The Wind's Will

[Shura]

With strong winds and fair weather the Wind's Will arrived at its destination by the time the sun was just starting to sink into the sea. With no trace of Navy ships the ship pulled into one of the free docks to tie up. It was too late to get any repairs or get much trading done but that didn't mean the traders town was dead. Several taverns were alive with music and inebriated joy as the night life was just starting. Cameron sighed glad to have made it to the town with no additional excitement. They couldn't linger in port for very long a day or two at most before they had to continue sailing. She had managed to keep a carefree and cheerful disposition but was very worried about such a navy fleet invading Billoways. That didn't bold very well for those who enjoyed the life of a pirate. She hoped the town would have some news as to what was going on.

Once the ship was tied and the sales brought up Cameron stepped away from the helm "Alright mates, feel free to wander as you like but don't cause any trouble for the locals. It'll be nice not to have a mob after our heads." She called to the crew. Most of which cheered in agreement and at the chance to get a proper drink making their way into the town while others lingered on the ship still. Cameron lingered a while longer seeing no need to rush off into town. Plus she still had to get a better idea on the damage gained from the escape.


Morgause had been running for quite a while lately and now had no real desire to go back ashore. Besides, there was no telling if anyone would recognize her and her troubles would start all over again. No, it was better to stay on board.

Morgause sidled up to the captain and waited for Cameron to notice her. She seemed to have that effect from time-to-time, being able to silently and suddenly appear at someone's side. "Captain," she started in a soft voice, "unless you'll be needing me for ... anything ... I would be content to stay here on board and guard the ship. I really have no interest in going ashore." Then, with a warm, knowing glow in her green eyes, she added, "Unless, you'll be needing me for anything."


Cameron was a bit startled by the sudden appearance of the sharp shooter the woman had quite the knack for sneaking up on people. Something that could come in really handy later on. "Aye anything indeed..." Cam thought to herself. She new flirting so openly would draw attention, she just didn't account for it so soon. She wasn't complaining, though she was wary since she hadn't really gotten to know everyone who had join her crew, present company included. "Do as you please, Miss Torbrille. There are plenty of eyes to watch the ship so I have no worries. Although if anything should come up I'll be in my quarters. " She replied as a sly grin before making her way down to her quarters which she still hadn't explored properly.

The captain sighed as she entered her new quarters noting the mess left behind by the loon who had raided the place. "What was that fool babbling about..." She muttered taking a look at the maps left on the table they were charts of the marked with ink in scribbles she couldn't really make out but pointed to something of importance. She scratched the back of her head trying to make it out before shrugging, more to be done at another time. she rolled up the maps and set them a side along with her hat finding no real use for it at the moment. She wondered if there were any other secret compartment she had missed during her initial inspections and decided it was best to check just in case.


Morgause's green eyes sparkled with mirth. The game's on, she thought as she watched Cameron depart from the deck and into her cabin. A small feeling of excitement shivered through her breast and she wrapped her arms around herself as if to keep that feeling from escaping.

The woman with the odd accent and the pistol-smith began a discussion. Morgause's brow furrowed as she noticed the woman's attention on Cameron as well. Competition? Morgause wondered, but she shook the notion off with a slight grin. It would make things more ... challenging ... but she was confident in her ability to take and hold what she wanted.

She gave the captain a moment before she descended from the helm and entered the captain's cabin. Morgause scuffed the heel of her boot on the threshold so as alert Cameron to her presence. With a warm smile, Morgause entered and gently closed the cabin door behind her.

"I thought, perhaps, we could... talk," Morgause said. Her normal soft-spoken voice hinted with desire as it became more sultry. She laid her bow against the wall by the door, and eased across the room to where Cameron had left the parchments and charts strewn across the table. She took one at random and glanced over it, but her attention was not set upon it.


Cameron had managed to find another hidden compartment with more scrolls inside these a little more legible and looked to be maps to something that was hidden. "Hmmm question is are you still hidden..." she muttered sitting cross legged on the floor examining the scrolls trying to see if there was a date or anything to hint at when the treasure was hidden. She didn't notice anyone had entered her quarters until she heard a very sultry voice speak up catching her attention in more than one way. She looked up not really surprised to fine Morgause by the door way. Cameron smirked slightly "Oh? I hope no trouble happened the short time I was in here." She said rolling the scrolls back up and rising to stand. She had a good idea why the sharp shooter was in her cabin but didn't want to take the bait just yet. Caution was key when navigating unfamiliar waters the same went for people as well as far as Cameron was concerned


Morgause casually rifled through the parchments on the desk as she sat up on the edge of it. A river of red hair cascaded down over her shoulders and masked her face. Green eyes peeked out from below the veil of hair as she looked at Cameron with a slight curl of a smile on her lips.

She snickered with a whimsical air. "No trouble, Captain," she remarked softly. "At least, nothing on deck which requires your attention." She sorted the parchments together and sat them aside in a neat stack.

"The lives of those in our profession," Morgause said, "can be fleeting. We should take advantage of all of the pleasure that life can give while we can."

Green eyes returned to Cameron and zeroed in with singular focus. Morgause swept her hair back and tucked it behind her ear. As she spoke, the glyph on her hand pulsed a low, phosphorus green. "I usually don't miss the things that I aim for," she said. She leaned over on the desk which accentuated her ample assets. The scent of rose and hyacinth from Morgause's last, steam-hot bath wafted lightly in the air with her proximity.

"So, Captain .... or rather, Cameron," she said and added a stronger urgency to the captain's name, "how should we spend our time while in port?"


Cameron's smirk grew slightly, partly out of amusement. She was not stranger to games of temptation having played it both offensively and defensively. That didn't make the siren in front of her any less alluring, Morgause did have an effect on the young captain she just wasn't sure if it would be a good or bad thing later on. "I go by many names in truth, Cameron or Captain both are fine really" She replied simply placing the scrolls in her hands off to the side for further reading. She wandered closer to the lovely lady but retained an relaxed almost unaffected posture. "Aye, Life in indulgence is wondrous thing, though some would say it can also lead to empty pockets or a quick death when not careful" She chuckled.


Morgause smiled mischievously as her green eyes danced in Cameron's closeness. "I would take empty pockets and a quick death," she teased, "if it meant spending my last moments in unabated rapture."

With full, tender lips, she blew some loose strands of her red hair that had wisped themselves across her eyes. "Could you think of a better way to spend the end of your existence, captain?"

Morgause sat back up and pushed herself away from the desk and in an alluring, sensual manner she approached Cameron. With a gentle touch, she reached up and softly touched her shorter, light-brown hair. She stared into Cameron's eyes and bit her bottom lip with a coy smile.


"Hm that does sound like a good end." Cameron thought a loud a mischievous smile curved her lips as well though playful jade eyes slowly growing more serious. "Though I have no intention of meeting my end any time soon, Miss Torbrille." tone was still friendly but had a hint of warning. Then just as quickly the playfulness returned to her eyes along with a slight darkening of lust. "Although.... your offer is very tempting, I feel I should warn you we are more a like than you might think. A side from both of us typically getting what we want."


Morgause burned with desire from Cameron's words. Her eyes acknowledged her understanding and she sensed the captain was still on the fence about her advances.

"Neither of us should meet our ends, when things are only beginning," she chided with a soft voice. Morgause leaned closer and inhaled the other woman's scent; it reminded her of the sea and gave her some comfort from her running from her past. Morgause's breath warmed the captain's cheek as her lips strayed close to brushing it, but never touched.

"You only need say the word, my captain," she cooed in a whisper. "I will always be close by; you know where to find me."

