#a ships boat is just what they used to call lifeboats

[gbee-writes]

The Mourning Sun

Chapter Two

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The morning air was crisp, almost stinging her lungs. Des watched the hazy rays of early sun bring the everything into desaturated color. The world was quiet and calm, something like a person laying awake next to their sleeping lover as they waited for them to stir. Mornings like this were always her favorite but she couldn't find it in herself to enjoy it.

Everyone was preparing to be on open waters again. Riggings were tied down or loosed, cargo secured, the deck cleared as much as possible. It was all done in haunting silence. Undocking should have been one of the more boisterous times on the ship but every member of the crew was moving as ghosts. Des didn't know how she could feel so pained and so hollow at the same time. The wind breathed through and she could almost swear she heard Moa's voice in it, mocking her with the songs he would sing, mocking the way the others would pitch in with his merriment.

Des scanned the crew to find Nalluk and Nich. They had formed a chain with Juns and someone she couldn't see, moving crate after crate down below. Her heart wrenched at the quiet reserve. There wasn't any laughter that she had grown used to. Nalluk paused often to wipe at her cheeks.

She was so focused on them that she almost didn't feel the person behind her until a hand brushed her own cheek. Des turned to Kantus. His soft eyes were rimmed with red and the beginnings of dark circles blooming on his underlids. The last time Des had seen him like this was at the news of his father's death.

"How are you?" Kantus asked, tone thick. It only further confirmed that he had recently been crying.

She chose to push down her own swell of grief at it. This wasn't the time for her emotions. The whole crew needed her. "Fine, be finer iffin we got outta this port by noon." Noon was pushing things but they'd managed it before. It didn't seem like the crew was eager to stay anyway. She most certainly wasn't. Besides what had happened they needed to make it to the next port before it closed down for the storming season. They simply didn't have enough provisions to make it farther.

Just as Des wanted, they were out on the open sea just past noon. Hopefully one of their allies was at Frinden. She was prepared to make a deal with any of them at that point, anything to find her sons.

...

Des watched Torrus with trepidation. He was…less ideal as an ally, viscious and unpredictable but when it came down to it he could be worth a lot in information and fire power. Right now that was exactly what she needed.

Torrus smiled sharply at her. "You requested a parlay Captain, I suggest you don't waste it." His dark eyes glittered with malignance, the friendliest they seemed to ever get.

"Aye," Des pursed her lips. "What do ye know bout slave tradin in this region?"

"I didn't take you for the type Des, and with your own rescued wards? How…duplicitous of you." The honeyed words were spoken as if they were sharing a secret.

Her temper flaired but she didn't take the bait. He was always trying to get her angry enough to attack him, to break the shaky truce they had. It was her least favourite quality about the man. A kind of cowardice Des respected even less than the normal kind. She ground her teeth before responding. "I ain't wantin teh buy any."

"I see." His grin turned even more predatory. "Who was taken?"

"Bratha an Moa, from last port. We need teh know where they may have gotten brought."

Bile burned Des's throat as Torrus clapped his hands together in triumph. She was showing him a great weakness. It was very clear he was about to milk it for all she would allow. Kantus laid his hand to her shoulder, a much needed piece of grounding as her anger started taking over reason.

"Well then Mrs. Des, that's some important information. What do you have to trade for it?"

That was the kicker wasn't it, no information came for free. The whole crew had spent hours trying to find a ballanced trade they could offer. Des had started getting a migraine when Pev kept suggesting they whack Torrus over the head for it. Not that it hadn't been tempting. It wasn't as if Des liked the man any but good trading partners didn't attack each other unprovoked. Not that he was one but it was a matter of principal and pride that she wouldn't dare defile.

"A favor. Me and me crew will owe ye any favor yeh want within reason."

The other captain perked up at the offer. It was rare Des gave this one, used only in dire circumstances, but this counted in her eyes. Her sons were out there and if she could get them back? She would pay nearly any price.

"We have a deal." Torrus held out his hand to shake. She took it immediately. "Now then, your sons are either going to Dangri Port or the Sulm Islands; that is where most fresh slaves are brought. Of course they could also be perchaced before they even get there. If that's the case then your sons are a lost cause. You do trading with Captain Pare yes? He should be willing to scout the islands for your sons if you offer him enough in gold or spices. Dangri Port is another story. I doubt anyone on your trade list would be willing to go there at all, very nasty place that one."

His tone made it clear that Torrus expected her to ask him to search in return for another favor. Pain flaired in her hands as her nails dug into her palms. "Thank ye Captain. Iffin that be all yer information-"

"Not quite, I do have one more bit I'll throw in for you. If your sons were taken by a ship of the name Bantum? Mark them graves, you'll not see them again if you search the rest of your natural life." Des couldn't keep her face from falling. Torrus had the audacity to laugh at her sudden swell of grief, boisterously at that. "That will be all Captain Des, I will call in that favor the next time we should cross paths."

Back on her own ship Des stared down at the deck instead of the expecting faces of the crew. She knew she would burst out crying and she didn't dare show that kind of emotion when there was still a chance of seeing her boys again. Torrus had to have been wrong. Her sons were strong and smart, they would make it back.

No one stopped her as she made her way to the captain's quarters. Des sat at her map table and found the regions that had been given to her. Both were far out of their way. They would need time to prepare and travel which would make them too late if the boys had been taken there. Her teeth protested from how tight she was cleching her jaw. Owing too many things at once…it could end them just as fast as help. Pare was less greedy than Torrus but that didn't mean he would do something at his own loss for them.

"Des?" Kantus closed the door quietly behind him. "Darling, you'll tear the maps if you hold them much tighter."

Des relinquished her grip on them. A frustrated sigh slipped out. "We be in a bad place righ' now."

"I know. We have always managed to get out of them."

"This ain't bein like before, this be worse." She pulled away when he went to touch her cheek. If Kantus was gentle with her it would be the last straw and Des couldn't bear the thought. Strength was more important than her grief. Her past cry was all she was willing to allow herself until Bratha and Moa were back in her arms.

Kantus pulled back with a frown. "We have made it through every hard time in our lives, if we work together with our partners and friends we can certainly make it through this. I know it won't be easy but we can."

Des took his hand in hers with a tight grip, not meeting his eyes but not looking away either. He made no moves to comfort her. She was deeply grateful for it. "I be needin teh go talk teh Pare."

"Would you like me to join you? I may be able to offer my service as a trade."

"Nay, we be neeedin ye here." She needed him there. "Captain Pare be a fair man, I ain't needin someone teh watch me back."

...

Captain Pare was much more sympathetic to their situation than Torrus ever could be. He listened patiently as Des explained and took time to think before speaking. "I'm truly sorry to hear of your loss, Des. I quite enjoyed your boys' antics."

"They ain't-" Des bit her tongue. This wasn't the time to be angry, she needed a level head. "We know where they may've gotten taken."

"I see, this is a request then. Where?"

"The Sulm Islands. Ye trade near there aye?"

Pare nodded thoughtfully, fingers steepled on front of his mouth. It was something that both frustrated and endeared him to her. He never went into anything without thinking good and hard on it first, including smaller things. It had come in handy many times. It had also painfully slowed things down others, such as this moment where her babies were on the line. Her skin crawled as Des tried not to shout at him.

After a time Pare leaned back. He unsteepled his fingers and rested his hands on his legs. "Well now, you have been an exemplary trading partner, and you have always been a great assistance in a fight. Because of this I believe a fair trade would be for you to pay the expenditure of their reclaim while mine and I bring them to you should we find them."

Her heart launched into her throat. "Aye, tha's more than fair." Des's desperation must have been showing through because Pare set his hand on hers with a small smile.

"It's a deal then. I will send a message to Jeckle's estate when we have news."

XXX

Bratha had swabbed decks before. It was one of the few chores you got on The Star as punishment, along with helping Uncle Kevr do dishes and listening to his papa explain proper silverware etiquette. Well, maybe not that last one but it always felt like a chore for young Bratha. He'd hated it. It was long and boring.

In hindsight, with the sun beating down on his bare skin and the crew of Tidal Crest getting in jabs at every opportunity, maybe swabbing the deck for The Star wasn't so much of a punishment. His family made sure he was well shaded and let him take breaks. Sula had ordered him into a plain pair of breaches but no shirt. Hours in the sun left his back feeling tight, burned skin stinging unbearably and threatening to crack. He was certain that it had blistered already. His head was muggy and throat scratched as he breathed. Every sweltering hour that passed made his bucket of soapy water look more tempting. What he wouldn't give for a good cool breeze to start up.

Another man walked by Bratha and sent out a kick. At the beginning of the chore he was able to dodge most of the attacks but now he only managed a weak flinch as the boot buried itself in his side. It took all of Bratha's effort not to curl into himself. He had to keep moving or Captain Sula would come down to see why he wasn't working. He glanced up to the wheel and met her gaze.

She looked so smug. He wanted to break her face for it.

"Missed a spot there boy." The way she said boy made rage boil up but Bratha forced himself to ignore it. He had to ignore it. If he acted well enough she let him see Moa and, despite missing his brother, Bratha had struggled to behave well enough for Sula's standards. Days had gone by since his last visit and if he didn't see Moa soon he was going to do something drastic.

He moved to scrub the spot she indicated, taking him anger out on the worn wood. Hours went by until the sun started setting. Bratha shivered under the chilling air, cursing himself for wanting a breeze earlier. The sun fully set before Sula approached him again.

Her snarl was more frightening in the lantern light. "Come on then boy, five minutes with the others."

…

Bratha winced as Moa's hands brushed the sunburn but he didn't let go. He was going to soak up every second he got with his brother. "Are ye alright? Are ye eatin enough?"

"I'll be fine Bratha." Moa's tone was meant to be reasuring but Bratha didn't buy it. He pulled back to look at him and…his fears were confirmed. Cheeks begining to sink, eyes bloodshot, hands shaking. His brother was begining to look the way he did when they had first rescued him all those years ago. Moa seemed to notice his worry. "Really, I will be alright." This time Bratha picked up on Moa's attempts to relay something to him. He didn't know for sure what it was but if he had to hazard a guess, and he did, it was that Moa was forming or had already formed a plan.

A weary sigh slipped from Bratha's lips. "Aye, I understand."

XXX

Moa couldn't say he was doing well. He was back in shackles, trapped in the kitchen of a ship, separated from his brother. None of that was particularly good. The only thing keeping him from losing it was the fact that him and Bratha were still on the same ship and if they played their cards right they could find a way to escape.

He knew that the man who had their keys, Miggs, and the captain had a bottle of ale before bed every night at sundown to wind down. He also knew that Miggs spent most of his time down in the kitchens. Putting those two bits of information together gave them a small window of escape oppourtunity. Moa had learned many things on The Star and pickpocketting was very much one of them that he was very grateful for at the moment.

Unfortunately for his plan, Miggs always seemed to keep just out of reach of him and the other slave.

His name was Kae. As far as Moa could gather he was sold into slavery as punishment for something but he wasn't sure what. Kae was an odd one, fiery red hair was stark contrast with his nearly snow white complextion and freckles littered every part of visible skin and probably more. Moa could confidently say he hadn't seen anyone quite like him before. His personality though? That was familiar. Lost, hurt, scared; all things that he felt after being taken.

At first Kae didn't say much of anything but as the weeks wore on Kae started talking more. Moa was mildly surprised to find he quite liked the man.

"You're planning something, aren't you now?" The quiet whisper filled the darkened kitchen. "You keep watching Miggs."

Kae was leaning into him. He always seemed to be seeking out physical contact, something that was considered innapropriate for boys at their age but Moa never minded. After all, he was one to cuddle his siblings at every opportunity. A deep sigh slipped out. "I've been trying to pocket the keys."

There was a moment of silence. "Maybe I could help? I could try to startle him closer to you."

"I don't want you to get hurt."

"I won't." Kae pulled away from him before a muffled gunshot filled the space. Moa jumped out of his skin. "Don't worry, that was me. Miggs won't know."

"That was you? How did you do that?"

Kae leaned back into him. A sad lilt leaked into his voice. "I don't know, I've always been able to sound like other things."

Moa knew that asking why he sounded so sad would only cause the other man to stop speaking so he chose instead to fill him in on the rest of his plan. Kae's mimicry might be exactly what he needed.

…

Kae mimicked the sound of a gunshot perfectly and in the split second Miggs got too close Moa had the keys, stashing them quickly into his pants before clinging to Kae as if he were afraid. Thankfully their captor didn't notice, too busy cursing out one of his crew members for being 'careless with their guns'. He wondered why Miggs didn't assume an attack of some kind. It didn't matter either way, because soon the man left and Kae and Moa just had to wait.

When they were certain it was the right time Moa brought out the keys. His fingers fumbled as he tried to get Kae's collar off but he managed it. Kae similarly struggled with his own collar. Once they were free Moa led the way from the kitchens as silent as a mouse. Kae was right behind him, hopefully with the little bag of food they had managed to hide away. It wasn't much but it would have to do. The real food stores were locked and that was a key Miggs didn't have. Moa tried not to dwell on how long they might end up staying on open ocean. They would figure it out.

They made their way to a ladder leading down. Kae had been the one to ask him when they would get his brother, something he was deeply touched by, and Moa knew they would need to grab Bratha as soon as they got free.

He couldn't say he knew this ship in particular but he had the advantage of being taken from where they were holding Bratha. Before he knew it they had the door open and the lantern in the room lit.

Bratha was curled on the floor, barely concious. He fitfully kicked out in his sleep. Moa's heart wrenched seeing the new bruises painting his brother's skin. He had only ever seen Bratha confident and boisterous, nothing like the quiet person he had started becoming. It was almost too much for him to bear.

Carefully he knelt down to touch Bratha's shoulder. His brother jolted awake, eyes wide with fear and body tensed. It only caused Moa's grief to grow. "It's us Bratha, we're getting out."

Bratha calmed down but he didn't move much past that. He didn't seem to be taking in anything more than Moa's words. It was all too possible that he was too weak to do anything.

After a moment to assess his brother's injuries Moa scooped him up onto his back, coaxing him into wrapping his longer legs so they wouldn't drag. He turned to Kae with a determined look. "Let's go."

Kae nodded in response and they started their way to freedom.

Up on the quarter deck a young woman scanned the seas. There was no doubt someone manning the crows nest as well. Moa glanced around the deck until he saw the ships-boat on the port side of the ship, tied up almost lazily. Momma never would have allowed such sloppy work on her own ship. He was grateful Sula had slipped like that.

Moa gestured Kae forwards, hoisting Bratha further up his back as he led the way. Halfway there the woman noticed them. She let out a loud shout as she grabbed at her waist for what Moa assumed was her weapon. They made it to the boat just as she started firing. He knew from experience that the rest of the crew would quickly follow suit so he shoved at the boat, ignoring the wood splintering right next to his head. Kae was handling it less well and was scrambling at the side as if he wanted to run without the boat.

He stayed with them though, something Moa was proud of. Before they could get the boat fully off the side of the ship there was a rush of crew members on the deck. Shouts and gunshots got more prominent. The boat tipped over, taking a few barrels and what looked to be the boarding plank off the side with it. Moa grabbed Kae and jumped off the side. "Hold your breath!" He hoped the wind wouldn't wisk the words away.

Cold overwhelmed him as he hit the ocean. Frantically Moa grabbed as his mouth and nose to keep from breathing in with the shock of it. He kicked Bratha and him up intul they surfaced next to the boat. It had landed upside-down.

Just as he was starting to worry, Kae floundered to the surface. Moa cursed. How had he forgotten to ask if Kae could swim?! He reached over for Kae, shifting how he was holding Bratha so both of them were floating on his chest. More gunshots caused sprays of water. The boat got the worst of it. It was peppered with so many holes it wouldn't be of any use to them. In desperation Moa dove them back under the surface.

He waited, holding both men underwater until he was sure there weren't more gunshots. There was a weak attempt from Bratha to help kick them back to the surface but it wasn't really all that helpful. Kae broke away as they hit air. He started coughing, grabbing onto a barrel that fell off in the scuffle. Moa dragged himself and Bratha onto the boarding plank. It tipped dangerously forwards with his effort.

Once the board stabilized Moa looked over to Kae, his own worries mirrored in his new friend's face.

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@cinnabarmint

[lokisprettygirl]

Utopia (Modern! Daemon Targaryen x female reader) (Non Canon AU) (18+)

Read chapter 1 here // Series Masterlist

Chapter 2

Summary: Your life takes a turn for the worst as Queen Utopia sinks to the bottom of the ocean.

Warning: 18+ death and destruction that comes from a ship wreckage, smut, sex, menstrual sex, unprotected sex. Some inconsistency with ship sinking, i researched as much as I could

For a moment you felt numb, the wailing of the siren, the voice of the captain, the red light blaring in front of you made you feel as if you were in a nightmare. The constant banging on your door made you snap out of the trance so you quickly got out of the bed and dressed yourself up as quickly as you could, it was cold outside so you needed to put on warmer clothes.

As you opened the door you saw daemon looking absolutely terrified “Are You deaf? Let's go” he grabbed your arm and walked you through the sea of people swarming everywhere, it was chaotic to say the least.

“Daemon what's going on?” you asked him so he turned his head to look at you, the panicked look on your face made him pull you aside.

“It's sinking…ship is sinking, we need to find our mates and go catch a lifeboat..they trained us for this remember?”

He said to you but you still looked at him all perplexed and dumbfounded. Your mother feared something like this would happen but you made fun of her for watching Titanic a bit too many times.

“But It was all hypothetical and it wasn't supposed to happen..it's not supposed to happen” you mumbled nervously, voice trembled as you spoke so he sighed.

“Look around you ..it's happening so let's get going yes?” he said to you so you nodded before you hugged him tightly for a moment.

“Thanks for not leaving me behind” he chuckled as you said that and hugged you warmly to comfort you.

“Are you joking girl?” He dragged you to the elevator but they were already turned off for safety purposes so both of you stepped downstairs in order to find Cole, Aemond, Emma and most of all lily. You two did find the trio but Lily wasn't there, the wifi connection was blown and obviously there was no cellular service so there was no way of calling her. You could see how terrified Daemon was at the thought of something horrible happening to her.

