Winds of Adventure

[Shura]

The sun shine brightly on a fair weather day, the winds were strong and the seas calm making it perfect making it perfect for sailing. All upon the winds will was lively yet at peace. Many of the crew mates poked fun at one another while helping to ensure that the ship reached its destination. Many of the crew members man their post’s or simply watch as the surf passed them at ease with the sea around them. Watching over the spirited crew was the first mate, tall and firm in his stance. Steely gray eyes ensuring that no joke was taken to far or that idle hands grew to lax. The enforcer of the ship and definitely not a man to cross. Hannibal was not a man to be crossed for while their Captain might be willing to laugh off small wrongdoings the first mate was not so forgiving.

“You should really let them see you crack smile every once in a while. Or do you fear it might chip your face.” A voice called from the deck catching the muscular mans attention. His eye shift to a thin blonde who had emerged from the quarters below the helm. The wind tousled the blonde locks as it whipped by them filling the sails and pushing them close to their destination. The coat seemed a size or two bigger than it should as it draped over the lithe frame of the person as they made their way up to the helm with a hand full of scrolls being stuffed into one of the pockets.

“Perhaps it would.” Hannibal replied in a gruff voice, his tone or expression giving not hint of amusement but there was a small spark which showed in his eyes as he watched the captain cross the distance between them. “It would be worth it to keep this crew in line.”

“You take this job too seriously. You’ll die of stress before a battle wound.” Camron poked with a sly smirk as she stepped up beside him, her arms tucked behind her back as she mimicked his hard stance. “I mean this stance is rather uncomfortable”

“Hmf… I believe flirting with death is more your expertise.” The mans stoic expression was broken as he quirked a brow to the shorter captain whose shoulders slumped as a sheepish smile took the place of the playful smirk.

“Hey I’ve been behaving.” Cameron replied her body taking a more relaxed stance as she tucked her arms on the top of her hat tipping it back further. “Not a scratch on my for months.”

“Aye… the start was rocky… but I believe things have worked themselves out now that certain members are no longer with us.” Hannibal replied in an knowing tone which just caused the captain to frown and offer no retort.

“Ye’ just can’t let sleeping dogs lie…” She muttered before shaking her head and clearing her voice. “Regardless I have the next port in mind after we drop off and pick up the goods at Ceres.” She spoke up her tone holding a more official tone. The Captain had grown more into her role over the past several months but it had not been an easy transitions. Six months had passed with the crew growing closer together as a unit. Working through their issues and troubles, each member finding their role. Given the circumstances they had no other choice than to work as a proper crew. The skirmishes with Navy ships had been infrequent but every battle had been a victory brought them closer as a unit. Thankfully the Winds Will had not been fighting alone, but that only made the fights a small but easier while adding to their complexities. Still while the crew saw growth together the struggles which face the captain were different than simply learning to trust her crew.

Captain Harper had received a hard slap in the face by reality and the responsibility that was on her head six months ago. When she had started her role as captain everything has been golden! A new crew, great members with useful abilities, sure the seas were not as pirate friendly as they had been but it was a challenge to overcome. An ambitious goal to clear the seas of the Navy and claim the waters for the pirates! It was an unrealistic objective and one that had quickly fallen to the wayside as the captain found herself wrapped up with a Siren with a Keen eye. The role of leader clashed with desire as Cameron tried to balance her desires versus the needs of her crew. She had done a piss poor job of doing it as time and time again she made a misstep or misfortune just followed them. So much so she had nearly lost her life in a fight when the siren walked into a trap Cameron had spotted a mile away. Still even having most of her blood spilled from her body the captain was too enraptured by the red haired beauty to reason her actions properly. Time and time again she reasoned out that her actions were for the good of anyone, instead of admitting that she was acting selfishly. Emotion won over logic as Cameron dived into the passion head first ignoring warning and letting her confidence to handle any situation cloud her judgement.

Then they arrived at Lucia and things seemed to come to ahead as her injuries prevented her from being able to act and fight at her full strength. She put her crew in danger following tales of legends, all for a bow. While it had paid off finally in the long run financially she nearly lost her life to the maws of a drake, her crew was nearly swept away by a monsoon enhanced river, and possibly worse was she had lost the siren to the chaos of the port being overrun with the Navy. In all of the chaos arriving back in town the Navy stormed the port hunting down pirates. Aggressively trying to take over and “restore order”

In all of the chaos everyone had scattered. Cameron had lost sight of the redhead in all of the chaos and barely managed to make it back to her ship without being caught. The crew had been in a mad scramble with half preparing to sail out while the other was trying to hold back and see if they were really leaving. The pan of a few second seemed to stretch on as all eyes turned to her for guidance and order but she had frozen. The woman she had come to care for was nowhere to be seen and she had to give the command. Flee to safety or stay to search and run the risk of being caught. She was responsible for all 50 or so lives on that ship. With a heavy heart she gave the command, to flee. The sails unfurled and the ship launched with the flurry of ships all trying to escape.

Watching from a distance the captain could only watch as the island grew further and further away, sails of the other ships scattering to all corners of the see. In the back of her mind Cameron hoped that the siren had simply gotten on the wrong ship, somehow escaped the Navy or even simply blended in with the locals. Anything was possible but after a role call one thing was confirmed. Morgause was nowhere to be found on the ship.

From that point on things took a turn for the worst as Cameron took the whole situation poorly burying her heartache under copious amounts of alcohol. Her judgement started to suffer further as she numbed her brain of the dower thoughts which plagued her mind. Cameron slowly realized what fool she was being and tried to set things right but in her destructive mental state continued to make mistakes and bad calls. The ship sailed aimlessly for a few weeks hopping from port to port taking on small trades to keep a float but it was obvious that the captain was not doing what was best for everyone. Worried for their safety and unwilling to put their lives in the hands of a newbie drunkard captain a few members took their leave until only a skeleton crew stood able to keep sailing but also having to double up on tasks.

---

Seeing moral starting to sink and the self destructive behavior of their captain Hannibal took things into his own hands. The tall built man stomped his way down from the helm and burst into the captain's quarters causing the blonde to jump and nearly stumble out of her chair. “Alright, ya self loathing welp. Time to suck up your sore pride and be a Captain.” He growled dragging the stumbling Cameron to her feet.

The woman was thoroughly sloshed as she was hauled up by the scruff of her shirt but was immediately defensive. “Le’ me go!” She pushed off his arms, unfocused and hazed eyes narrowing into a pointed glare. “Wa’cha want? Ta say yer right? ‘Bout everything? Tha you make a betta captain?!”

Hannibal simply crossed his arms “At the moment yes.” he replied simply earning a simple growl as the blond reached for a bottle but had it quickly snatched away. Easily keeping it out of her reach. “You’ve drank enough for the whole crew. Stop wallowing in your pride and grow up. There are men out there waiting for you to be a real captain and stop your belling aching!”

