How Disa Fights
The days passed
quickly and blended together for Disa. Surprisingly she took real well to the
life of the ship. Quick to learn, almost a hunger, some of the crew would say.
She never complained no matter how distasteful the task one insisted she do.
She never minded doing the crow’s nest, in fact it was her favorite of all the
jobs aboard ship. It was then that she actually managed to get a break from the
others and some private time. Plus she could watch those below her.
She always knew when Cap’n Sampford was on deck, not only by the activity, but because she made it a point to watch for him. He was one of the handful to show her kindness. Granted, it was generally in an off-handed way, but he never went out of his way to be cruel to her, and that in itself was a kindness she cherished.
One day he came out on deck and looked around, seeing Red, he pulls him up short. “Where’s Disa?”
Red jerks his thumb up at the crows nest. “Her fav’rite get’way o’ co’rse.” Red grins and there is no hostility in his voice towards the lass. Though she may be female, nothing bad has happened to the ship since her arrival. And far as he’s concerned, she’s a valued member of the crew. The child pulls more than her weight in duties, never complains, and in rare moments, she has a wit that runs circles around most of the crew.
Sampford nods and Red goes on his way. He looks up in time to see a blonde head duck out of view. He chuckles to himself and turns to find another crewmate. “Barley, go up to the crow’s nest and take Disa’s place. I want to see her.”
Barley scowls but nods and does what he’s told. He still didn’t care for Disa on the ship. When he reached the top, he growled at the girl. “Cap’n ‘ants ye, now.”
Disa gave a nod and scurried like a monkey down the rigging. She was agile and quick, and had figured out the fastest way down to the deck within her first couple of days. She knew that those on the ship that saw her high flying decent waited to see if she’d miss and fall to her death, many even hoping for it. But she always managed to disappoint them.
From the crow’s nest she free fell into the rigging, letting it catch her, and tumble herself down to a main cross arm. From there she’d leap out until she caught the ropes going downward farther and just lets them slide through her hands until she reached the deck. Thank the Gods she’d managed to find tough leather scraps no one wanted to wrap her palms in, or she’d have some serious rope burns. She came up to Captain Sampford. “You wished to see me, Sir.”
He was in shock, eyes wide as he looked at her in horror. He’d overheard the rumors about Disa, but had thought them just flights of fancy, until now. It was the first time he’d seen her in action. It scared the hell out of him, but before he could even start yelling at her, Red came back by, and spoke. “Tame Lass. Are you not feeling well?”
Tame? What the hell did Red mean by tame? My god, she is worse then that? He waited to see what the girl would say in response. He didn’t have long to wait. “No, Red. Just in a hurry. Cap’n here wanted to see me now.”
Red nodded in understanding and walked off chuckling to himself, he’d only spoke up because he’d seen the look on the Cap’n’s face. And he worried that the Cap’n would manage to actually kill her, when her descents from the nest didn’t. Be a shame to loose such an entertaining child. Many a time he’d gotten a good laugh thanks to Disa.
Captain Sampford shook his head. Was there no end to the surprises this child would show? “In a hurry huh? Somehow I don’t think I want to see you at your leisure coming down from the nest.”
She looked at him meekly. “I’m sorry, it’s just…” She trailed off not finishing the thought.
He prompted her to continue. “Just what?”
She looked at him and her face grew neutral, something he learned happened when she expected a beating or worse to come from what she had to say. He’d also learned her voice would be as neutral as her face. “It’s just the easiest way down, and it’s fun.”
He choked. Fun? If she thinks that is fun, I wonder what her childhood back home was like. “A’ight. Just don’t kill yourself please.” Until he saw a true danger to herself, he’d let her be. He had to admit, even as his heart nearly stopped, she had grace while doing her acrobatics.
She nodded. She looked at him for a long moment, and then again neutrally after a few more heartbeats. “You wanted to see me?”
He blinked, then it dawned on him why he’d called for her. “Yes, it’s time to find out just what your fighting skills are, now that you’ve had a chance to get your sea legs and all. But first you need a weapon. Any particular kind you favor?”
She sighed. “No, as I said when we first met, I taught myself how to fight. It…” Her face darkened at a memory. “It wasn’t proper for me to know. Most swords are too heavy for me.” She nods towards his cutlass. “One of those is only slightly so. But still a bit awkward for me to handle.”
It was nearly comical to see the look of frustration on her face. The slight pause and darkening of her face gave him more insight into her growing up. Damn! A society that doesn’t allow their women to learn to fight? How are they to defend themselves then? Well, that explains some of the looks that some of the crew gives her. He shook his head in disgust at it all. Where he came from the women could and would defend themselves. “Come along then, let’s see what we can find you.” He leads her to an area of the ship below decks where the extra weapons are stored. “Take a look and see if you find something you like.”
