A "Courtly" Competition.

The results of this fic were computerized through a BrantSteele simulator of Survivor, specifically the Nicaragua season.

Stranded

Of all the ships to wind up in the eye of a storm, there were two incredibly unlucky ones. The Wishing Star was taking princesses home to their kingdoms in the east. Meanwhile, the Pink Rose had been going east to return their passengers. The only thing the twenty women had in common was that they had one tie; royalty. All of them earned the title by birth, marriage, or even by completing honorary tasks to keep their loved ones safe.

Unfortunately, the boats had sailed along the exact same current. The clear skies were darkened by spirals of gray and black. Lighting and thunder began their duet of rage. The once calm waters became whitecapped and rough. Rain fell in sheets so thick, they could be cut with swords. Cold winds blew through the passengers' skirts and bones as some huddled below deck to try and stay warm. Some were rushing out onto deck to help the sailors in securing rigging or keeping men from being swept aside from incoming waves.

The Pink Rose was intercepted by a large wave. Men and women rushed out of its torrents. One princess was unlucky to get swept into the sea from the force.

With a cry, the small redhead fell into the water. Yet the buoyancy of her large skirts kept her afloat. Unfortunately for her, it wouldn't be long before the ocean, swirling like an overly stirred pot, would wash her ashore. Has it not been for the reckless courage another princess, known for her beautiful golden hair, she would have been lost. She was pulled back on deck by a few other women brave enough to stay on deck. The blonde held the little girl tightly as the Pink Rose continued to be battered by waves.

Meanwhile, the Wishing Star was drifting in a different direction. It, too, was being hit by waves. The distress bell clanged in the wind. The man at the wheel had been swept off shore. The husband of one princess was doing his best to try and pull the Wishing Star back on course. The princess stood aside, but another gust of wind rocked the boat. She tried to grab a rope for support, but ended up falling into the ocean.

Unlike the younger girl on the Pink Rose, this princess had once been a part of the sea. Her red hair fanned about as she kicked back to the surface. Maybe here, she could rework her sea legs despite them being caught up in the seafoam green dress. Lightning struck the Wishing Star's sails, and they burst into a beautiful blue and orange blaze.

The fire caught the attention of the Pink Rose. The ship turned in direction to intercept the blaze.

"If ya can, come to our side!" called a redhead with a thick, highland accent. "We'll find a way out!"

There were no other options. It was either drown, burn with the ship, or be swept aside. The people on board the deck of the Wishing Star abandoned ship. They rushed onto the Pink Rose, yet the tide and current split the two boats apart. One princess, a raven haired girl of fourteen, slipped as the boats drifted aside, landing in the water. The former mermaid princess had scooped her into her arms, paddling closer to the Pink Rose.

Yet getting back on board was not an option. Rocks appeared through the curtain of rain. Wood splintered and cracked. The bow was thrust up in an explosion of tiny pieces. Everyone braced themselves as the ship lodged itself into the stones. This was the second boat they had to escape from. The women held hands like little girls playing a game. Jumping was too risky, so they had to climb. Skirts were tucked up. Shoes were discarded. Just as the Pink Rose began to fill with water and sink, everyone was able to clamber onto the rocks and watch as both vessels, disappeared…one to fire, and one to water.

The skies were still gray as the sun rose. The shore everyone had arrived safely on was blocked from civilization with rocked shaped like dragon's teeth. The brown sand was rippled from the shore. Debris from both ships were scattered about as everyone looked around. Some recognized each other from being rescued, others from being on the same boat.

Two women were hugging each other and sighing in relief. They were sisters, sharing facial features and even identical hairstyles, yet they could be set apart by their hair color. A few women wore tribal clothing as opposed to evening gowns from most of the stranded women. The raven haired princess was sobbing uncontrollably, being consoled by her rescuer.

"Oh, what are we going to do?" she sniffled.

The redhead stroked her back, "It's okay. We'll find help."

One tribal member was picking up sections of wood. She wore a necklace made of beautiful stone beads and shells found along the western kingdom. "This wood's too wet to try and make a fire," she said sadly.

"Fire is one thing. What about food?" An elegant woman with a sparkling silver gown was readjusting her strawberry blonde bun.

"Ladies."

A man's voice interrupted the women's mumbles of worry and concern. Compared to the women in waterlogged evening gowns or tribal wear, tangled hair filled with seaweed, and sand encrusted feet and faces, this man looked clean as if he just came on a boat that wasn't wrecked. His hair was swept in beach waves of hair that was showing signs of aging. His eyes were blue gray and brimming wide. A medallion made from the largest mother of pearl shell anyone saw dangled from his neck.

"It seems there is some confusion as to what has occurred…"