The blond simply stumbled back as the ship rolled over a wave and slumped back into one of the chairs. A sullen look crossing her face as she simply looked at the table with a few empty bottles rolling around on it. “I know.” Her voice was low and clear compared to the slurred accusations from before. “Maybe you should be Captain.” she grumbled under her breath. “Instead of a fool.”

The stirn man let out a heavy sigh seeing that she had slumped into her more self deprecating moods. “Aye, but I don’t want it.” He stated firmly shaking his head. “Nor am I suited truth be told. I’d scare off any recruits.” He admitted taking a seat beside the captain in one of the chairs. The old wood creaking under his weight but held strong.

“Make less of a mess I have.” She muttered tilting her head back to stare up at the ceiling. “You were right about everything… I was too blind to see what was going on… and even when I did I was too stubborn to admit I was wrong.” She muttered leaning back in the chair further so that the front two legs picked up off the floor. “I ‘aint fit to be a Captain.”

Hannibal scoffed. “More fit than the fool Jerik” He spoke up as he reached over and simply put a hand on the front edge of the chair to keep it from falling over. “More clever and understanding than Crim as well.”

It was the captains turn to scoff as she narrowed her eyes at the wooden boards above her taking not of the odd swirled patterns in the planks. “Anyone can be a better captain than Crim…” She muttered softly.

“Aye… I’m sure he has had his share of f**k ups and mistakes. Anton nearly lost his ship to the Devils pass… twice. Kington picked a fight with the dogs of the Navy and suffered for it. Captains are not infallible, yer still allowed to make mistakes.” He spoke his voice much softer taking a tone one would with a younger sibling. “T’is your wit and confidence which attracts the crew, and your experience that keeps us all goin’.”

Cameron paused in her pondering as her head turned to her First mate a bit baffled. “Are you complimenting me…?” she questioned narrowing her eyes slightly.

Hannibal grunted letting his hand off the chair momentarily causing the captains weight to shift. Her stomach rolled and panic kicked in as thin arms flailed in an oversized shirt as Cam attempted to regain her balanced. With a sharp snap the front chair legs came down on the floor the blondes head lurching forward as her weight adjusted with the sudden movement. A small chuckle escaped the olderman as he simply crossed his arms. “What if I am? Going to let it go to your head?” He quirked a brow.

With slow almost lethargic movements the captains posture straightened and she squared her shoulders. “No… probably not going to let that happen for some time.” her hand came up to tossle the mess of blond hair which was as disorderly as the rest of the captains appearance. “Can’t be making a fool of myself again… especially with how little crew is left.” she let out a heavy sigh. The sinking feeling of regret and humiliation digging into her gut causing it to churn into Pitty before she shook her head and took deep breath. “Right… tomorrow. I’ll set things right.” she replied pushing the feeling of turmoil out of her mind and trying to have a clear focus on what she had to do. Make amends with her crew, earn their trust back and set the ship right again. She looked to her first made and gave a sheepish smile. “Thank you for not tossing my sorry ass overboard and being Captain.”

The man shook his head as he stood from the chair seeing his work had been done. “That would be too easy.” he simply stated before taking his leave. The captain simply chuckled and shook her head.

---

Months had passed since that small pep-talk and thing had turned around. Cameron had set her mind to making a mends and putting her mind to work for her crew. It was slow at first but she was able to slowly earn back the trust that had been broken in her fit of self destructive wallowing. Profits had been higher than ever and they had even gotten away with raiding a few trade ships! Cameron had turned over a new leaf putting her focus into doing what was best for her crew which in turned meant that they did their best for her. A symbiotic relationship where both benefited from the work and thrived at life on the unforgiving seas.

A small smile tugged at Cameron’s lips as she stared at the crew that had slowly been built up. More members joining in their antics at the different ports they stopped at. She was proud of her ship and her crew. “What’s rattling around in that head?” Hanibles voice cut through her rambled musings.

“Nothing… simply planning for the next port.” She lied with a wide grin as she adjusted her hat and caste her jade gaze on the horizon the winds at her back pushing her towards their next adventure.

[Kharmin]

How did it come to this?

Shackled in the bilge like a rabid dog at sea, Morgause glanced around the fetid pit, using her talent to enhance her vision in the dark. A few rats clambered about, no longer frightened of the prisoner chained in their midst. Her red hair, once the pride of any who accompanied her, was covered in muck and lice as it lay matted against her scalp. Green eyes, once fuelled with life and lust had dulled during her six months of captivity.

She stretched out her arm, slowly, as she tried to coax one of the rats closer. The small mammal sniffed at the intrusion to its space, squeaked and fled to the far corner of the room, well out of reach of her chains. Morgause cursed under her breath. Her chance at dinner now woefully out of reach, she slumped back against the hull.

The Cordelia-Marie, no slouch of a ship of the navy, eased through open water as her bow split the small waves that reflected a bright sun overhead. Lazy, soft clouds dotted the sky as they eased their way east. The crew lounged about, their daily tasks complete, and enjoyed the sea-salt breeze that pressed against the high, white canvas and drove them across the sea. A shanty played softly on an aged harmonica.

Commodore Hutchins strode from his cabin with purpose and ascended to the aft deck. Tall and muscular, the twenty-seven year old man with cropped, black hair had come to his rank with brutal efficiency, especially with his handling of the pirate epidemic. His clean-shaven appearance spoke to the rank discipline that he fostered and vehemently imposed on the crew of the Cordelia-Marie. Those on the aft snapped smartly to salute him upon his arrival.

"As you were," the commodore said as he turned to survey the ship from this higher vantage point next to the helm. His critical eye spotted very few inconsistencies within the dress of the ship's tack and sails, but he decided to let them slide. The past few weeks had shown dramatic strides against the pirates and their anarchy where the crew had performed exceptionally.

Without turning, Commodore Hutchins ordered, "Bring her out." The captain of the watch, a junior lieutenant on his first, real assignment, quickly saluted and moved to the the main hatch.

Morgause heard the lieutenant arrive. The young officer fumbled a moment at the door's lock which then opened on recently fat-greased hinges. Without preamble, he removed the shackles from Morgause's ankles and wrists that anchored her in the bilge and roughly hauled her to her feet. She offered no resistance having lived this existence for the past half year. It had become her daily routine after she had been discovered stowed away on the ship.

As she was led above deck, and into the blinding light of the sun, Morgause cast her lidded eyes down and allowed her filthy hair to spill over her face in an attempt to ease the pain of the piercing sunlight.

The crew paid her and her escort no mind as the lieutenant hauled her up the stairs to the after deck and presented her to the commodore. Hutchins didn't recoil from the odoriferous stench that wafted from the woman, even down wind from him where she stood. The other officers blanched, but held their mettle.