She looks in the storeroom and her eyes widen. All manner of weapons were housed here. Almost reverently, she enters and starts examining the various weapons. He watches her, noting her reaction to the place, a ghost of a smile playing across his lips. His eyes narrow as he studies her studying the weapons. Picking this one up, then that one. Examining all with a critical eye. She does seem to have an eye for weapons. He offers no advise and she never asks for any. After several minutes of exploration, she hefts a scimitar of good quality make, even if it was plain in adornment. She checks its balance and makes a few practice swings, getting a feel for the hilt. Sheathing it and slinging the belt over a shoulder she continues to explore. He is impressed with her selection, and wonders why she is still looking. It is one of the best weapons in here. Before long she picks up a stiletto of the same quality and adornment as the scimitar and goes through the same motions testing it. Then she turns to him. “Ok. I have my weapons.”
He raises brows at that, but just nods and leads her back above deck. By the time they reach topside she has threaded the stiletto’s sheath through the belt for the sword and buckled them on so one was on each hip. Interesting. She does know her weapons, and is even smart enough to have a back up. He was pleased in her and her choices. He stops and looks at her. “Stay here.” Then he walks a few paces away and pulls out his cutlass. “Prepare to fight.” And he swings.
Her eyes widen, and she hastily draws both weapons. She blocks with the stiletto, and makes a half hearted swing at the Cap’n’s hip. Not a killing blow by any means, and with no power behind it. His eyes narrow. “If this is how you taught yourself to fight, we’re going to have a lot of work ahead of us.”
Her face burns at his sarcasm, but he is her Cap’n and she will not make any attempt to fight him as she should. She doesn’t want to end up hurting or possibly killing him, and thus incurring more wrath from the crew. She backs away, and notices many had gathered to watch. Her face burns even more, but she says not a word.
Red was one of the bystanders watching. He’d had his eye on this girl-child that would soon be a woman, at his Cap’n’s request. And he wasn’t superstitious like the rest of the crew, coming from the same area as the Cap’n and being best friends and all. He’d seen her watch Sampford when she thought no one saw her. Not that he couldn’t blame the lass for admiring Sampford, after all, he’s saved her life, and offered her a place as the crew, instead of as a ship whore or selling her. He still chuckled sometimes as he remembered the story Sampford had told him about her waking and their conversation. He had to admit, if only to himself, the lass had managed to find a spot in his own heart. She was full of spunk, and energy. A hard worker that never complained, and willing to learn. And he had no doubt the lass could fight. “Cap’n Sampford. Instea’ o’ forcin’ ‘er ta fight ‘er Cap’n, why donnae ye test ‘er again’ some o’ da crew? ‘Ow ‘bout Miggins?”
Sampford straightened up at Red’s words. What's the ole sea dog up to? Sheathing his sword he nodded and stepped back to watch.
Disa blinked and sheathed her weapons. Miggins? He hates me with a passion, she had no doubt that if Red hadn’t insisted she have a hammock right next to his in a corner, Miggins would have slit her throat the first night she’d slept with the crew. Here she’d thought that maybe Red might like her somewhat. He too never treated her bad, and she’d even opened up a bit to him, sharing her sense of humour. But now it seemed he didn’t like her. She looks at him with hurt and betrayal in her eyes. Red smiles at her and winks, causing her to blink yet again. What on earth? What was he up too?
Miggins was startled as well by Red’s volunteering of him to spar with the cursed female. He knew that Red knew he didn’t like nor want the girl aboard. And now it seemed he’d just offered him the chance to rid the Ship of her. He grinned evilly as he drew his sword and advanced on her.
Red hoped to all the known Sea Gods from every country he’d ever been to, that Disa could fight. He knew Miggins would hold nothing back, and he was starting to wonder at the wisdom of volunteering him. But he also hoped like hell that if the lass could even come close to beating him, that Miggins would maybe accept her, even if it was grudgingly. After all, the Cap’n said she was part of the crew, so it was just as likely that she’d be watching out for him as any other member.
Disa quickly redrew her weapons, like the Cap’n, Miggins only fought with one. A norm Disa had learned early on, and so taught herself how to fight with two. It tended to throw off her opponents and gave her many advantages.
