Better

[Moonfeathers]

Jay stood by the railing of the Howl, wind racing through his messy hair and pushing it back. He'd never cut it while he was sick, so it had been pretty d**n long. He'd managed to stop his hands shaking long enough to fix that, though.

Sure, his hands still shook, and his vision blurred sometimes, and his appetite was still small, but he felt so much better. The past few weeks was a complete blur to him, a painful mash of fear, worry, and a lot of vomit.

Any other time he would have said that it was the sea salt that got him better, nothing else, but now he had to give credit to dear Emmaline. He smiled slightly to himself. That girl really never gave up. He lightly fingered the watch around his neck. Just like Kemi... No. He shook his head. He couldn't think that any more. Emma wasn't like any body. She was Emma. Beautiful, strong, caring Emma.

[Captain Leon Dagger]

Leon wandered around the deck of the Howl in a daze, like he had so often since Ruby and the twins had left. The image of them walking away into Kaiden stayed with him and he sighed everytime it ran through his head. He caught sight of a shape stood by the railings that looked like Jay so he moved closer. It was odd that Jay was up here, he hadn't had any notification that he was any better. Leon stepped next to his friend and leant against the railings. Silence spread between them.

A yawn escaped the Captains lips. He hadn't slept much since Jay had been taken ill and Ruby leaving had made him want to keep his mind busy and so he simply worked on anything and everything on the ship that he could find. His hat hat been discarded somewhere and he wore a simple cream shirt and black breeches. His silver-blond hair tied loosely at the nape of his neck with a simple leather strap.

Eventually, Leon turned to his friend and spoke hoarsely. Hey, Moon. Feeling better I guess? He took in the ragged appearance of his lieutenant and although he seemed somewhat bedraggled his actually colour seemed okay. It seemed that Emmalina joining The Howl had been a Godsend.

((OOC: sorry all me pent up Dagger muse))

[Moonfeathers]

Jay glanced at the captain, raising his eyebrows. "I know I'm feeling better than you, at least." He put a hand on Leon's shoulder, lowering his voice. "It ain't like they're completely gone, you know." He felt a slight twinge of jealousy at his own words, and succumbed the urge to say "Like Kemi is." Instead he offered a small smile. "You'll see your family again, someday soon."

[Captain Leon Dagger]

Leon shrugged and looked out to the sea. I know, I just wish, they hadn't had to go. But, if your getting better then maybe this sickness is leaving the ship and we can go pick them up. His voice held a tone of hope and his silver eyes gleamed with the prospect. Oh, I almost forgot, you were ill so I didn't tell you, but I asked Ruby something before they left and well, when they come back, will you be my best man?[/colour]

[Moonfeathers]

Jay's eyes nearly bugged out of his head. "No way, man!" he laughed, then quickly quieted his voice, glancing around. Several of the crew were staring at them, and he scowled and glared appropriately. "Get back t'er work!" he spat, and they hurried to do so. He turned back to Leon, his eyes gleaming with excitement. "That's great! Of course I'll be your best man! I'd be honored, captain."

[Captain Leon Dagger]

Leon grinned and pulled Jay into a manly hug. Just keep it quiet okay? I haven't gotten around to telling the crew that they'll have a married man for a Captain. Leon spoke in whispers. He sighed, I miss her though and the twins. Vi loves you, you know? Livi, I'm not too sure about, she's quiet.

[Moonfeathers]

Jay shook his head. "I wouldn't dream of opening my mouth, Captain," he said, then smiled lightly. "Good lil' Vi. She'll make a wonderful pirate someday." A couple months ago anything of that sort would not have come out of Jay's mouth at all. He'd been completely against the idea of females even on the ship. He brushed back his bangs, sighing. He was getting too soft.

[Captain Leon Dagger]

Leon smirked at the words coming from his friend and lieutenants mouth, word he would ever have expected to hear a while back. Clapping him on he bakc Leon spoke solemnly, So, do you reckon it's safe? Is the sickness gone? Can we bring them back? A slight note of desperation could be heard in his tones. Desperation to see his family again, to hold them close, to let them know how much he cared. He let out a soft sigh filled with hope.

[Moonfeathers]

Jay's face went grave. "I don't know," he said quietly. "Depends on if it was a sickness or not."

[Captain Leon Dagger]

Leon turned to Jay with a slight laugh, What are you talking about? I think the fever got to you! What else could it have been? No one else seems to have fallen ill and so maybe we're in the clear and safe to travel back right? Dagger's voice was almost pleading for Jay to agree with him.

[Moonfeathers]

Jay forced a smile. "Yeah, I suppose the fever has. But... as a doctor, I recommend docking the ship and letting the crew out for some fresh air. Then you can find Ruby and the twins and see if they can come on again."

[Captain Leon Dagger]

Leon gave a smile and instantely headed to the wheel. We're heading for Kaiden! He called out gleefully. He swung the wheel around to turn to ship when he felt The Howl jolt and shudder. Dagger ran to the railings and looked out to see what could have caused it. A dark shape appeared on the horizon. No, he whispered hoarsely, It couldn't be...

[Moonfeathers]

Jay glanced across the railing, immediately turning around and starting to shout orders at the crew. He ran up to take the wheel that Dagger had abandoned, grabbing it and spinning it the other way. "Captain!" he shouted. "What're your orders?!"

[Captain Leon Dagger]

Dagger backed away from the railings and fell to the ground in a daze. Not here, not them... he kept repeating over and over as his body rocked and the crew ran around. The shape came closer and into focus. A ship....

[Emma Leeve (Cody too)]

Emma heard the clatter on the deck and climbed from the cabin to see what all the fuss was about. 'Probably some drunken brawl...' she thought, though she more hoped that was true than she believed it. She doubted any of the crew would be that stupid. It wasn't even that late in the day. As Emma walked past all the crew members running around wildly she spotted Jay. Her gait quickened, as did her heart, and she was soon next to him. "What's going on here? I see no storm..." she trailed off, something caught her eye as she scanned the water. Was it a ship? Yes, it was. She wondered what kind. "What?--" she asked.