Winds of Adventure

[Kharmin]

Morgause allowed her mangy, lice-infested hair to fall over her face as she drooped her head. She didn't want Cameron to see how crest-fallen she had become. It was heartening to hear that the captain had returned to search for her, but the words rang hollow with the emotionless manner in which they came.

Then Cameron claimed herself a selfish fool for the time and love that they had briefly shared together. Morgause should have expected such for their amorousness had burned at such a high flame that it was destined to quickly burn out. If the captain had any feelings for her in this regard, she kept them so well hidden that Morgause doubted that they were there.

"Do not place this decision on me, Captain," Morgause said with a hint of formality. She kept her typically low voice even lower lest someone overhear. "You know that I love you and how deeply that love goes. It is only in my weakened state that I cannot express it in the ways that I would like. I did what I had to do to survive on the hope – the dream – that someday we would be reunited. You see before you what I endured to realize that dream. I will always elect to stay with you, regardless of the consequences."

There. She had said it. It struck Morgause odd that she would so openly commit to someone, but she would no longer deny what her heart truly loved even if it was unrequited. Her six months in captivity only served to burn Cameron in to her soul and now she would do whatever was necessary to see her lover happy even if it meant forever being apart.

"You may not want it, hell you may not even like it, but it is how I feel about you. But, I also know how deep your love is for your ship and that it will always come first. It was a painful lesson to learn, but I accepted it because it meant accepting you for who you are. And it is a fine thing, to have passion for your ship and your crew. It is what makes great captains excel."

"How, then, would you reconcile with your crew my presence on board?" she asked. "Hannibal will never accept it and from what Tomas has told me, half of the crew wants me dead. Is it truly possible to earn back this loss of trust before someone takes it upon themselves to simply slit my throat?"

"You must, of course, do what you feel is best for your ship and crew," Morgause said at last. "At one time, I had thought that included me. When I had considered leaving you, you lectured me on being a part of your crew." She shrugged her shoulders and looked away. "I suppose that no longer has any merit after the things I have done."

[Shura]

Cameron cursed inwardly hating how distance she was being. There was a disconnect between her tone and her words in her attempt to shield rein herself in and not dive head first into trouble. It just showed how much Morgause could throw her off her game. The usual smooth talk and charm wouldn’t work here, not without it giving the wrong idea. Some would argue taking that approach is what got her into trouble in the first place. The captain wasn’t given much time to try and correct her approach as Cam was blindsided by the heartfelt confession from Morgause. Jade green eyes widened appearing dumb founded by the woman's words, the facade she had she putting up cracking to show true surprise on her face. “W-what?” she questioned wondering if she had heard the woman right. True enough though Morgause had spoke the truth, she loved Cameron… held out through hell and high water to try and rekindle what they had.

“W-why… why would you love me?” she questioned honest confusion in her voice. A small blush rose to the captains face as she appeared a bit flustered. She was no stranger to confessions of attraction, queries for one night stands, flirtatious adventures but never anything as serious as love. That was… a commitment to most. There was something deeper about love that was both wonderful and terrifying. Love it what lead many fools to their death, blindly following their whims instead of thinking things through. Though the captain was more than simply flattered, the confession and stirred up feeling she had tried to drown out with alcohol in the past and had since buried under the mound of responsibility she had infront of her. Still the surfaced despite all the efforts to keep her feelings suppressed.

Shaking herself out of her stupor Cameron tried to recover and at the very least seem like she had paid attention to every word that had been said. She cleared her throat but couldn’t regain the distant tone she had tried to adapt in her more authoritative role. Instead is was still soft and candid “T-to be honest… I would rather have you on my ship as well, to me you still are part of my crew. I felt horrible leaving you behind and… I still do.” She let out a long sighe simply raising a hand to scratch the back of her head tipping her hat to the side slightly as she looked away. Part of her wanted to reply to the feeling the woman had stated, she felt wrong not saying anything back. “I… I don’t know what I feel, Morgause. Some of what I felt for you is still there… I look back on those times fondly but also… with… regret… for not being the best captain I could be.” She shook her head with a small frustrated growl her words not conveying what she was feeling. “A proper captain would have kept everyone safe and gotten their entire crew out of that situation. They would have never made the miss steps I did in getting us into that trap in Trenton or separated at all in Lucia. There is a lot I have had to work out about my self, the last thing I want to do I let my crew down again.” The words were hard to admit outside of a drunken stupor, that much was certain but she hoped that some sense could be pulled from her ramblings. Part of her wanted to salvage what they had, rekindle what that fire but she knew it also had to be a much more tempered and even flame if anything was to grow at all.

