaven is the last place you'd end up. There are things about this situation which you don't understand. I don't blame you, as you can't know of anything you weren't told about, but truly.. You should be old enough," he smirked slightly, "to know not to talk about things you know nothing about, aye?"

Before I had time to control myself I lashed out, slapping him as hard as I could - which wasn't very hard, considering my puny arms. I hated being talked to like I was a child, I hated when people crouched down to get to my height, and I hated that I still knew so little about the ship. "Do I look old enough?" I hissed. "You'll have to excuse me for acting like a child, but I'm sure you can find it in your heart to understand, since you're the one that condemned me to live as an eight year old until you finally manage to give my body to your daughter." I took a deep breath, taking a step back and trying to calm down. "If you really had intended to help me you would have dropped me of somewhere close to land, or close to a ship, but that obviously didn't happen." I forced myself to smile again. "Tell me, how will you be able to look her in the eye, knowing that the eyes you're looking into were stolen from someone else? Could you explain to her that you took the life of another little eight year old just because you were selfish and couldn't just let go like everyone else?"

"Well I understand it's not perfect, obviously," he said coldly. "You're almost three years too old, but unfortunately I didn't get to choose." He smiled quickly, turning serious again in a second. "I will never let go. You should be aware of that by now.. I have a chance to do something about it, instead of just letting go like everyone else, and I intend to use that chance.. That can't possibly be so terrible. After all, you are the one who'd rather disappear under the sea or die in some other way than save a little girl who didn't deserve what she got, isn't it so?"

"You intend to use that chance no matter the consequences. Because in the end, why should you care about anyone else than yourself?" I smirked. "Why should I be any different? I 'grew up' learning from you, after all."

"Captain?" I frowned at the approaching crew member. Wasn't it obvious that we were in the middle of something? It's the captain you're angry with, not the others, I reminded myself.

"Well, since you're busy I'll just go sit in a corner until it's time for you to kill me." I grinned childishly. "Thank you so much for saving me all those years ago. It was truly noble of you, captain." With that I turned my back to them and left, finding an empty little alcove under deck and sitting down there, staring at my hands. My eyes felt strangely prickly, but I refused to cry. Crying didn't make anything better, it was one of the first things I had learned here, and I wasn't going waste any tears on him. I wish I could kill him.
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birk says...



Cillian Jack Arrow | Captain of the Majestic | Portsmouth Harbor, Britain
June 15th, 1864

The streetlights paved along the harbor give image to the thick mist that stretches far and wide, covering everything within view in a hazy fog. Heavy rain falls from the dark skies above, into already growing puddles.

Turning a corner and pacing alongside the dock with an envoy of officers around him, Captain Cillian Arrow is safely sheltered from the rain underneath an umbrella. As he walks towards the elevated podium in front of the large ship currently docked there, he eyes the crowd of crewmembers standing at attention in front of it. A fine bunch, he assures himself.

He had already had the time to accommodate himself with the ship, having waited for his desired crew to assemble. Now that they were all here, the Majestic was ready to depart.

Ascending the few stairs up to the wooden platform, his envoy spread out behind him. A minute went by, as he silently inspected the troops before him, the thrumming of the rain the only thing breaking the silence. Then he addressed them.

“You are standing in front of the most lethal battleship which our Royal Navy has ever held. We are capable of more firepower than there has ever been within a single vessel.” He didn’t motion to the large vessel behind him, or turned to eye it himself; never breaking contact with the men in front of him.

“It was built for one single purpose; one single purpose alone. That purpose is to hunt down the Evangeline. For too long has this fabled vessel sunk our ships, be it military, trade, or civilian crafts. The tides have turned, and we will finally end this.” His words were sharp and rose towards the end, filling them with pride.

“I expect and demand the very best, from each and every one of you. You may not know me, but I sure as hell know you. I feel honored and proud to be given the privilege of hand-picking my desired roster. To both my officers and crew; you come with great recommendations. Don’t let me down.”

The captain withdrew a few steps backwards and motioned to his First Mate. “Dismiss the crew!”

“Aye aye, captain!” First Mate Christian Fox replied eagerly. He stepped forward.

“Men! You know why you are here, you know why you have been assigned to this ship and how much is required of you. Today marks a very special day; summer solstice is upon us. Find your posts and get to work, we’re setting sail. Let’s find this cursed excuse for a ship!” Fox exclaimed valiantly to the crowd.

Wild cheering ensued.

Captain Arrow watched his crew enter the mighty ship and begin preparation for their departure. The massive sails were spread out and set up. They would travel by sea for now, following the Atlantic currents and reaching the southern hemisphere within four to five days.

