Amarantha followed the ship as it began again on its voyage. Maybe she would later get up the courage to let the first mate see her. She fell bad dodging out of sight everytime he looked her way but she just couldn't stand to have her hope crushed yet again.

Draven raised an eyebrow at the irrate captain. I came to see if I could lend a hand, he said, hoping the cover didn't come out shallow. But you obviously think yourself to good for my help. He turned and started back down into the ship. He would rather stay close to the captain until he better knew what this treasure was that they were after. Besides, he would probably have a better chance of getting some staying close to her.

Jessie scampered down the trail, heading towards the first trap. Any minute, they would be walking towards the almost invisible trailhead. There, she would begin her attacks, when they would have to clamber over a log, duck under some branches and squeeze between a thorny bush and a large tree. They would be making enough noise, that her bold attack would go completely unnoticed. By the time that crew member's absence would be noticed, the pirates would chalk it up to him getting lost in the dense, dark forest.

She settled in, angled towards the mouth of the trail and waited. Jessie was invisible here. To her left was a large boulder, where she was leaned against, crouched low to the ground. To her right, a large tree that cast a massive, pitch black shadow over the boulder. In front of her, a bush that gave her a view of the trail, but kept her completely hidden from view.

She remembered testing this location out with Father Blake. He had stood at the trailhead, looking directly at her, squinting slightly. "I don't see you." She shifted, testing to see if the movement would catch his eye. "Now?" He squinted harder, shaking his head. "Still no." Jessie smiled triumphantly and stepped from the shadows. "This will be perfect. The next attack is about a hundred or so yards up the trail. I'll make my initial attack here. Try to stall at the place where the carvings are on that tree. Make something up about it, that way I'll have time to run ahead. The last person to step on the net up ahead will be hoisted about thirty feet into the air. When I cut the weight rope, I'll hit them with another of my darts. They won't even have time to scream."

Coming back to reality, Jessie smiled. This may just work after all. Her traps were well hidden and she made sure Father Blake had every one memorized. There were enough that they would cut down the number of pirates dramatically, and Jessie would only have a few to deal with at the monastery. By the time those left on the ship figured out they weren't coming back, Jessie would have hopefully dispatched the first wave and have time to prepare the second. She settled in, mentally counting down. Any minute now.

Scarlett continued to glare at Draven, considering whether or not he was actually sincere with his willingness to help. “I didn’t think pickpockets cared about others wellbeing,” she replied icily after she spotted the bulge at his belt in the shape of Crewman Morton’s small musket. She held her hand out, her expression strongly suggesting he give it over without a fuss. I'll have him thrown below for this! she thought with anger, but she calmed herself inwardly. Even though she didn't tolerate stealing, something told her that this thief could be useful.

The blue-haired priest led the way towards the trail, his eyes spoke that he had a headache. Sassy figured it served him right. She ran a tight-knit group and didn't tolerate delays. Now, as he paused and looked back at them. She turned at looked at her 9 crew members still with her. They were fresh and ready for the day. She looked back at him and suggested, "Lead on oh holy one. Maybe I'll make a donation in your charity fund." With that she shoved him forward roughly and followed into the forest. The trail was not as bad as she feared, but obviously wasn't used much.

Seriena began to follow with worry, and then looked to Aqua. Grabbing the dragon's horn, they flew through the water. But they stopped coming to the cove, and saw something she hadn't seen in years. A water sprite. The poor girl was hanging half in the water, looking sick and weak. Worried, the instinctive thoughts ran through the mermaid. Moving she gathered the plants needed, and soon had a paste in her little shell. Coming close to the girl, she put the paste on her forehead and lips. Taking her side pouch she grabbed her healing and rejuvenation potion and put two drops in her mouth. Backing up and ready to bolt, she watched in hope that the sprite would wake.

Feeling some semblence of refreshing energy seeping into her skin, Aqua began to become aware of the water current flowing around and throw her. Her face felt the cool sea breeze, gentle like her heart beat. The rest of her was water, or in water. She couldn't tell the difference. She just knew she was so tired. However she couldn't remember why. Nightmares threatened to approach her, but she held them off. She didn't need to fear them, but no memory of why that was existed either. It just was. Just like the cool waves lapping around her.

