Draven sighed and took the bread. He would have to try to play along, even if he didn't let his guard down. Trusting and letting people close opened you up to get hurt and betrayed. He knew that lesson well, hence why he only relied on himself.

Before the man realized there was a dart in his neck, Jessie cut the weight rope and he was roughly jerked upwards as the net closed around him. A small squeak of surprise managed to escape, but his vocal cords froze and no more sounds came. He was lifted high into the cover of the branches above, well out of site. She would bury him later, once this was over with. Suddenly, loud cry filled the air and had Jessie bounding through the trees. She came to a stop, just out of site and caught the captain glancing backwards, bloody rock in her hand. Father Blake was stumbling up ahead, shoulder soaked in blood. If that wound wasn't tended soon, he would bleed out. Jessie gritted her teeth, anger coursing through her. She kept silent and surged on to the next trap. This one was a spike pit, directly in the middle of the path. The next person was going to meet a much more bloody end, which suited Jessie's equally violent mood just fine.

Smiling as the male took the bread, Lúthien squatted before the bars on the cage. "I pray that is enough for now. I didn't know how much to bring." she said lightly and then held out her hand through the bars towards the man. "My name is Lúthien. Fire elf." the red head said smoothly, with a warm smile. "And I'm Shanniel, honey." the sassy little fox chimmed in as the hand was offered to the handsome male. The fox was honestly admiring the view, while Lúthien was just trying to get the male to behave. She deeply believed that when kindness is given, it will be received. At least with elves it worked.

Draven eyed her suspiciously as he shook her hand. She was being nice; what kind of a game was she playing? He eyed the fox too, curious about the talking creature. Name's Draven, he said, not offering any more. He took a bite of the bread, before setting it aside.

O'Dell climbed down the ladder to the lower decks, gathering the crew up on deck for the captain's annoucement. They were almost to the island and the crew needed to know their duties as this would be different than times past. This time, they wouldn't simply anchor off shore, awaiting a signal for help that never came.

He made his way down to the lowest level making sure he got everyone. As he rounded the bend, he found Lúthien kneeling in front of the brig bars talking to the stowaway. "Ahem.... Sorry to interrupt but you're wanted on deck, Miss Lúthien. The Captain wishes to speak to the crew." He emphasized crew as he threw a slight glare at the boy, silencing any objections this Draven wished to speak. O'Dell extended his hand to the elven and led them both up on deck.

Draven caught the first mate's glare and glared right back. He wasn't scared of the man and it wasn't like he didn't try to be nice to the captain. It wasn't HIS fault if SHE didn't fall for his charm or words. He itched to know what the captain was going to tell them. Outwardly he just shrugged at the man's words and pretended he didn't care.

Lúthien smiled hearing the males name and nodded. "Pleased to meet you Draven." she said smoothly and then stood. Hearing O'Dell minutes before he arrived, she nodded to his words. "Very well. Thank you for telling me Mr. O'Dell." she said thankfully and Shanniel jumped down. Following after her dear friend, the elven woman glanced back to Draven and then to the first mate. Both were dashingly handsome, which was very rare for human men, but it suited them both. "I shall not keep the captin waiting." the female added and then moved through the ship at a speedy walk of grace to the deck. Her job would be spelled out there, as well as the plan. They were finally going to help the poor people proscribe the powerful treasure upon the island.

Draven watched the elven woman and the first mate leave. As soon as they were gone, he set about checking the lock. It didn't look to hard for someone with his knowledge to pick. It was always fun getting thrown in a cell and having people come back to find it empty, but on the other hand where could he go. He sat back debating with himself. Would it be better to break out now and probably tick off the captain even more or wait until they had reached the island?

O’Dell and Lúthien were the last to arrive on deck. Scarlett stood by the dark wheel as Mr. Howly guided the vessel on the last leg of the long voyage. Taking a deep breath she began without preamble.

