Topic: The Pirate and the Ice Maiden

Captain James Black

Date: 2006-07-04 20:01 EST
A Morning Meeting

Wyheree saw the tall, pirate approaching her from the opposite direction and called out, "Hello there!"

Captain James Black smiled at the pretty young woman who was headed towards him. He had seen her a few times at the Red Dragon Inn, and she was always of a most pleasant nature. She was Icer's (his First Mate and 'Wine Cooler') friend, and therefore the introduction to the woman went as smoothly as if they had been old acquaintances.

The following day when he had been sitting on the porch of the Inn and resting his feet, the lady Wyheree happened to also come to the inn and he invited her to sit with him. A most pleasant conversation was shared in which, amongst other things, he told her how he had come to call Icer his "Wine Cooler". He had found Wyheree's company to be so charming that he had invited her to have dinner with him aboard the Sea Wolf later that week.

"Ahoy there, lass!"

"I have missed you," she replied as they came together on the street that paralleled the docks.

"He gave her his best pirate smile to accompany the twinkle in his dark eyes. "Ah lass, I've been missin' ye somethin' fierce." The fact that he had made such a bold announcement surprised even him.

"All is well with your ship, then" I feared something may have happened."

James Black took her hand in his as nonchalantly as if it were something they did every day. "Aye, she be fit as a fiddle an' as gorgeous as any lady upon th' sea." They walked along the boardwalk listening to gulls complain for handouts in the cool of the new morning air, a brilliant sun promising another hot summer day soon to follow.

Wyheree twined her cool fingers in his, her skin slowly warming as they continued to walk hand in hand. "And what name does such a lady have?" she asked as she smiled up at him, silver eyes sparkling.

The captain turned his head for a glimpse of her silver eyes, such a contrast to his own that were so dark brown one might misconstrue them as black. He smiled at her. How could one who could freeze liquid with a mere touch bring such warmth to his heart' "She's th' Sea Wolf, Wyheree. A huntress of the seas."

Wyheree leaned her head against his shoulder, her heart light - for she has truly missed the Captain's company. "And what adventures have you had aboard your Huntress?"

Captain Black turned his head so that his cheek brushed against her hair, then brought their walk to a stop and looked to the harbor. The Sea Wolf was now visible, docked along side a pier that jutted the boardwalk at a right angle. "How about I tell ye th' adventures of th' Sea Wolf over our dinner, lass" I think it would make for some amusing conversation.? His arm slipped over her shoulders as the morning sun warmed their faces.

After some additional small talk, they said their good-byes and departed. Each was looking forward to the evening and in anticipation of a delightful meal.

Captain James Black

Date: 2006-07-11 04:03 EST
Captain James Black entered the Inn and found Wyheree sitting at the bar with a glass of wine. He went up to her and laid his hands gently upon her shoulders. "G"eve, lass! You ready for a pirate dinner aboard th' Sea Wolf" Our cook, Frypan, is cookin" up a storm!

She immediately put down her drink and they walked outside where a carriage wass waiting for them to take them from the Inn to the docks. Wyheree's eyes were bright - she had not had the pleasure of a carriage ride in a very long time.

Captain James Black helped her into the carriage and climbs in next to her. The driver turns his head and gives her a smile, "G'eve, ma'am. I be Turmoil. At least that's what they call me on th' Sea Wolf." He was a smallish man with a very round head, short cropped hair, and rosey cheeks.

Wyheree gave:a smile to the driver, "A pleasure to meet you - I am known as Wyheree."

The driver smiled and nodded, then turned to the horses and the carriage moves forward down the cobblestone streets. Wyheree laid her head on his shoulder, not speaking - simply enjoying his company and the wonderful ride. James Black's arm slid around her. The lights had not yet come on, for the sun will still be up for another 45 minutes. The day was hot, but as they approach the docks a breeze makes it very pleasant. They finally roll along beside the boardwalk and Turmoil brings the carriage up to the pier that leads to the Sea Wolf. "'Ere we are, Capt'n and Miss Wyheree....safe an' sound. You be havin' a good dinner now."