More refreshing energy seeped into her. More ability to think came with it. She started to think beyond what things felt like around her. She was a water sprite. That explained why she felt like half water, she was at the moment. Willing herself to take on her form, she felt her legs materialize and arms solidify. The dress was impossible. It would remain half water for now. She slowly opened her eyes, the blue sky above bright in comparison to the darkness of where she had been. Taking a slightly deeper breathe, she finally woke up completely aware of who she was and what her past had been. It caused a groan to escape her. If bliss required using her powers to near death, then it was almost worth it.

Draven looked at the tough, icy captain before him. He was really going to have to watch himself around this chic. Its in my best interest for this ship to survive since I am on it, Draven replied. He touched the gun, knowing she wanted it back. I like to be able to protect myself, besides I didn't figure the dead guy still needed it.

Amarantha stayed close to the ship, curious as to there mission. She tried to keep herself and Areaus out of sight for now. She would watch them for awhile and see what was up. Besides, it wasn't as if she had anywhere else to go or anyone to miss her.

Hearing soft movement Seriena was shocked seeing the limbs come back onto the sprite. Looking over the woman as the herbs and potion worked she was struggling to summon up the courage to speak. "Umm... Are you alright miss?" she asked softly. Aqua brushed up against her reassuringly. Brushing her log purple hair from her face, she wanted to bolt, but she couldn't do that when someone wasn't feeling good. She wasnt that kind of person. Or well... Mermaid.

Aqua struggled to stay focused. She was so darn tired. Looking over beside her, she saw a mermaid floating in the water beside her. That must be the reason why she wasn't still in the land of darkness. Pulling a tired grin, she nodded, "Yeah. I have you to thank don't I?" She wouldn't be moving anywhere for awhile. Still, it was nice to see another of the water. It had been years. Since her captain was a pirate, water creatures tended to steer clear. She hadn't gone on land to search for others of her kind. So this was a special treat and she treasured it. Using a little of this refreshing energy she now had, she weakly lifted a hand to the mermaid's face and pushed some of the gorgeous long purple hair back. "Stay with me..." she breathed with kind eyes. She didn't want to be alone.

With lightning speed, Scarlett dropped to her haunches and spun, kicking the thief's feet out from under him, He landed with a thud on the hard deck. Before he could react she pinned him solidly and slipped the musket out of his belt. Holding it under his chin, a slight smile formed on her lips. "I don't allow those I don't trust with a weapon," she purred. "You don't have to worry about this ship surviving. Only worry about yourself if you ever steal from myself or one of my crew. Understand?"

O'Dell, seeing the commotion, ran up to Scarlett's side. Knowing that she had the situation under control, he just stood still and enjoyed the look on the young man's face. He has much to learn during this voyage, he thought with an inward grin.

Draven lay on the deck, shocked at what had just happened. No girl had EVER gotten the best of him. I'll remember that when you are held at gun point by some thug, he snarled, angry that she had gotten the best of him and continued to resist his efforts.

Scarlett laughed outloud, throwing the musket to Morton. She jumped up with Draven in hand, shoving him toward two brawny crewmen. "Lock him below. Let's see if looking at rusty bars improves his mood." Those around snickered as the men led the thief away by the arms, his feet not even touching the ground. Turning to O'Dell and seeing the grin in his eyes, smiled. "Brazen, isn't he? No matter, we have other concerns. Let's go to my cabin and determine our strategy." She paused, feeling the salty breeze on her face and looking up to the morning sky. "Something tells me this will be a trying day."

Draven kicked himself for getting mad and surly with her. That would never win her over and get her to give him some freedom. He grinned at the guys throwing them into the brig. Come on guys, lighten up. I'm not the threat here. The men didn't even pay him any mind. They just threw him behind bars and left.

Seriena was happy to hear the sprite speak, and a soft smile came to her face. "It's nothing, I always help those in need." she said humbly and nodded her head. Coming a bit closer to the beautiful woman she watched as her hand lifted, and was surprised as it brushed her hair from her face and tucked it lightly behind her dad. Blushing gently, the mermaid smiled softly and nodded. "I would never leave you alone while healing." she said reassuringly and her friend lifted her dragon head from the water. "Oh, I forgot. I am Seriena, and this is Aquafina, aqua for short." the mermaid said lightly and then reached out, spreading the herb mixture more properly to draw out all bad intoxicants from the spruces body as the potion she swallowed would draw in all good nutrients and energy. It was a slow process at first, but it was effective. Though, curiosity got the best of her again. "You are not a prisoner of this ship are you?" she asked softly, praying the poor thing wasn't. It would break her heart to see such a majestic sea dweller captive to selfish humans.

