Of Golden Dreams and Vengeful Deeds. The End

[Avery Tolen]

Avery was slightly surprised when Tasha turned around and threw her arms around his neck. He took that as all the agreement he needed and his trail of kisses moved to her lips. They met in a long passionate kiss that left both of them gasping for breathe. His arms slipped around her waist again pulling her closer.

A moment later his fingers were once again trying to finish untying the corset. His hard work from before was at last destroyed. However, removal of the pesky cloth would involve an untangling of the limbs, something that neither lvoer seemed willing to do. Instead, Avery slipped his hand along the bare skin of Tasha's back. His fingers drew small patterns against her skin.

When he felt small hands pulling at the back of his shirt, tugging it free of his pants he smiled against her lips. Without breaking the kiss, he slipped one arm under his sorceress's knees and the other along her back. Gently he picked her up and slowly stepped towards her bed. He gently placed her on the bed and moved to set in next to her.

A loud thump from outside in the hallway brought him to his senses. He broke the kiss off and took a hurried step back. "We can't do this! How does this keep happening?" He moved towards the door. He opened it and moved out only whispering in aplogy, "I'm sorry, my blue-eyed sorceress, I can't do this now. I need to think."

Closing the door behind him he bolted to his own cabin. Slamming the door behind him. He slumped agains it and sighed in frustration.

"Have a rough night?" his cabinmate asked slyly, looking him over. His hair was rummbled and his shirt untucked. All in all, it looked as if he just crawled out of be and dressed in a hurry. The only thing his mate recieved in return was a glare.

[Eric Jackson]

*He and Evelyn were hurrying along the streets to get to his house and away from Elinor who was still screaming for the Officers to come and assist her. He rolled his eyes at the thought of the woman and would never be able to thank Evelyn enough for making him realize how big of an idiot he would have been if he had actually gone through with just settling for Elinor.

However as they were on their way she suddenly stopped him and began to panic. He looked at her concerned and then laughed out loud when she announced to the world practically that she didn't have a sword. He shook his head, she was acting as if it was some kind of lifeline that she couldn't live without. But then he supposed in her line of work it very nearly was.

He glanced over his shoulder as the bright red coats of the Naval officers began filling the streets. He grinned down at her as she grabbed his arm and they took off again. If he were alone he doubted he'd even be seen as a threat. Besides his three day stubble he looked like a relativley normal guy. Evelyn on the other hand stuck out like a sore thumb. He laughed a little at this.

They burst into his home and Eric rushed over to the window, drawing the green dusty shades to a close as he peered around. The home was dark and musty, still a mess from when he had first run into her again. He pushed the couch back into place with his foot and shoved the broken coffee table and legs aside. He smiled brightly as he spotted the necklace Evelyn had made for him at his feet. He stooped over and lifted it, quickly clasping it around his neck again.

When she stated they they should keep the place and simply fix it up a little he raised a brow and glanced around. It was nothing great by any means but at least it was something. He was relishing in the fact that despite the wealth they had come across Evelyn still saw this little place as something worth keeping. He gazed at her warmly, glad she knew what things should truely be valued and what things life could live without and still mean something.

He went over to her and scooped up her hand as he kissed her forehead.* That sounds like a good idea to me. *He stated and walked into his room to gather what few belongings and clothes he owned. He lifted from a small chest Julias Ceaser, the last book he had read to his sister the night she died in the fire. He sat down on the edge of the bed and ran his fingers over it, remembering the night he and his mother had returned to the burnt down house and recovered it. It was one of the few things that had oddly remained nearly undamaged.

He looked back into the living room at Evelyn and his smiled again. He hadn't had a happy past, but looking at the woman before him now, he knew his future would be amazing. Swiftly packing his things in the small chest he carried it out to the living room and stood beside her.* Lets go home, Evelyn *He said, looking out the small window at the Pearl that bobbed in the waters by the docks.*

[Evelyn]

Evelyn looked around the small home. Eric kicked back the couch and moved away the coffee table and then bent over. Curious to see what it was she lifted a brow and then blinked. It was her necklace...the one she had made so long ago. "Aw mate...its still here." Evelyn smiled as he clasped it on quickly. "I was sad ta see ye not wearin' it when I came back ye know...I mean...it took me a bloody long time ta finish tha'." Evelyn smiled.

He then left into his room and she allowed him his peace. She knew saying goodbye to the land would be a bit difficult for him. Landlubbers always found it hard to adjust to life out on the seas, but at least she would be there every step of the way. Her honeyed eyes glanced over the humble home and its furnishing, a few things were clearly made by hand by the crude way they appeared. With some work this place was perfect really. Evelyn never wanted much, and this was beyond even more than she would ever hope to have on land.