"Thank you " Turmoi," Wyh said with a smile for the driver, and she again turned her silver eyes to the Captain - feeling a touch nervous all of a sudden.

Captain Black hopped down from the carriage with the ease of someone who has been climbing masts and ropes all his life. He held up his hands to Wyh and smiled, "Let me help you down."

Wyheree took his hands gratefully, then alighted next to him, not letting go of his hands. "Thank you - it has been a very long time since I have traveled by carriage."

Captain James Black held her hand, they walk out the pier, water on both sides, large cleats with heavy ropes are on the edges of the dock, seagulls fly around looking for handouts. They strolled slowly, enjoying the ending of daylight and the beginning of the evening. "How do you usually travel, Wyheree?"

"For short distances, I would travel on horseback. My keep is self-sufficient, so travel was not usually necessary. For longer travels," she gave a soft sigh, "I would phase myself to where I needed to be."

Captain James Black looked at her and blinked, "You "phase" yourself?" He looked confused, then smiled, "There's a lot about you that I don't know. We're going to have a lot to talk about."

Wyheree smiled, eyes shining, "I look forward to learning more about you as well, Captain."

Wyheree

Date: 2006-08-01 21:19 EST
(Originally posted in Dreams and Nightmares - cross-posted here with permission)

"Ah...well then...let's go aboard and I'll show you my home." He led her up the gangplank and helped her onto the main deck. The ship is painted mostly black, the deck is brown clean. There is the sound of the rope straining at their cleats, and a soothing gentle rocking that's hardly noticeable.

"I'll show you below. We'll be eating in my cabin. Then we'll have a little nightcap on the quarterdeck. How does sound to you, lass?"

"It sounds absolutely lovely." Her eyes took in every inch of his ship - from the tops of the masts to the decks, for she appreciated the Sea Wolf's beauty.

Captain James Black opened a door and led the way down a set of steps that ended in a long but narrow hallway. There were cabins on the outside wall, and a main sleeping area in the center that couldn't be seen. As they continued toward the stern then came to the larger rooms. The hallway ended near the stern where there was a door to the captain's stateroom. He opened the door. "Come right on in, lass. This is my humble home."

Wyheree shyly stepped inside the grand stateroom, feeling a bit more nervous - butterflies flitting in her stomach. "Your ship is beautiful, Captain - a fine vessel indeed."

He pointed out everything as they faced the back of the ship. The stern of the ship is all windows. To the right I have the map shelves and closets. To our left, as you can see, is my bed (large and covered in multicolored quilts to help warm in the cool nighttime sea air). In front of us is my map table but it also serves as a dining table. Wine and little snacks were laid out on it. "Come with me!" He took her hand and brought her to the cushioned seats next to the windows.

Wyheree twined her fingers in his, curling up on the soft seat, silver eyes looking out the window - the butterflies increasing - she was nervous but determined not to show it.

Captain Black sat with her and opens the windows wide. "Look out there!" Outside the street lamps were being lit, lovers were walking the boardwalk, vendors were selling food for dinner, merchants were hawking their wares. "I love being on a ship and watching the world go by". His face was not far from hers as they looked.

Wyheree settled against the strength of his shoulder, turning her head so that their eyes met. "I love watching the world as well - though the view from my study is a bit higher up."

He had an idea. He grabbed the wine and glasses. "Let's eat up on the quarterdeck! We'll have a fine view! I'll have Frypan bring set up a table!"

Wyheree smiled brightly, which made her eyes sparkle and dance. "A fine idea - and the breeze will make the evening more perfect!"

James Black's dark eyes shown brilliantly and he led the way back up the stairs and then up another set of stairs to the quarterdeck. On the way he gave orders for the table to be set up. He led her to the stern and handed her a glass, then filled both with wine. "This is the best I've got. I hope you light it." He held up his glass for a toast, "To us...and a very pleasant evening."

Wyheree raised her glass at his words, and with a pretty smile takes a sip of the wine - a touch sharper than what is used to, perhaps, but lovely all the same. ?The company makes the evening all the more pleasant.

