#m; foster

[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.

[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.”

[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]

@tiredofhardtack

Colin’s smile broadened as his feet hit the whitewashed deck of His Majesty’s ship. The calls of the topmen drifted down to him as they worked and repaired the rigging high overhead. Adjusting the sea bag higher onto his shoulder, Foster sought out the midshipman closest to the quarterdeck.

“Excuse me, sir. I’m newly arrived midshipman, Colin Foster. I’m not entirely sure of where to go.”

[heartscfoak]

Pendleton listened with arms crossed and one foot standing on the tail end of the line to keep it from sliding back over the rail. When the boy was finished he nodded, "Should've volunteered another boy to help you." Yet he wasn't blind and saw the way the young lads treated each other, vying for the praise of the older officers. "There's ways to do that without killing yourself, or freezing unsuspecting marines." The wet line froze his hands but he grabbed and started hauling.

“Would only make it worse to ask another midshipman,” Colin added, gazing up at the marine with newfound respect and admiration. Pendleton’s reluctance was noticed, but Foster saw the kindness and compassion in every haul of the line. 

“I am in your debt, sir. If there is...” Colin grunted with the effort of coiling the line. “A service I can render you, you need only ask.”

[heartscfoak]

The marine, happily exempt from any seafaring chores, was rather amused by the small boy trying to do a job for a grown man. The line likely weighed more than he did. Mostly he was wondering how long these new boys would last on a working ship. Likely not at all unless someone assisted him, the heavy rope would probably drag him over. Pendleton finished his coffee though before making his way over, "Now why would anyone have a small thing like you hauling like by yourself?"

Thin lips pulled together in a look of regret. “I volunteered. If I don’t try I’ll never get stronger. But...I probably shouldn’t have been so earnest.” Colin wanted to get stronger, to prove that he was just as good as the other midshipmen, and then maybe they wouldn’t bully him.

[heartscfoak]

Pendleton huffed with minor annoyance. He had cold hands wrapped around his mug of rum-laced coffee and watched the younger boy who appeared to be struggling with some thing or other.

The coil of rope sat heavy on his shoulder as he attempted to bring the new line to the deck. Colin’s breaths- exhaled with exertion- hung in the air before disappearing, joining the already-low clouds. Desiring to help as much as he can, he volunteered to retrieve the line and pride would not allow him to admit he needed assistance. The midshipman caught the eye of Pendleton, and the boy offered a warm smile before summoning the strength to continue on.

[heartscfoak]

                 stay the course, for horizons are chased, but never caught

@lt-theodoregroves