Pleasure Flight?

[Standtall]

Farflight dipped low, her great wings just skimming the water. A loud crow escaped her beak. Just below the waves dolphins crused keeping pace with the flying reptile. Once or twice they leapt from the water nudging Farflight gentle with their dorsal fins.

Resting low on Farflight's back Pat watched the dolphins when ever they pulled ahead. Mostly though he kept his eyes on the coast looking for anyone from the recent wreck. Those living along this area of coast had reported strange lights and shouts coming in from the reef during the storm. As soon as he'd heard Patrick had taken the chance to do anything but fly convoy escort.

So far though the quetzalcoatlus and her rider had seen nothing out of the ordinary. Suddenly Farflight lurched downward her head dipping doward. Patrick held on tight as his partner rose swiftly into the air high above the water.

Farflight held a struggling fish in her beak and as they leveled out she flicked her head upward tossing the squirming animal into the air. With a flap of her great wings before pulling them in the skybax executed a barrel roll manuver and caught the fish in mid-air gulping it down.

[Barry the Baryonyx]

{OOC: Okay i'll give it a try. Please excuse my spelling and grammar. I'm not very good with it. =D}


Just a bit inland from the beach was a human male taking a walk up the trail along the coast. He did this every day. He walked the trail as part of his daily exercise. Today was one of those nice, sunny days that made you feel good that your alive. He wave hi to anyone along the way. He went on up the trail a bit more until he came to a fork in the road. Today he decided to take a different route to get to Waterfall City. Instead, he just went strait along the coast up the trail. Just then, he came to where the trail was the closest to the beach and decided to take a rest on the beach and watch for dolphins. When he got to the beach, he saw some dolphins playing in the cove. Up above them was a Skybax and his rider trying to keep pace with them. He watch them for the longest time and then decided to move along. Before he could get back to the trail this big green baryonyx came up right in front of him. Barry couldn't tell who it was because the sun was behind the baryonyx making it almost impossible to tell who it was. "Aye, me belie'e your in my way matey. Please stand aside." The Baryonyx just stood
there. Again he said,"Please stand aside, argh!" He still did not move. As Barry got closer to the saurian then be knew who it was. "Arrr, Crocosaur, gar!" Yes it was Barry's old friend Gathranth (Crocosaur) Thornpool. "I'm sorry, Me didn't know it was you." Knowing that Gathranth was a mute, Barry asked Gathranth if he wanted to walk with him to Waterfall City. The baryonyx nodded a reply and they were on there way.

[Rosa]

The Derry twins dragged themselves along the beach, both weary from the rough night before when the ship had wrecked against the coral reef. They had no idea if they were the only survivors, nevertheless, they hoped to meet the familiar face of one of the crew members along the seemingly empty beach. The captain’s second mate, Jeff, was the one man who had never done anything or said anything to bring harm to the twins, though of course he had never even raised a finger to help them. Keelin felt that the man maybe had a touch of goodness in him, though Farell was remained skeptical about him.
As the day wore on and the twins still found no sign of anyone, in desperation, they began to welcome the thought of coming across the sinister Captain Dangis Clavoy who had discovered them on his ship and worked them like slaves. That is, if he would have anything that would be of use to them. Between the two of them and no other men of the crew around, Farell was sure that he and Keelin could steal the man’s coat and knife and get away. All they would have to do is sneak up on him, bop him on the head, and make off with his coat and knife. It would serve the man right after the way he had treated them anyway. But they couldn’t depend on meeting anyone from the ship.

As they wandered along, Farell kept a sharp eye out for any sign of movement besides the perpetual motion of the incoming waves and the wheeling and diving of the gulls. Keelin, on the other hand, often stooped down to pick up a seashell that struck her fancy and pocketed it. This caused her to fall behind and Farell grew tired of having to stop and wait for her to catch up.

“What good are those seashells going to be to us?” Farell asked, his voice husky from the sore throat he had acquired over the time spent floundering in the chilly water the night before.

“They’re pretty,” Keelin replied as she dusted sand from a bright pink shard of conch shell.

“You’re wasting our time. It’s food and shelter that we need to be looking for.”

Keelin ignored her brother’s comment and slipped the fragment of shell into her pocket where it clinked against the others that she had found. She liked this place. It was a wonderful change from the rough time she had spent at sea. The sand felt warm and comforting against her feet and there were pretty treasures to be found among the little dips and rises in the random patterns of the sand. Her stomach ached with hunger, but that was nothing to worry about. It was a familiar feeling that was simply a part of her everyday life and they would discover something to eat before long, she was sure of it. They always had before.

Finally, Farell gave in and plopped down onto the warm sand. He coughed and wheezed, then blew his nose into the dirty scrap of material that he had torn from his shirt for a handkerchief.

Keelin threw a sideways glance at her brother. “I thought you were in a hurry to get somewhere.” Her voice rang with sarcasm.

