hearts of oak are our men

private and selective blog for British naval ocs

[heartscfoak]

conquistadoradelmar:

“Do not trouble yourself over it,” Torres said with a smile. “I have had worse, I assure you.” She was merely glad that the abuse had been visited upon the more senior officers rather than upon Colin. This would doubtlessly go down as a memorable episode in the mind of the young midshipman but she hoped, at least, that it would not leave him with more permanent damage than merely bad memories.

“It is good that you are unharmed, Mr. Foster,” the Spaniard said. “That means you will be able to assist greatly when we make our escape.” The captain offered him a smile from behind a broken lip. 

“I am sure they hope they can press as many of us as will volunteer,” she told him, “and I expect they’ll kill the rest of us. No articles of war amongst pirate, Mr. Foster. If they have no use for us then they’ll dispose of us.” She hated to frighten the young man with the prospect of his imminent demise but it was better he face the reality than be beguiled by false hope and he had served long enough in the navy that death should have become routine to him by now. “But we must think of a cunning plan to escape them before that happens.”

How much time did he have left before they turned their attention to him and either forced him to join or killed him? Would his resolve crumble under pressure from their cutlasses and pistols? Would his mother be more distraught over a dead son or a son turned pirate? These questions flooded his mind in a minute. A lesser man might spend his time worrying about the answers to all of those, but Colin was determined to be better than that. To be strong, loyal, and brave, like Captain Torres.

“Escape?” Colin’s blue eyes went wide with hope and admiration. And I will be of great help! He thought proudly. The discarded midshipman jacket was balled up and put in his lap so he could move closer to her. “How many of us are left? Has anyone accepted their offer?” 

[heartscfoak]

hit that heart if you want a starter from smol midshipman, Colin Foster.

[heartscfoak]

conquistadoradelmar:

Once fine coat bedraggled and threadbare, the scarlet faded now to a dull pink, Torres slouched barefoot down the beach to seat herself in the sand at Mr. Foster’s side, elbows resting on her knees as she stared into the distance. Her face was still swollen and purpled on the left side from the vicious punch she had taken from a pirate upon her capture. She had fought so hard against capture because it was her duty to do so; but there was far more to it than that. It was not so rare for pirate crews to have the odd female, but she dreaded what the pirates might do if they discovered a naval officer to be a woman. Whatever it was ー and she didn’t much like to guess at it ー it wouldn’t be pretty. That was why she was glad for the bruise; it kept anyone from looking too closely at her. Clothes had long helped her safeguard her true identity, but with her coat hanging in tatters and the rest of her clothes headed in that direction, she wasn’t sure how much longer she could remain disguised.

“How do you fare Mr. Foster?” Torres asked quietly, turning to look at the boy. She was selfishly happy to have the little midshipman for company. Without caring for him to keep her mind occupied she might well have gone mad days ago. “I promise you we shall escape from this,” she murmured. “We will think of some plan.”

It had taken all of his will to not cry out in protest at the ill treatment of his captain as they punched her after the surrender. The pirates had ignored the rules of engagement, kicking and hitting whomever they thought might resist even after the surrender. At the sight of her bruise his fists clenched and his teeth gritted together in anger. Bloody pirates.

“I am well, considering. They seem to largely ignore me. Have they...hurt you again?”

Concern permeated the question. The capitán was a capable and fine officer and fighter, there was not much Colin could do physically to assist- a fact that he resented at that moment. If he was taller, bigger, broader, he could have fought off at least one of the boarders and made a contribution to the effort. Instead the pirate had laughed at the small dagger in the boy’s hand. After a short struggle Colin’s dagger was on the deck and his arms were pinned to his side. Now they were on some small island, a cache of some sort, and outnumbered.

“Have they said what they intend to do with us?”

[heartscfoak]

lt-theodoregroves:

“Hm.” Rather uncharacteristically serious Groves hummed and let them both lapse into silence for a moment while he thought. He lay on his back to also watch the sea birds circling overhead. For a moment he held the uniform coat up and looked at it before laying it across his stomach. It had not been long since they’re desertion and already the coat was worn. Perhaps it was only a touch of his melancholia creeping, but he was imagining the boy with the same worn look and feel.

“There must be a lot of fish if they’re so excited.” And normally watching the fish and the birds would be more than enough for him. Not currently though, not with the night terrors. The wondering sometimes if this was a dream he was having with his last moments, if it was an afterlife, or if it would all crash down around them, dying. Knowing that poor Foster had seen their lifeless bodies carried away.

Discovering that he had family here, not safely back at home away from all of the pirates and the risk of a noose.

As badly as he also wanted Colin to stay.

“So far the Captain wants to stay. We can finish repairing the ship. Blackbeard, or, whoever that was, made quite a mess of the poor girl and she’s barely seaworthy. She still needs to be stocked and the crew has to decide if they’re staying or going.” Briefly, Theodore raised his head to fix the boy with a pointed look.