“Maybe she's already on a safety boat” Cole suggested as the group ran to the uppermost deck, a part of you still felt numb as you looked around and everyone was just running to the same direction, there were more than a thousand people on the ship and considering how Utopia was currently in the middle of the sea the chances of another ship arriving seemed bleak, you couldn't help but wonder if there were enough life boats.

“Titanic was a real tragedy” you mumbled under your breath so Daemon looked at you.

“What?”

“It was real, ships sink ..they sink..it's going to sink –”

“You really need to calm down” he said to you before he turned to the group “Get yourselves on the boat.. they'll try to prioritize the passengers but force your way in somehow”

Daemon took his phone out of his pocket and there was a voice message from Lily that she had probably left before the wifi blew away.

“Daemon something is happening..I'm in the cargo area with Danny and…water is filling in”

Daemon was immediately alarmed as soon as he has heard the message

“Mate.. she's in the lowest deck with a passenger..I'm gonna go get her” he voiced out loud so everyone glared at him.

“I'm sure she's not there anymore..water has got in already”

Aemond told him and Daemon's heart sank, he would never forgive himself if she indeed was there and he was leaving her behind to save his own ass.

“Just get on the boat ..take care of the girls. I'll be right back yeah?” he said to Aemond very firmly but Aemond seemed stunned so daemon grabbed him by the shoulders.

“Are you listening to me or not? You're going to take care of them and yourself, you hear me?” he said again so Aemond nodded.

“Yeah”

Daemon looked at you for a brief moment and handed you his life jacket because he hadn't put it on just yet and he didn't want to waste one more second. He ran inside again and you watched him disappear amidst the roaring crowd of people.

“We should wait for him” you turned as you spoke to the group but Cole shook his head.

“We need to go.. at least get a spot on a boat and then we can stall”

Cole grabbed Emma's hand and she agreed that they needed to go because the boats were filling out quickly and all of you knew that there weren't enough boats.

“I'm not leaving without him..them.. Daemon and Lily.. we should wait” you insisted again as you looked at Aemond but he disagreed as well.

“We need to go”

Before they could say anything else you turned around and ran inside to go get them, you heard Emma calling out for you but her voice faded more and more the farther you got away from them.

What if he was stuck inside and needed help?

He waited for you..he was at your door and he didn't leave without you so you weren't going to leave him behind either.

You ran downstairs and met Dalton on the way, he was screaming at you to go back with him but you kept running. The ship tilted to the side due to the uneven weight distribution because the water was filling in rapidly, your eyes teared up as you felt so utterly terrified in the moment. This wasn't how you wanted to die, all alone and scared out of your mind, as the panic surged you grabbed the railing of the stairs and took a deep breath to calm down. You had to find daemon.

The lower you got the more eerie it seemed, the quietness was chilling, electricity was going in and out and you were practically alone on a ship because all the members were heading for the uppermost deck to flee via the lifeboats.

When you reached the lower decks you realized that water was starting to breach already. You stepped further downstairs and your heart felt still for a moment as you saw Daemon standing half way into the water at the bottom of the stairs that lead to the cargo hold, he was perhaps wondering whether he should tread ahead in the dark. What was Lily even doing there? Access to the cargo area was strictly for the crew that worked the area and unless she was fucking someone from the crew who wanted to show off for her, she had no business being here.

“Daemon” you called out his name as you stepped downstairs, his eyes were bloodshot red with tears and his skin had gone pale.

“What the fuck are you doing here?”

His jaw clenched as he questioned you, shivers ran down your spine as you dipped your feet into the cold water.

“We need to go..maybe she is already up there..maybe she left.. ..that message was sent an hour ago, we were still sleeping in our beds” you tried to reason with him and his eyes welled up.

“But what if she's down there, what if she is waiting?” there was a sense of hopelessness in his voice that made you feel sorry for him.

“You can't go there Daemon..it's dark..we don't even know-- “ he turned his head to look at you as you said that, the determination on his face was enough to let you know that he won't stop no matter how much you'd try to convince him.

“Fine..Put this on at least” you turned him towards you as you began to put the life jacket on him as fast as you could..

“Run back darling..you don't have much time” he said to you but you shook your head in response.

“I'm not going without you.. okay? Let's go down there, let's try to find her and then we can leave”

He looked at you a bit shocked as you said that, you had known him for more than a few weeks, why were you endangering your life for him?

“Why are you being so fucking stupid?” He raised his voice at you so you glared at him.

“Are you going to waste these valuable seconds calling me names?” You matched the pitch of his voice so he groaned in response.

“You're so stupid..if you die it's going to be on me”

“No if I die then it's going to be on me okay? Move now” you said to him firmly so he sighed.

Lights were flickering at the other end of the hallway..as you both stepped deeper you realized that water level was increasing very quickly.

“This is ridiculous” you mumbled under your breath so he snickered.

“You're ridiculous for being so fucking brave and so goddamn precious” his voice held anger but there was a softness, perhaps he was taken aback by your compassion or maybe he thought you were a real clinger for willing to die because of him, you didn't think you'd make it out alive to figure that out.

“It's cold..it's fucking cold”

Your teeth chattered as you spoke, it was like taking an ice bath but worse.

The sudden scream you let out made Daemon worried so he placed his hand on your shoulder.

“What is it?”

“I feel something.. something is touching my legs. It's–” you couldn't even finish your words as you swam away from whatever was touching your leg.

“I'll go down and check okay?” He said to you so you nodded, as he went underwater he saw a body, it was of a middle-aged man, probably a crew.

As he came up he gasped, all of this felt unreal to him, there was no way all of this was actually happening to him.

“Daemon there's no possibility she's here” you said to him so he hummed in response, she must have gotten out and she must have made it safely. She had to.

And he was grateful if she had but then there was a tiny little voice in his head that made him ponder over the fact that if she had made it up safely then why didn't she come for him?

She didn't even look for him?

He yelled out her name a bunch of times so you did the same and in response you only heard the sound of the ship creaking and breaking down every minute, as it went pitch dark you gasped in fear so Daemon reached closer to you and wrapped his arms around your waist.

Both of you were submerged in the water to your necks now.

“Let's go..” he mumbled softly as he kissed your forehead and your eyes welled up again..

It took a minute to swim back to the stairs and much to your horror the water was now breaching the lower deck where you two had your cabins, it was only a matter of time before this ship would be completely underneath the ocean.

He grabbed your hand as you both ran towards the uppermost deck but you had to stop in between because you were going to pass out from being so out of breath. All you heard around you was the voices of the crew asking the passengers to calm down and wait for their turns while the passengers were just screaming to get past each other and take the first lifeboat they could find.

The horror you were imagining in your heads was nothing compared to what you witnessed when you went to the uppermost deck, all the lifeboats were filled to capacity and had already departed.

As Daemon separated from you to go look for the others you walked closer to the railing and looked down only to find hundreds of people swimming in the ocean, the water was cold and a storm was about to set in soon so the chances of those lifeboats not returning to take the rest of you was extremely high.

“I can't find them,” Daemon mumbled as he came running back to you.

“Maybe they found a spot” you said to him so he nodded.

Tears kept rolling down your cheeks and he was completely silent too as he witnessed people struggling to stay afloat in the water in such weather.

“We are going to die aren't we?”

“Don't say that”

“It's going to happen” you mumbled again so he shook his head.

“I can't die..I'm only 27”

“That's worse because you're a musician, so you'll join the 27 club..I don't even get to be in that club because I'm 26..I'm going to die and there would be no clubs for me..” he was silent for a moment before he chuckled and wrapped his arm around your waist to pull you closer to him in order to provide a semblance of comfort and safety because both of those things were going to get snatched away from you two sooner or later.

The ship was slowly sinking into the depths, and those who still remained aboard knew their own fate was sealed. You looked around and people were just holding onto each other, some of them were crying, some were getting hysterical in shock while the rest stayed purely numb.

There were still some passengers on the board and you couldn't put yourself in their shoes, you came on the ship for a job and to get away from your boring life but these people were here for a week.. for fun, for some perhaps it was the much awaited trip of their lifetime and all of their hopes was going to sink along with this ship

Dreams were going to get shattered, families were about to get ruined and all you felt in that moment was complete and utter numbness.

“Don't let go of my hands alright?” Daemon mumbled softly in your ear as he kissed your temple, he was scared too but he was much better at hiding it then you. When you didn't answer him he tightened his grip around you.

“Don't give up please..you can't give up..you hear me?” he said to you firmly so you nodded even though tears were flowing down your eyes continuously.

The vessel tilted with each passing moment of time before it broke down and began its descent into the deep down water.

Screaming was all you heard as the ship took its final descent into the ocean, you didn't let go of his hands like you had promised, you closed your eyes and left it to the fate, if this was how you were going to die, then be it.

Perhaps you could have survived the ship wreckage, you remembered floating above the ocean on a piece of debris and Daemon was there too. Right in front of you, he wasn't dumb to stay in the cold water when pieces of debris large enough to afloat him were all around him. He still didn't let go of your hands though and for a moment you believed that both of you would survive but then a towering wave rose up from the bottom of the sea.

As the wave drew nearer, you felt your eyes widen with sheer terror. Never before had you witnessed anything as horrifying as this moment, not even when you witnessed the ship sinking. Fear consumed you as you struggled to grasp the enormity of the situation, your heart racing and your hands shaking.

And that was the last thing you clearly remembered before you had slipped into the darkness.

Perhaps you were dead but you remembered struggling to stay afloat as the storm and the rain and the strong waves attacked the survivors of the Queen Utopia. It was nature's wrath and you had no idea what you had done to deserve it but you did.

Your chest was burning as you opened your eyes and you found Daemon watching you with teary eyes. There were bruises on his face, his clothes were drenched and torn from several places but he really looked like an angel in the morning sunlight.

Did you die? Was this heaven?

“Thank the fucking god..oh dear” he cried as he whispered in your ear, his arm clutched onto your weak battered body, you felt the crusty sand underneath you and as you looked around you saw the palm trees all around you.

“Daemon?”

You took his name so he pulled away from you.

“Don't speak”

“We are not dead..how come we are not dead” you looked at him dumbfounded but he didn't have a response for you. He was as surprised by the knowledge as you were.

He regained consciousness at the edge of the shore and looked around only to find himself amidst several deceased bodies. He didn't know how any of you were alive but it was nothing short of a miracle.

“Darling..my darling..when I make you stand up I need you to not freak out alright?” Your eyes welled up as he said that.

“What is it? Am i brutally mangled..I feel pain all over..I'm mangled aren't i?” You asked him so he looked at you from head to toe, there were several cuts and bruises the same as he had suffered but miraculously the rest of you seemed fine.

“You're fine..just don't freak out” he helped you stand up and as you looked in your surrounding you wanted to scream but it didn't come out, there were several bodies lying face down on the edge of the shore.

“Oh god” your voice choked as you placed your hands on your mouth to stifle the scream.

“Look I know this is..the worst possible thing that could happen to us but we have made it so far..i don't know how or why ..but we have” he told you as he grabbed your by the shoulders and made you look at him

“Okay..okay”

“What do you remember from the training sesh …repeat for me please”

“Umm okay..umm fresh water..we need to find water and shelter and-”

“Food..we need to find food until they rescue us alright”

“Who's going to rescue us daemon..where are we?” You asked him a very stupid question considering he was in the same situation as you were, none of you were prepared for this, none of you imagined for your lives to turn upside down so terribly, it was supposed to be a fun job for both of you.

“Someone will find us” he mumbled under his breath to assure himself more than you so you nodded.

Sun was really strong in the daylight but you had a feeling as the evening would arrive the temperature would begin to drop, fortunately for you two there were coconut trees all around you, it was a coconut paradise so collecting them won't be that difficult however it wasn't really an easy task to open them up with no tools on hand.

There were mango trees deeper into the woods so that was a bit of a relief as well for now.

The rest of the day was spent building a shack from the debris Daemon and you had found in the water and like a caveman he had managed to catch fish from the ocean, you really wouldn't have survived on this uninhabited island without him. The fear of being alone would have been enough to make you give up.

“How did you do that?” You asked him as he emerged out of the water with a makeshift spear and a medium sized fish hung on it.

“Watched it in a movie”

You couldn't help but chuckle as he said that. When you two sat down to collect your breaths, the adrenaline and shock from the incident slowly began to dwindle down and the reality was sinking in..

“It won't be easy to make a fire “ he sighed as he sat down but then he tapped his pocket and pulled out a lighter from there.

“Seriously you just had it in there?” you asked him so he gave you a sweet smile. You were worried about the cuts on his body but then you had them as well.

“I smoke.. Lily always warned me that smoking would kill me someday..irony huh?”

“Is it even going to work?” You asked him so he flipped the fancy lighter and sure as well it was working just fine.

“Okay save it..save it..making a fire out of nothing is almost impossible” you said hurriedly so he nodded.

“Eventually we'd need to go fish fir supplies”

“What do you mean?” You asked him so he sighed.

“Check those bodies…maybe they have something on them”

“Yeah”

“I'll do it.. don't worry” he mumbled as he noticed the crushed look on your face.

“No I'll go with you ..I mean they're dead, i'm sure they won't mind”

He was quiet for a moment before he stood up and gave you his hand so you grabbed it and stood up with him, both of you collected the branches and dry leaves from the forest to make a bonfire. This bonfire would not only provide warmth and shelter, but it would serve as a beacon of hope in the darkness, potentially increasing the chances of being spotted by a searching helicopter if they were looking for the survivors.

“It's charred, you're burning it” you couldn't help but giggle as Daemon attempted to roast the fish on the fire.

“Why don't you do it ..aren't you the chef here?”

“Just take out the eyes the next time…eyes freak me out” you groaned as you took the wooden stick he was using as a skewer “I am not a fish person..I don't like seafood” you mumbled softly so he smiled.

“Well apologies honey..this is all we could afford ay”

Once the fish looked perfectly pink from the inside you placed it on the banana leaf you had collected, unfortunately the bananas itself weren't ripe yet but you figured if worst comes to worse you'd have to eat unripe bananas. There were worse things on this island than unripe bananas.

“Perfectly seasoned” he mumbled and it made you smile, the sea water fishes tend to have higher sodium in their bodies so it wasn't really surprising.

“Everything tastes perfect when you're starving”

It was now pitch black, and the only source of light was the reflection of the stars in the dark ocean and the fire that was still burning. You didn't know the exact time, but you knew it must have been well into the next day. To avoid laying on the grainy sand, you gathered a bunch of dry leaves and placed them down like a mat. Daemon also joined you as you rested on the makeshift bed.

He really was hoping Lily and others had made it safe but he still couldn't wrap his mind around the fact that you went looking for him knowing how dangerous it was. When he met you he could just tell that you were a good girl but he wasn't expecting you to be so fucking loyal that too with a friend, that was the single most heroic thing he had witnessed in his life which made him feel even worse when he looked back at that drunken night.

“I'm just going to rest my eyes for a moment” you mumbled as you closed your eyes so he turned his head to look at you, thanking his stars that not only were you alive but also had somehow managed to be around him. He couldn't have gone through this without you.

“They will find us, right?” You asked him so he hummed in response.

That was the hope.

His mum always told him to never lose hope in terrible situations. But how long would you two be able to keep your hopes high and spirits up?

Because it's been three weeks since you had been stranded on that forsaken island and nobody had turned up for you two.

🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺

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[anonymousewrites]

One Hell of a Love (Book 2) Chapter Twenty-Five

Sebastian Michaelis x Demon! Reader

Chapter Twenty-Five: One Hell of a Confession

Summary: As the Campania sinks, (Y/N) and Sebastian face the remaining reanimated corpses.

            As the Campania fell into two pieces, (Y/N) and Sebastian leapt out of the ship pieces. Ciel clung to Sebastian, and the demons ran up the deck of the ship to the tip of the bow.

            “It does not seem that the bow here will hold for long either!” said Sebastian over the roar of the sinking ship breaking apart.

            “Sebastian!” (Y/N) tossed him a lifesaver.

            He stuck it onto Ciel, who gaped in surprise. “Take a deep breath,” said Sebastian.

            “Eh?! Wha—?!” Ciel stammered.

            “The situation being what it is, please do forgive me!” Sebastian lifted Ciel above his head.

            “What are you do—Aaah!” Ciel cried out as Sebastian through him into the air.

            Water. It just has to be water. (Y/N) took a deep breath and leapt from the bow of the Campania as it fell underwater.

            The chill of water instantly seeped into them, and if they weren’t a demon, the iciness would be paralyzing. Sebastian was beside them beneath the water and nodded to a lower lifeboat that hadn’t been lowered. They swam lower and grabbed the boat. Sebastian grabbed the other end, and they pulled it to the surface. Sebastian broke away and grabbed Ciel as he slipped below the waves. (Y/N) pushed the boat onto the water, and Sebastian tossed Ciel inside. The Earl coughed and shivered.

            “Please put this on,” said Sebastian, tossing his tailcoat to Ciel. “I do apologize that I cannot prepare some hot tea for you.”

            Screams and cries for help pierced the night, and the three glanced over to see the people that hadn’t escaped to the lifeboats in time fighting each other to keep on the surface, nearly tearing each other apart.

            “We’ll be dragged down if we go there,” said (Y/N), resting on the side of the boat.

            “Let us depart,” said Sebastian.

            The demons tired, bloody, pained demons pushed the boat away from the wreckage and towards the other lifeboats. Ciel sat listlessly in the boat, holding himself tight and shivering. His eyes drooped.

            “Young Master!” warned (Y/N).

            Sebastian called out in alarm, “You must not fall asle—!” A sharp pull on his leg had his head snapping back. A bizarre doll had his leg in its grasp and was opening its jaw. It snapped closed, and Sebastian kicked it away as it tore into him.

            “These things can move in the water?!” cried Ciel. That has snapped him out of his daze.

            “Since they do not need to breathe, it would follow that they also do not drown,” said Sebastian.

            “That means—Mph!”

            (Y/N) covered Ciel’s mouth. “Hush. I hear something.”

            All around the lifeboat, bubbles broke the surface of the ocean.

            “Don’t tell me…” breathed Ciel.

            Hundreds of heads broke the surface. Bizarre dolls were moving towards them from every direction.

            “These are all—?!” Ciel couldn’t finish the thought.

            “Get in!” said (Y/N), grabbing Sebastian and pushing him up. He pulled them up behind him protectively.