"Tell me, witch," the commodore said without sparing Morgause a glance, "what do you see at the edge of your sight."

Morgause complied. She had learned earlier, at significant physical cost, that the commodore held a hidden power to discern deceit. Through both his physical and mental torture, he had learned everything that he needed to know about Morgause: her reason for stowing away, her relationship with a certain pirate captain, her pursuers, and her true power of sight. Morgause's very life had been spared upon these revelations and the threat of jail where the Physician would find her or being turned over to the blue-eyed woman kept her obedient.

She offered a slight bow and swept her hair from over her face. Cheeks gaunt from malnutrition, and a scar beneath her right eye gave her an appearance of age far older than was true. Anyone who knew Morgause in her past life would be hard-pressed to recognize her now.

Her green eyes flared as the rune on her hand came to phosphorescent life. Morgause peered over the ocean and turned counter-clockwise as her enhanced vision strained to the limit of the horizon. Her turning stopped as she faced south-east. "I see a ship there," she managed in a low, husky voice and then coughed phlegm. The commodore waited patiently for the fit to end. Morgause looked again. "It does not fly navy colors," she continued with her raspy voice, "and is hard-tacked to the north."

Morgause no longer felt remorse for using her talents to hunt down and eliminate the pirates at sea. Certainly, at first, she held some loyalty to the pirates and their fight against the navy that would eradicate them, but the daily oppression from Commodore Hutchins and seeing no way to escape her predicament had, over time, consumed her so that she no longer cared.

"Very good," the commodore said. It was more of an acknowledgement than praise. "Lieutenant, plot an intercept course and bring us to bear straight-away."

The rest of his orders quickly faded among the calls from the sergeant to the men on deck and the urgent manner in which they mustered to trim the sails for their course correction. Morgause paid them no mind as she was led back to her prison. Head down in defeat, she allowed herself to be shackled and locked back in her room with the rats. She fell against the hull, slid down to the bilge-covered floor and closed her eyes.

How did it come to this?

[Shura]

“Cannon fire off the port bow!” A voice called from high above in the crows nest.

Cameron’s gaze shifted to where the lookout stood before muttering a curse under her breath and pulling out her spyglass to see just what was going on. “Looks like we might have a bit of a scrap before port...” she sighed scanning over the vast horizon managing to spot two sails in the distance. Jade eyes narrowed as she tried to focus in on the flags though the crimson sails was all she needed to see. “Damn it Crim…”

“What are your orders?” Hannibal questioned from behind the captain knowing full well thing could go either way.

“Part of me thinks he should burn for all the trouble he causes but… our numbers are thinning and he has a good crew.” She resigned as she simply collapsed the tarnished cylinder and set it in her pocket. With one swift motion she turned the ship in the direction of the battle. “All hands on deck for battle!” Her voice bellowed out with an authoritative edge. The captains lax posture stiffening as the ship was sent into a swirl of chaos. Hannibal took over issuing specific commands to the crew as Cameron focused on the approach to take. Things had slowly been going further and further south as the Navy seemed to get some sort of edge over the Pirates. Either they had more spies or had hired mercenaries to root out Pirates. A lot of good men had fallen to the Navy banner which only served to fuel the young captain's ambition to see the entire force eradicated. Thankfully those she trusted the most were still safe, many going undercover as trade ships but that didn’t stop the dogs from taking over. What was more concerning however was the rumor which spread like wildfire. Many of the recent captains had been taken out with a single arrow. It stirred a hailstorm of mixed feeling in Cameron since very few used such a weapon. The one who could also had a very sharp set of eyes.

Shaking off the swirling thoughts of rumors Cameron focused in on the moment, what lied ahead of them would not be an easy fight. Crim’s ship was a small Gallion, no slouch in battle that was for sure but the Navy vessel was a full sized Gallion, no doubt armed to the teeth. They would need the element of surprise which could only come with being deceptive. “Lilly Lock full speed!” The captain called down to the deck.

A pair of brunettes teenagers looked up to their captain, both young scrawny teens barely fit for combat but they had a talent which had proved useful for getting out of tough situations. “Aye captain!” The two called up as they scrambled to their positions at the back of the shift. Runes along the back of their hands started to glow a silvery gray and a strong current of wind blasted into the weather cavase propelling the ship much faster than normally possible. The Winds Will leaped off waves as it cut through the sea leaving a trail of foamy churned water behind them.

“Prepare Cain-shots!” The captain's voice rose over the call of ruckus of the ship as they quickly reached the scene. All crew members scrambled to their weapons calling ‘ready!’ as each weapon was prepared for the first shots. Each cannon had a small team ready to reload once fired. The months of practiced combat keeping them all sharp and functioning like a well oiled machine. A sudden BOOM was heard as the chain shots were fired signaling the addition of another combatant into the fray. With a thunderous crack one of the shot it it’s mark and damaged the front mast as a result causing part of the sail to start collapsing. With a spirited rallied war cry the crew of the Wind’s will jumped into attack mode taking any shot they could at the enemy ship.

[Kharmin]

Again, Morgause was dragged above deck. Cannons were being loaded and set; the tension of battle was thick in the air on the Cordelia-Marie, but she paid it no mind. The sails were taut against the wind as the ship made her best speed to intercept her next victim.

Morgause was brought to the helm where Commodore Hutchins waited with her longbow in hand. Without preamble, he handed her the weapon and a quiver with arrows and looked off of the port bow. "Do your trick, witch," he commanded.

She slung the quiver over her shoulder and clutched the bow. The familiarity of the grip brought a small sense of nostalgia to her and she almost smiled at the memories of better times. She looked in the direction that the commodore indicated as she slowly drew an arrow and placed it to the string.

Three hundred yards ahead of them the Crimson Tide was on the same wind as it tried to outrun the Cordelia-Marie. Morgause's rune came to life and her sight zoomed in on the doomed vessel. Like many of the pirate ships before her, the Crimson Tide's crew scrambled as they prepared for the fire-fight that they knew was inevitable. What they hadn't counted on was Morgause.

She honed in on the helmsman and took some slow, claming breaths as she synchronized her shot with the pitch of the ship and the strong, east wind. Confident in her shot, Morgause fired. Seconds passed and then the helmsman on Crimson Tide pitched aside dead with her arrow protruding from the center of his back. The ship heeled to one side before another crewman grabbed the wheel and strained to bring her back on course.

A second arrow impaled itself in this new helmsman and he fell beside the former. Panic ensued on the Crimson Tide as the ship once again twisted and turned out of control with no one at the wheel.

The ship was basically rudderless as it foundered at the command of the wind and waves. The crew managed a few shots from their cannons, but they shot wide as the ship was unable to keep a steady line. The Cordelia-Marie, with the military precision demanded by the commodore, moved within range and began to make quick work of the pirate ship.

