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Pirate Festival => Port of Call => Topic started by: Welsh Wench on May 19, 2008, 08:09:46 PM

Title: DEAD MAN'S TAVERN I
Post by: Welsh Wench on May 19, 2008, 08:09:46 PM
Rather than post the whole story, let's post this where we sign on with Jack's crew. Then we can go right into DMT2. Think of this as the prequel.
DON'T POST INTO IT!



Reply author: Mad Jack Wolfe
Replied on: 09/01/2007 21:35:57
Message:

"Honour? Hello! Is there anybody in there? Just nod if you can hear me... Come round, love! Was it... oh, damn! Sorry!" Jack exclaimed as he snuffed out his pipe. With all the commotion of the evening, he'd forgotten about the hallucinogenic qualities of his tobacco. Given all the khat he'd consumed over the years, it didn't have that much of an effect on him.

Honour started to come around. "What? What happened?"
"You were having a conversation with Old Hardup, here..."
"That's 'Harcourt', thank you very much!" Harcourt interrupted.
"That's your version of it. Shut your pie hole, if ye know what's good for you." Jack turned his attention back to Honour. "You called me in as a witness to his confession about taking the warrants as his own, without authorization from any governor. I sat beside you to listen to his albeit whiny confession when I lit up my pipe. That's when you went all foggy and distant. Are you feeling alright now? Can I get you anything? More food, perhaps?"


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Reply author: Martin Montgomery
Replied on: 09/03/2007 23:27:00
Message:

A wheezing,red faced form burst into the Dead Man's Tavern,panting with exertion. "Welsh Whh...Welsh Whh...Welsh Whh.... CAPTAIN!!!!" He exclaimed as he shouldered men out of his way "The Ravage has just dropped anchor in the sheltered end of the bay and McClure's flyin' a Union Jack on her topsail!! She's turned out o' the wind and her decks are crammed with crewmen!" Martin removed his sodden beret and rung it out,splashing sea water across the clean swept boards of the Tavern floor."I went to the ship first Mason and the carpenter's are finishing up on the new mainmast.By the time we get back to the "Knight Hammer" the skeleton crew should have the sheets sorted out and we can set sail,heading out in search of new plunder or the Lost City of the Incas..........or ....whatever!" The burly merchant looked at his Captain as she sat possessively next to a distinguished looking pirate with a swept hilt Spanish sword leveled at his flushed throat!!


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Reply author: Welsh Wench
Replied on: 09/09/2007 19:54:26
Message:

"Jack, stay your weapon. This is Martin Montgomery, gourmet cook of the Knight Hammer and one of my dearest and most trusted friends."
Martin sat down, clearly out of breath. Wench went back behind the bar taps and came back with a cider for Martin. Martin took it gratefully and drank deeply.
Jack scabbarded the sword and extended his hand to Martin. "Sorry, man. In this business, you draw first and ask questions later."
Martin wiped his brow and said, "I understand. I'm just glad the darling captain was here before I had to answer out of the hole in my throat."
Wench went in the back and brought out a few towels for Martin.
"Martin, you'd better get out of those clothes before you catch your death of a cold."
"But, Captain, the harbor is full of ships and they don't look all that friendly!"

Just then Lorelei opened the casement window and then turned to the assembled patrons. "I don't think you will have to worry about them doing anything tonight. Look outside! I've been born and raised in Glen Livet and I've only seen fog like this once or twice. This is a real pea-souper. Those ships aren't going anywhere. They will be dropping anchor wherever they are and hoping the rest in the harbor will be doing the same. And I hope no one runs into that jutting stick in the water that marks the spot where the Crude Organ Donor is lying."

Wench looked out the window with Lorelei and Jack opened the door. The port had an unearthly calm as the fog rolled in and embraced everything it touched. He closed the door and threw back the bolt.
"Lorelei, it's late and nothing is going to attempt to come this way. In fact, if anything, there may be a few pirates in the brine tonight if they aren't careful where they are stepping. I'd suggest you just keep this door locked and call it a night."
The tavern keeper nodded and said, "Looks like this is a small party, yes?"
Wench let out a pent-up sigh that she didn't realize she was holding.
"Elinor is upstairs sound asleep. I think Lilaney must be on the ship. If Mason screws up, Lil will keep him in line. Brother Timothy, well, the man could stave off an English army and all with a clowder of housecats, royal felines that they are, so I know he is safe. Martin, can I get you some of Lorelei's delicious beef stew?"
Martin nodded as he eagerly accepted the bowl from Wench and Jack passed the bread over to him.

After the group sat around and made small talk for the better part of two hours, Lorelei opened up the window again.
"Will you look at that? This must be what the tenth plague was like! You can't even see the tailor's across the lane!"
She shut the window and bolted it. "No new customers, either. Wench? I'm going to bed and I'll leave you to make sure this place looks like I left it in the morning."
"I'll make sure, Lorelei. Goodnight."

Jack stoked the fire and Martin sat down in front of it, warming his hands. He drew out his pipe and tamped it with pipe weed, then lit it. Jack looked at Wench and raised his eyebrow. She threw her hands up and exclaimed, "I can't win! Have at it! Just stay downwind from me."
She looked at the pendulum clock and said, "It's after midnight. I'll leave you two gentlemen to lock up."

She went into her room and locked the door. Throwing her skirt in the corner, she sat down and shoved her boots under the bed. Standing in her chemise, she pulled down the covers when she heard a knock on the door.
As she opened it, she saw Jack standing there.
"What is it, Jack?"
He leaned against the door frame. "I have no room. I can't leave. Martin said all the rooms were taken."
She tilted her head and Jack raised his eyebrow. She sighed and said, "Come on in."
He entered and looked at her. Her hair was unbraided and loose and she was in her chemise.
Holding up her hand, she said, "It is only for the night and only because you helped me with the English major."
She slipped back in bed and Jack walked over and started to drop his breeches.
She said, "You can forget about it! If you are sharing this bed with me, you WILL keep your breeches on."
He sighed and said, "You drive a hard bargain, lady."
She said something under her breath and he said, "What?"
"Nothing."
He pulled the cover down and grinned, "Like old times, yeah?"
She scooted over to the edge and turned her back on him, saying curtly, "Goodnight, Jack. Blow that candle out, please."
He reached over, smacked her bottom and then blew it out.
From the darkness came her voice.
"Do that once more and I shall personally castrate you with my rapier."
"Spoil sport."

She bolted upright in bed, clutching the sheet and screamed out loud, "DO YOU YIELD? OR DO I RUN YOU THROUGH HERE AND NOW?"
Jack jumped a mile out of the bed, scrambling for his sword when he realized she was in the throes of a nightmare. She had done that a few times in their brief time they were together. He climbed back in bed and took her in his arms.
"Honour? HONOUR! Please! Snap out of it, darling!"
He wrapped his arms around her as she buried herself into his embrace. She couldn't stop shaking. He stroked her hair and said, "Is it the same dream? Is it about that man Madoc again?"
She pulled away and the tears were coursing down her cheeks. She whispered barely inaudible, "It's him. I know it is him..."
Jack held her closely and said, "Who, darling?"
She pulled back and said, "Prometheus. I know who he is."
"Prometheus?"
"The man who was seeking passage to El Dorado! Heaven help me, Jack. I know who he is. He's come back!"
"Who?"
She whispered, frightened, "Daemon Vardus."


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Reply author: Welsh Wench
Replied on: 09/12/2007 21:12:33
Message:

Jack frowned, "Daemon Vardus? The captain--the former captain--of the Knight Hammer?"
She nodded. "Daemon came into Dead Man's Tavern one night and had the idea to captain his own ship. He knew of a ship that was available. Martin was there that night and he volunteered as cook. Daemon offered me the first mate's position."
Jack said grimly, "And what position did you offer him, darling wife?"
She raised her hand to slap him and he grabbed it before she made contact. He said, "I've heard stories all through the Caribbean of a blonde captain with a penchant for great boots. Didn't take much to figure it out."
She wrenched her hand out of his reach and said, "Not true."
"Really? Can you honestly tell me you and Daemon Vardus were just 'comrades in arms'? Or was it in each other's arms?"
She jumped out of bed, trailing the sheet with her. "Daemon Vardus and I were never involved," she lied. "And what of you? What of all those dresses I would find in the armoire? And do we even broach the subject of Bonita? Cade told me all about that one."
He crossed his arms and said, "Bad form to mention Cade."
"Bad form to mention Bonita."
"I didn't. You did. And bring that sheet back here."

She balled it up and threw it at him. "Take it! I didn't want it anyways."
He said, "Seriously, you are afraid. I hear it in your voice. Rumour is you ran him through. And I heard all sorts of variations about it. Even heard the story of Jonas Corwin. But let's reserve that for another fight. What makes you think Prometheus is Daemon Vardus?"
"The eyes."
"The eyes?"
She took a breath and said, "The colour. The way he looked at me. And there is another thing."
"What?"
"When Vardus and the crew were starting out, he mentioned El Dorado. A place shining with the treasures of a lost people. He wanted to go there but was side-tracked by the explosion of the Captain's quarters on the Knight Hammer..."
"You blew him up?"
"Of course not! The liquor cabinet was booby-trapped and Daemon went sky-high and the bay windows were blown out. Do you want to hear the story or not?"
Jack brushed her hair back, grazing her cheek. His touch caused a flush on her cheeks. NO! I won't fall for it again...
"Of course I want to hear the story."
"He died. But came back."
"Came back?"
"He explained it to me once when I almost died..."
"When did that happen?"
"When I had a disagreement with Jonas Corwin."

Jack burst out laughing. "Throwing him out in nature's own to walk back to his ship in your sheets is more than a disagreement. Remember when you tossed me out into the galley without even the consideration of a sheet?"
"This was different."
Jack moved closer to her. "Not much, love. In fact, we never did finish that."
She began to feel the flush on her cheeks spread a bit southward.
"That----that was a long time ago."
He said softly, "Too long."
"Jack...."
"Yes?"
"It would complicate things and..."
"Honour?"
"Yes?"
"This may be the only chance for me to make love to a captain," he chuckled.
His lips sought hers. She felt her breath catch.
"It's wrong, Jack.."
He tilted her chin up to meet his gaze. "And we ARE married."
She closed her eyes, trying to keep her heart from beating so fast. His lips moved down to her throat and her chemise dropped off her shoulders.

With a sharp intake of breath, she whispered, "What the hell....I wasn't doing anything, anyways...."



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Reply author: Lilaney
Replied on: 09/17/2007 15:31:15
Message:

The Morning broke lovely over the Habor of Glen Livet.
The fog from the night before, that blew in thick as pea-soup and just as mired in mystery
and intrigue, blew out with the morning tide.
The calm dapple green waves bumped gently along the hulls of the moored ships, waking those who were to come to watch and lulling them that stood the night patrol to an easy sleep.
"Morning Lil! In a better mood today?"
The scrawny dock rat (Lord knew which one he was) shouted up from the pier to the quarterdeck where Lil stood, watching the beauty that was a sunrise over water.
She looked down and smiled.
"Aye, you. What sort of goods to you have to be brought up this morning?"
The dock rat nodded his head to the end of the pier.
"Just them food stuffs what Martin told us to gather yesterday. Think we could bring'em up?"
Lil pushed away from the railing and meandered over to the gangplank.
"Welcome aboard then! What sort of foodstuffs?"
The Double Diamond Rats swarmed the gangplank as bundle, box, crate and sacks began to be brought aboard.
The kid shrugged his shoulders.
"Usual stuffs: boots, chocolates, bath salts, feathers, dog biskits, ink, towels, and I think sumthin that the Captain wanted special just for Captain's quarters. Don' know what it is, but, it's heavy as.."
"Thank you, kid. Well, I guess put it all where it will fit."
Lil cut him off as she saw a figure approaching the pier.
She shaded her eyes with her hand to get a better look, when she was interupted by howling.
"Hey! Lemme down! How the hell did I get up here?!"
Lil cast an annoyed grimmace up at the Crow's nest. Well, not really the crow's nest, but, the cross-piece on the top of the new mast.
"You are ruining a perfectly beautiful morning, you know that?!"
Lil yelled up at the person trussed up, tight as a pig, on the solid piece of wood.
"When I get down from here, you'll learn how ruined this day will be for you!"
He kept shouting as Lil tried to ignore him and regained tracking on the figure approaching.
"Well, I'll be, is that who I think it is?"


Title: Re: DEAD MAN'S TAVERN I
Post by: Welsh Wench on May 19, 2008, 08:12:47 PM
Reply author: Elinor Hakebourne
Replied on: 09/18/2007 12:11:10
Message:

A bird on a branch of a tree just outside the window chirped loudly. Opening first one eye to the sunlight streaming in from the window, and then the other, Elinor groaned. "Stupid bird, you're ruining my nap!" Deciding it would be best to get back to work, she neglected attempts to return back to sleep, getting up to dress instead.

Sitting down at the small desk that sat beside her bed, still with crumpled papers from the night before, she once again picked up her quill and dipped it into ink. The minutes flew by as did her hand across the pages before her, the paper rapidly filling with tales of the crew of the Knight Hammer. Two hours later, Elinor sat back in her chair, flexing her fingers which were sore from the writing. With a satisfied sigh, she gathered the pages and bound them together, setting them aside for the time being. Her stomach grumbled as she remembered her agreement to go shopping that day with Lil.

"Breakfast must be first," she muttered. "Then find Lil."


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Reply author: Lilaney
Replied on: 09/18/2007 16:18:06
Message:

"I'm hungry" Lil told no one in particular, leaning far out she watched the shadowy figure pause at the end of their pier and then move on towards the taverns.
Lil stood still and thought hard where she had seen that man before, shrugging off the odd feeling she turned and headed for the newly restocked galley.
"Okay! Okay! I give up! I will do whatever you tell me too, just get me down from here!"
Lil paused near the mast and looked up again and the bound figure.
"I am not really sure who you are, but you have nice boots, which means you know that Captain. And you are too handsome for real work, which means the Captain knows you.
So, for the sake of all parties involved I think you need to just sit tight until Captain comes back and sorts you out. By the way, are you hungry?"
Lil moved on as the swearing started up again.
"When Elinor gets here, I must remember to buy some new banadges for the first aid kits, they make wonderful gags."





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Reply author: Welsh Wench
Replied on: 09/18/2007 19:58:59
Message:

"KNOCK! KNOCK!"

Wench sat up quickly, knocking Jack off the bed and onto the floor.
"OW! You did that before and it isn't---"
"Shh!" She called out, "Who is it?"
Jacl clamped a hand over her mouth and whispered, "Maybe if you act like no one is home, they will go away."
She bit his hand and he yelled, "OW!! &*^%$#@!! What the hell was THAT for?"
"I couldn't breathe!"

She hoisted her chemise up around her and padded over to the door. Jack made a grab to drag her back but he missed and fell face first onto the floor.
She opened the door a crack and then opened it wider. She exclaimed, "As I live and breathe! I didn't know you were in port!"

In her hallway stood Captain Bacardi. He stepped in and saw Jack on the floor, his shirt had a few rips in it.
Bacardi laughed and said, "Jack Wolfe! What are YOU doing here?"
Jack scrambled up and said, "My shirt got a few rips in it and I was here to find some thread and a needle."
Bacardi looked from Wench to Jack and then said, "I didn't know you knew each other!"
Wench's face flamed red. "We--we've run into each other a few times."
Bacardi tried to keep a straight face. Her hair was in a tangle, her lip coloring was smeared and it appeared to have smeared onto Jack's face. Her face was flushed and there was a hickey starting to form on her neck. Oddly, Jack had a matching one.
Aside from the rips in the shirt, it was tucked out of his breeches. He had on one boot.

Bacardi asked, "So..where is El Lobo? I didn't see it when I ported this morning."
Jack tried to tuck his shirt in and said, "The port was closed when I arrived so I went to Conwy. Where is the Black Rock?"
"Over at Colwyn Bay. Hitched a ride in."
"Seen Captain Blake lately?"
"A few weeks ago over near Kingston. Had a load of silks and tea to warehouse. Cade Jennings been around recently?"
Jack said grimly, "I bet he's hanging around somewhere. Heard from Dolly, she sends her best regards to you."
Bacardi replied, "And Daisy, Maggie, Ginger and Lula said hello. And the twins--you know, Molly and Polly..."
Jack made sushing motions behind Wench's back but she turned and he immediately coughed into his hands.
Wench said cooly, "I really hate to interrupt this male bonding but Bacardi, why are you here?"
Jack retorted, "I was about to ask the same thing. He seemed to know which room was yours."
She stamped her foot, "What is THAT supposed to mean? Maybe you double dated with Molly and Polly. Or maybe Polly was Blue's friend and--"
Bacardi interrupted. "That's why I am here. It's Blue. He's pouting. I think he is mad at me."
"Whatever for?"
"Well, your friend Athena parrot-sat for me while I had some business in the next port and I think he had too good a time with her. He's gotten spoiled and now he won't drink the rum I gave him. I think she gave him the more expensive kind and now he won't go back to it."
Wench tried not to laugh. "And what do you want me to do about it?"
"Athena went to visit a friend and won't be back till next week. I was wondering...do you know what kind of rum she gave him? I need to mix it in and then wean him off it until he doesn't notice the difference."
"She got her rum from Puerto Rico, Bacardi. Reportedly she made a good trade. A favorable fortune told, and he bestowed her with quite a few bottles of the finest rum."
"Really! May be a good venture when I give up the account. How does this sound? Bacardi Rum!"
Jack scowled, "It will never succeed."

Wench was putting on her skirt and boots and said, "Bacardi, I have a couple bottles she gave me. Tell you what--I'll give you a bottle to gradually dilute it with what you have been giving him and..."
"Hey! You can't just leave me like----"
"Cool your boots, Captain Wolfe. I'll look for that needle and thread after I get Bacardi that bottle for Blue."
Bacardi tried not to laugh out loud. After all, he always wondered if the two of them had ever met. Now he had a suspicion they may have more than 'met'.

Wench closed the door and she and Bacardi headed down the hallway.
"You know, she not only gave him expensive rum, she gave him ice cream and---"
From the room they heard, 'BLAM!'
Bacardi jumped a mile. "What the BLOODY HELL was that?"
Wench was non-plussed. "Oh, that. I'm guessing Captain Jack Wolfe had an overwhelming desire to shoot something."







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Reply author: Elinor Hakebourne
Replied on: 09/18/2007 20:06:25
Message:

Finishing her breakfast hastily in her famished state, Elinor paid and left the tavern, rejoicing in the sunlight that fell upon her face as she stepped outside. The gentle breeze whipped at her skirts as she made her way towards the Knight Hammer, hoping to find some familiar faces on board.

Reaching the ship a short while later, she boarded and was delighted to see all the improvements that were being made to the vessel. She was even more delighted when, approaching the galley, a familiar face greeted her. "Lil!"


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Reply author: Lilaney
Replied on: 09/19/2007 09:14:49
Message:

"Ho Elinor!"
Lil chucked the remains of her breakfast over the side of the railing as Elinor made her way up the gangplank.
"Hey! When am I going to get fed!?"
Lil scowled; not only was the gent complaining nonstop, he was acting like a noble about it.
"You know!? Your are about the poorest excuse for a prisoner I have ever had the unfortunate duty of caring for!"
Whatever he replied back with was muffled as one of the dock rats scooted out from the crow's nest and shoved a hunk of bread into his mouth.
"Your Welcome!" Lil yelled, then she smiled at Elinor who's nervous gaze went from up in the rigging back to Lil.
"Do you know who that is?" She asked as she and Lil walked back down the gangplank together and headed into town.
Lil shrugged; they waited for a man on horseback to pass and then crossing the street they headed for the shops.
"No idea, one of the Captain's toys. He looks familiar, but, they all start to look alike after a fashion. Although, that one was left on the quarterdeck in a heap. Guess he had had a bad day."
Elinor laughed as they headed into the first shop of the morning.


Title: Re: DEAD MAN'S TAVERN I
Post by: Welsh Wench on May 19, 2008, 08:14:20 PM
Reply author: Martin Montgomery
Replied on: 09/21/2007 04:36:00
Message:

Martin sat near the fireplace in the rear of the "Dead Man's Tavern"and contemplated his still damp clothes while he puffed thoughtfully on his pipe,sending the wonderfully scented,blue smoke towards the rafters. Moments later the man that Welsh Wench had introduced as Jack and had almost gave the big man a new hole to breath out of,came over and sniffed appreciatively at the fragrant smoke while warming his hands near the fire.Martin begrudgingly offered up his pouch and the two sat,quietly smoking staring into the fire as it slowly died"Martin"He stated"Are you aware that your Captain,for all of her obvious charms,a self-absorved,egotistical,fashion-obsessed....." As Jack kept listing WW's faults,as he saw them,Martin reached over to an overflowing bowl of assorted nuts. Picking out two huge walnuts that together filled his oversized palm,he turned in his chair to face the man. "Sir!" Martin sharply exclaimed,in a voice not much above normal conversation tones "You are speaking against my chosen Captain and I must warn you, You may.....No,you do exceed my poor level of skill with a sword" The big man motioned to the beautiful blade that rode on Jack's hip."But if you hurt her..."At this point his eyes went out of focus for a few seconds. "Let us just say she has gathered a group of individuals and she treats us like family,not hired underlings! She has a past,of that I'm sure,we've all done things that we'd rather not done......" His voice lowered to a deep rumbling whisper "She is rather well liked by almost everyone she meets and should she come to any more harm......." The stout man yawned then stood and snatched Jack's right hand so quickly that his hand was a blur and gripped tightly as if it was caught in a metalworkers vice!."I will now bid you good night,Captain!" He slowly opened his own right hand and let the pulverized nuts,shell and all trickle into Jack's captured palm."There are no more rooms available." Motioning to the wall rack with several keys still hanging. "So you can bunk in my room. It's tight quarters and I am told that I snore but you can toss a quilt on the floor." Jack smiled a rogue's smile and nodded his understanding to the burly man,who strode towards the stairs."I believe that I'll have a talk with your...OUR Captain! She CAN defend herself,you know!" Martin turned on the third step and grinned sadly "Not from boots like yours,Sir!" Then,almost silently,he climbed the stairs out of sight. Jack looked at the destroyed remains of the hardshelled nuts filling his right hand and blew out his breath in a quiet "Whew!"tossing themess onto the table and flexing his fingers free of the clinging bits he slipped the small caliber pistol back in the top of his left boot,where he had drawn it from even as the giant man had grabbed his right hand. "Honour"He whispered" You've grown up from the time we were together you've got a good ship and an honest crew who respects and in their own way,love you. Do I anger this genteel giant by following my heart and going to see my own wife,or do I follow my head,realize my folly and wait for "The El Lobo Del Mar" to make port?" Shaking his head he smiled to himself as he climbed the stairs and found a certin door.