Wyheree

Date: 2006-08-02 08:42 EST
(Originally posted in Dreams and Nightmares - cross-posted here with permission)

"Thank you, my sweet, but I was thinking just the same thing." He smiled and led her to the gunn'le railing at the stern. It was high enough for them to rest their forearms on, which he did. "You get a fine view of the city from here." He pointed to a couple strolling along the boardwalk. "See that couple?" He leaned close to her and pointed them out and spoke softly, "They walk here every night, and when they get to that lamp post, they always kiss."

"Always?" She reached to twine her arms around his upper arm, leaning her head against his shoulder. "That sounds a touch - dull, I would think."

He looked at them, his lips close to her hair, his voice was soft, "It could be. Of course, I guess it might depend upon who you're with. Now, with someone like you, I couldn't imagine it being dull to have a kiss at every lamp post every night of the year." He took another sip of wine.

Palest pink colored her cheeks, and she lowered her eyes. "You are teasing me yet again, Captain - like when we first met."

"Teasing" I surely am not." His face moved closer to hers and he whispered, "I would never tease when it comes to kissing you." His mouth came very close to her cheek, just brushing it. He whispered very softly, "Wyheree...would you mind if....."

"Here comes yer dinner!" Frypan approached with a tray of food. He had a helper carrying another tray. "Yes, sir...Capt'n...Ma'am...yer goin' to be enjoying this!"

He pulled back from Wyheree and sighed. "THANK you, Frypan...your timing is extraordinary."

The color in her cheeks deepening to rose, she took a peek over the Captain's shoulder, curious as to what dinner will be.

"I guess that's our dinner call." Another sigh and he walked her over to the table which now had a white table cloth, a candle in the center and plates were being laid out on it. Oil lamps hug from the rigging nearby, giving a soft glow to the table. Captain Black pulled out a chair and motioned for Wyh to have a seat. She took the offered seat - setting her glass on the table in order to help slide the chair back under the table. She studied the trays - wondering what sort of feast awaited them.

After helping her with her chair, he sat in his own, his glass set on the table. "I hope this is to your liking, sir!" Frypan said, looking rather proud of his masterpiece. He pulled off the covers off of the plates and the steam arose with a pleasant smell. There was a beautiful piece of salmon on each plate with a raspberry sauce on top and presented with a sprig of parsley on top. On the side were small white potatoes that had been baked in the same pan as the fish, giving them a brown and tasty outer layer. Several asparagus spears were laid out with a cream sauce made of milk, cheese, and bits of clam. Frypan refilled each glass with wine. "Enjoy, Capt'n...and missus. I hope you like it." Frypan bowed and left them alone, taking his helper lad with him.

Wyheree was most impressed by the meal - a surprise indeed. "I would not thought such fare possible aboard ship - the meal looks exquisite!"

Captain James Black smiled, delighted that she was pleased. "Frypan is not a bad cook. At one time he was the head cook in a fine restaurant in a city called London. One night, through no fault of his own, a town official choked on a piece of steak and died. Blame had to go somewhere and it went to the head cook. When I discovered Frypan, he was on the street, begging for a meal. He hadn't eaten in days. Quite ironic."

Wyheree took up her knife and fork, and tried a small piece of the salmon - a smile lighting up her face. ?"Not a bad cook" is a poor description - the kings in my realm do not eat so well."

"You are too kind. But I must be truthful. Not all our meals on the Sea Wolf are this good. Frypan did some special shopping for this meal and I gave him the freedom to purchase what he needed. He also took a piece of the salmon, and was pleasantly surprised. "Look over the city, Wyh.? The sun was setting and the sky was a beautiful red and purple. The brightest of star were just becoming visible. James looked at Wyh's hand, and wanted to reach across the table and take it into his.

Wyheree

Date: 2006-08-02 08:46 EST
(Originally posted in Dreams and Nightmares - cross-posted here with permission)

"A truly beautiful view - I am beginning to understand why you spend so much time here. She gazes out at the city, then turns her eyes back to her Captain. "You said earlier I made you a very happy pirate - why is that?"