The watch called down as another ship closed on the encounter. "Steady on," Commodore Hutchins said. "Looks like we'll enjoy sending two ships to the bottom today. Keep your attention on the first. It shouldn't take much longer to sink her. Then, we'll deal with this newcomer."

He turned to Morgause and pointed to the Crimson Tide. "Take out their gunners," he said.

With green-eyes enhanced by phosphorous glow, Morgause took her time and picked her targets. One by one, pirates fell to the deck under her sniper's skill. Soon, the pirates abandonded the cannons and took positions behind masts and crates with firearms in hand. This made her job more difficult, but not impossible. Morgause slowed her rate of fire as she zeroed in on them.

A chain shot from the second vessel struck the fore-mast and tore through the rigging. The sail fluttered free of its lines but the Cordelia-Marie continued her pressed advantage over the pirate ship.

"Belay that," the commodore shouted to Morgause. "Deal with the newcomers."

Morgause honed her sight and the rune on her hand flared to life as she brought her vision to bear on the oncoming ship. She steadied her aim against the the turbulent seas that tossed the ship as it made violent turns in its melee with the pirates. She breathed in and slowly exhaled as she zoomed in on the after deck of the second ship. Then...

Her eyes unfocused and the rune faded out. Had she seen...? Hope swelled in her breast but she did her best to contain her anxiety. She shook her head and refocused her long-sight. Taking another calming breath, she scanned the deck around the targeted helm. This time, she was sure: the man standing beside the helm was Hannibal. It's the Wind's Will, her mind screamed. Then, Cameron! Morgause's gaze landed on her lost, blonde lover. She smiled warmly under the hair that had fallen across her visage. Cameron was here and would rescue her from this most recent hell!

"Get on with it, witch," Commodore Hutchins commanded as he watched the Wind's Will heave-to in an effort to make a turn to bring her port cannons in range.

"Do not rush me commodore," Morgause answered softly, "or I might miss." Her heart surged to life and she renewed her focus on the Wind's Will. She had to send Cameron a message, something to keep her precious captain from sinking the Cordelia-Marie and sending Morgause to a watery end.

Commodore Hutchins nodded to the lieutenant who drew his pistol, cocked it and aimed it at Morguase. Without moving her head, she looked back at him from the corner of her eye which burned in concert with the blazing light of her rune. The arrow loosed.

Across the waves and through the sea wind her missile shot toward the Wind's Will where it buried itself right in the center of the top most spoke of the wheel.

"You missed!" Hutchins yelled.

Morgause grinned wickedly. "I never miss," she replied in her soft voice. With speed yet unseen by her captors, she turned, drew and fired another arrow into the lieutenant's chest. The pistol fired as he fell dead and the shot whizzed by Morgause's ear.

[Shura]

With the first strike a huge success the crew had been wiped up into a frenzy for victory. Spirits were high and there was a thirst for blood in the air. More cannons were fired as the ship was turned sharply exposing as many of the canons to the scrambling enemy ship as possible. Now taken on both sides the Navy crew was sure to start panicking. Few ships ever survived such odds. A wide grin was plastered across Cameron's face as her call signaled for another volley. The ship rattled and shook with the power of the canons but it was a tremor which sent excitement coursing through the Captains body. “Don’t let up! Make them regret messing with us!” She called out earning a hearty cheer from the rest of the crew whose efforts were only fueled by the rally cry of their captain.

The celebration was cut short however as a strange arrow lodged itself on the top peg of the wheel. The sudden thud caused her to jump out of her skin as she stared at the arrow that could have easily pierced her heart. Jade eyes focused on the piece of iron tipped wood a simple weapon which held a myriad of mixed emotions for Cameron. No one else could make such a shot, even the best archers would have missed in such turbulent waters. Which only meant one which which caused a violent mixture or hope and anger to churn in her gut. The rumors had been true the sharp shooting siren was still alive, and fighting for the Navy. Slaying a vast number of Cameron’s friends.

The ship rattled violently shaking her from her thoughts and pulling the battle back to the forefront of her mind. Her personal issues would have to wait until after they had sunk the Navy ship. “Fire!” She called out while jerking the wheel of the ship to create some distance and avoid being on the receiving end of a vast number of iron projectiles.

[Kharmin]

Commodore Hutchins drew his sword and pointed it at her from across the aft deck. Morgause was faster and had another arrow set and drawn. "I saved your life and this is how you repay me?" he taunted.

Shots fired from the Wind's Will slammed into the hardened wood plates along the hull that acted as the ship's armor. The impact tilted the Cornelia-Marie slightly to the side. Men called out orders as the cannons facing this new threat were loaded and run out. When Cameron's ship next turned and came closer, there would be one hell of a fire fight.

"Aye and what a life it's been, chained in your shit hole," she replied. Eyes still ablaze with a phosphorescent hue, Morgause turned slightly and shot a crewman ascending the stair next to the commodore. Once fired, she rapidly drew another and honed in on the commodore before he could react. "You saved my life, so now I'll save yours." She nodded over the railing behind him. "Go, commodore, before I change my mind."

He understood her meaning, but held his ground. "You cannot be serious," he said. "I will not abandon my ship and my crew."

Morgause turned and fired amidship and one of the marines next to a cannon fell dead. She trained a new arrow at the commodore. "I can do this all day," she cooed softly, "but I will save my last arrow for you unless you jump. Your ship is outnumbered and you are out-manned. Save me the trouble and settle our debt to each other."

A cannonball struck the helm and exploded on the aft deck. The concussion threw Morgause against the railing and when the smoke cleared, only a destroyed portion of the deck remained where the commodore had been standing across from her.

Sluggishly, Morgause tossed her head to clear it from the blast. Her rune had faded with her loss of concentration. She tried to stand but her waning condition betrayed her as she no longer had the strength. Another marine ascended what stairs remained and gawked at the damage to the helm.

"Commodore!" he called and turned to look over the shattered rail.

Morgause scraped her bow to her. Arms dulled with lethargy placed an arrow to the string. From her sprawled position among the debris from the blast, she drew the arrow back. The marine turned and spied her.

"Go," she commanded in a weak croaking voice. "Abandon your ship while you still can."

[Shura]

Cannon fire from both pirate ships tore through the Navy vessel sending wood and shrapnel flying into the water. With nobody to steer it the gallion simply started to spin aimlessly, rocking and moving with each shot tipping the masts back and forth. The black flagged ship circled like hungry predators, their pray wounded and ripe for the pickings. Cameron tipped her head back with a slight smirk as she watch a large number of foolish navy dogs jump into the water trying to flee the ship which was no doubt starting to take on water at this point. “Aye it’s time! Prepare for boarding!” She called swinging her ship around, a choir of rally cries echoing the captain's command building excitement among the crew members. “Plunder every scrap of goods they have! Time is short make quick work of it!” She called knowing full well that the last thing they wanted was to be tied to a sinking ship for too long.