            A moment later, the bizarre dolls were climbing for them. Sebastian grabbed an oar and slammed through several skulls. (Y/N) grabbed the other and smashed some more heads.

            “Just how many of them are there?!” cried Ciel.

            “I cannot say…however they will likely only search for souls until their bodies are no more,” said Sebastian grimly.

            “And that means you are the sole living human in this vicinity,” said (Y/N).

            Ciel looked between the swarm of bizarre dolls and the faint lights of the lifeboats. “Then��we can’t run. If we do, Lizzie and the other survivors will be targeted. We can’t expose them to danger.” (Y/N) and Sebastian defended the boat from the next group of attackers. “Call it good fortune or ill, they seem only to attack the soul nearest to them! We will stop them here! You can do it, can’t you, Sebastian, (Y/N)?”

“(Y/N)?” said Sebastian.

            “I’m with you until the end,” said (Y/N).

            Sebastian smirked and glanced at Ciel. “You do not need to ask your servant,” he said. “Simply command what you will of me.”

            “I command you!” said Ciel, exposing his contract seal. “Exterminate them!”

            Together, (Y/N) and Sebastian spoke. “Yes, my Lord!”

            Sebastian slammed through a group of bizarre dolls. “We will pitch around a bit!”

            “Hang on to the boat!” said (Y/N), spinning and striking behind Ciel.

            The demons showed their true colors, keeping balance on the waves as they whirled and struck and smashed skulls, blood splattering over them. Around them, countless bizarre dolls swam forward.

            It was going to be a long night.

l

            “I-Is it over?” Ciel glanced up from where he was curled on the bottom of the lifeboat. The tinges of sunlight were finally streaking the sky.

            “Yes…” (Y/N) swayed and collapsed to their side.

            “(Y/N)!” Sebastian went to their side, but he stumbled and fell to his knees.

            Ciel’s eyes widened as he saw the demons that were usually so calm and collected feel pain and injury. “Sebastian? (Y/N)?”

            “The blow of the Death Scythe was…hard, even for us,” said Sebastian, panting. (Y/N) groaned in agreement, leaning their head back in exhaustion. Sebastian’s hand unconsciously reached out to them and lay on their arm in silent comfort.

            Ciel looked down and gazed at the lockets in his hand. “Undertaker…what on Earth was he after…?”

            “I have no idea,” said (Y/N). “But as long as you keep that chain of lockets, I’m sure you’ll see him again.”

            “He seemed to have no intention of harming you, Young Master, but personally, we could do without the reunion,” said Sebastian. He coughed up blood, and (Y/N) uselessly tried to sit up to attend him. They curled up onto their side, clutching their wound.

            “This is the first time I’ve seen you two in such states,” said Ciel.

            “Pardon us for being so ungraceful,” said (Y/N). “Unfortunately, we did sustain a few injuries. Next time, we’ll be more efficient as Phantomhive servants.”

            Ciel scoffed fondly and looked up. His eyes widened. “A rescue boat.” A proper ship was sailing towards them. They were saved. “I can’t afford to have servants of the Phantomhive family stay in that state forever. Make sure you rest up when we return to the manor. You did well tonight.”

            Sebastian and (Y/N)’s eyes widened in surprise at the praise.

            “Young Master…” Sebastian smiled. “Please stop. I cannot believe I am hearing you say these words.”

            “I’d prefer to not deal with another crisis today,” said (Y/N) tiredly, head leaning to the side. With Sebastian’s hand on their arm, they rested their hand on his leg and waited for the ship to arrive.

l

            (Y/N) sighed as they stretched, finally alone in the room provided by the rescue boat. Their wounds ached as they repaired themselves, but there was nothing (Y/N) could do but use the towel provided to wipe away the blood on their skin and clothes.

            A knock at their door sounded, and (Y/N) breathed in relief as they felt Sebastian’s energy. They opened the door, and Sebastian stepped in.

            “How is the Young Master?” said (Y/N).

            “Recovering from his bout in the cold,” said Sebastian. “The doctors deemed he simply needed rest, so I am giving it to him.”

            “We deserve rest after everything we went through,” sighed (Y/N).

            “It is not my place as a servant to request such a thing, but I admit that I agree,” said Sebastian.

            “Well, if you’re looking to avoid rest, don’t come to me. I intend on taking it after everything I went for,” said (Y/N), stretching and wincing as their wound pulled as it sewed itself together.

            Sebastian’s eyes flicked to the tear in their uniform and the injury it revealed. He felt a tide of worry for (Y/N)’s condition and anger at Undertaker rise within him. He forced his gaze back to their eyes. “Yes…everything you went through.”

            (Y/N) knew him well enough to sense the undertone in his words. “Yes, Sebastian, everything I went through in this life and the last. I didn’t enjoy reliving it in the slightest.” Their eyes narrowed and flashed fuchsia. “If I am to share my past and truths of my human life, then I want to on my own terms. Not forced out of me by some reaper trying to kill me.”

            Sebastian chuckled.

            (Y/N) paused and looked at him. “What’s so amusing?”

            “The fact that you believe I care for your human life,” said Sebastian. “You hide it because you feel the perception of your demonic self now will be tainted by the being you were then.” He leaned towards them. “But I do not care. I saw a strong witch in your memories, and I see a powerful demon now.”

            (Y/N) blinked at the intensity. “You don’t care?” You don’t care that I was once a witch playing with magic, a human with no true power when it came to the eve of their death, helpless?

            “I do not. Not about the difference in your power between your mortal life and your immortal one,” said Sebastian. His eyes darkened. “No, I care for the fact I nearly saw your death come again.” He reached out and brushed a hand across the skin showing in the ripped dress, tracing over the exposed skin as it finished repairing itself. “I care for the fact I almost lost you.” The hand at their stomach smoothed across their waist, and his other hand raised. Sebastian was nearly caressing their face, hovering but a centimeter above their skin. “I cannot lose you. I refuse to. Not to humans, reapers, demons, or any other creature.”

            “Corvus…” (Y/N) spoke softly, invitingly. To hear such words from the demon they loved…they nearly couldn’t bear it.

            “Dear Felis,” murmured Sebastian. “To see your blood…I could hardly bear it.”

            (Y/N) reached up and cupped his hand, pressing it to their cheek. “And I couldn’t bear the blood you spilled. I couldn’t bear the thought of losing you.” They gazed into his eyes and spoke the words that rested for so long on their heart. “I love you, Corvus.”

            Sebastian was silent for a moment, and then… “Say it again.”

            “I love you.”

            Sebastian pulled them to him and kissed them. He cupped their jaw and tugged their waist closer, pouring all his emotions into his act before leaning his forehead against theirs as they panted. His fuchsia eyes gazed into their catlike ones.

            “I love you, Felis.”

            (Y/N) pulled him back into a kiss at the words, the two stepping backwards. (Y/N) hit the edge of the bed and leaned back, and Sebastian pushed on top.

            “Dear, dear Felis.” He kissed down their neck. “Dear, foolish, stubborn Felis, running into danger for a demon like me.”

            (Y/N) sighed at the feeling of his canines scraping along their neck and tilted their head. “Dear Corvus, foolish enough to love a demon like you.”

            Sebastian smirked. “Then allow this demon to show just how he foolish he is.” He pulled back and gazed at them, raking over their appearance partly beneath him. “I have imagined this moment vividly.”

            “As have I.” (Y/N) smirked coyly and leaned back, dragging a hand up their side and sliding their skirts up to reveal their legs. “Who should show who?”

            “We have all night,” said Sebastian. “I’m sure both of us have an opportunity to show their love precisely what they’ve imagined.”

            “Then what are you waiting for, Corvus?” (Y/N)’s voice was a purr. “I love you.”

            An invitation.

            Sebastian smirked. He’d take it.

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[alex51324]

Beach Report! Part 1

OK, so this was a trip to Wildwood & Cape May, New Jersey, in late October of 2024.

We drove down on Friday, arriving at the shore about two-ish. We stopped at a place called Hereford Inlet for our first look at the ocean!

Here it is!

We walked over to the Hereford Lighthouse where they have these old lifeboats for kids to climb on:

And confirmed that, as I suspected, Sophie would not be participating in any boat-based excursions:

This was as far as she would come into the boat that was sitting on completely dry land and had the side cut down to be easy to get into.

The little lighthouse/museum was closed, but we walked around a bit:

The we walked on the beach! I found this mysterious object:

Which it turns out is a whelk egg casing.

It was low tide so the beach was very broad and had huge tidepools; here we are standing with our back to the ocean looking at a big tidepool:

This is where Sophie made the discovery that sometimes water here is salty.

Onward!

Here's where I walked out onto a jetty and got splashed with water:

Then the motel! It's a very old-school boardwalk-adjacent motel, which the proprietors were trying to make look fancier than it is.

The ramp there leads up to the boardwalk, and you can walk under it to get to the beach.

We were in the cheapest rooms they have, which are in a little building in the back:

They originally gave us one on the top floor, but Sophie thought the stairs were scary, so I asked to switch to a ground-floor one.

The room was pretty nice--very clean, some nice details--but tiny. We're standing in the doorway here; that's what the blue vertical lines on either side are.

You get a microwave and minifridge there in the unit under the TV, though.

But the bathroom...

I guess they picked that sink thinking it would be an updated, modern look, but it does not fit in this space--I am not a large person, and I had to turn sideways to fit through this gap. A normal pedestal sink would work a lot better.

Anyway, I see why people who are paying high-season prices for this place are a little less-than-completely satisfied. But for an off-season bargain at one of the few boardwalk hotels that takes dogs, I thought it was pretty good.

Anyway, let's go under the boardwalk and to the beach!

The ocean is very big:

Other boardwalk hotels, most of them shut for the season:

To one side of the hotel there is a roller coaster and go-kart track--also shut:

To the other side is a place called Seaport Pier, which is a restaurant and nightclub with live music, and under the motel is a video arcade--fortunately, all shut. I don't think I'd have much fancied this location in the season, but it was peaceful in October--not to mention unseasonably warm--and I kind of liked getting the retro-kitsch vibe without the noise. (I took a bunch of vaguely arty shots of the roller coaster; you'll be seeing it again.)

We left the beach through a different boardwalk underpass and went back to the motel on the surface streets; here we saw some giraffes at a (shut) mini-golf place:

Most of the neighborhood around the motel was these townhouse/duplex things, that were all almost identical, and weirdly massive. I guess they probably had four units in each, I don't know. That's one of them behind the little yellow hut there. For several blocks, everything that wasn't a tourist-oriented business was one of those.

We left the motel to go to a place called Sunset Beach, where you can watch the sunset over the Delaware Bay. It's not everywhere that you can see the sunset over the waters of the Atlantic Ocean on the US side, so that's neat!

The object out there is the concrete ship Atlantus, which has been gradually falling apart out there for almost a hundred years.

This was one of my favorite activities of the weekend; the weather was absolutely gorgeous, and there were just enough people--a few dozen, spread out over the whole beach--to make it feel like a communal experience.

Sophie liked the beach and meeting people, but she was a little wary of the ocean itself. Here is photo evidence of her being very brave:

The sun continues to set:

There it goes!

The colors were even better than this in person; my phone camera is not great for this sort of thing.

After the sunset I poked around a couple of little gift shops near there, and then took advantage of certain ways in which the laws of New Jersey differ from those of my home state:

Luckily, I had the motel's rooftop deck to myself:

Coming back down from the deck, I spent a while trying to decide if this splotch of paint is intentionally supposed to look like a jellyfish-or-something:

Never quite came to a conclusion. There was another splotch that looked like it was maybe supposed to be a seashell but had mostly worn away, and then two others that were clearly just splotches. It's a mystery!

So that wrapped up the first night of Beach Vacation 2024.

[ellie-24]

USS Randall Ramblers

Writing prompt: What are we going to do with [blank]?

Sorry besties, I'm a bit late. @missmaywemeetagain @thatbanditqueen @whositmcwhatsit @be-my-ally @from-memphis-with-love @vintageshanny

Summary: Mary didn't want to leave the US. Elvis didn't want to leave either. Yet, they somehow found themselves on the same ship steaming towards Europe.

Word count: ~4k

Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5

Aboard the USS Randall, somewhere in the Atlantic Ocean. September 30th 1958

Mary pulled the blanket tighter around her body when another cool breeze mixed with icy sea water hit her face. She could taste the salt on her lips and rubbed her stinging eyes. After blinking a few times she resumed to watching how the full moon above her relected in the calm waves below her. She leaned foward, her numb hands slipping from below the rough fabric to tightly grip onto the even colder steel of the railing. Hearing the steady splashing of the water against the side of the ship had a calming effect on her troubled mind.

Being the daughter of an army officer meant moving around, never really having a place she could really call home. After eighteen years should reall be used to it by now. But leaving for another country, not knowing the language or the people at all, made her feel slightly nauseous. Mary took a deep breath and tried to focus on the rhythmic splashing of the water again.

"Afraid there ain't enough lifeboats?" A familiar voice suddenly called behind her.

She whirled around and winced when her elbow hit the railing. It took her a moment to realise who the silhouette in the shadows belonged to. It was him. With his hair clean cut like the rest of the army boys, the side burns that used to make every girl go absolute bonkers now shaven off. Disbelief flooded her mind like the cold, salty ocean water below her. This was the second time she ran into him this week. Or well, he ran into her. And the probability of that happening wasn't very high, she tought, recalling a conversation she had a few days ago.

Janet, a bubbly thirteen year old, and her friend Terry had exitedly sat down next to her, while she enjoyed a cup of coffee and read a magazine in the day room. "Mary, we missed him again! They said he was on the sun deck, but when we got there they said he just left!"

Mary raised her coffee cup to her lips, almost burning her tongue in the process and smiled at her. "...You have four more days, Janet. I'm sure there will be another opportunity."

"Don't you want to meet him?"

Mary put her magazine down and leaned back into the plush pillow of her seat. She just couldn't bear to tell the girls that their teen idol seemed to be rather annoyed by the officer's daughters ambushing him everywhere he went. At least that's what her father told her. "Oh, sure I would... But I'd be an awkward mess in front of him." She leaned over with a grin. "You ladies should be the ones meeting him."

Janet had giggled and turned over to her friend. "Oh, what are we going to do with him once we meet him?"

"I want to hug him! And I'll ask him for an autograph!" Terry exclaimed, clapping her hands in exitement.

"I want to take a picture with him!" Janet swooned.

"Maybe he'll sing for us!"

"That would be something, wouldn't it?" Mary had added with a fond smile and a good natured shake of her head as she watched the exited teen girls dance around each other, before darting out of the day room towards the deck again.

"You." She now stated, looking him up and down. He approached her, twirling the ring on his pinky.

"Me." he countered, still in his neat uniform, as he leaned against the railing with his back.

She let out a flustered laugh. "I'm not really concerned about the life boats. More about what's gonna happen tomorrow."

A wistful look overtook his beautiful features and he slightly inclined his head, as if nodding along. He hummed and drummed his fingers against the steel. Mary had seen this particular look two nights before.

She never thought that the fact that her father taught himself how to play the guitar during the war would lead to her dancing with Elvis Presley. But it did on that one evening, an evening where everyone on board craved entertainment, a distraction. Ski, the cheerful G.I. with the accordion, apparently organised the whole thing, asking everyone who could to play an instrument. Of course her father had stepped up and exitedly invited her, her mother and her brother to come to see him being part this very exclusive show.

"Elvis will be there as well, right?" Mary had asked a few hours before the mini concert was supposed to start.

Her father stopped rolling his cigarette and looked up to her. "Yes dear, I reckon he will be. Don't think he'll spend the night in his cabin." He answered with a light hearted smile.

She absentmidedly pulled at the sleeves of her dress. "Do you think I could bring some of the other girls? They spend their entire time here trying to accidentally run into Elvis." she chuckled.

"Oh, I don't know, dear. If everyone brought their friends there'd be a thousand people in the day room... I'm afraid it's not possible. You might want to ask Ski about that." he offered with a shrug.

She chewed on her bottom lip in thought. "No, it's alright, I don't want to cause any trouble." she hummed, a bit bummed out. "I guess I'll just have to get them an autograph or something. If I get the opportunity."

Later that evening a man named Charlie Hodge introduced himself and acted as emcee for the evening, her father stood proudly in the background with his guitar. She'd never seen him so exited and child like before, which made her grin widely, yet mildly weirded her out at the same time. But the weirdest thing during the whole show must have been the fact that hip-swinging Elvis the Pelvis, how the magazines called him, sat still at the piano, looking all prim and proper, not uttering a single word. He didn't even get introduced. She kept looking around in confusion, trying to figure out if she was the only one noticing this strange circumstance. Apparently she either was the only one or everyone just skillfully ignored this mystery.

It was then when she observed his gaze, she noticed he was seemingly a thousand miles away. His blue eyes weren't twinkling with mirth like they usually did when she used to watch him on tv. His full lips formed something that resembled both a permanent pout and a scowl. He looked so incredibly sad, it made her heart hurt. Maybe he just wasn't in the mood to sing, she reasoned. The recent death of his mother must still weigh heavy on him, the rare smiles and laughs this Charlie guy managed to get out of him from time to time never really reaching his eyes. It just seemed like he didn't want to be there at all. Mary wondered if she should approach him at all or just leave him alone. For now she chose to do the latter.

She busied herself cheering on her father as he supported the "USS Randall Ramblers", as they introduced themselves. Yet, she found that her eyes kept wandering to the raven haired man at the piano. His mouth kept moving, as if singing along, just for himself. When she looked down she saw his feet tapping on the creaky, wooden floor and his knees jiggling slightly as if he couldn't contain the movement even if he tried to.

She looked up at his face again and noticed that he was looking right back at her, their eyes locking. She stopped in her tracks, the music and laughter around her now sounding muffled and dull. Her breathing picked up under his intense gaze and she tried not to choke on her own spit when one corner of his lip lifted into a small half smile. She managed to smile back, though it probably looked more like a grimace and quickly averted her eyes again in embarrassment, feeling her cheeks grow warm. Out of corner of her eye she saw him shaking his head with a grin.

When the show was over many, including Mary and her family, still lingered, not wanting this light, merry atmosphere to fade into the not so fun reality. The people around her started carelessly dancing, singing and drinking and even her parents dared to join the other dancing couples, leaving Mary to sit alone with her little brother. It was then, thankfully, that Charlie Hodge approached her and held out his hand to her.

