Thread: Here Be Dragons [ Forsaken Dreamer and Terucin ]

Sverdar stood impassively, watching the wreckage draw ever closer. Behind him, he could hear his crew running around trying to frantically prepare for salvaging what they could. The procedure itself was simple enough members of the crew would be lowered in rowboats down the side of the ship. Once lowered, they would jump into the water and begin searching for any valuables or items worthwhile, and placing them into the boats. Once the crew had managed to gather up anything that might be worth something, they could climb back into the boats, and be hoisted up. It was the quickest way to salvage anything, and Sverdar didn't feel like spending longer than needed here. Alright men, Sverdar called out, glad for one thing he had inherited from his father a very loud and resonating voice that could clearly be heard through most noises and distractions. He had a partial accent from his mother, but that came as no surprise as she had raised him. Let's make this quick and easy. If it looks to be worth something grab it. If it is heavy and we need to drop weight later, you and the item you loot will be tied together and thrown overboard. As he spoke, the ship came to stop next to the wreckage, letting the anchor drop to hold them in place. The sails had been furled and now most of the crew stood ready to go overboard. Staying behind would be Sverdar, and enough crew to pull the others up and make small adjustments to the ship should they need to prepare to leave quickly. There had been a number of times where another ship had come along and Sverdar needed to prepare to either sink the ship or get his the hell out of here. Oh, and do remember that your pay depends on how much we can manage to plunder. Do try to do a good job, yes? I would hate to have to tell your fellow crew members that they didn't get paid as much because you decided to hide some piece of treasure away for yourself. Sverdar grinned slightly, then gestured quickly to the crew. Now get going! he roared, and the crew jumped to it. Sverdar stood at the bow of his ship, arms crossed to overwatch the entire procedure. Minutes later the sound of pirates thrashing through water and wood could be steadily heard as the ship was torn apart. Sverdar sighed heavily as he watched it would seem that this ship hadn't been a treasure-laden vessel that would make them all rich. He just hoped to find something to make this all worthwhile. One of the crew still aboard the ship gave a sharp cry, drawing SVerdar's attention. He turned to see what had caused the sudden cry and saw the culprit immediately. While most of the crew was off the starboard side of the ship, where the wreckage was to be found, it seemed bits of floatsam had drifted away from the main ship. Laid across a plank of the hull, a figure was draped unconsciously. Sverdar briefly considered leaving the person, not wishing t have to feed another mouth, but you never knew who someone might be. He could tell it was female unless some male had decided to grow their hair out and wear a white dress. Daughters of rich families could be ransomed back for handsome amounts, and those who weren't rich could be sold into slavery. Sverdar called over his quartermaster, the one to be in charge when the captain wasn't around. The large man was one of the few that Sverdar trusted, mainly because he had saved the man from his death. In return, the quartermaster was unwaveringly loyal to Sverdar, something that was invaluable with a crew like theirs. Torgun, if you would kindly hold my possessions until I return? Sverdar asked, taking off his coat, weapons, and shoes. Anything that would weigh him down would make it harder to retrieve the female. Grabbing a rope and tying it around his waist, Sverdar then dove off the ship and into the water. With strong and steady strokes, Sverdar quickly cut through the water and over to the unconscious figure. He reached out and gently brushed the wet hair back from her face, and checked to see if she was still breathing. Glad that she was, Sverdar wrapped one arm around her and swam back to his ship, where he was quickly hauled up. Torgun, place the girl in my quarters for now and set a crew member to watch her. I don't want to the others to have free access to an unconscious female who might be worth something. Sverdar stated briefly before returning to watch the salvaging of the wreckage. He would attend to the female later, when he had the time. Tessa, as the crew didn't know her, was placed into Sverdar's own quarters. The walls were adorned with hand-sketeched images from all ove the world, all places Sverdar had been and decided that he like enough to draw. One wall was lined with counters and drawers, which were bolted to the ship and latched closed so that they didn't open during rough seas. Agsinst another wall was a large African-mahogany desk, a personal favorite of Sverdar's. He had taken it from a rival captain, and took no small pleasure in having it. The desk was littered with papers of various kinds, from maps to numbers and figures for payment, to Sverdar's personal notes on the crew and voyage as they went. From four points on the cieling hung lamps, which would provide light into the cabin during the night. The back wall was composed of windows that ran the top half length of the wall, providing a view out behind the ship. A large bed dominated the center of the wall, where Tessa was placed. The bed was one of the few places that Sev had speant a large amount of money, for both the matteress and pillows were lavish and extremely comfortable. The covers to the bed weren't as impressive, but sevred to keep Sverdar warm on cold nights, or to be thrown aside in a hurry if needed. To the left of the bed was the only break in the windows, where a door stood. It lead to a small blacony at the rear of the ship. Outside the door to the Captain's Quarters a crewmate was placed, with orders to keep watch over the prisoner and report back as soon as she woke.