Like a well practiced and oiled machine the crew members took to their stations arms with swords, hooks and guns as soon as they were close enough a dozen or so swun onto the enemy ship taking down any scattered Navy men who remained on the ship. “Any captives are to be thrown in the brig!” Cameron called knowing full well there had to be prisoners on board. Half the time they were pirates… the others petty criminals who would do more harm than good. Still there one one who Captain was more curious about. She moved to grab the gun from her hip. “Hanibble man the wheel!” She said moving to join in the boarding.

Her legs were nearly taken out from under her as the back of her coat was snatched by the first mate keeping her from progressing. “Captain.” He said in tone of warning.

“I know, The same mistakes will not be made again.” Cameron assured “I need my answers, Hannibal. If nothing else I want the truth.” She looked over her shoulder a fire of determination in her eyes. The first mate simply let her go and the captain rushed forward with one graceful leap she crossed the gap between the ships rolling as the gallion came up on a wave to meet her. The first flash of dark blue she saw her gun was leveled and without a moment of hesitation she fired at the frantic Navy men trying to defend what remained of their ship. Cameron did respect those who stayed, but only enough to make their deaths quick. Jade eyes canned the top level of the ship which was engulfed in chaos as the Pirates from the other ship boarded as well seeing the opportunity to exact further revenge.

“Well, well… looks like someone’s surfaced again.” A voice spoke up which held a tint of raspiness but the tone was very sly giving Cameron no pause as to the owner.

With quick motions she leveled the gun at a tall slender man dressed in only a dark long coat and black pants. There was a dark stubble on the mans face and if it belonged to anyone else Cam would have though the man handsome but she knew full well what lies underneath the playboy facade. “Touch me and I swear I will blow it off.” she threatened tilting the gun down slightly at his waist.

“Hey, hey no harm, no fowl. I simply wanted to say thanks for the help.” He held out his hand. “Us pirates have to stick together.”

“Aye, Other wise I would have just watched from a distance.” Cameron replied taking the man's hand in a firm shake keeping her stance strong as she felt the slight but pulled her hand back just as fast. “You’re ship needed the facelift. Now enough gabbing we time is short.”

“You were much more fun as a crew member.” Crim noted with a smug smirk.

“Aye, But unlike you I take my job as Captain seriously.” She tipped her hat forward slightly. “Steal what you can we’re not splitting the goods after.” Cam called with a slight smirk as she ran to what she guessed was the captain's quarters only to find the doors smashed opened already and several of her crew members already looting maps, goods and documents.

“Captain!” A young voice called out causing Cameron to look up to see the younge Thomas armed with a sword near the helm of the ship. “Captain come here! Hurry.”

Wasting no time cameron hopped on a few barles and climbed up to the aft of the ship, hopping over the weakened and splintering railing. “What is is Thoma-” She stopped short seeing a familiar figure laying sprawled out on the floor. Much thinner than then she had last seen the woman and covered in grime but it was her, “Morgause?” She questioned feeling a rush of emotions returning mixing with new ones. Confusion, anger, anxiety and relife swirled in her eyes before she shook her head, the storm of green calming to a focused gaze. “G-get her to the ship.” Cameron commanded snapping back to her proper state of mind. Time was running out and they were in the middle of a raid. “Put her in the brig… away from the others.” she said to Thomas who nodded slightly scrambling over to the woman and simply touching her shoulder. The woman's body as light as a feather for the moment and becoming much easier to carry.

[Kharmin]

The navy shipmate's eyes widened as he stared down at Morgause and the steel-tipped arrow that she had aimed at him. He took her warning at face value and dove over the shattered railing. Morgause's draw loosened yet she held the arrow on the string.

She was worn out. The past few month's treatment and malnutrition barely gave her enough energy to walk and now after so much use of her talent her, she had exhausted what remained of her stamina.

She laid her head back against the railing and closed her eyes. A cacophony of noise joined with the now violent impacts of unrelenting cannon fire that rocked the Cordelia-Marie and signaled her imminent demise. So this is how it ends, Morgause mused to herself. Mentally, she shrugged in resignation. At least I'll finally be rid of that damned, blue-eyed tracker and can finally rest.

At the edge of consciousness, the sounds of the pirates that swarmed over the dying ship echoed in her ears like some far away dream. Voices cried out in victory or screamed in death as the Cordelia-Marie continued her slow death spiral at sea. It no longer mattered. Like the ship beneath her, Morgause was now a shell of her former, daunting, beautiful self and would soon surrender her last breath.

Footsteps nearby sounded louder, but she no longer had any strength to fight so she lay, sprawled in the shadow of a portion of the helm's starboard rail that had survived the cannon blast. A surprised voice which should have had some familiarity called out a name that she thought might have been hers. Slowly, she manged to crack her eyes open. Smoke billowed up from the main deck and stained the white canvas with black ash in stark contrast to the high sun and cloudless blue skies well above the meleé. The smell of blood mixed with burning wood assaulted her. A man stood above her and Morgause struggled to bring his face into focus against the brilliant sunlight behind him.

Man? No, it was a boy and a young one, too. Morgause ignored the sword he held as she recalled more pleasant times in the hot spas of the Billoways with another charming young paramour. A wan smile crossed her smeared face as the vision overlapped the young boy. He called out, but Morgause, lost in her daze, couldn't make out his words.

Then, another apparition appeared next to him – a dashing, blonde captain from some days in her past. Morgause's dulled, green eyes softened in memory and tears trailed down her face.

She heard her name spoken with the voice that she had longed to hear for more days than she could remember counting. The apparition spoke her name and Morgause's heart melted. She choked out a sob of despair and struggled to stand but only managed to loll her head weakly from side to side. Her body wracked in a severe coughing fit as the illness in her lungs fought to steal every breath from her. Blood, darkened black trickled from the corner of her mouth as the fit stopped.

The boy crouched down and laid a gentle, warm hand on her shoulder. Morgause saw affection in his eyes as the youth used his power and eased her body from the splintered deck. Slowly, and with great care, she was lifted and carried through the chaos that still reigned across the deck of the Cordelia-Marie. Her blurred vision was unable to determine friend or foe as she was lightly brought over the railing to the Wind's Will.

Below deck, Morgause was carried to a cell and eased onto the floor. Despite the condition of the ship, the Wind's Will still tossed on rough seas as she was moored to the dying navy ship. "Tomas?" Morgause finally managed with some recognition of the boy.

Tomas smiled at her cracked voice and softly brushed the muck-covered hair that had fallen across Morgause's face. "Aye," he replied in a manner more mature than his age might have represented. "You're safe now."

Morgause sighed and choked on another coughing fit. When the moment passed, and her eyes opened again, Tomas was gone and the jail door secured.