[Kharmin]

"Yes, well, I will accept all of the blame for those days," Morgause said and she scratched the top of her head. "Had I not been so adamant in my desires things would never have come to this." She regarded Cameron through the hair that still hung listlessly over her eyes. "But I wouldn't change a moment of it, good or bad, for all of the riches in the world." Her lips tugged a gentle smile almost lost under the grime that covered her face.

"If I may be so bold, captain, you strive for perfection in an imperfect world." Morgause laid her head back against the hull. She sighed. Her green eyes closed as she spoke and her soft voice was laced with fatigue. "You weren't to blame for Trenton; that was all me. You couldn't have predicted the assault on Lucia; that was the navy. Well, them and that blue-eyed bitch. She's the one who torched the town to get to me. That's why stowing away was my last option. My choice, not your choice. Mine.

"Captain, you are blaming yourself for what you perceive as short-falls, but none of it was your fault. I suggest you stop beating yourself up about things that were out of your hands."

She stood and ambled over to the bars which she clutched in both hands for support. "How can I not love you?" She paused and glanced upward as if she were searching for the right words. Then, she returned her gaze to the blonde. "Cameron, you have seen and accepted me – the true me – where no one else cared to try. You gave me a reason to stop running. You gave me hope that I could turn around and face my demons, hell maybe even beat them. You instilled courage in me where none existed. Sure, I put on a face of bravado, but I have always been terrified. Never before did I have cause to feel safe around anyone until you."

Morgause looked down and leaned her head against the bars. "I never want to come between you and your happiness," she said quietly and a stray tear slowly crept down her stained and scarred cheek. "That is why this decision must be yours. You are my captain, my lover and my friend. Whatever you ask of me, I will do."

Still holding the bars, she sunk to her knees. "And I will have no regrets."

[Shura]

“Aye… perhaps…” She muttered shifting her had back slightly so it was no longer shading her face. There was a chance that her aspirations of trying to be the best captain was a fool's goal but it was one she wish she could achieve. Her gaze rose to Morgause debating internally what was the best thing to do. The woman surly knew how to flatter and boost confidence. Though the tone in her voice was a very honest one. THe blush deepend a bit along the captains face before she took a breath to calm her nerves. “I would rather have you as part of my crew… I just didn’t want to keep ya here if you were not willing... ” She muttered softly before looking wards the stairs which lead to the rest of the ship where the crew was celebrating. “I don’t know how to fix the mindset of my crew. They are justified to an extent… explanation will only go so far but I doubt any will raise a hand to you. I am fairly strict on keeping animosity between crew members non existent. The last thing we need to fight ourselves when the Navy is after us. But… I will figure something out…” Cameron promised trying her best to show some confidence in her ability to wrangle the rowdy crew members. If there was anyone who was going to be a problem it would be Handibe. “Though… things will need to be different than what they were before…”

[Kharmin]

Morgause's head remained lowered against the bars where she knelt as she listened to the captain. "Then let me talk to them," she suggested. "Let me state my case and tell them how the navy abused me and turned me into this 'monster' that I have rumored to become. I might have more of a chance if they hear it directly from me."

She looked up with tired determination in her green eyes. "I have nothing to lose by trying," she added.

Morgause released her grip on the bars and sat on the floor. "I understand that things would be different," she said softly with resignation, "and I don't care. Whatever it takes to remain with you in whatever relationship that means, I will do. I know where I stand and I can accept that."

"Everything that I have, and everything that I am, belong to you," she said softly. "Even if that means living out the last of my days in the brig, I would gladly do so just to be near to you." She paused and gripped one of the bars for support. "Things sure got screwed up in a hurry, didn't they?" She laughed weakly until another coughing fit stole the moment. "Damn," she swore as she wiped her mouth on her sleeve. Finally, as the fit passed Morgause did her best to stand and compose herself.