Morgause leaned back to evaluate the impact of her action and her words. Her green eyes were half-closed in provocative manner. She searched Cameron's eyes with her own for the need that she hoped they both had.


The scent of hyacinth and rose engulfed Cameron when Morgause drew close, took quite a bit of self-control not to do something impulsive. Being logical was becoming increasingly difficult with such a tempting offer, but she found it best to get know the waters instead of diving in without a second though. That didn’t mean all fun had to be lost. Her smirk broke into a fill grin as she shifted forward slightly not letting the temptress get away so soon. There was a subtle mischievous glint to her darkened eyes. “I shall take care to remember that should the right moment come up again.” Camerons tone was much lower coming out similar to a purr more than anything. “Yet as you said this is just beginning. As the saying goes it’s the hunt makes the treasure all the more sweater to enjoy once found.” She reached up and brushed a lock of crimson hair out of Morgause’s face a tucked it behind her ear letting her fingers linger in retreat, leaving a ghost of a touch along the woman’s jaw line. “Wouldn't you agree Madam de Tobrille" She purred once more with a slightly quirked brow.


Disappointed, Morgause retreated a step but sill maintained a positive air. She closed her eyes and sighed with an audible "Mmmmmm" at Cameron's touch.

"Indeed," she agreed. "but let not the hunt occupy your full attention, lest the prey go to ground."

Morgause retreated and picked up her longbow from where it stood next to the door. With a sincere smile, she said, "I am at my captain's command," and gave a curt bow as she reached for the handle to the door.

"I will remain on board if you happen to change your mind," she added coyly over her shoulder as the opened the door. "You need only give the word."

With a flip of her long, red hair as she turned her head, Morgause left the captain's quarters.


Cameron watched as Morgause left the room noting the disappointment the flickered in her eyes as she retreated. The red head did intrigue her a great deal and she felt bad but pushed it a side there would be plenty of time in the future to make up for it. She ran her fingers though her hair smoothing it away from her face with a sigh. "This is just the first day I wonder what fate has in store for me next" She chuckled softly while making her way over to the trunk containing her belongings and rummaged around before pulling out a half full bottle of spice rum. She tool along drink savoring the burn of a good strong drink before going back to her exploration of the cabin to see if she could find any more secret compartments.


Morgause exited from the captain's cabin, but before she could mount the stairs to the aft castle, she was accosted by the man who had occupied the crow's nest for much of the time he was aboard. His atrocious singing made absolutely no sense as it was not raining. He reeked of rum so when he finally collapsed, Morgause already knew the reason for it.

She paused as she considered the drunkard's state, sprawled out as he was on deck and half lying on a coil of rope. She thought to drag him to his bunk, but then decided that doing so might only wake the fellow and his bizarre antics would start all over again.

With a deft move, Morgause stepped over the passed-out man and continued to her usual perch along the rail where she could observe both the ship and the dock. Always vigilant against her pursuers, Morgause kept her head clear and her eyes wary.

She thought about her ... conversation ... with Cameron and her disappointment at the captain's reluctance. It wasn't the first time her approach had been rebuffed, and Morgause was sure that it wouldn't be the last. Some lovers needed more time; she sensed the captain's internal strife and was content to know that eventually Cameron would come around.

The thought of being with the elusive woman broke her passive façade with a victorious grin. Yes, she thought, the good captain will come around.

The sun arose on a new morning marking a new day to see what fate would bring. Cameron had been up for hours already studying maps he had found in her quarters. Deciphering the black scribbles and markings that were made out to be instructions to something. What? She wasn't sure but it did peek her interest. It wasn't she heard movement long the deck that she actually looked out side and saw it was dawn. "Hm lets see just where this leads then..." she muttered rolling up the scrolls and tucking them away for future reference before getting up from her bed to greet the crew and alert them to their new venture.

She grabbed her hat on the way out and put it on slightly tipped back since it was slightly oversize. She stepped out on the deck to some of the crew members meandering around on deck. Now just came the question of who to take while exploring the island for the hidden treasure.


Morgause came above decks. Her sleep had been troubled in the crew's quarters; the swaying hammock for a bed was a far cry from what she had been sleeping in over the past week. She certainly had not expected to share in the captain's quarters, but the encounter earlier in the day had left her hollow and unfulfilled.

With her ever-present longbow in her hand, Morgause made her way to the aft castle and took her newly designated post at the rail. She sat on the rail and entwined her hand around the nearby halyard line. Although she was technically on a ship, they were at harbor and Morgause felt antsy as she always did when she was worried about her past finding her.

She looked out across the quay and watched as the early morning fishermen began to load their nets and prepare their small boats for their daily catch. The sun had begun its assault on the day and suggested an abnormally warm day. Morgause loosened the collar of her shirt to allow the cooler, early morning air to play against her skin.

She closed her eyes and reveled in the sensation. It was mornings like this that made Morgause happy that she had survived another day to see the sun rise.

The captain came on deck and Morgause cast her eyes to the woman as she watched Cameron survey the crew.


Cameron crossed her arms in thought as she looked towards shore studying not the town but the thick green jungle of tree which laid beyond it. trying to get an idea of where to start based on the indications on the map. They had arrived at the right location now came the task of finding the proverbial bread crumb trail of land marks which one hopefully lead to a treasure that wasn't already found. Then again such was the risk when seeking out treasure. The maps and scrolls looked fairly old so what ever it was had to have some value to it.

The search its self would only need one or two other crew members, taking too many would just draw suspicion. She turned to the crew trying to figure out who to take with her with the unknown wilds it would be useful to bring someone who could fight of any predators. She spotted the lovely Morgause at her post and felt a fluttery of heat from the night before. Part of her felt stupid for turning down the offer but she felt it best to ere on the side of caution. Still... her gift for sight could prove helpful while searching the jungles. At least that's the reason Cameron told herself. Without giving the discussion much much thought she made her way over the the red head.


Morgause watched as Cameron approached. She gifted the captain a warm, sincere smile as she approached where she sat on the rail.

"Good morning, Captain," Morgause said in her typical soft voice. A gentle breeze played with her long, red hair and her green eyes reflected the early morning sun from the water. "It's another fine day for adventuring, wouldn't you say?"

She noticed that Cameron's countenance had more than the easy morning's concerns about it, so she inquired, "What does my captain desire of me today?"


"Aye t'is a perfect day to go adventuring." Cameron smiled back keeping a fairly care free air about her but less so than the day before."I was actually going to ask if you would accompany me on shore. I have something I wanted to check out and I could use someone with a good pair of eyes."


"If it is my eyes that my captain desires," Morgause said with a warm smile, "then she shall have them."

Morgause released the halyard line and stood on the deck. The hawkers and late night revelers had only just begun to stir along the nearby buildings and along the docks. She checked her cutlass and raked her hand through her red hair.

"What is it that you would like to find?" She asked as they started toward the gangplank.


"Much appreciated" Cameron nodded slightly before spotting Hannible taking up his usual post. She excused her self a moment and went over to have a brief work with her second in command telling him what she would be up to. He was going to argue but knew better than to try and dissuade the woman once she was set on doing something. "It shouldn't take too long. Just make sure the all remains calm here." She assured adjusting her shachel.

She made her way back over to the gangplank to head ashore with Morgause. She looked over at the redhead as she asked her question and smiled slightly, "Found some maps and scrolls which point to something of value that might be buried on the island. Not quite sure what but it looks like it might hold value."


When their boots hit the dock, Morgause said, "It's a good thing that I declined the offer made by Warren to your first mate. Wine would have addled the mind and affected my aim, but I assure you that my mind is clear and my aim true."