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Reply author: Mad Jack Wolfe
Replied on: 09/21/2007 20:33:42
Message:

Jack stared at the hole he'd just put between the eyes of the portrait on the wall. "Bloody poor painting, anyway." With sleep out of the question, he pulled on his clothes and headed back downstairs. The fire had died to embers. He tossed on more wood to add some warmth to the wood, and then settled into a chair to enjoy his pipe. He looked upon the remains of the walnuts Martin had pulverized earlier, and addressed his own lap. "You may be disappointed, lads, but at least you're in one piece..."
_____________________________________________________________________________

Three bells into the second night watch, and Briggs had run out of patience. "Enough waitin'! We've seen hide nor hair of Jack, and he's well overdue. Stow the boat, and make ready to get under way!"
The crew lashed the jolly boat back into place as others worked the capstan to lift the anchors.
"Make full sail! Hands to the braces! Steer us into the road south to Glenlivet!" Briggs barked. The discipled crew of cutthroats responded to him as they would Jack himself. They knew the riches their captain had brought them, and they were hell bent on getting him back.

No sooner had they made course for Glenlivet than the lookout cried "Master Briggs! A sail! A sail!! Ahead and starboard! She looks to be showing her heels!"
"Mother and Child! What next?" Briggs growled. "Make ready the guns with round shot!! With a will, ye dogs!! Hold your course, helmsman. We'll not be givin' chase tonight, but we'll be ready nonetheless." He stared out over the open water as the ship gained speed. "You'd best be in one piece, Jack, or I'll have that accursed witch woman heal ye, then kill ye myself!"


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Reply author: Martin Montgomery
Replied on: 09/23/2007 07:20:25
Message:

The big merchant grinned wolfishly as he eased the door to his room closed.This "Mad Jack" was a breath of fresh air,different from the other men that he'd seen pass through WW's cabin and her life, at least the time that he'd been Cook on the "Knight Hammer." The big man had taken off the,still slightly damp and dirty clothes that he had worn for the past two days and took a quick wash with water caught in a rain bucket hung just outside his window. He then dressed in a similar colored set of rough woven pants and long sleeved shirt. Taking his belt,with it's several different sized pouches over to the rough wooden table he carefully emptied each one and wiped it clean with an oiled cloth,treating the belt and his baldric with the same care he let his mind wander back to how WW and Mad Jack had spoke and treated each other,almost like she knew the answer to a question he'd been chasing for years. But then this WAS WW and she'd so had many men so completly wrapped 'round her fingers that she must be running out of room. Chuckling to himself he forced himself to admit,Jack did seem to look at her.......differently somehow, with a deep seated respect. Shaking his head he thought "Hellfire you'd think that they was married!!"


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Reply author: Ice Mage
Replied on: 09/23/2007 17:01:13
Message:

*From below the decks of the Knight Hammer came Prometheus, Dorean, and White Rose. Looking around the port, they could see that the fog was finally lifting. The smell of morning dew floated through the port, as the sound of the early birds followed behind. The trio looked back at each other and the started to walk towards the Tavern. Early risers could be seen, slowly putting the town back together. After all the destruction, the people just wanted to get back to some form of a normal life. Shop keepers huried to get their stores ready for the day's business. Not long was the trip that was ahead of them, and before they realized it, they were standing infront of the Tavern. Unlike the other taverns in town, Dead Man's Tavern was also a boarding house. The business men could be heard eating their breakfast's, and reading their papers. The trio entered the Tavern and were met by the sight and smell of a great buffet of breakfast foods. A hot bar had been set up on the main bar, allowing the guests to eat at their convenience. The trio found a table relatively quickly, as a Bar maid met them at the table.*

=Milords, Milady, Could i interest you in a cup of Joe this morning? Perhaps a spot of Tea?=

*All three ordered drinks, Dorean and White Rose were to enjoy the house blend of coffee and Prometheus was to have a cup of Earl Grey. They sat there for a moment sipping their drinks enjoying each others company, when Captrain Bacardi and Welsh Wench Came walking down the stairs. Wench's eye's immediately picked out Prometheus. She stumbled back as her face went pale. Bacardi turned back to help, but she waived him off. They continued down, and into the Tavern it'self. WW stopped Bacardi for a moment, asking him to wait. She made her way to the table where Prometheus was sitting, all the while glaring at him. She walked right up to him and put her hands on her hips.*

'Well well well Captain, when did you plan on telling me?'

*Prometheus looked back at her, with a confused expression.*

"Excuse me Milady, what are you talking about?"

'You know full well what i am talking about, Vardus!!!!!'

"Milady, i'm not sure what you are getting at. I am a simple traveler on a task for our Queen."

'Oh i already know about that. I'm sorry i guess i should have said Admiral!'

*Prometheus stood up, and motioned for WW to sit down.*

"Take a seat milady! Now i dont know where you got your information, but untill my mission is complete i cannot allow the world to know that Glenlivet is forming a Navy. I dont want to know why you are confusing me with that man you murdered, but you need to drop this Admiral talk."

*WW grabbed Prometheus by the collar and pulled him close.*

'Pretend if you want, but dont forget that i know who you are, and i will be watching.'

*Prometheus chuckled and looked square in her eye's.*

"From where, under the table?"

*A voice came from behind White Rose. It was one of the Samoan Pearl Divers, asking if their was a problem. Rose turned around and looked at him. His face turned red with anger as he realized it was her that through him out the window. He reached down to grab her, when a large Ghost like creature appeared next to him. It snatched him up like a rag doll and held him in the air.*

[Perhaps i never introduced you to my Voldwalker. Bragma, please take out the trash.]

*Obeying his Mistress, Bragma through the Samoan out the window once more. Rose muttered a few words and the creature disappeared. Wench started having flash backs to her last vision, only confirming to her what she had seen. She released Prometheus, and returned to Bacardi's side. As she walked away Prometheus spoke to her.*

"I'll be seeing milady!"


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Reply author: Welsh Wench
Replied on: 09/23/2007 20:49:41
Message:

Wench ignored Prometheus and walked back over to where she left Bacardi standing.
"What's the deal with that guy there?"
She shrugged. "Prometheus whatever-his-name-is-when-he-is-town had some big thing he called a Volkswagen--whatever that is--toss something out the window. I swear, that is the sort of trick that Daemon Vardus would pull. Would you believe he has this big blue parrot that becomes a little dragon? Or is it a little parrot that becomes a big dragon? Well, whatever it--AH! Here it is!"

They were at the storage room door and Wench reached down to take the key out of her boot but..."Oh, ^$#@!! I forgot I wasn't wearing any boots."
Bacardi looked down and she was barefoot. "Heh, heh, I guess in my haste I forgot my boots. Wait here."
She ran up to the corridor and snatched the key from above a doorjamb, hurrying back to Bacardi.
She put the key in the door and opened it.
"Wow! Look at that! Nine matching chests! What is in them, Wench?"
"Boots."
"Boots?"
She got defensive. "I like boots and collect them, OK? Is it a crime? No, I didn't think so! Just stay away from them."
She reached behind the third one and pulled out a bottle. "Supposed to be good stuff. Called 151. Athena lit it on fire before she gave it to Blue. I hope his little feathers didn't get singed."
Bacardi grimaced, "So that is why he looked a little bald-faced."
Wench reached up to her own hair and touched a spot. "I know how he feels. Lilany had to cut a section of my hair when the mast came down and almost hit me. I cracked my head open. But it's growing back."

Bacardi took the rum and said, "Thanks, Wenchie!"
She reached up and gave him a kiss on the cheek. "You know, Bacardi, you are one of the very few I let call me 'Wenchie'. It doesn't sound respectful. I mean, say it--'Captain Wenchie'. I'm not five years old, you know."
He laughed and then said, "I didn't know you knew Captain 'Mad' Jack Wolfe. Did he ever tell you how he got the name 'Mad'?"
"No!"
Bacardi winked and said, "Ask him some time. It's a good bedtime story."
"What is that supposed to mean?"
"Well, you and Jack in that room together and--"
She held her hand up. "Whoa, wait a minute! There were no rooms left so Captain Wolfe was staying in my room and was sleeping on the floor and--"
"With your lip colouring on his face---"
"He bumped into me when I turned around and got it on his face!"
Bacardi flipped her hair back. "Funny how he has the same kind of suckerbite on his neck too. Don't tell me! You both ran into a door at the same time!"

Her face blazed aflame. "Alright, Bacardi, you have the rum. Just remember who did you the favor."
He winked, "As I'll remember what your gypsy-friend did to him! If she wasn't so fond of Blue, I'd never let him near her again. He kept squawking, 'Rocky Road! Rocky Road!'"
He hugged her and then left by the side door.

As Wench walked by the table with Prometheus, she stopped and said haughtily, "And as far as murdering you, you know it's not true and even if it was, you know the reason why!"
She continued over to the fireplace where Jack sat there, his feet up on the low table in front of him and smoking his pipe.
She kicked his feet off the table and said, "Lorelei said no boots on the furniture!"
She reached over and took the pipe out of his mouth and emptied the pipeweed into a half-filled tankard of rum.
"Hey! I just lit that!"
"Yeah, and I put out your fire!"
"In more ways than one!"
She looked at the remains of the walnuts.
"What happened here?"
Jack instinctively put his hands in his lap. "Guess you could say a Freudian hint from Martin your friend."
She said, "I guess we--I--can kiss off a good night's sleep. The sun is up. Come on, Jack, I need to get dressed and get down to check on the mast. You need to get your gear out of my room before people get the wrong idea."
As he followed her up the stairs, all that could be heard downstairs was, "Care for a--"
SLAP!
"--OW!---matinee?"
A door slammed and then a voice yelled through to it, "Well, you always WERE a morning person...!"

Title: Re: DEAD MAN'S TAVERN I
Post by: Welsh Wench on May 19, 2008, 08:18:20 PM
Reply author: Lilaney
Replied on: 09/24/2007 15:26:27
Message:

'...and that's what it means by, 'your turn in the barrell'."
Elinor blushed and jostled her bag and packages.
"Oh, um, thanks Lil for explaining that, didn't know what he meant saying something like that about our Captain."
Lil shifted her own gear around to manuver the sidewalk they were passsing on.
"And that is why I had to do what I did."
They paused as a mother dragged her reluctant child across the lane and into the cobbler's shop.
"Did you really have to break his nose? I don't think he meant what he was saying."
Lil smiled at Elinor.
"Sometimes, people have to be held accountable for what they say about other people."
Elinor nodded and led the way through the morning shoppers.
"Elinor? I think we have everything, what is left to buy?"
Lil was not one for spending hard earned money, but, if one was down to her last dress and smallclothes. Funds must be spent.
Elinor paused in front of the blacksmith's shop.
"I need a dagger."
Lil was taken aback. Elinor? Needed a weapon? This statement caught Lil speechless.
Elinor handed over her packages and her bookbag to Lil; who took them and adjusted everything in her arms. She was about to follow her in, when Elinor looked up and shyly said.
"Can I do this by myself, please?"
Lil understanding the weapon one buys to be a personal matter, she nodded and stood off to the side of the shop's door and kept watch.
From this part of town, one could almost see the water of the harbor.
The tall ship's mast rocked gently over the city-scape of the buildings. Seagulls and sparrows flew in and out of the sheets and rigging, looking for food and calling to one another.
Lil tried to guess which mast was their's. She counted masts and tried to look for the newest one, then smiled. All she had to do was look for that gent that was tied up near the Crow's Nest. She looked again and the smiled faultered.
She didn't see a mast plus one hostage.
"Lil!" She turned as saw a Double Diamond Dock Rat coming her way, he was soaked and looking rather alarmed.
"Lil! It's 'orrible! Jus 'orrible! Where's Martin Montgomery?"
Lil sensed his fear and tried to smile.
"It can't be all that bad, Martin is over at the Tavern, I think."
The Dock rat shot off before Lil could get anything else out of him.
'Odd' she thought, at that moment Elinor walked out of the blacksmith's shop beaming with happiness.
"I guess we can head back to the ship now, anything else you need out in town, Lil?"
Lil furrowed her brow, Elinor hadn't looked this happy in a while.
"Mind me asking what you got in there?"
Elinor's eyes twinkled merrily but shook her head as she took bag her bag and packages.
"Oh, something for myself."
Lil looked back round at the masts, still not spying the tied up person.
Unease settled into her gut.
"I agree Elinor, let's get back to the boat. Something's not right in Glen Livet."






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Reply author: Elinor Hakebourne
Replied on: 09/24/2007 18:00:30
Message:

Elinor grabbed the handle on the door to the blacksmith's shop and tugged, entering. Spying a silver handled dagger over in the corner, she approached it and gave it a once over. It was small but sleek, without the adornments of her old dagger, the one that had been lost while adventuring in Tortuga. She picked it up, wrapping her fingers around the smooth surface of the handle. It was simple, so unlike so much of her life right now. "I don't see why a girl like you'd need a weapon like that." She turned and saw the blacksmith eyeing her from behind the front desk.

"One can't be too careful in these times. I have the opinion that when danger looms, one shouldn't be unprepared," she responded, walking towards him. "I'd like this one, please."

"I still don't see--" the shop owner started to say, but Elinor flashed him a look that made him halt his tongue.

"I like to be prepared. Now, will you sell this to me, or not?" Elinor asked. There was no question in her mind that she needed a new weapon. Sailing with the crew of the Knight Hammer proved to be spontaneous, and more often than not, slightly dangerous. Ever since she'd lost her bodice dagger, saw it skittling away from her, never to be returned to its owner, she'd felt like she was missing something. The first dagger had been a gift, and carried memories of the person who had given it to her, and it was gone. It was time to make new memories.

Paying for her purchase, she sighed contentedly and let a smile form on her face as she exited the shop. The smile only faded as she sensed her friend's worry, and increased as they neared the dock, searching for their ship. The ship that was no longer docked in the place it had been at the start of the day, when she and Lil had left it. Elinor turned to her friend. "Lil? Where's the ship?"


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Reply author: Welsh Wench
Replied on: 09/24/2007 21:34:20
Message:

Wench opened the door. Jack stood there rubbing his nose.
"OW! You damn near took off my nose!"
"That's what you get for standing too close to it."
"Aren't you going to invite me in?"
"Why?"
"Because I need to get my sword."
She sighed and opened the door. He picked it up and sat down on the bed, patting a spot next to him. She ignored him.
"So. Where are we going, my sweet?"
She stood there with a hairbrush poised. "If you MUST know, I am going to Wainwright's to negotiate a discount on the mainmast that was installed."
"A discount? Didn't you negotiate a price BEFORE you ordered it?"
"Of course I did. But I said I was going to negotiate a discount. I already know what he charges. But what he charges and what I want to pay are two different things. Jack, time for you to go!"
He sat there and crossed his arms. "Hell no! This is one scene I just HAVE to see! I'll even buy your breakfast."

She thought for a second and then said, "Alright. But I warn you, I have a terrible craving for benjies."
"Benjies?"
"Oh you know. We got them in Martinique. Sugared and fried little squares."
"Beignets."
"Whatever. They have them over by the docks. Monique makes them."
"And you are going to wear your chemise? "
She looked down and hoisted her chemise up to her shoulder when it slipped down.
"I guess I had better change if I want to negotiate a deal with Mr. Wainwright."
"Oh, I don't know, maybe..."
"Don't start with me, Wolfe. Turn your back."
"Darling, how many times do I have to tell you it's nothing new under the sun."
She glared at him. He threw his hands up.
"Have at it. And do you happen to have a clean shirt I can wear?"
"Is this a trick question to find out if my closet pour un became a closet pour deux?"
"Not at all. I just need one that isn't ripped down the back."
She reached into her armoire and from the back, withdrew a shirt of linen.
"Here. It may have even been yours at one time. I just grabbed a handful when I left."

She walked to her armoire and pulled out a dress made of white lawn and slipped it over her head.
"Would you lace me up the back, please?"
Jack came over and deftly laced her up.
She said frostily, "I see you learned how corsets and such go ON now."
"Practice."
She whirled to face him and he looked around and said, "Where'd that voice come from?"

She reached into a chest and brought out some white calf-skin boots and then reached into her closet and pulled out a white hat with huge black feathers. She grabbed a white lace parasol from the dresser drawer and said, "I'm ready."

He looked at her and she looked like something that should be sitting on a veranda of a sugar plantation rather than the captain of a pirate ship.
He said, "What are YOU supposed to be?"
She adjusted her hat in the mirror and said, "A lady. For now."