“You all know our mission. We have been this way many times before and we have never failed. Every time we come to this island to chase off treasure hunters or small-time pirates, we have never been needed – until today. The last protector, Father Moses, has died since our last encounter. There is a successor but I do not know if he has the skills or ability to protect the monastery on his own, or if he’s even alone. I know these hunters arrived last night at the island and are most likely making their way to the orb. Since they beat us there, we know this is an enemy to be weary of, for they could not have beaten us by mortal means.

A storm has grown ahead of us on the side of the island housing the town and port. The monastery is in the middle of the island but I know a faster way on land to it. We will make port in our usual cove under cover of this storm. It blinds the enemy from our approach and should allow us time to reach the monastery ahead of the landing party. I will lead the group ashore along with nine volunteers. Mr. O’Dell will stay aboard to keep the ship ready for a fast get-away should the hunters give us… trouble.”

Knowing their place, nine men stepped forth, ready to protect this treasure they had sworn their lives to protect. Scarlett nodded, pride filling her heart. “Well then, all hands, battle stations! Men,” she motioned to the volunteers, “prepare for landing.” She paused, looking ahead to the storm off to the side. “It won’t be long now.”

As the crew scrambled to their stations, she motioned to Mr. Morton. “Follow me.” They made their way to the brig, where the thief sat behind bars. Her sharp eyes caught some bread next to him, but brushed it aside. Lúthien probably gave it to him, she thought, shaking her head. The girl was far too trusting. “Mr. Morton, if you will please keep our guest company during his stay?” She threw Draven a slight smirk. If he was a pick-pocket, chances were he could also pick a lock. Morton nodded, his gold smile broad as he looked Draven up and down. “Aye, aye Capt’n. We be here when ye return.” He stationed himself facing the bars, grinning smugly at the young prisoner. Leaving the two, she climbed back up to the deck, laughing to herself. She didn’t have much fun on this ship, might as well make the most of it when there was. As she made her way the volunteers, she saw Lúthien moving out of the corner of her eye.

Draven shook his head. Does she really think that guard will keep me in? He thought with a shake of his head. The guard would make things hardier but he could still figure out something. His eyes flew to her retreating figure as he heard her laugh. She had a beautiful like, like a bubbling brook. Maybe he wouldn't abandon ship here. It might just be worth it to stick around.

Amarantha followed the ship, concern growing. She could feel the storm coming and knew it would be a nasty one. She hoped that they would hurry and get into a port before it hit. Her eyes scanned the crew assembling on the deck, alighting on O'dell. He was such a handsome man, even with his skin deeply tanned from years at see. He wasn't a young man by human standards, but that added experience and maturity might make him more accepting of her and her curse. Or he could just break her heart like every other guy.

Sassy frowned as Blake worked his way along the straight. Something was really bothering her. The jungle sounds were not helping any either. She also didn't like how little the wound in his shoulder. Despite hitting it twice, it had not bled as much as her experience said it should have. Not that she meant him ill will. Something about him and this entire walk bothered her. He was just an easy target to vent her frustrations. She was powerful enough now that she could treat others the way she used to be treated.

Following close behind him, she didn't really notice him skirt a section of the path. Sassy just followed his footsteps. Suddenly the man behind her gasped. Turning, she saw him struggling to not fall as a pit appeared below him. In that endless eternity of a moment, she saw him try to grab the fellow behind him. The sailor behind him, to his credit, tried to help. Then both were falling. She completely her turn towards them, her eyes wide in dawning horror, she watched them plummet out of sight. The yelling cut off with the sound of flesh tearing and bones breaking. She walked to the edge and looked down. They were both impaled on spikes, their lifeless eyes in shock as blood seeped down from their limp bodies. Sassy looked numbly up at those still left. Five men stood before her, fear and shock plainly on their faces.