As they progressed through the streets, Morgause was ever vigilant for not only the local cutpurses, but also for any undue notice she might have made. Certainly, she cut a fine figure – she worked very hard to keep it that way – and many cat-calls and tawdry comments were sent in her direction. Morgause had heard just about all of them before and oft times viewed them as compliments to her body. That she was walking with Cameron, whom many saw as a younger man, fueled the suggestive remarks. Through it all, Morgause smiled sweetly and let her dancing green eyes and curved figure do the talking for her.

"I've gotten used to it by now," she spoke softly to Cameron. "Listen. They're jealous of you." She giggled and snaked her free arm into Cameron's to show that they, indeed, were together.


Cameron just smirked slightly spying quite a few men who glared in her direction for having such a lovely lady by her side. As well as a few shy stares from other girls. She chuckled inwardly finding it quite amusing, in truth it was part of the reason she dressed and acted as she did. It was always easier to play the part of a man than be so restricted and hassled with as a woman.

She looked over as Morgause spoke up and chuckled softly moving her arm to leisurely wrap around her waist. "I'd have to admit I would be two if any of them had such a beautiful vixen on their arm as well." She replied softly.


Cameron's touch around her waist sent shivers throughout Morgause's body. Her green eyes flared beneath locks of red that had managed to cast themselves across her brow. Unlike her other paramours, this reaction to the captain's touch was ... unexpected. A few butterflies actually fluttered in her stomach.

Morguase laughed out loud. Her laughter was musical and full of mirth. "Why captain," she spoke demurely, "you flatter me. If I didn't know better, I'd think that you might be making a pass at me." Morgause placed her arm around Cameron's shoulder, leaned closer to her ear as they walked and whispered, "Let them eat their hearts out as this beautiful vixen is escorted by such a dashing rogue!"

She turned her attention back to their observers. Even with Cameron's distraction about her waist, Morgause remained cognizant that agents of her pursuers could appear from anywhere at anytime.

With the navy scuttling ships back at the last refuge, Morgause did allow herself to relax a bit. Since they had been looking for her there, it would be some time before they finally realized that she had escaped their net and avoided capture by the navy. If she were lucky, they might even think that she had drowned in the harbor.

Such wishes were for fools, she knew but had difficulty convincing herself that this was so. With her discovery of Cameron she allowed, for the first time in years, to actually harness a little hope for the future.


As she leaned forward Cameron caught the familiar sent or rose and hyacinth stiring up the same heat from the night before even before she slender arm was placed around the captains shoulders. Cam started to realized she had probably made her small excursion a lot more detracting and difficult. One thing was for curtain even if their search came up empty the trip would not be a complete loss.

She noticed Morgause looking around as they walked with faint sense of weary anxiety. Possibly making sure no one she new was around? It wouldn't be the first time, she her self had certain town she couldn't show her normal face to from past troubles. She had to keep a book at time but such was the gift and curse of her ability. Still she quickened their pace just slightly wanting to get out of the village with out causing too much of a stir.

Once they were free of the crowds and stares they were quickly met with the thick under brush of nature. She pulled ahead slightly reluctantly letting her arm drop for Morgause waist and drew one of her cutlass to hack away at some of the unruly brush and revile a path "At least we have something to follow..." She muttered a loud as she reached into her pack and pulled one of the scrolls which held an old map with relatively new markings.


Finally! Morgause thought as the exited the busy noises and dizzying activity of the village. She could better focus, now, on the task at hand without looking for her pursuers at each and every corner and rooftop.

Reluctantly, she allowed Cameron to detach herself from their mutual embrace. The woman hacked away some growth to reveal a path, and then she withdrew a scroll with a map.

Morgause briefly glanced at the map before she turned her gaze to their newer surroundings. Always vigilant (when am I ever not? she wondered) her role in all of her capers was one of defense for the escape. She never really became involved in any actual planning of the missions; rather, she waited to be told when and where to be and generally what to expect. With Cameron in control of the map, Morgause was glad to give her command. She was the captain, after all.

"Is there any hint as to what trouble we might encounter?" she asked in a soft voice. Morgause was all business now. With her longbow at the ready in her hand, her eyes continued to dart about in search of threats.


Cameron compared the map of the island to where they stood realizing they had to travel to the heart of the jungle to reach their final location. She fished out a compass from her pocket to make sure they were headed in the right direction before looking over to Morgause as she spoke up. She noticed the more serious air to the woman and smiled slightly finding it oddly more attractive than when she was being flirty. "Nothing more than wild life hopefully. I don't know who else might have a map or if anyone is after the same thing. But judging by the lack of ships in the harbor it stands a good chance that there aren't many pirates searching for it as well." She grinned before leading the way into the jungle. Despite trying to keep a calm relaxed air about her she did have her guard up, looking and listening for strange sounds while a hand rested on her blade in case a quick draw was needed.


Morgause peered into the foliage of the jungle. Her eyes were certainly better equipped to penetrate the thick leaves and vines that hampered their progress. She watched for any sign of movement that might indicate danger.

She followed a step or so behind Cameron so as to better see around them. "I will follow you, captain," she said softly with no note of double meaning. Whatever they found on this excursion, Morgause was determined that the captain – her captain – would not come to harm.


The two traveled into the jungle for an hour or so before the path started to get lost in the brush leaving Camerons only guide to be the map and compass. She hacked away at the thicker vines which blocked the path. The temperature slowly rose as the day wore on despite the shade provided by the canopy the jungle was still extremely hot an humid. The tree also blocked what ever breeze would have given a brief respite from the heat.

Cameron decided to take a break late in the morning the sun just shy of it peek in the sky. Normally she would be able top push forward ahead for a few more hours before stopping but the stifling heat was slowly sapping her energy. They reached a stream which wound its way around through the island to stop for a rest.

Cameron sighed heavily as she sat back on an old fallen tree retrieving a small water skin from her bag. The water was luke warm at best but she wasn't about to complain which how much sweat coated her body she was sure dehydration would set in far before exhaustion with out proper hydration. The thick humidity in the air was almost a tangible weight pressing down onto her making her clothes stick to her and only cause her to feel even more heated. She was sorely tempted to take her shirt off all together if only to ride her self the excess weight.

She offered the waterskin to Morgause with a small smile, "I rather take the open sea over this evergreen hell any day in all honesty."


The heat and humidity were oppressive but Morgause bore it without complaint. As long as Cameron trudged on, she was determined not to show any weakness to her captain. Her red hair had long since lost its luster as the parts not plastered to her sweaty face were frizzed out and unruly. Morgause's shirt clung suggestively about her lithe frame and left no curve untouched. Had she known the excursion was going to take them deep into the local jungle she would have tied her hair up before leaving the ship.

They stopped at a stream and Morgause gratefully accepted the water skin. Warm as it was, the water did help slake her thirst. The stream, however, was much more inviting.

Morgause set her longbow and quiver at the edge of the stream and, with her back turned to Cameron, she unbuttoned and stripped off her shirt. She then dunked the shirt in the blessedly cool water and thoroughly soaked it. She held it over her head and wrung the water out of it which streamed down through her hair and across her smooth, tanned skin. She repeated the process again which drenched her hair flat between her shoulder blades.

She sighed with relief and looked over her shoulder at Cameron with a mischievous twinkle in her lively green eyes. "Come on in, captain," she said invitingly, "The water's fine."


Cameron has tested her head back against a tree and closed her eyes for a moment enjoying the slight breeze that managed the break into the clearing. She heard the sound of dripping water and glanced over to wards the couldn't help but stare. She watched the as the water soaked Morgause hair and ran down her smooth skin. The flame of desire flared once more making very difficult to restrain herself. When the red head glanced back she knew she had been caught staring but didn't really care. The glint in the woman's green eyes lead Cam to believe the show was on purpose.