She looked over a few things before his voice echoed towards her and she jumped slightly. "Home?" She asked and looked in the direction he was staring. The Pearl was off in the distance and she smiled. She went towards him slightly and looked over the chest. "Is tha' all? I mean...there's...nothin' else?" she asked him curiously, taking a glance around and placing her hands upon her hips. "An'...listen I know this'll be quite an adjustment Eric..." Evelyn began slowly, her head down and then looking up to him with a bit of concern.

"Because...er...I was thinkin' mate...tha' if ye ever wanna come back ye can...an', I'll even come live with ye fer a bit if ye'd like..." she smiled at him. She simply couldn't picture herself on land for too long, but for him, she would make a sacrifice. Her hand slid slowly towards his cheek, where her thumb softly caressed it. She really did feel a bit bad for pulling him away from all this. It was everything he knew.

[Eric Jackson]

*Eric glanced down at the chest as she asked him if that was all he was taking. He laughed a little and shrugged, setting it down at his feet as he dusted his hands off on his pants.* What can I say, I had a humble existence. *He grinned, glancing around the place. It was a far cry from the life he had been used to as a small boy, but he didnt hate the way he lived. He was proud of the fact that everything in his home, including the small building itself was something he had gained through his own hard work.

He nodded as she said it would be an adjustment. He knew it would be, he wasn't going to lie to her and tell her that it would be an easy change for him. He had spent his whole life on land and in all honesty didnt know much about what it meant to live at sea.

Looking back at her he smiled, slipping his hands about her waist as she caressed his cheek with her thumb. He ran his own fingertips up and down her back for a moment and then embraced her tightly. It was still hard for him to believe everything that was happening to him. So much was changing in such a short amount of time. It meant a lot to him when she said if he ever wanted to come back he could, and that she'd even stay with him for a while. He knew how hard that would be for her to do and so for her to make the offer made him smile.

He pulled away from her a little and placed his hand beneath her jaw, tipping her head to look up at him.* I'd like that, Evelyn but I wont ask you to do that. I think I'll adjust to life on the sea. Besides Im gaining more then Im giving up. *He stated, tracing her jawline with his finger then he leaned in and kissed her softly. He meant what he said with all his heart, he would give up all the world if it meant he could be with her. She alone was the reason he was happy now, the reason he could smile and laugh again. He didn't want to let any of that go.*

[Evelyn]

"Humble existance...really?" Evelyn asked in a teasing voice as she scanned the small home. "I would have NEVER 'ave guessed Eric." She said with a small laugh latching her arms behind his neck as he placed his hands on her waist. When he told her he wouldn't ask her to live with him on land the corner of her lip instinctively curled upward but she sighed. He kissed her softly and her lids closed gently, her breath becoming rather slow and soft as they parted slowly.

He kept his finger underneath her chin and she opened her eyes looking straight into his. A small tingle rushing through her as she sensed his warm breath upon her cheek. "I know mate...but honestly, if ye ever need ta come back fer a bit..." She began with a bit of a stutter. "I suppose I feel like 'm askin' ye fer a lot..." Evelyn began slowly and seemed to search Eric's chest for the rest of what she was going to say but gave it up in the end.

"Ye know what? Ferget it...I tend ta babble on at times..." she laughed lightly and shook her head. Her hands rested upon his neck and looked it over, feeling the warmth he emanated and then embracing him tightly, burying her face in the crook of his neck. "I jus'...I don' wan' ye ta end up regrettin' any of this mate. I mean now we're in love an' all that but life on the sea...it can be difficult ERic...I jus'...I want ye to be happy, savvy?" she whispered gently, caressing the back of his neck with one hand.

Evelyn took in a deep breath and closed her eyes as she held him there, seeking solace in his strong stature. His strength was beyond measure to her...both in body and mind. To her, he was her veritable rock now. He didn't know how much she depended on him simply being there. Her eyes remained closed as she pulled away a bit and kissed him in the quiet of the room. It was so serene here...just the two of them and the rest of the world shut out.

Evelyn was her own person by all means, but Eric kept her pinned to the ground. He was keeping her from tipping over that edge that would place her into the very pit of darkness and she was greatful to him. She was reluctant to let go of him, but she would rather they be safe on the Pearl then risk being caught here in his home.

[Eric Jackson]

*He gazed down at her as she spoke again and he smiled, quickly shaking his head.* You're not asking for a lot. Besides, where you go I go. You're stuck with me now mate *He laughed, winking at her. He supposed she had been right that time she told him he followed her around like a puppy but he couldn't help it. He liked being around her and knowing what trouble she was getting into.