Once there, Arrow hoped the particular music that The Ghost was known for producing would make its delicate little tunes known to the ears of the children they had brought along with them.

This music had never been describes properly to him, but he didn’t think it would matter much. He did, however, know that this music could mainly be heard during the winter solstice, but he made reasoning’s to the idea that the same thing could occur during the summer solstice as well.

Nevertheless, he didn’t hang all of his ambitions on this idea. What was even more important to him was the fragment of a map he had in his possession: a small piece of a map which told the location of the Evangeline, or at the very least a part of its travel route.

After a while, Arrow found himself on the top of the deck, issuing orders to depart the bay.

The Majestic had launched their expedition.
"I never saved anything for the swim back."


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kayfortnight says...



Doctor Eleanor Geneve Morgan| Doctor on the Majestic| Portsmouth Harbor, Britain. |June 15th, 1864

I stood shoulder to shoulder with the other crew members, unmoving though it poured hard. Still, there were mutterings among some of the crew members. Perhaps some were having second thoughts. After all, the Evangeline was a well told tale to keep children obedient to some of the younger men who'd spent life inland. Not the threat it was truly. Even those who knew the terror it was...it cannot be said a Navy member cannot fear.

However, no one broke ranks, and soon the captain approached. They had lost their chance if they ever wanted one. I resolved that the first time I was blessed with privacy with Captain Arrow, I would warn him to beware of mutiny. The least I can do. There was no better captain in the Navy, in my humble opinion.

He stood tall and stiff in front of us, looking each man and woman over. A touch of a smile on his face-not all that noticeable, but a doctor learns how to tell when their patients are in pain, even if they try to hide it. It was a simple matter to extrapolate to other emotions. He's pleased.

“You are standing in front of the most lethal battleship which our Royal Navy has ever held. We are capable of more firepower than there has ever been within a single vessel.”

He continued on with his motivational speech. The mutterings in the crowd had ceased now, but I knew that wouldn't last. Once they had fought ghosts or were on quarter rations, they would grow angry again. Captain Arrow would bare the brunt of that fury.

The captain motioned to the red-headed man besides me-First Mate Fox. “Dismiss the crew!”

He began to do just that. I allowed myself a little grin as I passed him. "Another adventure, Mr. Fox? You will be on ships when you are old and grey at this point." He was a year younger than me, and nowhere near old for the Navy. It was simply a shared joke among the officers, and one that even the stiffest of us enjoyed from time to time.

He shook his head slightly. "Old, grey and salty. But Eleanor, if you do not depart from our company soon, why then you shall become and old maid!"

My grin was unrestricted this time. "Ah, but we are both away from our families this way!" His face was solemn as he gave a nod of acknowledgment. We both knew that one had to be a little crazy to search for Evangeline.

Onboard, I relaxed and looked around the ship, wishing to see if there was any new crew members. It would certainly be a risk, on a voyage such as this.

I internally flinched when I saw the cabin boy. The Majestic usually tried to avoid taking on cabin boys and girls, due to the Evangeline. I knew it was neccessary this time, but that didn't mean I had to like it. "What's your name, boy?"

He startled. "Austin Allerton, ma'am."

"Just call me Doctor Morgan, please. Austin, you do realize your freedoms will be greatly restricted once we are at sea, to prevent you being taken by the Evangeline?" Except when we need you as bait, I mentally added. Remember. Remember this is to save the rest of the children of the world.

"Yes, ma-Doctor Morgan." And yet he still chose to come with us.

"Good luck, Austin Allerton." I spotted Eli, standing with a young woman about his age. "Your sister?" He nodded and I introduced myself. There really wasn't much else to do in that regard-I was well aware from past conversations with Eli that the younger woman and I had almost nothing in common.

There were other new crew members, but no one who caught my eye or had an unusual role aboard. Besides, if they didn't know the trade, I'd get to know them soon enough when I visited their rooms to bind their broken bones.

I noticed a few oddly flitting shadows and strange sounds on my way to my cabin, but dismissed it as nothing.
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Rydia says...



Gilbert Sayer | First Mate of the Evangeline | The Deck
December 22, 1863


As Bert approached the captain, he spared only a brief glance for the child-like creature as she retreated below deck. Bert didn't know what to think of the nymphs who washed up whenever they went near the shore or other ships: a nuisance they was. Not strong enough to help out around the ship, most without any wits left to them because of the music. That damned music. Bert didn't think it existed, except that the children was always washing up...

"Slayer?"