They walked down to the small eating establishment run by a mulatto named Monique. As they entered,
Monique cried out, "Bonjour! Ma petite captain!"
Wench smiled and said, "We are here for breakfast and the gentleman--and I use the term loosely--will pay."
Jack reached into his pockets and patted himself down. "I....um...seem to be short a chest or ten of guilders..."

~~~~~~~~~~~

The sun was shining, the sky was blue and the clouds were fluffy. Wench had her hand resting on Jack's arm and she breathed deeply of the salt air.
Jack looked suspiciously at her. "I haven't seen you this contented since we had that picnic a deux at that grotto in Castara Bay. What gives?"
She smiled radiantly and said, "It's a beautiful day, I have a new dress on with matching boots and I just negotiated a very good discount on that mainmast. All is right with the world. Or at least MY world!"
Jack shook his head. "How you did that is beyond my comprehension. Wainwright has been known to wring every last shilling out of everyone he meets. Maybe your mast was made of balsa wood and veneered with oak. I seem to remember a story where you got a brass blade masquerading as Toledo steel and..."
"We don't talk about it. OR the one who set me up. Alright?"
"By the way, where's Muir?"
"Athena came by yesterday and Muir was beside himself. He loves her to death, she gives him ice cream so I let him spend some time with her and I'll pick him up tomorrow. Now, shall we head down to the docks and look at the mast? I may want some new sails before we leave. Maybe something in a pale peach..."

They headed over the grassy knoll and walked along the wooden planks leading to the harbor.
Wench looked over the port and her eyes recited the names of the ships she knew.
"Ah! There is The Blatherscythe. Looks like Deadbishop ported during the night! The Black Rock....Bacardi is stll here. I see Blue on the crow's nest. The Ebony Heart...Captain James Squall is in port. The Dark Vexation is gone. Guess James--I mean Captain Blake--is on his way to Port Royal. The Azure Tooled..." here Wench made a face, "....he's still around. Damn. And that stick in the water that used to be The Crud Organ Donor..."
"Crude."
"Yes, he certainly is."
"No, I mean The CRUDE Organ Donor."
"What did I say?"
"Crud."
"No, I didn't. Crude. That's what I said. Crude."
"You seem to know them all."
"I've lived here a while. And there she is! My ship! The Knight...."
She turned to Jack and looked at him in disbelief.
"Where is my ship?"
He just shrugged.
She threw her hat down on the ground and yelled, 'WHERE THE HELL IS MY SHIP???"


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Reply author: Lilaney
Replied on: 09/25/2007 07:56:33
Message:

"It is too quiet for my liking"
Lil looked around the Harbor, no ships were making ready, no people were scurrying. Even the drunks from the night were still snoring in their chosen spots around the docks.
Elinor sat her gear down on the pier that used to be the Knight Hammer's; rummaging through it, she pulled out a telescope.
"Where'd you get that?"
Lil liked the look of it, old and trustworthy; something a Quartermaster might own.
"Marvos had it in for an overhaul, I picked it up for him."
She put it to her eye and scanned the waters. Scrunching up her face she swept the 'scope around the bay. Pausing a moment, Elinor leaned out a bit as if to get a better sight.
"Lil, I think I found it, but, something's not right."
Lil stood behind Elinor and looked over her head in the direction the telescope was trained on.
She saw the boat, it's sheets at full sail and it swiftly getting smaller and smaller.
She frowned.
"It looks about a mile out; can't have taken off much earlier than about an hour ago. Why would WW do that? How on earth does she expect us to get back on?"
~~~~
"WHERE THE HELL IS MY SHIP???"
~~~
Elinor and Lil whipped their head's around to see WW and another man standing at the end of the pier. Collapsing the telescope back into her bag Elinor ran up to Captain.
"Captain! It looks about a mile out! Oh! How are we going to get back aboard?"
Lil calmly sat her stuff down next to Elinor's, never taking her eyes off the sails of the ship.
WW,Elinor and a slightly winded Martin came swiftly up the pier.
"It looks like all that bad stuff we ever did has just be revisited on us, Captain."




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Reply author: Hibernian
Replied on: 09/25/2007 12:24:24
Message:

"You realize that even for an Irishman you are a very lucky man."

The taller of the two men appeared not to hear the comment and kept walking down the hill toward the docks. "Timothy, that was the Reverend Father, the Abbot, the head of our Order, the keeper of the keys, the successor of Brendan..."

Stopping abruptly the taller man quietly states aloud, "And he is a man, just as you and I are men," turning to look at his companion without a trace of a smile, "at least I'm a man, tell me Arthur has your beard come in yet?"

Arthur's eyes and mouth open wide in shock and disbelief at the comment but the retort is swallowed as he sees a creeping smile start on Timothy's face that is followed by a loud belly laugh. "Please my brother, just now no disrespect was meant to you just as no disrespect is meant to the Abbot when I disagreed with his comments regarding my recent activities. Even before this past evening spent listening to the Abbot, know that I am fully aware of my vows and my responsibilities to the Order. Appearances are not the reality in this case. I have no secular interest in this crew or their Captain, but I humbly disagree with the Abbot, I still believe in the vision that told us the way to St. Brendan's Journal lies through that boot-loving blonde headed walking disaster from Wales. Pirate, Wench, Bootaholic or not, where she and her crew goes I must go if I am to recover the journal."

"But what of me Timothy, I am ready to serve you on this vision, the wharf rats..."
"Still need you. I'm sure Master Martin will be shipping out with the crew and someone needs to keep an eye on the young boys and Wendy. Besides I need you here to watch Amber for me."
"You'll not take Amber with you?"
"Not this trip, I don't have a good feeling about this one. Besides if she stays here that means at least one sensible creature will be in Glen Livet." The protest is never uttered as Arthur sees the big grin once again upon the older monk's face.

The two monks turn and continued walking down the hill from the Mariner's Cathedral toward the docks. Looking about the harbor Brother Timothy noted it was from this very spot that he originally saw the English troops coming ashore not that long ago. The firing of the Dead Man's Tavern and the later rout of the invaders was still fresh in his mind.

As Timothy scanned the harbor a small voice told him something was wrong. A hand on the shoulder stopped the young Arthur in his tracks.
"Look about, is something different or are just my old eyes playing tricks?"
Brother Arthur studied the view in front of them, "all looks normal except that ship to the side, the one flying the English flag, has its gun ports open and seems to be swinging against the tide even though she is at anchor."
"Your eyes are good Arthur but something else is amiss, something so obvious I'm missing it. Keep looking."

"WHERE THE HELL IS MY SHIP???"

The two monks look at each other, the voice was very familiar and coming up the hill from Glen Livet's docks. Without a word both men turned, hiked up their brown habits and ran toward the docks and the sound of a very upset blonde headed wench.


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Reply author: Mad Jack Wolfe
Replied on: 09/25/2007 20:21:41
Message:

The sun rising to warm the morning as Briggs caught first sight of Glenlivet's harbour. For the second since they'd gotten under way, the lookout's voice rang out. "A sail! A sail, heading out of the harbour! Dead ahead, and steering away! She's - she's running!"
Briggs peered at the ship through the perspective glass. She was steering sluggishly, as if her rigging was fouled or there weren't enough hands to work the sails. "Aye, that she is!" he called back. "There's got to be a reason ship's be runnin' like rats! Put your backs into it, lads! Crowd on the canvas!" He turned to the helmsman. "Get us into that harbour. Something's terrible strange about all this, and I'm bettin' Jack's right in the thick of it. Aye, in the thick of it, or we're too late."
__________________________________________________________________________________________________

"WHERE THE HELL IS MY SHIP??!!"
Jack winced and put a finger to his ringing ear. "I have a different, yet related, and certainly quieter question. Where is Cade?"


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Reply author: Martin Montgomery
Replied on: 09/26/2007 06:23:16
Message:

Captain Stuart McClure lowered his spyglass from the obviously drunk and possibly undercrewed ship leaving the harbor and turned to his friend and First Mate,Dylan Yates asking incredulously "Is that incoming ship flying a skull and cross bones!?!? Yates responded, his predatory grin never reaching his hard eyes "Yes Sir! They do appear to be Pirates,and with them coming into the Glen Livet Harbor under full sail I'd bet the fifty gold Guilders each that we were promised from that English fella, that they intend to attack this poor defensless coastal town!!" McClure raised the glass and said under his breath, "Damn but that's a fine looking ship!! Too bad we have to sink her!" Then louder "Mister Yates!! Run out the starboard guns and prepare to fire on that ship!" Yates repeated the order and the "Ravage's" starboard gun crew responded like a well oiled machine,each man doing his duty with the practiced ease that bespoke of long years serving together. The "Ravage's" main guns were specially made using McClure's own design,and each cannon could fire it's load accurately at just over a nautical mile! McClure kept watching through his brass 'scope and saw the incoming ship pass several others that were at anchor, obviously intending to take the slip that was newly emptied. It passed an orderly looking ship that proclaimed itself the "Black Rock" another was turned away from McClure's sight but the name ended with -gan-Donor, still another had sails stained a pale blue. "Yates!" McClure called out to his only friend from childhood, "I bet you can't hit that pirate on the first shot!" The gun's crew chuckled quietly,this was a game played between the two often. "You're on!!"



Title: Re: DEAD MAN'S TAVERN I
Post by: Welsh Wench on May 19, 2008, 08:20:38 PM
Reply author: Lilaney
Replied on: 09/27/2007 08:41:00
Message:

"Captain!"
Lil's face showed the alarm as the ship's began to show aggresion to one another.
WW looked up from fixing the heal of her boot. Her face showed a keen interest, then slowly dissolved into a look of horror.
"They are not serious!"
Elinor pulled out the Telescope again and handed it to WW, who put it up to her eye just to have it snatched out of her hands by the Gent standing next to her.
"Hey!"
He peered out into the bay, making no sound his face showed the emotions he witheld from speaking.
Elinor wrung her hands a bit and scooted closer to a bollard.
"I agree with you Elinor, if this shootin' match goes on like I think it will, I wanna hide too!"
Martin Montgomery moved forward and flanked WW on the her left.
"Captain, isn't that one of our crew over there?"
WW was trying to snatch the telescope back from the gent, he easily kept it out of her reach as he watched the ships. She began making small leaps in the air to get it. The gent seem to expect every jump and just moved it out of the way.
"Hey! Give it back!"
Martin tapped her shoulder to get her attention. She paused in her fruitless attempt and turned to look where Martin was pointing.
Down the pier, where the it met with the quaywall lounged a man. One that looked familiar to Lil, but, being poor with names she could not recall who he was exactly. That was until WW saw him.
"JASON!!!"
Her outburst in close quarters made them all jump, save the man with the telescope.
"Really, Wench, was that nessecary?"
Martin wiggled his ear to get the ringing to stop. The man at the end of the pier looked up, and smiled.



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Reply author: Mad Jack Wolfe
Replied on: 09/27/2007 14:41:10
Message:

Smoke and hellfire erupted from the Ravage's gunports. The crew on the weather deck of El Lobo reacted instinctively to the muzzle flashes and took cover at their stations. Plumes of water shot up on either side of them as they continued headlong at the English ship. Briggs felt the deck shudder beneath his feet as two or more enemy shots struck near the bow and were largely deflected away.

"Hah!! They be fightin' like right proper Navy men, tryin' to hull us at the waterline! Keep us straight on 'em, helm! We're too small a target for their broadsides this way! Now get those muskets into the shrouds! If any a gunport starts to open, I want fire against it! Keep 'em closed, boys!! We're nearly on 'em!"

Twenty men grabbed up muskets, shot, and cartridges and swarm up the ratlines. They knew they had only precious seconds before the enemy ran their guns out again. El Lobo was within 600 yards of the man-o-war, closing fast.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

McClure was astonished. "They're still closing! Why aren't they breaking off??
Yates had never seen his captain caught off guard like this before. "Sir, they intend to ram us!"
"Make sail, now! We'll take the weather gage and pound them once they trap themselves in the harbour. Gunners, fire when ready!!"
The mainsails and topgallants of the H.M.S. Ravager unfurled and caught the wind. The ship was a good sailer and began moving forward toward the mouth of the harbour.

McClure and crew were in for another rude surprise as a steady hail of musket shot began peppering the side of their ship. The men on deck dove for any cover they could find.

"Why aren't you firing?!" McClure roared.
"They're throwing small shot against any port we open, sir!" the Master Gunner called back. "I've four men wounded already!"
"Captain, look." Yates voice was almost a whisper.

El Lobo had steered once again directly at their waist. She was only 300 yards away now, and the pirate hunter couldn't bring a single gun against her.

"Bear off!! Bear off now!! Hard over larboard, and brace for collision!!!" McClure yelled.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Jack stared unblinking as he watched his ship race toward certain destruction. He barely noticed Honour's fingers digging into his arm as she watched the spectacle.
"Our ship..." she whispered.
"Tell you what, love. You can have whatever's left."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Briggs saw the men of the Ravager desperately hauling on the bowlines and braces in an attempt to avoid being rammed.

"We've got her!! Hard to larboard!! Wear away larboard!! Starboard guns, bear up and fire as we pass!! Fire all, damn ye!!" he cried.

With less than a hundred yards space between them, El Lobo sheered away from the pirate hunter toward the town of Glenlivet, lashing out at her enemy with a fiery barrage of hot metal as she slipped past.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

For a few seconds, the decks of the Ravager were a maelstrom of flying debris as their enemy unleashed a hellish broadside at pointblank range. Captain McClure wasn't about to let the offense go unanswered.

"Starboard guns! Fire all!!" he yelled. The powerful guns roared, but El Lobo had moved past their field of fire. McClure watched impotently as the barrage went wide of their intended target and battered the hull and masts of the Azure Tooled. He felt little satisfaction as the unintended target's mainmast twisted, snapped, and slowly fell over into the water.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Jack and company let out a cheer when El Lobo veered off and got the better of her adversary.

"I knew it! Oldest trick in the book, just like I taught him!" he bragged.
Honour was incredulous. "Jack Wolfe, you lying son of a..."
"Captain Wench! Look!" Elinor exclaimed, pointing a the Azure Tooled.

They all watched the stricken ship's mainmast slowly drooped over and fell off.

Jack looked back at Honour. "A friend of your's, I take it?"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Come about!! Larboard guns! Make your target and fire at first opportunity!" McClure barked. "Mr. Yates! Clean up this mess and-" He was cut short as the ship rocked and shuddered. In their efforts to evade the pirate, they'd run over the hulk of the Crude Organ Donor.

"Cap'n, we're breached! We're taking on water in the hold!" a sailor cried.

McClure stared back at the prey that had slipped through his fingers. "Stand down the guns," he said quietly. "Mr. Yates, see to repairs. We're leaving."

Without another word, he slowly walked down the steps to the weather deck and stared out at the open sea.


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Reply author: Lilaney
Replied on: 09/27/2007 15:57:01
Message:

Lil rested her chin in her hands, elbows in her lap as she sat on top of the bollard that had once given protection from the skirmish in the waters ahead of them.
"We Won!"
WW jumped up and down as she cheered and beat the air and the gent next to her with her tiny fists.
Martin laid a steadying hand on her shoulder to cease the jumping, it was making him a bit seasick to watch all that movement.
Elinor came around the bollard and peered into the water.
"I hope they move that British ship, if they don't it will be really hard for the ships in port to get out."
Her observation brought a smile to the lips of the gent who handed her back her telescope.
"Thanks, lass."
Elinor accepted it with a slight smile and a look to wench who was in a quiet conversation with Martin. Lil was curious as to who this man was, he seemed the most normal of the WW's Harem.
"Um, beggin your pardon gent, but, which one of WW's gents are you?"





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Reply author: Welsh Wench
Replied on: 09/27/2007 20:19:06
Message:

"Why, I just happen to be..."
"A good friend of mine, " Wench supplied before Jack could answer.
Jack grabbed her by her elbow and nodded to Lil. "Excuse me, but I have to have a word with my 'good friend' here."
He took her over to the end of the dock and shook her. "What do you mean by 'good friend'? I'm your husband, dangnubbit!"
Wench put her hand on Jack's shoulder and said, "Hold that thought, my boot heel is loose and I need to fix it."
She balanced herself on Jack while she took her boot off. She then proceeded to pound it on the deck and then slipped it back on.
Smiling sweetly, she said, "Now. What were you asking?"
He shook his head and asked, "Were you this scatter-brained when we were married or has your hair gotten blonder?"
She put her hands on her hips and retorted, "I'm going to overlook your testiness right now on account of you were a bit upset about our ship."
"OUR ship?"
Wench furrowed her brow. "Well, sure. Look at it this way. When we got married, I remember the part where you said, 'With this ring, I thee wed and with all my worldly goods I thee endow.' "
It was Jack's turn to be astonished.
Wench said triumphantly, "Aha! You thought I was too drunk to hear that part, didn't you?"
"So..what worldy goods do you think you are entitled to?"
"El Lobo del Mar is a pretty big worldly good, don't you think?"
Jack stood there wordlessly. Wench continued in her usual convoluted trail of thought that made no sense to anyone but herself.
"Jack, look. I don't tell people we are married because, well, they wouldn't look at me the same way. They look at me as a confident captain. You start trying to pin an apron label on me and I turn into a hausfrau in their eyes. They won't think of me as Captain Wench but as Mrs. Jack Wolfe. At that point I lose my own identity and then become a part of you. Or worse, your chattel."
Jack shook his head. "When did I ever try to tie you down?"
She suddenly smiled and said, "You never did. And I think that was what you liked, Jack. We were kindred spirits. Somehow, in a strange way, I think we are bound in spirit. Listen to me! I sound like that voodoo queen, Bonita."

They started to walk back towards the rest of them. Lilaney frowned, "I hate to tell you, Wench, but with the ship gone, we are stuck here in Glenlivet. I suppose I could always seek another form of employment."
Elinor added, "I can always get my position back at the stationer's. And I have enough stories to maybe turn into a book."
Martin said reluctantly, "I suppose I could help with the dockrats. Or open my own tavern."
Wench threw a glance to them all and said, "I have it all figured out. We have a ship and we have a crew."
She turned to Jack and said, "You will be taking us to look for the Knight Hammer. And we can be co-captains! Isn't that a terrific idea?"

Jack had just taken a swallow of rum from his flask and spewed it.
"Are you out of your mind, Honour?"
"No more than you are, 'Mad' Jack."
She leaned forward and whispered in his ear, "And do you still have that cabin with the huge windows?"
"I do."
"Just wondering. I'll be requiring my own quarters. Now, if you don't mind, the feminine part of my crew and I need to do a litte shopping and..JASON! YOU LITTLE PIPSQUEAK! YOU HAVE A LOT OF EXPLAINING TO DO!"
The rest of them jumped a mile.
She marched over to where Mason sat, a fishing pole in the water.
Martin turned to Jack and said, "Did she always break the sound barrier with her yelling?"
Jack took a deep drink of his flask and said sadly, "Aye. For such a small wench, I swear she must be part banshee."
He passed the flask to Martin and said, "Best you drink up. You will probably need it."
Jack pulled a flask out of his boot and opened a new one.
"Briggs will be beside himself to see her again."
Martin took a swig and said, "He likes her, eh?"
"Let's just say he will be hard put to contain his feelings!"

Title: Re: DEAD MAN'S TAVERN I
Post by: Welsh Wench on May 19, 2008, 08:21:45 PM
Reply author: Hibernian
Replied on: 09/28/2007 19:41:29
Message:

While the spectacle of the dueling ships in Glen Livet's harbor held most people's attention, those along the lane leading from the cathedral down to the docks were struck dumb by the vision of two monks, their habits hiked up to their belts and running as if Satan himself were behind them. It was agreed later, that no one in the town could remember such as sight and hopefully this type of shocking display would not be repeated again anytime soon. Pirates were one thing, but one expected better from the clergy.

There is a very good reason that one very rarely sees a monk running. Putting aside for a moment that many monastic orders are cloistered and as such are rarely seen much less seen running, one must consider the clothing of the average member of a monastic order. Imagine running in a heavy gown that reaches to the ankles, a long rope belt wrapping around the legs in the first two strides, and sandals slipping away on the cobblestones. It was only by the grace of God and dumb blind luck that Brother Timothy and his young companion Brother Arthur made it to the docks in one piece. Skidding to a stop Timothy took a moment to do a roll call of body parts, with everything accounted for he took in the situation upon the docks.

"Oh blessed saints, I don't see it, its not here, please it can't be."
"What can't be?" Arthur heard the concern in his friend's voice. "Brother, the fights over and everything appears to be fine."
"It's not the dock or the people, it's the Knight Hammer. The ships gone!"

Arthur scanned the harbor with his eyes, "Are you sure, perhaps they just moved it to a better spot."
"My dear boy, it's a pirate ship, not a delivery wagon! One just doesn't simply pick it up and move it to a better spot. Obviously someone took the bloody ship!"
"I understand, but there are plenty of other ships in the harbor, perhaps you and your friends can pick out another one?"

Brother Timothy was now moving toward the crowd on the dock, looking for a certain familiar face, "Another won't do, I left two very important things on that ship, my personal chest and the friend I left guarding it. Dam it, whoever stole the ship also has Amber."

Arthur stopped as a cold shiver went down his spine, "On this is not going to be pretty."

Brother Timothy brushed by Martin, "Excuse me Martin, I'm looking for her worship our dear Captain."
Lowering the flask, "Ah Brother, you are just in time allow me to introduce a new friend Captain Jack..."
"I'm sorry Martin I really need to find Wench, your pardon Captain but I have an urgent matter..." as Brother Timothy and Captain Jack see each other for what should have been the first time.

"You! The tavern! Elinore! The pistols!" Brother Timothy's staff moved quickly and found it way to the Captain's midsection. Captain Jack bent over took in a deep breath and pulled his pistols. Both men stood face to face with Martin and Arthur trying to get between them.

All heads turned at the shout...Wench!!! Honour!!!



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Reply author: Martin Montgomery
Replied on: 09/30/2007 08:13:52
Message:

Even as Brother Timothy moved,with his heavy brown robes hoisted high, down the long dock with the grace and speed of a much younger man,Martin watched with wonder. Young Brother Arthur was barely keeping pace! Brother Timothy slowed from headlong dash to a more dignified trot,allowing his sweeping robes to fall into place as his eyes traveled the docks length.He turned and asked the burly merchant where "Her Worship" Captain WW was. Trying to shield his captain from the worried monk's sight he stated "Ah Brother, you are just in time allow me to introduce a new friend Captain Jack..." and in that instant all hell broke loose!!! Shouting something that sounded like "Elinor had pistols in the tavern!" Spinning his heavy oaken staff as if it were made instead of hollow reeds the elder monk quickly jammed it's head deeply into Jack's midriff!! Jack had seen the strike coming and had deflected most of the power by catching it on his pistols belt's buckle even as he drew them both! Martin grabbed both guns by the barrels and yanked them out of his hands interposing his bulk between the two men while Arthur tried to sooth his elder.