“I changed my mind,” Farell growled, not wanting to admit how exhausted he felt.

Keelin was about to reply when an unusual movement over the water caught her eye. A huge flying creature sailed through the air, dipping low from time to time near the salty waves. Frightened, Keelin wheeled around and grabbed her brother’s hand, jerking him to his feet and began dragging him along with her as she ran, heading father inland.

Upon seeing the cause for his sister’s sudden excitement, Farell suddenly forgot how tired he was. He ran for all he was worth and even when his lungs began to throb for air, he pushed on. Upon seeing them, the quetzalcoatles let out a sharp cry and turned to follow them. Keelin and Farell were too busy trying to get away to notice the rider upon the creature’s back.

[Rosa]

As the twins ran farther inland, they entered a wood that was populated with various types of conifers, ferns, and other tropical trees and plant life. Feeling safe beneath the canopy of trees, the twins slowed their frenzied pace and soon collapsed to the ground, too exhausted to go any farther. For a long time they remained hidden in the wood, cowering like frightened rabbits among the grass and ferns.

“It could’ve eaten us.” Keelin finally said.

Farell gave her a withering look. “You have a very keen sense of the obvious.” He muttered.

“What was that?” Keelin glanced up sharply.

“Nothing.” Farell replied.

Keelin frowned. “I hate it when you do that.”

“What?”

“If I fail to hear you correctly, you answer with ‘nothing.’ It bugs me.”

Farell chose not to reply. Instead, he leaned his back against a tree and gazed up at the sky. Suppose that flying creature should enter the forest? He shivered. But in spite of the uneasy feelings that seemed to be torturing his senses, his eyelids grew heavy and soon he began to nod, and finally he drifted to sleep.

A few hours later, Keelin shook her brother awake. “I heard something.” She whispered anxiously.

Farell groaned and unwillingly opened one eye just enough to see his sister’s worried face. “You’re always hearing things. Just let me go back to sleep.” He muttered.

“No!” Keelin grabbed hold of her brother’s thin shoulders and shook him roughly. “I’ve let you sleep for hours. It’s late afternoon now and we’ve got to find something to eat and I’m telling you I just heard something.”

Farell pushed his sister’s hands away. “Alright, alright. I hear you.” His voice had turned into a low and whispery tone due to the sore throat.

Keelin held a finger to her lips. “Listen.”

Farell’s eyes widened as the faint sounds of someone singing drifted in from the direction of the beach.

Keelin turned her head toward the sound. “I’m going to go find out who it is.”

“Wait,” Farell pulled himself to his feet. “You must be crazy! Suppose that flying creature comes after us again?”

“I’m going to risk it.” Keelin replied, “Because right now, I want nothing more than food and whoever is out there may very well have some.”

Farell’s stomach rumbled as if in response. “Alright then, I’m coming too, but remember, we’re not going to trust anyone. If whoever’s out there makes one wrong move, we’ll either fight, or make a run for it—whichever seems fit for the situation.” Farell’s eyes narrowed as he watched his sister. “Don’t be too trusting.” You’ve gotten us into trouble more than once that way.”

Keelin shook her head. “Farell, you’re going to have to learn to trust someone someday. Not everyone out there is out to get us.” She turned sharply and marched out to the beach.

Farell followed hesitantly, darting and hiding behind every handy obstacle along the way. He was not willing to walk out into the open as his sister was. A moment later, he chose to remain hidden behind the last bush that provided cover before the open beach. Keelin, on the other hand, walked boldly into the open, looking every which way for the person that she had heard singing earlier.

She spotted the man almost instantly because he waved to her, but a shock of fear wrenched a scream from her throat as she caught sight of the baryonyx. It was the most horrible creature that she had ever seen! It’s huge claws glistened in the sunlight and as it turned to look at her, she was appalled to see that the creature also had a mouthful of dagger sharp teeth.

Farell withdrew himself from his hiding place and shouted at his sister to run, but his voice was to horse for her to hear.

Keelin, for the first time in her life, stood immobilized with fear.

[Barry the Baryonyx]

Mr. Lionhart and Gathranth continued up the trail for Waterfall City. Barry was singing and old pirate tune that he learned from the pirates in Black Fish Tavern. {Now for a little history flashback} When Barry was three, the pirates raided his home in Culebra and killed his parents and took him as one of there own. Barry was raised like one of them. He didn't care to much in there way of life, like stealing things and hurting people. So he left them to strike out on his own. Barry enjoyed helping anyone with their problems.
He couldn't make to many friends because of the way he looked and acted. Most people and saurians were afraid of pirates and were frightened away. Barry would try to explain to them that he wasn't a pirate at all, but some wouldn't hear him. Those that didn't fear him became friends with him. Barry would ferry the residents of Culebra to the main Island and back on his boat. Then one day he left Culebra for the main Island in search of adventure.