Sassy forced her mind into gear faster than most would. Survival in the past had depended on this. Now she started thinking. Two were missing and two were dead before her. There was an unknown number of people stalking the group for a variety of possible reasons. She had injured the father without repercussions so either these unknown people didn't care about him or there was a larger plan at work. If the first, then they were deadlier than normal. If the latter, then at the end of this path lay a revengeful fight.

Turning, she grabbed the father and twisted the arm with the injured shoulder behind his back. He screamed before he could could grit his teeth. Holding it, she withdrew a knife and pressed it to his neck. "Tread carefully monk. Don't fall or it will come with spilt blood." With that she pushed on, her men careful to follow directed behind her.

Jessie watched with smug satisfaction as the two men fell. That had gone even better than planned. She had figured only one would fall into the trap, but two had. Things were starting to turn in their favor. She saw the captain thinking, most likely figuring out there was another person picking off her men. Let her get angry, it would only make their fight more interesting.

She clenched her jaw when the captain twisted Father Blake's arm and held a knife to his throat. Jessie's vision swam at the sound of his scream. Oh, how she longed to hold him and soothe him. To tend to his wounds, even if they healed within a few hours. Her heart ached seeing him in such pain, seeing him mercilessly tortured even though he had been nothing but kind to these wretched thieves. Jessie couldn't wait for this day to end, so she could hold the man she loved. She hated herself for not protecting him like she had promised. To leap from these trees and protect him would mean almost certain death for them both. Silently, she vowed to spend the rest of her days making sure he never felt pain like that again.

As they slowly walked on, she rushed to the next trap, preparing it. After this one, two more lay in wait, then she would deal with the last three by herself. And gladly. This one was less subtle. A vertical row of makeshift crossbows were attached to the tree, pointing towards the trail. As the last person would walk by, she would simultaneously set them off, killing her prey easily. She set the arrows into the crossbows and pulled the string tight. Now she was ready.

Sassy roughly kept shoving the monk foreward. She was angry. As much as Sassy might dislike men, she didn't want them killed. Now because of this incompetent villain, four of her men were dead. Lives lost never to be seen again. It created a bile in her throat from the intensity of her anger. This youthful monk, with his blue eyes and find clothes, was more of a monster than she. Something Sassy intended to show no mercy to. She wouldn't kill him but man alive she would make sure he would show hate in his eyes when he looked at her. Right now he might still be able to look at her with kindness, if not a little hesitation, but that would all change. "You knew of that spike trap. You knew people would die." He started to speak but she twisted his arm roughly causing him to gasp into silence. "You know what, I at least had no intentions of killing you. You are making that resolve less and less tempting to keep to monk. Just because you are a holy man doesn't mean I will treat you any different than I would another captive." She paused and the group stopped behind her. In a louder voice so that her remaining men and any easedroppers might her, she declared, "Four deaths! Four tokens of repayment." With that she used the hand holding a dagger at his throat to slash the right side of his chest. Four slashes seeped blood through his shirt. She ripped the shirt off so that everyone could see his injuries as well as to ensure the shirt didn't somehow stop the bleeding. Forcing him forward, they continued on.

Destiny reached the other side of the village and stared in disbelief at the path leading clearly up to the monastery. This was the well-traveled route. Obviously no one used the other trail that had not been even visible from the docks. She felt apprehension rising up in her. Turning to her four comrades and giving them the look of determination that they now all shared, they went as one united group up into the woods. Two keeping guard behind, two keeping guard on the sides, and her keeping guard forward, they worked their way swiftly. Making sure to keep an eye our for any more planned deviations, they made there way swiftly through to a sloping meadow. On the far side at the top, the plain view of a cliff top graced with a monastery came into view. They stopped only long enough to check for signs of danger, then continued on with all haste. Time to lay traps of their own.