"Care to join me for a dance?" he asked with a, what she has to admit, was a rather cute smile. She skillfully ignored her brother snorting loudly next to her and slipped her hand into Charlie's with a smile.

"I'd love to." she agreed and he wasted no time to pull her along with him. Charlie was a rather small fella, her low heels caused her to actually be an inch taller than him, which she found kind of endearing. He was also careful to keep a respectful distance between their bodies, his grip on her waist light and gentle as he slowly twirled her around.

"Did you have a good time?" he asked in a loud voice, the music and laughter around them making it hard for her to understand him.

She nodded enthusiastically. "It was a great performance! Really, uh, I think we all needed that to be honest."

He smiled up at her. "I'm glad you enjoyed it. Gotta do something on this ship to keep everyone's spirit up."

"It's horribly draining isn't it?"

"Especially for some of us." he nodded, his eyes briefly, involuntarily, flicking towards something behind her.

She looked up at him quizzically before turning her head with her eyebrows scrunched up, to see what he was looking at.

Elvis stood next to a table on the other side of the room with his hands on his hips, talking to another man. Well, the talking consisted of him dutifully nodding along, his eyes blank, and his expression neutral. Except for the slight raise of one eyebrow. If anything he looked annoyed and exhausted. It was as if he felt her gaze on him, his eyes moving away from the man in front if him and suddenly their eyes locked again. She quickly turned back to Charlie, embarrassed once more that he caught her staring. He didn't seem to notice her discomfort though.

"Uh, you mean Elvis?" She asked, just wanting to say something.

He shook his head defensively. "No, I, um meant young, delicate girls like yourself. Uh, doesn't do you no good being on a warship this long."

She hummed with a sceptical look on her face, more interested about what he apparently had to say about Elvis.

"You know him? Elvis?"

"Why do you ask?"

"You two seem rather familiar." she shrugged.

"We share a bunk. Known him for a few years now, we reconnected in the army." he explained with a fond smile.

"Ah." she nodded in understanding and looked down. Which is why she didn't notice Charlie's eyes widening slightly before she heard a booming voice behind her.

"Man, you're stepping all over her feet, give the poor girl a break."

"EP-"

"Nah man, step away, lemme show ya how to do it." Elvis didn't even wait for her reaction to the whole exchange as he pulled her away from Charlie's gentle grasp and pressed her against his hard body, one hand around her waist, one hand guiding her head towards his chest. Whereas Charlie had carefully ensured there was enough space between their bodies for a theoretical third person to join in, Elvis didn't seem to share this sentiment. With no regards towards her personal space he held her in a tight grip, her cheek now resting against his toned chest, the smell of his cologne immediately causing her brain to short circuit. He was definitely taller than her previous dance partner as well, she thought while he started swaying them lightly back and forth. She saw Charlie quickly shuffling away and realised for the first time that she was now, in fact, dancing with Elvis Presley.

"Sorry about him, sweetheart. He's just really awkward in front of girls. Good thing I came to rescue ya." He mumbled and laid his cheek against her hair like they'd known each other for years.

She looked around, trying to discern if anyone had witnessed the spectacle that just happened. She'd hate to be the center of attention. Luckily everyone was still rather busy with themselves and in high spirits, the small incident thankfully not spoiling with the wonderfully exuberant atmosphere. "Do you always steel away girls from your buddies like that?" Mary asked, her voice a bit muffled, her cheek and lips still smushed against his dapper uniform.

He hummed, a small smile tugging at his lips. "Only the pretty ones. Ol' Charlie wouldn't know how to treat a girl like ya."

"And you do?"

"I know everything about women there is to know, sweetheart."

"Most girls aren't that complicated, you know?"

"Every single one is, sweetheart."

"Well, the one's onboard aren't that hard to please, believe me. I'll tell you as a woman."

He hummed and released his grip on her hair to look at her, eyebrows raised quizzically.

She giggled. "It seems to be almost impossible to find you on this ship, you know that? My, uh friends keep trying to see you. That's all they want. But from what they're telling me you could actually be a ghost."

His face momentarily darkened again and Mary wondered if she said something wrong. She laughed awkwardly before continuing. "You know, they hear rumors that you could be there, or that you're spending your time here and once they go there... you're always gone. Vanished into thin air. Poof."

He needed a moment to register her words before giving her a regretful smile. "Oh, you know, I'd actually love to meet em, honey. See, they keep me busy sweeping the decks and scraping off rust. Ain't really got no time for myself. Or the girls."

She nodded and pursed her lips. "The way I see it you owe me something for the dance now, don't I?"

"Oh, so you're the one girl aboard not as easily pleased as the others? What a lucky guy I am."

"Now, that's something you brought upon yourself. Tearing me away so cruelly from poor Charlie."

"Told ya already, poor Charlie wouldn't know how to handle ya. The more I talk to ya the more I get the feeling that I'm right."

"And I get the feeling that this means you want to listen to the deal I'd like to propose?"

He smirked. "Oh, I'd love to hear a proposal from you, sweetie."

She jokingly rolled her eyes at him and he bit his lip, his own eyes half closed. She snapped her fingers in front of his face. "Focus. In exchange for the dance, I need you to at least sign some autographs for my friends, alright?"

"That much I can do, honey."

"Perfect! Thank you!"

Mary pulled him along to a nearby table and she reached out, gathering some of the white napkins. She laid them down in front of him.

"Pen, pen, pen..." she mumbled to herself over and over again frantically, her eyes scanning the area around her.

"Got one, honey. Don't get all worked up." he said with a smug smile and pulled a pen out of his breast pocket.

She gave him a look before pointing towards the paper in front of him. "For Janet, please. And Terry. Oh and Darby." She pursed her lips and narrowed her eyes, trying to remember the name of the other girl Janet regularly went Elvis hunting with. "And Sheila!" she exclaimed, snapping her fingers triumphantly.

He leaned down. "Gotta lot of friends, honey." he smiled up at her through his long, black lashes and went on to sign the napkins, as she peered over his shoulders.

"What about you?" he asked as he finished writing and turned around again.

She took a startled step back, not realising how close she actually stood to him before. "Huh?"

He bit his lip again, trying to contain a playful smile. "What's your name, sweetie?"

"Oh, Mary."

"Mary. That's pretty." He smiled as he leaned over the table again and grabbed another napkin to scribble down a personal autograph for her as well. When he finished he held it out to her, but quickly snatched it away again when she wanted to take it from him.

"Nah, sweetheart, this one costs extra." He chuckled, holding it high above his head where she couldn't reach it.

"Another dance?" she asked, wanting to sound serious, maybe even exasperated. Yet, she could barely suppress a smile.

He pointed to his cheek with an innocent expression. She put her hands on her hips and narrowed her eyes at him, making him pout. She sighed and leaned up on her tippy toes, trying to calm the butterflies in her stomach and mentally prepared to be so close to him. Again. When she softly pressed her lips against his impossibly soft skin, she couldn't help but close her eyes and smile at the sensation. He leaned into her touch, pressing his cheek further against her mouth, relishing the feeling as well. There was a certain hollowness she felt in the pit of her stomach when she had to force herself to pull away from him before it got weird. She looked up at him expectantly.

He opened his eyes again and gently pressed the napkin into her hand. "Thank you so much, sweetie, you really didn't have to do this. But I'll accept it as your apology for being mean to me."

She stared up at him, open mouthed, at a loss of words. He raised her hand to his lips. "See you around, Mary." With a wink he left her standing there, clutching the signed napkins tightly in both in frustration and desire.

"Can't sleep either, huh? Or are ya seasick, leaning over the railing like that?" His playful voice startled her out of the memory.

She shrugged, and after another breeze of cold salt water against her face she decided to step away from the railing and sat down on a bench nearby. "Tomorrow we'll dock at Bremerhaven. My family is all exited about it."

"And you're not?" he asked and sat down beside her.

She shifted, her feet now resting on the bench as well so she could tuck them into her blanket. "I don't know. I'm a bit scared to be honest. Uh, what about you?"

He huffed. "...Were your little friends happy about the autographs?" he asked, quickly avoiding her question.

She blinked. "...Oh, uh yeah, they went absolutely crazy!" She chuckled at the memory of Janet flinging herself around her neck, eternally grateful. "It meant so much to them. Thank you, again."

He smiled and put his arm around her. "Thank you, sweetie. Always happy to make a deal with you."

She gave him an over the top sweet, fake, smile and he snorted. "But really, I'm glad... Don't know how many of them are left when I return."

She frowned at him, confused. "What do you mean?"

His smile turned solemn and he looked down. "My... fans." he winced a bit at that word. "The folks who support me. They mean e-everything to me... Now that I'll be gone for at least two years..." he trailed off and shook his head.

"I think they know that you're not abandoning them. You're doing your duty." she argued and gestured to his uniform.

He ran a hand over his clean shaven face. "Doesn't matter. They'll forget a-about me."

She leaned over. "Don't be so hard on yourself. That's not gonna happen, I can't imagine dear Janet ever stopping trying to hunt you down. Just to get a small glimpse."

His eyes locked with hers again. "And what about you?"

"Mhm. I'll certainly always remember that handsome G.I. playing the piano. He's a great dancer as well. Oh, and he has a beautiful voice. Unfortunately he didn't sing, but I know he can. I saw him perform on tv. Can you believe that?" She said with big eyes.

He snorted a little and raised one eyebrow at her. "Sounds like an interesting fella."

"Oh you won't believe it. Definitely someone who leaves a lasting impression."

"Aww, you're sweet for saying that, baby. Means a lot to me."

She sighed. "If we wouldn't dock tomorrow I'd personally organise another show. Just you and me and the girls." she chuckled and gently ran her fingers over his forehead.

There was a beat of silence until he released a shuddering breath. "I'd love that. When we were dancing, you, uh made me forget everything for a minute... It was really nice."

"I liked it too." She gently smiled.

"...I-I'm not even allowed to sing anymore, Mary." he whispered after a few minutes of agreeable silence.

"...Uh, you know, I was wondering about that. The other day... you only played the piano."

He took a deep breath. "That I did."

"And you didn't sing." she continued with a pointed look.

He absentmindedly reached up and removed his hat, revealing the trim army hair cut, instead of the perfectly styled pompadour she was used to. "The uh, army a-and my manager thought it would be better if I didn't." He explained and carefully examined the hat he held in his hands, narrowing his eyes at it, as if it was personally responsible for his misery.

"They, uh really forbid you to sing? As in you're really not allowed to?"

He shrugged, his voice failing him and laid his head against her shoulder, both of his arms now around her waist. She swallowed hard. "I-I'd certainly like to have a talk with that manager of yours. Forbidding you to perform. I don't believe it."

His icy nose bumped against her warm neck, and a chill ran down her spine. "It's just not s-supposed to be like that. Nothing. Everything is... going wrong." he whispered and pressed himself even closer to her.

A bit overwhelmed, Mary didn't really know what to do to comfort the man next to her who seemed to carry the weight of the world on his shoulders. She now understood what Charlie Hodge meant when they were dancing two nights ago. It wasn't just that he wasn't allowed to sing. He was afraid. Terribly afraid. Of the future, of being alone. He was probably even more afraid than her. She noticed him shivering a bit, his head still angled away from her. When she heard him sniffle quietly she fully turned her body towards him and saw a single tear running down his reddened cheek.

"You're cold." she stated and opted to pretend like she thought his runny nose was a direct result of the icy wind still hitting their faces. "Come here." she whispered as she pulled away her blanket and drew in a sharp breath a the sudden cool air hitting her body. Then she carefully draped the rough fabric around him as well, wrapping them both up in a tight cocoon. He wordlessly snuggled up to her, his cold hands around her waist making her shiver once again.

His voice trembled a bit when he spoke up again. "Mary, will I see you again?"

"I don't know." she answered, honestly.

"You'll have to c-come visit me. In Friedberg. I-I'll a-arrange it." he stuttered, his voice urgent.

She hummed. "Mhm, we'll see. Under one condition though."

"What?" He raised his head, his nose bumping against hers.

She ran a finger over his full bottom lip. "You'll have to sing for me then."

[j-nipper-95]

WIP Wednesday (because it's still Wednesday somewhere!)

Thank you so much for the tags recently. Even if I've not been responding to them I've been reading what everyone has been working on and it continues to astound me just how wonderfully talented this fandom is. Keep being fabulous, each and every one of you!

Would it really be a WIPsday of mine if I ever posted on time in my timezone?

That's right folks, Trails is back! Edits are happening with the next chapter, which I'm hoping I'll be able to share soon. My team and I are working through edits for chapters about one a week at the moment. I may have to go to bi weekly posting though, as writing has slowed down on the newer chapters. But we shall see. The muses are fickle, and may return to me, one day.

A huge thank you has to go out to my beta team, my friend Zoë (who isn't on tumblr), @artsyunderstudy, @cutestkilla and @iamamythologicalcreature! I couldn't have got this fic back on track without you all!!

But for now, a snippet from the next chapter. Baz POV.

The knife is kicked from my grip and sent flying into the river by a heavy work boot and another crewman drops into the lifeboat. I lurch away, almost back to back with Simon, the crowbar digging into my shoulder. I grope behind me, drawing it from his braces. “Told you it’d come in handy,” Snow smirks. “We’ll have time for ‘told you so’s later.” “Promises,” he purrs. You have no idea, Snow. Crowbar raised over my head, I swing at the newest attacker over the central bench but he deftly steps back out of reach, ducking under my return swing. I cross the bench to keep him on the retreat. He whips his handgun up to shoot but I get a hand around the muzzle and shift his aim. The bullet clangs against the side of the ship and I copy Bunce’s earlier move with the crowbar. I slam it into the man’s wrist and he releases his grip on the gun. My own hand flies open at the impact but I don’t try to fumble for the gun. The splash it makes into the Thames is too faint to make out.  Both hands back on the crowbar I swing for the man’s jaw. The crewman ducks and lunges for my waist grabbing me and knocking me off my feet between the benches. I’m forced to drop the crowbar and shove his face back, thumbs searching for his eye sockets, anything to get him off of me. One of his meaty hands pins my wrist to the bottom of the boat, the other finding my throat.  “Baz!”  Shadows shift as Simon spins, now doubt raising the mattock to attack, but there’s a spray of something warm over me from the other direction. The crewman goes limp in my grip as warm blood trickles down my wrists and beneath my shirt sleeves. Something metal clatters to the floor of the boat as I throw the man’s limp body off of me, and see the wound to the side of his head. Penny’s face is ashen and flecked with the man’s blood. “Penelope Bunce,” I breathe. “Penny, the rope!” Simon’s hand is on my chest gripping my shirt a split second before Penny’s end of the boat drops as the rope snaps. Penny screams and grabs hold of the central bench as Simon helps me sit up. The crewman’s body flops forward and tumbles out of the boat.  “Simon,” Penny calls, pointing over our shoulders. I follow her stare and see the rope Simon had been cutting is almost sawn through as well. More crewmen are shouting above us, seemingly deciding not to bother climbing down the ropes anymore and instead just shoot us from the deck. Hammers cock. A call to take aim. Please, not like this. He doesn’t know how much I love him.

(No pressure) tags for Sunday: @artsyunderstudy @aristocratic-otter @bazzybelle @blackberrysummerblog @bookish-bogwitch @cattocavo @chen-chen-chen-again-chen @cosmicalart @cutestkilla @dragoneggos @erzbethluna @ebbpettier @fatalfangirl @frjsti @henreyettah @hushed-chorus @ic3-que3n @ileadacharmedlife @ivelovedhimthroughworse @krisrix @larkral @letraspal @martsonmars @nightimedreamersworld @orange-peony @prettylightsbigcity @palimpsessed @phoxphyre @raenestee @shrekgogurt @skeedelvee @stardustasincocaine @subparselkie @that-disabled-princess @theearlgreymage @wellbelesbian @you-remind-me-of-the-babe 

[stephensmithuk]

The Sign of Four: The End of the Islander

Mediæval is an archaic spelling of medieval, using the æ letter that is rare in English, but far more common in Danish, Norwegian and Icelandic, for example.

Ceylon was the name used for what is now Sri Lanka until 1972, when that country (which become independent in 1948) become a Republic. Today, the name only really remains in the country for Ceylon tea, apparently for marketing reasons.

There has been a police force dedicated to the Thames since 1798, being founded as the privately funded Marine Police to tackle the high volume of cargo theft from ships there. Two years later, the government set up the Thames River Police to replace the successful force. The Metropolitan Police took it over in 1839 and made it the Thames Division, it now being called the Marine Policing Unit. Historically, they also did search and rescue, today done by the RNLI.

They had just acquired their first steam launches by 1888, historically relying on rowing boats that had proved inadequate in an 1878 two-ship collision that had killed 600 to 700 people.

Gravesend is on the south bank of the Thames, twenty-one miles from Charing Cross. It was the first port of entry into London for a long time, but the opening of Tilbury Docks on the other side of the river took much of its traffic. The pilot station for the Port of London remains there, along with a RNLI lifeboat station.

There was also a ferry from Gravesend to Tilbury until March 2024, when it stopped due to lack of funding from the 'bankrupt' Thurrock Council, despite being popular.

Pocahontas is also buried in Gravesend.

The Downs is a ship anchorage off the port of Deal in Kent; ships would - and still do - anchor there to protect themselves from strong southerly or westerly winds (as the coast blocked them) or if waiting for suitable winds to head elsewhere. Indeed, the port town grew up to deal (pun intended) with their needs during their says.

There would be six bridges east of Westminster Bridge on the Thames at this time; Tower Bridge, opened in 1886, would be the easternmost crossing point that a pedestrian or carriage could use at this point. The Thames Tunnel was by now a railway tunnel. Those to the east of that were reliant on ferries until 1897, when the western part of the Blackwall Tunnel opened, in a few years becoming the bottleneck it still is to this day.

St Paul's Cathedral, at 111m high, was the tallest building in London from 1710 until 1939 when Battersea Power Station was completed at two metres taller. . Today, there are still restrictions on building new skyscrapers in London to ensure the catherdal can still be viewed.

The Tower of London had been a tourist attraction since at least the Elizabethean period; it was getting over 500,000 visitors a year by the end of the century, but still retained some non-tourist uses.

