He let her shed her tears until the majority was spent. "thank you" she replied softly before pulling away. Letting her go he just nodded. Following her orders, he adjusted the sail and they were off, sailing for one of the small islands that dotted the horizon. She gave him teh grand tour of the island and he got the distinct impression that she liked this one more than any of the others.
A smile seemd to be always on his face as she showed him various cellars that the pirates used to hide their swag. All around him he felt the abundance of life on the island. He saw through the eyes of the various colored birds, seeing himself standing beside Anne.
As dusk fell they laid out their blankets. Lowering himself down to the soft sandy bed he looked up at the heavens as a star shot across their black vastness. "Are you enjoying your break?". With a warm smile he looked over at her. "I'm loving every second of it more and more....to me this seems the way that people were meat to live....Sleeping under the stars, living off the land, and exploring the vastness of the world's greatest treasure..the sea"
Anne Ellis Xile
Moderator: Azjah von Drachen Walde
-
Artemus Kurgen
- Seasoned Adventurer
- Posts: 477
- Joined: Mon Feb 21, 2005 7:52 pm
- Location: Elsewhere
Grinning broadly she turned to look up at the stars. "I agree completely." Lying on her side she felt the grass on her cheek and was content. That night faired better then the last. The nightmares didn't come as swift or as hard and she was able to push them back. For once she slept late, waking only with the rising suns heat upon her face. Lazily opening her eyes she ran her fingers through the pond water. They would go back out today and head to RhyDin. The thought made her frown slightly. To leave this peace was like going back to Earth after tasting heaven. Turning to make sure Artemus was still dozing Anne arose. Walking to the other end of the island she stripped off her clothes to the bare minimum and went for a morning bath.
The sun hadn't yet a chance to heat the waters so the sea struck her like a cold wash of ice. Taking in a sharp breath Anne came up for air. Ten minutes later she was back on the schooner, dried off and setting up to leave. Artemus would find her as soon as he awakened; it wasn't that big of an island.
The sun hadn't yet a chance to heat the waters so the sea struck her like a cold wash of ice. Taking in a sharp breath Anne came up for air. Ten minutes later she was back on the schooner, dried off and setting up to leave. Artemus would find her as soon as he awakened; it wasn't that big of an island.
Anne Ellis Feren
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Artemus Kurgen
- Seasoned Adventurer
- Posts: 477
- Joined: Mon Feb 21, 2005 7:52 pm
- Location: Elsewhere
Since he never truly slept he felt her rise early and watched her go. Once she was out of sight he got to his feet and moved to the surface of the water. Shedding his robes he waded into the cold water of the sea to do a bit of his own bathing. The sharpness of the cold water made him gasp as he broke the surface.
He was just starting to dry off when he saw her return to the ship. Dressing quickly, he headed for the schooner. "Where'd you go this morning?" He greeted her as he climbed aboard. Setting down his belongings, he smiled a bit as he helped get them under way.
He was just starting to dry off when he saw her return to the ship. Dressing quickly, he headed for the schooner. "Where'd you go this morning?" He greeted her as he climbed aboard. Setting down his belongings, he smiled a bit as he helped get them under way.
Artemus Allonan Kurgen
Headmaster of Arcanum Academy
Proprietor of Dark Wolf and Leopard Jewelers.
Headmaster of Arcanum Academy
Proprietor of Dark Wolf and Leopard Jewelers.
"For a wash," she said briskly. The cool waters had brightened her spirits significanly. It would take a full day to reach RhyDin and the blue sea was endless. "All right first mate, where's our course?" It was the ultimate knowledge, learning to tell direction without compass or map. You needed to observe the sky, the sea, and wind.
Watching him set course expertly she began skinning the fish. Soon enough it was midday and the sun had reached a burning point. The wind was dead, the sea was calm and they just sat there floating in the water.
Watching him set course expertly she began skinning the fish. Soon enough it was midday and the sun had reached a burning point. The wind was dead, the sea was calm and they just sat there floating in the water.
Anne Ellis Feren
-
Artemus Kurgen
- Seasoned Adventurer
- Posts: 477
- Joined: Mon Feb 21, 2005 7:52 pm
- Location: Elsewhere
With a grin he looked over the expanse of the sea and turned to look back at her " Wherever the wind may take us." With a laugh he unfurled the pulled up the ancor and unfurled the sail. Within moments they were off, returning to Rhydin.
Keeping an eye on the position of the sun, and the direction of the wind, he kept them on a bee-line course for Rhydin. As teh sun reached it's zenith, making the wind die down, he dropped the sail and looked at Anne "Should I start the motor, or wait on it for a time? "
Keeping an eye on the position of the sun, and the direction of the wind, he kept them on a bee-line course for Rhydin. As teh sun reached it's zenith, making the wind die down, he dropped the sail and looked at Anne "Should I start the motor, or wait on it for a time? "
Artemus Allonan Kurgen
Headmaster of Arcanum Academy
Proprietor of Dark Wolf and Leopard Jewelers.
Headmaster of Arcanum Academy
Proprietor of Dark Wolf and Leopard Jewelers.
She lay on her stomach feeling the smooth wood across her skin. "We'll wait it out for a while." In fact, she decided to take a nap and let Artemus handle the sailing for a while. A cool wind awoke her an hour later and she sat up leaning on the mast. Taking a look around a small frown crossed her face. "There will be a storm an hour before sunset." She recognized the clouds building up and the way the sea life was acting. The pressure changes were all she needed to conclude.
It didn't take long for the taste of a storm to come in. The wind picked up and the waves were larger. Hopefully they'd be docking and weighing anchor before it hit. RhyDin wasn't far off in the horizon, and the adventure was coming to a close.
It didn't take long for the taste of a storm to come in. The wind picked up and the waves were larger. Hopefully they'd be docking and weighing anchor before it hit. RhyDin wasn't far off in the horizon, and the adventure was coming to a close.