Just then, Barry stopped singing. He thought he saw somebody on the beach. Barry stepped off the trail towards the beach to see who it was. Then he spotted the human female on the beach and waved at her. Gathranth right behind him. Then he heard the human female scream and take off and Barry was puzzled. "Arrr, wait, argh! Come back, argh! Me won't hurt ya. Please come back." Then Barry turn around and saw Gathranth standing behind him staring at the human. "Arrr, Crocosaur, gar! go back t' the trail. Me think you just frightened her away. Gar." The baryonyx went back to the trail as Barry went to try to find the human female who ran off.

[Rosa]

After the first shock of fear passed, Keelin finally managed to remember how to run. She whirled around and nearly collided with her brother who had come out from hiding to drag her back to the safety of the wood. Once they reached the trees again, they both paused behind the bushes and peeked out to see if they were being followed. Sure enough, the man was coming, but the creature that had frightened them seemed to have disappeared.

“How could you be so stupid?” Farell slapped his forehead with the palm of his hand and squeezed his eyes shut in frustration. “Keelin, I can’t believe you let them see you.”

“Shut up, Farell.” Keelin muttered after regaining her composure, “Look. The man is coming this way.”

Farell peeked from behind the bushes to find that what she said was true.

“He looks like a traveler.” Keelin whispered, “He’s bound to have food in that pack of his.”

“When he gets close enough let’s attack and steal it.” Farell’s hollow eyes were dark with hunger.

“No,” Keelin replied, “I think he’s a kind man.”

“How would you know?”

“Because, I can sense it.”

"Girls always think they sense things."

"And they do."

“What about that creature that was with him?”

“It’s gone now.”

“Hah! That’s what it wants you to think.” Farell rolled his eyes.

Keelin signaled for her brother to be quiet as the man came closer. “Alright,” she whispered, “I’m going to talk to the man.” She stepped away from the safety of the bushes before Farell could stop her.

“Sir,” Keelin said boldly, “Am I just hallucinating, or was that a monster that was with you? And…and…you wouldn’t happen to have some food to share would you? Me and my brother are starving.” One look at either of the twins would’ve shown that Keelin wasn’t exaggerating when she said ‘starving.’ Keelin’s ragged dress hung limply over her thin body and Farell’s tattered excuse for a shirt hardly covered his bony shoulders and washboard ribs.

Farell reluctantly stepped away from the bushes and stepped up beside his sister. With a spark of suspicion glowing in his eyes, he gazed at the man, waiting for his answer.

[Barry the Baryonyx]

Barry finally caught up with the young lady. He could see in her eyes that she had a few questions. "Aye, Well, Good day M'lady. I don't think Me e'er saw such a pretty one in these parts before."
Then he hears a twig crack in the bushes. "Aye, oh, is thar someone else thar? Please come out. Aye, me won't harm ya."
The lady asked, “Am I just hallucinating, or was that a monster that was with you? And…and…you wouldn’t happen to have some food to share would you?" Monster? What…? Oh… Arrr, ya mean my matey back thar? don't worry he won't harm ya." Just a few hundred yards on the other side of the trail, Gathranth was doing some fishing. He caught a few very large fish and placed them on the beach behind him. "Arrr, hes not a monster M'lady. He is Gathranth Thornpool, my ole matey. He is a baryonyx Aye.
he's 'ery friendly." Looking in the direction Gathranth went,
"Hes probably fishin' in the Polongo Ri'er on the other side o' the trail. Aye, and I can see that you look like your 'ery hungry.
Aye, we war just about t' stop for a bite before headin' for Waterfall City. Arrr, would ya like t' join us?" Barry waited for her reply. "By the way, Let me introduce my self. Aye, I'm Mr. Barry Lionhart at your ser'ice. And welcome t' Dinotopia." now, Would ya like t' meet my matey? Aye. Oh yea, Me almost forgotten t' mention that Crocosaur is a mute. Don't worry, He understand others on this island. As they were on there way,
Farflight and his rider Patrick Standtall flew over head. Barry
waved and shouted to them. "Breathe Deep, Seek Peace…"

[Standtall]

Patrick pointed downward at the pair of people washed up on the beach. Farflight executed a wide turn and came in low over them letting out a racous squawk. Pulling up to make another pass Patrick saw the pair, a boy and a girl, running into the forest.

"I think you scared them." He said to the pterosaur with only a hint of reproval in his voice. They went back over the sea and flew for a few seconds perpindicular to the shore before going into a steep upward turn to level out over the forest.

Below Patrick saw a baryonix fishing not far away from the two castaways and a third man, obviously a native to island. As they swooped overhead Patrick heard the greeting shouted up and brought the pterosaur as low as he dared, jumping off just above the ground and letting the quetzalcoatlus take to the sky once more.