The Pool of London is the bit of the river from London Bridge to Limehouse - it was the site of the original port until the Docklands were built to deal with massive overcrowding. The maritime industry here effectively collapsed along with the rest of the docks in the 1960s, but this area hasn't seen as much regeneration as parts further east.

The West India Docks were three large docks and associated buildings built at the beginning of the 19th century (1800 to 1802) to deal with trade to/from the British West Indies, to wit the sugar produced by the slave labour in the plantations there; Robert Milligan, its architect, was a slave trader who was unhappy about the delays and theft of his goods at the wharves, so wanted a more secure facility. Closed in 1980, it was converted into the Canary Wharf development, with the famous Underground station built in the former middle dock.

Now I have mistaken a Newfoundland dog for a coat-wearing homeless person in the dark myself - they are very big dogs. However, this has to be taken in the context of the rest of the description of Tonga.

Barking Level is where the River Roding enters the Thames. It is a largely industrial area today.

Plumstead Marshes were an area of low-lying soggy ground that was used by the Royal Arsenal (see "The Bruce-Partington Plans") as a testing range; no human inhabitants (since Roman times, when the water levels were lower) and the soft ground could absorb explosions better. They were drained in the 1960s and most of the area become the new community of Thamesmead; one of those "futuristic estates" that instead became crime-ridden due to bad planning and lack of amenities, which have not yet been fully corrected.

A slightly graphic (including a nasty facial/eye injury) discussion of the problems of recovering bodies from the Thames can be found in this February 2024 news article on the search for a chemical attacker's body: https://news.sky.com/story/the-traumatising-search-for-dead-bodies-in-the-thames-and-why-dozens-are-found-every-year-13071612

[hopelessromanticfantasies]

Hello! I just stumbled across your profile and I'm so excited to see we like the same things! Would you be interested in writing a Ship Captain x mermaid? Maybe the crew has hauled her aboard injured and he cares for her? Maybe some angst because she's not sure if she can trust him? Some hurt/comfort?

No worries if not! I hope you have a very lovely day regardless!!

A/N: It has been so freaking long since someone has sent me a request. I'm very excited. I hope this shall satisfy you even though it's not exactly what you asked for. Please enjoy anyways.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I watched as my crew clamoured around together. "That's a big one!" "I've never seen a fish this large!" "It's not a fish, it's got a girl's face!" "Really?! I thought I was hallucinating from my hangover." 'A fish with a girl's face? What are they talking about?' I thought. "Alright break it up you lot, let me through!" I shouted above the others, pushing through the crowd as they barely parted to let me through. When I finally reached the source of everyone's curiousity I was surprised to see that there really was a fish with a girl's face. It was a mermaid. She was flailing about trying to free herself from the net she'd clearly gotten caught in, and she was beautiful... even with a scowl on her face. I'd heard stories about mermaids before. How every single one was gorgeous. How they hated humans. Unlike sirens they didn't intentionally bring sailors and pirates to their underwater graves but they certainly didn't mind it if one less human was sailing the seas. "You better cut me out of this thing!" She shouted, glaring at all of us. I quickly slid my dagger out and began cutting her loose. "Captain, are you sure you wanna do that? We could fetch a pretty penny from a mermaid y'know." "Yes, I do know." "The captain would never do something like that and you know it, don't even bother asking again." My first mate said. She knew me so well. "Everyone scatter! Get back to work." When I'd finished slicing all the ropes from the mermaid, I noticed the red blood dripping from parts of her tail and arms. The net would've been tight. "Do you think you can swim like this?" I asked her. Pale blue eyes pierced mine as she held my gaze. "You underestimate me pirate?" Her words were bitter and harsh like the waves that crashed into rock during storms. "No. Merely care that a mermaid not drown because she can't swim." "And why would that matter to you?" "Have you considered the possibility that I might not be a bad person?" "No and I won't." "I'll ask again, can you swim like this?" She is silent, though the confidence and anger does not leave her expression. 'She can't.' "What if I took you down to the water in a lifeboat and you hold on to the side of it while your tail is in the water? Would that help?" I ask. Her anger momentarily leaves her, replaced with confusion and hesitancy. "Yes." "Alright then. May I help you to the boat m'lady?" I ask. She nods and I scoop her into my arms before she can change her mind. She makes a squeaking sound wrapping her arms tightly around my neck. Then she slaps my chest. "You could've warned me." I can't help but chuckle. I place her into the lifeboat hopping in on the other side after her. "Captain?" My first mate calls before I can take us down to the water. "It's getting dark and you know too well it's even more dangerous at night the closer you are to the sea. What if there's a siren?" "I have my sword if things get frisky and you'll al be close by. I'm sure things will be fine." "Alright, just be careful." Once the two of us are down at the water the mermaid asks, "So you'd kill a siren in front of me?" I glance back at her. "Only if I had to. And besides I thought mermaids and sirens didn't like each other." "We don't." She crosses her arms. "But a siren is awfully close to a mermaid." "Well, I'd kill a mermaid if I had too as well." Her gaze quickly flicks back to me. "I think I'd kill anything if I had too princess." "I'm not a princess, captain." "Well then would you have me call you? Your name? That would be a far too trusting move for a relationship like ours don't you think?" I ask with a smirk. "Princess is fine." "Good, now do you need help getting in the water... princess?"

[toriaurorawriter15]

Love Torn Chapter 3: Mako Island

Audrey stares in bewilderment as the portal blurs the night sky into a cloudy one. A strong smell of salty water enters her nose before seeing the clear baby blue waters around the ship. Within seconds, the clouds around her disappear, and an island appears.

On the right side of the island, Audrey sees a volcano that appears to be dormant with moss spread out towards several wild trees. Around the island is a sandy beach with no wildlife in sight.

'What is this place?' Audrey whispers in confusion.

Captain Amelia answers proudly, 'We are in the 2015 timeline. This universe is on the planet Earth and we are in Australia. The island you are looking at is called Mako Island. It is habitant by your host, Mimi Blakely, and her pod: the Mako Mermaids."

'When, who, what?' was all Audrey could think of asking but then she asked," And how does my grandmother know about these supposed mermaids?"

Before anyone could respond, they all go quiet as they see two lovely orange-red tails.

'These must be the Mako mermaids." Audrey thought as they all kept their eyes on the water.

One of the two mermaids has flowy chocolate brown hair, and the other has light pale blonde hair. Both swim rapidly from Mako island towards the ship's figurehead before seeing water shooting up from below.

"That is the signal!." Captain exclaims before barking out, "Bring down the lifeboat for Miss. Blakely and her companion."

A dog man salutes and says, "Ay, cap!" and gets to work pushing the lifeboat into the water.

Once they hear the thumbs of the mermaids entering the boat, they all wait until there is silence below.

"Alright, Smee! Bring them up!" Captain shouts, and the dog-man does as he is told.

Audrey's eyes widen as two lovely women in their thirties enter the ship dry and in human form.

'They can transform?' she thought as she took in their appearances.

The dark chocolate-haired woman is in a floral blue dress with white tennis shoes, and her thick wavy-long hair is styled in a side French braid. Her light blue eyes sparkle in delight as she tries to contain her excitement. Meanwhile, her blond-haired companion is in a red tank top with light blue high-water jeans and red flats, and half of her wavy hair is pinback by bobby pins.

"Hi! It is so nice to meet Aurora's daughter, Audrey-right?" the brunette asked before stating in a bubbly tone, "I am Mimi! This is my friend Sirena!"

The blonde-haired woman nods while Audrey sees a tortoise ring shine from her right hand.

"Sorry, King Stephen messaged us about your arrival and Mimi just couldn't help but accept. You will meet the rest of the gang later." Sirena states while smiling at Audrey.

Audrey smiles at the caucasian woman named Sirena as she embraces herself with an unexpected hug from a Hispanic woman named Mimi.

"Okay," Audrey says as she pushes Mimi's honey-brown arms away from her body. "So I am guessing you're friends with my father?"

"Nope!" Mimi states in excitement. "We are former friends of your mother. Princess Aurora! She visited us one summer ago. Unfortunately, she couldn't come back. But she did write to us often. Your father knew about us pen-paling each other and he was the one who made the arrangements for your stay!"

Audrey accepts her response before looking at Serine in shock as she witnesses the woman using her right hand to wave her belongings into a bubble. Within seconds, a clear bubble appears out of nowhere. The bubble floats before them as Serine's hand directs the clear bubble into the boat.

The princess wanted to ask about what she saw. But then Mimi put her right arm around Audrey's shoulder and off they went.

Back into the lifeboat and onto the water.

Previous Chapter

[aristocratic-otter]

Thank you to @hushed-chorus, @prettygoododds, @confused-bi-queer, @ivelovedhimthroughworse, @j-nipper-95, @you-remind-me-of-the-babe, @fatalfangirl, @artsyunderstudy, @palimpsessed, @rimeswithpurple, , @nightimedreamersghost, @dragoneggos, @annabellelux and @ileadacharmedlife for the tags over the last week and a half. I'm working my way slowly and steadily through your posts (and having a lot of fun with it!), but I wanted to post tonight, so I'm switching gears here.

Yay! Summer vacation has begun! To celebrate, here's my first WIP Wednesday in a while.

Segments below the cut

From my COBB (it's so soon, y'all!)

Shepard

We’ve reached the foot of an actual mediaeval looking tower. I stare up at it in awe for several seconds before realising that Simon hasn’t waited for me. I scurry to catch up. He’s mounting the first of what looks to be an endless spiralling staircase. I look around, but there’s no sign of an elevator. No ADA compliance in magedom, I guess. 

Even as I’m thinking that, on one landing, a boy in a wheelchair emerges from one of the many doors. I know it’s rude, but I can’t help but stare when he mutters a few words, waves his wand, and the stairs immediately smooth out to a gentle ramp. 

I guess they don’t need ADA compliance in the World of Mages. 

From my (still unnamed) Age of Sail AU

Simon and the cook spend their days cataloguing what’s left to us and writing out plans and routes on the deck boards with graphite sticks. They seem to think that if we’re lucky, the winds will push us into a shipping lane and another ship will just appear to rescue us.

I think they’re living in a fantasy world. I think we’re stuck here until the ship’s wounds prove too much for it and it falls apart. Or until the next storm tears us apart. Or until we run out of food or water and starve to death. 

Ha! Running out of water when we’re surrounded by leagues of the stuff. It’s what my tutor would call ‘the height of irony.’

Fuck, I never thought I’d miss that pinched old man. But I think if Professor Gerint showed up right now, I might hug him. If he showed up with a boat, at least. 

I try not to spend too much time thinking about how my parents just…left. How they didn’t wait for me to come back from under the deck. How my father didn’t leap up out of the lifeboat, desperate to find me.

How, in the end, my stepmother and the babe she carries were far more important than me.

From Snow Fox, my COTTA

It’s almost anticlimactic how easy it is to free the American officers on their march to Georgia. 

My men and I waited until the British column was passing through a dense part of the wood. Then the men I’d placed at strategic points on either side of (and behind) the line of British troops, fired their guns in the air on my signal (a high whistled ‘fee-bee’, the call of the chickadee). After the column froze, the Brits groping for their guns and looking frantically in ever direction, I rode out to face the commander at the front of the train. 

“Drop your weapons,” I said, mildly. “You’re surrounded.” At those words, my tiny band of men had switched positions by several feet each, and fired again from a new location. The British soldiers were practically cowering now, because each time I spoke, the guns fired again, from a new spot. It sounded like a thousand American soldiers were holding their tiny force in a giant fist, and all I’d need to do is to give a signal, and that fist would crush them. 

An impression we'd carefully planned out ahead of time, given that I’ve less than fifty men, and the British force has more than two hundred. 

The British leader looked at my gun pointed at his head, and listened to the gunfire and screams behind him, and surrendered without a shot fired.

From: To Heal a Broken Mind

Simon looks up and smiles tiredly at me when I approach. “Any luck?” he asks. 

I purse my lips. “Maybe…you’ve got a lesion in your left temporal. It may not mean anything, but it reminds me of something… I can’t quite put my finger on it, but I’m going to review my medical journal back copies tonight. 

Simon nods slowly. He doesn’t look particularly encouraged, but it’s not like there’s anything concrete yet. In silence, but hand in hand (what’s the point of hiding now?), we depart the hospital 

From Westward Son:

“You putting your oar in?” I tease. 

He shrugs and smiles. “Not really. I’m no use when it comes to survival skills, you know that. But…there may be folk who are. That’s what I was going to suggest.”

I’m puzzled. “You were going to suggest that we look for advice outside the train?” I look around at the sheer emptiness around us. Most trains that we’d gotten used to seeing gave up and stayed back at Fort Boise, or even at earlier stops. I’ve not seen anyone but us for days. 

“Not people you can see,” he says, with emphasis. 

“People we can’t see, but could help us,” I scowl. “Do you get a thrill from being mysterious, Shepard Love?”

He laughs. “No. But there are people…well, not precisely people, but beings, at least, in this area.” 

My breath catches. He means the fair folk. “Shepard, that’s too risky,” I say, my voice shrill enough to attract Simon’s eye from where he’s standing several feet away, brushing Agatha’s coat. 

From Saving Simon Snow:

Simon pulls back so abruptly that I’m dizzy. “Baz,” he says urgently, “do you still hate me?”

It takes me several seconds to recover my wits enough to understand the question. I’m still fighting the urge to pull his gifted mouth and tongue back to my neck when I realise what he’s asked me. 

My mouth opens and closes uselessly for a moment before I sigh. 

“Simon,” I croak, and then pause to clear my throat. “Simon, I never hated you.”

He goes still. “Never?” He stares at me. 

I shake my head. “Never. I pretended to hate you. It was what my family expected of me. What I expected of myself. But I never could quite manage it.”

He scowls a little. “You gave a damned good impression of it.” 

And a tiny tease from Raising Dragons (it's done, y'all! Fristi and I are making some final decisions, but it should post in the next few days!)

“Don’t laugh at me, you arsehole,” I whine. 

“But when will I ever laugh then?” he mocks me. He loves that line. And I love him, so I let him get away with it, every time. 

Tagging, for Sunday (or not, no pressure!):

@angelsfalling16; @bazzybelle, @bookish-bogwitch, @carryonsimoncarryonbaz, @erzbethluna, @frjsti, @fight-surrender, @giishu, @ionlydrinkhotwater, @jbrrring, @jasonfunderberkerthefrogexists, @krisrix, @letraspal, @messofthejess, @moments-au-crayon22, @moodandmist, @mostlymaudlin, @nausikaaa, @onepintobean, @prettylightsbigcity, @raenestee, @thehoneyedhufflepuff, @tea-brigade, @theearlgreymage, @twinkle-twinkle-up-above, @upuntil6am, @unfiltered-alice-liddle, @urban-sith, @whogaveyoupermission, @whatevertheweather, @yu-miou, @yeonjunenby, @yellobb-old, and everyone above!

[darsynia]

Nearer, My God, to Thee | Stony | Chapter 4 (complete)

STORY MASTERLIST | TONY MASTERLIST | STEVE MASTERLIST | PREV

Written for @zaramel as a part of @tonysbirthdaygala | gif credit to NatashaIsBae on DeviantArt

Summary: Steve Rogers appreciated his unexpected promotion to Fourth Officer-- until it became clear that it was more about being a novelty American-born officer of the White Star Line than it was about his skill at the job. After another frustrating shift attending to First Class, he was rescued by the devilishly handsome Tony Stark, a notoriously brilliant troublemaker annoyed by his own role as the most tempting eligible bachelor on the ship.

Stark suggested a mutually beneficial agreement-- Steve would stand as a duty-borne chaperone to Tony's worst tendencies, thus saving Steve from endless hours of small talk in First Class. As soon as they shook on it, however, both realized their partnership carried much more potential. Length/Warnings: 4,823 words // life-threatening situations For @the-slumberparty prompt: "I'm the reason you're still alive"

Tags: @chickensarentcheap @linnadhiell @sobeautifullyobsessed @ronearoundblindly @karimac

Excerpt:

Each time a lifeboat filled, Lightoller looked for White Star Line crew to board to assist with rowing, and each time, Tony was determined that Steve should go.

After two, three, four boats left without him, Tony fought his way through the sea of frightened humanity and dragged Steve away from his post, throwing him up against the nearest wall, heedless of anyone who could see them.

“Get on a fucking lifeboat, Rogers.”

“So you’ll beg me to hold back on saying your name, but you deny me mine as I stand there repeatedly lying to family after family, telling them that they’ll see their father, their husband, their lover again?” Steve leaned in, eyes afire, hand pressed to the very center of Tony’s chest, just as he’d done earlier that very night. “You gave away your life vest! What do you want me to do? Call out your name while I row away without you? I refuse.”

Chapter Four: Nearer, my God, to thee; nearer to thee

Almost as soon as the ship jolted, there was a strange hissing sound coming from an open pipe in the room. It was loud, loud enough to immediately quash the euphoria Tony felt from what he and Steve had just done. Folding over the handkerchief he’d used earlier, he tended to himself while Steve did the same. 

“The alarm had to be related to this,” Tony finally said, uncomfortable with the silence. Steve was standing over near the pipe, obviously listening, his face a mask of concern. “The hissing?” he prompted, hoping to break through to Steve.

“I think it’s air being forced up through. If that’s true--” 

Steve broke off, stepping back, moving swiftly to button his jacket, checking that every other part of his clothing was in order. Nodding, Tony did the same, fastening his pants and belt, brushing the dust from his knees, and doing up his shirt so he could re-tie the bow tie. Before he could finish, Steve herded him over to the door and unlocked it.

“We need to get you into a life jacket,” he said bleakly.

“Surely it’s not--”

“You heard and felt the same thing I did. There’s only one thing that could have been, and we scraped across it for quite a ways. We’re in the forepeak; it’s possible that only one or two compartments have been breached, but either way, I need you to be safe.” Steve’s expression brooked no disapproval. He led Tony toward a staircase rather than the elevator, and as they jogged up, they were stopped by two concerned-looking crewmembers.

“Did you feel that?” one asked. 

“We’re taking on water, I don’t know how much. I’m taking Mr. Stark up to First Class.”

Despite feeling the ship judder as it struck an iceberg, despite hearing the hissing air escape the filling compartment below them, Tony had still hoped those things meant a slower than usual crossing, as Titanic limped its way to New York with more ballast than it ought to have. Hell, that’s what he wanted-- more time with Steve. Those thoughts were replaced by actual alarm as he watched Steve brush off his crewmates and rush up the stairs in full view of other passengers. Tony knew he was too conscientious to cause undue concern.