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Reply author: Mad Jack Wolfe
Replied on: 09/30/2007 16:32:00
Message:

"I have no quarrel with you, until now, good friar!" Jack snarled, as he tried to catch his breath. "I have reason now not you kill you... why?!"

Martin suddenly interposed himself between the two men and yanked the pistols out of Jack's hands. Jack clutched his belly and sat hard on the cobblestones. "Martin, mate, you're becoming a right inconvenient fellow. Blimey!! What in blazes did he hit me with?" Jack curled up on the ground and began taking inventory of his ribs.

"Brother, put it away!" Martin pleaded. "He's giving us passage on his ship! What more do you want from this man?"

Brother Timothy's face flushed with embarrassment. "I saw him arguing with Wench! I thought he was from the English ship. I'm so sorry!"

The monk offered his hand to help Jack back to his feet. Jack slapped it away. "I can manage, thank you very much. It would seem that among this crew, no good deed goes unpunished. Honour! Call off your attack monk!"


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Reply author: Elinor Hakebourne
Replied on: 09/30/2007 18:10:43
Message:

Everything happened so fast that it was all Elinor could do to keep up, and she barely did so. Brother Timothy and Brother Arthur came running, breathless, Brother Timothy went up to Martin, he shouted something at her about pistols, and before she could comprehend what he truly meant, her mind spinning, the monk had hit Jack squarely in the chest. Hard. Martin courageously got between them and stopped the fight before it had barely begun, and Elinor let out a sigh. After hearing Jack yell at Welsh Wench to "call off your attack monk!" she couldn't help but smile a little. "You must forgive Brother Timothy. With all our altercations of late with the English, you can understand his reaction if he thought you sailed with them," she spoke to Jack.

Nevertheless she kept her distance from the monk and the pirate. After all, the last thing she needed was more broken inkwells ruining her parchment again!


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Reply author: Welsh Wench
Replied on: 09/30/2007 19:22:34
Message:

Wench ran over to where Mason was sitting on the edge of the dock. He had a pole in the water and he had a string of fish next to him.
"Ahoy, Captain Wench! Look at the fish I caught! They sure are biting today and I..."
She yanked him up by his shirt collar and put her face right into his.
She said in very careful measured words, "Where-is-my-SHIP??"
Mason baited his hook and cast it off. He said, "It's gone."

She tried very hard to control her temper and for her it was a real effort. She fought the urge to slap Mason upside the head.
"Gunther, I am very well aware that my ship is gone. But you are here on the dock. Fishing and having a successful day, I might add. But that is my point. You were the watch. You are here. The ship is.." Wench gestured to the horizon, "....out there."
"Oh! Well, NOW I can see your confusion, Captain!"
Wench tapped her foot and gave him an 'out with it' motion.
Mason reeled his line back in and shook his head. "Looks like something out there is hungry and took the bait."
She wondered how much pressure it would take to snap Mason's neck in two....

"He took it."
"WHO took it?"
"Your gentleman friend. The one that you left in a heap on the quarterdeck."
"CADE? Why would Cade do that?"
"Because he was trussed up like a Christmas goose from the crossbeam of the crow's nest."
"But...but...why would Cade hang himself upside down unless he wanted a headrush?"
"Oh, he didn't do it! Lilaney did it. You see, she came back on the ship and tripped over him. So she thought he needed some fresh air--at least that is the reason she gave me--and I think what she said was, 'Captain doesn't pick up her toys.' And then she said he needed hung out to dry. So...she asked me and we hung him up there to dry. He wasn't that wet though."

Wench's head was swimming. The ship was gone and Cade was responsible for it? She turned to Mason and asked, "So why aren't you on the ship with him?"
Mason pulled his line up and said, "Gotcha! And ain't it a beauty, Captain? Imagine how good this will taste with lemon and butter..."
She took Mason's hat and jammed it over his nose. "Why-aren't-you-on-MY-SHIP?"
Mason pried the hat back off his nose and rubbed it. "OW! Oh! That's right! He left you a letter."
He fumbled in his shirt pocket and withdrew a sheet.
Wench snatched it out of his hands.

Darling--
I'm sorry if it appears I ran off with your ship. I must admit, that is quite a crew you have assembled. There I was, laying on the quarterdeck trying to figure out why my head was swimming. The last thing I remembered was Jack dumping me on the deck and I heard you two talking. And then a woman came on board and tripped over me. I must have passed out again--I need to check the rum supplies, I think Jack put a big dent in the stock--and the next thing I know, I'm hanging from the crossbeam like a ham.
I convinced Mason to untie me----

Here Wench glared at Mason but he was casting out again----

---and to make a long story short, I needed your ship to find out where The Gryphon drifted off to. I told my crew if I wasn't back in a week, to take the swag and unload it in Port Royale and then come back to pick me up. I honestly thought we'd be on our honeymoon by then. I had no idea that Jack didn't give you the annulment papers like you said. Of course, sometimes you are so distracted, you may have thought it was a boot-bill and put it in a drawer to be paid later.
I'll send the ship back to Glen Livet as soon as I find my ship.
OH! There's a very nice dog here. Don't worry about her, you know how I love dogs and she will be just fine. I'll return her with the ship.
When I get back, I expect you to have your annulment and an answer to my bended knee question. Jack said alot of things about you, that you played me for a fool. But I just can't quite seem to grasp that.
Regardless, we shall discuss our future when I get back. Don't be mad, alright?
I love you.
~~Cade

She exhaled her breath and then a sudden intake so quickly she felt a pain in her chest.
'Amber! He has Amber with him! And Brother Timothy's personal chest. And Gwydion's book...GWYDION'S BOOK!'

She bent down quickly to get the blood to rush to her head before she fainted on the dock. If that book falls into the wrong hands....
She started to hyperventilate and then she heard two voices shout in anger.
"WENCH!!"
"HONOUR!!"

She looked up to see Jack and Brother Timothy engaged in an attempt at combat with Brother Arthur and Martin coming between them.

"Captain! Look at the size of THIS one! Isn't this one a...."
Wench swiftly took her rapier out and sliced the line before she stomped off.
"...keeper?" Mason finished.

SPLASH!!

'Guess she's having a bad day....'
Mason cast his line again and thought, 'Mmm....yep, lemon and butter...'


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Reply author: Hibernian
Replied on: 09/30/2007 23:56:38
Message:

"Brother, put it away!" Martin pleaded. "He's giving us passage on his ship! What more do you want from this man?"

Brother Timothy's face flushed with embarrassment. "I saw him arguing with Wench! I thought he was from the English ship. I'm so sorry!"

The monk offered his hand to help Jack back to his feet. Jack slapped it away. "I can manage, thank you very much. It would seem that among this crew, no good deed goes unpunished. Honour! Call off your attack monk!"

"Honor indeed, what does a person who attacks innocents in taverns know of honor. You should consider yourself blessed, I was winded from the run and didn't get the proper stroke. If I were twenty years younger you wouldn't be talking to us right now. Besides, it was your fault."

"What!?" The pirate's pained response came out nearly as a yelp due to either his touching a cracked rib or the surprise and bedevilment that just by standing on a dock and drinking rum from a flask he was responsible for that same cracked rib. "Correct me if I'm wrong oh good man of the cloth, but it was you who ran onto this dock and attacked me without so much as a fine 'how do you do' or even a simply 'pleased to meet' you before suddenly wham, bam, and the grand oak of the forest comes crashing into my rib cage. Perhaps if you were twenty years younger you old fool you would have noticed I didn't even know you were here! How am I responsible!"

"It has been written that a man must be responsible for his own past actions, and your recent actions brought this upon you."

Struggling to his feet, Jack waved Martin off while keeping his left arm firmly pressed against his side as if holding his ribs in placed. "Spare me the theology lesson friar, put the smoke and incense away; give me a clear answer."

The monk looked about and motioned Elinore over. Taking her by the arm he brought her over to stand in front of Jack. "Child it was not merely his arguing with Wench that brought my action, look closely at him and think back to the other day. The English were searching all of Glen Livet for our blonde headed Captain, the same Captain who did not even realizing there was a price on her head, and then you were brought to the Dead Man Tavern held and threatened at gun point unless you gave up information on your Captain and your friend. You'll remember it was Lilaney and myself who freed you from the man who threatened your life, from the man who we thought threaten our friend Wench. Look at his face, listen to his voice, is it any wonder I thought ill of him?""

Elinore's eyes widen with recognition, "You! Oh my god, you, Brother's right, it was you, you...and I thought you were Wench's friend, why you're nothing but a wolf in sheep's clothing!" The sound of glass knocking together could be heard as Elinore started toward Jack and began to wind up for a swing with her satchel.

Still on the alert Martin quickly moved to intercept Elinore as Brother Arthur took her satchel.

"Bloody hell not again!" Guarding his ribs and ducking behind Martin Jack cried out for help just as Martin whose hands were full with Elinore cried out for help too.

"WENCH!"
"HONOUR!"

Title: Re: DEAD MAN'S TAVERN I
Post by: Welsh Wench on May 19, 2008, 08:24:18 PM
Reply author: Martin Montgomery
Replied on: 10/01/2007 04:32:50
Message:

Bodily lifting Elinor by gently putting a ham sized hand on each of the scribes hips,Martin called "Wench!" as he turned and set her down away from Jack ,who cried out "Honour!",scampering to stay behind the burly man where,for now,it was safe. Wench was berating Mason,Brother Timothy and Brother Arthur were loudly discussing the fact that everyone deserves a second chance,even Pirates! Seeing his friends both old and new fighting while,in his mind,the true culprit was sailing away with the ship that has become his home over the past months. "Enough!!" He raised his voice,venting his frustration in the one harsh word. The crowded dock fell quiet,only the waves breaking on the pilings and the happy mutterings of Mason still fishing contentedly off the docks end. Bending and retrieving the fallen pistols the heavyset merchant turned back to Jack,who now had his breathing under control,and presented them butt first to him. Then putting an arm around the astonished man's shoulders he smiled,making sure to show all of his teeth,and said "Jack,meet your new crew members! Before anyone could say a word Martin spoke again "If we are going to set sail as soon as our new vessel docks,I for one need to get a few things from the Double Diamond Warehouse,my clothes were on the "Knight Hammer"! Can I have the DockRats bring anything for anyone else?" At the mention of this conversation broke out again,but it was a variety of objects that the Crew would need to replace what had set sail with the stolen/borrowed ship. Martin had caught sight of several DockRats coming to the docks to fish and signaled them over,to Jack he asked "What do you think your men could use on your ship? I have a good relationship with a supply house here and we can have it here within the hour. I doubt we can catch up to our good friend Captain Cade" He motioned to the dissapearing sail on the horizen. "By the way I can supply you with plenty of good tobacco that doesn't offend WW too much!"


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Reply author: Elinor Hakebourne
Replied on: 10/01/2007 11:11:14
Message:

From her place standing behind Martin, Elinor crossed her arms in anger at Jack, and in frustration at herself.

How easily one forgets... In her memory, she could hear her old employer speaking on one of her first days as an apprentice, as she forgot his many rules for arranging the books in his shop. She'd blushed then in embarassment, but now her cheeks were flushed in hatred. Hatred at the pirate whom they now would turn towards for aid in finding their beloved Knight Hammer, but also hatred at herself, for forgetting the wrongs done carelessly to her. How could I? she thought. She then vowed never to forget what Jack Wolfe had done to her, but resolved at the same time never to seek retribution. For life shouldn't be lived courting vengeance, she thought. Although I could always speak unfavorably of him in our Ship's logs...if I ever get them back...

And with that thought, her mind snapped back to her surroundings, hearing Martin ask the crew if the Dock Rats were needed to fetch anything else. In the din that followed, Elinor remembered her belongings that needed to be picked up from her room at the Dead Man's Tavern. Following Martin as he traveled over towards Jack, and listening to him discuss tobacco, she stepped on the tips of her toes and tapped him on the shoulder.

"Martin? I still have belongings at the Dead Man's Tavern that need to be retrieved. I don't wish to leave them here." Martin nodded and motioned to one of his DockRats, whispering directions to the young lad, who scampered off in such a haste that Elinor barely had time to say, "Be careful with them! Walk, don't run back, I don't want them to be dropped!" As she turned back, the other members of the crew stared at her, trying to figure out what she was up to.

And with a glare at Jack, and a mischevious smile at the rest of the crew assembled, she replied, "What? Captain Wench isn't the ONLY one with a surprise or two up her sleeve!"


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Reply author: LairdeGuardnMCrack
Replied on: 10/02/2007 23:45:57
Message:

"Stout all around and no charge" were the first words he shouted upon his return to M'Crack's Own Pub after the melee "and music, loud and cheerful" he looked about to the staff of his place and those with instruments.

"a fine fight indeed, the british dogs on the run, so now we celebrate" he shouted before he waved over to Lexi (known to the family as Nail'n), the head bar wench, to join him, and once he was sure the music and cheering were loud enough so that he not be overheard, he whispered to her. "Gather some of the Oculus Nox and send them to my room upstairs, keep this party going and loud, but post a watch on the end of each alley and the roofs to ensure that we can not be surprised. Make sure the family keeps a calm head and once all others but the clan are out of the pub allow no other in, keep enough downstairs to keep the sounds of a celebration going, and have the rest join me as well" sending her off, he retired to his chambers to rest, clean-up and wait for Lexi and the Nox to arrive.

Once in his room he had time to think clearly, and plan as well. The fight with the british proved two things to him....The septs of the clan had not been gathered for a long time and that most of the clan had become indolent with just hanging around the island. The time for idleness was over, Timmy (he laughed in his own mind knowing he should have to remember to call him Brother Timothy in public) had reminded him of the honor and tradition of the
clan and the melee reminded him of the fact that they had been silent for too long.





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Reply author: Welsh Wench
Replied on: 10/03/2007 22:11:34
Message:

"Oh, for the love of God, what is going ON?'' Wench said exasperatedly as she stood next to the two would-be combatants. Jack touched his ribs and grimaced, bent over and trying to take deep breaths and with each one, a new wave of pain.
"Jack, are you alright?"
"No, I am NOT alright. I think your monk here swings first and asks for forgiveness later."
Brother Timothy turned to Wench and said, "This is the man who pulled the pistols on me and Elinor at the tavern. He almost took her hostage."
Wench turned to Jack and exclaimed, "You didn't!"
He winced. "Alright, so I must have made a mistake. So shoot me."
She started to look for a pistol on her person and Jack yelled at her, "Oh, for the love of God, I didn't mean that literally!"

She looked over at Jack who was taking in shallow breaths.
"Jack, what IS the matter?"
Jack said with a tight voice, "His Holiness here rammed me with that pole he carries. It hit my pistol belt buckle and deflected it to my ribs. Now I think they are cracked...OW!"
She sighed. "Let me look."
She deftly touched his ribs.
"How about here?"
"No."
"Here?"
"No."
"Here?"
"No, not---OW! RIGHT THERE!"
"They are cracked, allright. Let me bind them up."
She reached by her waist and pulled a drawstring. A flutter of sheer silk dropped like a leaf in autumn. She ripped it in strips and bound it around Jack's midsection.
"That will have to do until I can get the doctor to look at you and maybe get some laudanum for the pain."

She then turned to Hibernian. "Alright, so what seems to be the problem here?"
Hibernian's face flushed. "He was yelling at you and I mistook him for an English soldier. I should have realized what you were saying were words of love at a decibel-splitting level. But we have a bigger problem on our hands right now."
"I know. The fisherman from Gorton--or Gunther or Jason or whatever I decide to call him--informed me your chest and Amber and Gwy---never mind. There's alot of things there. I say we all meet at Dead Man's Tavern in an hour and we will discuss the merging of the crews."
Jack pulled back. "What do you mean, the 'merging of the crews?'


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Reply author: LairdeGuardnMCrack
Replied on: 10/04/2007 01:06:02
Message:

As soon as Nail'n and at least 4 of the clans night eyes arrived in his room, he blinked and rose from the chair he had taken refuge in to wait. His face stern, he looked to all those gathered and did but take one breath before his orders were issued. Using the names that only the family would know he laid out what he wanted.

"Cover, I need to gather the clan and all the chieftons and nox......as Dublin will have need of us.....go to the Black Adder Pub on the far east side of the island and then to the White Horse Tavern to the far northeast....and let the Clan Boru and O'Morda know I require their support, send Bee'n from the Boru north to the Clan White and muster all of them that she can"

with the accepting nod to the task given, he quickly looked to another of the Oculus Nox....

"Up...your mission is of great importance...go west, and find the O'Neill's, they are Dublin's own sept, and then continue on to the westernmost regions and find Deep'n, and tell him to come and bring all he can from Clan Griffin"

he could hardly keep the smile from his face as two of the Oculus Nox were gone before he could finish his orders to the others......so turning then to Lexi

"Nail'n, you know that I trust you dearly, so now that my second will be gone, you will become my Nox, your job is to maintain the security of M'Cracks Own Pub and the O'Ceallaig's and make arrangements for the arrival of the septs" He looked around for his tankard, to find it close by the chair he had been resting in and full again with a fine stout, a sip was taken and a smile given to Nail'n before he continued.

"Thrice'n send word to your husband Smootch, and have him bring the Hoodoo's Pride to port, let him know we the family sails again like we did with Grace......"

It was only after all those that needed to leave had left he looked over to Yankin.......

"Find Dublin and let him know that I have called the family....ask him to come to see me if he can, but if he can not, tell him we bring O'Mally's greatest ship, the Pride, and it is at his disposal."

It only seemed like a moment before he was opening one of the upper windows and calling out of the pub down to the street below...

"Yankin....remember to call him Brother Timothy"

he chuckled and went back to sipping his tankard, his foot beginning to tap to the music coming from the pub below.


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Reply author: Mad Jack Wolfe
Replied on: 10/04/2007 13:09:32
Message:

"What do you mean, the 'merging of the crews?'" Jack winced as his ribs argued with him again. "Will everyone please SHUT IT for moment! Let's clear the air, shall we, before there's any more talk of any of you setting so much as one toe aboard my ship." Honour opened her mouth to interrupt, and Jack stabbed a finger at her to cut her off. "Tut! Hush! I've got the floor now! There'll be no merging until we get a few things sorted out here."

He drew a ragged breath as Honour's crew glared at him. "I concede that I didn't start off on the right foot with a few... all right, most of you, but has your Captain bothered to tell you how I fought along side her to disrupt the English lines? And that I made certain she got out of it all safely while your gang were off enlisting the aid of Field Marshall Mittens and his Kitty Cavalry? Don't mistake me; that was an impressive feat with the cats, but I doubt you've endeared yourselves to the local fishing trade. Oh, and that chap she was interrogating in the tavern? We'd not be having this chat unless someone - me, for example - intervened."

"We appreciate you taking care of our Captain," Hiberian interjected, "if it really happened. Even if it did, how can we as her crew ever trust you?"

"You have a knack for reminding me why I'm not a papist, Friar," Jack replied acidly. "Personally, I could care less if you trust me. Fact is, you need me, and you need my ship. El Lobo and her 60-some souls, who, by the way, will no doubt take a dim view of having their shares diluted, are your only real chance of catching your wayward ship. So unless Hon... er, Captain Wenchie has a mast and a lot of sails in her bodice - and if pleasant memories serve -"

Honour's eyes flared. "Your point, Jack?!"

"My point, my crimson cheeked darling, is simply this." He leaned over gingerly and picked up a set of oars. "If it's everyone's intent to keep me playing the fox to their hounds, I'll just row out to my ship, broken ribs or no, and let you all shift for yourselves. Or we can hammer out a set of articles, all civilized like, dispense with the shilly shallying, and chase down the Knight Hammer before Cade tangles himself in the rigging again. Do we have an accord, Captain?"

Title: Re: DEAD MAN'S TAVERN I
Post by: Welsh Wench on May 19, 2008, 08:25:59 PM
Reply author: Welsh Wench
Replied on: 10/04/2007 19:49:51
Message:

Wench stood there and bit her lip. She looked over at her crew who looked expectantly at her.
"You want me to hammer out a set of articles? ME, of all people?"
Jack cocked his hat and, looking from under the brim, said cooly, "Yes. YOU. Especially of all people."
He tapped the oars on his open palm.
"Tick tock, tick tock, time is running out. NO? Have a nice time catching up to your ship while you are land-locked, love."
He turned and walked about twenty feet away when he heard her clear voice call out, "Wait!"

Jack turned abruptly on his heel and sauntered back to her. He tried a low bow but yelled, "Ow! dangnubbit!"
He held his ribs and swore.
Wench looked him in the eyes and said, "I think we should discuss the merger----"
"Merger? I think not. More like you are hitching a ride."
"--as I was saying, the offer of a lift to find my borrowed-without-permission ship."
"And the set of articles. Signed."
"WHAT? You actually expect me to SIGN something?"
"Aye. I do."
"I'm your wife, for pity's sake!"
Jack looked up in the sky and recited, " 'The Code of the Brethren as set for by the pirates Morgan and Bartholomew...'"
She tossed her head and said imperiously, "Very well. Meet me in my room at Dead Man's Tavern in an hour."
To her crew she said, "Don't worry. I know what I am doing."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Kate sat cross-legged on the bed. "I don't know, Wenchie, this is all pretty half-baked."
"Oh, no, it's completely baked."
She slid a red dress over her head. "Now, please help me lace up the back."
Kate came off the bed and sighed. "Alright, hold onto the bedpost and suck in!"
Kate planted her knee in Wench's stern-quarters and yanked back.
"Ooof!" she squeaked out. "Thank you!"
Kate sat back down. "He's dangerous."
"Of course he is. The night I married him, I called him a dangerous, magnificent bastard. Nothing has changed."
She ran a brush through her hair and pinned it on top. Tendrils fell down around her face. Kate laughed. "Bed head."
Wench retrieved a pair of boots from under the bed. "And you know just what to do?"
Kate recited, "I wait fifteen minutes and then knock on the door and say, 'Wench! There's a man down here to see you and he won't take no for an answer!"
Wench made a circle with her finger and thumb. "Perfect!"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Precisely as the hour struck, Jack showed up at her door. Kate opened it and said, "I was just leaving."
She left quickly and Wench said, "You may as well come in, we need to get this over with. The articles."