He looked down at his meal and worked on the potatoes and asparagus as he tried to think of a proper response which wouldn't sound like a silly come on. "Well, I don't know how to answer that other than by just telling you the truth. I find myself attracted to you, Wyh, and I'm happy when I'm near you. I'm sure you hear that from all the guys in the Inn."

She shook her head. "I am not quite as - flashy - as many of the other patrons, which is why I thought you were teasing me."

James reached across the table and took her hand in his. Again his voice was soft, "I was not teasing you...not at all."

Her hand slowly warmed in his. "I enjoy your company, and I find myself thinking about you when you are not at the Inn. And you did not flee when I froze your rum."

Captain James Black laughed, "I admit I was worried about losing some perfectly good rum, but rum ice could be quite pleasant on a hot day. We could have a nice summer business of shaved ice." He gave her a wink to show he was teasing."

Wyheree laughed - a rich sound rarely heard - and sent glittering ice crystals to dance about her Captain. "You have done me a world of good, Captain Black."

The captain loved her laugh. It was like music to him. He watched the ice crystals and they felt refreshing. "I like you, Wyheree. I find myself liking you very much." The sun had now set and the glow of the lantern and candles provides a soft yellow glow about their table.

"And I like you - from the moment I heard you call Icer Wine Cooler - I liked you, and this evening has been - magical." She continued to weave the ice crystals around him in a glittering dance.

He reached up and touched the crystals. "How do you do that, Wyh' I admit that I oft find it difficult to comprehend the magic of this land."

"The crystals are what I wish them to be - I am able to call and shape ice in any way I choose. From the lightest of snowflakes to the harshest of cutting blizzards, I am able to command my element."

"So you use the water vapor in the air and transform its state?" He was trying to understand her unique ability, but he also enjoyed looking at her lips as she spoke. He didn't care if his gaze was becoming too obvious. Perhaps that was a freedom being given to him by the wine.

"Sometimes - other times I draw ice from within myself. It depends on what magic is needed, and for what purpose." She placed her palms together, her eyes glowing, and when she opens them, a perfect little model of the Sea Wolf lays in her hands, seemingly made of crystal.

"That is.....amazing." He stopped himself from saying 'scary'. Actually, from what he's seen since arriving on this world, that was mild. He reached out and touched it. "It's ice!"

Wyheree nodded, offering the ship to him. "It will not melt, for I wish it to be permanent. I hope it pleases you."

Captain James Black took the ship into his hand. "It's absolute beautiful. Thank you, Wyh." He brought it closer and studied it. "It's perfect!"

Wyheree had a radiant smile - she is beyond happy he likes her little gift. "It is crafted of my own ice - so a small part of me can be with you wherever you may be." She moved a touch closer, reaching to cup his cheek in her hand.

James set the ship on the table and placed his hand over hers that was touching his cheek. He turned his head and kissed her hand and rubbed his cheek against it. Now it was truly night and the moon had begun to rise in the east, shining on the deep waters of the ocean. He then stood up and continued to hold her hand. "Let's go for a walk."

Wyheree closed her eyes, the places he touched growing warmer, then she stands up to join him, not letting go of his hand. He walked her slowly around the quarterdeck. "I hope you enjoyed the meal, Wyh."

"I did, very much - but I find I enjoy the company more. This has been the best evening I have spent since returning to RhyDin."

They came to the stern of the ship once again, in the corner where the stern and port side met. People still walked the street, a favorite place to walk on warm summer evenings. James stood behind Wyh, slipped both arms around her waist and placed his cheek near hers. He whispered, "I love having you here with me. I can truly say that this is also my best evening in RhyDin."

Wyheree

Date: 2006-08-02 08:51 EST
(originally posted in Dreams and Nightmares - cross-poted here with permission)

She leaned into his chest, her hand reaching up to caress his cheek as it lay by hers. "I love being here with you."