"Breathe Deep, Fly High." He said in responce snapping a tidy bow. "I'm Patrick Standtall." He said for the benifits of the newcomers. "Skybax rider and all around nice guy." He gave a roguish wink to the girl. "Welcome to Dniotopia."

[Rosa]

Keelin’s mind was spinning as she listened to Barry speak. Have we landed in a fantasy world, like in the stories I’ve read in the city libraries of America? She thought, How could this be? Fierce looking creatures that are friends to humans? Keelin glanced at her brother, wondering what he thought of it all. Farell had a fixed expression of rebellion written on his face as he watched the man. When Barry spoke of Waterfall City Farell opened his mouth, fixing to interrupt, but he was cut off short as Keelin jabbed her elbow sharply against his ribs. “We’d be glad to go with you to Waterfall City.” Keelin said, while Farell rubbed his ribs and glowered at his sister. “We’re very grateful to you for showing us the way and I promise that we’ll pay you back somehow.”

As the trio began walking toward the shoreline where Gathranth was fishing, a shadow passed overhead causing the three to look toward the sky. Keelin was appalled to see the flying creature again. She skidded to an abrupt halt, causing Farell to bump into her from behind. But to her surprise, Mr. Lionheart merely waved and called “Breathe Deep, Seek Peace!”

The skybax dipped low enough for Keelin and Farell to catch sight of the rider on its back. “What the…” Farell stared in astonishment as the rider leaped to the ground and strode toward them as if riding huge flying creatures was merely a part of his everyday life.

“Breathe Deep, Fly High,” the young man greeted, then introduced himself as Patrick Standtall who was a skybax rider. “Welcome to Dinotopia.”

Keelin raised her eyebrows in surprise. “So Dinotopia is what this place is called.” She glanced down briefly muttering more to herself than anyone else, “Sure wish I would’ve paid closer attention to geography lessons during school at the orphanage.” She glanced up again. “My name is Keelin Derry. Me and my brother were shipwrecked here.” She turned and gestured toward Farell who had his head turned away and was wheezing and coughing painfully into the scrap of material that he had torn from his shirt to use as a handkerchief. “The captain worked Farell and I like slaves, but Farell got the worst of it, I’m afraid. He hasn’t been feeling well for days now, though he won’t admit it.”

Farell stuffed the handkerchief into his pocket and gazed at both the young man and Mr. Lionheart with a slight expression of distrust written on his face. “Farell Derry,” he said hoarsely and grudgingly held out a hand in greeting. “How long will it take to get to this Waterfall City?” He paused a moment before adding, “And how impressive is its size?” He chose not to share the fact that he liked large cities because it was easier to sneak among the crowds and pickpocket without being noticed.

[Standtall]

"It'll take a few days at least to get to Waterfall city." Patrick's tone was light and conversational as he slipped a leather backpack from his back and knelt to rummage through it. Out came various salves and topical ointments as well as bandages each of which Patrick examined for only a moment before putting back.

"Quicker on a Skybax of course but assuming you two want to stay together that won't work out." He lifted a bottle from the pack and tossed it lightly in the air catching it deftly as he stood. He popped the cork of the bottle then, as if remembering something he bent down again and began looking through the bag again.

"Farflight could only possibly carry one other rider, it would be a stretch though." He straightend again with a small cup into which he poured a mesure of the liquid from the bottle. "Drink this. He said holding the cup out to the boy, Farrell. "For your throat." He explained before turning to Keelin.

Without seeming remembered Farrell's other questions about the city Patrick turned to the girl. "You wouldn't have heard of Dinotopia before no matter where you went to school." He explained, "We don't exist to Outsiders." Patrick gave a slight laugh. "

[Rosa]

Keelin raised her eyebrows. “Don’t exist to outsiders, you say? Interesting. So that’s why I never heard of this place before.”

Farell nearly choked at hearing his sister’s words. “How can you accept that piece of information so easily? Come on, you’ve got to be realistic for once instead of wandering around in that dream world of yours.”

Keelin frowned. “Farell, you’ve got to learn to use a little more imagination and learn to trust for a change. Sheesh, you’re so negative about everything.” She gazed at her brother for a moment, noticing that he still held the cup and was staring into it with a distinct expression of suspicion written on his face. Keelin sighed. “And drink that liquid that Patrick gave you. It isn’t poison. He’s here to help us, can’t you see that?”

Farell tipped the cup to his lips and gulped the liquid down, but nearly gagged at the taste. “What is this?” he sputtered, “It’s horrible!”

Keelin laughed, but ignored her brother’s remarks and turned back to Patrick and whispered. “Sorry about my brother. He’s hard to get along with at times, as you can see. He likes to act tough, but it’s only a cover up. He’s very bitter about the fact that our parents left us at an orphanage because they wanted nothing to do with us.” Then out loud she said, “I think we’ll have to take the long way to Waterfall City because I don’t think you’ll catch either of us riding one of those flying creatures right now. I prefer earth rather than sky and as for Farell, he would never dare to get near enough to one of those creatures.”