Jack sat down on the bed and patted a spot next to him.
She sat down and primly folded her hands in her lap.
He withdrew papers out of his waistcoat. She jumped up. "You already had them in WRITING?"
"Well, sure. Just the standard agreement."
"In your dreams!" she said hotly.
"No sign, no ship, Honour. Simple as that."
She sat down again and bit her nail. "I've got an idea. Let's do it this way. You pirate what you want. My crew, most of them, have independent ways of paying for their expenses. We have never done a day of pirating and---"
Jack started to laugh and then groaned at his cracked ribs. "You've never even taken ONE SAIL?"
She said haughtily, "We didn't have time to get around to it, what with the windows being blown out and Vardus dying--not once but twice!--and the Loreion and Tortuga and..."
"I can see this won't be a conventional crew. You, my dear, are 'cruising'. What do you propose?"
"My crew will not interfere with your shenanigans. We will provide you with one gourmet cook. We shall not want a share of your booty. In return we expect to look for the Knight Hammer while your--whatever it is you do--is still going on."
"Deal. Shall we seal it?"
He moved closer.
She put her hand up and said, "And I shall require my own quarters. Kate, Lil and Elinor have always shared, they get along wonderfully. Brother Timothy and Martin will each have their own rooms."
"Honour, this isn't the damned HMS Queen---whoever she is now. This is a PIRATE SHIP as you so well remember."
"Can't Briggs bunk with you?"
Jack stood up quickly and bounced Honour off the bed.
He glared at her. "Me. Have Briggs share my quarters? HELL NO!"

She stood up and folded her arms and said, "Well, where am I going to sleep? I thought Briggs wouldn't mind if I---"
"Briggs give up his quarters for YOU? Think again, darling!"
"Well, where do you think I am going to sleep?"

He looked her in the eyes and said, "I believe you know your way around my quarters quite well and know how comfy the bed can be, Mrs. Wolfe."

The silence was palpable. She then said haughtily, "I shall require two hooks, a rope and a blanket."
Jack grinned, "Are you sure you really aren't Madame Gisele?"
She said cooly, "You haven't seen anything yet, Captain Jack Wolfe. Do we have an accord then?"
She extended her hand and he reached over and pulled her to him.
He breathed in her ear, "Aye. An accord! And more!"
She felt her knees go a little weak.

Just then there was a knock on the door.
"Wench? There's a man down here to see you and he won't take no for an answer!"
"I'll be right there, Kate! I'm afraid we shall have to cement our alliance another time, Captain. Duty calls!"



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Reply author: LairdeGuardnMCrack
Replied on: 10/05/2007 01:28:56
Message:

Looking like the sweet little Irish Lass she was, she was able to find Doublin and whisper the words to him, while she folded her hands in front of herself to appear as innocent as the day was long.

"the chiefton wishes me to tell you, the M'Cracks sail again and Hoodoo's Pride is at your beck and call"

She would smile sweetly and give him a wink.....

"and our chiefton said I must call you Brother Timothy"

the giggle as she spoke, could have melted a spartan 3000......


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Reply author: Hibernian
Replied on: 10/05/2007 21:45:05
Message:

He felt himself losing control and did not like it. Recent events had been moving too quickly and he had allowed himself to be drawn into them without thinking and the result of his thoughtlessness and inappropriate action was there for all to see.

Actions without thinking always create chaos, and in this case the chaos was not good. Seeing the pirate arguing amongst his companions, without proper consideration he had struck Captain Wolf with the full intent of doing him harm, and from the look of pain on the pirate's face every breath demonstrated how well he had succeeded. A part of himself smiled that despite being in excess of 50 years he hadn't lost his touch; while another part was shocked that he could so quickly move to violence for an answer.

Mentally he reviewed his past lessons that the loss of control must not happen again, too much was at stake and depended on his staying with the blonde wench till the very end. Ironic that she and the crew would need the assistance of her acknowledged if not accepted husband to seek the Hammer and her latest paramour. A new appreciation for the vow of celibacy brought a small sigh from his mouth and he moved apart from the others to try and clearly think and consider the current situation and his next steps.

It wasn't until he turned away that he noticed her standing quietly and waiting. He remember her face, there was something about the eyes and the body language that instantly shouted M'Crack. As she approached he spread his arms in welcome, "Well met Cousin, Pax nobiscum." In a sweet voice that only the two of them could hear she replied "and to you Cousin...Timmy." "Why me Lord," and the two embraced.

Having fulfilled the clan chief's charge she stepped back to await Brother Timothy's answer. "Give Guard'n my respect and my thanks, I will attend him as soon as I am able. Now get going and mind you be careful there are still some English strays lurking about in the shadows."

Yankin laughed as she ran down the dock and disappearred around the corner, "It's those English dogs that should be careful, there never has been one born yet that could track a M'Crack."

"Lord, do you mean it as a test, or is my association shall we say with all theses independent minded women a running joke in the heavens? Doesn't anyone stay home and obey their husbands anymore?"


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Reply author: Mad Jack Wolfe
Replied on: 10/06/2007 22:35:43
Message:

As Honour brushed past, Jack drank in her seductive scent of jasmine. "How many more times, Jack Wolfe, shall you allow that seductive tramp l'oiel get the better of you?" he asked himself. "As often as it takes, I suppose." With that, he wandered down out of the tavern and back to the waterfront. El Lobo was just tying up.

"Jack! Ye sorry son of a papist's daughter! You're alive!!" Briggs cried as he clambered down the gangway and hugged Jack off his feet.

"Aye, as are you!" Jack coughed as he tried to hide his broken ribs. "Now, what the hell was that dim bulb and bull playing about with my bloody ship out there?! Answer me that!!"

Briggs was taken aback, but straightened himself to answer. "Captain! I engaged the enemy and made them soil themselves for all the soddin' world to see, SAH!" He snapped a farcical Navy salute, to which he and Jack dissolved in laughter.

"That, my friend, was more than a bit of inspired warfare. Bloody, bloody brilliant! You've more than earned your week's pay, Josiah! Despite the surprise I have in store for you."

Briggs' laughter stopped short. "Jack, that's ne'er a good omen, when ye go involving my pay and surprises. What are we in for? It's not that accursed Monique DuPre, is it? She's been chasin' ye all over the Carribee since we left Petit Goave!"

"No, It's not Monique, though her name's come up. Think back a bit. Castara Bay, if that jars a memory."

The blood drained from Briggs' face. "Sweet Mother and child. Not her. Please, please say it's not her.

"Aye. And she has a crew."

"A crew?! After all her caterwauling when we fought Medoza? What the flyin' hell is in your head, Jack?"

"She wore... the red dress." Jack said quietly.

"The red dress?"

"Aye."

Briggs took a deep breath and ground his teeth as he marched back up the gangway. "Make hurry the repairs, ye scabrous dogs! Double time! And hold tight to what yer fathers gave ye! Mrs. Jack Wolfe will be comin' aboard, and the Powers save us all, she's got a bleedin' crew in tow!!


Title: Re: DEAD MAN'S TAVERN I
Post by: Welsh Wench on May 19, 2008, 08:28:14 PM
Reply author: Welsh Wench
Replied on: 10/07/2007 20:07:52
Message:

Wench stood around the corner of the tavern's public room and saw Jack leave the tavern.
She walked over to Lorelei who was tending to the filling of tankards.
"Wench, when are you going to settle down? You've been a flake ever since you blew into town two years ago."
"I don't know what you mean. Haven't I always landed on my feet?"
She sat down and Lorelei gave her a tankard of ale.
Lorelei grabbed a rag and started to wipe down the tabletop.
She said quietly, "It won't bring him back, you know."
Wench stared at her tankard and said, "I am sure I don't know what you are talking about, Lorelei."
"You know exactly what I mean, Wench. Good grief, it's been five years! Time to let go of ghosts. I'm sorry that he died, but that was a long time ago. You have to move on. Stop living in the past, and look what you have right in front of you."

Wench looked at her and fought back the tears that were forming in her eyes. "I am responsible for his death, Lorelei."
"No, you weren't. Rhys Morgan made a conscious choice. He could have walked away."
A tear traced down her face and she wiped it away from her face with the back of her hand. She said softly, "I couldn't stay with Jack."
"Why not? You married him."
She took a deep drink of her tankard and said, "I wouldn't watch him die."

She put her elbow on the table and rested her hand in the palm of her hand.
"Ever hear of Diego de Castille y Mendoza?"
Lorelei shook her head. Wench continued, "He was Jack's nemesis. Jack never told me about him, and I never knew what was going on. Not even when it was all over. But on the passage back to Barbados from Castara Bay, Jack spied Mendoza's ship. He was like a man possessed. He told me to get below and I did. Lorelei, I was never so scared in my life! A sniper was in the rigging and he took aim at Jack with a musket. Briggs saw it, took aim and shot at the same time the sniper did. If he hadn't, I have no doubt Jack would be dead. The ball lodged in Jack's shoulder. Our ship had no doctor and I had to dig the musketball out. Briggs was busy with the more serious casualties. I got Jack back to our cabin and gave him massive doses of whiskey and I had to remove the ball by myself. I almost passed out. But I did it. I dug it out and I stitched him up. And at that moment, I knew it wouldn't work between us. I thought it was just a matter of time before the pyracy all caught up with Jack. He was running like a man on borrowed time. And....I loved him too much at that time to watch him die."

Lorelei patted her friend's hand. "Lord Conaway would be surprised at what his little girl has become."
Wench laughed ruefully. "He never cared. He unloaded his 'problem child' on Lord Castlemaine and I never went back home."
"Rhiannon, what about the rest of the men?"
Wench looked up sharply at Lorelei. "I thought we agreed way back when I first landed in Glenlivet that we would never say...that name."
"It's just the two of us here."
She laughed derisively, "They were only a night's entertainment. Or a means to use for a shopping spree. I never loved them. Some of them I didn't even like."
"What of Daemon Vardus?"
"Daemon and I were...a moment. That was all it was. A closeness between captain and a first mate. Only his first mate happened to be a woman."

"Why did you marry Jack Wolfe, Rhiannon?"
"Too much whiskey and I was in a dead-end job as a tavern wench in Barbados."
"Two years after Rhys died? Why Jack Wolfe?"
A minute of silence passed as Lorelei looked steadily at Wench.
Finally she said defiantly, "You aren't going to let up until I answer you, are you?"
Lorelei said nothing.
Finally Wench stood up and said with vehemence, "I loved him, alright? He wasn't Rhys. And for once I never pretended he was. But he was the first man that could stand in Rhys' boots. He came oh, so close to Rhys! Happy now? Happy that you made me go into a place in my heart I swore I never would again?"
Lorelei said quietly, "Do you still love Jack Wolfe?"
Wench stood up, slammed a few guilders on the table and said softly, "Yes. Yes, I do. And I will deny it with my last breath."
And she walked out of the tavern.



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Reply author: Martin Montgomery
Replied on: 10/09/2007 07:09:35
Message:

As the bustling dock cleared and everyone went to pack,find replacements for something left on the "Knight Hammer" or in most cases,attend one more party until the time to set sail once more. The burly merchant watched as the "El Lobo Del Mar" smoothly came to lightly kiss the worn wood of the dock that so recently had been the "Knight Hammer's" berth. Martin took note of the workmanlike way that the skilled crew dropped the gangplank even before others had looped the ships' heavy hawsers around the bollards set at the end of the dock. He quietly veiwed the manly greeting that a sturdy looking man,probably the First Mate, Briggs gave his friend and Captain. His eyes scanned the "El Lobo",to his eyes,it appeared as good as any deep sea going ship could look after entering a habor under the gun and chasing off a gunship like the "Ravage." Martin waited until the crew had settled down and most had gone into town,then he appoached the sailor who stood guard at the gangplanks end. "Excuse me son" he kept his voice low and non-threatening yet he was met with a loaded pistol that seemed to leap from the young man's belt! "Stay where ye arrrr and explain yer business with th' ship o' the best Captain on th' high seas!" Martin sighed and thought of his "Business Partners" The DockRats. "Son,you remind me of some of my young friends. They just needed some direction in their lives!" Shaking his head he addressed the armed youth once more "Are you familiar with the story of your captain's..... wife?" The youngster blinked and uncertainy showed in his eyes. He'd heard the hushed stories of the infamous young woman who had twisted his Captain's mind into virtual pretzels with "Blonde" logic, a shameless attitude and a Red Dress! "Yeah,I heard she was back in his life,but ain't no amount o' red material gonna cover up some things" He sneered "An' one of them is ....you ain't her!" A cruel smile crossed the young man's lips as he guestured back towards the dock with the pistol "Go on,Git!" In the instant that his pistol's bore no longer pointed at the heavyset man,Charlie Simkins felt as if his wrist was in a vise and he dropped the weapon from suddenly nerveless fingers! Martin,with his right hand gripping the sailors' right wrist, took one slow step after another up the gangplank and for each one of his,poor Charlie took two steps backwards. Martin,still speaking quietly stated "Son,your Captain has been good enough to take the dispossessed crew of the good ship "Knight Hammer" on and that makes us shipmates,so if you will be so kind as to point me towards the ships' mess I won't snap your arm off and use it to flavor the soup!!" Charlie pointed,with his left hand,over his shoulder to the hatch leading to the mess and then tried to rub the feeling back into his now throbbing,newly freed arm. "Thank you kindly M'boy,thank you! Martin move passed Charlie with a gentle pat on the left shoulder and a toothy smile "We should get along just fine!"


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Reply author: Hibernian
Replied on: 10/09/2007 23:12:17
Message:

It was obvious what was going to happen, the story had been played out before, the actors were on stage and knew their assigned roles, soon enough the predetermined conclusion would be reached. He slowly turned away from the docking ship and started walking deeper into the town. "The only unanswered questioned is will Mad Jack be Lucky Jack this evening."

"I'm sorry Brother did you say something?" Elinor had been close enough to hear the rhetorical question.

"Not really my dear, just musing about how a Captain has everything in order upon the ship except that which is dearest and closest to the heart." A pause and then the smile returned to his face, "I trust that the two Captains will come to a mutually agreeable arrangement and that we will most likely sail upon the morning tide. Elinor my young scribe, should anyone have need of me I shall be at Dead Man's Tavern this evening. Stay safe and be careful, you will soon be sailing with a new crew made up of pirates who may not know exactly how to deal with the likes of us."

Watching the monk walk away, her hand moved to check the carefully concealed bodice knife. "I can take care of myself..."

Suddenly the young man at the Lobo's gangplank aimed his psitol at Martin, "Stay where ye arrrr and explain yer business with th' ship o' the best Captain on th' high seas!"

"...Oh my" Elinor stood dead still watching Martin. "I think I can take care of myself."



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Reply author: Elinor Hakebourne
Replied on: 10/10/2007 11:05:23
Message:

Watching Martin interact with one of the crew of the El Lobo, Elinor found herself rooted to the ground. After a bit, it seemed that Martin had gotten in a scuffle with the crewman, but, strangely, released him from his grip and patted him on the shoulder! The danger--for now--passed, Elinor found she could move again, and from a place in her memory out came the realization that the DockRat that Martin had sent off to fetch her belongings hadn't returned yet. A frown creasing her forehead, she left Martin and raced back to the tavern to see what had become of the young lad.

She found the young member of the DockRats outside the tavern joking with a few of his friends. She sighed and marched over to him with all the confidence and authority she could muster. "And I suppose you were waiting till a convenient time to bring my things back to the ship?" She asked, raising her eyebrows. The boy's head slowly turned in her direction, and a look of embarassment crossed his face. Elinor was sure that if it wasn't night, she would have been able to see that he was blushing as well.

She gave him a weak smile. "Not to worry. I'm in town for the night, so I will have no problem doing your job for you." And with that, she left the group of boys to their excited whispers as she passed them, entering the tavern and returning to her lodgings for the rest of the night.


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Reply author: Lilaney
Replied on: 10/10/2007 11:50:54
Message:

Lil reclined back against a bollard and adjusted her new skirts, allowing for one leg to drape off the side of the pier and the other to stick straight out in front of her.
"So, that is the ship we are going to be taking to save our ship?"
She looked over and to the left of her position on the pier; she was not twenty feet from the gangplank. Staring up into its rigging, she calculated speed.
Subconciously, she began swinging her leg in time with the lapping waves.
"Not a bad bit of boat, needs some sprucing up, but, it can get us out of here at a good clip"
Lil settled a bit more and prepared for a long wait; hanging out on the docks dressed as she was and also being a women, might draw unwanted attention. But, it also made you invisible to passersby. Doxies were commonplace around the piers.
Lil made a subtle check around the area, it looked like the time just before honest people go to bed and the trouble of the night slowly begins to stir.
She looked back at the ship, it floated peacefully in its mooring.
The boistrous songs and music were a lullaby that the ships in harbor swayed in time too.
'Looks to be a peaceful watch tonight' She thought, adjusting herself a bit farther into the shadow that the bollard cast as the nightwatchmen lit the oil and the taverns began to crowd with their night's earnings.


Title: Re: DEAD MAN'S TAVERN I
Post by: Welsh Wench on May 19, 2008, 08:29:25 PM
Reply author: Ice Mage
Replied on: 10/10/2007 21:01:57
Message:

*As WW rounded the corner out of the Tavern, she entirely missed the man entering. Before she could even look up from the ground she was focussed on, she was laying on it. With a large thud WW was on her butt. Angry over what Lorelei had drug out of her, and irritated by this fool whom had knocked her down. She shot a glare of death at the man above her. The man reached his hand down to lift her up, when the light crossed his face. It was Prometheus trying to offer her his hand.*

"I'm sorry milady, let me help you up."

*She growned in irritation, but accepted his hand none the less.*

"I'm sorry about that, i did'nt see you coming."

'Well if you would only watch where you were walking!'

"I am sorry milady; about the way i bumped into you, and about what happened to your ship. I heard it was stolen by pirates."

'Yeah well, i know just who did it. When i catch up to him, he'll wish he had never crossed me. You of all people should know!'

*Prometheus lightly chuckled under his breath.*

"Yeah...... I do."

*An uncomfortable silence crossed over them. They looked each other in the eye's, and a unspoken understanding connected between them.*

"Iiiiiii.....Uhhhhhhh. wanted to get a suggestion from you on another captain i might book passage with. Since the Knight Hammer has been lost, i am kind of in a bind. Queen Bonnie wanted me to sail with you, i figured the least i can do is use a substitute of your suggestion."




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Reply author: Martin Montgomery
Replied on: 10/11/2007 07:46:58
Message:

Boarding the "El Lobo" With no blood shed put Martin in a fine mood "Who would have known" He thought "That up til I set foot on the "Knight Hammer" I'd ne'er spent time on a sea-going vessel of any size." Unconsciously humming a few bars of "Roll Your Leg Over" the burly merchant lifted the hatch and clambered down the steep stairway and followed the companionway aft. Passing several storerooms that looked,to his experienced eye, too well stocked for a ship that had been long at sea, He came to the galley it consisted of two large iron pots that dangled over a protective brick "sandbox" which kept the wood fire from engulfing the ship. If the "El Lobo" was ran like this galley appeared to be, it would sink soon before they left the harbor!! The man seated on a short stool with his back to Martin stirred the contents of the left pot with a long handled spoon clearing his throat Martin asked "Excuse me sir! Are you the cook here?" The man switched to stirring the pot that bubbled on the right,the noxious smelling liquid sluggishly moved and he continued to ignore the burly man. Putting his hand on the left shoulder of the man and slightly shaking him ,to once more try to get the man's attention Martin said "Pardon me! I'm looking for the......OMIGAWD!!!!" Letting out a startled yelp as the other man's right hand quickly seized his wrist.The merchant looked down and saw a sight that brought close to home the fierce nature of life on a Free Trader or pirate ship. "Whaddya doooin',sneakin'up on me lak 'at? Whoooo inna 'ell ar ye?" The man had half turned when he'd grabbed Martin's wrist and the full extent of his injuries came into view. The unfortunate individual that was seated alone in the galley was proof of what could and did happen when you live by the strength of your swords and guns. The cook's ruined right hand had only it's thumb and index finger, the others were mere uneven stumps,he wore a patch over his left eye and his right rolled around in it's sockett until it found the large man,squinting at the small amount of bright sunlight that found it's way down the long tunnel-like corridor,suddenly standing and reaching for a cut down oar that served as a makeshift crutch since his left leg had been replaced from the knee down with a wooden peg.


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Reply author: Martin Montgomery
Replied on: 10/14/2007 19:06:34
Message:

Cornered by the spoon wielding wretch,Martin tried to set things right by introducing himself "My good man!" He started "Speak up Tiny" The older man tilted his left ear towards Martin and cupped his hand around it "I served onna gundeck fer years!" Trying again, a little louder this time, the burly merchant spoke. "My good man, Your Captain has seen fit to offer up his ship to MY Captain,his WIFE,for the time that we cross paths with the foul soul that took the "Knight Hammer" or end the accord that they have entered into." The ruined man stood stock still and listened as his jaw worked,chewing slowly at his tobacco as Martin continued his explanation "Now,sir I have fufilled the capacity of cook on the "Knight Hammer" and would like to offer my assistance to you here." A cunning gleam entered the grizzled man's remaining eye when the burly man mentioned his offer. Turning back to the two pots he stired one,then the other with his long wooden spoon then spit a dark nasty stream into the fire under them. "Wal' le'mee be the fust ta say "Welcome Aboard" my wee giant! They calls me "Lucky"",he snorted as he used his iron tipped pegleg to stir the failing fire under the simmering pots. "This is the galley o' th' Free Trader Ship "El Lobo Del Mar" A stream of liquid splashed across the floor and wall off the wooden spoon as it pointed "Dry goods storage,fresh water tank,Captain's Mess,the way you came in goes ta th' upper deck,an'that way goes ta th' gun deck an crew quarters. Any questions? No?" A satisfied smile crossed the older man's scarred face,causing the black patch to shift,showing the raw puckered hole that had once held an eye. "Sorry bout that!" He chuckled as he replaced the leather patch "It slips sometimes. Now come with me!!" The big man followed Lucky past the still steaming pots and used his hand to waft some of the scent to his nose. Violently recoiling, he covered his nose and mouth with his hastily snatched handkerchief "My God man!" He exclaimed once he could get the noxious stench out of his nose "What in Holy HELL do you call that putrid crap in these pots man?" Tossing the spoon to Martin,Lucky gave him a one eyed wink and said "Th'one ta starboard is Pease Porridge,or it twas three days ago!" Gagging from the rank smell,the burly cook asked "And the one to Port?" A quick chuckle "Laundry!" Martin looked for and found the lids for the iron pots then burning his hand covered the pots and swung them away from the fire, which he doused with several mugs of water. While he was attending to this,Lucky had went to an adjoining niche and set about worrying away at a knothole near the head of his cot. Martin,having finished with the fire, came over to see the old man pull a dirty cotton bag out of the dark recess behind the knothole. "What are those, Lucky?" He asked as the man pulled out another smaller bag. "Well M'Boy these here bags are the remains of the monies paid ta me fer losin' a leg,a hand an' an eye in the service o' Mad Jack Wolfe! The whole crew thinks that "Ol Lucky, done lost it all at cards and payin' fer women! This is my re-tire-ment! I got's my only eye on some land up north o Glenlivit and one a' the "Ladies" workin' in town is keepin some o' her pay socked away jest a waitin' fer me ta find a man who will serve here in my stead! Thank you! My wee giant! Thank you!" Grabbing up his ditty bag and a duffle with a few clothes in it, he quickly hobbled out of the galley and headed up to the upper deck leaving a stunned Martin still holding the long wooden spoon."What have you got us into WW?" Looking around the filthy galley "Expecially ME!!"