[Shura]

Cameron watched as Thomas moved the weak and sick Morgause off of the Navy ship and onto her own ship with conflicting feeling still flickering in her eyes. She reached down to pick up a bow, very similar to the one the huntsman had shown all those months ago. “But why…” She thought to herself anger burning hotter than before. She took a deep breath trying to cool her temper and not let her emotions get the better of her. There was an outcry which pulled her out of her thoughts when Thomas was spotted by others. Cameron cursed under her breath as she spotted Crim stalking towards the young thomas. She jumped over the railing getting in between the group moving in on the lad. “Best stop looking at my crew like a slab of meat.”

Crim scoffed. “That wrech! The witch he has there is no way we are leaving her alive. She shot my men!” The anger in his voice was barely contained, the man was pissed.

“Are you so sure? She looks like she could barely walk let alone draw a bow.” Cameron countered. “She also isn’t wearing a Navy uniform… rather she is dressed in rags.”

Crim sneered staring between Cameron and the boy who slipped over the rail with the hooded woman a visible anger breaking the smug facade which stood as a mask. “Red hair, mark on her arm, a cloak… it is close enough we should burn the witch for all the crimes she has committed against pirates. 12 Captains! Just the captains! Not even counting all of the countless of crew members which she has killed all while helping that monstrous Navy captain which has been hunting everyone down! Our numbers have dwindled because of that harpy!”

Cameron stared at the man with a blank stare obviously unimpressed or swayed. “I will investigate the situation thoroughly… and if she has committed such atrocities then I shall deal with it.” Crim growled reaching for his sword to which Cameron drew her gun quicker and held it between them. “I doubt this is the right time to be squabbling over this. If she is the sharp shooter who killed our breathing and willingly assisted the navy then she will be thrown overboard and left to drown with enough lead in her belly to sink a ship. If not then she will be left at a port to pick up her life. I think we should be a little more fair about accusing other than the Navy. If not then we are no better than the dogs which we are trying to kill us all.” She stated firmly glancing to the crew as a whole who was staring at the two arguiging captains.

Crim snorted as he slowly removed his hand from the hilt of his sword. “Oh really? Last I heard you had a think for a red haired sharp shooter. Perhaps We should be the ones investigating.” The tall captain suggested a smug smirk tugging on hips lips as he saw irrigation and frustration burning in Cameron's eyes.

Before any resolution could be found between the two deck beneath them rocked violently the deck significantly lower than the two ships on either side. “Well looks like our time is up.” She looked to Crim with a small smirk contrasting against the aggravated sneer which mared the opposing captains face. She turned to the rest of the crew. “Pack it up we’re leaving!” she called causing her men to start scrambling over the banister back on their ship. “So… leave things in my hand you have enough to clean up. Try not to get into trouble.” Cameron winked as she quickly turned and jumped back up to her ship leaving Crim to pick up the scraps and hurry back to his ship least the survivors be pulled down with the sinking galleon.

An outcry raised from the look out on the Winds Will “NAVY!” The man called pulling the attention away from what they had been doing and towards the back of the ship where the sails of a Navy ship were flown proudly.

“Release the lines!” Cameron called to the crew as she quickly scrambled back to the helm of the ship to regain control. A spine tingling feeling shot up Camerons spine but the captain did not turn, she knew Hannibal was glaring at her. “No now.” She growled not even turning her head to the man. “We need to get as far away from here as possible. You can remind me how stupid I am latter.” She stated in a rush as she quickly started to turn the ship. The ropes cut setting it free from the sinking vessel. The crew scrambled hurriedly to get back in position to make their escape a clean getaway. The last thing they wanted was more cannon fire! Thankfully they managed to move just fast enough getting out of the immediate area with some help of their wind makers which pushed them to safety.

Slowly the panic started to die down as the adrenalin faded but a sense of jovial victory was felt everywhere on the ship as many showed what they had managed to snag. A few new weapons from the Navy men, a bit of coin and small trinkets to remember their success in defeating yet another Navy ship. It was a small victory in a much larger war, but these moments had to be celebrated. At least that’s what Cameron usually said but the captain seemed uncharacteristically somber. A tense silence hung in the air between herself and the First mate as their destination became visible on the horizon. After hours of the tense silence Cameron broke letting out an exasperated sigh. “I need to know.” She spoke up keeping her eyes fixed on the bow of the ship. “I need to know what happened… and why she did it. If nothing else I want the truth. Otherwise it will always eat at me.” Cameron spoked her voice soft and honest.
Hannibal could only let out a heavy sigh as he shook his head. “You are much too emotional. But fine… if answered is what you seek make quick work of it. The last thing we need is the kind of trouble that she brings.” the first mate reminded keeping his tone low as to limit what could be overheard. “As it stands we have enough to worry abou-”
“I know.” Cameron spoke sharply her aggravation getting the better of her in that moment. “I know what we are up against. I also know how much of an asset certain abilities can be. If she did work her skill for the Navy out of fear for her own life then we shall turn that skill back at the Navy and strike down their commanders and captains. She finally turned to her most trusted of crew members determined look in her eyes. “My goal is the make the navy pay for all the hell they have brought. Weapons are useful especially ranged ones. If she hunted pirates out of own free will then she is shark food.” Cameron stated bluntly as she looked back to the sea. “This is no place for traitors… even if she did so to save her own life… thing will not be the same as they were before. That much I can promise you.” Cam spoke her harsh voice taking a softer almost somber and disheartening tone. Part of her wished that she could go back to being a fool. Enjoying the fruits of passion without a care and simply enjoying her life. But thing were different. She had a ship to take care of and a crew to lead. The last thing she could allow to happen was for that respect to start slipping again. To lose crew members like she had before. Not when the Navy was breathing down their necks so easily. “Things will not go back to how they were… that much I can promise you.”

[Kharmin]

Morgause opened her eyes. She had no idea how long she had slept. Although she was still caged, she lacked the manacles and chains that had secured her on the Cordelia-Marie which had enabled her to sleep more soundly than she had in months.

Someone nearby cleared their throat. Slowly, Morgause sat up and turned her head. Tomas stood nearby with a plate of food and a jug of water. "Sorry, I didn't mean to wake you," he said softly. No longer the timid teen that she remembered who had cared for her in Cameron's absence. The lad had put on some muscle and grown several inches. Still, Tomas had a kind demeanor when it came to her.

Morgause managed to sit up a bit straighter with her back to the hull. Water caressed the side of the Wind's Will as it plowed easily across the sea; the sound in her cell was soothing unlike her previous imprisonment. She raked her matted hair from her visage and offered a weak smile from a face covered in muck and dried blood. "Don't look at me, Tomas," her soft voice pleaded. "I'm a fright."