Lúthien had been one of te men to volunteer, knowing her sword skills were nearly unmatched by her people, making her a valuable asset to their mission. Reaching out with magic her enhanced vision was further inhanced. Sucking in a breath as she saw the Father getting cut by a woman, she looked to the town and saw more pirates coming towards the monastery from another path. Letting go of the magic she knew Shanniel had seen it through her mind's eye. "I need to tell captin." she said urgently and swiftly moved forwards from the people vaulenteering. "Captin we have a problem." she said urgently, her eyes holding all seriousness as did her voice. "I can see the pirates. They have harmed the monk and more are coming his way. I believe they plan to kill him." she said with worry and waved her hand over the mark she had given Scarlett. She would see the same images she had shown Shanniel in her own mind. "We need a plan to help them faster. And I may have one." she offered.

Anger filled Scarlett as the images flashed through her mind. She recognized the young monk as Father Moses' apprentice she had briefly met years before. Taking a deep breath, she stood before Lúthien and Shanniel, vengeance dripping from her smile. “I’m open to all suggestions.” They were coming up on the island fast, landing only minutes away. The cove was empty and they would easily make it without being seen by the other ship and hopefully, by the enemy on land.

Lúthien nodded once the captin spoke and took a breath. "Let me and Shanniel go ahead of you. With Shanniel's tracking ability and our speed, we can beat the pirates there. And buy you and the crew time to really take them off guard." she said confidently. Her fox companion grinned and chuckled. "We made you a little device that will give you an advantage, and them dizzy spells." the sassy fox said with laughter in her words and the elven female held out a small bracelet with a red ruby on it. "Press the gem and aim it at the pirates. They will be left dazed and dizzy for thirty seconds ruffly." Lúthien explained and then pulled off her cloak. Revealing the swords upon her hips and the one sword on her back. "If you will allow it, I will go now captin." she said her eyes running over the island just past the woman.

Scarlett looked down at the bracelet and back at the swordswoman with a new found respect. She had known the girl was a royal elf but would have never guessed she was such a warrior! "Very well, you will both run ahead of us. Can I show you the way?" Scarlett pressed the mark of magical flame on her hand to the elven's forehead, hoping it to show her the correct path. "This is the path you must follow. Father Moses made it so that we might beat any intruders to the monastery but if you detour from it, it will be dangerous. We will follow but enter the monastery yard from a different direction, hopefully taking the pirates by surprise. Good luck." She shook Lúthien's hand before lowering it and turned her attention to her other volunteers. They all appeared to be ready for landing. O'Dell had just weighed anchor, the men lowering the gang plank onto the secret pier.

She took O'Dell aside. "Once we've landed, head back out on the water but don't go where you can be seen by the other ship." O'Dell stared at her surpised, curious as to her orders. This isn't part of the plan, he thought. "Are you expecting trouble, Captain?" Her expression uneasy, she looked to the sea with eyes that saw more than the ocean. "I don't know," she answered honestly. "I have a hunch this will not go as anticipated." She held up the bracelet. "Though with Lúthien and Shanniel with us, we might turn out our own surprises on them. You have your orders." "Aye, Captain," he resigned.

As soon as the landing party departed, he gave the order to weigh anchor and make to the sea. Movement on the open water caught his attention. He looked, but saw only ripples. O'Dell had the strange sensation that someone was watching them. He motioned for the sharp-shooters. "Go up top and make ready." With an eager "Aye!" they scrambled up the ropes. Better to be safe than sorry....

Watching as Scarlette pressed the flame mark to her forehead, the elven princess closed her eyes, taking in the memory of the path and transferring it to her friend. Once the hand pulled away Lúthien smiled and nodded. "Good luck captin." she said and Shanniel jumped from the lowering gang plank with grace and landed on the island. Following suit, the red headed elf raced towards the side of the ship and lept from the rail, landing in a tight roll and started running along side her fox friend. Both soon gone from sight of the ship as they moved. Quiet and stealthy they serfs soon hot on the trail to the monastery, keeping off the main two trails but keeping close enough to sense anyone moving on them. Spotting the second party of pirates, Lúthien smirked to herself and poured upon more speed, reaching the monastery she looked around. "One way to delay the party is to act like part of the show." she said and with a snap of the fingers, she was in a magic sister's outfit, her hair and ears out of sight beneath the black robes. "Honey that look doesn't suit you." Shanniel said and laughed lightly. "I know, now time to go meet our guests." she said with a smirk as she approached the entrance of the gates. She would stand and wait. Whomever came first would be meeting the surprise.

