Open Sea

The Black Rose

She tightened the last strap on the boots Denela left for her. Miravette let out a loud sigh and tightened the belt around her waist. The clothes had surprisingly fit her well, the pants had been a bit tight but manageable. She looked down at her nightgown which was on the floor.

She walked out of the room and headed down the corridor towards the stairs, the closer she got the louder her heart beat got. She took in a deep breath and made her way upstairs. She could her shouting and cheering. She squinted her eyes as she stepped into the sunlight, the smell of the sea mixed in with the sound of the waves hitting the hull of the ship and the wind whipping the sails. Her eyes adjusted to the light and in front of her a group of men stood in a circle surrounding something.

Lets go Red!

Youre really going to let her beat you again!

Miravette walked closer to the circle, trying to peek into what the commotion was.

Denela tightened her arms around his neck. Just tap already, youre not getting out of this. She tightened it more. The man struggled against her arm attempting to pull Denela off. His vision had begun to get blurry and his face was a deep shade of blue. He brought his hand up and quickly tapped it on Denela. She let him go and the crowd of men began cheering and screaming.

What is that, 9 to 0 now. They all started laughing. Denela helped the man up, Getting better Red, you lasted a whole minute longer.

The man chuckled, Ill beat you one of these days, Denela. Dont matter if it takes me 100 attempts. The group began to disperse but now they were surrounding something else.

Who is she? one of them asked.

Denela looked over, she saw them begin to circle around someone.

Whats going on? Red asked her.

I think I might know, lets go before our guest gets eaten. Denela made her way through the crowd and towards the center. There a frightened Miravette stood with her fist up and her back against the side of the ship.

Stay away you filthy pirates! she screamed.

Okay okay men get back to work! Nothing to see here. Denela screamed, they obeyed and went about their day. Denela walked over to Miravette, her dark red hair shining in the sunlight. She looked her over, the clothes had suited her well.

Easy, theyre harmless. Denela said.

Harmless!? They all look like giant hairy beast. Miravette exclaimed. Red walked up to them and laughed, Yeah most of them are giant hairy beasts, but dont worry theyre all hired help. Captain likes to have the extra muscle on long voyages. He said with a smile. He extended his arm towards her, Garavex Red at your service, you can call me Red like everyone else does.

She hesitantly shook his hand, Miravette Ashwood. She said.

We know who you are, Black sure did surprise us when he brought you on deck, but Im not complaining I always welcome a new pretty face. Denela stepped on his foot.

Ouch! You stupid cu..

So Miravette lets get you to the Captains quarters, Elize and the Captain are waiting for you there. They walked below deck and down the corridor Miravette came from, they walked all the way to other side and down another flight of stairs.

How large is this ship? Miravette asked.

The Rose has 3 decks, lower deck is storage, the kitchen and Captains quarters, second is the crews quarters as well as cannons and the top deck well is the outside. Denela explained.

She knows this ship almost as well the Captain, shes our handy dandy technician who helps repair and maintain this large lady. Red added in. If anything, Im going to guess the Captain will want to put you with me so I can teach you a thing or two, either that or the kitchen but trust me you wouldnt want to work with Elize. Denela and Red both shuddered at the mention of her name.

Who is this Elize I keep hearing about? she asked them.

Red gave her a nervous smile, Captain Blacks sister and our cook. Her and Gerald are Captains advisors. Theyre the big three honchos on the ship, if one of them tells you to do something you do it. No questions asked.

Out of the three females on the ship she is definitely the scariest. Well out of the four now since youre our new addition.

So how many people are there on this ship?

Including hired help around 20, but the crew is much smaller. Theres 8 of us altogether, 9 now but because of Denelas upgrades to the ship it only takes about 2 of us to sail. The Captain and his navigator. The rest of us usually just hang out on the second deck and do small repairs. Red explained.

Only 2 people and you can sail? she asked surprised, according to her father a ship this large usually required a crew of 15, 6 to sail efficiently and the rest were helping hands making sure the ship was sailing smoothly.

I built an automated system that helps us control the direction, lowering and raising of the sails and anchor. That way the Captain controls everything while Vea navigates him. Denela said.

Youll meet the rest of the crew later during chow. They reached a wooden door at the end of the hallway. but now lets introduce you to Elize our cook from Hell.