Right, right. He had something to say.

Bert straightened up and subconsciously rested a hand on the pistol at his belt. "Captain, we're makin' good speed and comin' abreast o' dee islan' now. Are we goin' ashore this time? It's jus' that, it's only that-"

"The men are bloody restless, Sand."

The captain seemed to think about this for a moment and he turned outwards and drummed his fingers to a rhythm Gilbert couldn't hear. The First Mate wondered if it was the phantom music but said nothing. He knew it was best to leave the captain to himself when he was in one of these moods and if it hadn't been for the men...

"They may start hackin' pieces off of one another." Bert smiled a bit at that. He wasn't wholly against a good handicuffs with a couple of knives but it really had been a long time since they saw any action.

"It's not our destination," the captain said at last.

"Then what is our destination?" Gilbert's frustration made him bolder than he would normally be and he didn't always mind the aimless way they seemed to tour the oceans, picking up treasure here or sinking ships there, but it felt like months since they'd seen a single living soul.

"I don't know yet."
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Shadowlight says...



Honor Hutchings (On board the Old Maiden somewhere over the seas of Japan December 22)

“Captain!” The voice of his first mate ripped Honor form a deep sleep, the captain flailed in his bunk- his legs tangled in the bedclothes.

“Wha- breakers ahead?!” He fell out of the bunk - cracking his skull on the iron clamp holding the bunk to the floor.

“Um, we're air born Captain.” Honor blinked groggily, he swore he could hear the smart ass smirk forming on his First mates lips.

“Ah right, true... What is it Margret?” he asked picking himself up off the floor and taking a swig out of a nasty smelling bottle to wake himself up.

“You told me to inform you when we've crossed the meridian.”

“And?”

“We've crossed the meridian Captain.” Her eyebrow was raised in the most artificial look of innocence ever made by a woman. Honor groaned running a hand through his hair,

“Ah, good, thanks Margret.” He pulled on his waistcoat and overcoat and slipped out of his births door, heavy boots thudding dully on the planking of the deck he quickly skipped up the Companionway and onto the topdeck of his ship- the whirring of the propellers was music to his ears and he took a deep revitalizing breath of the salty sea air.

“Captain, the winds from the east- it looks like rain....” A sailor called to him, Honor nodded.

“It does indeed Mr. Connors- when it starts we'll put down. We need to drag the nets for some fish anyway- I'm getting mighty sick of the salt beef.

“Everyone is Hutch.” Rhett was at his side again- he turned and looked down at her, she smiled her sharp smile shrugging, “ it's true. Oh, before I forget the aft Prop isn't running quite right, I think it's a gear shaft but- well it's your ship and they won't let me near the tools...”

“Thank god, we don't need another compass incident.”

“The needle was stuck Hutch- I was only trying to unstick it.”

“With a hammer Margret.” Laughing Honor went to one of the large masts that the propellers sit atop and leaned his ear against it, he was an old hat at this, he had designed these himself and under all the grinding and pumping he could just detect a slight pinging noise and frowned.

“We're going to set her down, somethings broken- a tie-rod I think, Margret go below and get those lazy sons out of their bunks- they need to sail her while I'm fixing this prop.” going to the wheelhouse honor began flipping levers and turning dials. The ship obeying it's commander slowly sank from the sky until with a gentle splash it began to plow the indigo waters of the open sea.
"D*** the torpedoes! Four bells! Full speed ahead!"~ Admiral David Farragut





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TakeThatYouFiend says...



Jakob Absalom | The Old Maiden | Dec 22

BANG!

"That's the captain up," thought Absalom, as he sat cleaning out the rifles in the armoury. The armoury was directly above the captain's quarters, and, because cleaning the rifles was his first duty in the morning, he usually heard when the captain got (or more often fell) out of bed. This information was rarely of use to Absalom, but it was nice to know where the captain was. Also anything was welcome if it eased the boredom of cleaning the rifles. It was one of those annoying jobs where if you forgot to do it then it just made it harder to do later on, and where it required concentration despite being a menial job. Sadly the rifles were not smoothbore, which meant they were particularly hard to clean inside the barrel...

Absalom's train of thought was interrupted by a sudden jerk of the ship. He put down the ramrod and cloth he was using to get into the muzzle of the last rifle, and went to the porthole. As he had guessed, the ship was beginning a slow descent into the waters below. "Finally something other than that bloody salted beef." he muttered under his breath, and returned to his work.