“There is one bird I have never seen before. The small white ones. Do you see them?” The smaller birds dove into the water like an arrow, wings tucked tight with perfect form. Moments later they would resurface with part of a fish caught in their beak. The terns gracefully continued feeding which made the gulls look very clumsy in their own attempts to catch dinner.

Colin’s own stomach began to tighten. He had not thought to bring something with him to the shore, he had just wanted to do something beside sit around the small cottage. Life on the sea was exciting enough that to sit around and discuss matters and logistics was almost unbearably boring for the boy.

“The Revenge has a long way to go before she would be proper for the navy. One would think even pirates would have enough respect for a ship to maintain her.”

Foster caught Groves’ look and the question that it beheld.

“Are you and Gillette staying?”

[lionxofxnassau-m]

"Do you fear death?" (Mister Foster)

Pirates of the Caribbean sentence meme!

@heartscfoak

“To fear death is a choice,” he answers readily enough, repeating words he had said before the hangman’s noose, before those who had scorned him, before those who had so desperately yearned for his death only seconds before… 

Yet, it is not that mob––brought to silence and tears by his words––that addresses him. Neither is it one of those supposed officials who had overseen his supposed trial, asking him to give his last words, no doubt hoping that he would repent of his crimes.

No. When he turns, he sees naught more than a young man, lanky in build and curious in expression.

Someone he does not recognize. Immediately, he is on his guard, posture rigid, ready to move at a moment’s notice should this boy decide he means to create a name for himself––or at least attempt to do so––by picking a fight with the infamous Captain Charles Vane.

“But what’s it to you?” And then his brow furrows, a scowl that might bode ill for the other threatening to appear. “… Who the hell’re you anyway?”

[heartscfoak]

Danger and adventure exuded from the man. Muscles barely restrained beneath the tanned taut skin. Scars- Colin could only imagine how he had received so many- punctuated his strong physique. The former midshipman was instantly captivated by the stranger. He had not had the chance to meet someone who seemed to be exactly the type of person his mother warned him about.

The boy was still digesting the man’s answer when he turned to look at him. Colin nearly wilted under that gaze. Its intensity unlike any he had experienced.

“C-Colin Foster. I sail with Captain Hector Barbossa. I apologize for prying. Mum said my constant questions would get me in trouble, but I wanted to know, and...” His rambling died off. Hands found each other behind his back, grasping each other tightly in preparation for what might come next. “S-sorry, sir.”

[heartscfoak]

@conquistadoradelmar wanted a starter from the smol

Legs dangled on either side of the ship’s spreaders. The steady breeze tousled Colin’s now-white blonde hair. His smile had not faded since he had made it to the top. The world seemed to fall away miles before them. It was astonishing. 

The midshipman turned his head and spied a dark shape behind them. Still too far away to make out any distinguishing flags or traits. His smile faded.

“Capitan! Ship to stern!”

[heartscfoak]

hit that heart if you want a starter from smol midshipman, Colin Foster.

[heartscfoak]

lt-theodoregroves:

“Colin?” Theodore called for the younger sailor as he picked his way along the rocky shore. His boots were slippery against the rocks but he had come too far to discard them somewhere and so he made do in the search for his little cousin. Working against the breakers, his voice didn’t carry very far but he kept up shouting and then listening, positive that he was heading in the correct direction at least.

Eventually, he was rewarded, spying a small blonde head. A tightness released in his chest and the former officer jogged over. Every day he wondered if it wouldn’t be better for the lad to just go home, go back to his mother, continue on in the Navy and take his exams. The ocean was unforgiving enough without a price on your head and casting yourself into the world of demons and magic.

“What are you thinking about?” Groves climbed up onto the rock as well and settled, picking up the discarded frock and folding it.

The boy- being young still- had not outgrown the ability to know when his name was being called, or when he was in trouble. Colin turned to find the source of the word carried on the wind, eyes landing on Groves. He watched for a moment as the lieutenant made his way over to the rocky jut Foster occupied before turning his attention back to the sea and the birds.

“Nothing of importance. Just watching the birds.”

Colin turned to look at Groves in earnest. Eyes still bright with youth, but worry tinging the blue color.

“Has the captain decided on our next course?”

[heartscfoak]

Waves tugged at the shoreline. Rocks rumbled against each other, the lighter ones unable to remain stable against the water’s pull. Birds swirled and dove at the water, a fish caught neatly in their beaks. The beauty and delicacy of life was always on display on the coast. Time wore on and smoothed the rocks and the cliffs. Seashells were grounds to fine sand by the power of the ocean. It was engrossing to the young midshipman.

The boy wrapped his arms around his knees a little tighter to prevent the increasingly cold breeze from penetrating his linen shirt. Bumps formed on his skin, and a chill rippled down his spine. His faded midshipman jacket lay airing out on a rock nearby. 

Colin Foster’s life had changed. His path towards becoming an officer had taken a turn, and now he found himself in the company of pirates and privateers. In some ways the future and consequences were frightening. If they were caught they would all be executed. But, his life could end in a minute out at sea, as well. Colin trusted in the lieutenants and the captain. They would see him safe.