Aqua started at the mermaid in complete surprise. "You are a unique one aren't you dear," she said softly. To love a fruit on land but be a creature of the water. How horrid. "We are friends and friends help each other," Aqua said taking the mermaids hands into her own that materialized just for that purpose. Letting her own water currents flow around the mermaid in a sort of hug, she suggested, "Let me help you tend these plants. No humans there to harm or cause harm to would be such a life. The perfect place. My one question, would you allow humans on this place or would it remain hidden from them?" She felt that of her two friends on the ship, Destiny could use a place safe from other humans. They tended to make her feel trapped which caused her to go into a fighting frenzy. If she could relocate her friend to a calm place where there was no fighting or bullying, then Destiny would finally be able to live in peace. However, if that wasn't an option, then she would make other arrangements for Destiny before leaving her.

Seriena smiled sheepishly as she was pointed out to be different. Yes it was a bit of a problem. She loved the fruit and the way the earth grew wondrous food and animals, but she also loved the ocean and being with her friends. Well Aquafina and Aqua. Not having other friends was because of such odd habits and nature being who she was. It was also what she was that kept most people away. Surprised as she heard the idea come from her sprite friend asfter being pulled into a warm bug, the mermaid smiled slightly. "I don't know... I-if I sing on accident, I could hurt someone..." she said softly, worry in her eyes. "I-I wouldn't want to hurt the person... And I don't want too many people to know. Like I explained, I don't know if land people can eat the fruit and receive the wonderful qualities like we can." she explained and looked at Aqua. "I would love more company, and more friends. But I just don't want to cause more hurt to others."

Lúthien had felt something wrong as she looked up to the monastery, and sent Shanniel to investigate. Sure enough the pirates were inside. Swaring under her breathe as she heard her friend's report, they quickly approached the massive structure. "This is going to be so unfair to them." the elven woman breathed softly and opened the door slowly, saying a prayer on her lips to keep the act up as she was to be a 'sister'. Finishing the prayer she stepped inside. "Father? Father Blake?" she called, knowing that some traps had been laid, and if she walked into one, that was what she wanted. Have them think they had the upper hand, and then stop them were they stand.

Destiny glanced through the shadows as the door to the courtyard opened. Some woman had come in asking for Father Blake. Was that the name of the monk that had deceived them? She grimaced and stayed low. The shadows and gardens keeping her hidden among their small walls. The other four would only fight once she gave the signal. Curiously she looked at this woman. Their trap was for the monk, not this innocent. Destiny remembered what it was like to be a gentle soul and decided to let her pass. She didn't want to cause unneeded harm. Touching the arm of the man beside her, she signaled him to keep the sister in his sights. He nodded and covertly slipped away. She shook her head, waiting for the monk and her captain to arrive.

Amarantha watched as most of the crew departed and made their way to shore. She watched in surprise and concern as the Dark Storm headed back out to see, but she curiously followed. She could feel the electricty in the air and the energy in the water, and knew that a nasty storm was coming. If only she had some way to warn the handsome O'dell. They would have been safer to stay where they had anchored.