After cleaning the rifles Jakob went onto the deck, just to take a stroll. Although usually he was busy at his post or just helping the sailors, everything for now at least was quiet. They weren't on a raiding run, and, although Absalom didn't know quite where they were going, he was sure the captain would tell him when he needed to train the crew up. And thankfully there were only a couple of new sailors on board. The last stay at harbour Honor had somehow managed to find no less then seven extra sailors. Thankfully this time the Captain considered this trip important; important enough to not trust new crew in numbers large enough to mutiny. He may seem overly open and trustworthy at times, but once you got to know the Captain you learned he never left anything to chance.

After a small hunt Jakob found the two new sailors, and took them to the fore deck. There he looked them up and down. It was part of his job to train new sailors in basic weapon proficiency, how to man the cannons, but most importantly, how to fight as a team. This pair were large and burly, obvious sailor build, but as Absalom looked at them he saw they were inexperienced, and probably new to sailing.
"There is one thing you need to remember at all times when you are fighting," he shouted, as he paroled in front of them, "and that is if you don't stay as a team you are going to die. At the moment you are terrible fighters. By the time I've finished with you you'll be half-decent fighters. But just remember any member of senior staff on this vessel could decapitate you as soon as look at you."
He stopped in front of the larger of the two. He stood almost half a foot above Absalom, but Absalom stared him down.
"When talking to me you shall call me sir, or Absalom. Is that understood?"
"Yes sir." they said in unison.
"Good. Now tell me, what do you already know about swordplay?"
At this the pair looked down at there feet and the larger started shuffling his feet like a boy caught stealing a lollipop. "Er, well..." he began, but Absalom cut him short.
"Great, both total beginners. That means you won't have picked up all the wrong habits."

Three hours later two large looking sailors staggered onto the main deck, drenched in sweat. Neither looked forward for tomorrow's training session...
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Leahweird says...



Christian Fox | First Mate of the Majestic

Christian walked the deck of the Majestic, making sure that all the men had indeed gone to their posts. He enjoyed giving the order, even if he was slightly disgusted by how "enthusiastic" he had to be to try and keep everyone on this voyage reassured.

He did have a real smile for the lady doctor though. She seemed to understand his true character then the captain did, which was really probably for the best. And he had to admit that he was in a good mood. This voyage looked like it was going to be interesting, even if he didn't really believe everything he'd heard about their quarry.

An additional bit of cheer was tucked into his breast pocket. Honor's latest letter had arrived just barely before Chris was meant to report for duty. There hadn't even been time to pen a hasty reply. He wasn't too concerned about that though. His brother was probably out raising hell somewhere and wouldn't be back to check his mail for some time.

For a moment he paused to watched the shoreline disappear behind them. The rain was soaking through his coat, making him especially grateful for his hat, but he largely ignored it. This was his favourite moment being at sea. The moment when the land fell away and left him, at least for a moment, free from the life he lived there. He breathed in the heavy air and tipped his head up to let the rain touch his face.

"Mr. Fox!" A commanding voice sounded behind, him, making him whirl. The captain had managed to appear behind him and was glowering a bit at the supposed lolly gagging.

"Everything going smoothly?" Arrow, asked.

"Yes sir."

The captain gave his officer a look before moving off. Fortunately he didn't seem to want to comment on the lapse, though it likely wouldn't be forgotten. Christian sighed and wiped raindrops off his cheek. It was time to really get to work.





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Snowery says...



Violéne Elizabeth Woods| Stowaway Aboard The Majestic| In the Cargo Hold|June 20th, 1864

Violéne's fingers trembled as she lit another match. Though it was well into summer, the cargo hold was freezing. Her teacup rattled on it's saucer as she lifted it and held it over her match.

It had been five difficult days since she had boarded this forsaken ship and now she desperately needed a cup of tea. She swirled the cup watching the tea leaves infuse into the barely lukewarm water at a painfully slow rate. The match died. Vi sighed and lit another, this time holding it above the drink in hopes that it would heat faster.

Her stomach growled, Vi sighed again. Stowing away on a ship like some criminal had not been her plan. She was supposed to have been welcomed aboard with open arms! Instead they told her that she had no place on the ship and would only be a burden. Well, blast those confounded sailors because she had gotten on the ship anyways. She grinned at her own genius. The problem was that seeing as she hadn't counted at being holed in the cargo like a rat, she a had a worryingly low supply of food. She would have to go up and steal some at some point. The grin was replaced with a scowl at the idea of possible human interaction.

The match died again and Vi thumped a nearby crate in frustration. She put the teacup down next to the numerous used match sticks. She opened her bag and rummaged through her food supply which mainly consisted of cheese and crackers.