He laughed when she said she babbled to much.* That you do. *He grinned mischeviously, nudging her a little. He held her tightly as she buried her face in his neck. His skin tingled as she caressed his neck and he sighed softly, closing his eyes for a moment. When he opened them again he gazed at her, all the love in the world swam in his eyes.* I won't regret any of this, Evy. I know it's not going to be easy but I don't care about that. I wont be happy without you, Evelyn. *He replied, holding her again.

He would miss land, it was only natural. It was where he had spent his whole life. But he was willing to change, he had done so a lot in the past so he didn't see why he couldn't now. He'd faced pleanty of challenges in his time, some that he considered to be worse then simply living at sea. He could do this, he'd make sure he did. After Ashley had died he knew that was it, he would never love again. He would never be happy. Evelyn had proven all of that wrong and he knew now why Ashley had been taken from him. It was because he was meant to be with Evelyn.

As she pulled away a little and kissed him, he gladly kissed her back, soft at first and then deeper. Everything was peaceful and, with the exception of the Navy officers hunting them down, relativley simple. It was just her and him in the small but quaint little house.

A moment later he could hear voices in the house next to his and he knew the officers were searching it. He pulled away quickly and looked Evelyn over. He grinned and his eyes danced as he lifted the chest and glanced around.* Well I think its about time to get going! *He exclaimed, motioning her to the door so they could leave before they were caught.*

[Tasha Antipova]

Tasha slightly gasped for breath after Avery and she shared a long, passionate kiss. Tasha realized she was slightly in the way of her corset, not allowing Avery to completely remove it. She slightly smiled, but did not want to move. Avery had managed to loosen her corset quite a bit and soon his hand was on her back, loosen the corset more so.

Tasha had managed to get loose Avery's shirt and had gotten her hands on his back. It was tough and scarred. A real pirate she thought.

Suddenly Avery picked her up and moved to the bed. She slightly gasped and smiled. Something thumped outside which caused her to sit up and Avery to stop. Suddenly he stood up, saying how he couldn't do this, apologized, and walked out the door. Ye can't just leave me like this!

Tasha sighed and stood up, her corset falling down to her waist. Her body was slightly glistened with sweat and she decided to wash herself. She went behind her changing wall and took off her corset in skirts. Tasha then wet a cloth in a bowl and first washed the tears off her face.

[Avery Tolen]

Avery tried to ignore his cabinmates. They were quiet, understanding something was going on, but he needed to be alone. Standing up quietly, he slipped out the door. His training as a theif came into play allowing him to move silently. Only his bare feet making a small scuffing sound on the floor boards.

He padded down the hall towards the ladder that would lead him up on deck, he came to Tasha's door; to the room he had just fled. He pressed his hand against the door, half wanting to enter and half feeling the need to run. He groaned and pressed his head against her door. He was truly, deeply confused. He did not know what was going on. He could not comprehend the feeling he got in his chest everytime he thought or saw his beautiful sorceress. After a moment he pushed himself away from the smooth, cool, wooden door and forced himself to continue on his way.

The cool wind rippled across his exposed skin, brining goosebumps up and he smiled grimly. His eyes were locked on the one place that had always given him comfort. The stories of his father sitting there, when he found himself thinking of family or anything that made him sad. The place had brought comfort to his father, and now it brought comfort to him.

Avery deftly moved over the side off bow of the boat and deftly settled himself into place on the widow's peak. The gentle spray from the open water splashing against the front of the boat calming him as the wind swirled all around him. He was safe; out of site and out of mind of any of the crew.

He slowly began the process of trying to untangle his thoughts.

[Tasha Antipova]

There was a creak outside her door and Tasha turned quickly from her mirror. She had been looking had a necklace her mother had given to her when she was born. The necklace was a sapphire circle on a silver chain.

Her door had opened slightly and a breeze blew her hair. She finished buttoning up her blouse and decided to go out to the deck. She went to the very top deck, where it was empty.

She sat down for a while, near the rail. She heard a board squeak and looked up as a crew member walked over to her. She remembered him, his name was Scott and she had always thought he was very nice. She smiled and invited him over. 'ello mate...'ow are ye?

'm not bad 'n yeself? Scott could see that Tasha was upset and that she had been crying. What's wrong lass? Ye look like ye've been cryin'

Tasha smiled, Scott was one of the more polite pirates and though Tasha would have normally have tried to hide her feelings more, but today she was confused and needed someone to talk to. She couldn't hide what she felt now and silent tears began falling.

It's...Avery...he...we...Tasha explained everything that had happened, rather fast too....did ye get that all? 'm sorry I went so fast...and now 'm just not sure what to do. 'm so confused...I just don't understand 'im...how do ye think 'e...'e feels about me?

[Avery Tolen]

Avery was deep in thought, slowly beginning to understand what was going on. He had seen it before, in other men. He knew it went beyond just lust. He was doing this just because she was beautiful. He was starting to fall for her. Only, he should not. She deserved better, and she would have better.

