The Wind's Will

[Kharmin]

Any worse? Morgause thought with a scowl hidden within her hood. With the way that trouble continues to follow me, I can't see it not getting worse. Fate is conspiring to prevent me from obtaining this longbow.

"This had better be worth the effort," Morgause said with the same hint of frustration she had had throughout most of the previous day. "If we pull this off, and that man doesn't have a longbow for me .... " She left the statement unfinished, but her tone certainly added the necessary finality of it.

The stop in the herbalist's shop was but a brief respite from the increasing storm. Morgause paid little attention to Cameron's purchases as she was quite eager to complete their task. Something about this town started to bother her not soon after she set foot off of the Wind's Will this morning. Something she just couldn't put a finger on.

Morgause could sense that the blue-eyed woman had gotten a bit closer since she last checked. Although still a good distance away, they would need to get their excursion over with and out of port soon.

They stepped out of the shop and into a stronger, more driven rain. Morgause tried her best to ignore it as her cloak and the rest of her clothes started to soak up the moisture. Although the rain itself was chilly, the air was thick and humid such that even thoroughly drenched, Morgause was not cold. Even so, the weather did nothing to lift the sharp-shooter's spirits.

When they reached the outskirts of the town, Morgause stopped and turned toward the captain. Rain ran liberally across her cloak and the opening in her hood was masked by a steady stream of water that rained down from the top edge ot it.

"Which way, captain?" she asked, knowing that Cameron held the map in her possession.

[Shura]

After a small bit of haggling and instruction Cameron managed to get the salves shes was looking for. She tucked away saely in her bag as they left the shop and frowned at the rain. It was not going to be an easy day. She sighed softly motioning for the group to start moving towards the wilds which surrounded the town. She looked over to Mogause as they neared the edge of town. "We head north east. Should take us to the river the hunter mentioned." She replied before pushing ahead.

The weather was not cooperative as the small group of four pushed deep into the jungle. the thick canopy top did provide a good bit of protection from the rain at times unless a harsh gust disturbed the branches causing gaps to form. The deeper the go the more uneven and harsh the terrain became. After about three hours of trudging they came to a large rushing river. Dark gray clouds still hung heavily over head but the rain had stopped for the moment leaving a chill in the air. Cameron pushed her hood back as she scanned the river seeing no real way to cross it. Her cloak had protected her from most of the rain but even so her hair and clothing were still damp. She sighed softly "We'll break here a short while and figure out a way to cross it. The river cuts clear across the island so there's no way around it." She said before turning back to the river pondering on a safe way to cross.

[Kharmin]

The continual onslaught of the rain did nothing to raise Morgause's spirits. The storm continued to build in strength as it hinted mightily at the hurricane that was to follow. Trees rocked and swayed as the wind gradually intensified, each gust causing additional droplets of water to rain down over the travelers.

The rushing river proved a daunting obstacle to the small band, and Morgause knew that upon their return it would be even more violent as it would swell with the additional rain that the storm was more than willing to provide. Swimming across it now was feasible, but later the current would be too strong and swift. There had to be an alternative.

Morgause used her enhanced vision from deep within her rain-soaked hood. The rune on her left hand glowed the same, eerie phosphorous green as she scanned the banks of the river in both directions. Looking to their left, Morgause found no recourse; however, when she turned her eyes and attention to the right, she spied a fisherman's rowboat, pulled up and overturned on the shore just over a hundred yards down river.

"Captain," Morgause said, her soft-spoken voice almost inaudible over the rushing of the river and the torrent of rain that assaulted them. She pointed down river as the rune on her hand faded and her vision returned to normal. "There's a rowboat down there that should prove sufficient for us to ... borrow."

[Shura]

Cameron looked over the at Morgause before following her gesture over to the overturned beached boat. She smiled slightly over to the red head. "It seems our luck is improving." She replied before motioning for the others to follow. The two burlier men tipped the boat back into the water. there was only one ore which would make things difficult but not impossible. "Looks sturdy enough to hold us so lets get going." she said. It was a snug fit but the boat held as they made their way across the river. Cameron sighed tiredly before pulling out the map to check once again.

[Kharmin]

With a small rowboat full of pirates (and one "negotiator"), the cramped fit within the small boat caused some initial discomfort, but soon enough everyone found their places and roles and they made the river crossing with relative ease.

