Uncharted Waters

Earning her coins

"Who would have guessed that scary looking man would be our saviour." Saoirse mused as she looked down at the infant who was now sound asleep in her arms. A smile creeping on her face as she looked back at Willow. "Aye," Willow agreed. "It was hard at first, to open up and trust him but he gave us the chance to live, to build ourselves a path to take. Who knows what would have happened if I hadn't robbed him." Willows eyes gleamed at the thought. "Probably would have ended up like the other children." Saoirse responded as her eyes darkened. They both knew what happened to those who passed the age of sixteen. Most those children ended up working in the w***e house or being sold as slaves. Willow remembered a few children ran and joined the Kings army or became common maids to the wealthy but those children were far between. "I saw Joseph on my last trip." Willows face grimaced. 

He was their main torturer as kids and when he turned sixteen, he ran to join the navy. "Nearly got us too, that bastard," her voice was gruff. "Only by the luck of the sea did a storm hit at that moment, giving us a chance to flee. Wasn't pretty but was happy to leave him behind." 

Saoirse nodded gently as she continued to rock the chair. "You were always one for adventure, Willow. I was never that great on the boat. Sure, I was able to help in the infirmary until the Captains wife took my place but you know, I will never forget the kindness he gave me when taking this place after she died. He told me it was mine to run on my own.I'll never forget him saying, 'If you want to succeed, show me I didn't make a mistake taking you too.'" Willows eyes lit up as she mentioned earnings and took out her coin purse, "speaking of, here is my donation! Hope it can help in any way possible." Saoirse scowled at her. "Willow, that is your money! You earned it! You should spend it on yourself." Willow shook her head before standing up. "It's my money to spend as I see fit and I want to spend it here. I don't need much in this world Saoirse, but these kids should have the chance we were given. It's the least I can do to help. Please take it!" Saoirse sighed and nodded. "Will you stay for dinner?" Willow shook her head. "Need to earn my coin and recruit some young blood for our next trip.I won't be back for a while, so might not get to see you before the next season." Saoirse stood up and smiled. "Safe travels then Willow," using her free arm to wrap her in a hug before going to the herbs and collecting three bunches to pass on. "Tell Claire, these are ready to go and only need to be crushed when using them." Willow nodded, taking the herbs and making her way back to the boat... this evening would not be fun. 

--TIME PASS--

Willow looked in the mirror and sighed. She was wearing her tight black dress the hung above her knee with a white blouse that was v shaped. The outfit, was snug and hugged her curves, showing off what little assets she had. Her hair was down, cascading over her shoulders and gleaming in the false light.  A knock on the door and Claire was in to inspect and approve. Neither of the the women approved of this but they both knew it was also the best way to entice the young lads, who thought with their member instead of their brains. 

"Ready to rally the forces?" Claire asked giving Willow an apologetic smile. "Aye," she responded as she buttoned her matching boots and walked out. The crew that passed them knew better than to react and soon she was on deck and at the Captains side. Charles looked down at her and smiled, placing his hand out to let her go first. "Ladies first," he said as they exited the boat and made it to their local tavern, "The three eyed serpent." Smells of beer and cheap liquor were quick to fill the air as they passed the young and old, drunk on the pavement, having a nap. Willow didn't take to alcohol as it made her an easy target but knew the best way to fake the appearance of alcohol consumption. When they made it to the door, Charles knocked three times before an eye slit opened and asked for the password. "Anaconda," Charles said as the door opened straight after. 

"Welcome back to the three eyed serpent, Captain Rosewood," The bouncer said as he let them step in, "your usual spot is open."