Miggins only hesitated a mere moment as she drew two weapons, but then continued charging at her, swinging his sword at her head. After all, he’d seen her with the two while fighting the Cap’n. She ducked and used her sword to block his swing, then swiped out with the stiletto for the inside of his arm. She knew he was planning to kill her, she planned to live, and killing him would be an added bonus, though she’d never killed before. He was surprised at her quickness and ability to use a weapon to block and one to attack, specially when he felt the nick on his arm from the stiletto. Dancing back he warily started stalking her now, realizing she wasn’t going to be easy prey after all. Disa matched his stalking the stiletto held slightly behind her and the scimitar held in front diagonally to block.
Sampford’s brows rose and his eyes widened a bit watching the two spar. He was amazed to see her actually fight with both weapons when she first pulled them out. There was no doubt she knew what she was doing though. He was impressed. Now to see if she could actually hold her own.
Red too was surprised at Disa’s fighting style, and equally impressed. Should the lass survive this sparing, he’d have to see if she’d teach him this style. It was interesting and looked to give the lass an advantage. After all, she managed to get first blood.
Suddenly Miggins did a series of swings at Disa, trying to test her defenses and weaknesses. Disa easily blocked, parried, and feinted. Staying on the defensive, not yet ready to let the man know her strengths. Her agility and size made her quicker then her opponent and easier for her to dance out of his reach.
Soon though Miggins tempo changed, he no longer tested her, now he was out for blood. Disa danced around Miggins as his attacks changed yet again. Suddenly her attacks changed too, the two became a blur in their fighting. The bystanders had a difficult time keeping track. Then suddenly a sword flies out and lands point first in the deck, and when people look back they see Miggins down over backward with Disa’s scimitar and stiletto crossed at his throat. She had a few cuts on her arms and her legs, but they were superficial, and in the end, it was her still standing with weapons, not Miggins.
“It is over.” This was from Disa. Miggins glared at her. She flipped her weapons and cleaned them on her pants and sheathed them, walking over to the Cap’n. “Well?”
Sampford gave a nod. “Interesting fighting style. Are you ok?” He eyed her wounds.
Disa nodded. “I am fine. They are not deep, and will heal.”
Red crowed and came up clapping her on the shoulder, staggering her, and nearly knocking her over. “Won’erful, Lass! Ye gotta teach me tha’ way o’ figh’in’.”
Disa eyed him as she tried to keep her balance. “Perhaps.”
Cap’n Sampford chuckled. “You never cease to amaze me.” He walks off leaving her in Red’s capable hands.
“He approves o’ ye, lass. Your place is set no matter what.” Red muttered to Disa. She looked at him startled, then gave a quiet smile, and headed back up to the crow’s nest. Leaving the rest of the crew to talk as they wished.
She always knew when Cap’n Sampford was on deck, not only by the activity, but because she made it a point to watch for him. He was one of the handful to show her kindness. Granted, it was generally in an off-handed way, but he never went out of his way to be cruel to her, and that in itself was a kindness she cherished.
One day he came out on deck and looked around, seeing Red, he pulls him up short. “Where’s Disa?”
Red jerks his thumb up at the crows nest. “Her fav’rite get’way o’ co’rse.” Red grins and there is no hostility in his voice towards the lass. Though she may be female, nothing bad has happened to the ship since her arrival. And far as he’s concerned, she’s a valued member of the crew. The child pulls more than her weight in duties, never complains, and in rare moments, she has a wit that runs circles around most of the crew.
Sampford nods and Red goes on his way. He looks up in time to see a blonde head duck out of view. He chuckles to himself and turns to find another crewmate. “Barley, go up to the crow’s nest and take Disa’s place. I want to see her.”
Barley scowls but nods and does what he’s told. He still didn’t care for Disa on the ship. When he reached the top, he growled at the girl. “Cap’n ‘ants ye, now.”
Disa gave a nod and scurried like a monkey down the rigging. She was agile and quick, and had figured out the fastest way down to the deck within her first couple of days. She knew that those on the ship that saw her high flying decent waited to see if she’d miss and fall to her death, many even hoping for it. But she always managed to disappoint them.
From the crow’s nest she free fell into the rigging, letting it catch her, and tumble herself down to a main cross arm. From there she’d leap out until she caught the ropes going downward farther and just lets them slide through her hands until she reached the deck. Thank the Gods she’d managed to find tough leather scraps no one wanted to wrap her palms in, or she’d have some serious rope burns. She came up to Captain Sampford. “You wished to see me, Sir.”
He was in shock, eyes wide as he looked at her in horror. He’d overheard the rumors about Disa, but had thought them just flights of fancy, until now. It was the first time he’d seen her in action. It scared the hell out of him, but before he could even start yelling at her, Red came back by, and spoke. “Tame Lass. Are you not feeling well?”