On the other shore, Morgause suggested that they portage the rowboat as they had been told of a myriad of rivers in their path. She consulted Cameron's map which confirmed the information and with a few moans and groans, the extra hands with them set the rowboat on their shoulders and followed their captain as she set the pace further inland.

Morgause collected the oars. She wanted to help but the captain would not allow her to carry the rowboat as she was concerned about the sharp-shooter's deep and healing wound. As a compromise, Morgause carried the oars since she had nothing else to carry and nothing else to do. At least, in a pinch, she might swing one as a weapon although Morgause knew that she would be just as proficient with the oar as she was with any other weapon except her longbow, which was to say not proficient at all.

Despite the increasingly heavy rainfall and stronger winds that accompanied the tropical storm that had fully engulfed their portion of the island, Morgause kept a light step and hopeful spirit. Soon, she would have a longbow in her hand once more and then everything would be back to some semblance of normalcy.

They crossed two more rivers, each quickly increasing in their yield as the monsoon filled them to their banks. When they arrived at the third, and last river, the torrential current rushed by them as it carried mud, broken trees and large clumps of sod in its churning wake. The Tiny River was by no means illustrative of its name; rather, it easily spanned several hundred yards to the opposing shoreline.

Wind whipped wildly at Morgause's cloak and hood as she and the others glared at the raging river before them. It would take all of their combined muscles to force the rowboat to the other side, and that seemed only with all of them at their peak condition. With Morgause and Cameron both unable to lend a strong enough hand to the oars, their chances significantly diminished.

Morgause called to Cameron over the gale-force wind that drove rain like needles onto their skin. "Captain," she tried as her soft-spoken voice struggled to find purchase over the din of the wind, rain and rushing water of the river, "perhaps we should find a secure place to hold up and wait out the remainder of this storm?"

[Shura]

Cameron squinted her eyes as she tried to see through the rain but it was nearly impossible. She heard the faint voice of Morgause through the roaring winds of the storm. Her stubborn side wanted to keep going but there was no point. To continue further was only tempting injury and even death. Something she did not feel like doing twice with in days of each other. The captain nodded "Aye, This storm isn't going to allow us to get much further." She called back just before a thunderous crack of lightning went off not to far from them causing the captain to jump slightly. Nature way of telling them to get the hell out of the rain.

It didn't take very long before they managed to find a cave to take shelter in. The canoe was propped safely to the side along with the ores. Both of the men Cameron had brought along sat near the entrance of the cave enjoying the short break. Cameron moved further inside the cave her cloak weighing heavily on her as it was soaked through. She released the claps and let it drop before taking sitting back against the smooth stone walls of the cave. She smoothed her hair back and out of her face before glancing over to Morgause who was no doubt aching and exhausted as she was. "How are you holding up?" She asked softly with a slight smile.

[Kharmin]

Morgause sat a pace away from Cameron as she tried to keep some semblance of propriety with the other crew nearby. It pained her, though, with the captain's proximity and the raging storm outside having halted their progress. Morgause wanted to mimic the fury outside and ravage her lover here in the cave; however, as disappointing as it was, Morgause held her feelings in check.

"I'll manage, captain," Morgause replied to Cameron's concerned query. The sharpshooter's soft voice barely carried the distance across the small cave as the storm outside permeated the air all around them. Since her fever broke the other day, Morgause seemed well on the mend. She didn't fatigue as much anymore and the soreness in her stomach from her wound complained less. Still, Morgause hurt and the steady pace across the island in the rain didn't soothe anything.

She removed her boots and cloak to make herself more comfortable. "I suppose we'll be here for a spell," she remarked as she stripped off as many layers as she dared to make their temporary stay more tolerable. Already the humidity in the cave had layered the walls with sweat and the small space became a bit stifling. Morgause pulled her sleek and slender legs up to her chest and wrapped her arms around her knees. Then, she placed her head down and took great advantage of their break for a rest. Despite the raging storm outside, and the uncomfortable air within, Morgause lightly dozed off.

[Shura]

Cameron smiled slightly seeing that Morgauas was holding up well at least. She knew it was wise to have brought along assistance but she really did wish it was just her and the flamed haired sharp shooter alone. The several days needed to recover had been difficult enough not seeing much of Morgause. Part of her had worried she'd made the woman angry with her stubbornness and ignoring her own wounds. Morgause didn't look particularly angry with her at the moment but some of that uncertainty still lingered.