Anne Ellis Feren
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Azjah von Drachen Walde
- Expert Adventurer
- Posts: 1138
- Joined: Mon Apr 04, 2005 1:13 am
- Location: Palazzo Drachen Walde
- Contact:
Nat's family
The attorney sent one of the junior lawyers to find Anne. He waited to relay the events unfolding at the palazzo. He'd been told she'd set sail, and so he waited on the docks for the return of the woman he sought.
***Palazzo Drachen Walde***
The attorney arrived at 9:00 AM, and it had been another sleepless night for me. We sat in the Great Room to arrange my estate and affairs. I needed to see to Nat’s family, and made arrangements for the money to be given to Anne that she could see to it Nat’s wife accepted the only thing I could do for her, and her children. See to it they did not want for home, food, and education. I could not bring their father back, but I could make certain they had a good chance at life in his absence.
We’d made arrangements for the company management in my absence, and the board of directors would appoint a new CEO in the event that I failed to return. I have no family remaining, and it was here that exhaustion became most evident. Tears I’d never shed in public slipped from over tired eyes, and I laid out the details of my estate distribution.
The remainder of the day I spent alone.
That night, my last in the Palazzo as best I could figure, I spent the time alone in my rooms. Dyson had tried several times to provide companionship, but I do not wish to be with anyone for these last hours. They mean well, but I am facing death at best, torture before death at worst.
Tonight I would go to loading dock 7. I would be left there, in hand cuffs and leg shackles by Lucien and Eoin. They would drive away as 6:28 PM, leaving me to face Raavich and/or his minions, in exchange for setting Klinton free.
***The Dock****
A storm brewed offshore, and the young lawyer headed into the nearest restaurant, with a view to the harbor, and a glass of ale in hand, he waited.
***Palazzo Drachen Walde***
The attorney arrived at 9:00 AM, and it had been another sleepless night for me. We sat in the Great Room to arrange my estate and affairs. I needed to see to Nat’s family, and made arrangements for the money to be given to Anne that she could see to it Nat’s wife accepted the only thing I could do for her, and her children. See to it they did not want for home, food, and education. I could not bring their father back, but I could make certain they had a good chance at life in his absence.
We’d made arrangements for the company management in my absence, and the board of directors would appoint a new CEO in the event that I failed to return. I have no family remaining, and it was here that exhaustion became most evident. Tears I’d never shed in public slipped from over tired eyes, and I laid out the details of my estate distribution.
The remainder of the day I spent alone.
That night, my last in the Palazzo as best I could figure, I spent the time alone in my rooms. Dyson had tried several times to provide companionship, but I do not wish to be with anyone for these last hours. They mean well, but I am facing death at best, torture before death at worst.
Tonight I would go to loading dock 7. I would be left there, in hand cuffs and leg shackles by Lucien and Eoin. They would drive away as 6:28 PM, leaving me to face Raavich and/or his minions, in exchange for setting Klinton free.
***The Dock****
A storm brewed offshore, and the young lawyer headed into the nearest restaurant, with a view to the harbor, and a glass of ale in hand, he waited.
Azjah Telyria Danaan
Marchioness von Triberg
Baroness von Drachen Walde
Marchioness von Triberg
Baroness von Drachen Walde
Artemus and Anne made it to the docks just as the storm was breaking. She had enjoyed the trip. Deciding to go and get a bite to eat before visiting the Temple once more Anne headed to the nearest restaurant. She grabbed a drink at the bar. It didn't take long for her to be flagged down by a young gentleman. He handed her the check and explained that Klinton had been kidnapped in her absence. It was also explained that Azjah was leaving that night. It was made clear to Anne on what terms Azjah was departing.
Taking the check Anne told the lawyer he was free to leave. On the other hand, Anne was going to stay right where she was. Sitting at the restaurant Anne waited, she'd be there when they came to pick Azjah up.
When they arrived it took all of Anne's will power not to follow her and start causing a riot. However, she knew that even the slightest move might cost Azjahs life. Eoin came at 6:45 and Anne met up with him. There was no need to point out that Azjah was gone and Klinton had not arrived. She would be at the Palazzo the next day to continue her word.
Gosh she hoped Azjah was in one piece.
Taking the check Anne told the lawyer he was free to leave. On the other hand, Anne was going to stay right where she was. Sitting at the restaurant Anne waited, she'd be there when they came to pick Azjah up.
When they arrived it took all of Anne's will power not to follow her and start causing a riot. However, she knew that even the slightest move might cost Azjahs life. Eoin came at 6:45 and Anne met up with him. There was no need to point out that Azjah was gone and Klinton had not arrived. She would be at the Palazzo the next day to continue her word.
Gosh she hoped Azjah was in one piece.
Anne Ellis Feren
Anne had been busy working at the Palazzo. There was much more work on the supervisors now that Azjah had been...kidnapped? taken? sacrificed? She didn't know what to call it. Anne hadn't done much else since. Occasionally she'd take the schooner out, or the Death Mage. Otherwise her residence was at Suite 4.
Perhaps she had lulled herself into the false security that a trip would solve all her problems. Being a pirate she'd just moved from place to place. Problems didn't follow her but she left them behind. Now she was stuck with them. It wasn't as if Anne had never dealt with pressing issues or difficult situations before. It was that she had never had the specific situations she was facing now. These were problems such as a very good friend dead by her command. Anne had sent others to their deaths, but none so close as Nathaniel. Anne had dealt with cults before, but not like the Temple. There had also been times when her superiors were killed, but she moved on. As a pirate you learned to detach yourselves from the world.
Deciding to take a walk Anne walked around RhyDin. Subconsciously she headed to the arena. Entering she felt the low-rise jeans rest gently on her hips. The green camisole complimented her emerald eyes and red hair. Of course she went nowhere without her whip on one side of her waist and her pistol on the other. Taking in the arena she saw Artemus dueling in the rings. He offered her a wave and a wink. Rhaine also offered her a wave. Anne nodded to Artemus and waved in return to Rhaine.
She leaned casually against the doorframe. It was a relief just to enjoy the moment. After Artemus had finished the duel Anne debated going to sit with him. Finally coming to a conclusion she sat down at the bar and offered him a crooked smile. Anne unloaded on him a little bit, briefly telling him about her concerns with Azjah. She also told him about her tendency to move away from problems.