Tame? What the hell did Red mean by tame? My god, she is worse then that? He waited to see what the girl would say in response. He didn’t have long to wait. “No, Red. Just in a hurry. Cap’n here wanted to see me now.”
Red nodded in understanding and walked off chuckling to himself, he’d only spoke up because he’d seen the look on the Cap’n’s face. And he worried that the Cap’n would manage to actually kill her, when her descents from the nest didn’t. Be a shame to loose such an entertaining child. Many a time he’d gotten a good laugh thanks to Disa.
Captain Sampford shook his head. Was there no end to the surprises this child would show? “In a hurry huh? Somehow I don’t think I want to see you at your leisure coming down from the nest.”
She looked at him meekly. “I’m sorry, it’s just…” She trailed off not finishing the thought.
He prompted her to continue. “Just what?”
She looked at him and her face grew neutral, something he learned happened when she expected a beating or worse to come from what she had to say. He’d also learned her voice would be as neutral as her face. “It’s just the easiest way down, and it’s fun.”
He choked. Fun? If she thinks that is fun, I wonder what her childhood back home was like. “A’ight. Just don’t kill yourself please.” Until he saw a true danger to herself, he’d let her be. He had to admit, even as his heart nearly stopped, she had grace while doing her acrobatics.
She nodded. She looked at him for a long moment, and then again neutrally after a few more heartbeats. “You wanted to see me?”
He blinked, then it dawned on him why he’d called for her. “Yes, it’s time to find out just what your fighting skills are, now that you’ve had a chance to get your sea legs and all. But first you need a weapon. Any particular kind you favor?”
She sighed. “No, as I said when we first met, I taught myself how to fight. It…” Her face darkened at a memory. “It wasn’t proper for me to know. Most swords are too heavy for me.” She nods towards his cutlass. “One of those is only slightly so. But still a bit awkward for me to handle.”
It was nearly comical to see the look of frustration on her face. The slight pause and darkening of her face gave him more insight into her growing up. Damn! A society that doesn’t allow their women to learn to fight? How are they to defend themselves then? Well, that explains some of the looks that some of the crew gives her. He shook his head in disgust at it all. Where he came from the women could and would defend themselves. “Come along then, let’s see what we can find you.” He leads her to an area of the ship below decks where the extra weapons are stored. “Take a look and see if you find something you like.”
She looks in the storeroom and her eyes widen. All manner of weapons were housed here. Almost reverently, she enters and starts examining the various weapons. He watches her, noting her reaction to the place, a ghost of a smile playing across his lips. His eyes narrow as he studies her studying the weapons. Picking this one up, then that one. Examining all with a critical eye. She does seem to have an eye for weapons. He offers no advise and she never asks for any. After several minutes of exploration, she hefts a scimitar of good quality make, even if it was plain in adornment. She checks its balance and makes a few practice swings, getting a feel for the hilt. Sheathing it and slinging the belt over a shoulder she continues to explore. He is impressed with her selection, and wonders why she is still looking. It is one of the best weapons in here. Before long she picks up a stiletto of the same quality and adornment as the scimitar and goes through the same motions testing it. Then she turns to him. “Ok. I have my weapons.”
He raises brows at that, but just nods and leads her back above deck. By the time they reach topside she has threaded the stiletto’s sheath through the belt for the sword and buckled them on so one was on each hip. Interesting. She does know her weapons, and is even smart enough to have a back up. He was pleased in her and her choices. He stops and looks at her. “Stay here.” Then he walks a few paces away and pulls out his cutlass. “Prepare to fight.” And he swings.
Her eyes widen, and she hastily draws both weapons. She blocks with the stiletto, and makes a half hearted swing at the Cap’n’s hip. Not a killing blow by any means, and with no power behind it. His eyes narrow. “If this is how you taught yourself to fight, we’re going to have a lot of work ahead of us.”
Her face burns at his sarcasm, but he is her Cap’n and she will not make any attempt to fight him as she should. She doesn’t want to end up hurting or possibly killing him, and thus incurring more wrath from the crew. She backs away, and notices many had gathered to watch. Her face burns even more, but she says not a word.
Red was one of the bystanders watching. He’d had his eye on this girl-child that would soon be a woman, at his Cap’n’s request. And he wasn’t superstitious like the rest of the crew, coming from the same area as the Cap’n and being best friends and all. He’d seen her watch Sampford when she thought no one saw her. Not that he couldn’t blame the lass for admiring Sampford, after all, he’s saved her life, and offered her a place as the crew, instead of as a ship whore or selling her. He still chuckled sometimes as he remembered the story Sampford had told him about her waking and their conversation. He had to admit, if only to himself, the lass had managed to find a spot in his own heart. She was full of spunk, and energy. A hard worker that never complained, and willing to learn. And he had no doubt the lass could fight. “Cap’n Sampford. Instea’ o’ forcin’ ‘er ta fight ‘er Cap’n, why donnae ye test ‘er again’ some o’ da crew? ‘Ow ‘bout Miggins?”