Farell glanced up sharply, offended by his sister’s comment. “You want a bet?” He challenged, “I’ll ride one of those creatures—you wait and see.”

[Barry the Baryonyx]

Barry and Gathranth just stood there watching Patrick helping Keelin and Farell, and he listened to Keelin's words. "Arrr, fantasy world… City libraries o' America? Gar." A confused look came over his face as he heard more. He never heard of such places before."You must tell me more about these thin's." As Patrick was explaining to them about Dinotopia, Barry went to see where Gathranth was. He was trying to picture the world of Keelin and Farell on what he has heard. "Aye, thar you be Gathranth, and I see you have caught some fish. Splendid, argh!" Then Barry had an idea as he walked up to the baryonyx. "since war only a few days away from Waterfall City, Arrr, me was thinkin' that we should set camp har and ask e'erybody if they would like t' join us for dinner. Tis' the least we could do. Then in the mornin' start off for Waterfall City. Arrr, how would that be Crocosaur?" The baryonyx agreed with a nod. So they gathered up the fish and headed back to the group…

[Standtall]

Slightly annoyed by Farell's attitude Patrick gave a little smile and raised his arm with a loud, squaking cry. Without warning Farflight appeared overhead, flew out of sight over the trees then suddenly dove from the sky to land in the clearing. Her huge wings stretched almost far enough to fill the whole of the space.

"Farell, I'd like you to meet my partner Farflight." The quetzalcoatlus dipped her huge beaked head to be on eye level with Farell. She clicked her beak gently and he head twisted left and right as she regarded him. "Farfight this is Farell. He's going to be riding with us to Waterfall city." Patrick's eye seemed to gleam with mischief. "If you think you can that is." He said looking sideways at Farell.

[Rosa]

As the quetzalcoatlus landed, Farell stumbled backwards in surprise. The creatures giant wings flapped once or twice, sending a whoosh of air into the boy’s face. Farell nervously ran a hand through his snarled hair, causing it to stand on end. He stared at Farflight, amazed at the strength and beauty that seemed to radiate from her.

At hearing Patrick’s words, Farell turned a startled gaze toward the young man. “Ride this creature with you to Waterfall City? I…I…” his voice trailed off uncertainly.

Keelin grinned. “You said that you would ride one.”

“I—er—wasn’t thinking about so soon…”

“Well it looks like you’re going to.” Keelin’s eyes sparkled. She couldn’t help but enjoy seeing her brother so uncomfortable for a change. Keelin suddenly turned her head. “Oh look, Mr. Lionheart’s back. She waved to him, then hesitantly waved to the baryonix, though she still felt a little nervous around the creature. She figured with time she would learn to feel completely comfortable around them like Mr. Lionheart and Patrick.

[Standtall]

Patrick supressed a smirk at Farell's responce. "You don't have too. It's dangerous to ride if you don't feel ready too. If you want to try it out though I need to make one more sweep of the beach just to make sure no one was over looked from the wreck."

Farflight settled forward onto her wingclaws. Her huge wings folded back like a huge bat. She walked around to rest her head on Patrick's shoulder. Unconsciously Patrick reached up to stroke the long beak.

"After we're done with the patrol we'll come along with you. Farflight will probably fly ahead to report. But I'll stick around." Patrick cast a hardly noticeable glance at Keelin.

[Barry the Baryonyx]

Barry and Gathranth were on their way back with to the beach
with their fish. Patrick and Farflight were just about to take off
again on one last patrol of the beach in search for more survivors
from the shipwreck. "Ahoy thar again. Tis' a good thang you people didn't lea'e yet." Barry glances back at the baryonyx. "Arrr, Crocosaur, Just drop those fish har."He turns his gaze back towards Keelin
and speaks. "Aye, Lea'in' so soon?" As he stood in front of her. "Do you people want t' have dinner with us before the light is gone for the day? We may have t' set up camp har for the night." Barry waited for Keelin and Farell to reply.
Gathranth was gathering up some large stones for the fire ring.
"Aye, Tis' the only right thang we could do t' help. Besides that, you both look like your 'ery hungry now. I'm Me right?" The sun was getting ready to set at this time…

[seekeroftales]

{OOC: TO Standtall and all ~ It may be too late now, but if Keelin and Farell are fifteen years old and starved, then their combined weight probably doesn't exceed 180 - 200 pds. My point being that Patrick might well fly with both of them to Waterfall City on Farflight. I realize that would cut Barry and Gathranth out for a bit; however, we can always cut to a future scene or Barry can hook up with the below characters.

TO all ~ Also, Rosa mentioned the Industrial Revolution in America within the bios she did for Farell and Keelin. I therefore judge the time period to be circa 1815-45. Please verify or deny, Rosa.