That meant concern was due.

“Steve,” Tony said, stopping him as they crossed to the next staircase. “If you’re right, you need to go get your life jacket.”

Steve let out a huff of frustration, but nodded. Reaching out, he squeezed Tony’s upper arm, a pleading look on his face. “Then you must do the same. Go straight to your suite, get your life jacket, grab your father’s, and go find him. Everyone you encounter will think you are being melodramatic. Ignore them.”

“Steve, the ship’s design--”

“Listen,” Steve said, walking him away from the mouth of the stairs, so they didn’t obstruct them. His blue eyes were fierce. “I didn’t attend the sea trials, but I hear they barely put the ship through her paces. Paces such as testing the lifeboats. I don’t know that there will be enough of them.”

They stood in the hallway and looked at each other for a long moment as the reality of what Steve was saying set in for Tony. If there wasn’t enough space, then naturally the men would defer to the women and children. If there wasn’t enough space, naturally the crew would defer to First Class.

If there wasn’t enough space, Steve Rogers would die.

“Don’t,” Steve ordered, precluding Tony from the argument he was drawing in breath to make. “Focus on getting your life vest and finding your father. Try to get through to the people you care about. I have duties to attend to, and one of them is to ensure that leadership comes to the same conclusion that you just did.”

I won’t lose you, Tony wanted to say. Instead, he set his jaw, projected his soul into his eyes, and said, “I have been looking for you for what feels like my whole life. I will find you again before the night is through. And I’ll stand beside you, if that’s your lot. Proudly.” With that, Tony spun on his heel and dashed up the stairs, unequal to seeing the predictable dismay on Steve’s face.

Steve had been right about the attitude in First Class. Tony followed his instructions, except that he found a satchel to sling over his shoulder to carry the two life vests, without advertising their existence. Sub-Lieutenants thought like officers, but Tony thought like the American nobleman he was; there would be no persuading anyone about the seriousness of the ship’s condition if he went about it looking frightened and crazy.

When he made his way to the Smoking Room, the atmosphere there was jovial and light. One man even held up his whiskey glass and requested someone go and fetch him ‘some of that fresh ice from on deck.’ Far from being more concerned after having seen evidence of the berg, these men were in a celebratory mood. It was all ‘What a story this will be for the family back home!’ instead of ‘I should do all necessary to safeguard my life.’

Tony immediately concluded it would be useless to pull Howard aside and hand him the vest. In fact, if they were to need them, giving Howard’s over now would practically guarantee it would be misplaced. Disgusted, he resolved to seek out some of the more sensible ladies of First Class and prevail on their sense of self-preservation.

He tarried too long, however.

“Ahh, Tony, escaped your minder, did you?” Howard called out from across the entire room, ensuring every eye was on him.

Suddenly, Tony wished he’d knelt on the filthy floor, that it was obvious. Instead, he pulled in a fortifying breath and turned on the charm.

“Oh, you know how it is! Formality or not, we have struck ice. Not even the prospect of whiskey and good pipe tobacco was enough to thaw his sense of duty!” That said, he did a little bow to acknowledge his father as he backed out of the room.

Almost an hour later, the mood in First Class hadn’t shifted much, but he’d gotten through to a few of the ladies, enough to persuade them to get on the first lifeboat sent away. Tony hadn’t spent much time on deck, preferring persuasive, one-on-one conversations with his fellow aristocrats. Mentally, he had a tally of Persuaded, Persuadable, or Pessimistic, and it really depended on how the Pessimistic passengers treated him in the past, whether he planned to go back to try again.

Checking the time, he saw it was nearly one in the morning. Surely by now, Steve would be on deck helping? Tony bade farewell to the life vest-clad young ladies and their mother he had convinced of the danger, and hurried back on deck. Already there were a few lifeboats rowing away from the ship, but Tony found himself clutching the railing in abject dismay when he saw they were scarcely half full.

He was watching the hope of a long life float away, uncaring. Counting heads, Tony reached the number twenty-eight and no more.

“Stark!”

It was Steve. Tony dashed over, pointing behind him. “Barely thirty. Thirty! You must get through to them! They have got to fill the lifeboats!”

Steve's uniform was dirty, and as Tony searched him for signs of what he’d done while they were parted, he was horrified to see that the lower six inches of his pants were wet. 

“She’s going to sink. Hundreds of people will go down with her,” Steve whispered, looking around at the bustle of passengers being gently encouraged onto lifeboats.

“Including you?” Tony asked, through a throat coated with the wax of deep, miserable regret.

“Can it be any other way?” Steve’s face was as resolute as it was handsome.

He could hear a woman begging for her teenage son to be allowed on a lifeboat, to no avail. It cemented for Tony that there was no hope for either of them. None. Rubbing his hands against the cold, he said, “Then let’s ensure those of us left behind are a small, exclusive club, eh?”

“T--”

Tony interrupted with a loud, cut-off sound against his teeth. “No. Save it. Save it,” he hissed, stepping improperly close, grabbing at Steve, almost shaking him. “Save it till we land in New York, or your last breath. Promise me.”

“Did you think I wouldn’t notice that means I’m to stay close by?” Steve murmured, before schooling his face to a serious expression. He nodded down at Tony as though they were sharing the secret of the sinking instead of indirectly promising ‘lifelong’ fealty. Loudly, Steve said, “Come on, then, Stark,” and started for the nearest lifeboat.

The atmosphere around them had turned desperate, as family after family realized they could not board the lifeboats together. Tony’s hand started to ache from the terrified squeezes of each woman he helped onto the lifeboats. The biting cold didn’t bother him as much as he’d expected, likely because of adrenaline. Each time a lifeboat filled, Lightoller looked for White Star Line crew to board to assist with rowing, and each time, Tony was determined that Steve should go.

After two, three, four boats left without him, Tony fought his way through the sea of frightened humanity and dragged Steve away from his post, throwing him up against the nearest wall, heedless of anyone who could see them.

“Get on a fucking lifeboat, Rogers.”

“So you’ll beg me to hold back on saying your name, but you deny me mine as I stand there repeatedly lying to family after family, telling them that they’ll see their father, their husband, their lover again?” Steve leaned in, eyes afire, hand pressed to the very center of Tony’s chest, just as he’d done earlier that very night. “You gave away your life vest! What do you want me to do? Call out your name while I row away without you? I refuse.” The latter was spoken on a hitched gasp, as though even vocalizing such an action was physically painful.

They looked at each other for a long moment, long enough for the call for a fresh lifeboat  to be filled broke the tension. Steve’s thumb brushed across Tony’s chest even as his expression remained furious, and then he pushed off and headed back over to help.

“Steve, Steve!” Tony called after him, following until a cadre of self-appointed men acting as honor guards caught him, lifting Tony back with rough hands at his armpits, catching his jaw with an angry elbow.

To his surprise, it was Lightoller who yelled for them to stop, saying that Tony had been helping rather than seeking to save his own life. Not until he’d been guided back to his place as a guide to safety was he able to catch Steve’s eye again, at the other side of the mass of souls seeking salvation.

The space between them was as the North Sea itself tonight-- uncrossable, inexorable. They could see each other, at least, and it wasn’t as though they would have had society’s grace to say their honest farewells as the others around them were doing. Tony supposed there was a beauty to that. Their very masculinity meant they could face the end together in a way that these sobbing women being ripped free of their husbands’ arms could not.

He only wished they'd had even half as much time together as those couples did.

The minutes passed by too quickly but somehow not fast enough, as now the ship’s downward list was unmistakable. With the most recent boat being lowered away, the stragglers sought the other side of the deck, and Tony followed the men on their way to free the more difficult to deploy ‘collapsible’ lifeboats.

When he’d made his way down the angled deck toward a boat lashed onto the roof of the officers’ quarters, Tony heard his father screaming his name. Howard was wearing a life vest, for which he was grateful; he’d long since given away both the vests he had been carrying around. No point, really.

“No more boats on this side,” Tony yelled back. It was mostly true. He’d heard the leader of their group swear about how the equipment required to properly launch the boat on the roof was locked away literally underwater. He turned to continue helping, only to be struck in the back with something soft.

He turned and picked it up-- it was a handmade blanket edged with lace. Tony immediately understood, and was disgusted.

“Is that how you think I ought to survive this? Like a shameful, honorless coward?” Furious, he stuck his fingers through the loose stitches and tore it open, using both hands to rend the entire thing in half to throw back at Howard.

“Stark!” This time the voice was unfamiliar, and Tony turned to see Wilde reaching down, his strong hand anchored on the railing beside him.

Tony reached up and clasped the officer’s forearm, letting himself be hauled up the stairs to where the cluster of men and officers were passing up long wooden planks. It looked like the plan was to release the lashing on the lifeboat, then slide it down along the planks. There were too few men to ease it down by hand, and besides, the distance was too high, and with the ship’s angle as it was, the weight too great.

“Good man, what you did there. Was that your father?” First Officer Murdoch said to him as an aside. 

“Looks as if he managed to fling the apple from the tree,” Wilde remarked with a grunt as heaved a plank into position. It was an astute observation as well as an obscure compliment, implying that Howard had proved Tony was a better man in the worst way possible.

“If you stand just there, braced, with another man at your feet, that should do it,” Murdoch told Wilde.

“Where can I help?” Tony asked, seeing Steve nearby, copying Wilde’s stance with another plank.

“Are you strong?”

“He is,” Steve answered at the same time Tony spoke his own affirmative.

“Good, you three catch the boat as it first falls. Steady yourselves, we don’t need to break any arms. You lot!” Murdoch called up to a cluster of men arrayed on the roof. “Take care with your lowering! And, AWAY!”

Tony braced himself along with the others, standing between the two planks, ready to catch the front as it dipped down. The lifeboat swung wide in Wilde’s direction, and Tony hopped over the plank to arrest it. Seconds later, the bulk of the boat came crashing down to a shout of alarm from the men on the roof. One of them fell, dislodging Wilde.

There was a horrible cracking sound, and Tony felt a pressure at his chest that propelled him across the deck, assisted by the awful gravity of Titanic’s sinking angle.

Tony came back to dizzy consciousness to the sight of multiple men leaning near him, with one in particular kneeling directly over him, his hand pressing a balled-up piece of fabric to Tony’s chest. 

It was Steve, and he looked distraught.

“How many splinters? Were you careful? Goddamnit, that’s my son!” Howard was ranting somewhere off to the side. The patient voice trying to calm him was unfamiliar, but the bundle at Tony’s chest shifted when he tried to lift up and see, causing him to suck in a shocked breath at the sharpness of the pain. A dreadful ache followed, which made a terrible sort of sense when paired with Steve’s expression. He wondered what happened, but all Tony could do was lift his eyebrows in question.

“Lay still, son,” Wilde said. His turn of phrase incensed Howard, who was dragged out of sight. “Took a splintered plank to the chest. It was fairly biblical.”

“How deep?” Tony gasped out.

“Multiple shallow punctures. Don’t talk,” Steve commanded. The pain didn’t feel shallow, and he’d just watched this man lie over and over, out of necessity. If ever there was a time that Tony wanted to blur a line, it was now. Now, when death loomed in more than one way, when there was no privacy, when the perfect man crouched over him looking for all the world like he wished to challenge God himself for the right to keep Tony alive.

To hell with it.

“Lifeboat. Safe?” Tony gritted out, desperate to know if his accident had damaged more people’s chances at survival. The resulting fire in Steve’s eyes sent a rush of much-needed adrenaline.

“Yes. And you should be in it,” Steve said decisively. The breath Tony drew in to object was enough to start the most painful coughing fit he’d ever experienced. He rode the waves of pain, directing all his strength to listening in on the conversation going on around him. Steve was arguing that it wasn’t sporting to leave a man as injured as Tony to helplessly drown. Another voice agreed, stating brutally that if Tony died before rescue, they could turn him out of the lifeboat and take on ‘one of the other poor drowning sods. They’ll be thinned out by then, most likely.’

Darkness loomed at the side of his vision, and Tony blinked it away-- only to find himself wedged in the lifeboat. He tried to shield his eye from the lamp that hung over the boat, but his arms were lashed to his chest, likely a compromise to the idea of forcing a stranger to place pressure on his horrid chest wound.

Tony’s throat was caked with grief, making it hard to draw breath. If he was going to die, this would be the worst way. Not just alone, but surrounded by strangers, without the benefits of charisma, status, or wealth. The might-have-beens crushed his lungs as painfully as his actual injury.

Despite the brightness of the lamp, he forced his eyes open again, desperate to catch one last glimpse of Steve. Blinking quickly, he mastered the blur of frustration enough to make out the retreating railing and its collection of faces.

They were staring down at the boat in fear.

“One side is caught!” someone hollered.

“It needs to be cut!”

“Cut it!”

Tony’s end wasn’t descending, and all around him people were shifting their positions, clutching onto each other in hopes they wouldn’t fall out. All things Tony couldn’t do, wedged as he was on the bottom of the lifeboat, propped up against the side. There was no way to even brace himself with his arms tied to his chest. Fear bloomed there, and his heart pounded. He’d resigned himself to dying, but not like this.

“Go, man! GO!”

Tony watched a tall figure leap out and catch the rope like a circus performer, someone strong enough to hand over hand down the damned thing. The man soft-landed on the edge of the boat just feet from Tony, looking down at him, the light haloing around his head.

“You’ll be safe now, Tony,” Steve said, cutting the obstructing rope with sure, confident strokes. Unimpeded now, Tony’s upended side slid down with a jolt, knocking Steve into the water below.

Tony didn’t care about the coughing fit that was sure to result, he took in the largest breath he could before the slicing pain sent him into paroxysms. He struggled to scream Steve’s name, rocking sideways, trying to see where Steve was. Tony vainly hoped he could persuade the occupants to pull him from the water, or at the very least, not land on him. If that resulted in further pain in the effort, so be it.

He succeeded in a way-- after expending all of his remaining energy, Tony rolled chest first into the recently vacated bench beside him, and passed out from the pain.

United States Senate Inquiry on the Sinking of the Titanic, Day 11, pg.247

Testimony of Anthony Edward Stark, questioned by Senator William Alden Smith (pages 244-250)

Smith: So you are saying, sir, that you have no recollection of being placed into a lifeboat?

Stark: That is correct. The plank that struck me had snapped in half. It became a menace, as such pieces of wood often do, a collection of needle-sharp splinters. I believe it was Lightoller who said I was damned lucky it was the shallower break that got me. The resulting injury was as if I’d been stabbed by an inch-long knife in twenty or so places, clustered in the center of my chest. Most were not quite that deep.

Smith: We in the committee are glad you’re well enough now to testify. I hear the splinter removal on the Carpathia was horrid.

Stark: Well, the center of a man’s chest is a boring expanse, and mine now has more character to it, we’ll say. (Here, Smith gives admonition to spectators to be quiet) The blow was still enough to send me senseless, and I recall the following events only in chunks. One chunk had a group of the men who’d been working to get the lifeboat down huddled around me concerned-- the next chunk, I was wedged in the lifeboat.

Smith: No memory of what passed between?

Stark: No, sir. I did hear something beforehand, about whether it was sporting to leave me on deck to drown without any ability to swim away or defend myself against the sea--

Smith: (interrupting) Lightoller did testify to that as well, Mr. Stark.

Stark: Please allow me to say, I had every intention of going down with that ship.

Smith: We spoke to or corresponded with most survivors on your lifeboat, sir. All were happy to give space to those who worked so heroically to save lives that night. Both of you. (Here, the spectators react positively, with no admonition from Smith) Do pass on to Sub-Lieutenant Rogers our hopes for a fast recovery from his pneumonia. I understand that you’ve made space for him at your residence?

Stark: I have, I will, and, it was the least I could do after all of his efforts.

Smith: Getting back to the lifeboat, continue relating your memory of the lowering, if you would.

Stark: One of the ropes caught on the mechanism, leading to my side of the boat halting its progress. For a while, it seemed being struck by an iceberg and a splintered plank might not be my worst experience that night. Thankfully, Sub-Lieutenant Rogers climbed down the rope with a knife to cut us free.

Smith: After which he toppled into the sea, yes? Was he wearing a life vest?

Stark: Yes to both. Smarter man than me-- the plank would have thought twice, had I been wearing one! But that’s Rogers-- ever a good example to the passengers he was helping into the boats.

Smith: Rogers was one of the few taken from the sea by a passing lifeboat. Can you expand on that?

Stark: I wish I could, sir, but that was during one of my escapist episodes. I came to after watching him fall and he was already in the lifeboat. (Stark stops speaking, and Smith gestures for him to continue) When I woke, Rogers was propped up as I had been, completely soaked to the skin. He was positioned to place pressure on my chest wound, and I was apparently positioned, while insensate, to provide him the benefit of my body heat, such as it was.

Smith: Could you elaborate?

Stark: Certainly. We were, I suppose you could say, cuddling for warmth. Given that Rogers would likely have died if it weren’t for our mutual need--  mine for pressure to mitigate bleeding, and he for a source of warmth after being dunked in the drink --I think it worked out quite well. Most of the ladies were too small to have done more than warm a single one of his legs, if you don’t mind my saying so, sir.

(The spectators erupt in raucous laughter. Senator Smith calls to adjourn for lunch)

Tony peeked into Steve’s bedroom after knocking lightly. Steve was sitting up, his sketchbook on his lap, charcoals laid out to be easy at hand, but he’d clearly dozed off in the middle of working on something.

Ordinarily he would just turn around to leave, but Steve’s art was one of the few things he could do as he convalesced, so Tony tiptoed into the room, pulling his signature handkerchief out of his pocket to protect the corner of the page from his finger oils. Ever protective, Steve’s hand even in sleep wasn’t resting where it could ruin the half-started piece, so Tony was able to pick the whole thing up without disturbing him.

Or so he thought.

When Tony turned around after spending some time admiring the way Steve had captured his friend Bucky during his recent visit, he saw that Steve was awake and smiling wearily.

“Don’t treat it, it’s not finished,” Steve said.

“Wouldn’t dream of it,” Tony said, sliding his hands into his pockets and started strolling toward the bed. “How are you feeling?”