After chatting with him lightly Anne continued her walk. It was a nice evening, even when it began to rain she continued walking. She returned to her suite twenty after four, changed, and got ready for work.
Perhaps she had lulled herself into the false security that a trip would solve all her problems. Being a pirate she'd just moved from place to place. Problems didn't follow her but she left them behind. Now she was stuck with them. It wasn't as if Anne had never dealt with pressing issues or difficult situations before. It was that she had never had the specific situations she was facing now. These were problems such as a very good friend dead by her command. Anne had sent others to their deaths, but none so close as Nathaniel. Anne had dealt with cults before, but not like the Temple. There had also been times when her superiors were killed, but she moved on. As a pirate you learned to detach yourselves from the world.
Deciding to take a walk Anne walked around RhyDin. Subconsciously she headed to the arena. Entering she felt the low-rise jeans rest gently on her hips. The green camisole complimented her emerald eyes and red hair. Of course she went nowhere without her whip on one side of her waist and her pistol on the other. Taking in the arena she saw Artemus dueling in the rings. He offered her a wave and a wink. Rhaine also offered her a wave. Anne nodded to Artemus and waved in return to Rhaine.
She leaned casually against the doorframe. It was a relief just to enjoy the moment. After Artemus had finished the duel Anne debated going to sit with him. Finally coming to a conclusion she sat down at the bar and offered him a crooked smile. Anne unloaded on him a little bit, briefly telling him about her concerns with Azjah. She also told him about her tendency to move away from problems.
After chatting with him lightly Anne continued her walk. It was a nice evening, even when it began to rain she continued walking. She returned to her suite twenty after four, changed, and got ready for work.
Anne Ellis Feren
A Night Out
It seemed that her vacation with Artemus had caused her workload to double. Was it just Anne or could her crew not survive without an official signature on every document? Stretching Anne looked at her calendar. So the Warlord Tournament was in progress. Deciding to take a peak Anne headed out. Pulling on some green sweat pants and a black thick hoodie over her camisole Anne headed to the annex. Appearing in the doorway she leaned casually against the wall. Slowly letting her eyes sweep over the arena Anne spotted Artemus. He waved to her from a dark shadowed corner. Giving a slight wave Anne headed over to the table and slouched down in the large clothes.
”How have you been?”
“Dull”
“Perhaps you should come hunting with me … it is never dull.”
While Anne considered the option she looked over at Rhaine who was giving her a sly grin. “Have you tested that... key I have given you?”
Raising her eyebrows Anne thought about the space ship. “No actually. It seems while I was gone…” she offered a sideways glance to Artemus “my in box became as large as a closet.” The trio chatted lightly of Anne’s workload but when Artemus offered her a glass containing a mysterious strange liquid she couldn’t help but make light, sarcastic comment. “You want to carry a drunk woman up the stairs again?”
“I don’t' really mind.... will give me a reason to hold you again....”
His response caused her to raise her eyebrows curiously at him and drink from her own small hip flask. Apparently it surprised him as well as he coughed slightly to cover up his faux pas. The night proceeded slowly so Anne sat by Skyler for a while giving him some encouragement despite his gloomy mood. Apparently he hadn’t done too well in the tournament. Pulling him into a headlock she messed up his hair ordering him to cheer up and returned to her previous spot at Artemus’ table. At that point she noticed Artemus ordering a triple whisky. “Let’s make it clear that I will not be carrying you up the stairs.” He promptly informed her it was for Xeno. No matter the intentions it ended up that Artemus took the triple. Giving a contented sigh he smirked at Anne. Mumbling under her breath she checked the time and figured it was getting late.
She chatted a bit more and he just had to make a comment about her whining on him. ”But I'm so fully of cheesy remarks that your whining is a perfect compliment....” As she was about to leave he asked if it was necessary for him to carry her out again.
”No, not unless your volunteering for the sake of 'holding me again'.”
“I think I might be doing just that … “ His comment didn’t worry as much as the cocky smirk.
”How have you been?”
“Dull”
“Perhaps you should come hunting with me … it is never dull.”
While Anne considered the option she looked over at Rhaine who was giving her a sly grin. “Have you tested that... key I have given you?”
Raising her eyebrows Anne thought about the space ship. “No actually. It seems while I was gone…” she offered a sideways glance to Artemus “my in box became as large as a closet.” The trio chatted lightly of Anne’s workload but when Artemus offered her a glass containing a mysterious strange liquid she couldn’t help but make light, sarcastic comment. “You want to carry a drunk woman up the stairs again?”
“I don’t' really mind.... will give me a reason to hold you again....”
His response caused her to raise her eyebrows curiously at him and drink from her own small hip flask. Apparently it surprised him as well as he coughed slightly to cover up his faux pas. The night proceeded slowly so Anne sat by Skyler for a while giving him some encouragement despite his gloomy mood. Apparently he hadn’t done too well in the tournament. Pulling him into a headlock she messed up his hair ordering him to cheer up and returned to her previous spot at Artemus’ table. At that point she noticed Artemus ordering a triple whisky. “Let’s make it clear that I will not be carrying you up the stairs.” He promptly informed her it was for Xeno. No matter the intentions it ended up that Artemus took the triple. Giving a contented sigh he smirked at Anne. Mumbling under her breath she checked the time and figured it was getting late.
She chatted a bit more and he just had to make a comment about her whining on him. ”But I'm so fully of cheesy remarks that your whining is a perfect compliment....” As she was about to leave he asked if it was necessary for him to carry her out again.
”No, not unless your volunteering for the sake of 'holding me again'.”
“I think I might be doing just that … “ His comment didn’t worry as much as the cocky smirk.
Anne Ellis Feren
Disturbing News
The suite was littered with clothes left unwashed; the desk had stacks of paper, mostly untouched, and the answering machine light was flickering. A shadowed figure was sitting at the small fireplace, the flames the only source of light in the dark hours of midnight. On the coffee table lay a simple envelope. There was a stamp on the upper right corner, her address in the middle, a return address and a simple black seal. If someone took the care to take closer inspection, you could see a faint design in the wax. The design was that of Family Montargue.