[Shura]

"Perhaps that will be enough... we can only try, truth be told." Cameron replied, her gaze lingering on the woman with mixed feeling before looking away. It was almost unsettling how... submissive the siren was now. A lot had changed about Morgause as a whole but Cameron hoped that most of it had been cosmetic. She could look past the woman's ill state. While her beauty was tantalizing it wasn't the only reason she was smitten. She held out hope that the fiery temptress was still there some where. "For now though... we start over to some extent." she offered a small smile. "I am sure we have both changed in our time apart, it will be good to get to know each other again.hopefully with fewer mishaps." She chuckled softly as she shifted closer to the bars between them her stance less guarded and simply appearing tired more than anything. "Perhaps it would be best if you got cleaned up and regained you're health first though." Cameron offered as she reached into her pocket pulling out a small notebook. "If I remember right there is a bath house in town that would probably do some good." She muttered remembering how she had been looking forward to a good long soak and a bit of relaxation after weeks of stress and strife. The seas had been a less that friendly place in the grand scheme of things it was starting to wear heavily on the captain. "We're here for a few days for repairs and resupplies so there is a little bit of time."

[Kharmin]

The entire conversation had bordered on awkward. Clearly, Cameron had significant reservations about their relationship but Morgause was resolute in her feelings for her. Perhaps things had gone too fast before? With all of the people trying to track her down and kill her, Morgause never really cared to take her time with any of her vices. If she waited, she might not have enjoyed any of them for she could easily have been dead the next day. Her life was too fleeting to not partake of pleasures.

The captain, however, had her ship and the responsibilities that came with it. Morgause had been selfish in occupying Cameron's time without really considering how it impacted the captain. Internally, she admonished herself. If she truly loved this woman, then she had to allow her the space that she needed; otherwise, Cameron would be incomplete and unhappy and Morgause would be the cause.

She would not let that happen again. Yes, things would be different this time. Having already tasted the fruits of her labor before, this time it would be more delicious with the opportunity to really take the time to enjoy it.

The mention of a real bath brought a brightness to her face that almost shone through the grime. Of all of the luxuries that Morgause enjoyed, baths were her favorite pastime, even if this time wouldn't be like the last. "I will gladly work off the cost, captain," Morgause pleaded with renewed life in her eyes. "The navy took ... well, everything I owned ... but I am determined to earn back every coin. Despite my appearance, I refuse to accept charity."

[Shura]

Cameron nodded slightly, "I'm sure you'll get you're chance by helping to keep watch and slaying any Navy dogs which come our way. If nothing else help is always needed in the kitchen prepping food for Agith. She's the one who does all the cooking everyone else just helps." the blond assured with a nod before pausing and looking to the stairs holding back a tired sigh. "I... will have to speak with the crew first before anything just so they know you are not a threat. The last thing I want is a everyone up in arms the moment you step out. So give me a bit of time to settle at least some of the initial doubts..." Cameron offered as she reached into her pocket finding a small smooth jar which she had kept in the small hope that her prayers were answered. in the end they were, just not in a way she really wanted. "Aye... well... I have to go... I'll have Thomas bring down some more food for ya..." her calloused fingers trailed along the smooth Jar before she wrapped her hand around the small trinket and pulled it out. "I kept this for you... it might not be much help right this moment but perhaps after the bath... it could help." She extended her hand holding out a small sealed jar of herbal medicine which the captain had purchased at Lucia at the time it was meant to keep away infections and help with healing. Cameron wasn't sure what kind of wounds were hidden under the filth and much or even if such a salve would ward off any infection if it had already set in, still... she had approached with the hope of reconciling their issues. She was happy to simply get this far with little strife.

[Kharmin]

Tentatively, Morgause hinted with a touch of mirth, "Sniping is what I do, Captain, and you know that I do it very well. I expect that I would be properly compensated for my talent." It was an uneasy jab aimed to lighten the oppressively uncomfortable tension between the two lovers and Morgause hoped that it would help.

"As for the rest," she added with a sincere but serious tone, "I will do whatever my captain asks of me."