I could work Kukalad into this RP fairly well/easily, but I reserve him for a special RP or a community fan fic . . . or something.

I might introduce a character from the recently wrecked ship that Farell and Keelin might know nothing about, but that doesn't seem likely to me. I therefore present a crew member and the dreaded captain, both with names of my own choosing . . . }

Here we go! IC:
As Patrick speaks with Barry, Farell and Keelin . . .

Short and heavyset, wearing sealskin trousers and a thick black beard, a young but sea-salted sailor man woke and looked out to sea from where he lay, still a little groggy from his few hours of fitful rest. Fitful because after his abandonment of the ship he had gashed his left leg upon the high-grown coral as he swam in to the shore upon which he now lay. No shark bite, thank any gods of the heavens, he acknowledged with a grunt of pain.

Raising his head with some effort, he winced at the throbbing pain in his leg as he pressed his chin to his chest and blinked his sandy eyes once, twice, searching for any sign of a ship. Nothing on the horizon. He lolled his head to one side, then the other, scanning the beach for anything, anyone. Still nothing of obvious interest or significance that he could see from his reclining position, flat on his back.

Thinking it was perhaps wise to do so, he forced himself to sit up. His hand reached for his wound as he did so. He glanced around again. Despite his sharp vision he caught sight of nothing. Then, pressing the rolled up pants leg of his trousers to his salted, stinging injury he stood, still facing the sea, and looked about himself more carefully. His green-gold eyes traced the horizon once more and then he stared for several seconds in each direction the beach stretched from him. Other than the obvious conclusion to be reached that he was currently beached in a shallow inlet about two miles wide and upon an island or continent with plant growth unknown to him, there was yet still nothing to be seen. So he was alone for now.

He tried to straighten up, but he found himself inclined to dizziness. "Bright as a candle in a gale you are, m'lad," he muttered to himself, biting his lip and hurriedly ducking his head back down. Blood weak and fever boiling, he realized as he put his free hand to his forehead. I need water, shade and any real sleep I can claim. A tired sigh escaped his dry lips, one he was barely aware of. So the Irecadouras chapter of his life was over. For the moment and despite his physical condition, he could not help but let a slight smile come to his mouth. He only looked forward now. There had been little hope for that by-heaven-cursed ship and it now rested beneath the waves.

Jeffery Galidan felt that he was perhaps the most liberated crewman of the once deathly ship, Irecadouras . . . even be the others freed who had descended with her. Surely she had killed her last? She lay broken and desecrated, out there beyond some unknown, perhaps unnamed reef . . . and justly so. May your fate have been wreaked upon you by any god of justice that may be, he thought grimly. And may your captain have gone down in the rich belly of your holds. His plunder to him, his justice received, his fate be worthy, his memory be none. I spit once to weigh against his judgment in heaven, but never again that I may not condemn my own soul. And he did, but without spite, hate or malice. For we are all sinners, he confessed.

A sense of elation washed over him, more refreshing than any polar waters of the sea. The heat of his fever and the sun's rays seemed to fade for an instant. A new cruise, this time on the land. Jeffery had never felt easy on the waves; it had always been his fancy that the jaws of hell lurked beneath the waves of every sea and ocean to claim sinners.

With no intention of looking back in the direction of the Irecadouras's grave, Jeffery turned finally and began to limp slowly up the beach toward the line of foliage. He moved with his head hung due to his mildly feverish tiredness and he did not notice an open tree house constructed high in a tree ahead of him. Nor did he see anything that could be of a man crouching hidden amid the dense foliage just beyond the first trees of the forest that met the beach. His mind was too busy dwelling on the horrors that had been life for thirty-nine souls aboard the Irecadouras And while doing so, he suddenly remembered that one injustice which had haunted him for the whole if her last, doomed voyage.

Stressing his injured leg unpleasantly, the shipwrecked sailor stopped moving abruptly and turned to look back at the rolling sea, an expression of aghast horror on his ruddy, weather worn face. They had been his only sin on that ship. Overworked, underfed; the boy had been beaten on by many of the crew. "Farell, Keelin . . ." he whispered, his throat tightening.

He swooned feverishly, yet came to an instant decision. As unlikely as the possibility was considering their physical condition, one or both of them might have survived the night. If there were any just gods, they certainly had. They were old enough and well able to take care of themselves, Jeffery knew, but he himself had never lifted a hand to help them, so he figured he owed them a debt. He would repay it, if he could.

Bowing his head and shedding two tears, a pair each for the both of them should they have chanced to perish, Jeffery was prepared to begin making his way along the beach for miles in each direction and search for any signs of survivors, then track any footprints he might find to their source. Water, shade, rest were now of secondary importance to him.

The breeze along the shore covered the faintest whisper of booted steps in the sand of a man close behind him. The same breeze could not hide the familiar voice that came to Jeffery's ears a moment later.

As Patrick prepares to make his last patrol . . .