Family Montargue was a very prominent figure in Anne's past. Originally Count Montargue and his wife had been mentors and her family. For four years Anne had lived with the Montargue's as her parents were commercial sailors. Even after she joined her parents in sailing around the world, Anne would still live with the Montargue’s during the better part of her school year. Count Montargue had two children, a girl four years older named Nadine and a son two years older called Donatien. Nadine was jealous of Anne’s close relationship with Donatien. When Anne left to go on the expedition to Yukon with her parents, Donatien felt abandoned and Nadine never forgave either of them. Many years later when Anne was fifteen and returned to visit France she created a diner with Donatien. Nadine tried to keep Donatien all to herself and spread hateful rumors about Anne. To get even, Anne humiliated her in public, revealed some hard-kept secrets involving Nadine's maidenhood, and then informed Donatien that she would no longer be part of his life if it invovled Nadine. Leaving without so much as a good-bye, Anne returned to her smuggling career.
This same girl was now twenty-five and looking hard into the flames. Her fingers slowly made there way to the letter, but withdrew quickly. Reminding herself that the past was not something to fear, Anne once again took the envelope and traced her fingers over the seal. Muttering reassurance she opened the envelope and withdrew a simple sheet of paper, the same Montargue crest on the top of the letterhead.
_______________________________________________________
Anne Ellis Xile
Suite 4, Palazzo von Drachen Walde
Madame Xile:
It is with great pleasure that I, Donatien Montargue, inform you that Esmé Dinner has reached a total revenue of 825,150,590 euros since it's starting date. As stated in the terms of agreement, you are awarded 825,151 euros as a reimbursement for your expenses, time, and effort. It is required of you (as stated in the TOA) to come to France and collect your money.
We (the management) hope that you will attend the celebration party and discuss the future of Esmé Dinner. If you have any questions or concerns please send us a letter via the return address or phone us at 1-288-153-Esmé (1-288-153-3763).
Sincerely,
Count Donatien Montargue
Count Donatien Montargue
_______________________________________________________
Turning the letter over Anne searched for anything out of place. So he was a Count now, his father must've died. It didn't surprise her that Donatien was writing with formal detachment. She had been cruel to him, and to Nadine. However, Anne suspected that the diner had not acquired that amount of revenue. In fact, she was sure of it. Her thoughts in the past, Anne tossed the letter into the fire.
Family Montargue was a very prominent figure in Anne's past. Originally Count Montargue and his wife had been mentors and her family. For four years Anne had lived with the Montargue's as her parents were commercial sailors. Even after she joined her parents in sailing around the world, Anne would still live with the Montargue’s during the better part of her school year. Count Montargue had two children, a girl four years older named Nadine and a son two years older called Donatien. Nadine was jealous of Anne’s close relationship with Donatien. When Anne left to go on the expedition to Yukon with her parents, Donatien felt abandoned and Nadine never forgave either of them. Many years later when Anne was fifteen and returned to visit France she created a diner with Donatien. Nadine tried to keep Donatien all to herself and spread hateful rumors about Anne. To get even, Anne humiliated her in public, revealed some hard-kept secrets involving Nadine's maidenhood, and then informed Donatien that she would no longer be part of his life if it invovled Nadine. Leaving without so much as a good-bye, Anne returned to her smuggling career.
This same girl was now twenty-five and looking hard into the flames. Her fingers slowly made there way to the letter, but withdrew quickly. Reminding herself that the past was not something to fear, Anne once again took the envelope and traced her fingers over the seal. Muttering reassurance she opened the envelope and withdrew a simple sheet of paper, the same Montargue crest on the top of the letterhead.
_______________________________________________________
Anne Ellis Xile
Suite 4, Palazzo von Drachen Walde
Madame Xile:
It is with great pleasure that I, Donatien Montargue, inform you that Esmé Dinner has reached a total revenue of 825,150,590 euros since it's starting date. As stated in the terms of agreement, you are awarded 825,151 euros as a reimbursement for your expenses, time, and effort. It is required of you (as stated in the TOA) to come to France and collect your money.
We (the management) hope that you will attend the celebration party and discuss the future of Esmé Dinner. If you have any questions or concerns please send us a letter via the return address or phone us at 1-288-153-Esmé (1-288-153-3763).
Sincerely,
Count Donatien Montargue
Count Donatien Montargue
_______________________________________________________
Turning the letter over Anne searched for anything out of place. So he was a Count now, his father must've died. It didn't surprise her that Donatien was writing with formal detachment. She had been cruel to him, and to Nadine. However, Anne suspected that the diner had not acquired that amount of revenue. In fact, she was sure of it. Her thoughts in the past, Anne tossed the letter into the fire.
Anne Ellis Feren
Message and Discussion
There had been three more letters in the past week. The second one she had read was requesting her immediate presence. The third one could almost have been considered a threat. And the last one she just threw into the fire without opening. It was becoming disturbing how informal the letters had turned and how uneasy her stomache was. It got to the point that Anne was so distracted she put her shirt on inside-out, her sweats on backwards, two different pairs of earrings on and left the house without even doing her hair.
Wandering the streets Anne's thoughts tumbled over one another like a tidal wave. She wandered the whole day through, hadn't even stopped in the Palazzo and ended up on the Isle. As she arrived Vincent left, and that saddened her slightly. He would've cleared things up, that's just how he was. Mumbling this thought to herself Anne found a spot of grass and sat down thinking.
“Hey.... get into a fight with your closet?” Artemus kneeled beside Anne and looked at her with a slight simile. “Care to tell me what happened?”
Looking at her dress apparel Anne realized how foolish she looked. “Now how did that happen...”
“So how have you been, captain?”
“That's a very good question.” Anne thought a moment. “I think preoccupied is the word.”
“Preoccupied?” Anne noticed that Rhaine was there and smiled inwardly. They began to have there own small little discussion with telepathy, all Rhaine's doing off course. However, Anne focused mainly on her verbal conversation.
“With what, may I ask?” Anne ignored the question and noticed that Artemus had remained kneeling. Mumbling to herself about not getting them involved she asked "Mr. Kurgen" to sit down. “Mr., Kurgen? When did you and I go back to a formal friend base?”
