Pirates! RP for ambitious_woman

[rude_not_ginger]

Italy is the most beautiful country in Europe as well as the weakest. France is invincible when attacked on its own territory. My country doesn’t like the sea so the fleet won’t be powerful.

Reinette had said that, or she would say that in one of her letters, historically. France's Navy was far from powerful, and that was well known. They weren't an attacking nation, not since Napoleon. A navy wasn't necessary.

Which was, of course, why this small but very direct pirate ship decided to attack the wealthy-looking French vessel sailing from England back to France. The captain and sailors were more concerned for the large chunks of ice and the falling snow than the possibility of pirates in English waters. And then, there they were.

The commotion caused by the attack woke the Doctor, who had been snoozing over the captain's logs, and by the time he had his senses about him, he was huddled on deck in a fur coat that was two sizes too big with the rest of the male crewmembers. He didn't know where the females were, and therefore didn't know where Reinette was.

He remembered studying pirates in his youth. He was terrified for her safety. Even if they believed her ransomable, they might not be so delicate with her in the voyage back to France.

Snow fell in his lengthening hair, and he bundled himself tighter against the spray of the icy sea water. The pirates appeared to be searching for treasure and staying warm below, while the crew they kept alive froze on deck.

Comments

[ambitious-woman.livejournal.com]

Reinette was no fool.

At the aching creek of beams as another vessel braced itself against their own, and then the pounding feet and shouts above, she knew precisely what had occurred. And their own ship was not outfitted for war. Far from it. She was sure that she would surrender easily, for this was not a crew of soldiers, but simple sailors.

There was another shout. A shot.

No, she was fairly sure this day would not end happily.

There was a scream just to her right, and Reinette glanced up, breaking free of her own thoughts. One of the pirates had discovered the small room appropriated for the women. His eyes, dark and greedy, were narrowly visible in the grime that covered the rest of his features. His English was crude, and difficult for Reinette to follow, but he called something over his shoulder. The door slammed shut, and there was the echoing sound of a lock being thrown. Yvette began to sob, and Reinette looked st her sharply.

The small space was stacked high with trunks and crates and spices, the results of extremely effective shopping by both Reinette and the three merchant's wives that had also made the journey. Trade and a holiday had been the purpose of the journey Reinette and the Doctor had joined at a late date.

The boat lurched and a cup of freshly made coffee crashed to the ground.

This was no good. She was no good here. And Reinette could admit to herself that once the men chose to enter this place there was little she could do, other than a well placed knee. That would only hold them off for so long.

She looked to the trunks again.

"Do what you can to distract them," Reinette ordered, a speech that only female to female might be understood. "I must go and see what I can do."

Certainly the ship's crew would be incapable.

Tossing open one of the trunks, in took but a few minutes for the transformation to be complete despite her fumbling fingers. Silk finery, meant for the upmost French dandy, lavander had never been Reinette's favorite. She wore it now, hopeing that the large greatcoat would conceal what tight fitting pants and fine lawn shirt did not. Hastily she attempted to even out her form, then replaced her own dress in the trunk. There was no time to cut her hair, and she could only hope that that hat and pins would remain in place.

With one more glance about the room and threw herself at the door. Firsts pounding and heavily accented most proper French calling out. Then studied English. The actress was in play.

"Let me out I say!!!" Fists against the rough would. "Surely you lot can see I am no woman!!"

Suddenly it luched from in front of her, and Reinette all but tumbled forward. Sharp eyes studied her, and again she struggled to understand what was said. But suddenly she was being tossed over a rather stinking shoulder, only to be deposited with the rest of the men on deck.