Runaway Buccaneer
Chapter 4: The Strom Arrives
Disclaimer: Arg. Take not me character and blame not for the use of ones from the movie.
Lachlan spent perhaps hours staring into the waters murky depths before her heart worked up enough courage for her to venture down to where the crew still lingered about. They were a sorted group of people, most having multiple piercings and tattoos. Most ignored her and went about with what they were doing. However a few of them gave her looks fit to chill a soul. How was she to survive this journey?
She wandered back into the large room she had stumbled through when having first gotten on the ship. The tables were filthy. Was she to be expected to eat on them? Well, they had another thing coming if they thought she would eat amongst such filth. A quick survey of the kitchen area found a bucket and rag and another search gave her soap and water. She started on the first table with the intention of just doing one for herself and whichever lucky crewmembers wanted to eat cleanly. Once she got started though she couldn't stop, not even once all the tables had been wiped down. She poured all her frustrations and worries into scrubbing the benches the floor, the walls, whatever could be scrubbed. What was she doing here? Why was here on this ship any better than where she had been, safe and dry on land? Then she remembered her guardian and her cleaning was sped up with the memories of her unforgiving guardian and her strict ways.
Lachlan didn't notice that a pirate walked in and observed her. Nor did she notice that one by one all seven of the crew came in to observe her feverish cleaning spree. It wasn't until the captain cleared his throat and upon getting no response, nipped the rag from her hand in the midst of her scrubbing a corner.
"Lachlan, the crew is wondering what got you in such a frenzy. I think it best you stop luv" The captain said quietly throwing the rag back to a random crewmember. Lachlan stood up and looked around Cap'n Jack to see the rest of the crew quietly staring at her. Trying not to blush she grabbed her bucket and brushed around Jack to head out to the deck.
"Just thought you might want a clean area." She said with as much dignity as she could muster as she walked out the door. She dumped the dirty water over and leaned up against the rail fighting the tears of frustration. She shouldn't let things affect her like that. What had come over her? She stared out at the murky water and tried to forget all her troubles. She imagined them washing away with each wave that gently crashed up upon the boat. She didn't know how long she stayed that way, but it wasn't very long until one of the crew politely informed her that she was requested in the dining area to partake in the meal. She almost laughed at the pirate's formal language but managed to check her grin and equally as formally accept the invitation and the arm offered.
The man's name was Matelot. He had been a part of Jack's crew for only 5 months but couldn't see himself with any other captain as jack was the best one he'd come across. Lachlan enjoyed the man's tales of his adventures. They were slightly watered down and omitting the slightly less than kosher events granted, but still, Lachlan was fascinated. Perhaps if she could befriend Matelot, life on the Black Pearl wouldn't be so bad…