Has anyone... noticed anything unusual?

[No that's too vague. Ugh- but how to explain it.]

My journal..... I don't remember it being filled with all this jibberish. No.... that's not right either.

[He sighed feeling a little frustrated]

It's not like jibberish. It's just.. It's like there's something here and I just can't see it clearly. I know... that sounds strange but most of my journal seems to be full of this hazy stuff now.

[The section that was reserved for his correspondence with Elissa was the item that stuck out the most. He could see his responses clearly but not what they were in response to. It kind of made him look crazy. Like he'd been writing to himself the whole time.]

What's worse is.... I just feel like I've forgotten something. I can't place my finger on it. Am I the only one feeling this way?

[Ban's been hit by the mist and he's forgotten Elissa and Haytham.]

I apologize that I woke too late to give you proper warning, my love. I trust you've learned what has happened? Had this man kept anything in any sort of sensible order, I would have found his journal before now. Not that he is terribly untidy - I just cannot seem to make sense of where he keeps things. That is about to change, however, so I hope he can be good humoured at my efforts at organization when we return to our proper places. It should be soon, I hope - Jones willing. I already miss you.

You might be amused to learn that this body is at least as tall as you are. I have learned to be wary of doorways and low ceilings and of a certain young lady who needs to wear gloves at all times. This fellow is indestructible from what I understand, so you've no need to worry about my well-being in case of an attack. He may need reminding that my body is a lot more fragile, however. I do not heal as quickly, easily, or as completely as he does.

I'm among friends here on the Spades' ships. Marco is looking after me, though he's rather harried from all of the changed people on board. Alex is here, too! We are both well.

Write soon.
All my love,
Elissa

Well that was as interestin’ a race as I’ve e’er seen. Can’t say I expected ye all ta win, but then again ye’ve not had too much contact wi’ pirates around here have ye? They’re like as not goin’ ta underestimate ye again. As fer meself, I enjoyed it. Still comin’ off a bit ‘o a bender, but as fer now I got a nice patch ‘o sunshine ta sit in and a Meep ta take care ‘o me. Don’t take any ‘o what he said ta heart, by the by. Oh, aye we’ve got troubles enough and…perhaps I may’ve…gone a touch far but it hain’t nothing that can’t be fixed. I’ll tell ye when is a good time ta worry.

News
Hain’t much ta impart. Cloud Islands be gatherin’ back ta where they go over the winterin’ months so if ye wish ta visit, now be th’ time. Otherwise, everyones recuperatin’ after the race. Navy’s startin’ ta come back out and pick up the stragglers and th’ weak ones so expect an encounter or two—but they’re likely not goin’ ta attack ye lot as ye’ve proven yerselves ta be more than a handful durin’ th’ competition. Actually if hearin’ be true, there’s somethin’ settin’ up—a kind ‘o weird collaboration betwixt the Navy and some third party. Hain’t sure what be happenin’ there, but I’ll keep ye abreast ‘o it fer all th’ good it’ll do ye.

Weather

North: Nice an’ sunny w’out a bit ‘o cloud to mar your way. Nights clear and bright as ye can think. It be a beautiful time sailin’ in those waters an’ no mistake. Watch out fer the Singers, though, else ye end up scuttled on some reef. They’re gorgeous creatures an’ nasty beasts all rolled into one.

East: Mostly sunny wi’ a scatterin’ ‘o light rain, but more importantly, it be th’ time the Island Turtles move ta lay their eggs so expect ta see more then one ‘o em floatin’ along by. Tartle will be up an’ about as well, and ye’ll find th’ people there friendlier than usual though I’d still no cause trouble if I were ye. Also heard tell they got some therform in stock which I’ll have ta send Meep fer so expect to see him around to, but try not ta gie him hives. He’s th’ only Meep I’ve got.

West: Warm an’ dry wi’ steady winds. Not much more ta say about it, though expect a massive thunder storm sometime mid of next week. Hain’t nothin’ goin’ ta be strange about it. . . I’m reasonably sure.

South: A little wetter’n most, but perfect fer moon viewin’. On the seventh we got a lunar eclipse comin’ and if ye look in th’ water about that time ye’ll see shimmerin’ mermaid hair. Hain’t real mermaid hair, ‘o course, but a type o’ sea weed. It’s used in some places in soups and’ll make yer tongue glow in the dark for a day or two should ye eat it.



That’s about all I hae fer ye as of now. If ye got a question, ask, but ye know th’ terms by now.

To the Triton's Mistress:

I am safe. My apologies for any concern that I may have caused with my inability to return to the crew. If possible, please return at the end of the race to fetch me. As for my absence, is it enough to say that the locals of Eternal Bliss have struck again?

Signed,
Elissa Cousland-Hawtrey

Since I promised Young Link of the Sabers a little meet up.