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Reply author: Mad Jack Wolfe
Replied on: 10/14/2007 22:25:46
Message:

"What's the story with your ribs?" Briggs asked.
"I got on the wrong end of a quarrelsome monk with a quarterstaff. Is the surgeon busy with wounded?"
"Only a few minor injuries. Doc Gander should be back in sickbay by now."
"Good. Hopefully he's got a bit of laudanum left. I know how he likes a tincture with his scotch."
"Is this irritable friar part of your dear wayward wife's crew? It's bad luck enough you bringin' aboard women, but a holy man, to boot?"
"Now, Josiah, I know that you and Honour never quite warmed up to each other..." Jack started.
Briggs checked the lashings on the longboat. "That'd be a watered down way of sayin' she gets under my skin faster'n a starvin' tick, wouldn't it?" He turned to face his friend and captain. "Jack, you've been pining for that woman ever since she ran out on ye in Barbados. After, what? All of a month?"
"Don't mince words, Josiah. Tell me what you really think."
"Then there's the money she vanished with."
"Point taken."
"I can't think for the life o' me why you'd offer your ship to that philanderin'... aaaah! Jack, you cagey dog! You're goin' to get her to lead you to the money!"
"My old friend, you've sussed my plans out once more," Jack smiled. Briggs had conveniently offered a wild guess better than any lie Jack could have pulled out of his hat. "We are in fact going to be chasing down her ship, which I believe contains the missing guilders."
"By the Powers, she's got a ship?! Why should I be surprised it's run off? Do ye know who took it?"
"None other than Cade Jennings."
Briggs gave a feral smile. "Aye. Runnin' down that backstabbin' whelp will be a pleasure. Revenge is on the wind, says I. When do we sail, Cap'n?"
"Tomorrow morning. Will she be ready?"
"Ready and able, Jack. Ready and able, if I have to hold her together with me bare hands." He headed forward where the crew were making repairs to the bow. "Step it up, you slack-arsed monkeys!! We sail with the morning!"


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Reply author: Elinor Hakebourne
Replied on: 10/15/2007 10:55:22
Message:

Climbing the stairs up to her room, Elinor shook her head. It's a good thing that we're not leaving here tonight. I can't leave all my things here! she thought. But packing the rest of her belongings did not take her as much time as she thought it would, and sitting on her bed, waiting for sleep to come wasn't pleasant, either.

Thus, the night, stretching its way toward the later part of the evening, found her straggling down to the tavern, where she found Brother Timothy sitting in quiet contemplation, a drink partially drunk in front of him. Catching his gaze, they exchanged smiles, and, walking over to his table, she motioned to sit down. He nodded, and she plopped tiredly into the seat across from him. A few seconds later, however, found her getting up and pacing the tavern, nearly knocking into nearby patrons. When she turned back towards the monk, he gave her a quizzical look.

"I'm sorry, I really should sit down, shouldn't I? It's just...this is the night before adventure again! And it's made me scared and excited and worried and glad we'll be a crew again. That, and if we don't get enough adventure rescuing the Knight Hammer, Wench and Mad Jack will surely give us enough entertainment, don't you think?" She paused in her stride, quickly sitting down and narrowly missing a passing patron with a mug full of ale. She sighed in relief at the miss. Somehow she didn't think that patron would be too pleasant to be around if she spilled the mug! "But anything Mad Jack gets from Wench he deserves," she commented, frowning.

Brother Timothy chuckled. "You're going to hold that grudge for a long time, aren't you?"

"Maybe," she answered. "It's more me I'm upset at. You would think, as ship's scribe, the one to record and remember things, I'd remember being threatened by a pistol!"


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Reply author: Hibernian
Replied on: 10/15/2007 20:49:24
Message:

"Elinore you are too hard on yourself and what is it with the women of this crew? Do each of you have a private competition going to see who can give the monk an ulcer first? Between Wench's mystery boot tour or Lilaney's scampering up the ship's rigging with little sense of personal modesty or safety mind you and now you are knocking around the pub just spoiling to get into something or someone new and strange. For heaven's sake you are too young to be making such a fuss about your behavior."

"But I didn't even recognize the man who held me at the point of death with his pistols! Brother I'm supposedly a trained observer, if I can not see and remember a pistol waving in my face how will my writings be believed?" Her boot heels boomed against the floor as her legs and arms suddenly jerked out in exclamation and just as quickly slumped by her side in dejection, her head forward with her eyes upon the floor.

He paused a moment before speaking softly, it was an old trick but it always worked. No matter how long or loud one spoke, when someone was in this style of mood, you couldn't demand their attention, you had to make them want to listen. If one spoke softly, loud enough barely be heard but low enough to take concentration listening you drew your subject into the web of interest, once there they would start listening and be stuck, then you had them.

"Elinor, what color are my eyes?"
"a very misty blue."

"and my staff is smooth isn't it."
"No, it's knobby as if you cut branchs off."

"And the chain and cross around my neck are..."
"Silver with black inlaids."

"Elinor how many times have you ever stared down the barrel of a pistol leveled at your face? Wait, no need to answer, its purely a question asked not seeking an answer but the beginning of thought. I wager you have never before that moment stared down a pistol and thought what its going to be like to be shot and then to die. Will it hurt, will I screamed, will I just pass out and not awaken, will there be angels? My point is look at all you observed, I bet you are the only crew member I have ever had who knew my eye color, heavens I'm not even sure my sainted mother remembers it but you do. Child when you are young and concerned for your earthly life do not worry that you only remember the pistol and not the man holding it. You are not alone, in time, as you grow older you will learn to do otherwise, in the meantime if I were you I would place my gruge against the Captain Jack aside. You'll find gruges get in the way on a small ship and after even two weeks at sea the largest ship in the world isn't any longer."

Elinore sat up in the chair, "I can forget the grudge but I don't have to be happy about it do I?"
"Of course not, I might suggest the pistol incident at Dead Man's Tavern might justify an entire chapter in the log.

"You know you are right, and talking with you always seems to help somehow, do you monks have some sort of magic?"
"Drink up Elinor, I'm just a good listener."

The young scribe pick up her mug and took a long swallow of the ale. She observed that Brother Timothy had not answered the question.
Title: Re: DEAD MAN'S TAVERN I
Post by: Welsh Wench on May 19, 2008, 08:32:50 PM
Reply author: Mad Jack Wolfe
Replied on: 10/15/2007 21:04:00
Message:

Heading aft, Jack met up with the ships carpenter, George Piper.
"Mr. Piper! I have a special request for you."
"Aye, Cap'n? What you be needin'?"
"I need one of your lads to run a length of rope and a small panel of sailcloth back to my cabin."
"Rope and sailcloth, you say."
"Aye."
"Captain's quarters, Captain's business, as they say," Piper shrugged. "I'll get a man on it shortly. Anything else?"
"No, thank you." Jack was more than a little put off at Piper's insinuations.
Piper smiled cheerily and went about his business. Jack gave the man an odd look as he walked away.

"Ask for a few simple items, and they make something out of nothing. Not like I asked for a bloody trapeze to be installed." he groused as he walked to the sickbay of Dr. Drake Gander. "Oi! Duckie! Are you here, man?"
"Yes, yes, Jack. Just putting away my instruments. What can I do for... oh, dear. Looks like someone's been brawling again. You do know that people have started wearing bandages under their clothing these days? It's the latest fad."
"Cheeky, Duckie. Very cheeky. Can you patch me up and give me a little something for the pain?"
"Yes, of course. Have that shirt and waistcoat off, and we'll get those ribs bound. Here." Gander handed him a glass full of dark liquid. "Drink this."
Jack sniffed it. "It's rum." He downed the glass and set it on the table.
"Yes. Rum, and laudanum. Ordinarily I'd have just given you scotch, but I know how you hate the stuff."
Jack smiled as a comfortable numbness came over him. Gander set about binding his ribs and was finished before he realised it.
"There. That should hold you well enough."
"Thanks, Duckie. I'm feeling much better."
"That's the laudanum talking. Give it six hours and you'll feel like hell again. So no more fighting tonight."
"Sound medical advice, doctor," he replied as he pulled his waistcoat back on. "Time to go back ashore."
"You really should get some rest, Jack."
"No time, Duck. I have to go finish preparations for my wife and her crew to come aboard."
"That would be the redoubtable Honour Wolfe, I take it?"
"Among other names, yes. You know of her?"
"Just what I've heard from Master Briggs. She sounds positively delightful."
"Briggs gave you that impression of her?"
"I had to do a liberal amount of reading between the lines, of course. What I don't understand is why on earth she decided to marry an unrepentant sea dog like you?"
"In a few hours you'll be able to ask her yourself." Jack replied. "Then we'll both know. Thanks for the patch up."
"Don't make it a habit," the doctor smiled.

After stopping back by his cabin to rearm himself, he stepped back onto the cobblestone streets of Glenlevit. Back on the way to Dead Man's Tavern and his new crew members by proxy.


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Reply author: Martin Montgomery
Replied on: 10/16/2007 08:49:48
Message:

After several hours of steady cleaning Martin and two young crewmen had the galley cleaned and shipshape. The burly cook had carried one of the pots up to the deck,out in the better light,while the other was wrestled by up the narrow passage by the sailors,once they were on deck Martin had the burnt, blackened and crusted cookware lowered over the side to soak in the sea! The impressed workers then brought down buckets of seawater and threw them on the bulkheads and deck while Martin,striped to the waist,scrubbed with a stiff bristled brush to remove the layers of congealed grease,dropped food,ashes and woodsmoke.


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Reply author: Lilaney
Replied on: 10/16/2007 09:10:42
Message:

"Cherish! Oh, Cherish yer here!"
Lil stifled awake slightly as a very smelly and somewhat over-exuberant man fell down on his one leg and half-hugged/half-toppled on her.
Confused from the small nap and the somewhat innocent attack, Lil tried to right herself while being unbalanced by the old geezer.
"I'm not Cherish old timer, if you'd be please too lemme go, before I make you"
Lil tried to be polite as she extracated herself from the gent, his one eye looked grey and foggy as he staggered back up and balanced on his peg leg.
"Not Cherish?"
Lil finally up on her own two good legs looked at the old man who was a foot shorter than her.
"Nope, try the next pier over."
He squinted up at her as if not believing her. A few tense moments more of scrutiny and he was hobbling off down the pier.
Lil adjusted herself and did a mental count of her weapons.
She was minus a dagger and one pouch.
Grumbling about having to chase down a crippled old-timer she turned away from the 'El Lobo' and stalked down the pier after the geriatric pick-pocket.
She was on him in a flash and grabbed him by the scruff.
"Hey!"
He began hollering and screaming. A local peace officer just happened to be patroling the early dawn of the docks; spying the commotion he sauntered over.
It must have been a site for him; a tall, stately doxie holding a one-legged man three inches off the ground by the back of his shirt, while she obviously robbed him of his pouch and dagger.
"Problem gentleman?"
He raised an eyebrow at her; which made Lil just want to smack it off his face.
"Yeah, could ya get this whore off me?"
The Officer looked Lil up and down, her disguise as a 'women of the night' apparently was full proof.
"Ms.? Accosting an ederly man for your pay, even this ugly bugger, is considered poor form."
Lil could feel an unwanted confrontation coming on.
Since she had retrieved her personal effects back from the geezer; she gently placed the man back down and proceeded to dust him off which happened to help her find a pocketknife, two silver pieces, a key, and pouch of what smelled like tobacco.
Quickly fencing these items she began to weave her story.
"Not a problem sir, father has never been proud of my proffesion, unless it brings profits his way. Seeing as it has been a slow night I thought to simply get my personal pro-tection back from him." She provided the dagger for viewing to the officer. He peered uninterested at it as he began to grow bored with the situation.
Lil saw the moment to close this case and took it. Silently. she handed the officer the man's two silvers, his eyes lit up at the money, she quietly nodded. The Bobby pocketed the coins while glaring at the old man who glared back. Sneering at Lil, the old man hobbled off down the lane muttering about the injustice of it all. The Bobby gave Lil one more appriciative once over and procceeded in the opposite direction.

"Guess its about time to get onboard" Lil thought.
Walking back up the pier to the quarterdeck, she made her way up and onto the boat.
"You! Stop right there!"
Lil paused and waited paitently as a handsome gent broke away from a group of men who were obviously preparing to make sail, he stormed over to the railing where Lil leaned.
"Who are you and what are you doing on my ship?"
Lil looked up at the man.
'Nice eyes' she thought.
"Who are you to be asking me anything?" She challenged back; she thought to lounge back a bit more on the railing but seeing the glint in his eye she thought against that idea.
It wouldn't be anything for him to give one good shove and she would either land in the water or on the dock, neither appealed to Lil's mind.
Boosting herself off the railing she began walking towards the rigging.
"I asked first and I am not known for being so polite; where are you going?"
The anger in his voice ammused Lil; she breezed right by him and began climbing the rigging up towards the topsail. He made a grab for her leg and missed as she monkey-climbed quickly out of his reach.
He watched, arms folded, as she finished her climb and daintly sat on the cross-beam near the crow's nest.
She smiled back down at him; the wind had caught at her hair sending it flying about her face. In the recent eight months, since the majority of her hair was singed off her head when they first aquired the Knight Hammer, it had grown back full and lovely and was almost shoulder-length.
He continued to glare at her, this made Lil want to laugh even harder.
"The name's Lilaney!" She shouted down at him.
He nodded curtly, unfolded his arms and walked back over to the men who huddled around a barrel that was being used as a table.
They were discussing things with their head's close together.
One of the men around the barrell looked up at Briggs as he came back towards the group.
"Who's the blue parrot in the rigging?" He motioned his head in Lil's direction. She had begun swinging legs as she sat on the beam.
"No idea, said her name was Lill-a-nee, I have a sneaking suspicion she is one of Mrs. Wolfe's crew."
The other man looked up from the map he was charting.
"What makes you say that?"
Briggs looked up again into the rigging, Lil seemed to be inspecting the some line near her, legging still happily kicking back and forth in the breeze.
"Didn't you see her boots?"






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Reply author: Welsh Wench
Replied on: 10/16/2007 19:15:16
Message:

Wench couldn't take her eyes away from Prometheus. She finally said, ''As I seem to be a bit light in the ship department, I suggest you take your request to another ship. I happen to be sailing--temporarily, mind you--on El Lobo del Mar with Captain Jack Wolfe--with an 'e', no less. He's the one you need to ask."
Prometheus was amazed. "Captain Wolfe? THE Captain Wolfe?"
She took her hat off her head and adjusted the feathers. Putting the hat back on, she made sure the feathers skimmed her cheek and then said, "You've heard of him?"
Prometheus said, "Aye. Fastest ship in the Caribbean and a ruthless captain--but fair."
She waved her hand and said, "Yes, yes, I've lived--I mean, I've heard the stories."
He said, "Even the ones with Renee de Bertrand?"

Wench's ears perked up. She said, "Let me buy you an ale and you can enlighten me."
Prometheus consulted a pocket watch. "My goodness, look at the time! I really must be running. Where might I find Captain Wolfe?"
She said flippantly, "I'd start at one end of Delancey Street and go up Bell Lane."
"Taverns?"
She walked away and said over her shoulder, "Brothels. Any port in the storm, you know...."

Her mood hadn't improved. Mason was coming out of a tavern.
"Ahoy, Captain Wench! I just sold a load of fish to the tavern. Seems they shall be making a fish chowder tomorrow and I made a tidy coin on it, too."
"Gibson, what do you plan on doing with your life?"
He looked around for Gibson and realized she meant him. "I guess I intend to go where you go. Think there is room for me on Captain Wolfe's ship? I can do the night watch."
She muttered, "It would serve him right. Ask him. I'm sure you and he have bonded. Briggs will be beside himself to see an extra crew member."
"I'll catch up with you at the tavern then, Captain. Oh, and by the way...those two guys who look alike were looking for you. Seems some blue sails were ripped when the mainmast toppled. And the other one was positively catatonic when he saw that stick in the water sheared. He was blubbering something incoherent about some cod. The other one said something like 'retribution'."
She adjusted her scabbard. Was it right or left? If I am right handed, then it goes on the...
"Oh, bother, Hobson, do you think I ever let that dandy concern me? If he annoys me further, I just may buy some itching powder and dose his tights. I know where he gets his laundry done."

She walked over to the ladies' finery shoppe.
"Ah! Mademoiselle Wench!"
She smiled warmly, "Bonjour, Madame Asher! I am in need of some new chemises. What do you have?"
"I have linen and I have--"
"Silk. I want silk."
"But Mademoiselle, on a ship it wouldn't be--"
"And lace. I must have lace."
Madame Asher sighed, "One would think you were on your honeymoon, Mademoiselle."
Wench laughed a bit self-consciously, "Madame, that is absurd! I--I just feel it is the niceties that separate us from the riff-raff on a pirate ship. Kind of like a little secret that no one knows."
Madame Asher took some chemises out of a box in the back and said, "It is about time you settled down, oui? I, for one, would like to see you marry the vicar's son. Benjamin Bradford is a fine young lad and he---"
Wench picked up her packages and said, "Yes, yes, I am sure he is. But dying of boredom isn't really what I have in mind, Madame."




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Reply author: Hibernian
Replied on: 10/16/2007 21:01:09
Message:

A man in the corner of the tavern's common room was playing a jig with a penny whistle. In no time another started keeping the rhythm with a light drumming upon the table, while a third played a counter with a pair of bones. The light in the tavern seemed a bit brighter as the servers moved around the tables with a little more hop in their step. The nameless tune was one of those known to all no matter their place of birth so it was only expected that voices would pick up and fill in the gaps with verses of a song learned long ago.

"...Lord preserve us and protect us we've been drinkin whiskey fore breakfast..."

Elinor bounced up and down with the music keeping time in her seat, smiling broadly, taking great gulps of ale from her tankard, all the while singing at the top of her lungs even when she forgot or didn't know the words! No sir, keep your scrolls, break your points and toss that ink, this was what she needed, who cares about pistols in the face when you're drinkng and singing with such great people. Why can't this go on forever? Well, why not, she couldn't think of any reasons herself so she kept singing and drinking.

Refill the tankard and start another verse, then she thought how do we convine dear old Wench, oops she corrected herself, one must be proper with titles, how do we convince the dread pirate Captain Wench, the image of which brought a giggle, to forget the Knight Hammer and stay here to sing and have a good time. Inspiration struck as she turned to address Brother Timothy, "Brother you need to talk with..."

Elinor set her tankard upon the table and lean over to get a closer look at the monk. He appeared to be in his own little world taking no notice of the music and singing. His eyes stared into the distance as his hand slowly made circles on the rim of his glass and he spoke softly,


"By rock-ribbed Connaught my swift vessels glide,
Like swans they are breasting the full flowing tide.
Warships and Gael all ready to sail,
To sweep the salt sea from Cape Clear to Kinsale."

Title: Re: DEAD MAN'S TAVERN I
Post by: Welsh Wench on May 19, 2008, 08:34:17 PM
Reply author: Martin Montgomery
Replied on: 10/17/2007 04:17:57
Message:

Martin and his pressgang of two,Tom Dooley and his twin Tim,had finished cleaning and scrubbing the "El Lobo's" galley by sundown. The bewildered Ship's Carpenter,a Mister Piper,had allowed them to rummage around in the ship's lumber stores after he'd been accosted by the burly cook as he came down the ship's companionway while talking to one of his 'mates about the strange needs of his Captian and his newly returned wife. Using some heavy blocks cut from an old ironwood beam and some sheet metal castoffs that the thrifty Carpenter had kept "for something later" the trio had contrived a taller,bigger, brick lined "sand box". It was layered with real beach sand and more scrap sheet metal.Boasting room for not only the two,now spotless, pots but a good sized roasting grate/spit also. Sometime after midnight,Martin sent the weary yet pleased brothers off to their racks and set about inventorying the first of several storerooms adjoining the galley. The list included 17-barrels of salt pork,9-fifty pound crates of jerked beef, 25-one hundred pound sacks of oats, 15-twenty pound sacks of rice, 30-small sealed boxes of ship's biscuit and various other sundries a sailing ship might need. What caught his attention though, were the 40 carefully stored and braced thirty-gallon barrels that had ,until his unsupervised scavenger hunt,been totally hidden from view. After carefully broaching the closest barrel,a very suprised cook worked feverishly to re-cover the 39 barrels of good quality rum that were still unopened. Carrying his "treasure" back to the galley he stashed it in a cupboard and with a long stretch and an even longer yawn,decided against trying to fold his over-large frame into the tiny corner cot that had been "Lucky's" bed and instead began to mix the ingrediants for a hearty breakfastconsisting of homemade biscuits that would cook,Dutch-Oven style, rise and brown in the bottom of one of the newly cleaned pots. Then he set about frying the rashers of bacon in large pans that were sitting on the rack over a low banked fire,scrambling dozens of fresh eggs mixed with onions and peppers that were sent when the DockRats delivered what Martin had asked for in a note delivered to Peter, who sent many other necessary items for an extended sea voyage. Martin was,as usual when cooking, lost in thought. So when the night watch changed hours later and the tired crewman stumbled past the galley on his way to his rack he smelled the wonderful aromas wafting out of "Lucky's Domain!!! "Come in M'Boy!!" The jovial giant boomed. "Come in!" The stunned young man sat down on a stool at the large trestle table that had been lowered from the galley's high ceiling. This was a new thing ,usually the men grabbed what they thought they could stomach and retreated to their racks to wash down whatever the meal was supposed to be with copious ammounts of water or in more cases than not,rum ,to kill the taste! "Here M'boy what's your name ? I can't call you all "Boy" y'know!" As the big man swept gracefully around the cramped area near the firepit he placed a tin plate piled high with three huge biscuits and four strips of crisp bacon,a pile of hash browns steamed on the plate and several jars of sweet preseves graced the table. A mug of real coffee was placed gently at the surprised youngsters right hand spilling not a drop of the strong smelling brew! Before he could speak Martin asked "What's wrong? Is it no good?" Shaking his head and tsking between his teeth he reached for the untouched plate and quickly recoiled as the young man drove his knife into the table's tough wood with his right hand and shoved a whole biscuit into his mouth with his left!!! Smiling,Martin asked "How do you like your eggs?"