"A pity you woke from your nap before I could get to you, Jeff," came the unpleasant voice of Captain Dangis Clavoy from behind the younger man.

Straightening up despite the protest of his leg, Jeffery spun around as quickly as he could, raising his hands in a defensive gesture. He managed to stop himself before they curled into fists. He was obliged to rethink his restraint when he saw the deadly twinkle in Dangis's eye, though.

"We are alone, sir," "Jeff" pointed out calmly, well knowing the meaning of the older man's words. However, he was quite forgetting that Dangis was no longer his master, no longer the captain of a ship. "You have no one to help you, none to join you in your attempt against me." He turned his palms up in an appealingly fashion, his expression an unhappy one.

Dangis was obviously not concerned about the odds. His eyes drifted down to Jeffrey's leg. "The same can be said of you," he responded with a wicked smile. "Not to say any would have stood with you, could they."

"You are survived as I am," Jeff continued to reason quietly. "Should you not be grateful and change the course you have set for yourself?" The younger man was aware that he was not in the fore of the wind that was likely to blow in his direction from Dangis. And the other man thought so as well, for he was now listening with a sneer on his face.

So Jeffrey decided it was important that he display confidence in whatever abilities he possessed to defend himself against his former captain. And if he seemed ready and willing to use them regardless of his situation and disadvantage, then perhaps Dangis would respect him and favor the idea of sparing him. "I can finish what that reef yon," Jeffery waved a hand back at the sea, "what those those breakers yon, did not. Please don't make me . . ."

Jeffrey stepped back to give the older man the chance to think about what he would do next; talk things out or keep coming. Doing so sent a stab of pain up his leg but he refused to wince. At the same moment however, he realized that he had spoken his heart rather than his mind. He did not wish to shed any blood, not even that of a man such as Dangis. Surely that fact would give the man all the more confidence.

"I have served under you without complaint and we are washed up just where, we do not know," Jeffrey added quickly, wanly hoping to cover over the slip of his tongue. "I figure that we can well benefit from each other's company and knowledge. However, I will kill in self defense and feel no pity or regret if you should show yourself determined to come murderously upon me without any provocation." His concern for his vocal error faded as his hope waxed. Dangis's face told of a fury quickly rising within him. Not the reaction Jeffrey had been expecting, but if the former captain of the Irecadouras lost his cool head and became wild in his manner, then it could only help/improve the younger man's sorry prospects of survival.

"Do you take me for a fool?" Dangis spat contemptuously. "I know you plotted within your traitorous soul to kill myself and McKelly! Do you think I will let that stand now that my ship is lost?" McKelly had been Dangis's first mate aboard the Irecadouras, Jeffrey his second.

Jeffrey refused to deny the core of truth in what Dangis said, though he was wrong to assume that his second mate would have stooped to conspiratorial murder. The determination to bring about the deaths of Dangis and McKelly had indeed dwelled in his heart for many weeks. "If you knew, then why did you not have me cast overboard?" he ventured, cautiously watching his tone of voice. He did not want to sound victoriously smug or seem eager to take his former captain at his word next words, whatever the man's reply/answer might be.

"Asked be it but I must give you no explanation!" Dangis snapped contemptuously. "Why explain to a dead man? I was not so clever nor am I so foolishly proud!" Then he bent forward slightly and charged Jeffrey with a roar, his knife appearing suddenly in his right hand and coming up with its blade turned down at an angle.

Jeffrey was not completely unprepared for this move on his former captain's part, but he was still caught largely off-guard. He went for Dangis's knife arm with his left hand and raised his right arm defensively. He just managed to prevent the knife from more than scratching him and Dangis used his fist as Jeffrey had been expecting, sneaking it by the younger man's inexperienced guard. Reeling back from the blow, Jeffrey instinctively stepped with his momentum to keep himself from falling over backward.

Dangis smirked with satisfaction as his victim checked his bruised lips to find they were bleeding. "What a sorry sight you are," the captain pronounced with dark amusement, shaking his head in mock-regret. "I'll tell you why you lived so long. Your sailing skills were your salvation, Jeff. You certainly aren't much of a fighter."

That he wasn't a fighter was true enough, but Jeffrey had a survival instinct which he was living proof hadn't failed him yet. His shock at his captain's blow having passed almost instantly, he edged with pain-hitched movements to Dangis's right side, not caring to be cautious and tricky about the maneuver; he wanted to know how confident Dangis was, how long he was willing to take in murdering his former second mate.

Dangis shifter lazily on his heels to keep his body faced toward Jeffrey. A half circle around his captain and the younger man stopped himself. There was no point in moving any farther. He had learned what he wanted.

"Don't you think it dangerous to allow your opponent time to think?" Jeffrey ventured with a small smile. He had the impression of a bright color somewhere overhead. Red amid the blue and white in the skies above.