“Since five minutes ago?” She shrugged. “Uncle Artie sound better? Either way sit down.” Anne hadn’t meant for it to come across like she was pissed but obviously it did. Pulling Artemus into a headlock she sufficiently mussied up his hair, if not to make him look bad then to show him she was in good humor. All that got her was a tickle attack, and she is very ticklish, after surrendering he went for Rhaine and she gave him a tickling like none. Then Artemus went through a copycat phase, doing everything Anne did. She must’ve shown how thoughtful she was because soon enough Artemus poked her gently.
“What ya thinking bout?”
“The past. It's...” she paused looking at the sky like it would give her an answer. Finally she turned back to him. “Catching up. Rather hard.”
“ Well the only thing I know of the past...is you either replace the bad memories with good ones...or drink them away and wallow in regrets and promises never kept....”
“This isn't a memory. This is...something.... different.”
“Someone you used to know?”
“I can guess who…”
She was curious, how would he know about the Montargues, or Black Bird? “Who?”
”Well from the things you have told me...it is one of two people.... either Vincent ... or the friend you lost all those weeks ago...on that flight...”
“Not quite. It has to do with Nat... Yes...but it's far more...complicated. And it's a problem you will not be privy to know.”
”Friendship has its boundaries...but the more you keep your thoughts and pained emotions locked away...." He gave a heavy sigh as and looked away. "The more they eat at you...”
Then she made her mistake by revealing part of her problem. “I wouldn't want you two to get hurt by trying to protect me.”
”Who is would want to hurt you?”
“I've made a lot of enemies over the years Artemus, and I have a feeling that a few of them have...tracked me down.”
He smirked at her. “We all have enemies, Anne.... and I wouldn't be the friend I am if I let you face these on your own...not if it means you will run again...”
Rhaine and Anne had been conversing for a while mentally then Rhaine switched the conversation to verbal. “Years as a pirate?”
Standing up Anne looked from one to the other. “I promised myself I wouldn't drag either of you into this.”
“You would prefer someone keeping an eye on you without letting you know?”
“ Well.... then I guess.... I’ll just have to start following you....” He smirked at her. “Cuz there is no way in hell I'm going to let you fight this one on yer own...”
“You've a small army backing you up, captain Anne”
Anne gave them both a deathly cold stare. “Don't follow me. Don't watch me.”
The argument continued and Artemus proved to her that he’d always be watching through the animals. Anne begged them not too worry. “Whatever happens, I don't care what, promise me the not one of you will come looking for me.”
“I will come looking for your enemy. And in any case - I will have to make sure you are going there with the best weapons and shielding possible to find in this dratted world.”
“You tell me not to go after you...but if I hear word that you died…” Artemus looked real mad at this point. “I'll always think...maybe if I had gone after her...she'd be alive...” They both remained as stubborn as mules and Anne was feeling like she’d let herself and them down. Herself because she told them, and them because she was going off on her own. It was as complicated as a Chinese puzzle. Assuring them she’d come back alive, Anne left. It was her shipment and then she had to find a way back to France.
Wandering the streets Anne's thoughts tumbled over one another like a tidal wave. She wandered the whole day through, hadn't even stopped in the Palazzo and ended up on the Isle. As she arrived Vincent left, and that saddened her slightly. He would've cleared things up, that's just how he was. Mumbling this thought to herself Anne found a spot of grass and sat down thinking.
“Hey.... get into a fight with your closet?” Artemus kneeled beside Anne and looked at her with a slight simile. “Care to tell me what happened?”
Looking at her dress apparel Anne realized how foolish she looked. “Now how did that happen...”
“So how have you been, captain?”
“That's a very good question.” Anne thought a moment. “I think preoccupied is the word.”
“Preoccupied?” Anne noticed that Rhaine was there and smiled inwardly. They began to have there own small little discussion with telepathy, all Rhaine's doing off course. However, Anne focused mainly on her verbal conversation.
“With what, may I ask?” Anne ignored the question and noticed that Artemus had remained kneeling. Mumbling to herself about not getting them involved she asked "Mr. Kurgen" to sit down. “Mr., Kurgen? When did you and I go back to a formal friend base?”
“Since five minutes ago?” She shrugged. “Uncle Artie sound better? Either way sit down.” Anne hadn’t meant for it to come across like she was pissed but obviously it did. Pulling Artemus into a headlock she sufficiently mussied up his hair, if not to make him look bad then to show him she was in good humor. All that got her was a tickle attack, and she is very ticklish, after surrendering he went for Rhaine and she gave him a tickling like none. Then Artemus went through a copycat phase, doing everything Anne did. She must’ve shown how thoughtful she was because soon enough Artemus poked her gently.
“What ya thinking bout?”
“The past. It's...” she paused looking at the sky like it would give her an answer. Finally she turned back to him. “Catching up. Rather hard.”
“ Well the only thing I know of the past...is you either replace the bad memories with good ones...or drink them away and wallow in regrets and promises never kept....”
“This isn't a memory. This is...something.... different.”
“Someone you used to know?”
“I can guess who…”
She was curious, how would he know about the Montargues, or Black Bird? “Who?”
”Well from the things you have told me...it is one of two people.... either Vincent ... or the friend you lost all those weeks ago...on that flight...”
“Not quite. It has to do with Nat... Yes...but it's far more...complicated. And it's a problem you will not be privy to know.”
”Friendship has its boundaries...but the more you keep your thoughts and pained emotions locked away...." He gave a heavy sigh as and looked away. "The more they eat at you...”
Then she made her mistake by revealing part of her problem. “I wouldn't want you two to get hurt by trying to protect me.”
”Who is would want to hurt you?”
“I've made a lot of enemies over the years Artemus, and I have a feeling that a few of them have...tracked me down.”
He smirked at her. “We all have enemies, Anne.... and I wouldn't be the friend I am if I let you face these on your own...not if it means you will run again...”
Rhaine and Anne had been conversing for a while mentally then Rhaine switched the conversation to verbal. “Years as a pirate?”