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Reply author: Lilaney
Replied on: 10/17/2007 08:56:22
Message:

"I smell food!"
Lil sniffed the air again and finding the nearest line, slid down to the monkey lines and climbed the remaining way to the main deck.
"Have a nice visit with the birds?"
Lil was expecting something from the gent, she knew it was bound to come. Men can't help but try to win at a battle of wits, too bad they come unarmed.
Deciding that ignoring him would make him even angrier, Lil followed the oh-so familiar smell of food towards what she was guessing was the Galley.
"Hey!"
His shout was muffled as Lil slammed the door behind her and stepped down into the mess hall.
Her eyes lit up, Martin was already onboard as well!
"Marin! A site for sore eyes! Good to see you, I'm hungry what's for breakfast?"
Lil budged up next to someone who in her mind was taking up way too much space at a table for one sailor to politely own.
Martin's eyes beamed at Lil as he offered a one-armed hug while efficiently placing a plate piled with food in front of her.
"Good to see you as well, Lil. Eat up, you can help with dishes later."
Lil smiled at the food and agreed heartily to the arrangement.
Making a mental note for herself, she would need to leave the ship at some point and retrieve her belongings from the pier.
"Could you possibly make some room at the board, man? More than two people can sit at one table, ya know."
Lil was jostled and pushed a bit as the same crusty gent who had challenged her sat down on the bench to her left, ergo pushing her a bit closer into the man on the right.
"Lil is it? I'm Briggs, and I'm in charge around here when the Captain's gone. If you are ever disrespectful to me again, I can and will throw you overboard. Got that?"
Lil looked at the man and sized him up. He looked like he meant business, he also looked like he was fair with those who worked for him.
Lil glared at him on principle and gave a silent nod of understanding.
Briggs, feeling the conversation done, turned to his own plate that had magically appeared in front of him and began eating. After a few moments Briggs looked up over Lil's head at the man sitting next to her.
"Morning Duckie, have you met the newest member of the Captain's Wife's crew?"
Lil went from being squished between two men to suddenly having the right part of the bench free and open to herself. The man that Briggs had called 'Duckie' had gotten up and silently walked out of the Galley.
"Well, nice to meet you too." Lil muttered.
Briggs snorted into his mug as he took a swig of coffee.
"Guess he don't like you anymore than I do."
Lil's plate almost empty, she felt it was time to help Martin with the breakfast things.
"That would be par for the course Briggs. I don't like you, or this ship and will be more than happy to disembark once we get our own ship back. Thank you for the morning's company, I am certain I have never had a better case of indegestion as I have had this morning. Fair winds to ye, sailor boy."
Lil took her plate and sauntered off to the scullery.







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Reply author: Mad Jack Wolfe
Replied on: 10/18/2007 12:52:17
Message:

Jack ambled the streets of Glenlivet as twilight settled over the town. Shops were closing for the evening, and the smell of cookfires began drifting through the air. The pleasant haze of Duckie's laudanum cocktail gave the scene a subtle dreamlike quality.

He walked past two men who were having a heated discussion. While their features seemed nearly identical, one was quite the foppish dandy. The other looked as if he'd been dragged through an abattoir at least twice. Jack couldn't quite make out their conversation aside from a few things here and there about ships, a wench, and revenge. "If their on about those two wrecks in the harbour," he thought, "at least they can't start any real trouble."

He made a mental note to as Honour where she picked up the additional alias of "Wench", aside from the obvious. He was certain it would make for an interesting story, but part of him wasn't so sure he wanted to know. In a life spent skirting the details, what was one more?

In a short while he found himself at the door of Dead Man
s Tavern. Music and laughter from within announced that the good times were in full swing. He took a deep breath. "Time to get acquainted with the better half's crew, eh?" He stepped inside and began looking around for familiar faces among the patrons. Immediately the spotted the monk at table near the fireplace. The very sight of him made Jack's damaged ribs ache. Seated with the friar was the young lady he'd taken hostage on his first visit to the tavern. She seemed in good spirits, bobbing merrily in her seat to the music. He hoped she'd forgotten about that little incident again.

A lovely serving wench was soon at Jack's side, standing delightfully close to him. "An' what can I do for you, stranger? Or are you just 'ere for a drink?" she purred.
"Just drinks tonight, um..." he started.
"Emily." she offered with a come-hither look.
"'Emily'. Means 'industrious'. It suits you." he smiled. "I promise if the situation changes, you'll be the first to know. Would you be a darling and fetch me some rum in the meantime?"
Emily giggled and hurried off to get his drink. He quietly approached the monk's table in time to hear "Captain Wenchie, the Pirate Queen."

"This should go easily," he thought. "They're obviously deep in their cups. He plopped into one of the vacant chairs and gave a sunny smile. "Allo, mates!"


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Reply author: Ice Mage
Replied on: 10/18/2007 20:32:05
Message:

*As WW walked away, thoughts began to race through Prometheus's head. Trying to decide what would be best, but torn over his feelings for a certain young woman. He turned to head back to the tavern, seriously considering her suggestion yet thinking about returning to his previous exile.

It was not long before he arrived at DMT, and as usual business was booming. He entered the door which had been his home away from home for many of years. He looked around to see so many familiar faces. In the corner was a table which had a burnt out lantern, shrouding it in darkness. He made his way to there, only to be met by Lorelei. She asked him if he'd like a drink, and perhaps a little company. Inviting her to sit she took a seat next to him, peering out into the tavern. Over a pint, they discussed life beyond Glenlivet.*


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Reply author: Hibernian
Replied on: 10/18/2007 20:59:15
Message:

"Hello there, Brother is there a problem?" Reaching across the table Elinor lightly touched the hand rubbing circles on the glass's rim. The music was still playing and all around the patrons of the tavern were enjoying themselves but her concern for a friend blocked it all out.

Following a deep breath he turned and look at her, she spoke first, "I don't know where you were but your mind wasn't here, are you alright?" A blank stare from across the table and she continued, "You were quoting what sounded like a poem or perhaps part of a saga with sailing ships and Gaels. What was it about?"

"Sailing ships my budding scribe and Gaels, perhaps I mentioned Kinsale and Clare Island, or even the mighty clans of Connaught, no I'm quite alright. Your pardon Elinor but a recent meeting with an old friend, the music and the surroundings in the tavern and then the thought of setting sail once again took me elsewhere in my thoughts and memories. A disadvantage or perhaps an advantage of growing older. But I'm here now, as to where my mind was, tell me does the name Grainne Ni Mhaille mean anything to you?"

Like a student under the watchful eyes of the teacher Elinor looked at the ceiling for the answer, finding none she shook her head no while hunching her shoulders as in a question for more clues.

"I'm not surprised, a more well known form would be Grania Uaile, still doesn't ring a bell, ah Elinor if you are going to be a scribe and tell the great stories and legends then you need to study your Irish, both the language and its people. Final translation although its one she herself wouldn't have appreciated, in the English the name becomes Grace O'Malley..."

"Yes! I know that one! Her story or at least I have heard of her, Grace O'Malley was known as the Pirate Queen of Connaught!"

"Yes the very same, what brought to mind was that earlier this evening I stopped by M'Crack's Own and spoke with my old friend Guard'n M'Crack, you may remember him from our recent fun with the English. We talked for quite awhile, actually to be more accurate he talked and I listened, about the old days and how perhaps the English are getting too big for their own good and that their recent actions in Glen Livet demanded a response. Well, that response will soon be upon the seas again, its not general knowledge yet but "The Pride" has been called forth. Elinor your concern is a blessings but I'm fine now yet I can't tell all right now and please keep this in confidence and in exchange when the time is proper I will tell you enough to fill an entire journal."

"No disrespect Brother, but how do I know you are not just teasing me, oh I know Guard'n and I know you but how and what is "The Pride? Haven't I proven myself yet? Do you have any sort of proof of whatever or whoever is with this Pride."

The monk leans to right and reaches down with his left hand to unbuckle a sword that until this very moment had been unseen. Placing the sword upon the table between them he slowly withdraws the sword partially from its scabbard.

"My own weapons, with the exception of my staff, set sail with my chest upon the Knights Hammer. This was a shall we say loan from Guard'n and given into my care to use and safeguard. It comes from The Pride and has been handed down from those days when the Clans controled the western seas."

"A fine blade, one of the most beautiful I have ever seen, but perhaps this is from a local shop? I've seen Captain Wench, Marvos, even Martin with fine blades too."

"Very true, but gaze upon the blade and that which is etched upon the middle, "Terra Marique Potems ~ Powerful by Land and Sea" the motto of the Pirate Queen herself, no one else would use that upon peril of death, this sword is one of Grace's own. So trust me and tonight we sit back and enjoy ourselves, if you behave I'll tell you more of Grace."

Suddenly and without warning Elinor looked directly at Brother Timothy and asked "Do you think our Welsh Wench could become a pirate queen?"

Having been caught in mid-swallow the monk's surprise at the thought implied by the question almost caused his throat to have a riot, "Now that is an interesting idea, and I believe deserves more discussion then we have time for at the moment, let me have another drink while we ponder the idea of our very own Welsh Wench as the Pirate Queen."

Title: Re: DEAD MAN'S TAVERN I
Post by: Welsh Wench on May 19, 2008, 08:35:19 PM
Reply author: Welsh Wench
Replied on: 10/21/2007 22:01:16
Message:

Wench took a deep breath. One more stop. She turned down the lane and looked up.
Ye Olde Sheath and Sword Shoppe.

As she entered, the bell on the door jingled, announcing the arrival of a customer. Master Campbell was attaching a blade to a hilt. Without looking up, he said, "We be about to close, come back tomorrow."
She said, "Not even to fix a brass blade?"
His head jerked up and he exclaimed, "Well, 'ello, Missy! Ye hadn't been comin' by t'see yer old friend, 'ere."
Wench gave him a hug and said, "I'm leaving in the morning and I couldn't leave without saying goodbye to you, dear friend."
"An' ye be lettin' me see the sword, Missy."
She sighed and took it out of her scabbard. He took it and put it at eye level. He tapped the blade.
"Uh huh. Just as I thought."
"What?" she said suspiciously.
He grinned, "The blade be Toledo steel, jus' like I had corrected last time."
She laughed and said, "As I always said, 'I surely shan't do THAT again!'"

He held his hand out. She sighed again and withdrew her bodice dagger. He ran his finger down the blade ever so gently. "Been keepin' it sharp, I see. Nary a burr on it."
"Well, I had someone tell me how important it was to make sure your blade be as sharp as your mind. He said it would never let me down."
He returned it and she slipped it back into the scabbard that rested between....well, a place where a bodice scabbard would be.

"Now the boot."
She bent over and took out the sgian dubh. He checked that blade and said, "Very nice. Good heft to it. Where did you get this one?"
"Kate gave it to me."
He held his hand out once more. She raised her eyebrow. He wiggled his fingers with a 'hand it over' motion.
She said innocently, "I gave you all my blades. What more?"
He said, "The last one."
"I never could fool you, could I, Master Campbell? Turn around."
He turned around and she raised her skirt and unfastened a small dirk that was strapped to her thigh.
"Alright." She slapped it down in his hand.
He held it up to the candle to examine it and then returned it.
"Happy now?" she said.
He smiled with satisfaction. "Aye. Now I know ye are properly armed. Or legged."

She gave him a kiss and said, "I shall be back next time I am in port, Master Campbell. Take care, you are more than a friend to me. You're family."
"And ye has been like a daughter to me, always comin' round to pay me a visit."
She asked, "How did you know about the dirk?"
He smirked, "Captain James Blake be a customer of mine."

Hastily, she said, "I really must be going. I need to head down to Dead Man's Tavern and check on my crew, see they get a good night's sleep and all that."
She picked up her sword and scabbard it.
"Missy?"
"Yes, Master Campbell?"
"When are ye going to settle down? Ye know, ye and that Cap'n Daniels make a nice-looking couple and..."
She made a face. "Oh, please, Mr. Campbell--that was so last year! Besides, there is one little problem."
"What's that, Missy?"
"It has been brought to my attention that I am already married."
"WHAT??"
"Aye, nigh on two years now. I guess it was kind of put on the backburner of my mind. And Mr. Campbell? I would highly suggest you close your mouth. Flies, you know...."



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Reply author: Mad Jack Wolfe
Replied on: 10/23/2007 20:48:19
Message:

Brother Timothy looked somewhat taken aback by Jack's intrusion, but feigned an air of cordialness. Elinor's festive mood simply evaporated as she glared at him. "Good evening, Capt. Wolfe," the friar replied. Elinor forced a smile and took a gulp of ale.

The chilliness was broken by the server, Emily, bringing Jack his drink. He pressed a couple of coins into her hand as payment. Smiling warmly, she leaned close and they exchanged several whispers. Then she left after a few moments, giggling once again. Jack turned his attention back to Elinor and the monk, who were looking at him suspiciously.

"An old friend," Jack lied.
"I thought this was your first time in this port," said Elinor.
"I make friends quickly, given the chance," he replied, and took a sip of rum. Brother Timothy rolled his eyes as he stifled a chuckle.
"Was she subjected to your 'ball and powder' charms as well?" she shot back.
"Elinor..." the friar chided.
"Desperate times, love," Jack answered. "And since we're to be sharing a ship, they should be bygones as well. For everyone's sake. Agreed?"
"Agreed!" Brother Timothy said quickly. Elinor nodded affirmatively, if reluctantly.

"Aye. Lovely, then," Jack said as he raised his cup in a salute. "Now, would you both be kind enough to bring me up to speed on the doings of your intrepid crew? And what's all this about Honour - pardon me - Captain Wench being a 'Pirate Queen'?"


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Reply author: Elinor Hakebourne
Replied on: 10/24/2007 10:04:10
Message:

Elinor pried her gaze away from the intruding pirate, forcing herself to focus on someone more amiable as Brother Timothy retold the explanation he'd just told her about the Pirate Queen. Somehow, she knew in that instant that unless flanked by members of her crew, she'd be sleeping with one eye open once they set sail on the El Lobo.

Mad Jack couldn't help but laugh at the mention, once again, of Captain Wench as the Pirate Queen. "Who came up with that idea?" He asked. Elinor turned her gaze from the monk to the pirate, glaring at him. "I did," she responded. "And I think she could be, too!" She continued, turning back to Brother Timothy. Mad Jack snickered then, and once again, like a spectator watching a ball being passed back and forth, Elinor's head whipped back to focus on the pirate's face.

Leaning in closer to the man who'd soon be one of her Captains when they set sail, she said in a low voice, "For Brother Timothy I'm holding my tongue and being amiable to you. Bygones be bygones, you say? Well, I may forgive, but I do not forget." Turning back to the monk, she smiled and drank some more of her drink. Brother Timothy glanced at her, but she shook her head. "Not to worry, Brother. Now, where were we?"


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Reply author: Ice Mage
Replied on: 10/26/2007 21:09:34
Message:

*Lorelei and Prometheus talked at great length, as Guest's flowed in and out of the Tavern. From their room upstairs came Dorean and White Rose, sitting down at Prometheus's table. Lorelei looked back at Prometheus with a very concerned look on her brow.*

[Do they know?]

*Prometheus looked back at her with a very confident, and reassuring demeanor.*

"Of course Milady, with the exception of the transportation issue."

*A sigh of relief fell over Lorelei's face, knowing that she did not have to worry about slipping Prometheus's secret. Meanwhile, a tavern wench brought over their drinks. White Rose and Dorean glared at Prometheus, knowing how serious this recent move could be. White Rose could not contain herself, she burst out in frustration.*

'I can't believe you!!! After all this sneaking around, you just blurt it all out to some random bar owner.'

*Lorelei's face turned red, as she thought of all the horrible things a bottle of rum could do to a lady.*

"Calm down Rose, I have decided to come clean." Exclaimed Prometheus.

'Oh really fool, and just how do you plan to get it all back? In case you missed it, the Knight Hammer is gone and we are set to sail out on another ship.'

*Prometheus shook his head in understanding. Looking deep into her eye's he spoke once more.*

"We have more important things to be concerned with, and I have since made a commitment to our Queen. With that being said, I will go to our young Captain and tell her everything."

*Dorean nearly dropped his tankard.*

<Everything?> said Dorean.

"Well maybe not everything, but enough."

*Rose grabbed Prometheus's arm.*

'And what about Eldorado? Our son should be there within a couple weeks, assuming Arthurious is correct. And how will you complete the Queens Mission if we don't have the Knight Hammer?'

*Prometheus took a sip of his ale and slowly nodded his head.*

"I had a thought about that. Captain Wench thinks I should go to Captain Wolfe and ask for passage. My only problem is the time constraint we are under. So I contacted (With the help of Milady Lorelei here) another Captain by the name of Nathan Hawke. He sails the merchant vessel Babylon. He is expecting our arrival at the docks by noon tomorrow."

*White Rose sat back in her seat and began to think on this for a moment. Prometheus picked up on her apparent thoughts, and went ahead and commented.*

"Go get her Rose!"

*White Rose looked back at him with a puzzled face.*

"Rose, we will be traveling in secret. The only danger will be when we face him. And frankly the only use Dorean will be at that point would be to care for her. So go pack your things, and in the morning we will get your daughter back. Before we sail to save our son."

*Rose and Dorean shook their heads in agreement, and headed back to their room. But just before Rose walked away she had to ask one final question.*

'What about the Wench?'

*Prometheus looked back at her, very uneasy about what obviously had to happen.*

"I will handle that today. She has the right to know."

*White Rose continued to her room, as Lorelei stood up to head back to work.*

-If you are looking for her, I heard she was headed out to Master Campbell's shop.- Said Lorelei, already missing Prometheus's company.

*Prometheus stood up quickly to get Lorelei's Attention.*

"Milady!"

*She turned to gaze in his eye's once more.*

"I will return for you. You have done so much for me, I will always be yours."

*Lorelei began to blush and the tears began to roll down her rosy cheeks.*

-Well then Milord, till we meet again.-

*She turned once more and headed to the store room. Prometheus picked up his things and headed down to Master Campbell's. It was not long before the figure of the Wench herself became visible, being that she was headed to the Tavern herself. Realizing this was the moment, he walked straight to her.*

"Captain Wench! May I have a moment?"

*She rolled her eye's at him, almost irritated how much he kept bothering her. Especially since she was sure he was Daemon, and he just would not admit it.*

:What do you want now?:

"I need to tell you something, but some privacy would be nice."

*She put her hand on her hip and glared at him.*

:If you think I am that easy mister, you have another thing coming! I won't invite you back to my room just because you have nice boots!:

*Prometheus put his hands up and shook his head no.*

"No no Milady, I merely want to talk."

:Yeah that's what they all say, and all they really want is to get into my bodice and leave me naked on a moonlit platter!:

*Almost shocked, Prometheus took a second to reply.*

"Moonlit platter huh?"

:Never mind, what is it you want?:

*Prometheus took her hand in his and looked down at the ground.*

"I think it is time I be fully honest with you. I was sent to you by Queen Bonnie, to not only complete my task in Eldorado. I was having trouble remembering my past, and she felt it would return to me aboard your ship. She gave me command of her future Navy, swearing I would understand why once I remembered my past. Then when Dorean brought me aboard your ship, it struck me. At first I wanted to make you pay, but recently I got my priorities straight. So in the morning White Rose, Dorean, and myself will be setting sail to save a our child."

*Captain Wench pulled her hand back from Prometheus.*

:Did you say Our Child?:

"Yes as in White Rose and Mine!"

*As he made that statement, he slowly lifted his head to reveal his true image. WW was surprised but not at the same time.*

:I knew it!:

*Daemon stepped back and bowed.*

"In the flesh Milady!"

*She began to tear up, while she spoke.*

:But you were dead, I watched you die!:

*Daemon nodded his head and reached back out to clasp her hands. Lifting them up, he lightly kissed her hands and then her fore head.*

"And one day I will explain it all to you. But for now I felt you should know before I leave."

*She looked at him like he was tearing her heart out.*

:Before you leave? But you are leaving with us right, you were going to talk to Captain Wolfe.:

"There is no time for that, we must leave immediately. Perhaps we will meet up after you have found the Knight Hammer. In the mean time, I will take my leave. I just wanted you to know about me, before I left."

*He pulled back from her, and started walking to the Tavern and on to his room. But not before saying one last thing.*

"Good bye my lo..... Milady"



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Reply author: Blackjack Roberts
Replied on: 10/28/2007 16:39:04
Message:

Blackjack Roberts stumbled into the Dead Man's Tavern having just won a second drinking game with Sparrow, and nicking his purse in the bargain.

"Well now I know why the rum is always gone." He laughed to himself. "Bugger, but me poor head is going to pay for this one come morning."

His eyes scanned the room for his Captain. Not an easy task considering there seemed to be twice the number of people than the last time he had laid eyes on the place. Come to think of it there were twice the number of tables and chairs as well.

Spying two Elinors sitting at a table deep in conversation with two monk, and two pirates who from their look fit the description of Captain Jack Wolfe, he stumbled over to the table. Removing his Cavalier hat he bowed as low as he could without falling over.

"Pardon my intrusion, M'Ladies, but could either of you tell me where the Captain has gotten off to?" Jack swayed dangerously.

"I believe you had better sit down first, Mate." Elinor grinned at the obviously drunken pirate.

"My thanks to you both, Mum. I believe you are right." Jack grinned, then picking the wrong chair from the two Elinor had pushed out for him promptly hit the floor and passed out under the table.


Title: Re: DEAD MAN'S TAVERN I
Post by: Welsh Wench on May 19, 2008, 08:44:01 PM
Reply author: Hibernian
Replied on: 10/29/2007 00:04:19
Message:

"Oh my!" Elinor exclaimed as the pirate slid beneath the table. "Brother Timothy help!"

"Help? Why, I'm sure this is not a first..."
"But he's just lying there, what if he's dead, shouldn't we do something? After all you're a monk!"
"I'm pretty sure there isn't anything about drunk pirates under tables in the Rule of Benedict."
