(RP) The Voyage of BlackBeard

[BlackBeard]

What started as a clear day of sailing turned ominous as the horizon aft of the ship became dark with black storm clouds. On the horizon towards the bow of the ship, land had been spotted. BlackBeard knew that if they could make to to the land, they might be able to find safety from the approaching menace. He gave the order to hoist all mainsails, and the called all hands on deck and to batten down the hatches.

With a good tail wind, it appeared they might just make it to the land, but the storm was quickly approaching. As the winds and the waves became violent, he knew that they must prepare for the worst. He screamed to his first mate to furl the mainsails so that they would not be destroyed in the high winds, and to gain more control of the ship now being tossed in the sea. He felt as if he were being teased by nature itself with land so close.

He heard a scream and looked up just in time to see a crewman falling into the crashing waves. He had gone aloft to furl the mainsails when the yard broke loose. A huge wave crashed over the stern of the ship like a battering ram, knocking him off his feet. As the wave swept across the deck, he felt himself being picked up and tossed like a leaf in the wind. He was slammed hard into the railing on the port side. With nobody at the helm, the ship mad a hard turn to starboard. He watched helplessly as the next wave caught them full broadside. He was thrown from the deck into the raging sea. The waves quickly carried him away from his ship which now began to list hard to port. The next wave hit and capsized the ship, chunks of wood flying into the sea.

He knew his ship was lost and could only hope that his men would be able to find a way to survive. He rode the huge waves one after another towards the shore. As it came closer and closer he knew that he was going to make it, as long as he wasn't drowned before he found land.

He barely heard the beating of huge wings as something swooped out of the sky. Huge talons gripped around his waist and he was lifted above the waves. He tried to look up to see what it was that had a hold of him, but the hard wind driven rain prevented him from getting a clear view. He tried to pry the talons from around his waist, but it would have been easier to break a chain with his bare hands. As he started to black out his last thought was of being eaten by whatever has him in it's grip.

When BlackBeard came to, the sun was just coming up. He had no idea where he was. The sea was nowhere to be seen, only trees and a stream. He knew that if he followed the stream downward, it should take him back to the sea. So he checked himself for injuries and found a few abrasions, bruises and tender ribs. Slowly he headed downstream until he heard voices. Pausing he looked to see where they were coming from. A couple was heading down what looked like a foot path. Quietly he followed them until they entered what looked like a small village. Not a lot, a few cottages, a couple of fields. A tavern, a temple, what appeared to be the town hall were among some of the buildings there. near the center was what appeared to be a market place, but it looked as though it was just starting to become active with a few people.

As he started to enter the village he realized he must be quite a sight. His clothing was torn rags, he was hungry, and he had nothing to call his own to even sell. He knew that the best place to find any help would be at the temple, as he entered there was 1 person, who did not seem to be a clergyman. It looked as though he were just doing some work there.

BlackBeard approached the solitary person and asked where he might get some food. The man seemed friendly enough and took the time to explain that the town hall would provide a house, a couple days worth of food and some money. He then told how to get work, and how to become a person with more rights, as right now they could not even travel.

BlackBeard went to the Town hall to try to secure a place to live, a bit of food and some money. He knew this was a time of new beginnings.

[BlackBeard]

After BlackBeard had settled into his new home, he went to the market to stock up on food. A couple bags of corn and some bread should do until he was able to secure some work.
He found work at the temple for a couple of days, and then went to the mines. The pay was barely enough to cover his daily cost of food, but he figured if he rationed he could save more money.
After a few days of alternating a bag of corn and a loaf of bread, he found no more corn on the market. Now he would have to survive on what bread he had, which was starting to run low. How was he going to be able to survive on his meager earnings if he could not afford to eat?

[BlackBeard]

A trip to the market today found 7 bags of corn for sale. Blackbeard did not want to take away from others who needed the corn so he bought only three bags. That should get him through until he could afford to purchase a field from the Town hall. Then he would be able to travel as needed.

[BlackBeard]

After another day of working in the mines, and a bit to eat, BlackBeard had a restless night. His dreams kept drifting to a young lass with a little lizard type pet. He woke and after eating a bit of bread he headed for the lake. With a little luck he would have something to eat besides bread and corn.

[Ashlyn]

In my dreams I visited one who was sleeping restlessly, an honest man. I could see into his heart and my dream seemed real. I recall kissing him in my dream .. and wonder who he is, and if we will meet.

[BlackBeard]

Luck was with him as he caught a fish. Looking at it he contemplated whether to eat it or try to sell it. He decided to let the market decide for him. If there was fish already on the market and/or there was no corn to buy, he would eat the fish, otherwise he would see if he could sell it. When he got to the market, there was no fish for sale and there were 6 bags of corn. so he put the fish up for sale and bought 3 more bags of corn. Then he went to find a job in the mines again. Now he was sure that he would have enough food to keep him going while he worked in the mines to get the money he needed to buy his field and his traveling papers. Less than a week, he thought, and he would be able to travel and raise a field. That night he was again visited by the woman and her lizard like creature in his dreams.

[BlackBeard]

BlackBeard went to the town hall and collected the rest of his pay for the week. 40 Freznics gave him a total of 90. Just 10 more and he would be able to buy his first field and his traveling papers. On his way to the mine today, he recalled his dream. The mysterious woman had appeared to him again. She had left with a kiss as sweet as strawberries. He wondered where she was, why did she only appear in his dreams? He would have to go see if she was real.

[BlackBeard]

This morning he woke to the smell of something very sweet. Looking around he saw that there was a fresh pie in his window, with a single slice missing. He figured his secret lady must have placed it there. He was very hungry, and had half the pie gone before realizing he should not eat the whole thing at once. When he stepped out the door, a man came up to him and handed him a scroll and a bag of corn. "Here you go BlackBeard" he said, and was off before he could be asked what it was. Blackbeard opened the scroll.

From the City Hall of Paz
It is hereby decreed that BlackBeard, Citizen of Paz, having paid his dues at the sum of 100 Freznics, is given a field, which he may now use to grow and harvest the product of his choice, which at this time is corn. BlackBeard is now also free to travel the lands at his own risk.
Signed...

BlackBeard could not quite make out the signature, but he figured others would know who it was. He rolled the scroll up and took it back into his little hut to put with his travel gear. He then took the bag of corn and placed it in a little chest which would protect it until he could plant it. Then he went to the market to look for bread and corn to keep his stock built up a little, but there was none to be found. He returned home a disappointed man.
Going out to the back of his hut, he looked for the place to grow his field of corn. Next he took his hoe, and began chopping up the ground where he had decided to plant his "field of Dreams". By the end of the day, he was exhausted, but he smiled as he looked at the new field he had created. When he returned to his hut, he finished off the pie and a loaf of bread. His stock was running low, but if he could just have the bread he needed until his corn was grown, he would be fine.

[BlackBeard]

The next morning BlackBeard woke up a little stiff, but he knew he must plant his corn. He rose and at some corn he had. then headed for the market. Toxic had corn on the market for 3.55 F a bag, so BB grabbed 3 bags. Now he should have enough corn to eat on the alternating days.

He then went back to his hut, grabbed his bag of corn, went to his field and began planting the kernels. After watering the field, BB stood back and looked at it. Not bad for one who was not used to being a land lubber.

[BlackBeard]

The next morning, BB woke up after another peaceful night with the dream woman. He grabbed a bit of bread to eat and went to check on his field. He was surprised to see that the plants had already sprouted up. After giving them a quick watering, he went to the mines to secure a job.