“Lonely for the sun or you.” His tone was light, but Steve’s expression was vulnerable. The two of them hadn’t known each other for very long, but somehow they were attuned to each other’s resonance. Tony could tell that Steve felt useless; forced to stay in bed away from fresh air and feeling like a drain on Tony’s resources, all his resources, without offering anything in return. Tony leaned over and kissed his temple, bracing himself with a hand at the center of Steve’s chest-- a signature move for both of them, now.

When care workers on the Carpathia had started to tend to Tony, they’d found his embroidered handkerchief pressed directly to the wound, red-purple where the blood had seeped into the stitching. Pulling it away had brought some of the splinters with it. During it all, Steve hadn’t left his side, a pillar of strength who’d collapsed less than an hour after disembarking their rescue ship. Tony had informed everyone within earshot that he would refuse all treatment until Steve was seen first. That had turned out to be crucial; the doctors had expressed their belief that Steve’s condition had been grave indeed.

“You’re fretting,” Steve complained. “Get in bed, it’s exhausting.”

“Yes, sir,” Tony said, lips twitching in affectionate amusement.

“I’m storing those up, you know.”

Storing them up for when they were both physically strong enough to continue what they started, as both a promise and an apology. “I know.”

Steve moved his arm so Tony could nestle in close, but not as close as he’d like to, since he wasn’t fully healed yet. In truth, he wasn’t sure if the two of them ever would heal fully. Keeping each other alive in the lifeboat had preoccupied both of them from the misery going on around them, but that was maybe worse, in a way. Many had died the way they should have, and both Tony and Steve had to reckon with that.

“Bucky brought the paper,” Steve said. His tone implied that he was forcing a subject change, that Tony wasn’t sufficiently hiding his continued fretting. Because he was Steve, though, he punctuated this with a kiss on the top of Tony’s head on his chest.

Tony nestled closer, chest pain be damned. “Mmm?”

“The latest article called you the Iron Man, because of your resolve that everyone else should be treated first, despite being First Class and badly injured.”

“A respectable, if not rare and valuable metal,” Tony mused. “I’ll allow it.” Only part of that was his need to protect Steve’s reputation. Their story of tandem injuries and close physical contact on the lifeboat had been one of the first to be written about in the aftermath. “Did they nickname you, too?”

“‘The Man Out Of Time,’” came the answer. “Feels like a shot across the bow, hinting that I shouldn’t have survived, in multiple ways.”

The only way to prevent Steve's melancholy was to distract him, and Tony knew just how to do that.

“How sad for them that they’ll never know the truth-- I’m covered in rust, and you’ve got the rest of your life to sand me down to something resembling respectability.”

“Well, you know how much I take pleasure in fulfilling my duties, Tony!”

Tony could hear the smile in Steve’s voice, and responded with a grin of his own, pressed as he was against Steve’s chest, in his-- their home, on solid, dry ground. He’d heard Steve use his name multiple times since that first lovely, awful time, and each one was precious.  “I promise I’ll make it rewarding for both of us.”

The end!

[rabbitcruiser]

U.S. Coast Guard Birthday 

Show your support for the brave men and women of the US Coast Guard who put their lives on the line to save ours, from fishing boats accidents to hurricanes.

US Coast Guard Birthday honors the courageous work of coast guards. When Hurricane Katrina struck the Atlantic coast of the United States in 2005, the US Coast Guards saved over 33,500 lives, an estimated 24,000 of these were rescued from peril in severely dangerous conditions. And that just scratches the surface of the important work that these brave men and women do. So get excited, because it is time to celebrate the US Coast Guard Birthday!

History of US Coast Guard Birthday

The history of the coast guard in the United States can be traced back to the year 1790 when it was established by the first Congress who allowed Secretary of the Treasury, Alexander Hamilton to combat smuggling and tariff evaders with his fleet of ten ships. Originally called the Revenue Marine Service, or Revenue Cutter Service, the service was combined in 1915 with the US Lifesaving Service to become the Coast Guard.

During times of peace, the US Coast Guard acts as part of the Department of Homeland Security and then becomes part of the Department of Defense in times of war. Now, with more than 230 years of history, this important entity offers a great deal of support through navigation, port security, environmental protection and wartime readiness.

In the United States, there are thousands of events nation-wide for people to get involved in and show their support. In the UK, although not directly associated with HM Coast Guard, the RNLI (Royal National Lifeboat Institution) is a charity organization with the sole aim of rescuing those in distress at sea. They launch over 6500 times a year, and have saved over 134,000 lives since their founding. Pakistan Coast Guard Day is celebrated on September 8.

So bake a cake, throw a party and get appropriately excited about celebrating and enjoying the US Coast Guard Birthday this summer!

How to Celebrate US Coast Guard Birthday

Have a blast with the observance of celebration of this important day. Join in on a wide variety of activities for the US Coast Guard Birthday, including some of these:

Throw a US Coast Guard Birthday Party

Those who have been members of the coast guard, who have benefited from the work of the coast guard, or even those who just appreciate it can celebrate by doing what people often do for birthdays – throw a party! Just like any party, the US Coast Guard Birthday deserves festive decorations such as balloons and streamers, some good music, a gathering of friends and, of course, a big cake!

Make it a coast guard themed party by decorating with boats, anchors and all sorts of sea-themed ideas, as well as employing the American flag and the US Coast Guard flag. The snacks can also be of a maritime theme, with a cake made in the shape of a ship, cookies decorated like life preservers, and even a bowl full of individually wrapped Life Savers candies! Don’t forget to play the US Coast Guard Theme Song in the background, “Semper Paratus”.

Learn More About the US Coast Guard

The US Coast Guard Birthday celebration is a great motivation to learn a bit more about this important service. Do a bit of online research, check out some books from the local library, or head on over to the National Coast Guard Museum in New London, Connecticut.

Make a US Coast Guard Birthday Playlist

Have loads of fun celebrating the US Coast Guard Birthday with music! Create a playlist that includes maritime and coastal themed songs, getting started with some of these tunes:

Beyond the Sea by Bobby Darin (1959)

(Sittin’ on the) Dock of the Bay by Otis Redding (1967)

If I Had a Boat by Lyle Lovett (1987)

Banana Boat (Day-O) by Harry Belafonte (1956)

Source

[just-let-me-adore-you]

"Givaria"

Part 1

Prince Harry Styles Series

Word Count: about 4000

Not Edited

(pic above is Rosalyn)

July 30th 2014

[Rosalyn's P.O.V.]

The salty air of the ocean blew against my face as I sat on the ship. The sun was hidden behind the dark clouds that cast darkness all around. I rose from the wooden bench and made my way over to the captain.

"Cap, I think we should dock somewhere for the night. It looks like there's a storm rolling in, and-"

"Rosa, 's fine. Theres no storm, believe me I would know. Just go sit back down or scrub the deck below." He spoke keeping his eyes trained on the sea ahead of him. I fought off the urge to argue with him knowing if I did it'd be no use.

I bit the side of my cheek in frustration as I walked back to the bench. I missed my home very much, it wasn't much but it was the place I was born and raised. The place where I would wander about at odd hours of the night and stand on the shore line as the gentle waves rolled over my feet. I missed that, but I knew I'd also miss sailing across the oceans and seeing different people.

I was tore away and brought back to the present by a sudden jerk of the ship. The mist of the choppy waves hitting the side of the ship hit my back. I shivered from the coldness of it.

"Hey, Rosa!" Hansen called from the other end of the boat. He waved his hands in the air frantically. I quickly rode to my feet and made my way over to him.

"What's goin' on?" I ask.

"Does the captain know that there's a storm?" I felt my gut twist in a knot at his words.

"Yes, I told him but he just brushed it off and denied it." Hansen rolled his eyes and jogged off towards the captain. Just then I felt a rain drop hit my shoulder, then another one and then another. I cursed under my breath knowing there was only two outcomes of this. One, we all survived and docked the boat for the night. Or two, the ship gets taken beneath the waves and we all drown.

It was like a domino effect one person began freaking out which triggered another. I rushed over towards Hansen and the Captain.

"Um, there's a storm that's rolling in right now, Captain." He turned his head and stared at me.

"I can see that, tell everyone we need all hands on deck in case of an emergency." He ordered I nodded my head and quickly climbed the stairs that led to the bell. I grabbed the rope and moved it causing the bell to chime loudly. The rest of the crew emerged from below deck and stood with life vests in hand.

Suddenly I fell to the floor as the ship was hit by a nasty wave. The sound of wooden crates sliding on the floor just told me how bad this storm was going to be. I rose to my feet and went down the stairs and grabbed a vest for myself. Out of nowhere rain came pouring down like buckets, the wind picked up significantly making the ship pick up speed. I watched as the captain struggled to get the ship under control. Just then another wave hit the ship this time it was worse. Crates fell off the side of the ship, I felt my heart begin to race.

"All hands on deck! All hands on deck!" Captain screamed, I stood at a stand still as everyone else readied themselves by the lifeboats. By now I was soaked and freezing. I could only hope that the storm would pass by fast and we'd be safe. But that hope was soon gone.

I watched in horror as a few crew members fell overboard from the rocking of the ship. I gripped onto the nearest thing I could. I don't think anyone had anytime to register what was happening until we were submerged under water.

I swam upwards and gasped for air once my head was resurfaced. I looked around trying to find something to keep me afloat other than an old life vest that didn't really work. I began paddling towards the lifeboat that I could only vaguely see through the fog. The burn in my legs had intensified as I began swimming faster and faster. I wasn't fast enough to catch up to the lifeboat though.

"WA-" My scream was cut off by a wave going over my head. I fought with my entire being to keep my head above water. With no one or anything in sight besides the ship sinking below the dark waters I couldn't help but want to give up. I just knew I couldn't, not this easily.

I began swimming towards the shoreline, alone, scared, and terribly cold. The shoreline was a long distance away but I could still see it. With every kick of my legs and every stroke of my arms I was closer to the shore. I ignored the blazing burn in my entire body knowing if I let it consume me I wouldn't make it to land.

"HEY! OVER HERE!" I heard a man scream, I stopped swimming and looked around. That's when I saw someone waving their arms around as they stood in a boat. "HERE GRAB ONTO THIS!" He screamed throwing out a buoy, I paddled towards it and grabbed onto it and was pulled toward the boat. "Here love, give me your hand." I didn't waste a singke second before giving my hand to the man. He pulled me up into the boat. The cold air hitting my soaked clothing making me uncontrollably shiver. "Here cover up with this." He spoke giving me his black jacket. I smiled as a way of thanking him. "Are there any others?"

"N-N-No not that I'm aware of." I replied, pulling the jacket tighter around my body.

"You poor thing, are you okay?" He sympathized, I shook my head yes. He started the boat motor before he began driving back to the shore line.

He put the anchor down into the water before glancing back at me. I broke the gaze and looked past the shore line to see a giant stone castle sitting atop a hill.

"Alright, I'm taking you there. They'll help you out, I promise." I nodded my head before I rose to my feet shakily, I took a step and fell down on the boat.

"Bloody hell, here let me help you." He spoke, helping me up to my feet. We made it out of the boat and onto the sandy beach. He looped his arm under mine as we walked towards the castle. The closer we got the bigger it looked.

"Who-who lives here?"

"The Styles' royal family live here. It's called Gavaria Castle."

"Oh." I'd never heard of them or this castle my entire life. "Who are you?"

"Oh, I'm just a stable hand." He spoke, I nodded my head. I was flabbergasted at the sight of two giant doors that stood before me. They were opened by two guards covered in metal armor.

Two women came running over to us, "Oh, goodness gracious you poor thing." One of them said looking me up and down.

"Get her somewhere warm and settled, she was part of the shipwreck." The stable hand spoke, his arm was unlocked from under mine. I stumbled backwards into a pile of straw. The women that stood before me gave me worried glances.

"Can you walk, darling?" One of them spoke offering me a hand. I took it and pulled myself up.

"Uh, yes just right now I think I'm just in shock."

"Oh, I'm sure you are. Here let's get you a change of clothes and cleaned up, hm?" She spoke, her voice was full of warmth and kindness. I smiled thankfully.

***

After being escorted up a few flights of stairs I'd made it to a room. I stood mind blown at how beautiful it looked.

"Here's a change of clothes, the shower is right over there." The woman informed me pointing to a door. I smiled and grabbed the neatly folded dress from her hands and carefully made my way into the bathroom. I'd never seen such a pretty dress before. I've worn dresses, but not one like this one. It was a beautiful scarlet red color.

***

I stepped out of the shower and my attention was brought back by a soft knock on the door. I quickly wrapped my self in the robe I'd found neatly folded on a stool.

"Come in!." I called, the door was opened and I saw the same woman who'd given me the dress.

"I forgot that you'll need a corset, love." I fought off the urge to twist my face up in horror at the thought of something cinching my waist.

"Okay, how do I put it on?" I asked, I felt stupid for asking but I didn't want to wear it the wrong way and look stupid. She gave me a small smile.

"I have to tie the laces anyways, so just put this on and then come out and I'll tighten it, okay?"

I grabbed the corset from her hand and nodded my head. She closed the door and I slipped it on, struggling to get it over my hips at first. I was always told I had my mother's hips, wide and full. I opened the door and walked out into the bedroom.

She walked up behind me and began pulling the strings, I bit my lip as I felt the pressure on my ribs. It ended quickly though, "Alright, now go put on the dress, hun." I struggled to breath as I made my way over to the bathroom. Once inside I carefully slipped the dress on. I took a look at myself in the mirror, I thought I looked nice.

I stepped out and was met with a wide eyed glance, "Oh, you look beautiful!" She exclaimed I fought back a laugh.

"Thank you, um what's your name?"

"Beatrice, yours?"

"Rosalyn."

"What a pretty name," she spoke her eyes traveled down to my barren feet. "Oh, how could I have forgotten shoes?" She spoke, my eyes followed her as she walked over to the walk in closet to pull out a pair of matching red heels. I hated heels with a passion, let's just say the last time I wore heels was probably about ten years ago...and well I ended up taking them off after about ten minutes. She handed me the heels and I slipped them on. There was a knock on the door and another woman walked in, she greeted me with a smile. I smiled back.

"So, your the lady that everyone has been gossiping about?" I shruggedy shoulders in response.

"I guess?" I say.

"Okay, well regardless you look wonderful. I'm sure the prince would take a certain liking to you."

"Wait, the prince?" I blurted.

She fought back a laugh, "Yes, he's supposed to get married to Princess Fia in a week and its obvious that he doesn't want to marry her."

"Well, that sounds like it'd suck." I say, tilting my head to side slightly.

"Speaking of the king to be we should probably inform him that there's a guest." She spoke looking at Beatrice when she said it. They both grinned, Beatrice was quick to exit the room.

"So, I take it this isn't why your used to?"

I shook my head no, "What's your name?"

"Grace, yours?"

"Rosa-" I was cut off by the sound of doors opening, I looked over to them and saw a man dressed in a black suit with shoulder length curls framing his chiseled face. I felt like I would fly away from the mass amount of butterflies in my stomach as he walked over to me. I immediately curtseyed before him.

"Whas' your name?" He spoke, I felt my knees grow weak as my eyes locked with his green ones.

"Rosalyn Don." I spoke quietly, he gave me a small smile.

"Beautiful name, I'm Harry. Well, technically Prince Harry. Do you have any family?" It hit me like a freight train, I didn't have family left my family was on the ship. And if I did I had no idea where they were.

I shrugged my shoulders, "Well, you're welcome here for as long as you need."

"Thank you." I say smiling.

I watched as he backed away his eyes glistened in the light that peaked through the satin window drapes. I watched him walk out of the room and was left in a daze.

"Rosalyn, um dinner will be served shortly so for right now we'll get you settled in, mm-kay?" Grace spoke bringing me back to reality.

"Oh, yeah sure sounds good." I quickly spoke.

***

A few hours had passed and I'd sat mindlessly on the window seat still left in a daze. I'd honestly never felt such a pull to anyone before. I torey gaze from the scenery outside to the door at the sound of a knock. The door opened and revealed Grace.

"Dinner is getting ready to be served, Rosalyn."

I swung my legs off of the seat and walked towards her and put into the hall. I followed behind her, taking long strides down the hallway that was lit by candles. Our footsteps echoed with each step. I was wonderstruck at the sight of the luxurious long dinner table that was perfectly centered in the dining room. The plates and silverware were laid out neatly, the food was placed on white sparkling dishes.

"Woah." I blurted making Grace laugh. "Do I just sit anywhere or?"

"You have to wait until the king and queen sit then everyone else will sit down. You'll probably sit next to me or the prince." I felt my heart increase at the word 'prince'. "Are you okay?" She asked.

"Oh, yeah I'm okay." She gave me a knowing look. I waited patiently as the king and queen both filed into the room. The queen had long grey wavy hair like mind only mine was a honey brown. Her crown sparkled as the sun hit it. They both took a seat, I felt a tug on my hand from Grace.

"C'mon, let's go sit." She spoke, I followed behind her and felt a wave of nervousness wash over me from the feeling of a piercing gaze on me. I looked over at the king and queen they both greeted me with smiles. I smiled back, but the gaze still lingered.

I tried to shrug it off but it didn't work, I looked behind me and saw Prince Harry standing in the hallway his gaze locked with mine. I forced myself to look away.

"Ah my wonderful son! Come and sit!" The king exclaimed, motioning to the spot next to me. I gulped nervously and hoped no one noticed. I looked up at the ceiling and saw the most breathtaking chandelier. The screeching of the chair against the floor made me cringe. I hated that sound.

"Where's Princess Fia?" The queen asked Harry. He cleared his throat before replying.

"She says she's not feeling well, so I told her she should just rest." He spoke sounding careless. His mother smiled sweetly at him.

"Ah, I'm so glad you found the right lady for you Harry I really am." She spoke, I watched as he forced a smile.

'Wow, Grace really was right that he didn't want to get married to Fia.'

"So, who's this beautiful lady?" The king questioned gesturing towards me. I felt a heat rise in my cheeks as everyone's eyes were now upon me.

"Um, I'm Rosalyn Don from the shipwreck that happened today." His lips twisted into a smile.

"Ah, I'm very sorry for what happened. I'm sure you've already met my son, hm?" I nodded my head yes. I felt a soft nudge in my side from Harry's elbow. I looked at him and he mouthed, 'speak'.