"If it's my skill against your brains then I am not the least bit worried, Jeff," Dangis responded with a careless gesture of his knife and a twist of his lip. He stepped forward even as he said this and waved his hand at his second mate. An angry expression graced his face and beamed from his eyes. Jeffrey wasn't paying close attention. "Look at me when I talk to you," Dangis hissed.

Looking up as his former captain spoke, it was then Jeffery saw a great flying creature swooping down toward the two of them. His sharp eyes immediately discerned the human rider in its back. Friend or foe I care not! he thought. Uncertain of the wisdom in doing so, he reacted to the coming sight as he thought best. He waved his hands a few times and called to the creature's rider. "Help me! He's trying to kill me! I seek peace with you!"

"If you think I will fall for that," Dangis began to say. He didn't finish because Jeffrey was being very convincing. The younger man dived to the sand, heedless of the fact that he was leaving himself defenseless before his aggressor. 'Better be sure,' the captain thought wildly, feeling unsettled enough to want to prove or disprove that someone was behind him.

Fairly certain that Jeffrey was trying to trick him, Dangis took a few precautionary steps backward before he half turned to look behind him. It was immediately apparent that Jeffrey hadn't been bluffing . . .


{OOC: Sorry I'm so picky and slow, but I like to be thorough when I write anything for publishing on the 'net.

TO Rosa: The ship wasn't named, that I could see, so I took the liberty of doing so. It isn't really important, is it? Also, could you modify one of your earlier posts to make passing mention of Jeffery, and perhaps the captain's name? I expect Keelin might have sensed something about Jeffrey . . .

To Standtall: The ball is in your court now. What Patrick does to help Jeffrey is up to you. I can take over Patrick and Farflight if you want, but I will develope them very differently, so please keep up their roles yourself.}

[Rosa]

Back at the camp, Keelin immediately set to work helping Barry clean the fish that Gathranth had brought. She dove into the task almost viciously as she anticipated the taste of the fish once it was cooked with the delicious smoked flavor that the firewood provided. Because of her ravenous hunger, she was tempted to stuff a few of the raw slivers of meat into her mouth immediately, but managed to maintain her self control and wait until it was cooked.

Farell was not concerned about manners. He snatched a piece of the raw meat, hastily picked the bones out, and stuffed it into his mouth before setting off down the beach to search for some sun bleached driftwood that could serve as firewood.

Frowning, Keelin watched as her brother disappeared around the bend in the shoreline. Then she turned to Barry and apologized for her brother’s behavior. “My brother’s had a terribly rough life which has probably caused him to be such a rogue.” She added, “But though you may not see it right now, he really does have a good heart. Once I failed to bring Captain Clavoy his meal in time so he was going to beat me for it. Farrell wouldn’t hear of it and took the beating instead. I would do anything to help my brother even if he does have a bad attitude at times.”

Glancing upward, Keelin scanned the sky for any sign of Patrick and Farflight. “I wonder what’s taking them so long?” Concerned, she turned her blue eyed gaze toward Barry, hoping he would have an answer.

{OOC: Thanks, Seekeroftales, for showing interest in this rp story and contributing to it. What you have added to it has given it an interesting twist. I went ahead and modified one of my posts and mentioned the captain’s name, and a little about Jeff. The time period that you mentioned, circa 1815-1845, is what I had in mind. Sure, it’s fine with me that you named the ship. I’m not picky with other people elaborating on characters and ideas I use for rp stories.}

[Barry the Baryonyx]

Barry was happy that Keelin and Farell decided to camp with him and Gathranth for the night. He was thankful for Keelin for helping him with the fish. As they were cleaning and preparing their dinner Farell came over and snatched a piece of the raw meat, and stuffed it into his mouth before he set off to search for driftwood for the fire. Barry just shook his head and continued his work. Keelin turned to apologize for her brother’s behavior and then she Glanced upward towards the sky. “oh, tis' alright Keelin. I understand what yer brother's been through. Aye. We Dinotopians be 'ery used t' this kind off beha'ior form most Dolphinbacks Who land on are friendly shores. Arrr, me wasn't a bit offended.” Concerned, Keelin gaze toward the sky for any sign of Patrick and Farflight and spoke. “I wonder what’s taking them so long?” She then turned back to Barry. “Aye, don't worry about Patrick and Farflight. I'm sure they will be back shortly. They be just makin' sure if thar aren't any more sur'i'ors out thar." By this time, the sun was starting to sink beneath the waves of the churning sea. At this time Gathranth was gathering up ferns for the beds. Then he paused like he heard something was close by…

{OOC: I'm glad ya came to join in on are little RP here Skyler.
;D We need Patrick to respond so we can continue.}

[Korkoa]

IC: After wandering the coast for awhile, and almost deciding that there was nothing interesting, I happened upon two Dolfinbacks- fighting each other. "Whoa there!" I said, in gravelly English, "What are you two fighting about? Stop it now!"