What:Ghost Race Tail Gate and Beach Party
Who:People who know not to burn down bars.
When:July 4th 4 pm
Where: Beach east of the port.

Bringing Dessert is recommended.
RSVP via this post by July 3rd for a decent headcount.

[Well, it was finally out in the open.

Although Ratonhnhaké:ton had not gone to great lengths to hide the truth from his father there had been a few occasions where he had omitted certain details. He had wanted to get closer to Haytham in order to let him see through example that his way of thinking was wrong- but there had not been an incident that led itself easily to teaching this lesson.

If he had to he would kill his father- he'd done so before... but like that time Haytham would return. Just as disconcertingly, Haytham was already trying to build a new Order.. something that could not be allowed]

I have another question to ask of you.

[A slight pause as if he was questioning if he should continue or not]

If you were faced with someone who is hardheaded, willful and stubborn.. [All the "compliments" betrayed the fact that Ratonhnhaké:ton was severely annoyed] yet it was imperative that you try and convince them to change their opinion on something... what course of action would you take?

[OOC Edit: Ratonhnhaké:ton's attempt to make this private can fail if Haytham mun wants to reply XD. It's all good here]

WARNING:

I will no longer condone the continued harassment of local innocents nor the willful and callous destruction of their property.

The next one of you who throws a temper tantrum that causes harm to homes, stores, livelihoods, or scenery that do not belong to our enemies THE NAVY will find yourself tied up and punished in the same manner of your wanton destruction.

Davy Jones can bring you back from being murdered, but let's see what he can do with someone who is burned almost to death, shall we?

If you do not have respect for the sanctity of the lives of those around you, then I shall have no respect for you.

This is a promise.

Signed,
Elissa Cousland

[Elissa doesn't use her usual blue, ballpoint pen for this entry. While she may be overly enamoured of the wonders of plastic pen technology, a noble just doesn't make a formal proclamation with such an implement. Since she's long since rid of her old quill and ink, she has borrowed Haytham's to write out this decisive statement of warning. In it, she uses a formal, calligraphic font that is almost Celtic. It is signed with a bold, angry flourish.]

Let me see if I've got this straight. I've been brought to wherever this is by Davy Jones of all people because I'm expected to look for pieces of a magic thingamajigger that will grant any wish, and if I don't get a ship soon and go hunting for it he'll make me very, very sorry?

When I wake up, I'm definitely going to find Isabela and find out what in the Maker's name was in that stuff she gave me to drink last night. "Grog" clearly is a short version of "magic alcohol that sends you loopy..."

But until then I may as well go along with it. Why not? I like hunting for shiny things.

So now I just need a ship. And some dog food. Not necessarily in that order.

[Written]

Unfortunate really that so much time was spent away and so little gained from it. I regret that communication during that time proved impossible. The island of Cahwaba held many unexpected surprises, among them the ability to prevent messages from appearing in these magical journals. I am uncertain whether this effect occurs all of the time or if we simply managed to trigger it in some way, but nevertheless it did interfere with communication.

I trust everyone is well?

[One person in particular maybe?]

Did anything news worthy occur? I suppose the Navy has remained fairly quiet since that last attack?

As the island is more centrally located and much more hospitable we have made our way back to Isla Empieza. Connor is here as well, if any wondered after him. He is, it seems, an excellent tracker.

[The elegant handwriting stops abruptly as the journal begins to capture a gentle clattering sound instead of the script. ]

[Voice]

Connor? Is that you?

[Unseen through the journal the Grand Master turned in his seat to face whomever approached unaware that the journal was still recording the exchange.]

You should move more quietly if you mean to catch me unaware.

We're on a whatever they call Sky Islands here. It's funny because I was just telling Thatch I really wanted to go to one. All while forgetting how much Namur hates them. With good reason too, he can't swim in clouds, anymore than I can fly in the Fishman Island water half. Still, he's been a real bro about putting up with it to humor me and Ace, and the others, eh?

So it got me thinking again, about the kind of extreme things we do for those we care about, eh?

Now me, I wouldn't think twice before going to war with an entire universe if I had to, but what about the rest of you lot, eh? What kind of crazy things would you do to prove you love your family, or maybe crazy things you put a line at?

Next island better be a giant spa. Massages and manicures. Sure as hell safer and easier than that shit at Gun Frontier. So what do lazy people do? Ya know, something interesting without actually having to get up and go anywhere. There's only so much sitting around doing fuck all a girl can handle.

Thanks to that unfortunate incident where people were younger, I was reminded, uh, how much I like to draw.

So I'm setting up commissions! Any picture you like for the cost of a one coin donation. Whether it's just an image or a portrait, or a doujinshi book, not a problem for me!

It is the cheapest deal you're likely to find! Don't forget Yato, the Delivery God for all your art needs!