She nodded her agreement of the captain's assessment of the crew. Certainly, Cameron would know them better than she would so in this Morgause was quite willing to defer. She did doubt that the crew would see her as a threat even after that promised bath. She was just one against the lot of them; if they wanted to toss her overboard, it wouldn't be too difficult for them to do so.

When Cameron offered the ointment, Morgause was taken aback. Involuntarily, her hand went to the scar on her right cheek buried under the dirt as her eyes became mesmerized by the small jar. Slowly, she reached for it and brushed her fingers over Cameron's as she took it. The sensation jolted through her like electricity and her body shivered with the craving of Cameron's touch. She tried to mask the emotion of it all, but her weakened state betrayed her.

"I ..." she started and words failed her. She looked at the small jar cradled in her filthy hands. "I ... " she looked up at Cameron. "Thank you," was all that she managed, but the thanks wasn't for the small gift of the ointment; rather, it was for the all-too-brief touch which Morgause had pined for since her capture on the Cordelia-Marie.

[Shura]

Cameron could not help the small shiver that ran through her body as well as their fingers touched. She looked to Morgause with a sense of longing before clearing her throat and simply nodding. “No problem. I have… some matters to attend to and a crew to calm. For right now you are welcome to food and some clean water to wash up in for now. The bath might not come for a little while.” The captain offered before nodding then starting to take her leave knowing she had quite the task ahead of her. As she left the bridge she made her way up the stairs pausing a brief moment in the shadows of the corridor to let her shoulders slump. Acting was so exhausting, it had gone from something she loved to do and came second nature to a chore of weighing words and gestures. Second guessing every motion and the meaning behind it. Pale blond locks swayed side to side as Cameron simply shook her head the adjusted her hat. Slowly her posture became much more firm and confident as she took in a deep breath to ease the nerves then let it out finding some sense of peace in what laid before her. Turbulent fogy watters of a war needing to be won and the dangers that lurked beneath the surface. She would need to proceed with caution… but the end was just on the other side of the fog. They just needed to get there in one piece.

“You can do this… no problem!” She reminded herself before striding up the stairs with purpose emerging back out into the warm sunlight with a much stronger air of confidence. Jade eyes locked onto a familiar young scrawny lad as she seemed to be toying with some rope near the stairs. “Thomas, please tend to our guest. A bit more food if possible.” She nodded to the lad seeing him scurry off, a few curious gazes cast her way but the captain did not falter as she made her way to the helm on the quarterdeck of the ship where Hannibal was still standing over seeing all of the ships operations. Her confident posture did not falter even under the taller man's scrutinizing gaze. “She is staying.” Cameron said bluntly putting up a hand as his lips parted to voice his opinion on the matter. “This is not something to be debated. For now she is simply going to be our lookout and sniper. Something we both know is needed and she is good for. As for the Navy…” she shrugged slightly. “She chose life after being tortured and lusts for their blood just as badly as we do.” Cameron explained crossing her arms over her chest. “She also has valuable intel which can help us fight the Navy ships.

Hanibble paused before quirking a brow. “If you are certain captain. Though I advise again-”

“I know, I already made it clear that if she is to stay on this ship it is as a crew member… possible friend but nothing more.” Cameron nodded a frown curving on her face as she looked to the rest of the crew which was milling about on the ship. “I have earned their respect… it is not something I wish to lose. Nor do we really have time for losing sight of the enemy nipping at our heels. I do not wish to end up at the gallows.” Cameron grumbled before turning to Hanible her expresion and stance firm and unwavering.

“So be it.” Hannibal seeing the spark and stubbornness back in the captains eyes once more. While he did like certain aspects of their captain now there had been a dark cloud over her head for far too long, perhaps this was the jolt needed to get the spark and energy flowing again. The same spark which had inspired their crew initially and had been sadly lacking.

[Kharmin]

Morgause looked down at the small jar of salve in her dirty hands when Cameron excused herself to her captain's duties. The significance of the gift wasn't lost on her. Throughout her entire capture, she pined for Cameron and yet when she never came to rescue her, Morgause wondered if the captain had put her in the past.