Lúthien had heard the commotion with her hypersensitive hearing and frowned. Looking to Shanniel, her friend was gone in a streak of furr. Traveling through the ship strealthily, the fox came to Stand infront of the cell. Looking the make over, she shook her head and then raced back up to her dear friend. After adding more flames, the fire elf followed her friend down to the cell, and stood infront of it. Looking the male over, she frowned. "Who are you? And why must you give the captin a hard time?" she asked. No malace in her voice, no anger, just simple questions. She held though with her, some bread that she knew he would probably want. Seeming as he probably didn't get much to eat since be was a stow away.

Jessie stiffened as Father Blake passed her. His face was bruised and he was staggering. Rage filled her, bittersweet and hot in her veins. She desperately wanted to get her hands on the person who caused it. At the sight of a woman pointing a gun at the back of Father Blake's head, Jessie almost leaped from her hiding spot and ended it right there, but held back. She couldn't risk blowing this attack on a knee jerk emotional reaction. Father Blake could handle himself, Jessie would avenge him soon enough.

She waited for the rest of the group to pass, breathing evenly, calming herself. Including the captain, she counted nine in all. They had six traps on the trail, so the last three she would have to deal with by hand. No problem, Jessie was a phenomenal fighter. When she was fourteen, two men leaving a pub decided she would be the perfect mugging victim, because of her small size. They cornered her in an alley and gave her an ultimatum. Either hand over her coin purse quietly, or they would beat it from her. So Jessie opted for the latter, surprising them. The first one rushed her and never saw it coming. At the last minute, Jessie kicked him in the side of the head, knocking him out and landing face first, skidding to a halt at her feet. The second one took his time, testing for weaknesses. They traded blows for a while, until he tried to pull a knife. She knocked it from his hand, took her own blade and buried it in his chest. To avoid facing the authorities, she replaced her blade with his and smeared blood on his friend's hand before disappearing.

Jessie was startled from her reverie by the sudden sight of a tenth crew member. Somehow, he had hung back for some reason. Jessie scraped her boot along the ground, drawing his attention. His head whipped around and squinted into the darkness. Just like Jessie had figured, he stepped closer. She drew out her blowgun, dart between her teeth, and scraped her boot again. He stepped closer again, confusion written on his face. Just as he opened his mouth to call out, the dart buried itself in his neck. He gasped, hands flying to the tiny wound. He pulled the dart out, a strange gurgling sound escaping his lips. Jessie materialized in front of him, surprising him. As he started to fall, she grasped him under the arms and drug him behind the brush and deposited him in the small grave she had dug earlier. His body was already stiffening, a side effect of the poison. As the minutes wore on, more of his muscles would seize, until his entire body was immobile. The last muscle attacked would be his heart. After that, he would die. Because the poison was directly in his blood stream, there would be no way for a cure to reach his heart before it stopped beating.

Jessie buried him quickly, ignoring the small twitches and jerks his body was making. By the time the dirt was covering him, he was still, well on his way to death, as his heart would probably be stuttering and failing at this time. She gave the small mound of dirt one last glance before making her way to the next trap. While she ran, she whistled three times, imitating one of the native birds in the forest. She was letting Father Blake know that her first assassination was complete and she was moving to the next location.

Sassy looked up at Father Blake. He had stopped and was admiring a tree with marks. "Get a move on monk." He simply nodded and replied, "Patience. While you are here, I thought you would like to know more about these. They were carved here long ago and there is a story about them that might interest you. A long time ago there was a servant girl killed in these words her master. It is said that those who walk these paths with intentions of harm will either vanish or come to an untimely death..." A gunshot sounded into the air. Sassy looked coldly at the priest as he dropped to his knees, his hand clamped on the bullet would in his shoulder. He gasped for air and looked at her cautiously. She looked him directly in the eyes and said with a deadly hiss, "You are stalling. Stop these games and lead on or you will find both shoulders on fire." He grunted as he got to his feet, his face pale and strained. She narrowed her eyes at him. There was no time for this foolishness. Men could try to play her, but she refused to be manipulated or hurt by them ever again. One of her men stepped up and shoved him forward. He stumbled on, leading them once again down the path.