Standing up Anne looked from one to the other. “I promised myself I wouldn't drag either of you into this.”
“You would prefer someone keeping an eye on you without letting you know?”
“ Well.... then I guess.... I’ll just have to start following you....” He smirked at her. “Cuz there is no way in hell I'm going to let you fight this one on yer own...”
“You've a small army backing you up, captain Anne”
Anne gave them both a deathly cold stare. “Don't follow me. Don't watch me.”
The argument continued and Artemus proved to her that he’d always be watching through the animals. Anne begged them not too worry. “Whatever happens, I don't care what, promise me the not one of you will come looking for me.”
“I will come looking for your enemy. And in any case - I will have to make sure you are going there with the best weapons and shielding possible to find in this dratted world.”
“You tell me not to go after you...but if I hear word that you died…” Artemus looked real mad at this point. “I'll always think...maybe if I had gone after her...she'd be alive...” They both remained as stubborn as mules and Anne was feeling like she’d let herself and them down. Herself because she told them, and them because she was going off on her own. It was as complicated as a Chinese puzzle. Assuring them she’d come back alive, Anne left. It was her shipment and then she had to find a way back to France.
Anne Ellis Feren
Donatien
A lone brigantine ship sailed the blue-green waters. It had two masts, one of which was square rigged. Both were dark purple, a yellow emblem emblazoned in the middle. This emblem was a lone olive twig in the center of a sun. It was the symbol of Count Donatien Montargue.
Below deck, at the belly of the ship, was a well-furnished room of reasonable comfort. On the lower bunk lay a young woman, twenty-five years of age, with striking red hair. Sitting beside her in a cushioned chair hammered to the ground, was a tall young man. A twenty-seven year old man was leaning back in the chair. His hair was jet-black that flipped out nicely at his shoulders. Considered a worthy prize by any woman he remained single, attending to the affairs of Willington. This man was Count Donatien Montargue.
Anne rolled around in the bunk bed, and awoke with a start hearing some thunder. Sitting up right she banged her head on the cot above her and winced. Her muscles tightened and she felt sore all over.
“You may want lie down.” The strong, silk voice made her eyes go wide. Letting her eyes slide to the corner of the room, Anne’s mouth dropped. Leaning on the doorframe was Donatien, his handsome blue eyes scanning her. “You’ve had a nasty attack, and we wouldn’t want you to be injured again.” His tone was consistent, steady, but without emotion.
Her brain slowly began to register the feeling of a sprained ankle, bruised arms and legs, and a severe headache. Resting her head on the pillow Anne muttered something to the effect of … crap. Straightening up Donatien made to leave. “There’s a slight storm right about now, it’ll probably last the night. However, you have no need to worry. If you need anything there’s a young serving girl two doors down to your right.”
Watching him leave shot a pain right through Anne’s heart. So he was still wasn’t going to forgive her. Neither would she really. She tried to fall asleep, she really did, but her thoughts ranged to the shipment that had been left to where they were headed to who attacked her. The next morning Anne awoke and the storm was still raging. Feeling somewhat better, Anne limped out of her room and up the stairs to the deck. The moment Donatien saw her fury was across his face. “Get below deck Miss. Xile.” The voice was harsh, reprimanding, and left no room for disobedience.
If you knew Anne, you would soon find out how she detests being bossed around. Standing up straight and placing as much weight on her ankle, as possible Anne looked Donatien in the eye. “Then I suggest you come with me and give me and explanation.”
Taking her rather roughly by the elbow Donatien led her back down the stairs and into her room. Realizing he was expected to stay, Donatien allowed himself sit in the chair. After he was comfortable Anne sat down on the bed. “You really shouldn’t walk on your ankle.” Donatien's voice was back to emotionless.
“Donatien, I realize that we left on harsh terms but I demand to know why I am here, where I am going and who attacked me.”
With a slight frown Donatien tried to relax. “You were always good at making demands. All right, I will reveal to you as much as is appropriate. You are here because the Esmé Dinner has reached total revenue of 825,150,590 euros since it's starting date. According to the terms of agreement you are obligated to return to France. As well, we rescued you. I was told by a very reliable source that you were in danger, and I sought to have you protected. I couldn’t let one of our founders be incapacitated now could I? Unfortunately, my sources were unable to inform me of the perpetrator of such events.”
Perpetrator? Incapacitated? Return to France? Since when did Donatien talk to Anne with such formality, and with such vocabulary? Raising her eyebrows Anne moved on. “All right, but I’m going back to RhyDin as soon as possible. I don’t care what happens to the Diner because obviously you’ve done well. And let me make it clear, I will not deal with someone who thinks I am dirt.”
“Dirt? Miss, I never suggested that you were dirt.”
“Oh come on Donatien, since when did you call me Miss? Or even mention my last name? I know that you hold a grudge against me because you won’t even look at me and smile.”
His frown deepened and Donatien stood up. “If you’ll excuse me, I have a crew to supervise.”
Below deck, at the belly of the ship, was a well-furnished room of reasonable comfort. On the lower bunk lay a young woman, twenty-five years of age, with striking red hair. Sitting beside her in a cushioned chair hammered to the ground, was a tall young man. A twenty-seven year old man was leaning back in the chair. His hair was jet-black that flipped out nicely at his shoulders. Considered a worthy prize by any woman he remained single, attending to the affairs of Willington. This man was Count Donatien Montargue.
Anne rolled around in the bunk bed, and awoke with a start hearing some thunder. Sitting up right she banged her head on the cot above her and winced. Her muscles tightened and she felt sore all over.
“You may want lie down.” The strong, silk voice made her eyes go wide. Letting her eyes slide to the corner of the room, Anne’s mouth dropped. Leaning on the doorframe was Donatien, his handsome blue eyes scanning her. “You’ve had a nasty attack, and we wouldn’t want you to be injured again.” His tone was consistent, steady, but without emotion.
Her brain slowly began to register the feeling of a sprained ankle, bruised arms and legs, and a severe headache. Resting her head on the pillow Anne muttered something to the effect of … crap. Straightening up Donatien made to leave. “There’s a slight storm right about now, it’ll probably last the night. However, you have no need to worry. If you need anything there’s a young serving girl two doors down to your right.”