Cameron snapped out off her daze and smirked slight. "Certainly looks inviting." She chuckled while rising to her feet. She set her hat by her bag and pulled her shirt off as she made her way over to the stream. She let out a sigh as it felt like she has shed part of the oppressive weight feeling slightly cooler already. With out the oversize shirt to hide her frame it was easier to tell that Cam was female. Her slender waist did have a noticeable curve to it. Cloth bandages were wrapped around her upper torso binding down her chest.

Cameron knelt by the river beside Morgause and plunged her shirt in doing the same as her companion did. The cool water caused her to shiver slightly but also let out a soft groan delighted in the cold shiver which cooled off her heated form.



Morgause's lip curled in small victory as Cameron joined her at the stream. She gazed appraisingly at the captain's body and hid her disappointment at the cloth bindings. Cameron had a stunning figure, but the cloth kept it well hidden. Morgause never wore such restricting things; it made her feel trapped and that was something she detested. She guessed that the wrappings were more to help her appearance as a man, for with Cameron's unhindered bosoms, there would be no mistaking her for all of the woman that she was.

She looked with obvious approval at Cameron and the curve of her hips at her waist. The cold water formed goosebumps along Cameron's skin when she first poured it over her head. With green eyes flaring with passion, Morgause knelt close to her. She dunked her own shirt and brought it over Cameron's head. "Allow me, my captain," she said as she raised up higher on her knees. Her bare breasts almost contacted Cameron's skin as Morgause wrung out her shirt. The deluge served to soak them both, and Morgause bit her lower lip to keep from ravaging the woman beside her.

With a sigh of desire, Morgause sat back on her heels and looked deep into Cameron's eyes. She sensed that the captain will still warring inside at her persistent advances, but joining her at the stream was a positive indicator that things would progress – just at a slower pace.

The patience gnawed at Morgause. Never before had she taken so long with a potential lover. By now, she had either tasted the sweet bliss of success or had moved on for easier game. Cameron was an enigma. For some reason, Morgause accepted her reticence but continued to hold out that she would eventually come to her.


Cameron's breath became much more shallow as the temptress moved closer, as if breathing to hard would cause them to touch and in turn cause what resolve she did have to crumble. The heat inside her was almost unbearable until the chill water crashed down on her head helping to sober her up a good deal. She shivered softly both from the chilled water and desire.

When the woman pulled back they locked eyes. Cameron didn't even try to hide her lust. She subconsciously licked her lips briefly wondering how Morgause would taste. If not for being in unfamiliar territory and virtually exposed to any threat Cameron would have taken the bait and caution be damned.

"We... Should probably keep moving... Only half way there and it's almost noon" she muttered forcing her gaze up to the sky.


Morgause's eyes burned with her need and she saw it in Cameron's as well. Morgause's body reacted to the desire that she saw in those eyes and she resisted the strong urge to embrace the captain in a fierce, passionate embrace that would bring their bodies together, so that their sensual, wet skin merged.

She knew how different it would be. Cameron, thus far, had intrigued her like no other paramour and her enticement had only served to fuel the imagination Morgause had of their eventual union. She looked over Cameron's skin, neck, lips and face with great affection. This lover, she would cherish unlike others that satisfied, but didn't fulfill her needs.

It was with strong reluctance that Morgause agreed with Cameron that they should continue. With a sly smirk, Morgause had thought that perhaps she was the treasure that the captain sought so deep in the jungle. She watched the other woman as she put on her own shirt, but left some of the top buttons undone to reveal her significant cleavage.

One last toss of her red hair to get it un-plastered from her neck and chest, Morgause picked up her weapons, stood and offered a helping hand to Cameron.

"Keep moving," she agreed in her soft, sultry voice. "Whatever my captain desires."


Cameron let her eyes linger a while longer on her companion before reluctantly pulling on her own shirt. If not for the overgrowth of vegetation and insects she would have left her shirt off if only to keep herself cooler. She took the chance to fill her water skin some at the stream before accepting the offered aid to stands. She couldn't help a small smirk at the woman's words. "Anything? Perhaps when were no longer out in the open and plagued by insects" she replied lust seeping into her voice as a hint of promise for later. She grabbed her shachel and placed her hat back on refocusing her mind on the task at hand before checking her compass and starting to press forward once more. She honestly didn't want to be in the humid jungle any longer than she had to.


"My captain teases me with "perhaps" left un-fulfilled," Morgause chided with a soft, affectionate voice. She took a deep, cleansing breath and exhaled. Her countenance was all business now as she held her bow at the ready and nodded for Cameron to lead their way.


Cameron just smirked slightly focusing on the map once more before pushing forward into the undergrowth feeling a second winde she wanted to get as far as possible before the next break. If their last break was and intimation the next might not allow for much progress. They got about a half hour in before Cameron paused getting an off feeling. She'd been getting it on and off for a while already but now it was constant. She glanced around the thick forest around them knowing the feeling quite well it was like they were being watched. Who ever was doing it was very good at tailing.


Morgause stopped several steps behind Cameron. She watched as the captain glanced around their immediate area.

"They've been following us for a little while now," she whispered in a soft voice. "They hadn't come any closer so I didn't see the need to alert you. Sorry, but I'm ... used to having people trying to follow me, and as they didn't seem to be a threat ... "

Something suddenly changed in the air about them. With lightening speed, Morgause whipped an arrow from the quiver, set it to the longbow's string, turned and pulled a full draw to her cheek. "Captain.... ?" she questioned as she waited for her command.


"I felt it too.." Cameron muttered reaching for one of her pistols. She saw Morguse turn quickly and drew her gun in her off hand while keeping her cutlass in the other. "Fire at will" she muttered catching a glimpse over movement a few yards away and tensed for a fight.


The first arrow was loosed at the word "Fire". Without hesitation, the second was similarly whipped from the quiver, placed to string, drawn and loosed as Cameron's words "at will" were uttered.

Morgause didn't bother to follow the flight of the first arrow as she knew it would strike true. A dozen or so years of honing her craft with her longbow left no room for argument. She shot, and things died. It was a simple arrangement and had served Morgause very well.

The second arrow also flew straight and found its mark. The man in the tall leaves fell without a sound as the arrow pierced his throat.

A stone whizzed by her head from behind and to her right. Morgause spun while pulling and drawing a third arrow in fluid motion. A man with a sling was partially hidden behind a tree as he fumbled to load another stone. Morgause came to a full draw and the rune on her hand pulsed a dull, phosphorescent green. Her eyes narrowed and the man's face zoomed in to her view. A few calming heartbeats saw the man finally acquire his stone into his sling. He looked up for a target just as Morgause loosed. The impact snapped the man's head back as he spun in a half-circle from the momentum of the arrow.

The remaining bandits had charged the clearing and Morgause eased herself toward Cameron as she tried to get back-to-back with her.


Cameron was impressed not with the accuracy of the shots but rather the speed I which they were drawn. She noticed the shots fire being focused on Morgause and realized they were after her. She saw the few on the ground start to charge in and counted five in total at least at first. She fired her shot at the closest one stopping them dead in their tracks holstering that one and drawing another firing at another one taking the number down to three before they could get with in swinging distance and also clearing a path. "C'mon." She said linking arms with the other woman taking off into the brush drawing the enemy's to follow from one direction instead of coming in from many.


She let herself be pulled along at Cameron's insistence. As they fumbled through the dense foliage, their pursuers no longer opted for stealth. From behind them, men came crashing in chase.