Tomas knelt next to the bars and gently laid the plate and jug inside. "Never to me," he said. He cast his eyes down and flushed slightly as he recalled helping Morgause out of her shirt when she was ill.

Morgause barked a weak laugh. "You're much too kind," she said. She took the plate and examined the fare: a crusted roll of bread, some diced potatoes and a strip of salted fish. Quickly, she began to devour her meal, having no recollection of the last time she had eaten. Tomas stood back apace at the sudden voraciousness.

She saw him step back and immediately stopped eating. She took a critical look at the food on the plate. Had they poisoned her for what she'd done to them when aboard the Cordelia-Marie? Sudden panic filled her green eyes as she stared up at Tomas.

For a moment, he didn't comprehend her look, but then realized the panic. "No!" Tomas said. "No, it's fine. I prepared it myself. Honest."

Morgause waited a few heart-beats as she tried to ascertain the truth to his words. Then, she decided that if she were poisoned and going to die, she might as well enjoy the meal. With less gusto, she continued to eat.

"So," she asked him, "are you my jailer? What's to become of me?"

Tomas' features deflated. "Well, the captain hasn't decided yet. Hannibal is ready to feed you to the sharks and a fair portion of the crew agree with him." Morgause snorted in derision as Tomas continued. "That you're still alive now is the captain's doing."

And that she hasn't come to see me or check on me is disturbing, Morgause thought as she chewed on the hard tack roll. "When will the captain decide my fate?" she asked.

"I don't know," Tomas replied. "The captain has been quiet about it. I'm not even sure Hannibal knows."

Morgause mulled over the situation as she finished eating. She slaked her thirst from the jug and returned it to Tomas. "Thank you. Regardless of my fate, I will always remember your kindness."

Later, when Tomas brought her a brush and a few of her old clothes, Morgause pushed them away. "No," she said with a stubborn tone. Her green eyes showed a glimmer of their usual luster. "Until the captain deigns to talk with me, or at least decide my fate, I will remain thus."

[Shura]

On deck the ship everyone was getting ready to dock. The mood was still high all around the ship as the crew started planning what they would do in town. It had been a week since they saw land. Many of them were looking forward to full hot meals instead of rationed watery stew. Cameron had let Hannibal take over the process as she went to her quarters to sort through the spoils they had gathered on the ship. She also had a number of records and papers to sort through. She read through notes from the Commodore, writing down a few notes of her own based off of the documents. Plans where the Navy hoped to strike next, The notable Pirates who were being targeted, suspected pirate dens. There was also mention of some kind of informant present in the notes but they were separate from the Sharp shooter which was no doubts in reference to Morgause. While it was relieving that the woman hadn’t been a source of information for pirates as a whole… Cameron did come across notes on her and her crew. The antics between them. It was a bit distressing overall as secrets between them were spilled! Given to the enemy! Shaking off the feeling of betrayal Cameron tried to approach the situation with a cool and even temper. There was no point in getting worked up and jumping the gun in any sense. “No… just have to keep it together.” She took a deep breath before going over the other notes and supplies that had been stolen. The crew had made away with quite the bit of coin and supplies. Among the stash of weaponry was a trunk full of arrows and no doubt different poisons for said arrows. It was concerning to say the least.

After she had done enough pouring over the papers and goods she put herself in the proper frame of mind, stealing herself for the interrogation. Slowly the captain made her way down to the brig where the prisoner was kept it was quite the jarring sight seeing the once playful siren in such a state. Weakened, ill and obviously neglected. A flash of anger burned in Cameron gut as to how someone could treat her in such a way! Part of Cameron wanted to track the man down herself and kill him slowly for such treatment. “Morgause…” She poked up her tone neutral as she approached the bars of the cell her face was kept in a similar state but her eyes still reflected the conflicting emotions which was stirred up by the rumors, reports as well as the lingering feelings she felt for the woman. "Your knack for trouble seems to have got the better of you..."

[Kharmin]

The sounds of he ship and crew as they prepared to dock roused Morgause from her dozing state. Still quite gaunt and filthy from her experience, she had regained some of her energy from the meals that were kindly brought to her from Tomas over the past several days. His interactions gave her no news of her plight or fate, but he had continued to be decent to her which was a far cry from what she might have expected had Hannibal been her jailer.

She stirred and sat back against the hull. Once the ship was tied up at the pier, Morgause was fairly certain that she would have her meeting with the captain. Anticipation mounted at seeing her lover once more, but was tempered by the lack of news from Tomas and the fact that Cameron herself hadn't once come to see her since being rescued from the Cordelia-Marie.

Morgause could hear people working along the dock muffled through the thick, wooden planks of the ship. Seabirds cried above the din. She pined for sunlight and fresh air now that she had started on her long road to recovery. With a sigh, she resigned herself to her current situation. There wasn't anything she could do about it now.

At long last, solid, slow steps descended to the brig as the captain arrived. The rune on Morgause's wrist glowed slightly as she tapped her power to bring Cameron's face into focus in the dim light. Her heart jumped a bit faster.

My knack for trouble? Morgause sneered inwardly as she seethed at her current predicament. Had you not left me behind, I would never had been in this situation. How dare Cameron drop the blame at her feet!

Morgause took several slow, calming breaths as she let go of her power. Arguing blame for what was past would do neither of them any good. The rune slowly faded out as she stood, using the sturdy wall behind her for support. "It's good to see you," she rasped in her quiet voice before her lungs betrayed her and she doubled over with yet another coughing fit. She stood back up and wiped dark sludge from her lips with a grungy sleeve. "I had hoped you would have felt the same."

[Shura]

Cameron moved closer to the bars before stopping herself concern reflecting in her eyes. “It is good to see you as well, I was… worried about about you” She admitted softly. Slipping her hands into the pocket of her coat. “We waited at the docks but the Navy was closing in too fast. Part of me had hoped you were safe… though it seems that wasn’t the case.” she mused wondering how best to approach the subject. She bit her bottom lip slightly her nerves starting to show before she took a slow breath and calmed herself. Why was she getting worked up? This was a woman she had spent only two weeks with! Granted it was possibly the more adventures and passionate two weeks she had in her life but still it was only 2 weeks. A greater part of her time had been spent morning, drinking herself under the table and making a fool of herself. The same mistakes could not be made…

The captain shifted back slightly to lean against one of the support pillars as she tried to retain her calm demeanor. “Though it seems if the rumors and the notes of the Navy are true… you used your skills to aid the Navy.” She frowned not hiding her disappointment and sense of betrayal.

[Kharmin]

Morgause tried to gauge the truth to Cameron's words, that she worried for her but the captain's body language was cold and closed -- hands in her pockets and leaning on the beam across from her rather than opening the damned cage and holding her. Morgause's heart sank in despair. I've lost her, she thought and realized that the only thing that had kept her sane during her captivity on the Cordelia-Marie was gone.