Watching him leave shot a pain right through Anne’s heart. So he was still wasn’t going to forgive her. Neither would she really. She tried to fall asleep, she really did, but her thoughts ranged to the shipment that had been left to where they were headed to who attacked her. The next morning Anne awoke and the storm was still raging. Feeling somewhat better, Anne limped out of her room and up the stairs to the deck. The moment Donatien saw her fury was across his face. “Get below deck Miss. Xile.” The voice was harsh, reprimanding, and left no room for disobedience.
If you knew Anne, you would soon find out how she detests being bossed around. Standing up straight and placing as much weight on her ankle, as possible Anne looked Donatien in the eye. “Then I suggest you come with me and give me and explanation.”
Taking her rather roughly by the elbow Donatien led her back down the stairs and into her room. Realizing he was expected to stay, Donatien allowed himself sit in the chair. After he was comfortable Anne sat down on the bed. “You really shouldn’t walk on your ankle.” Donatien's voice was back to emotionless.
“Donatien, I realize that we left on harsh terms but I demand to know why I am here, where I am going and who attacked me.”
With a slight frown Donatien tried to relax. “You were always good at making demands. All right, I will reveal to you as much as is appropriate. You are here because the Esmé Dinner has reached total revenue of 825,150,590 euros since it's starting date. According to the terms of agreement you are obligated to return to France. As well, we rescued you. I was told by a very reliable source that you were in danger, and I sought to have you protected. I couldn’t let one of our founders be incapacitated now could I? Unfortunately, my sources were unable to inform me of the perpetrator of such events.”
Perpetrator? Incapacitated? Return to France? Since when did Donatien talk to Anne with such formality, and with such vocabulary? Raising her eyebrows Anne moved on. “All right, but I’m going back to RhyDin as soon as possible. I don’t care what happens to the Diner because obviously you’ve done well. And let me make it clear, I will not deal with someone who thinks I am dirt.”
“Dirt? Miss, I never suggested that you were dirt.”
“Oh come on Donatien, since when did you call me Miss? Or even mention my last name? I know that you hold a grudge against me because you won’t even look at me and smile.”
His frown deepened and Donatien stood up. “If you’ll excuse me, I have a crew to supervise.”
Anne Ellis Feren
Doctor Brad
The storm did last the night, and the day, and the next night. Anne could almost walk on her ankle and so took to exploring the ship. It was a decent size, with a crew of about twenty-two, including Caia the serving girl and Captain Donatien. They didn’t speak much to her, except the Doctor.
“Pass me that triangular bandage Anne.” She grabbed the bandage, a few drugs for the pain and gave them Brad. Sitting back down on her chair Anne observed his work. The helmsman had been knocked over in the storm and probably fractured his arm. Capable crew had slipped down to thirteen people. “I don’t know what Donatien is thinking, soon enough we won’t have the people to get us back to France.”
“I don’t see why I can’t help. No offence doc, but I’ve got more potential up there then down here.”
“You told me yourself you’ve had medical experience, and the last thing we need is another injury. You’re more use helping me then getting killed. Besides, you’re ankle i…” The door to the doctors’ room swung open and Anne looked up to see someone being carried through. Whoever it was had their head down. Anne saw them grabbing at their chest which was bleeding profusely. “Anne, take care of Clinton.”
Finishing up with Clinton, Anne watched as they lay the man down. Brad and two other men blocked her view; Anne stood up and walked over to get a look. Her eyes grew wide as she saw Donatien lying there. “Anne, I need a … ” the doctor trailed off on a list of materials. Almost robotically Anne gathered the materials. The two other men held Donatien still. Through husky conversation and muffled curses from Donatien she made out what had happened. A sail had been broken in two because of the storm. A man was going to be caught under, but Donatien dived and pushed him out of the way. The beam missed him by inches but sharp pieces that had broken off had drove through his chest. Twelve minutes later, the doctor was operating.
---
Anne had done all she could to help the doctor. Now it was time to help the crew. Climbing up to the top, Anne promised herself she’d just yell at people. As soon as she hit deck, the severity of the storm hit her. The sail had broken because of lightning and several men were trying to put out the fire. A balding man, slightly shorter but stockier then Donatien, came up to Anne. “Don’t stand their gawping, get back to work!” Curious. He obviously had mistaken her for someone else. Shrugging it off her resolution, Anne went to work.
It took them an hour, but finally the fire was put out and the storm had disappeared. While in the process of examining her ankle, a knock came one the door. “Come in.”
A timid girl, no older then twelve, came into the room. “Miss, Doctor Bradley would like you to go see him.”
Nodding Anne followed the girl into the doctors’ office. Donatien was lying on the bed sleeping, bandages wrapped all around his chest. The doctor was reading pleasantly in his chair. “You did a fine job Anne. Though I hear Hayden made you work. I’m surprised you got around on deck with your busted ankle.” He didn’t even look up from his book.
“Thanks Brad.” Taking a seat beside him she peered over at his book. It was called The Masters Command. “Good book isn’t it?”
Closing the novel Brad looked at her with a slight smile. “It is.” Brad looked over to Donatien and back at her. “He say’s to thank you.”
“I don’t want gratitude, I want respect.”
“You’ve earned both.” Brad stood up with a sigh and began walking around the room. He opened his mouth to say something but then closed it again.
She stood up and started to walk out. “Tell me when wakes up.”
“Pass me that triangular bandage Anne.” She grabbed the bandage, a few drugs for the pain and gave them Brad. Sitting back down on her chair Anne observed his work. The helmsman had been knocked over in the storm and probably fractured his arm. Capable crew had slipped down to thirteen people. “I don’t know what Donatien is thinking, soon enough we won’t have the people to get us back to France.”
“I don’t see why I can’t help. No offence doc, but I’ve got more potential up there then down here.”
“You told me yourself you’ve had medical experience, and the last thing we need is another injury. You’re more use helping me then getting killed. Besides, you’re ankle i…” The door to the doctors’ room swung open and Anne looked up to see someone being carried through. Whoever it was had their head down. Anne saw them grabbing at their chest which was bleeding profusely. “Anne, take care of Clinton.”