Unlike most of her other encounters, this time Morgause had an ally. Usually when her past caught up with her, she was on her own. She smiled inside knowing that this time, she had someone with her to help her fight. It was a good feeling, and one Morgause hoped that she could keep for a while.

"I counted eight," Morgause said. Even in the thick of adrenaline-rushed combat, her soft voice kept its quiet allure. "I downed three; how many did you manage?"


"Two, three more unless there's back up." She replied continuing to run the two having an advantage over the larger men as the slipped through the brush with out much difficulty. Cameron glanced over her shoulder as the men disappeared behind the thick brush allowing just enough cover. She scanned the forest for cover managing to spot a thick patch of dense ferns. "Go left." She called back just loud enough for the other woman to head before diving into the bush wincing slightly as some of the branches bore thorns but it was better than a bullet. She panted slightly staying low to the ground not wanting to be seen by their pursuers.


Morgause took Cameron's cue and cut left, away from the captain. She frowned as she didn't like being separated from her, but considered that it might be the best course. Keeping low, Morgause crouched to the ground. In her haste to hide, she lost sight of Cameron. With her enhanced sight talent, she should have been able to easily find the captain. Either her sight had failed or Cameron was in such a position as to be completely concealed.

Three men crashed into the vicinity and stopped. They glanced around for their quarry; Morgause was sure that they could hear her ragged breathing from her flight and she tried to calm herself.

One of the men checked the ground and started looking at the leaves and branches. A trained tracker, Morgause thought and gave her pursuers a bit more credit. However, they probably hadn't known who they were tracking or else they wouldn't have been as sloppy.

The tracker pointed left and right. He and one man began to move toward Cameron and the third toward Morgause.

Her red hair had fallen across her face and partially obscured her vision, but she dared not sweep it as her motion would give away her position. She watched in silence as the other two crept around where she expected Cameron to be hiding.

Her searcher came closer as he scanned around. It was inevitable; he would find her regardless of how still she sat. He quietly drew a sword from a soft leather sheath as his beady, dark eyes beneath a scraggly mass of auburn hair peered into the brush.

He stepped close enough for her to smell his stench and she held her breath against its foulness. One step closer, then another, then another....

Morgause tensed and waited for the last, possible moment. Finally, he stepped right next to where she had crouched and as his eyes narrowed with the realization that he had found his prize, Morgause whipped out an arrow, jabbed it in his thigh, ripped it out and rolled backward out of his reach. The man howled and swung his sword where Morgause had just been. She completed the roll and in a fluid motion with the same arrow in hand, pulled, drew and fired it into the center of the man's chest.

The impact of the shot at such close range tossed the man back several feet. He died before his body hit the ground. Morgause jumped up, raced to the corpse and yanked the deadly barb from his chest. Fresh with the man's dying blood, she fit the arrow to the string and searched for the two who had followed after Cameron.


Cameron watched as the small group stopped and started tracking them. She shifted silently crawling deeper into cover drawing her second sword watching as the the trio split off. Thankfully only one searched for Morgause. Cameron crouched silently waiting for the two men to draw closer. She'd been in tougher spots before so she was calm as she sat in the cover of trees the only thing really annoying was a few sharp branches digging into her back.

Just as the two drew close to her a howl from the other side of the area broke out catching the attention of both men. Cameron didn't hesitate as she silently sprung out of the bush cutlass poised and striking home directly into one of the mans chests killing him instantly. She landed on the man but had to quickly roll out of the way as the second man spotted her and took a swing.

Cameron scrambled to her feet using her off hand to block another strike gritting her teeth slightly as the sword dug into her arm. She might be fast and stealthy but she was no were near as strong as her opponent. She didn't let the man get another swing as she trusted with her free hand at the mans thigh causing him to cry out and step back. She followed the trust with another slash catching the mans neck. He fell back with a gurgle as blood poured from the wound. He wasn't quiet dead yet but would be soon.

Cameron let out a heavy sigh checking the wound on her upper arm it wasn't terribly deep but it did bleed freely staining her shirt but it wasn't serious. She looked up spotting the redhead also standing and smirked slightly making her way out of the brush. "We should make ourselves scarce just in case." She called over sheathing her swords.


Morgause nodded in agreement. She held up the bloody arrow, winked and remarked, "Arrows are quieter than pistols; if there are more of them they'll surely be heading for the sound by now. But first..."

Morgause quickly stepped over to the man she had skewered. She rifled through his appallingly smelly clothes and found a leather pouch. She hefted it to the tune of some coins, then relieved his corpse of it. "Sorry, mate," she said, "but you won't be needing these any more." She found his sword that he had dropped and hurled it far into the jungle beyond them.

She returned to where the captain stood and noticed the blood on Cameron's arm. "How bad?" she asked with true, heartfelt concern in her voice.


Cameron didn't bother looting the men she killed her mond focused more on getting out of sight. She scnaned the path behind them for any sign of others but didn't spot any. She looked back as Morgause questioned her on her arm and just gave a slight reassuring smirk "Not very deep, I'll live" she replied before heading off the more obvious path not bothering to jack away the brush this time. "Let go this way. Less likely to be followed if we dont leave a cleared path"


"Still, we shouldn't take to long to tend to it," Morgause fretted. Then, she added to try to bring some levity to their situation, "Who knows what I'd do if you passed out on me?"

She followed Cameron through the denser part of the jungle. Their progress was slower as the path was undefined and cluttered with vines, underbrush and large, leafy plants.

"Captain," Morgause said as they worked their way down a short but steep hill, "if we don't find this place soon, we'll be heading back to the ship in the dark."


Three hours of struggling with dense forest and Cameron had enough. Her wound had long since stopped bleeding but they didn't make it ache any less only adding to her annoyance. She glanced back at Morgause then up at the sky they only had a few more hours of day light left. "We're close... I know that much..." she muttered checking the map once more they had lost a chunk of time thanks to going off coarse but that didnt mean they were lost.

Cameron checked the map once more hacking into the forest for a few more minutes before hearing something. A faint roar. "Closer than I thought" she smirked moving through the thick brush coming to a large lagoon with a waterfall. One marked on the map she was fallowing.


Morgause cast a wry glance at Cameron and said, "I suppose you're going to tell me that we don't have time to play in the waterfall?"

Then, she became serious again as she scanned the area with her enhanced talent. Seeing no other threats around them, she nodded to Cameron that things were all clear


"With some luck we can find out treasure and cool off" she replied with a smirk before taking the all clear as a sign to move in. She made her way around the lagoon starting to search for any markings in the area. The markings detailing where the treasure was buried wasn't really clear only that it was by a water fall. She moved close to the roaring waterfall scanning the walls for any kind of worn markings. She spotted an unusual darkness in the falls and cautiously approached it spotting a cave of sorts behind the water. "Looks like we're not quite in the right place yet..." She muttered before entering the edging along the wall as not to be pulled in to the water by the falls. As much as she wanted to cool off she didn't feel like taking a tumble with the rocks below. She peered into the dark cave seeing that it wasn't very deep but showed signs that it had been inhabited at one point.


"Yes," Morgause purred. "That would be some luck. As long as you can trust your first mate to not take your ship and sail away with it." She added with a harmless smile, "Still, I couldn't think of very many places I'd rather be stranded than a lagoon with a waterfall ... and a special person."

She watched as Cameron indicated the small cave behind the falls. "This is your arena," she said, "I'll stay here and keep watch for anyone who approaches. That's my arena."