Then, when Cameron spoke about the rumors she'd heard Morgause looked away. Straight to the point, she mused. Not even a question about what happened to me or how I came to be like this, this shambling detritus of a person. Morgause coughed again and wiped her mouth on her sleeve. Slowly, she slid down the wall and sank to the floor. She wasn't sure that Cameron would believe whatever she told her. Hell, Morgause lived through it and hardly could believe it herself.

She turned her green eyes back to the captain. "I've put my life in your hands on more than one occasion," she said softly. "I would never lie to you." She paused to judge Cameron's reaction. "Did I use my skills? Yes. Did I aid the navy? That would be a matter of perspective."

Morgause cackled at some inner joke and then fell into another coughing fit. When it ended, she stood and crossed to the bars. "When we split up in Lucia, I took to the alleyways. My skills as a sniper are more than just a good aim; I've learned how to hide in shadows and escape notice. I waited while the marines swarmed the town, thinking that once they worked past my position I could sneak my way to the dock. My plan almost worked."

She looked directly into Cameron's eyes. "She was there," she said with undisputed certainty. "No matter my skill at hiding, there was no way to avoid her. I felt her getting closer as I ran and hid from both her and the marines. That's why I was late to the docks – too late as it turned out as I watched you and your ship sail without me."

Morgause turned her back and leaned on the bars that separated them. Her long, red hair tangled in knots, debris and stained with sludge cascaded down her back. "I was on the rooftops then, but the structures were being ignited so I couldn't remain there. The only choice I had to keep her from capturing me was to stow away aboard the navy ship. I knew that she wouldn't dare attack them to get to me."

Her head drooped. "Little did I know that the Cordelia-Marie was run by the most by-the-book commodore I'd ever met. I was quickly discovered and brought to him. Commodore Hutchins has a unique ability: with his touch, he can compel a person to speak the truth."

"Cameron, I told him everything. Everything that he wanted to know about me, my past, you, where I'd been, other pirates I've met, villages, shopkeepers, the woman tracking me and my ability. Commodore Hutchins used his skills and his crew to torment and torture me, both mentally and physically. In the end, I was given three choices: to be turned over to Ms. Blue-Eyes; to be taken to prison, where I was sure the Physician would be extremely pleased to get his hands on me; or, to use my skill at his command."

"Prison or Blue-Eyes meant death, so my only choice of living was to serve him," Morgause said, so quietly as to almost be unheard. "I chose life knowing that you would come for me."

She suddenly became angered. "Brackish water and infested slop was all I was fed for months, if they remembered to feed me at all, but I knew you would rescue me." She turned abruptly and showed the bruising on her wrists where the shackles had bound her. Incensed fury burned in her eyes. "I was forced to catch rats and eat them until even they learned to stay out of reach of my chains."

"You never came."

"So, yes," Morgause concluded with a sigh. Her anger receded like the tide and she wiped tears from her muck-stained cheeks and attempted to stand taller. "Yes, I suppose one could say that I aided the navy."

She shuffled back to the wall and coughed a bit more before sitting down on the floor. "It doesn't matter anymore," Morgause resigned with a weak wave of her hand. "My fate is in your hands, now. Do with me what you feel is best."

[Shura]

To see Morgause in such a state pained Cameron on a deep level. In the back of her mind was the constant reminder that thing didn't have to be like this. If she had waited just another five minutes everything could have been different. The captain nodded believing the woman wouldn't lie, though whispers of warning that the woman would say what ever she needed to survive were pushed to the edge of Cameron thoughts. Quietly the captain simply listened to the story she was told correlating the key points to the notes she had read from the Commodores study. It was infuriating how she had been treated, no better than a wild animal. Then again it fit the Navy stigma of what Pirates were. Animals, scavengers of the sea which need to be purged. The blond bowed her head slightly simply listening a few alarms going off in her head as Morgause continued to speak, telling of how many had been put in danger because of the Navy's digging. She muttered curse under her breath realizing she had to change her plans, to spread the word of what they were dealing with.

What took Cameron by surprise more than anything was the anger that had been tossed her way. The accusatory glare which was pinned on her are Morgause stated how she was waiting to be saved. There was a flash of guilt followed by anger but she remained silent waiting for the woman to finish. Cam took in a deep breath before sighing. "I believe you are telling the truth." She stated. "Navy Captains are known for being cruel and exploitative. I doubt you are the first that they try to take advantage of." she spoke softly keeping her voice calm. "I stayed at the docks as long as I could... Any longer would have been dooming the entire crew to what ever the Navy had planned. I went back to Lucia, saw the ashes that was left and still searched the remains and jungle hoping you were hiding somewhere." She explained unable to help but take on a defensive tone before shaking her head. "I didn't know if you were alive, or if you had truly joined the Navy. What was I to do? Risk the lives of my crew on a hunch? Some navigate the seas in search of an unknown vessel and charge into a fight with a Navy ship with twice the arms we have? Aye there have been rumors, but the details of the ship and Navy captain were never the same. I can ask a lot of my men but suicide is not on the table if it can be avoided." She explained frustration seeping into her voice before she paused and simply took a breath as her shoulders slumped. "I was very foolish and selfish back then. I put my own want's before my crew, when all was said and done nearly lost everything." The blond muttered as her voice dipped again this time holding more regret than anger.

Part of her was tempted to spill everything, about the long months of self loathing and guilt but she kept quiet. No one but Hannibal needed to know how low she had sunk. "I am sorry that this happened... and that you were trapped that blasted ship. If I could find the men responsible for doing this I would. But chances are they have been pulled to the bottom of the sea already." The think frame of the captain shifted as she pushed off from the beam and made her way closer to the bars. "In truth many are after you're head for killing so many of my brethren. None will trust you're word... and fewer will even listen. As pirates we may commit illegal acts but we also have a code and many would rather die than betray the flag. There are no safe havens for traitors... but... I also know that when faced with a choice death is a terrifying option." Cameron spoke her tone hinting of having a similar experience at one time. "I won't have you killed, or keep you in chains. But... things will be different than what they were before." She continued trying to gauge her words properly. "Like I said... I was a fool" She shrugged giving a sheepish smile. "I can grant you safety... but trust will need to be earned again. Not just to me but for my crew as well. Many hold the same weariness any Pirate would hold, no command of mine will change how they feel. I will give you a choice though, stay and join my crew... pledge loyalty to the black flag or... I will give you all you need to start a new... and we part ways..." Cameron offered hesitantly. Part of her wanted to simply keep Morgause on the ship, safe away from those who hunted her down and to selfishly hold onto her. But that would make her no better than the navy dogs who put her in such a state. No she had more compassion and understanding than that, she was better and even if it did pain her to do so the offer needed to be made. Am understanding needed to be reached.