She touched her throat where the small pendant that Cameron had given her months before used to lie before it was taken from her by the commodore's men. Morgause had vowed to never take it off and she had suffered great injuries fighting the men to keep it, but they had been too strong and too many. Ghost-like sensations of where the chain had stretched and then broken around her neck touched at the memories.

Morgause has lost everything. There had been no other reason to live and yet, she persevered with the faintest of hope that Cameron would rescue her. And so she had. And now ... ?

She looked at the jar again. The contents therein were of no use to the scar that was now permanently etched on her cheek. Yet, Cameron had kept it and now it was Morgause's most prized possession.

Her attention was drawn away as Tomas arrived with another small, wooden plate of food. "Cap'n told me to bring you some," he said with an unusual reservation in his manner. Morgause immediately picked up on the change.

"Thank you, Tomas," Morgause managed in her typical, soft voice. "What's wrong?" she asked as she accepted the meager meal.

"Nothing," he replied quickly.

Morgause allowed a trickle of her power to illuminate her rune and her eyes as she studied him closer with her enhanced sight. Her slightly glowing appearance was eerie in the relative darkness of the brig. "Nothing?"

Tomas did his best to stand bravely against tne apparition before him. "Well, it's just that..." he started and paused for a few breaths. "It's... well ... I heard what you said to the captain and I know that you wouldn't work for the navy without a good reason. You're not like that."

"Oh, so you know all about me, then?" Morgause purred. "How worldly you've become since we last met."

"No, it's not that," he spat back with as much anger and pride a boy of his age could have. "I'm one of the few left on board that remembers when you were here. Yeah, the captain was distracted an' all, but she was happy."

"And she's not happy now, with her ship and crew?" Morgause asked. She allowed her talent to slowly fade out.

"No, she's happy now," Tomas admitted. "It's a different kind of happy, you know?"

Morgause grinned. Yes, she knew. "What do you think of my chances with the crew?"

Tomas looked away toward the stairs. "Most of 'em didn't know you from before, so I'd wager they would follow whatever the captain says. The others...." he trailed off.

"You mean Hannibal," Morgause guessed and Tomas nodded.

"He won't like it one bit, but he will follow captain's orders," Tomas said. "That'll probably keep the rest of the crew in line.

"But he won't like it."

[Shura]

An hour passed as Cameron let the crew do as they needed to make sure that the ship was properly docked and the adrenalin from the battle had faded. The mood of the ship was a jovial one as many looked forward to spending their night enjoying some fresh hot food and plenty of alcohol. Though before the crew disbanded for the evening the captain called a crew meeting gathering everyone up on the deck as she stood near the helm of the ship. Behind her the sun was starting its descent towards the horizon slowly shifting the clear crisp blue skies into a fiery glow of sunset. Cameron took a breath before clearing her throat to quiet the excited mutterings among the crew members. A wide smile formed on her face “Here’s to taking down another Navy dog!” She started an excited and victorious chear quickly following her call as they all raised their fist’s into the air. Cheering had quieted slightly Cameron motioned for all to settle before she could speak up. “Even though we had to split the bounty with Crim the haul was plentiful and there is a lot that was gained in coin, supplies and information! We have taken down one of the Navies top dogs!” There was another rallied cry of excitement and joy. “The Galleon is now sunk to the bottom of the ocean and it’s crew ravaged. Some of the men even cried for their captain who was struck down by a cannon shot!” There was a hearty victory cheer from a team near the back of the gathering, a group of mostly muscular men who all manned the cannons on the ship. The captain could only grin as she watched her crew revel in the sweet victory they had managed to achieve. Sure it wasn’t done alone, but they had been the deciding factor in that battle hands down and she couldn’t be prouder of her crew. “Now.” Cameron began her voice a little sharper to quiet the rabble that was starting to grow unruly. “This was a great victory but there will be other battles.”

“And we will slaughter those dogs just the same!” One of the cannoneers boasted raising his fist into the air those gathered around him doing the same with a hearty huzzah!