Draco Malfoy,

Watch the skies today and tomorrow. If I have correctly timed it, you should be receiving a gift for your name day birthday.

-Elissa


[Unless Margie's delivery gulls get lost, they should drop a package to the deck of the Murderess that contains a full outfit from Himmelen. Dark grey pants are fashioned almost like jodhpurs below the knee in order to be tucked into the polished, knee-high, black leather boots that are included. A crisp white shirt with loose sleeves and frilly cuffs is folded beneath a bottle green waistcoat with silver buttons. The largest piece, however, is a long, woolen coat so dark green as to almost be black with cuffs and collar of silvery yak fur. It is lined with dark green silk. Tucked into the package are a pair of chocolate frogs and a little card that reads 'Happy Name Day from Elissa Cousland'.]

--------

To the Knight of the Red Ribbon -

Your absence is sorely noted and your lack of communication through the journal is worrisome. If you are able to read this, please respond as soon as you are able, so we can stop wondering if you have been returned to Boston by Jones.

If you are, indeed, here and well, prepare to be seized and confined to quarters upon your return.

-EC

You know what I love? I love love stories! Ya know, the kind where two people fall in love and no matter what, no matter what stupid or horrible or nasty things happen, they know they'll always be there for one another, through it all, right to the end!~

Well, you'll never guess what I found? ...a love story! It was just kinda sitting around stuck to the deck of the Moon, so I picked it up to see what it was. Not a bounty poster, but a love story! It's so adorable, and amazing, and it also has me in it! Are you ready for it?

*There's a giggle before Selphie takes a small breath, calming herself and putting on her story reading voice*

It's called Sun and Moon.

Moon glanced away shyly as Sun came closer to her, not till he was touching but close enough that the creatures running a muck on their decks could cross from one to the other. He tended to get closer than was needed, from time to time. A small whistle. A happy chirp, a simple wink in her direction.

It was love. She couldn't think of any other ship out there that she would want to sail with for this long. Oh there had been others. Friends and what not. But none of them were as handsome nor as charming as Sun.

He nudged into her softly one day, a simple brush up to get her attention. It was barely a tap. She groaned at the movement and giggled.

You see - the ships are totally flirting! I knew it all along!

On deck the crews of creatures started to yell.

Someone hollered “Who let Marco drive!?”

Someone else called “I thought you were seasoned pirates!’

Someone still sighed lovingly, leaning over the railing to look down at the two of them.

That's me! That's me sighing lovingly! Tee hee!~

“Selphie, stop daydreaming and give me a hand.” Someone called to the girl, and she giggled, waved at the two ships, and bounced off. “I’m coming!”

Moon blushed, pulling slightly behind Sun, drifting near his wake but never too close, never too far. He was perfect in her eyes, in every way.

Isn't that the most adorable ship romance you have ever heard?

Please don't send me your compliments for the story - remember, it wasn't me that wrote it. And I'm not just saying that. If I'd written this, I'd totally tell everyone! But if you wanna say some nice stuff, then who knows, maybe the mystery romance writer will make themself known!

I hope you enjoyed that story, everyone!

Peace out!~

I really didn't realize how comforting it was to have someone around that I knew from home. I mean, not Muroi-san so much, but Ozaki-sensei...

[He's quiet for a moment. There is sorrow and regret in his voice.]

I didn't get a chance to talk to him nearly enough. There was more I wanted to know.

I suppose I can take comfort in what I did learn.

[He's just musing, quietly. He isn't sure why he's turning to the journals, it just happens to be that way.]

[It is likely very early in the morning since Hachiken rises pretty early. There is no sense in delaying the inevitable.]

It seems like our Captain has disappeared. We're really too small as a crew to keep sailing on our own. I don't think we have the skills between us.

I think I need to find a new crew.

All I can really do is cook. I mean, that's my job on the Sinewave. I can look after farm animals but that's not the most useful of skills at sea.

I can learn whatever skills you need me to, I just have spent much of my time in the galley here.

My name is Kiritsugu and I've fallen into some unfortunate circumstances.

[As it were, Archer spoke into his journal in a voice better suited for a much younger man, and then a few drops of blood landed on the surface of it. He tried to clean it to no avail. He just made a wider smudge and dragged it along the surface foolishly.]

Ah, sorry about that. On top of waking up as a teenager once more, I suppose I was dragged from the ship at some point and awoke in the custody of a number of pirates.

I'm looking for the Triton's Mistress and I'm going to be a bit too busy tending to my injuries to consider navigation.

[There was a depleted sigh on his part and a bit of a groan from exerted effort.]

A hasty response would be appreciated, but I understand if you're all indisposed or if you're all toddlers for some strange reason. I've already taken care of my primary problem.

[All responses will be coming from unlimitedfaker!]