"I don't think I have to worry about Hanibal taking my ship. The man is very honorable and he owes me a life debt." She smirked before sighing. "Shouldn't be too long" she called over before going deeper into the cave pulling out a torch and striking a matched to light it. The cave was small with signs of a fire long since forgotten. Cameron searched the cave carefully making sure she didn't miss anything. There didn't seem to be out of the ordinary which frustrated he to no end. "You gotta be kidding me... I came all the way out here for nothing?!" She growled

She let out an irritated grumble as she ran her hands along the wall. Her fingers found a slight indentation in the wall and blinked. Sherman her fingers along the crease feeling it wasn't something natural. She pulled out one of her daggers and dug into the crevasse managing to dislodge a square chunk of wall that had been some how sealed back into the wall as if nothing happened. Possibly some kind of rock magic by her guess. She pulled the square rock and noticed it was hollowed out. "What do we have here" she muttered tipping stone box slightly letting a few folded scraps of papers and scrolls fall out along with a small white crystal. "Hmm?" She held up the crystal not really sure what kind of significance he had. "All this trouble for a crystal.... Looks rough though..." She muttered noting how part of it was smooth suggesting it was once part of something bigger. She unfolded the papers noting that they were aged a great deal and had to read especially by only torch light. "More easing great..." She muttered putting the contents of the box into her shackle and sliding the rock back into place.

She sighed heavily smoothing her hair back from her face. She had been so focused on getting to the treasure she hadn't given much though about how they were going to get back after the ambush. There was a chance that there would be more waiting once their friends didn't return. She could get away with just changing her form and walking right thought town Morgause on the other hand... She shaking here head. They didn't have a whole lot of time left before the sun would start to sink and Hanibal would no doubt send someone to search of her if she wasn't back by morning. Then again.... Slipping past the town after dark would make things easier. She thought on it a moment before fingering she would see what Morgause thought as she left the small cave.


"I will, of course, do whatever my captain commands," Morgause said after listening to Cameron's dilemma of their return to the ship. "I am not without my own resources; however, your talent is significantly easier to simply walk back into town."

She was disappointed that Cameron's treasure didn't yield something more tangible. They traveled such a distance amidst peril and came away with some paper and a rock. Whatever their significance, someone must have thought them valuable enough to hide in the waterfall cave. Still, it was a disappointment. At least she had gotten some gold for her troubles.

Morgause looked up and judged the sun. "If we were to make haste," she said, "and weren't troubled by anyone I think that we could make it by nightfall."

"Then again," she added, "it might be safer to wait until daybreak so that we don't get completely lost in the jungle. At least here we have water."

Her green eyes returned to Cameron with calm assurance. "You're the captain," said in a soft, sincere voice.


Cameron looked between Morgause and the map of the island as she spoke gnawing on her bottom lip in pensive thought. They could just wait until morning or at least near too it before heading out, give them a chance to rest before making the tiring trek back. "Stay here for the night and rest. When the moon is low we can head east and follow the shore back to the ship." She suggested before looking up at the sharp shooter. "Most of the town will be asleep by the time we get back and we can have the ship long gone before anyone can tell."


"Well, if we plan to stay the night," Morgause suggested innocently, but her green eyes betrayed her true thoughts, "then it would be a shame to put such a beautiful waterfall and lagoon to waste."

Morgause took Cameron by the arm and led her back down to the water's edge. She found a spot among some rocks where she placed her longbow and quiver. Then, she removed her sword belt and laid it with the other items.

Morgause stood and crossed her arms under her ample breasts, which were enhanced by the top buttons that she had earlier left open, cocked an eyebrow and waited to see what her captain would do.


Cameron had just finished rolling up the map when she was pulled along to the lagoon chuckling a bit. She would be lieing if she the thought of taking a swim didn't interest her. The heat of the day had finally eased and the open area allowed a cool breeze through making it the perfect spot to cool off and rest. She shifted to lay her swords and belongings aside as well meeting Morgause eyes with a slight smirk before pulling her shirt off the act irritating the cut on her arm however since the blood had cause the cloth to stick to it. Cameron winced and checked the cut cursing when she saw fresh blood beginning to ooze from it.


Morgause glanced at the wound when Cameron had removed her shirt. She tentatively reached toward it but didn't quite touch the woman's skin. She looked into her eyes with rekindled desire and mirth, and said in her soft voice, "It will be ok. Trust me."

Morgause knelt down and unlaced Cameron's boots. She giggled as she struggled to get the captain's feet out of them, but once done she looked up and unfastened the belt on Cameron's trousers. With a deft touch of skill, she snaked them down over Cameron's thighs, knees, calves and helped her to step out of them.

She slowly stood as she drank in Cameron's eyes with her own deep, green ones. She came nose to nose with her, but still didn't touch.

"Your turn," she whispered hungrily.


Cameron didn't fight back so much when Morgause started to remove her boots. It was only when she found her belt undone what she realized her error in judgement. The only thing that kept her from breaking her resolve completely but also frustrated her was that were was no contact. She couldn't help a small shiver not only from a chilled breeze but also because of the redheads darkened eyes which no doubt matched her own by this point. Even though she had been taken off guard she still saw what vixens game and the challenge was set when she stood to meet her at eye level but moved no further.

"My turn? She smirked slightly as she reached to start undoing the buttons of the other womans blouse but took her time. "Hmm Alright but first a question..." she leaned in slightly but still retained enough distance not to touch but just barely. "Why were you being chased." she asked in a low tone. She knew it was a gamble in ruining the moment but she couldn't go further. Now with out knowing about the mysterious vixen that had made her way into Camerons life.

[Kharmin]

Morgause drank in Cameron's scent at their closeness. Her insides burned as the woman started to unbutton her blouse. She pined for the other woman's touch, to feel Cameron's fingers playing along her skin and running through her hair, but then ... the question.

She looked away for a few breaths to contemplate her answer. The fire within was tempered as the memories of her past struggled to the surface. She put on her best, most pleasing smile and gently wrapped her hands around Cameron's wrists to halt her progress.

She looked into Cameron's eyes and still saw the desire there, so Morgause stoked the flames of her own. Her green eyes half-closed seductively as she whispered, "Since we've met, I have always said that I would do anything you desire."

Morgause released one of Cameron's wrists and lovingly tucked some of the captain's hair behind her left ear. She then allowed her fingers to lightly touch as she slowly dragged them along Cameron's jawline from her ear to her chin. In her soft, sultry voice she continued while doing so, "Is that question, in this moment, truly what my captain desires?"

[Shura]

Cameron notice the hesitation and slight damper in desire. She halted her progress on the shirt leave only two buttons to be undone revealinng the womans smooth tan skin. She was tempted to give in. To just ask questions after they've had their fun. But she couldn't not with out the constamt questions poping up in her head.

She brethed in deeply to steady her own resolve their chest just barely brushing against each other sending small jolts through her body. Camerons smirk grew slightly if she was careful both answers and pleasure would be obtained. One of her hand slipped into Morgauses shirt to gently caress her waist, there was no feather light touch but full contact. Cameron couldn't help but marvel a second at how smooth her skin was. But she never broke eye contact.

"I desire many things right now fair vixen, however yes. What I desire most right now is an answer." She let her hand wander up her side just under her bust.

[Kharmin]

Morgause physically shuddered at Cameron's touch on her smooth skin as she sucked in her breath through clenched teeth. There was no more denying the woman's intentions now. Her green eyes widened and burned with furious desire.

Cameron's refusal to leave Morgause's past alone doused the flames that licked inside of her. Morgause's eyes looked away and her posture deflated. Could she actually trust this woman who had brought Morgause to this peak like no other paramour? Would the price be worth it, or would Cameron simply return to being no more than her captain once they returned to the ship tomorrow?