She watched as Morgause shed layers of clothing and felt a familiar heat start up in her again making her curse the presence of her men all the more. "Aye... probably the night unless the storm settles..." She replied, voice straining slightly against the wind.She watched as Morgause dozed off and smiled slightly happy to see she was at least getting rest. She settled back against the rocks and tilted her head down slightly over her eyes to shade them from the light which filtered in from out side. There really wasn't much to do save for waiting. She sighed closing her eyes not truly asleep but somewhere in between states of consciousness.

Hours passed through the day and into the night before the storm finally settled down to a light trickle of rain. Had it been light out Cameron would have waved called to head off but the mood had already risen. To tread in the dark on unfamiliar land was just inviting trouble. So at firsts dawn they would have to move out. Since the rain had stopped the two men decided to linger by the cave entrance for the night instead of the stuffy cave. Cameron didn't much mind this since it allowed her to get more comfortable. Bindings and bandages were uncomfortable enough but we ones were just irritating. Especially on a wound. Cameron rummaged through the bag she had brought glad to see that the supplies she had brought along on the trip stayed mostly dry. She glanced over at Morgause seeing she was still asleep and resoned she woudl et her rest a while longer while dressing her own wound. With a sigh of relief she undid the bindings around her chest able to breath a bit easier in the humid warmth of the cave. She undid the bandages around her wound next carefully not to tug at the stitches that Morgause so expertly sewed in. The captain had blocked out most of that unpleasant experience not really wanting to remember the pain.

Camerson rummaged through the bag pulling out one of the salves she had gotten from the healing shop. One of several which all had their own specialties but all were good at keeping out infection. The one she used was said to have properties which helped to speed up healing. She never knew if it was true or not but she was willing to try anything so long as she was able to move normally again. The pale green salve stung slightly but it was very mild. She sighed softly leaning back against the rocks letting leaving the wounds exposed to air for a bit while at least drying off the area around it to keep from another infection.

[Kharmin]

Dawn tinged the outline of the small cave's entrance as Morgause awoke. The cramped position made for rough sleeping, but in her exhaustion the sharp-shooter took what sleep she was able whenever it became available.

In the greying light, she glanced over at her captain. Cameron sat against the wall with her clothing opened and seemingly fresh bandages applied at some point overnight. Morgause couldn't tell if Cameron were asleep or not, and decided not to move lest her stirring disturbed the captain's rest.

We need a vacation, Morgause mused to herself.

Her gaze returned to the cave entrance where the two men along with them were lying in obvious sleep. Morgause supposed that with the raging storm, they were probably safe enough to not need any sentries; still, the cave was a sanctuary and who knows what matter of animal might have thought to seek shelter with them.

The humidity of the island still permeated the early morning air but a slight breeze from the north brought a touch of coolness that wafted in and circled around in their confined space like a miniature tempest. Wild, jungle flowers were scented on the breeze and reminded Morgause how beautiful nature could be when it wasn't trying to drown them with a hurricane.

The morning sun rose and the east-facing cave quickly lit with its shine. The men at the entrance stirred. Morgause eased over toward Cameron and lightly shook the captain. Awake or no, the time to get moving was upon them.

"Captain," Morgause prodded with her soft-spoken voice. "We should think about moving on, but I want to look at your sutures, first." The red-head reached for the bandage with a light touch. The rune on Morgause's hand ebbed in a dull, phosphorescent green glow as she adjusted her vision to better see in the waxing light.

[Shura]

Cameron had fallen asleep in the late hours of the night finding some comfortable position against the smooth rocks. She had left most of her bindings and bandages undone as it would was more comfortable. The made the air heavy with moisture which didn't allow for much drying in terms of clothing however they were no longer sopping wet which was a plus. The captain groaned softly as she started to come to, waking to Morgause soft voice. "Hmmm" she barely registered what was being said as her eyes opened still heavily hazed with sleep. "Morgause..." she muttered softly before letting ouy a long yawn. "What time is it...?" she questioned before looking out of the cave noticing that it was just turning light out side. She had gotten a fair amount of sleep but her body was still exhausted, not exactly a good sign. "Late enough..." she muttered before turning to Morgause more awake than before feeling of uncertainty stirred with in her once more but she didn't act on them. "How are you feeling?"

[Kharmin]

Morgause busied herself with Cameron's bandages while they talked quietly in the pre-dawn glow that threatened the relative darkness of their shared cave. The sutures had held up well, considering that Morgause had never before attempted such stitching. She gently re-applied the bandage and allowed her hands to linger for a moment on Cameron's exposed skin.