Finishing up with Clinton, Anne watched as they lay the man down. Brad and two other men blocked her view; Anne stood up and walked over to get a look. Her eyes grew wide as she saw Donatien lying there. “Anne, I need a … ” the doctor trailed off on a list of materials. Almost robotically Anne gathered the materials. The two other men held Donatien still. Through husky conversation and muffled curses from Donatien she made out what had happened. A sail had been broken in two because of the storm. A man was going to be caught under, but Donatien dived and pushed him out of the way. The beam missed him by inches but sharp pieces that had broken off had drove through his chest. Twelve minutes later, the doctor was operating.
---
Anne had done all she could to help the doctor. Now it was time to help the crew. Climbing up to the top, Anne promised herself she’d just yell at people. As soon as she hit deck, the severity of the storm hit her. The sail had broken because of lightning and several men were trying to put out the fire. A balding man, slightly shorter but stockier then Donatien, came up to Anne. “Don’t stand their gawping, get back to work!” Curious. He obviously had mistaken her for someone else. Shrugging it off her resolution, Anne went to work.
It took them an hour, but finally the fire was put out and the storm had disappeared. While in the process of examining her ankle, a knock came one the door. “Come in.”
A timid girl, no older then twelve, came into the room. “Miss, Doctor Bradley would like you to go see him.”
Nodding Anne followed the girl into the doctors’ office. Donatien was lying on the bed sleeping, bandages wrapped all around his chest. The doctor was reading pleasantly in his chair. “You did a fine job Anne. Though I hear Hayden made you work. I’m surprised you got around on deck with your busted ankle.” He didn’t even look up from his book.
“Thanks Brad.” Taking a seat beside him she peered over at his book. It was called The Masters Command. “Good book isn’t it?”
Closing the novel Brad looked at her with a slight smile. “It is.” Brad looked over to Donatien and back at her. “He say’s to thank you.”
“I don’t want gratitude, I want respect.”
“You’ve earned both.” Brad stood up with a sigh and began walking around the room. He opened his mouth to say something but then closed it again.
She stood up and started to walk out. “Tell me when wakes up.”
Anne Ellis Feren
They had spent numerous weeks on dead sea. After the storm, not a breath of wind had given them hope. Some sailors were ready to jump into the ocean and swim home. Anne had talked to Donatien when he woke up and they were now on amiable terms.
"The crew is going to die of boredom." Once again, she was complaining to Brad. He only laughed in response. "I'm serious, this place needs music at the very least."
"Well, Donatien can play guitar and you can sing. Don't see why you two couldn't do a duet."
"Because Donatien isn't about to let his guard down for a moment."
Despite Donatien's resistance to a party, Anne planned some entertainment. She employed a trio of men to provide the music, Caia and herself would gather some refreshments, and even Brad pitched in. A cruise ship couldn't have done a better job then Caia, Brad and Anne. It was particularly amusing to watch Brad teach Caia how to dance. Donatien frowned slightly when he saw the men and woman on the ship dancing, but he didn't do a thing to stop it.
"Come on Cap'n, its just a little dance!" The crew would call at him and even Brad dragged him into performing a guitar solo. After the solo Brad sat down and laughed along with his first mate.
Anne's ankle was still disagreeing with her, so she resigned herself to serving drinks. Caia waited on people but it soon became apparent how tired she was. "Caia, go ahead and take a break. You can go down to my bunk if you want." Smiling appreciatively Caia left the dance.
"You just sent away my dancing partner." Brads comment made Anne grin.
"Sorry, you wore her out."
"Well then you won't mind stepping in place?"
"What about my ankle, aren't you afraid it'll break on me?"
"It's been long enough, time to test it." Brad was a very capable dancer, and Anne soon found herself out of breath. He led her casually to a place away from the noise. His smile had disappeared. "Anne, I feel it is my duty to "
"Inform you that the Captain would like a word with you." Donatien and Brad had a staring contest for a while. It was apparent who won. Anne was led away by Donatien. "The winds picked up. We will arrive in France within a few days. I shall escort you to the Montargue mansion where you will discuss the future of the diner."
Anne was left to her own thoughts the rest of the night.
"The crew is going to die of boredom." Once again, she was complaining to Brad. He only laughed in response. "I'm serious, this place needs music at the very least."
"Well, Donatien can play guitar and you can sing. Don't see why you two couldn't do a duet."
"Because Donatien isn't about to let his guard down for a moment."
Despite Donatien's resistance to a party, Anne planned some entertainment. She employed a trio of men to provide the music, Caia and herself would gather some refreshments, and even Brad pitched in. A cruise ship couldn't have done a better job then Caia, Brad and Anne. It was particularly amusing to watch Brad teach Caia how to dance. Donatien frowned slightly when he saw the men and woman on the ship dancing, but he didn't do a thing to stop it.
"Come on Cap'n, its just a little dance!" The crew would call at him and even Brad dragged him into performing a guitar solo. After the solo Brad sat down and laughed along with his first mate.
Anne's ankle was still disagreeing with her, so she resigned herself to serving drinks. Caia waited on people but it soon became apparent how tired she was. "Caia, go ahead and take a break. You can go down to my bunk if you want." Smiling appreciatively Caia left the dance.
"You just sent away my dancing partner." Brads comment made Anne grin.
"Sorry, you wore her out."
"Well then you won't mind stepping in place?"
"What about my ankle, aren't you afraid it'll break on me?"
"It's been long enough, time to test it." Brad was a very capable dancer, and Anne soon found herself out of breath. He led her casually to a place away from the noise. His smile had disappeared. "Anne, I feel it is my duty to "
"Inform you that the Captain would like a word with you." Donatien and Brad had a staring contest for a while. It was apparent who won. Anne was led away by Donatien. "The winds picked up. We will arrive in France within a few days. I shall escort you to the Montargue mansion where you will discuss the future of the diner."
Anne was left to her own thoughts the rest of the night.
Anne Ellis Feren
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