At least I brought a variety, she thought to herself as she reached for the cheddar and the salt and tarragon crackers.

As she munched she thought about the dream she had last night. Amongst having been rolled around the ship and having her toenails nibbled upon by unidentifiable creatures, Violéne was sure that a few notes had made their way into her dreams. Notes of the song that she was desperate to hear again. She absentmindedly lifted her teacup and sipped her tea, almost immediately gagging.

Cold tea, she cringed in disgust and picked up the match box. The ship rolled as she lit the match and she shrieked she burnt her finger. Violéne looked around, had anyone heard that? She proceeded to finished her cheese and crackers and her drink her cold tea.
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Cadugan ab Ithel | Quartermaster of the Evangeline | The Deck
December 22, 1863


The sun was well into the sky when Cadugan made his way to the top deck. Why rush? had been his personal motto for the past 400 years, and he never showed his face to the rest of the crew before ten. The hours before that were the time he allowed himself for relaxation—his me-time—and nothing could drag him above deck before he had the chance to get it. Today was no different, and by the time he left his quarters he was lively and well rested.

All too perky, he wished the crew a fantastic morning. He knew full well that no one appreciated his enthusiasm, but what better reason would he have for being so enthusiastic?

Cadugan placed himself at the bow of the ship. He had no particular task there—he had much better places to be, in fact—but he liked the view. He allowed himself another few minutes to take in the water, the ship, everyone aboard. It was the same as it had been for the entire time Cadugan had been aboard the Evangeline, but he made sure to check every day.

Once he was satisfied that nothing had changed, he made the grueling decision to begin the day’s work—and it started with talking to the captain. The assignments, the destination changed from day to day; nothing would guarantee they were the same as yesterday’s.

“What’s the day looking like, Captain?” Cadugan asked. He started to smile, paused, frowned instead. The wind had started to blow, and his hair followed suit. There was no way for him to tie it back; instead, he sighed and pushed it away from his face. “Too damn windy.”
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AfterTheStorm says...



Margarett (Rett) Winstone|First Mate of the Old Maiden|December 22nd

“Why I am in charge of waking the men up?” I complained loudly on the top deck, still in earshot of Hutch. “Don’t we have someone to do that for us?” A few sailors working ropes just shook their heads in hidden amusement.

I heard Captain Honor’s laughing response from inside the wheelhouse. “Yes, I do in fact have a crew member to wake up my men. And that’s you, Rett.”

With an indignant huff, I made my way to the crew’s quarters. “The First Mate does more work than the captain,” I grumbled.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The smell was always what guided me to the sleeping quarters. Men, in general, are nasty creatures, but piratical men are the foulest. “Good God,” I breathed as I neared the doorway to their hammocks. Readjusting my bronze goggles on my head, I shoved open the berth door while exhaling that putrid air. “We’re on the sea again, you lazy sons of bitches! The Captain is working in the wheelhouse, and he needs you all to sail this girl on course,” I shouted to the men. A few crew members immediately sprung up, wiping the sleep from their reddened eyes. For good measure, I pushed the closest two hammocks to set them swinging back and forth, bumping into other men’s hanging beds. “Get up, I say!”

“I’m not lettin’ no woman order me out of bed,” a gruff voice from the back of the cabin stated loudly. A few choice curse words got the owner of the voice up and moving, however.

I waited as each man filed out of the doorframe, most of them donning random articles of clothing as they went: boots, shirts, even pants. Taking another breath of the foul air, I mentally punched Hutch for assigning me this chore.

I never liked the feeling of closeness the lower decks often carried, so I quickly strolled to the primary deck once everyone was at their posts. The familiar scent of salt and feel of spray greeted me. For a brief moment, I stole the chance to lean against the port side railing, studying the oncoming rains to the east. Then in a hurried motion, I stepped back as I noticed something that made my blind eye twitch with excitement. The man in the crow’s nest spotted it at the exact moment I did: the unmistakable outline of a large ship sailing for us.

I spun about in a hurry, giving commands as I went on my search for Hutch. He had apparently left the wheelhouse. I found him on a lower deck, arguing with a technician in heated conversation. Not bothering to allow the captain to finish his discussion, I immediately barged forward. “Captain Hutch.”

He turned to face me, annoyance plastered on his sun-weathered face.

“There’s a vessel gaining speed on us to the east.” I paused. “And she’s sporting the black flag.”

“How many knots is she running?” Honor Hutchings asked, suddenly interested.

I shrugged and pulled my bronze goggles off my head, smiling. “She’s quick, though. What’s your command?”
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