He drank in her fragrance and the cool feel of her cheek in spite of the warmth of her body against his. He moved his lips from her cheek to her ear, feeling her hair against his face as he whispered, "I noticed a look being given to me by a woman in the Inn this eve. She looked concerned for you. Is that a friend of yours?"

She thought for a second and then smiled. "That would be Charlotte, and she and her husband Brian are both dear friends. I have been staying with them while recovering from an altercation."

"They looked concerned for your safety, but they needn't be." He moved in front of her and looked down into her silver eyes as they cause the light of the street lamps. He touched her cheek with the back of his fingers. "I would never hurt you."

"I know - but someone else did, so they both worry whenever they see me with - anyone. The person who laid his hands on me ended up in the back alley wall because I blasted him there." She lowered her eyes, afraid of his reaction.

Captain James Black cupped her cheek with his hand, "If I were there, the person who did that would never have touched anyone again." His mouth was closer to hers, he could feel her breath and he was sure she could feel his.

"I know that as well," she replied, her breath soft, she closed that tiny gap, brushing her lips against his.

He felt her lips upon his, and his heart pounded with anticipation. He moved his lips over hers as he whispered barely perceptible words, "Wyheree..." his lips touched hers, "I think..." soft touches of his lips to hers, "I am really...." now he stopped trying to talk and he released himself to his desires, his strong arms wrapping around her, holding her to his body as his lips pressed against hers.

She released a soft hiss of breath, and she returned his kiss, her lips swiftly warming against his, her hands reaching up to catch in his hair, running her fingers through it.

After the kiss the Captain walked her home and bid her goodnight, hoping to see her again soon.

Wyheree

Date: 2006-08-06 23:57 EST
A Few Days Later

Captain Black had just given orders for Whiskey Jack and Pip to coil up some rope on the deck, other orders to Snakeskin to wash the deck where some fish were taken, others to Frypan regarding the dinner. Then he spoke to Governor to try to get more help in town. Then he went to the stern of the deck and looked over the lights of the city, wishing that he had the time to have gone to the inn. He wondered where Wyh was and what she's doing. He had one foot up on the side of the gunn'le, his forearm resting upon his knee. Taking a deep sigh, he realized that he's missing Wyheree. It was a strange feeling....to suddenly have someone to miss.

In the meantime, Wyheree walked quietly towards where the SeaWolf was moored, for the Inn was far too busy, and she longed for simple company. Her steps retraced the carriage ride from the other night. At last, she spied the fine ship, and stopped under a streetlight - the glow catching her simple dress of white and silver " raising her head to scan the decks for the familiar silhouette of Captain Black, her silver eyes glowing in the light as she thought she saw him by the stern.

He was just about to turn away when a figure beneath a light caught his eye. He did a double take, and leaned over the rail. It was her! "Wyh!!! Wyheree! Come! Over to the gangplank!"

Wyheree's heart lightening at Captain Black's greeting, and she made her way swiftly to the gangplank as he asked. "Good evening, Captain!!"

He ran across the deck and down the gangplank, reaching it just as she arrived, taking her into his arms and spinning them both around in a circle. "Wyh! I was just thinking of you! I was so upset that I had work to do here and couldn't get to the Inn tonight. All I did was picture you in the Inn with all those flirty and dangerous people."

She held on tightly as he spun her about, her delight causing light sparkling ice crystals to spin and swirl around them. "I was thinking of you as well - and I am so very glad to see you." She leaned to whisper in his ear, "The last flirty, dangerous person who bothered me got herself frozen to the couch. The Inn was very busy this evening, though - and I found myself wanting quieter company."

Captain Black laughed heartily, "Very resourceful, lass. No one ever accused me of being quiet, but I suppose that compared to an entire inn, I'm as peaceful as a library."

Wyheree continued to hold him, her arms wrapped about his shoulders. "May I visit with you for a little while, Captain?"

He wrapped his arms around her as well. "I guess you better, because I'm not letting you go for a very long time." And, he walked her up the gangplank and down to his stateroom, her hand warm in his as they walked the narrow passage to the stateroom.