Back at Sassy's ship, Destiny sat in the crow's nest. She had heard the gunshot and was starting to get a nagging feeling of suspicion. Looking down at the second mate Sassy had sent back, she noted him and his guard standing watch on the pier. Looking back at the town, she stopped watching the beach and trailhead. Instead, she turned her gaze towards the town. Something wasn't right. As she looked, she realized why she had been unhappy about this who situation. There was what appeared to be a path leading out of town up towards what looked like the roof of a monastery high on the slopes. She couldn't tell that that was where the path went, but it was pretty darn close. She narrowed her eyes and swung down to the deck. Perhaps a word with the second mate would be enlightening. She was certain she could leave if he couldn't. She had seen Aqua come to and that she had a friend who could help her more readily than any human.

Aqua laughed lightly at the introduction. "Nice to meet you and Aqua. My name is also Aqua. I promise I am no captive. This ship is my sanctuary. I was hurt badly by some pirates a long time ago. My captain rescued me and invited me onto her ship. Lately she has been seeking something powerful and I offered to speed us here. I overextended myself and am as you see me." She looked with hungry eyes at the mermaid. Another companion of the water. Did the mermaid understand just how deeply she wanted her company? Her first loyalty would always be to Sassy. However, surely there was room for a part of her to be friends with her tailed friends who even now were caring for her. She wanted desperately to sit up and gracefully play hostess, but her very body rebelled against her by remaining limp. It was frustrating that now, when she finally found one interested in her instead of the pirate band she was a member of, she couldn't even go through the proper etiquette all sprites prided themselves on.

Surprised, Seriena laughed lightly. "Oh it is such a beautiful name I have two friend's names Aqua! How wonderful!" she said cheerfully and then looked at her new friend. "I am sad that you had to over exert yourself to such lengths, to me, that is not right. Ones health should come before treasure." she said softly and then got an idea. "Are you hungry?" she asked curiously. "I know a fruit that gives me much energy. I have one if you would like to try it." she said lightly and pulled her bag up and out of the water, reaching inside and searching for what she was looking for. Pulling out a carefully folded bundle of leaves, she looked at her new friend. "I think it would be wise if you tried some, it has a good way of working in water people's systems."

Curiosity filled her eyes as Aqua responded, "I'm willing to give it a try. What does it taste like?" Aqua found herself easily trusting this mermaid. That was perhaps her greatest weakness. She trusted to easily. That was one reason Sassy had invited her to join her and kept her on the ship all the time. Sassy knew that with such a disposition, Aqua would be hurt to the point of becoming like the captain. Aqua understood the reasoning. She didn't feel sorry for her own character. It was who she was and meeting mermaids and their companions like Seriena made it worth it.

Jessie froze when she heard the gunshot. Father Blake didn't carry guns. She redoubled her speed and found Father Blake alive, but the captain had shot him in the shoulder. Jessie gritted her teeth, her efforts not to strangle the captain then and there making her sweat. Oh, how she couldn't wait to teach that vile woman a lesson. Seeing Father Blake relatively unharmed, she continued on to the next trap, determined to stay on time. She stopped next to the weight rope and stowed the dart from her first victim a leather case. When she ran out of darts, she would recycle the ones she could salvage until she could afford more, or to make new ones. She squatted near the rope, a fresh dart between her teeth, blow gun in one hand and dagger in the other. Jessie was waiting, like a spider in her web, for her next prey.

Unfolding the leaves and revealed the red and blue fruit. "It tastes like strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries." she said lightly and came closer, offering her the fruit. Seriena smiled and and then picked up a piece and holding it out. "It's sweeter then honey but more refreshing then honey." she said lightly with a smile.

Aqua's hand trembled as she reached for this interesting fruit. It was so colorful to her and the smell that wafted on the breeze to her nose was sweet one. Taking it and looking it over for a second, she slowly put it into her mouth. Flavors poured like a spring in swirls over her tongue. The sweet soothing taste made her life suddenly seem to bright and beautiful. Aqua turned to Seriena and sat up a little, her dress finally finished materializing. "I don't know what that fruit is, but it truly was grown in heaven," she said in a voice that was a bit stronger. "Where did you get it? I've not seen it in any of the places I have lived."