He was startled out of his thoughts by a sound, someone was above him. He held still, not wanting to reveal his presence; this was his place, his safe spot. Albet, he almost fell from his sitting position and into the open ocean below him when he heard the person speak. It was a soft, melodious voice laced with a tinge of regret or sadness, he could not tell.

For a moment, he thought of standing and revealing himself, after he regained his position. However, he was a theif and the conversation rooted him to the ropes holding him. She was speaking of him, asking for advice. His heart went out to her, and he became unsure of what to do. As a result, he stayed put and continued to listen captured by the words above him.

[Tasha Antipova]

Scott listened to Tasha, he felt bad for her. He wasn't sure what to do, so he just kind of patted her shoulder. 'm sorry Tasha...I don't know what te say. 'm sure it 'ill all work out...ye look tired miss...maybe ye should git te sleep. Scott looked down to cough and found himself slightly looking down Tasha shirt. He raised his eyebrows.

Tasha noticed Scott looking down her shirt and she coughed, causing Scott to look up.[/i] Oh...err...right...sorry... Tasha smiled at Scott. It's ok...and I think I will go to sleep thank you. Tasha stood up as did Scott. She gave him a light hug and turned to walk away. Scott thought that everything was going well with Tasha and he hadn't seen any other woman, with the exception of Selina, for a while. Scott grabbed her waist and pulled her in for a kiss.

Scott! What are you doing? Stop? Tasha pushed herself away from Scott and walked to her room....uggh...pirates...Tasha took off her blouse and climbed in under the covers in her bed. She hoped Scott didn't follow her...it took her a while to fall asleep, but she soon was and slept well.

[Avery Tolen]

Avery had to resist the urge to jump up and pound the man. He had shifted silently so he was sitting in a position where he could see the two pirates. As Scott moved in and tried to kiss his blue-eyed sorceress he almost leaped on deck again. His fingers itched to use a knife, but he with held. Instead he waited until Tasha ran off, pleaing she needed to sleep.

After a moment, when he was sure Scott was looking the other way, he slipped back over the rail. Years of practice; slipping into houses and creeping around bedrooms in search of gold, gave him stealth enough to surprise the pirate.

"Stay away from her, mate," he told the man cooly. "Stay away or you'll find you've stepped into more than you can handle." With that he slipped away from the other pirate. His blood still boiled that the man had the nerve to touch his Tasha. Especially after what she had just told him! Did he have no brains?

He quickly found himself standing outside of his sorceress's cabin again. He paused for a moment listening for movement, when he heard nothing he opened the door slightly and slipped in. She was asleep like an angel in her bed. The perfect image of innocence, a golden-haired beauty.

His feet padded softly on the floor as he moved to her bedside. His hands absently moved hair out of her face, caressing her cheek lightly. He smiled quietly. "I'm sorry, my so'ce'ess. You just deserve some one betteh. Someone who will always be able to take ca'e of you." His thoughts drifted to his sister and how he had been unable to keep her safe. He banished the thoughts quickly and bent down, lightly kissing her forhead. "Sleep well, my so'ce'ess," with that he turned and made his way towards the door.

[Tasha Antipova]

Tasha felt a warm feeling go through her body. She knew it was Avery and could feel him move towards the door. She stretched her hand out towards him. Wait...stay...please...

Tasha would feel much safer from Scott if Avery stayed, and she wanted to talked him. Avery, love...tell what you're thinking...please...I'm so confused....Tasha was beginning to fall asleep again, but tried to stay awake to heard Avery's answer.

[Avery Tolen]

Avery had just placed a hand on the door to leave, when he heard a soft voice calling out to him. He turned and moved back to his sorceress. Taking her hand in his own, he layed down next to her. His good arm wrapping around her waist and pulling her close. "I'll stay for a little while," he murmured into her ear.

The theif knew that his actions were not helping the situation, but he had been unable to resist the pleading in her eyes. If anything, her eyes were his weak spot. One look and he would melt. Those blue eyes began to droop and he smiled at her. His heart already melting with her.

She quietly mumbled a question and he just smiled at her. Quietly kissing each eye lid as it slid closed. Finally, he gave her a small, light, kiss on the lips. It was the barest of kisses, a whisper of kiss. "You'he exhausted, go to sleep. I'll be he'e to watch oveh you," he whispered.

[Tasha Antipova]

Tasha smiled slightly as Avery came over and lied down next to her. She was afraid he would leave when she fell asleep and she gently put her hand on his cheek. Avery kissed her eye lids and then her lips.

Tasha put her hand behind his head and moved towards him. She gently kissed him back, holding the kiss for a few seconds. Promise me you won't run this time...I...need...you...

Tasha's eyes closed once more and she fell asleep with her hand still on Avery's cheek.