[archivedkennedy]

Hornblower Meme: Two Ranks [2/2]

Midshipman

[heartscfoak]

"Happy Birthday Mister Foster!" Theodore handed him a wrapped box containing a pair of nice boots.~Theo

Colin took the box (nearly stretching his arms span to the limit) carefully into his possession. Bright eyes and a broad smile looked up from studying the box, imagination already at work with what could be inside. He set to work unwrapping it- eagerly but still with care- and removed the lid.

Inside, a pair of boots gleamed in the Caribbean sun. Polished, black and well-made.

“T-thank you, sir! It was very kind of you to think of me like this.”

[jade-cooper]

Midshipman William Blakeney appreciation post

If you do not like this little man instantly you’re just:

[conquistadoradelmar-deactivated]

✥ (heartscfoak)

✥ Play fighting!

“Very good Mr. Foster!” Vianca said with a smile, feinting a strike before she stepped cleanly out of the path of the midshipman’s sword. “You’ve been practicing diligently I presume?” She took up her position at the ready again, keeping a careful eye on the movements of her young pupil.

@heartscfoak

[heartscfoak]

Colin wiggled with anticipation before coming back to the ready position. The weapon in his hand was light and well balanced (he suspected Captain Torres had chosen this one to fit him specifically). 

“Oh yes!”

In the evenings, the midshipman had found an empty patch on the deck in which to practice his pronations, supinations, thrusts, parries and blocks. His progress was beginning to show. Before he was too eager to score a hit he had given no thought to what her move might be. Now he was thinking more strategically, learning to take some hits in order to gain some ground.

Colin took a deep breath, trying to suppress the energy that surged inside. In a moment, his sword sweeping up at her left side.

[heartscfoak]

tiredofhardtack:

Ellis was not exactly sure what he needed to be doing at the moment and he did not dare ask for clarification from the stressed lieutenant barking out instructions. He decided the wisest strategy would be hurrying about to seem as if he was busy until eventually an officer gave him a real task. 

The plan worked and he avoided trouble before he noticed someone calling for his attention. He stopped and spun to face the man, returning the midshipman’s smile with a grin of his own. 

“A pleasure Mr. Foster, I’m Midshipman Ellis Blithe, no need to call me sir,” he greeted, scratching his head as he considered what guidance to offer. “You’ll likely need to report to the first lieutenant and… em… Do you have your things on board already?”

“It’s nice to meet you as well!” Colin grinned, glad to have found one of ‘his own’. “No, not yet. I think they will be bringing aboard momentarily.”

Blue eyes took in the mass of men all around. White teeth bit down on his lower lip in slight confusion. “Right. Which one is the first lieutenant?”

[heartscfoak]

Though he grumbled about the mess the slimy soaked line make of his clean uniform, Pendleton assisted until the entire thing was on deck. Afterward he returned to glowering and watching. "If you don't ask, then you'll be miserable. And be injured doing it all yourself." He shrugged, unsure what the boy could do for him but appreciative. "I request that you not put yourself in poor situations again, it does nothing for you in the future and I would know."

“As a gentleman, I will honour your request.” His face twitched in indecision. “I will try.”

Pendleton was an interesting man, and there’s always something that could be learned from things that are interesting. Foster followed him back to his former position. 

 “How would you know?” 

[heartscfoak]

undauntedloyalty:

His fingers ran through his hair, a couple catching on knots that made him wince. “Foster!” The boy had been with them when they entered the cave, but no amount of protesting had convinced Barbossa and the lieutenants to allow him to come with. He would have still been waiting when they were brought out. “Good Lord I’d forgotten about him. Is he….Have you spoken with young Mister Foster?”

Gillette’s face fell and he moved to pour another cup of tea. Other men drown their sorrows or find the solutions to their problems in alcohol, for Will, it was tea. 

“How did you escape from the Providence, Welsh?”

Welsh’s eyebrows jumped up to his receding hairline then creased together while his mouth twisted a slight grimace. “Talked ta th’ boy.” He agreed. And the lad had been a mess, hiding down in the hold below the water line among the kegs and barrels and boxes. Raising one hand, he rubbed at the back of his neck, scratched uncertainly at the base of the knotted queue his hair was twisted in. “Lad was a mess, Sir an’ that ain’ the half o’ it.”

He looked at the lieutenant, scrawny slip of a boy, but awake and healthy, “If Mister Groves is recoverin’ like y’self here than Mister Foster must be too.”

“An’ old thing such as meself must not be fittin’ the tastes o’ the devilfish.” Truth be told he really had no idea, suspecting only that because he had not panicked and thrashed about that he simply didn’t catch their attention. A bit like sharks and drowning sailors.

[captain-dodger]

Ranks in the Royal Navy during the Napoleonic Era: 

Midshipman

Young gentlemen aspiring to be officers of the Royal Navy. To be promoted into a lieutenant, these young gentlemen are required to spend at least three years as a midshipman or master’s mate, with a total of six years of sea time.