Thread: High Seas Adventure (Zynode & darkangel76)

The sun had finally set and though, more than anything in the world, Charlotte did not wish to leave her father behind, she knew she must. Times were treacherous and only becoming more so. Ever since her father, Charles McCarriston, had fallen ill, the family and all it proudly stood for had fallen upon the eager shoulders of her older brother, Tobias. Tobias. Oh how the name sent shivers along Charlotte's spine. It made her skin crawl at how the man was able to squander both his time and the family fortune on such frivolities such as gambling and women. How many women had he bed now? As far as she could tell, nearly every one within the island colony. It was madness, not to mention embarrassing. The tarnish and shame he brought upon the McCarriston name was more than she could bear at times. If only her father truly knew! In some ways, it made her glad that her mother had passed away, unable to see the abomination that her son had become... But such dark thoughts only made Charlotte weep and shiver. She wished things were different, that she could somehow step in and take over. But all documents left everything to Tobias. 'Oh father,' she often thought to herself as she watched her brother run off with whore and harlot, no care for who or what he did. The McCarriston name still held power on the island, still had connection. So long as that remained, her brother could do as he wished. So long as there were those who remained loyal, he'd continue the ruin, holding the colony of New Caledon and it's people and various officials under his thumb. Truly... it was hopeless. And now. Now, the casual glances that Tobias started giving her hadn't gone unnoticed by Charlotte. She saw the way he looked at her, the way his eyes lingered longer than they should. It was unnerving and made her tummy ache, causing her to have nightmares, anxiety. It was too much and only getting worse. Though when he finally followed her a few evenings ago, finding her alone in one of the many dark corridors within their home, he'd cornered her. Even now as Charlotte frantically prepared for what she knew would be the most terrifying moment in her life so far, she could vividly recall that time with Tobias. His hot breath as his lips trailed her neck while he'd held her against the cold, hard stone of the wall. The malicious look in his eyes as he stared back into her cool, blue eyes reflecting her fear. But he only smiled, urged on by the reaction until she finally struggled hard enough for him to finally release her from his grasp. But that look. She knew that look... one of determination. He wouldn't give up. He'd never give up. A game had started and he would end it. Again, Charlotte shivered. Looking at herself in the mirror, Charlotte grimaced. Her long, red waves were pulled back into a ponytail as she went to tuck it up into a capthat meant for a boy. She then reached for several strips of cloth and began to tightly wrap them about her half naked body. Slowly, she began to bind her breasts, binding and hiding her feminine form, tears falling from her blue eyes as she did so. But she knew she had no choice. Not any more. Not after what had happened. Oh how she'd miss her father. Once done binding her breasts, Charlotte began to dress herself. Her choice of clothes weren't her typical gownsfrilly frocks that accentuated her figure, that were soft and beautiful, making her feel pretty. No. These were coarse, featureless and practically colorless. Slowly, she pulled on the trousers and then the boots. Slowly, she slipped on the top and then a coat. Never had she felt more ugly, so... boyish. But then, that was the point... to 'become' a boy. More tears fell from Charlotte's blue eyes, the salty water staining her alabaster cheeks as they fell. Taking a shaky breath, she looked about her room and choked on a sob that threatened to escape her. Truly this would be the last time she'd be in her home. She wouldn't even get to say goodbye to her father. Biting down on her lip, she picked up her pack filled with clothes, coin and food and headed toward her door. She hoped that Dorothy Lucas wasn't abouther 'lady in waiting'. The girl usually meant well, but she tended to prattle on at times and having the girl potentially interfering and questioning would only serve to hinder her escape not to mention possibly place her in danger as well. After all, who knew how far Tobias would go to ensure she was found once it was learned she was gone? Charlotte didn't want to think on that... Swallowing hard, Charlotte pushed open the door and peeked out into the dimly lit corridor. Thankfully, it seemed to be empty, quiet. Without hesitating, she crept out of her room and began to hurriedly move along the stone hallway until she finally made it to one of the many doors. Reaching for the door, she let out a tiny breath, a bead of sweat trailing down the nape of her neck as she twisted the knob and finally went out into the night. Meanwhile, around the corner, Dorothy noticed a figure looming and skulking about. Though, not wanting to rouse the household, kept silent. The night air was thick with a mist that was rolling in and the moon was silver as it shone down overhead. Charlotte looked up, her pale eyes squinting as she peered up to see if she could see the rumored face that was claimed to reside there. Frowning, she looked away and set her jaw, her thoughts on traveling toward the harbor. She needed to board one of the ships there, join a crew and get as far away as possible from Tobias, her home... and everything she ever knew. And hopefully all before anyone noticed she was gone.