Immediately, Lúthien could pick up the soft movement of people with her keen ears. "Hello?" she called, stepping in more cautiously. Shanniel sniffed, acting like a more wild and less smart fox. Letting out a soft yip, she raced towards the gardens. "Shanniel! No! You silly fox you can't eat from their! That's Father's food!" she called hurrying after the animal that sprung towards the people hidden. Letting out a growl, the fox literally tackled one of the males. Biting the males sleeve, the elven girl acted shocked. "Oh dear! I'm so sorry! Shanniel! Stop it you silly fox!" she said and flicked the animal's nose and she let go of the sleeve and whimpered. "Bad fox!" the sister scolded and took the male's bitten arm. "You should get this cleaned right away!" she said worriedly. Looking into his eyes, her own narrowed. "Why are you here sir? You and your friend's should not be here when your father isn't here." she said seriously, her grip tightening upon the male. He gasped and swore, and she smirked, twisting his arm to make him go to his knees. He cried out in pain, and her eyes hardened. "Come out now. Or this man will pay the price for your treachery." Lúthien called, her threat as serious as a shark bite. This game would end now.

((please don't forget Aqua ^_^ ))

Aqua frowned at the mermaid's concern. How could her singing hurt someone? Wasn't the beauty of a Siren something gorgeous to behold? "I don't think you would have to worry. My friend I am worried for is female. So there would be no men to fall under your voice's spell. What harm are you concerned of causing?" She wondered what had happened in her new friend's past to cause such heartache and fear. For only something tragic would create the distress inside her. Had someone hurt her physically or verbally as had happened to herself and Destiny? She would have to find out.

***

Destiny stood up along with the other three men. The men stood poised for action but were holding back out of respect for Destiny's leadership. They cared about the man being held hostage and trusted her to bring him back safely. Destiny cautiously said, "Peace to you sister. We wait not for you but for another who has caused treachery and death." The gunshots she had heard earlier stayed in her memory. Something was wrong with her captain and the fact that a scenic route had been taken only proved that the monk was more than he seemed. "Please leave this place in peace. We wish you no harm." She hoped that the strange female would heed her advice and leave. Destiny hated one thing more than any other, being backed in a proverbial corner. It was a struggle to keep herself from panicking now as the man with the arm twisted back grimaced in pain.

Seriena knew that relief in her heart came as she heard the company she may have on the island's was a woman's. "I-I killed the man I loved by singing..." she breathed and looked away, putting a hand over her heart. It was so easy to talk to Aqua. Her understanding and gentle nature made the hybrid woman want to spill out every ache within her heart. "He lived on the island with me.... Mathais was his name." she said and looked to the sprite before her. "His ship had been decked, and I could only save one man, and I saved him. I took care of his wounds and nursed him to health... Soon we were exchanging stories and information about things neither of us had dreamed of.... And one day he was hunting when I sang to the fruit tree..." she said and a tear appeared from her eye and dissipated into the ocean. "Intranced he followed the sound, not truely seeing where he was going. He fell into the deep well, withing the last cobble stone part of the ruins. I dragged myself across those horrid stones and brush and thorns. He had called and called for my help. I tried everything to help him out of the well. I could do nothing." she breathed, nearly choking upon her words. "I pleaded with him to stay awake, to give me time to figure out a way to get him out. But a day went by, and he was struggling to stay above the water... The next day he was so weak he could barely stay awake or hold on... It was then he told me he loved me, and let go... He drowned within the well, and I never left the spot for another day. That's when Aquafina found me. With her magic, she hurried him, and purified all the water upon the island... I-I want to try to get close to someone again for I'm so lonely, but I can't do such a thing again... I can't hurt someone again." she breathed nearly choking on her words. The dragon rubbed against her reassuringly, trying to cheer her up.

Lúthien watche as the pirates revealed themselves to her and heard the woman speak. "I cannot." she said after the woman finished. "It is my duty to protect this holy place, and if the Father feels threatened, then I must take action." she said smoothly and her eyes narrowed. "I do not wish to hurt you and your men, but if you intend to try and stay, I will have no other choice to injure you and your men." she said smoothly, her eyes narrowed as she looked over the men, but her eyes looked knowingly at the woman before her. "As woman to woman, I'm sure you know that my loyalty cannot be broken, and neither can my word be thrown aside. So I implore that you leave, and do not cause trouble again."