Morgause gently eased Cameron's hand away and stepped back. She turned and faced the lagoon and the waterfall as she considered the request. She wrapped her arms around herself as the heat of the moment dissipated and her skin rapidly cooled.

Finally, she decided that she had meant it when she told Cameron that she would give her anything that she desired of her. She had to trust that it would be enough to sustain any chance that their relationship would carry further than one, simple night in each other's company.

Without turning back around to face her, Morgause said, "I stole five hundred gold from a man named Hayden, and he would like it back. It was payment for my part in the assassination of a man known only to me as 'The Physician'."

Morgause half-turned to Cameron and regarded her with honest sincerity in her green eyes. "I was paid to miss."

She moved to the rocks where their equipment lay in haphazard fashion, and sat upon one. She grabbed a handfull of pebbles and nonchalantly flipped them one at a time into the water at the edge of the lagoon.

After a moment, she swept her hair back from her face and continued in a soft voice, speaking as if she were far away, "I don't usually take money to kill people, but I really needed it at the time. However, this 'Physician' is a notorious criminal and if I had killed him, I knew that his people had the resources to track me down. Hayden wanted me to only wound the man, but even that act would have had its reprisals."

Morgause dusted her hands off on the calf of her leather pants. She looked over her shoulder at Cameron. "You remember the shot I took against the navy's helmsman?" Without waiting for an answer, she continued, "I am very, very good at what I do. If I had wanted to impale the man's little toe to the ground," her rune on her left hand pulsed a dull phosphorescent green and then went out, "I could easily have done so."

She stood and sighed. "Instead, I shot wide and completely missed everyone. An alarm was raised and the 'Physician' was re-apprehended by the authorities. I took my money and ran."

Morgause turned full toward Cameron. "So, I speak the truth when I tell you that I don't know who is chasing me. Either Hayden and his men, or the 'Physician' and his men." She chuckled and her green eyes showed promise of some levity in their dourness. "Whenever they find me, I don't stay around long enough to ask who sent them – I just run. And I keep on running."

She wiped her face with both hands to dry away the sweat that lingered there, but Cameron could see a stray tear was also pressed away.

"So, if my captain feels that my past is too much of a risk or danger to her crew, then I understand," she said as she started to button her blouse while attempting a happier expression. But the fire in her green eyes was gone. She had pushed away her only chance at real love and happiness and would be on her own once more.

[Shura]

Cameron nearly muttered a curse when Morgause pulled away annoyed at her own persistance but it was information she needed to know even of the was just a crew member. She listened quietly to morgause sorry taking not of names neither of which she really knew but others might. It did concern her that Morgause had been paied to kill someone but she had the good conscious to miss than bring upong a whole new threat upon herself. Still she couldn't hole the womans past against her. Camerons past wasnt exactly a clean one and she knew more than most what it was like to do anything for money.

She lid t ened with a nutral expresion and felt a pang of guilt for brining up paiful memories. Quiet fell between them with only the sound of a waterfall echoing through out the lagoon. Cameron pondered a moment mostly to figure out that to say then figured the best thibg woulf be to repay the act by sharing some of her own faults "500? It seems a bit low for taking out someone of such reputation" she spoke up breaking the tense silence then smiled warmly. "To say that you were too much of a risk is a fair bit hypocritical of me." She sighed. "I didn't learn how to fight or hide like that simply because I was bored you know." She shruged "I've wanted a ship of my own longer than I can remember... I did many things I'm not proud of, my telent allows me to where most others can't. So I'm no stranger to stealing or killing for gain. I also know what its like to be hunted. Being a shape shifter makes it a bit difficult to remember which face is wanted for what though so I use a book to keep track. " she chuckled before moving closer to the other woman "All pirates are wanted for something at some point or another, I pass not judgment why or who. I simply ask because I need to know because as captain is my job to make sure my crew is safe and protected foe threats both old and new."

[Kharmin]

Morgause finished buttoning her blouse as Cameron spoke, but she really didn't hear her words. She had lost. Never had she been denied that which she wanted, especially when it came to love ... or reasonable facsimiles thereof. She had given it her all and the captain had successfully rebuffed her.

She was so close. When Cameron's hand was on her waist, she was sure that she had her. Now, it seemed, the captain was much better at the game than Morgause. She reached down, picked up the woman's pants and handed them to her with a defeated smile.

"Pirates?" She said. "I'm no pirate. I am .... a negotiator. I just happen to negotiate with extreme prejudice." Her green eyes hinted with mirth, but the flame that had been in them had died.

Morgause retrieved Cameron's boots and held them while she waited for the woman to get dressed. "I'm sorry if this has been awkward for you," she said in her soft voice. "I just thought...." Morgause turned away and shuddered as the stress of the last few hours rippled through her.

"Well, no matter," she concluded with a dismissive wave of her hand. There were no more games, no more seductive glances or suggestive stances. "When we get back to the dock, I'll just collect my few things. I'm sure I can find another ship in need of a deckhand."

[Shura]

Cameron was confused when the red head didn't smile back or even acknowledge she said anything. Her confusion only grew when she was handed her clothes and boots back until she realize Morgause was sulking in self pity. She rolled her eyes "for god sakes" She grumbled under her breath. Working at a tavern for over 5 years had taught Cameron when someone was needlessly wallowing in self pity and it irked her to no end. When talk of switching to another ship was brought up she dropped her clothes not letting the woman get anymore ideas in her head. She had to admit she feel feel a bit of pain mostly because she thought what was going on was more than just some physical. She was no stranger go relationship or intimacy but what was going on between them felt much different than any other. Now she wasnt sure if Morgause was ont he same page.

"Is that it? You saunter about throwing enough suggestive hints to make a preacher sin and just because I asked whos chasing you, you want to run off? Did you even hear a bloody word I said?" She raised her voice placing her hands on her hips. "Lass, like it or not you are a pirate and you are part of my crew. Or was all that talk of my captain a bunch of bull? You may not know much about me but if you remember anything from tonight remember this. There are two things that are important to me. My ship and my crew. You came to me and asked to by part of my crew, I said yes. Now I didn't have too and frankly any one with sense could tell you were trouble but I accepted you anyway. I knew those muscle heads were after you I could have split and spared my self injury but I didn't. I stood and fought. And I don't just risk my life for anyone." She crossed her arms over he chest. "I don't know what kind of cowardly crew you've sailed with before and I can't promise that things well always be find and dandy. Not with the navy at our throats. But I can promise to protect you the best I can. Same as you have protected me. I always keep my promises."

[Kharmin]

Morgause's green eyes became hardened as she listened intently to Cameron's scolding. There was true passion in her words, not the passion fueled from lust or desire; rather, it was the passion of resolve. Cameron seemed to mean what she said, especially when it came to her promises.

And it was true about the attack earlier today. Even though Morgause had followed Cameron on her quest to the waterfall, the men who had trailed and attacked them were probably chasing after Morgause. She wasn't entirely sure, but she had no other rational reason for it; however, Cameron did indeed risk injury by fighting their pursuers.

Morgause bit her lip and looked down at her boots, sufficiently chastened. She sat back down on the rock and put her head in her hands. After a moment, she sat up straighter and raked her fingers through her matted, sweat-soaked red hair.

"I apologize for my behavior, captain," she said softly. "I curse whatever cruel fate has brought me to you. Until we met, I thought that there was nothing more relevant than my own personal pleasures and gains. I have lived selfishly, aye, but I have no regrets." She drew a slight smile and some life was restored in her eyes. "No regrets worth mentioning, anyway."