Worry flashed through Seriena when the Sprite reached for the fruit in her hands. She then watched as the fruit was eaten, and Aqua became more vibrant and alive. Her energy was returning swiftly, which brought a relieved smile to the mermaid's gentle features. Hearing the words of her new and beautiful friend, Seriena nodded in agreement. "Well the only place that has them is my island. It was populated once, but the humans left it. It's too small to have many live on it." she explained happily and then smiled wider. "Eat another piece, your energy will return faster." the mermaid insisted lightly and her dragon friend nudged her happily. "Aquafina loves the fruit too. Its her favorite."

Draven looked the elf up and down. What's it matter to you? He asked. He wasn't about to justify his actions to this stranger, especially since he didn't really understand himself. Then an idea hit him and he turned on the charm. Why don't you let me out of here and I'll tell you anything you want to know. He gave her a cocky flirting smile, pouring on the charm.

Sassy followed the holy man along the path. They kept going for a few humid moments through the thick brush. When the trail cleared for a moment, he looked back. She felt suspicion arise in her at the satisfied look he gave. He quickly turned away but that look caused a voice of warning to start speaking in the back of her mind. What had he seen that made him happy? Even now a captive at her mercy, this man would find something to smile over? What was he thinking? What was he planning. Reaching down, she picked up a stick and hit his injured shoulder with it. He cried out and then gritted his teeth, his eyes regarding her firmly with neither hate nor love. It irked her that someone could hold himself together like with with no anger to energize him. "You're slowing down. I would hate to think you are doing so on purpose. Get up mule!" She hit him again. This time, when the branch hit the blood soaked shoulder, he didn't let so much as a whimper escape. Instead he turned away and continued on. She looked back. She could only see 7 of her men. The other 2 must be straggling.

Back near the beach, Destiny talked to the 2nd officer. "Aqua is going to be fine. I'm taking a group of men ashore. You guard this ship with the rest." Taking up her three most trusted crew members that she trained with daily, they headed down the pier. Solid land feeling strangely tilted as she slowly accustomed to being on firm ground. Reaching the end of the wooden docks, she stepped onto the rocky street and headed uphill through town. No one was about. Gritting her teeth, she made her way quickly through.

Back at the ship, Aqua gratefully accepted another piece of fruit. It's sweet flavor filling her mouth once again. "I could become addicted to this. Who tends this fruit now with the humans gone? It is too precious to leave to become wild." She wondered at it's care and protection. Surely such fruit as this would be popular. How had she not come across it before. Feeling it's energy course through her, she felt herself strengthen. Looking at Seriena and Aquafina with a twinkle in her eye, she completely liquidfied and slipped through the hammock into the ocean. At one with the water, she gently sifted through it so that she was beside her friend and allowed her face and hair to materialize. Her light laughter filling the ocean breeze. "Come, answer my questions below." With that, she sank backwards into the ocean. Away from the crew above to the currents below.

Lúthien heard the male's instant rebuke to her words and watched him calmly. Shanniel was trying her best not to snicker. When the man changed tack ticks, the elven woman smiled charmingly, stepping closer. "You, man, must know that male charm doesn't work on elven woman. Especially human charm." she said simply and then held out the bread through the bars. A soft smirk upon her lips. "I will not go against captin's orders, but she never said you couldn't have food. Which I assume you probably need." she said lightly and Shanniel chuckled. "Honey, you may be handsome, but if you're smart. You play by the rules." she said and gracefully jumped ontop of a barrel, smirking. "She's here to help, not hurt. Don't bite the hand that feeds you, because I bite harder." the fox added with sassy threats dipped in poison.

Seriena watched as Aqua bid to her pleas and ate another piece of fruit. Hearing her words, the mermaid lovingly packaged the fruit and put it in her bag. Watching in wonder as the beautiful sprite became water and then materialized, she beamed. It was something special to see such a being, and seeing her in such a state of life from when she had been nearly dead, was up lifting. Nodding, the pair of friend's sank withing in the water in which they thrived. Once far below in the cooling waters, Seriena turned to her new friend. "I tend to them. There are only a few of the dwarf trees left and one hybrid bush I managed to breed. The humans have never tasted the fruit, and I have built a guarded area to protect the fruit from the animals on the island. Though it's burdensome to take care of it. I must wiggle like a stranded seal to get to the fruit, and being what I am... I must be careful not to sing in happieness while working..." she explained softly and then felt her dragon friend nudge her. Looking away from her new friend, she knew she should be truthful but she didn't want her to be chased away. "I'm a hybrid... Mermaid and siren..." she said suddenly, not able to keep the truth locked up within herself. Aqua deserved the truth.