Cameron could only chuckle and nod “Aye we will! But we also have to stay careful. Be watchful of those who wish to cross. Navy ships will be hunting us down for what we did. The more Navy blood is on our hands the more we will be chased. But that is a small price to pay for making sure every one of their ship’s has been sunk!” Another roar of approval followed the captains impassioned declaration. She smirked slightly the support of her crew bolstering her confidence a bit. She took a breath and nodded. “Aye we will make sure they pay for starting this war. But to make sure that happs we must be strong and develop our skills. Tomorrow we will start repairs on the ship and try to lay low give us time to restock and use the intel we have gathered to the greatest effect.” She explained getting into the less exciting part of meeting and, soon, more tense.

“In an effort to make sure we have the sharpest eyes looking out for us… I have secured one more to join us.” This announcement drew a curious murmures and looks to one another as to who the captain could have recruited in such a short time after a battle. “She was part of this crew many months before… but met an unfortunate fate in being captured by a Navy Commodore.” Cameron motioned to Thomas who ducked down the stairs emerging with a slightly less filthy but Morgause, though it was obvious she had not been kept in the best condition. Many backed away due to the stench which still hung around her. The woman was met with mixed expressions some were just confused, most curious, though there were a few who did not look too kindly on her.

“Captain! She is the traitor!” A voice rose above the quiet murmurs. “Ain’t she the witch who shot down our kind?!”

Cameron took a deep breath before nodding “Aye… but it was not of her own free will.” The captain explained before narrowing her eyes. “I know there are some of you who would break to the force of an entire Navy fleet if the only other option was death.” She countered trying to weight her words heavily. The last thing she wanted to do was gain a reputation of taking in “traitors” but at the same time she couldn’t hold Morgause completely accountable for her actions. For Cameron she would have chosen death over betraying her comrades but there were cowards in every group. “Regardless her skill with a bow is unmatched… and her gift of sight will ensure that no ship will ever get catch us off guard.” The crew around Morgause started to waiver in their options the majority seemed guarded and skeptical of the woman. Though quite a few were impressed to say the least there was still a strong sense of distrust.

[Kharmin]

Morgause listened from the darkened recesses of the brig. She could only make out a few words of Cameron's speech to the crew. The cheers had her grin slightly beneath the grime that covered her visage. The captain had learned how to stoke up her crew and that thought made her more proud of Cameron.

She waited patiently as Tomas arrived and unlocked the cell that had held her confined since her rescue from the Cordelia-Marie. Morgause greatly accepted his assistance as she ascended the stairs to oppressive sunlight. She squinted and shielded her eyes from the assault.

The hush of whispers and movement told her of an uneasy crowd. The calls of traitor were clearly heard below deck and she held no animosity toward them. She would probably feel the same way if the roles had been reversed and only her love for the captain would have held her in check. She had to trust that the crew held Cameron in the same light.

Morgause released herself from Tomas' helping shoulder and stood freely on the deck. The ship at dock cantered slightly from starboard to port but her years aboard ships gave her enough stability in the light wake.

She drew breath and coughed. The fit lasted only a moment with the same black sludge spat out and wiped on her sleeve. Once Morgause's breathing had returned to a sense of normalcy, she spoke. Her typical, quiet voice was overshadowed by a roughness that her current state could not conceal.

"Look upon me," Morgause said with as ominous of a tone as her voice would allow. "Look upon me and see how the navy treats prisoners." She held up her arms and pulled back the tattered sleeves to show the scars of the manacles that had bound her. "For six months I was chained and forced to do their bidding. Six months and treated lower than a dog. Six months with stagnant water and rotten bread, my only meat being the rats I could manage to catch and eat raw before my strength prevented me from doing so.

"And, aye, for six months I did help the navy," she admitted as she glanced over the crew from beneath her matted hair. "Their commodore has ways to make people very compliant, even against their will. Do you think that I enjoyed my time aboard their ship, treated in this manner?

"But now is not the time for living in the past," Morgause said. She locked her eyes with Hannibal and continued, "The days and times change as does the tide and there is no going back to the way that things were. To survive, for all of us to survive, we must look ahead.

"I believe in the captain's purpose and have already pledged my life to her," she said. She turned her attention from the first mate and back to the assembled crew. "My life has no other meaning and I will do whatever she asks of me to see her prevail."