Sampford straightened up at Red’s words. What's the ole sea dog up to? Sheathing his sword he nodded and stepped back to watch.
Disa blinked and sheathed her weapons. Miggins? He hates me with a passion, she had no doubt that if Red hadn’t insisted she have a hammock right next to his in a corner, Miggins would have slit her throat the first night she’d slept with the crew. Here she’d thought that maybe Red might like her somewhat. He too never treated her bad, and she’d even opened up a bit to him, sharing her sense of humour. But now it seemed he didn’t like her. She looks at him with hurt and betrayal in her eyes. Red smiles at her and winks, causing her to blink yet again. What on earth? What was he up too?
Miggins was startled as well by Red’s volunteering of him to spar with the cursed female. He knew that Red knew he didn’t like nor want the girl aboard. And now it seemed he’d just offered him the chance to rid the Ship of her. He grinned evilly as he drew his sword and advanced on her.
Red hoped to all the known Sea Gods from every country he’d ever been to, that Disa could fight. He knew Miggins would hold nothing back, and he was starting to wonder at the wisdom of volunteering him. But he also hoped like hell that if the lass could even come close to beating him, that Miggins would maybe accept her, even if it was grudgingly. After all, the Cap’n said she was part of the crew, so it was just as likely that she’d be watching out for him as any other member.
Disa quickly redrew her weapons, like the Cap’n, Miggins only fought with one. A norm Disa had learned early on, and so taught herself how to fight with two. It tended to throw off her opponents and gave her many advantages.
Miggins only hesitated a mere moment as she drew two weapons, but then continued charging at her, swinging his sword at her head. After all, he’d seen her with the two while fighting the Cap’n. She ducked and used her sword to block his swing, then swiped out with the stiletto for the inside of his arm. She knew he was planning to kill her, she planned to live, and killing him would be an added bonus, though she’d never killed before. He was surprised at her quickness and ability to use a weapon to block and one to attack, specially when he felt the nick on his arm from the stiletto. Dancing back he warily started stalking her now, realizing she wasn’t going to be easy prey after all. Disa matched his stalking the stiletto held slightly behind her and the scimitar held in front diagonally to block.
Sampford’s brows rose and his eyes widened a bit watching the two spar. He was amazed to see her actually fight with both weapons when she first pulled them out. There was no doubt she knew what she was doing though. He was impressed. Now to see if she could actually hold her own.
Red too was surprised at Disa’s fighting style, and equally impressed. Should the lass survive this sparing, he’d have to see if she’d teach him this style. It was interesting and looked to give the lass an advantage. After all, she managed to get first blood.
Suddenly Miggins did a series of swings at Disa, trying to test her defenses and weaknesses. Disa easily blocked, parried, and feinted. Staying on the defensive, not yet ready to let the man know her strengths. Her agility and size made her quicker then her opponent and easier for her to dance out of his reach.
Soon though Miggins tempo changed, he no longer tested her, now he was out for blood. Disa danced around Miggins as his attacks changed yet again. Suddenly her attacks changed too, the two became a blur in their fighting. The bystanders had a difficult time keeping track. Then suddenly a sword flies out and lands point first in the deck, and when people look back they see Miggins down over backward with Disa’s scimitar and stiletto crossed at his throat. She had a few cuts on her arms and her legs, but they were superficial, and in the end, it was her still standing with weapons, not Miggins.
“It is over.” This was from Disa. Miggins glared at her. She flipped her weapons and cleaned them on her pants and sheathed them, walking over to the Cap’n. “Well?”
Sampford gave a nod. “Interesting fighting style. Are you ok?” He eyed her wounds.
Disa nodded. “I am fine. They are not deep, and will heal.”
Red crowed and came up clapping her on the shoulder, staggering her, and nearly knocking her over. “Won’erful, Lass! Ye gotta teach me tha’ way o’ figh’in’.”
Disa eyed him as she tried to keep her balance. “Perhaps.”
Cap’n Sampford chuckled. “You never cease to amaze me.” He walks off leaving her in Red’s capable hands.
“He approves o’ ye, lass. Your place is set no matter what.” Red muttered to Disa. She looked at him startled, then gave a quiet smile, and headed back up to the crow’s nest. Leaving the rest of the crew to talk as they wished.