"Yes, we've met, he seems very kind. I'd also like to say thank you for your kindness, and for letting me stay here. It means a lot." He nodded his head slowly.

"It's the least we can do," he spoke looking over at the queen, "Okay, now we shall eat." He added.

***

I'd been escorted back to my room after dinner. The food was definitely not what I expected it to be but it wasn't bad. I sat in the window seat, I think it was my favorite spot within my room.

As I pondered out of the window I saw the setting sun on the horizon across the sea. I watched as the waves washed up onto the sand. I don't know what overtook me but I raced out of my room and down the hallways. I was immediately stopped when I bumped into someone.

"Hey, we careful-wait why are you out here?" I recognized the beholder of the voice to be Harry. I immediately became flustered.

"Erm, I was going to go down to the shore." I spoke quietly, a grin took form on his lips.

"Well, you'd have to go that way." He spoke pointing behind me. I turned around and became confused when he started walking in front of me. "C'mon, I'll take you down there." He offered I couldn't find the words to say so instead I nodded my head. He waited for me to catch up to him.

Within minutes we were on the beach, I ran straight towards the shoreline and took off my heels so I could stand barefoot in the water. I closed my eyes and let the salty air drift me away into a calm tranquility.

"I take it you like the water?" He chuckled, I opened my eyes and saw he was standing knee deep in the ocean in front of me. I smiled and closed my eyes, "Ignoring me won't make me go away." I opened my eyes once more and smirked.

"Then what will?" I spoke quietly.

He pursed his lips in thought, "Hmm, probably not much." A smirk played across his lips, "Here come out here, it's not that cold." I took a step forwards into the water. It was a little chillier than I expected but it was fine. "See it's not that bad."

I took another step when I felt something rough on my foot, "Ow!"

"Are you okay?"

"Yeah, I'm fine, thanks. I just stepped on something." I kept walking out farther and farther lifting my dress as I did. I stopped once it got to the point I couldn't lift my dress any higher.

I turned my back to him to look back at the shore line when I felt a splash of water hit the exposed skin of my back. My mouth fell open and I turned around to see Harry with a cheeky grin.

"Hahaha." I sarcastically laughed making his grin grow even wider.

"Uh, don't say no just yet but I want to show you some-"

"No!" I interrupted him, "I'm just playing what were you gonna' say?"

He smiled slightly, "There's a place I want to show you, I think you'll like it."

"If it involves snakes or spiders I'm not going."

"There aren't any of those there, trust me I hate snakes too." He chuckled.

"Oh, okay good. Well, where is it?"

***

We arrived at a stone arch that had leafy vines hanging from it, beautiful pink and purple flowers blossomed off of it. I watched as Harry's hand plucked one of them off the vine, he handed it to me and I tucked it behind my ear.

"Suits you." He whispered, I smiled slightly. He moved the vines off to the side working as a doorway. I ducked as I walked through them. I immediately covered my mouth at the sight of the breathtakingly beautiful scenery. There was a cascading waterfall, that made the pink and orange hues of the sunset behind it pop.

"Oh my, it's beautiful."

"Like you." He spoke, I turned around and saw him leaned against the rocks with his arms crossed.

"Are you always this I don't know, dorky?"

"Mm-define dorky."

"Cheeky, just you in general." He smiled, pushing himself off of the rocks.

"Well, we should probably start heading back before I get my head cut off by my father." I felt my eyes grow wide, "I was speaking figuratively not literally." He adds.

"Oh, right." I laugh, feeling stupid for even assuming that.

***

We both walked into the castle, I gulped at the sight of a tall, slim, blonde woman whom waltzed her way over to us.

"Eh-em, who's this little peasant? And why was she with you?" She spat glaring at me.

"Uh, this is Rosalyn, she was the only survivor of the shipwreck. And for christ sake I was just showing her around, Fia." Harry rose his voice towards the end. I watched as she whipped out a small hand fan and began fanning her face.

"Ugh, see now I'm all hot because I got mad. See look what you do to me, Harry. I don't even know why I said yes to you when you asked for my hand in marriage! Ugh!"

"Look quit making a scene, we can talk about this later, alright?" She huffed and gave me a snooty look I returned it.

'What a bitch.' I thought.

I followed behind Harry as he led me towards a hallway. "Hey, I apologize about that. We're getting married in a week and I don't even wanna' do it anymore."

"Yeah, I can see why." I tsked, before I knew it I was standing in front of my bedroom.

"Have a good night, Rosalyn. My room is right down the hall if you need anything alright?" He spoke, I smiled.

"Good night, Harry." I spoke, before I opened the door and watched as he walked down the hallway towards his room.

I let out a sigh as I walked over to the bed and flung myself onto it. I hadn't really given myself time to register today's events, I was too busy spending time with Harry to notice it. That's when it hit me, I was more than likely the last person in my family. My entire family was more than likely deceased lying at the bottom of the sea floor. I had nowhere to go, I only had this castle to live in.

--------------------------------------------------------------

Okay, thank you the read!

Don't forget that you can leave comments if you'd like. Also this was kind of like a random idea I got, so it's probably a little messy.

Anyways, have a great day/night!

[karenvideoeditor-blog]

“Why is it so squishy?” I asked my pod mother, staring at the animal she’d brought back to our den.

Pink and soft, it was about half my height, and my mother had told us it had probably been alive for three years. That seemed ridiculous, though. Why would it still be so small if it was three years old? I was tempted to think she was wrong, that the little thing was only several moon cycles old, but mother knew these things. Sometimes it felt she knew everything.

“He, not it,” she corrected me. “And he’s squishy because he isn’t meant to live half of his life in water. He needs skin, not scales like sirens have.”

The little creature, which I would come to learn was called a ‘human’, stayed with us. I didn’t know why at first. The most practical solution to finding him alive, on the dinky wooden lifeboat among corpses of those who’d died of thirst, would have been to find some other humans to give him to. They weren’t all over the place, but they were good at building ships now. So good that they were able to cross the ocean, though if any ships capsized, they likely would die, since they couldn’t go without air for very long or swim very fast.

But my mother just adopted him, as if that were the most normal thing in the world to do. She was always caring for little ones above all else, not to mention she saw value in having a human in our pod. Humans were quickly spreading across the oceans, after all. I think after caring for it for several days, giving it fresh water and feeding him fish (we had to cook it and take out the bones, she told me), she became attached. And I had to admit, he was quite cute, and remarkably smart. We didn’t know his language, but he picked up the language we spoke within an impressively short amount of time.

The human called himself ‘Jake’, and was still learning to speak. He was wildly slow to develop in all aspects, it seemed, including his brain, and when we explained how many moon cycles had passed, he said he was four and a half years old. That meant when we’d found him, he’d only been three and a half.

Jake grew up fast, and he grew up to be strong, not as squishy as when he first came to us. He liked the idea of living in a house made of trees, rather than a cave, and whenever mother scrounged items from ships that were wrecked or damaged enough to be abandoned, he’d put the items he liked in his latest little house.

By the time he was ten, it seemed he was always whittling some little wooden toy on shore with a knife my mother had found on a capsized ship. I didn’t see the point of it, until he made one that looked like me (well, it was meant to), and then my siblings. Over the years, we played games where we all went on imaginary adventures together, the tiny versions of us scaling the tall trees or the mounds of rocks. He kept whittling new pieces of quality wood, and when the toys got too damp and started to disintegrate, there would always be a new one to take its place.

Jake mostly staying in the shade of the trees, since otherwise his skin would turn red and burn and peel, which looked horrible. Jake said it felt horrible too, and he always had to use plants he found in the forest to dull the pain and help heal it. There were occasions I didn’t see him for days, off swimming and hunting, because he couldn’t come with us. Of course, living among us, Jake learned to swim quickly and was fantastic at it, and could go without air for minutes at a time, which was impressive for a human. But he couldn’t go on hunting trips, to his disappointment.

Then came the day other humans found the island we lived on. From the conversation I overheard when their boat first reached the shores, it seemed they’d been mapping the area. This was unfortunate, since if it was mapped, other humans might become fond of it, or at the least, use it as a way point. But there was no stopping human explorers, and even though mother had called this place home for centuries, they would claim it as their own.

What we hadn’t realized was that the humans were able to see quite far away with new instruments they had. None of us were foolish enough to get anywhere close to the ship or the are they’d claimed, but the last time mother had been near humans was ages ago, since we lived on the island. That meant the concept of a telescope was unfamiliar to her. The humans laid a trap near the shore and one morning, and while I thought I was far enough away from the humans to be safe, I stepped in something hidden under the sand that snapped shut on my ankle like the mouth of a shark.

I was strong and my hard scales were reliable protection, but this trap was something different than anything I’d ever encountered. It cut through the scales on both sides as it slammed shut, the cracking sound it made horrifying me as I collapsed to the ground with a scream. My heart racing, I started sobbing, staring at the blood pouring from the wound.

My family heard my cries and two of them immediately rushed to me from the sea, where they’d been swimming. They gripped both sides of the vice and pulled, and were able to get it to budge, but not very much. Jake also rushed to me, out of the forest where he’d been napping, and stood by in horror as they tried to free me.

My cries had also been heard by the humans, though, and they’d come out of hiding some ways down the beach in the trees. I don’t know how long they’d been there, but it seemed they’d intended on capturing one of us, though to what end I wasn’t sure. All I could think about then was the pain, and my siblings were unable to free me, not strong enough to go against the force of the trap. The jostling made the pain even worse and tears streamed down my face as I choked on shrieks of pain.

When the humans got close, one my siblings rushed off into the water. I knew they were going to fetch my mother, who took care of any trouble we encountered, but how could she fight back against something like this? We couldn’t even free my foot from the trap. Also, the humans closing in on us had knives and one of them had a larger weapon, something I’d never seen before.

Jake, though…Jake didn’t run off. By our count, he was eighteen years old, which was still young by human standards. He was strong, though, from years of building new houses from trees, from swimming, from hunting with us. And he had several knives of his own, the largest of which was in his hand now.

Jake had lost all knowledge of the language he’d known when he first joined my pod, so there was no way to communicate. Even so, it was clear that the other humans thought this was amusing, like Jake was playing at being one of us.

I had my defenses, though. After I managed to slow my racing heart and swallow back my tears, I started to sing, to attempt to lure the men into a state of mind that would render them fond of me, to put down their weapons and, instead, come to my aid. But nothing happened. My voice faded away, and I realized the men were grinning at me in amusement.

When one of them turned their head to show me an ear, I realized they were filled with wax. My heart plunged into my stomach, curling in fear, knowing that I’d been rendered helpless by the simple precaution that they’d taken. But they didn’t understand what Jake was capable of. The men were strong, but strong wasn’t enough. To hunt and catch fish, you needed to be fast.

And Jake was fast. When one of the humans started to move toward me, Jake didn’t hesitate before putting himself in front of me like a shield, and then suddenly they were fighting. Jake’s knife drew blood several times in slashes before he managed to stab the man, and then went after the second, quickly subduing him as well. But the third, which I thought had run away to get help, stopped and pointed the weapon in his hand at Jake’s back just as the second man was shoved to the ground. There was and staggering, cracking boom and Jake twitched forward. Then there was blood.

I screamed again, this time in despair and horror. Blood poured from a wound in Jake’s shoulder, gushing down his chest and left arm, and he’d looked at me in bemusement for only a moment before his knees nearly buckled when his expression turned to one of agony. Reaching for him, I bumped the trap that still bound me, but I was still stuck in place by the weight of the trap on my broken ankle. He didn’t fall, though. Instead, Jake turned toward the man who’d used this new weapon, his face turning into something ugly, and bolted forward.

It was clear the weapon was dangerous, but the man fumbled with it, and as he did so it became clear it couldn’t be used as quickly as a knife. When Jake closed in on him, the man swung one end of the weapon at him, but Jake easily dodged the strike and plunged his knife into the man’s chest. The weapon dropped from his grip and with a second, more accurate stab at his heart, the man collapsed to the ground.

Jake was sweating and looked dizzy from pain, but still came over to me. He knew as well as I did that more humans would be there soon.

“Get to the water!” he said, kneeling down to help me up with his uninjured arm to stand on one foot. I gasped in agony. “Get away, find somewhere safe far from the island. Then you can take your time freeing yourself.”

“But they’ll come for you,” I whimpered. “There are so many more.”

“Leave that to me,” he said. Jake gave me a smirk of a smile, but I saw what was behind it. The fear. Growing up with us, he’d learned stories of humans, and how they would treat not only different animals like sirens, but those of their own kind that they didn’t like. They often randomly attacked members of their own species, even their own pod. There was danger in the idea of Jake attempting to survive pursuit by the others.

But I had no other choice. I was less than helpful, simply dead weight, and so Jake walked me into the water until it was deep enough for me to swim. I gave him one last look before letting myself sink underwater. The trap was heavy, but with the water assisting with some of the weight and with the propulsion of swimming pulling it behind me, I was able to keep moving. The pain was almost unbearable, but to stay behind meant death or worse, so I swam as hard and fast as I could. I made it to my mother, who had been hurriedly attempting to come to my rescue, in minutes.

That was the last time I saw Jake. I hope he is all right. I’m sure he darted into the forest as soon as I’d left, and he knew the island better than any of the other humans. He could hide. He could wait until they left, as they inevitably would. And he could rejoin the humans he’d lived among before joining my family, perhaps stow away on a ship and then camouflage himself by going to an area overrun by them.

He might not have had scales, but he was a brother to me in every sense of the word. I still have the whittled wooden facsimile of myself, as do my siblings. Knowing there would be no new ones created by our brother, we keep them dry to preserve them. They’re the only thing we have left of the human that saved my life. Just them and many memories, which I hold dear in my heart.

/r/storiesbykaren

You are a siren, a rather young one. Today your mother, the leader of your pod, introduced an unfamiliar little squishy pink thing to you as your little sibling.

[chrisframeofficial]

Disney Treasure Rescue Mission

The brand-new Disney cruise ship Disney Treasure has started its career with a heroic act, sailing to the reuse of sailors in distress, with the 144,256 gross ton cruise ship going to the aid of a 50 foot catamaran named Serenity, around 265 miles off the coast of the Bermuda.

Disney Treasure was sailing around 80 miles away from the Serenity, when it sent out a distress call requesting aid, taking on water at a rate that its bilge pump could not contain.

The call was received by the US Coast Guard in North Carolina, who alerted nearby vessels of the situation, with the Disney Treasure picking up the call and diverting to offer assistance. When Disney Treasure arrived on the scene, the large cruise ship sent a lifeboat to rescue the four passengers of the catamaran.  

What makes this story even more remarkable is that Disney Treasure was on her delivery voyage! The ship, which I covered in my recent new cruise ships video, was constructed at the famed Meyer Werft yard in Papenburg Germany, and had only just been handed over to Disney a few weeks ago.

Having completed sea trials near Norway, and provisioning in the Netherlands, the ship was enroute to its new home in Port Canaveral, Florida, having made a call in Funchal before commencing a transatlantic crossing.

Disney Treasure is the latest of the Wish class of cruise ships, and offers 1,250 cabins for 2,500 passengers. With a length of 1,119.2ft, or 341 metres, she is a large ship in both dimensions and internal volume, which as noted is 144,256 gross tons.

“We are pleased that the Disney Treasure was able to provide aid to the boat passengers in peril,” Disney Treasure's Captain Marco Nogara is reported as saying, adding: "Our crew members worked together on the rescue, skilfully demonstrating their training and commitment to safety.”'aptain Marco Nogara is reported as saying in a statement, adding: "Our crew members worked together on the rescue, skilfully demonstrating their training and commitment to safety.”

Well done to Disney Treasure and her crew.

[lully-jo]

Things people say about the Titanic that drive me nuts because they're founded on myths perpetuated by films and hearsay: 1. They didn't have enough lifeboats because it cluttered the deck.

WRONG. They had more than they were actually mandated to have on the ship for the era. Furthermore, lifeboats were not meant to keep passengers on them, they were meant to act as ferries from one boat to the other. The point of a lifeboat was that it would be re-used several times during the events of a sinking. The idea they removed lifeboats because it made the deck look cluttered is a myth from the 1997 film. Now, it's BECAUSE of the sinking that it is now mandated you have enough lifeboats for all on board, but we cannot act as though the designers of the ship were being negligent when they did more than what was actually expected of them at the time. It's real easy to look back and say: Wow you should've done this! NOBODY had enough lifeboats on their ship for all their passengers at the time!

2. It sank as an act of hubris! They thought they were untouchable.

WRONG AGAIN. While Thomas Andrews' state-of-the-art design was in some ways regarded as "unsinkable" it was the luxury of the ship that was most discussed. J. Bruce Ismay did not demand the ship increase speed for publicity--in fact Ismay has been slandered against for years after this event due to a rivalry, so to speak, with William Hurst, a man who controlled the yellow press in the United States. The men in the crow's nest also weren't able to see as well in the night, not just because it was a moonless night on still waters, but because the binoculars they would've used were locked up and no one on board had the key!

The truth about Titanic is that everything that COULD go wrong DID go wrong. There was a boiler fire/explosion before they even left for New York, the ship easily could have stayed afloat had the burg not punctured damn near every water-tight compartment at once, the water entered into the ship even faster due to some porthole windows BEING LEFT OPEN, on top of the lookouts having no binoculars on the moonless, calm sea in an area that normally did not have nearly as many iceburgs as there had been that day, the crew hadn't performed any safety drills yet so everyone was operating in chaos and doing their best, most of the ships nearby thought the distress signals were celebratory fireworks and those who did answer the call were too far away to get there in time to save everyone.

3. The Titanic hungers for the rich! Love it when rich people die.

PLEASE stop ignoring that the overwhelming majority of deaths on that ship were of the poor and working class and their children.

Less than half of second class survived and only 25% of third class survived. Please also note that this graph only includes passengers and not crew. Nothing boils my blood more than the inability of folks to recognize that just because rich people did die that somehow all the poor people who had much less chance to make it just didn't exist.

Not to mention all the working class men in the engines/boilers who willingly gave their lives to keep the lights on and also push out as much water to keep the ship afloat. The crew above was able to get as many passengers on lifeboats as they did BECAUSE of those men who volunteered to stay in the belly of the ship. They were fucking heroes and we don't talk about them enough. Watch this movie about them for free on youtube.