[Shura]

The crew murmured to one another trying to reason with what the Captain and the Mysterious woman had said. The air of suspicion and weakness was still in the air but it had dampered slightly. Being caught by the navy was the absolute last thing anyone wanted and while everyone talked a big game about being able to fight off an entire army of navy dogs, trying to do so alone was nearly impossible. It was obvious many still did not trust her but the Captain had the last word on this ship. So far she hadn’t lead them wrong and if Cameron said this new person would be useful… then she must have some talent to get the upper hand on the Navy. Hannibal locked eyes with the beaten and worn down woman suspicions and annoyance in his eyes as a seemingly permanent frown was etched into his face. He offered no vocal objection, to do so would be to undermine the captain in front of the crew but it was obvious he didn’t exactly like the situation. Still he could not argue the usefulness of the woman's talents. All he could hope for was that cooler heads would prevail going forward and the same mistakes would not be made.

“Are there any objections?” The captain's voice rose over the din chatter of the crew. Only silence met her questioned jade eyes scanned over the group gathered on deck. She nodded slightly. “Alright then, You are all dismissed. Tonight we relax and tomorrow start the repairs on the boat. Try not to cause trouble for the locals.” She grinned widely causing similar smiles to reach the faces of the crew members as they cheered and scattered to attend to their own wants, many leaving the ship. Cameron let out a soft sigh as she turned to Hannibal who stood beside her. “I know you don’t like the situation… but try to at least enjoy yourself tonight.” she pat his shoulder.

“Aye… though not in a way you will.” He quipped with a quirked brow.

Cameron simply rolled her eyes, “There won’t be much fun on my end… I have a crew to tend to… and mistakes to try and make up for. Though a drink or two might be the best outcome for the night.” she nodded before she simply made her way down to the deck from the helm to where Morgause stood. “I have some stops to make in town but I can take you to the bath house first if you’d like.” She offered softly. In truth she did want to make up for leaving Morgause at port. It was because of the decision that this whole mess started in the first place. Though as unpleasant as the aftermath may have been, it was a necessary growing pain to mature into a, hopefully, more capable captain.

[Kharmin]

Morgause did not like the stare that Hannibal launched at her, but she stood as resolute as she was able in her condition. She had meant that things would change and had hoped that he would recognize her sincerity. His reaction told her that she would have to do a lot of things right in his eyes before any level of trust would be earned. Although not completely surprised, Morgause was disappointed that her words hadn't struck the man more deeply.

Cameron mentioned the bath house which immediately grabbed Morgause's attention. "Aye, captain," she answered in her normally quiet tone. "I'd like nothing more right now than the scrape the navy off of me."

Her sentiments weren't exactly true; there were many other things that Morgause would rather be doing, all of which involved the captain but she forced herself to tamp down the flames of desire. It would be a very long time, if at all, before she and Cameron would share themselves with each other. The thought saddened her and she used her fatigued condition to mask it.

Off of the ship, and onto shore, Morgause walked on unsteady legs, fatigued by malnutrition and lack of use. It would take some time for the red head to regain her toned form once more, but she was sure that a better diet and regular exercise would recondition her to her former, lithe self. The more to tempt the good captain, again, she mused, but all in good time.

The bath house was an exercise, to be sure. Morgause had to scrub down four times with fresh water before the jewel beneath the muck once again began to shine. Attendants had to help her in and out of various tubs with each incarnation being cleaner than the one before and as Morgause's true beauty once again started to show, the staff became less aggravated about her earlier condition.

By the end of the hour, the only real indicators of her imprisonment on the Cordelia-Marie were the gauntness of her features and the dulled, green eyes. Still, despite the scar on her right cheek, her smile illuminated her face and incurred bouts of jealousy from other patrons at the bath house.

New clothes miraculously appeared for her, with her benefactor remaining anonymous but one look at the garments told her that Tomas was only doing his best to please her without her knowing. She decided to ignore the fact that the shirt was a size too small and that the vest didn't truly match the ensemble; but the clothes were clean and that's what mattered most.

When Cameron returned to retrieve her, Morgause looked much, much better than she had since her rescue. "Thank you, captain," she cooed and teased only a little by showing her ample assets that strained against the buttons of the linen shirt. "If you could spare a girl a meal and maybe a drink, I think that this sharpshooter would be completely reborn."