"Once I met you," she continued, "all of that was thrown to the seven winds. I had never known the ... desire? ... that I feel when I look at you, stand next to you .... or touch you." Morgause paused and looked back to the waterfall. "In your eyes, I had thought I saw the same and dared to hope that I had actually found someone special." She turned back to Cameron and added, "No, more than special; someone I could honestly fall in love with."

She stifled a chuckle. "It certainly wasn't something I had been looking for or hells, even expected to find especially with what all is going on around me with my pursuers, the navy and all."

Morgause took a deep breath before she continued, "But it felt real and gave me reason to stop running and actually turn and face my past so that I could finally put those things behind me. I had a reason to move forward."

"I appreciate everything you have said here this evening," she said. "Your words strike deeper in my heart than you might ever know, and I thank you for them."

"But I have to know, Cameron," she said, using the captain's name which was rare for Morgause, "if there is any chance – any chance at all – that this might work between us. That's why I spoke of leaving the ship, for if there is no hope for us then it would pain me every hour of every day to sail with unrequited love."

[Shura]

Cameron sighed softly feeling bad for letting her tempter get the better of her when Morgause sat on one of the rocks. Figuring what ever chance of anything happening after the small argument she decided to at least put her pants back on starting to feel a chill from the breeze. She looked up at the redhead as she spoke up hoping something had gotten through this time. She felt a little more hopeful until she mention love which was something Cameron never really had to deal with. Though she could admit to there being something special between them and that was at least mutually felt. Which was at least reassuring that things weren't one sided.

The captain watched the woman as she finished not really knowing how to reply for once in her life. She was so used to talking her way into and out of everything but this was a first. Then again Morgause has been puzzle ever since she walked onto her ship. "I-I don't know..." She answered honestly a bit of uncertainty in her voice. "I can't say I haven't been feeling the same about you though..." She scratched the back of her head looking off into the lagoon. "I don't know much about love a side from tales told at Taverns. Hells I never really had parents or anything of the sort so anything beyond a trusted first mate is uncharted territory for me." She looked back to Morgause shifting closer to the woman. "I don't know what it is but I know there is something different between us... as you said something special... I don't know if it'll lead to love or not but I'm willing to try and find out." She offered with a slight smile.

[Kharmin]

Morgause's eyes lit up with Cameron's statement of willingness and a warm smile spread across her face. She reached out and softly embraced the captain around her neck and shoulders in a firm, but not crushing hug, and whispered in her ear, "It is enough."

She lingered a moment in the hug as she reveled in the feel of the other woman's body in her arms. Taut muscles across Cameron's back spoke of the years of work at the mast, but she also had a softness to her that only another woman's touch could feel. As she drew back, she placed a light, soft kiss on her cheek.

She looked into Cameron's eyes and said, "Thank you." as she released her hold.

Morgause stepped over to the bank of the lagoon, sat on the rock and pulled off her soft, leather boots. "Still," she tossed over her shoulder to Cameron, "it would be a waste to not take advantage of this wonderful waterfall."

She deftly un-buttoned her shirt, sat it aside and stood. With her back still to Cameron, she eased her pants down across her hips and slid them to her ankles where she nimbly stepped out of them. The soft, bronze tan of her skin covered her completely and her luscious red hair fell down between her shoulder blades. Her body was a sculptor's dream -- every curve, tone and angle was precise and without fault or blemish. Morgause was exceptionally proud of the way in which she kept her body conditioned and the results were simply astonishing.

With a gentle sway of her hips, she stepped into the lagoon and continued walking until the water was waist deep. With a short breath of air, she dived completely under the surface and popped back up several feet closer to the waterfall.

Although the water was cold, it was a major relief to the sauna-like heat of the jungle. Morgause rubbed at her skin as she washed the sweat and grime from her body. She dunked herself and scrubbed her hair as clean as she was able before she swam with ease toward the waterfall.

[Shura]

Cameron was surprised by the sudden hug but wasn't about to push her away. She hugged her back feeling a familiar warmth starting up again but there was something else, something comforting in it which put the anxiety that had been building her her to rest. Some heat still lingered as Morgause pulled away leaving a slightly tingling sensation on her cheek form the kiss. She smiled slightly before watching the red head wander over to the water only half paying attention to what she was saying. All thought was gone from her mind as she watched her strip taking not of every gorgeous detail about her. The sight alone stole all thought form her mind. The woman really was a siren and she didn't need to sing to entrance a person.

The trance was broken as Morgause disappeared into the waters of the lagoon. As her senses return she became aware that the mild flame from before had intensified ten fold. Cameron blinked a few times before realizing that joining the temptress would probably be much more rewarding than simply gawking at her like a fool. She removed her trousers once more before nearing the lagoon. She reached for a small knot which held her bindings in place and pulled on it relieving the pressure compressing her chest. Cam let out a small groan in relief, she's nearly forgotten what it felt like. She looked over as Morgause swam towards the water fall and smirked slightly diving into the lagoon embracing the shiver than ran though her body.

[Kharmin]

Morgause enjoyed the cool, clean feel of the lagoon's water as she gracefully swam over to the waterfall. She found a shelf of rocks beneath the surface that hadn't completely worn away over time, and discovered that by standing on them, she could ease herself under the pounding torrent that fell from the ledge some four stories above her.

The strength of the impact of the waterfall was not more than she could bear and she tilted her head back to allow it to ravage through her hair. Waterlogged and now pulled by the inertia of the falling water, Morgause was hard pressed to keep her balance on the shelf. She stood taller which exposed her breasts to the air while she arched her back to allow the water to cascade over her head and shoulders.

The feeling was both exhilarating and refreshing. Her spirits lifted for she now knew that her efforts with Cameron were not in vain. She smiled in joy as she recalled the captains tacit admission of her affections for her. Morgause felt that, at least for now, she actually had a future worth working for.

She brought her head back up from the waterfall, and watched as Cameron entered the lagoon. A wry grin crossed her face as she approved of the cutting figure of the captain, now fully released from all of its bindings.

Morgause lowered herself back down until the water covered to her shoulders. Her red hair spilled around her and swirled in the wake of the crashing falls. She offered a welcoming smile as she motioned for Cameron to join her.

[Shura]

Cameron sighed softly as she surface shaking her head roughly to get her bangs out of her eyes in time to see the Morgause standing under the falls and was once again entranced. Suddenly the chill of the water wasn't really felt. "There's no way shes human..." Cameron muttered absentmindedly until the redhead motioned her to go over, the captain did need to be asked twice. She dived under the water covering a good length of the pool in one breath, years at sea had made the captain an exceptionally strong swimmer. She surfaced a few feet from Morgaguse only surfacing up to her shoulders. "Hmmm you really are a siren, you know that right?" Cameron commented her voice low almost returning to a sensual pur from before.

[Kharmin]

Morgause waited for Cameron's approach and smiled wickedly at her comparison. Mischievous green eyes locked with hers and in her soft, sensual voice she said, "I will be whatever my captain wants me to be."

She slid off of the shelf and circled around in the water behind Cameron. "I will do whatever my captain wants me to do," she cooed from just behind her ear. With a soft, almost imperceptible touch, Morgause ran a finger down Cameron's spine. She followed the woman's contour to her waist and passed an inch or two lower.

"Anything my captain requires of me," she intoned, "she need only say the word."

[Shura]

The hairs on the back of Camerons neck stood on end as Morgause swam behind her. She didn't turn around curious as to what the woman would do fighting every impulse to just wrap her arms around the woman and no let go. The captain visibly shuddered as her spine was traced nearly forgetting to tread water for a few seconds. She hummed softly feeling the tingling heat spread along her back before looking over her shoulder. Her eyes were dark with desire and hunger "A what word would that be?" She asked curiously.