"I'm feeling well enough for what we have to do," she replied in her soft-spoken voice. "The sooner we accomplish this task, the better I will feel though."

Morgause couldn't see the fatigue in the captain's face, but she could sense it in her touch on Cameron's skin and in the woman's tired voice. Morgause's brow furrowed in the dark of the cave as she worried over her lover's condition. "You know," Morgause whispered with a hint of concern in her voice, "you could just go back to the ship and leave this retrieval to me and the boys. They're able enough; it shouldn't take us long and you could get some additional, much needed rest."

[Shura]

Even while wounded and exhausted Morgause touch was still able to stir up a flame in Cameron that had settled over the past few days of recovery. Still she didn't act on it, neither of them were really well enough to engage in such activities. She smiled softly at the red heads concern reaching up to gently brush a hand against the other womans cheek. "And let you have all the fun?" She chuckled softly "I'll be alright, I rather tag along in this excursion and make sure there aren't any surprises." she muttered, softly caressing Morgause cheek absentmindedly as she spoke. "Besides, I would be way too restless knowing your out here."

Her memory clicked into her head and she sat up slightly. "Right before I forget again...." she muttered softly reaching for her bag and rummaging through it pulling out one of the small jars that was tinted pink "I got this for you." She spoke up. "I helps heal with wounds keeping them free from infection but also makes it so wounds are less likely to scar."

[Kharmin]

Morgause nodded her assent at Cameron's dedication to their small quest. She smiled warmly at the captain's touch on her cheek and wished for better times, better places to be. It warmed Morgause's heart to hear Cameron's concern for her. Green eyes caught a glint of light as the morning sun finally crested the horizon and spilled its light into the small cave. "As you wish, captain," Morgause said softly with a smile.

She looked at the jar that Cameron produced but at the mention of scars. Morgause turned her head away and placed her own hand over the scar on her cheek, embarrassed that Cameron would have to look at the hideous, jagged reminder of her mis-played attempt to find and eliminate her pursuers.

[Shura]

Cameron noticed Morgause turn away and frowned slightly. She hadn't meant the salve to be an insult or a reminder but rather something to help with healing. "Morgause..." she muttered gently turning her face to meet hers reading a marinade of emotions in the depths of the redheads emerald eyes. Her brows nit together in concern for her lover "I merely got the salve to help with the healing. Last thing you want is a healing cut to catch some kind of growth." she caressed the the others uninjured cheek gently a soft smile curving her lips. "A few small mark will hardly draw away from your stunning eyes or gorgeous locks." She pointed out. Desire pulled at her innards growing hotter the more time they spent in the caves together. She knew they shouldn't partake and any strenuous activities however she was only human and couldn't hold back completely.

The captain brought up another hand to carefully press it upon her cheek "You're still a gorgeous siren." She assure before pulling Morgause into a lovingly slow kiss full of caring and hints of lust.

[Kharmin]

Morgause reluctantly pulled away from the deep kiss for fear that she would simply ravage the captain here in the cave, unconcerned for the other men who had traveled with them. It certainly wouldn't have been the first time Morgause had performed with an audience and the naughtiness of it only served to fuel her lust.

"Captain," she cautioned with a slight smile and her soft voice, "kisses like that and your flattery might get you everywhere." Morgause sat back on her heels and placed her hand lightly on the scar on her cheek. The woman had taken much pride in her appearance and her body, and the scar mocked her. It insulted Morgause and taunted her for the red-head would never be the same, stunning beauty she was only days before regardless of her lover's attempts to persuade her otherwise.

Granted, her relationship with Cameron was definitely more secure and ... semi-permanent ... than any Morgause had had in quite a long time. Her visage shouldn't need its normally pristine appearance if Cameron truly loved her; the captain would accept her even if her perfect nose were broken and she were missing an eye. Still, Morgause worried that at some point, their relationship might end and then she would be left with a significant flaw in one of her best assets.

Such thoughts were not for today. Morgause pushed them down and buried them. Cameron loved her, even if she hadn't yet told her in words. The intimate passions that they had shared were at a level higher than simple lovers, and Morgause knew that Cameron shared the same view.

"I --- I have no mirror," Morgause resigned with some trepidation in her voice. "Would... would you apply it?"