Wyheree turned to her captain just as they reached the stateroom door. "May I see some of your maps?" James looked at her and blinked...surprised by the request. "Of course, love. I have one for you." He moved to the map bin and pulled out a long, rolled map, which he laid it out on the table, unrolling it fully. "Okay, I want to show you this, Wyh. Have you ever heard of Barrett's Bay?"

She shook her head, poring over the map with interest, tracing rivers inland from the sea. "I have not..."

James continued, "Now...in Barrett's Bay is the famous Dockside Inn. Furthermore, it's the hangout of every pirate in all these waters. It's a place where you learn things."

Her eyes followed as he pointed out the Inn on the map. "What sort of things?"

He smiled and moved in close, speaking in almost a whisper, his arm around her shoulders. "Things like....where certain merchant ships might be found, ...and where the law is looking for pirates" . Wyheree nodded, her eyes on the map, committing it to her memory as if it was a spell scroll. "Like a grand adventure.."

Then she looked up at him with her silver eyes. "How long have you been a pirate?"

James turned to her, taking her into his arms. "I was in the Royal Navy, gave up everything to serve my country. They called us Privateers. Then, when the war was over, they just dismissed us. There was nothing left to do but get a ship and try to survive. I've been doing it for six years now. My crew is entirely made of cast-offs and misfits."

"And....how came you to be here?" She again wrapped her arms around his shoulders, her eyes never leaving his.

"I was unloading some plunder....er....trade goods that could fetch a good price in RhyDin. I'd come here about every four months to empty the cargo holds. I usually only stayed in town for a week at the most."

Wyheree smiled at the correction in terms - pirates exist in her realm, but none like the one before her. "I am so very glad you have stayed, but your crew - they must be anxious to set sail?" She lowered her eyes to hide the sadness in them at the thought of him leaving.

His hand moved through her hair and his gaze moved over her with no little admiration:: "As long as they have money to spend on ale and women, they'll be happy here. And we have parties on board the Sea Wolf. Besides, they're very loyal to me. Without me they'd either still be beggin for food on the streets, in jail, or dead." He kissed her forehead, then trailed his lips down her cheek, lingering in each place his lips touched.

Every place his lips touched, her skin grew warmer, and softer. "A Captain truly worthy of the name - your crew is most fortunate indeed." Her cool fingers trailed through his dark, dark hair.

She felt so good in his arms, smelled so good, so soft beneath his lips....a finger moved over her lips as he looked into her eyes. The finger caressed her lower lip and he whispered, "I'm so glad you came her this eve, lass. I couldn't stop thinkin' of you."

Her strange silver eyes sparkled and danced with their own inner light. "I wanted a walk, and found myself on my way here - for you have been in my thoughts as well". Her lip flushed warm at his touch.

James moved his finger down her chin and his lips moved to practically touching her own. He could feel her breath upon him as he whispered softly, "Wyh, I do believe you be also a pirate, for you have stolen my heart so effortlessly..."

Wyheree closed that tiniest of gaps, brushing his lips in a gentle kiss. "And you must also be a Mage, for how else could my heart thaw?"

He smiled against her lips, kissing those lips over and over, then deepening the kiss, his tongue entering her mouth in that delicious exploration. A soft moan of delight and he pulled her more tightly against him.

She returned his kiss in kind, her tongue dancing and twining with his, her body as tight to him as was possible, little whimpers of delight from her throat as she kissed him.

He tilted his head to allow his mouth a better position against hers, deepening the kiss further, feeling her breath and taking in that very breath for his own as his hands moved over her back and through her hair. She felt so good against him, the feel of her against him was like heaven.

She shivered as his fingers trailed in her hair, her own hands working from his hair, curving to caress the nape of his neck, and moving down his broad shoulders.

James slowly broke the kiss, breathless, looking into her eyes with such great desire...or...could it be love" "You are so amazing, Wyheree....", he whispered as he held her to himself, kissing her hair...wondering where this might lead tonight if they allowed it.

Wyheree could not stay that night, and James slowly walked her from the stateroom to the gangplank, and out to the boardwalk, where she disappeared into the night, still breathless.