"Brother its your duty" she continued, and as he glanced over at her eyes, he felt them pleading with him.

"Oh bother," a quick swallow of ale and he leaned over and under to reach beneath the table. Placing his hand on the man's chest he noted, as he expected, that it was moving in a regular pattern and without distress, the hand then felt air moving in and out of the pirate's mouth. From beneath the table Brother Timothy annouced his findings and his intentoins to let the pirate sleep it off on the floor.

Sitting up just in time to see Elinor taking a mug and aiming it at the prone man under the table. "Not the Ale!" quickly grabbing the mug away from her.

"You don't waste good ale, hell's fire girl you don't even waste bad ale like that, I thought you had better sense, go get some water from the bar."


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Reply author: Elinor Hakebourne
Replied on: 10/29/2007 11:02:08
Message:

Her eyes widening at the monk's sudden behavior, she stood up and turned towards the bar. "And I thought I was protective of my ship's logs!" She said under her breath, quietly enough that she hoped Brother Timothy wouldn't hear. Asking for a glass of water, she returned to the table and wasted no time, pouring the glass onto the man's face, giggling slightly as the man merely brushed the water off his face and continued his slumber.

"My apologies for almost spilling the ale, Brother Timothy. I suppose he'll just lay there until Lorelei kicks him out, because he doesn't seem to be waking at all!"


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Reply author: Blackjack Roberts
Replied on: 10/29/2007 18:44:50
Message:

Suddenly Blackjack yelled, "Man overboard!!" and sat bolt upright, promptly cracking his skull on the underside of the table. "Hob's bodkins!!" he laughed aloud rubbing his forehead and cursing good naturedly beneath his breath. "Well, if I weren't about to 'ave a headache come morn, I certainly will now!"

Placing his hat back on he sat on the floor and grinned at Elinor. "My thanks, Lass." His head cleared somewhat by the cold water. "Passing out in a pirate's bar is certainly not the smartest thing I've done this night."

Elinor giggled again as Jack Stood and twirled the afore offered chair around. Then making sure that this time it was the chair he intended to sit in placed one booted foot on either side, and rested his arms across the back. "Hows your head now?" she teased.

"Wet, Luv." Blackjack smiled. "But a pirate who's afraid of a little water should find another profession." He dabbed the excess liquid from his face with the back of one billowy sleeve.

Brother Timothy glowered for a moment at the half drunk Rogue, brightening when Jack called over a tavern wench and ordered ale all around. "Much as it pains me to admit it, I believe I've had me fill o' Rum this night. So I'll stick to something a bit softer."

He tossed a a few silver shillings onto the maid's tray, and with a wink told her to keep anything left over for her self, and to bring more before their tankards were dry. "I'll pay for each round ye bring, Lass, as long as Sparrow's purse holds out. Now off with ye." He winked placing a playful slap to the girl's backside as she turned to go, looking back long enough to smile.

Blackjack watched the sway of the girl's hips for a moment before turning back to Elinor. "Again, pardon my intrusion on your conversation, but could ye tell me where Captain Wench as gotten off to? I promised to stand afore the mast for her, and I'd hate for her to think I'm not a man of my word."


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Reply author: Welsh Wench
Replied on: 10/29/2007 21:03:42
Message:

"Daemon! Wait! PLEASE!" she shouted.
But Daemon kept walking. She felt tears spring to her eyes and whispered, "I--I'm so sorry, Daemon. Maybe in another life...."
She hastily wiped the tears that traced down her face. And she thought back to that night in her room at Dead Man's Tavern.

Gwydion had been sitting at a table in the tavern, waiting for her like the proverbial spider. Daemon helped her escape upstairs to her room. They were all set to steal the Knight Hammer at dawn. A wave of panic had come over her and she whispered to Daemon, 'I'm afraid.'
He took her in his arms and whispered back, 'Don't be. I'm here.....'

It was their only time together. They had come close since then but the opportunity never presented itself. Something always interrupted them. Daemon, who was willing to sacrifice himself to impart the Phoenix to her to save her life from Jonas Corwin's poisoned blade.....

She watched him walk away and suddenly she felt a sense of shame. That she hadn't listened to him when he warned her not to put the crew in jeopardy but she headstrongly went ahead with her rescue plans.
She whispered, "Some day, Daemon....some day you may forgive me...."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

She walked down the lane and saw the two brothers who were gunning for her. She ducked into a doorway and tucked all her hair into her hat. May as well do a little reconnaissance and see what is on their minds...

She fell in step behind them about ten feet away, keeping her head down. The neater one fumed, "I swear, that is the second time--SECOND TIME!--she has wrecked my sails!"
The scurvier one railed, "Wot de 'ell are ye complainin' about? Least ye has a ship! Mine has been torn asunder and is now residin' wit' Davy Jones!"
Captain Fancy-boots scowled, "I had to wait two months for the sails from Wainwright!"
Captain Scurvy put his hands on his hips and said, "Oh, is 'at so! Well, what inconveniencin' fer ye! 'Ow the 'ELL am I s'posin' ter be salin' a bloody STICK? An' a bent one at that!"
Fancy-boots said darkly, "I can't understand why we haven't been able to catch up to her. She's been T-R-O-U-B-L-E ever since she blew into town."
Scurvy reached into his frock coat and pulled out a flask, taking a healthy sip from it.
" 'At's becuz ye always take the nobler approach. Ye need t' jes' take th' wench an' teach 'er a lesson."

Wench could feel her anger rising. First he gives me a brass blade and then he can besmirch my reputation by calling me TROUBLE?"
She slipped down an alley and took a short cut. She saw where they were headed and had about a two-minute window of opportunity. Spying an eyebolt driven near the bottom of a wall, there also was a rope lying on the ground.
She hastily made a figure-of-eight knot through the bolt, stretched the line out and held onto the other end. She went around the corner of the building.

"Well, there will be hell to pay and she will be the one paying it if it is the last thing I ever---DOOOOO!"
Both men went flying forward, the momentum of their gait carrying them to a crash landing.
Unfortunately into a mud puddle.

Wench dropped the rope and ran down the alley to the chorus of "%$#@!"
She stood a ways away and watched them try to pick themselves up out of the puddle, slipping and sliding.
'Blame me for it? Umm....I don't THINK so!'
She headed towards Dead Man's Tavern to find the rest of her crew. Unless Captain Wolfe absorbed them like osmosis.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Emily stood outside the tavern, taking a break. She had been counting the shillings in her pocket when Wench approached.
"Hello, Emily. Is it busy inside the tavern tonight?"
"'ere now, Wench, it depend on wot yer mean by 'busy'. But, aye, the place be a-bustin' wit big spenders! And I aim t' land me one afore the night be over."
Wench laughed. "Do you have one in mind?"
"Aye! Look in th' window. See that there one with the cutlass...no, that one over there....Aye! That's the one!"

Wench peered into the window. Emily was pointing to someone alright.
It was Captain Jack Wolfe.

He was sitting at the table with Hibernian and Elinor, sharing an ale.
"You mean...Captain Jack Wolfe?"
Emily adjusted her chemise and did a stuff and fluff. "Is that his name?"
Wench could feel herself doing a slow burn. "Aye, I've heard of him. Everyone has heard of him."
"Ever have his boots under your bed, Wench?"
Wench put her hand on her hips and exclaimed, "What sort of question is that, Emily?"
"An honest one. Did you and he ever...you know....bed?"
Wench frowned and said, "Really, Emily! I expected better out of you than that!"
Wench said softy to herself, "I guess he's feeling better then."
"What do you mean?" Emily's mouth dropped.
Wench said casually, "Venus's curse."
"You mean.....?"
"Yes. Carnal pox."
"But...how?"
Wench fussed with her scabbard and looked up. "Hmmm? Oh. Well, my guess is Tortuga."
Emily put her hand to her mouth and murmured, "I had no idea...."
Wench put her hand on Emily's shoulder and said in a caring tone, "Oh, don't let it worry you. I am sure the lesions are gone by now. Ta, dearie!"


Title: Re: DEAD MAN'S TAVERN I
Post by: Welsh Wench on May 19, 2008, 08:45:08 PM
Reply author: LairdeGuardnMCrack
Replied on: 10/30/2007 16:40:12
Message:

He napped for a while, knowing that his orders were being carried out and that the septs of the clan would soon send those that were needed to assist him.

It started slowly, with the alleys and streets leading to M'Crack's Own Pub having a few more than normal men and women hanging about. The denizens and those known to be of the port were allowed free access, those that were not known were turned away, being told the streets were closed for work, and some even needed to be "convinced" a little more strongly, not to enter the area, with the working end of a shillelagh. The few British soldiers that were still scurrying for cover and a way back to their ship were allowed free access to the area, and even given a place to hide for a while from a smiling lass in one of the doorways. It only seemed fitting that they were eating a fine meal provided by the prettiest Irish lass when a group of M'Crack's Night Eyes appeared and joined them, An hour later, a group of women descended on the kitchen and cleaned up the mess, and went to cleaning and repairing the uniforms of the soldiers, they would come in handy some time, since the bodies would never be found.

Trickle into the area they did, at first just one or two at a time, sometimes as many as five or six, each group making a beeline for the pub and to await word from the chieftain. Nail'n would welcome each and some were sent back out to strengthen the street watch. Every so often another banner would be hung on the wall outside the pub, first the Boru, then the O'Neill, two at one time a few hours later with the O'Morda and the White going into their spaces, and finally as darkness fell on the port, the Griffin banner was hung in place. From the roof of the pub, a horn was sounded, and many of the men and women from the street headed back down the streets and alleys to the pub. The O'Ceallaig's would maintain the street watch whilst the meeting went on.

In the center of the pub sat a motley looking group, a table for 8 with one empty seat........the pub was loud with discussions from every corner but this table sat in silence for the most part, they seemed to only talk in greetings as each one showed up and took their seat.

"they be here Daddy" she whispered to his ear as he slept in his chair in front of the fireplace in his room. "What's that" he grumbled and gave Nail'n a stern look. "They are here Guard'n" she giggled "and Timmy....she laughed again...."Brother Timothy has been told". She kicked the stool out from under his feet "now get down there, I hate these formal meetings and want to know what is going on myself...Da...I mean my Chieftain".....a swirl of her skirts and a sweet smile given to him as she turned and left, not closing the door as she departed his room..

It was only a short time while he donned his kilt and kit and went down to the main pub to join those gathered. His decending the stairs quickly brought the entire pub to silence and every eye greeted him has he made his way to the center table and took a seat. He noticed that those of the clan included carpenters, pitch-melters, blacksmiths, coopers, shipwrights, gunners, as well as all the others needed to sail a ship. At the table before him was the Captain of Hoodoo's Pride with the Captain of the Oculus Nox the night eyes of the clan, as well as the Sailing Master, Quartermaster, Boatswain, Master Gunner and First Mate.

Turning to each at the table he spoke softly "it is not often that I ask you all to gather with your best, but it has been to long for this family remain silent. I can not tell you where we go or why, I can tell you is that we come together for Brother Timothy and that adventure is involved." A good hour of discussions were held at that table, with the agreements made that they would do what was necessary for thier brother and the Order. The captain and his officers then went about selecting the crew from those that had arrived at the pub. Orders were given to Peddlin' to gather what was left of the clan and bring them to this section of the city while the others sailed for the protection of all, just in case. Those that would be sailing were told that the ship was anchored in a cove just around the point and out of veiw of the port and the British Warship that sat in the harbor and to make way to it this very night and prepare to set sail.

It was three that left M'Crack's Own Pub and made their way toward Dead Man's Tavern. The Captain of Hoodoo's Pride, The Captain of the Night Eyes, and the Chieftian himself.

It was late when they filed in, and they scanned around and took a table not far from where they saw Brother Timothy. Ale was ordered for the table before he approached Brother Timothy. "I regret it took so long, but it has been a long time since we have had need to gather a crew, but Hoodoo's Pride is manned and gunned, and awaits your orders. Captain Smootch is her master and as we speak the crew prepares the ship to sail." He would smile to his old friend. "Now just what do you and the Order of St Brendan need of us"


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Reply author: Welsh Wench
Replied on: 11/01/2007 12:55:33
Message:

Wench had her hand on the doorknob of the tavern, ready to push the door open when it suddenly occurred to her that Captain Wolfe was in...there.
Which meant he was not on his ship.

She stood outside the lantern light, contemplating what awaited her. An unforseeable length of time on El Lobo del Mar. She turned on her boot heel and marched down to the harbor where it was docked. Her boot heel came off and she stopped.
'DAMN! I wish the assessor of the road taxes here in Glenlivet would fix these cobblestones. That is the fourth pair of boot heels I've gone through.'

She limped to the dock and then up the gangplank and called "Permission to come aboard."
A man's head popped up over the deck rail.
"And who ye be, Missy?"
"Mrs. Jack Wolfe."
A voice from the dark said, "Aye, better let the missus on board or she will be tearin' yer ears off, chewin' them up and stickin' 'em on backwards."

Briggs came out of the dark and into the lantern light. He tried to suppress a grin. "Mrs. Wolfe. I see ye be a-changin' since ye ran off two years ago."
She walked slowly towards Briggs in a measured gait.
"Well, well, well...Josiah Briggs, as I live and breathe!"
He struck a match on his boot and lit his pipe.
"'eard Ol' Jack caught up with ye."
"Indeed he has. Quite the reunion it was. But not the way you think."
"An' yer crew is comin' on board, eh? I met the cook--a Martin Montgomery, I believe--and I must say that be the finest breakfast I had in a long time."
She walked past him and said, "I'm glad you enjoyed it."
"Hey, now, Mrs. Wolfe. Where ye be goin' like this be yer ship?"
She said over her shoulder, "I'm checking out my accomodations."
Wench walked to the great cabin, took the key from on top of the lintel and let herself in.
The watchman said, "Wot ye s'pose she be up to?"
Briggs chuckled, "I don't rightly know...but I bet Cap'n Wolfe be payin' fer it!"

Honour looked into the room. Not much has changed since I was last here, she mused. She looked at the nautical maps rolled and stashed in the corner. A few maps were over the desk in the center of the room. She sat on the bed and bounced a few times up and down on it.
Yes, still the same mattress with the same little squeak...

She walked over to the armoire and opened the door. Inside were dresses....some were hers, some were not. She picked up a purple one and wrinkled her nose.
'My GAWD that is so last year's....'
She picked through them and took the ones that weren't hers. Opening up the window that was on the sea side of the ship, she pushed them through the window and watched as they fluttered in the wind and the whitecaps devoured them.
Back to the armoire, she searched around the bottom. 'Has to be a pair here somewhere...AHA!'
She pulled out a pair of white kidskin boots. 'Right where I left them!' shoving her old boots in a duffel bag.
She took a few notes and measurements and then closed the door.

Briggs met her, his hands on his hips and said, "An' just what ye be doin' there, Missy?"
"Fumigating."
And without another word, she walked down the gangplank and back to Glenlivet.

She walked down to the store that held wallcoverings and tapestries and dyes.
"Hello, Mr. Sherwin?"
William Sherwin came out of the back and stopped in his tracks. Cautiously he said, "Well, hello, Wench. What can I do you for?"
She smiled radiantly and said, "I came to see about textiles and wallcoverings and paint."
"Decorating the dungeons again?"
"No. I am sailing off on Captain Wolfe's ship El Lobo in the morning and I'd like some things delivered there by tonight. And if you manage to do it in the next hour, there is a bonus for you."

She pored over textile samples and paint swatches. 'Too light...too dark..too much grey in that one....need this one in a shade lighter....this looks great, alternating between a rough and smooth fabric for some throw pillows....'
"Mr. Sherwin?"
He walked over. "Yes?"
"I'd like this shade here. In Buttercup. And also Oceanic Blue. I think those would look wonderful together."
"Does Captain Wolfe know you are doing this?"
"Huh? Oh. Yes. Yes, he does."
"How many gallons?"
"I don't know..I suppose whatever the order for painting the dungeon reception area will do. And double it. I am going over dark paint."
"What finish?"
"I guess satin sheen. It cleans up so much better than flat paint. You never know when you are going to get icky stuff on it. Like blood. Or fishy junk."
"Fishy junk?"
"Yes. It's a nautical term. Now..I'll take about twenty yards of this jacquard print....and about ten yards of this tapestry print....and about seven yards of this velvet...."
"For a ship?"
"Hmmm? Oh, no...no, I like that for a dress. Just because it is a pirate ship doesn't mean we can't act civilized, does it?"
"I guess not."
"And please charge it to Captain Wolfe's account."
"Huh? But...I thought..."
"What? That I am going to pay for all this? It's his ship. So it is only fair he pays for it. I mean, I'm throwing in my services--my decorating services--for free. I think that is only right."
"B-b-but we have a slight problem...."
She tapped her foot impatiently. "And what would that be?"
William Sherwin reached under his desk and pulled out a piece of broadsheet.

'To the storekeepers in Glenlivet: any and all charges and C.O.D. orders by Captain Wench, also known as Honour Bright, also known as Honour Wolfe, are to be null and void. Payment will NOT be presented.
Signed, Captain Jack Wolfe.'

Wench's mouth formed a perfect 'O' as she put her hand to her mouth. Quick to recover, she leaned forward and said in a low voice, "Mr. Sherwin, does Benjamin Moore know you have been keeping company with his wife?"
Mr. Sherwin mopped his brow and said, "When shall I deliver it?"
"As soon as you can. I'll make sure Captain Wolfe is not on board. Tell Briggs it is for me and to stow it in the storage room. Just tell Briggs that Captain Wolfe ordered it and he will pay you then."
She looked at the clock. "Oh, my! Look at the time! I have things to do...Ta!"

William Sherwin sat down in his chair with a thud, reaching under his desk for a bottle of Scotch. He remembered the last time he dealt with her. An ongoing battle of wits with the Dungeon Master of Glenlivet. Wench was appointed by Queen Bonnie to redesign and redecorate the Royal Dungeons. She ordered mauve and ivory, he ordered stripper for the walls. She ordered, he ordered. Screaming and yelling from both parties.
Seven months it went on. Sherwin was rapidly losing his hair over the ensuing tennis match of stubborness. And the painting contractors were getting rich off their one-upmanship. Of course, the expenses came out of the coffers of Glenlivet...

Sherwin turned his head to the back room and yelled loudly, "She's gone. You can come out now!"





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Reply author: Mad Jack Wolfe
Replied on: 11/01/2007 12:59:47
Message:

Briggs was on the deck of El Lobo with some of the crew, drinking rum and swapping tales. Just as he was about to describe some delightful young lass's... attributes, a voice called up from the dock.

"Yoo hoo!! Hello! Anybody home?"

Briggs went to the gunwale and looked down at the stranger. He was dressed in normal street clothes, save that they were made of pale blue and yellow satin, and fit more snug than was necessary. His hat was so over-adorned with white feathers it looked like a swan had exploded on his head.

"Aye! What can we be helpin' you with, um, sir?"
"Why, yes! I am Martin Stewart, master designer in the employ of Monsieur William Sherwin. I'm here to have a look at the captain's cabin."
"I'm quite certain the captain didn't request your services. Who put ye up to this, Martha?
"It's Martin, sailor boy! And it was the Captain's Lady who ordered everything. So, will you help me aboard? Or does moi have to do everything around here?"

That familiar dull ache began to blossom behind Briggs' eyes. "You aren't settin' foot on this ship until ye hear directly from her captain," Briggs growled as he stormed down the gangplank and off toward Dead Man's Tavern.

"Suit yourself, handsome! I get paid by the hour either way," Stewart replied. "Hey, you fellows up there! Wanna play 'Twister'?"

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Briggs was beside himself by the time he reached the tavern door. He spotted Jack sitting with members of Honour's crew by the fire, and he jostled his way through the throng toward them.

"Jack! Jack, we've got ourselves a devil of a problem," he declared. "One devil of a problem, indeed!"
The rum was clearly having it's way with Jack as he tried to focus on Josiah's face. "And does said devil wear... what's that name again? 'Prodder'? 'Plaza'?" he slurred.
"'Prada'?" said Brother Timothy.
"That's one of her favourites," Elinor offered.
"Aye!" said Briggs. "And one of her imps is at the ship right now with a tape measure, fabric swatches, and God knows what! And she was in your cabin earlier, knockin' about, schemin' and such..."
"You don't mean..."
"She's redecoratin'."

Jack bolted for the door like he's been shot from a cannon. "No! Stop! No good!" he shouted as he ran down the lane. He burst through the door of William Sherwin's establishment to find the owner and his associate pulling a bolt of tapestry from a high shelf.

"What have you done!?" Jack hissed. Sherwin's associate dropped his end of the bolt and ran for the back room.

"What?" Sherwin said nervously. "Oh, this? Um... just filling a late order, squire. How can I help you?"
"You can start," Jack said, picking up his broadsheet from the counter, "by explaining why you ignored my request that you ignore my wife's requests? Or are you in the habit of ignoring people that don't want to do business with you?"
"Um, yes. I mean, no! I was not not ignoring to you, sir. Captain. My head hurts..."
"A lot more will bloody hurt if you fill her order, mate."
"You said she's your wife?"
"Yes."
"Which one?"
"What?"
"I mean, which of the women on that list? There were an awful lot of them. You're not a polygamist, are you?"
"No, of course not! They're all the same person."
"Isn't that confusing? How do you know what to call her?"
"Fortunately, she answers to all of them."
"Sure you didn't toss an extra one in to confuse her? Just for funsies, eh? Know what I mean?"
Jack's patience was wearing thin. "You wouldn't happen to have a relative named Mason, would you?"
"You know him? He's my second cousin, twice removed!"
"Twice removed from what?"
"Oh, well... we usually don't like to discuss that."
"Look, just cancel her order. Simple as that."
"Do you know what happened to the last person who failed to fulfill one of her orders, sir?"
"Was he wearing boots?"
"No, sir. Why?"
"Nothing. I'm sure it was... loud."
"Deafening, sir. He still has nightmares. And the cat runs from any lady in a big hat to this day. Poor thing's scared witless of feathers."
"Just focus for a moment, would you?"
"Righto, sir," Sherwin said cheerily. "Oh, that's a very nice hat."
"That's enough! Cancel it, all of it. Every last thread!"
"Consider it done, governor."
"Thank you." With that, Jack headed back to the tavern to soothe his throbbing head.

The associate poked his head out when the front door closed. "Pssst! Is he gone?"
"Yeah, he just left."
"Eh?"
"I said, HE JUST LEFT!"
"Good. You're not canceling her order, are you?"
"Not bloody likely! I don't want to end up half-deaf like you."
"The cat's got to take a poo?"
"Never mind..."

Title: Re: DEAD MAN'S TAVERN I
Post by: Welsh Wench on May 19, 2008, 08:46:23 PM
Reply author: Ice Mage
Replied on: 11/01/2007 15:35:40
Message:

*Arriving at the Tavern, Daemon quietly made his way to his room. Cold and drab, it had only the basic decor of a simple flat. He gathered up his things and headed over to the Cabin of White Rose and Dorean.

KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK

The door opened to reveal a fully packed Dorean and Rose. Dorean looked at Daemon and spoke.*

[I kinda figured tomorrow meant tonight, so I went ahead and got us packed up quick.]

*Daemon nodded his head in agreement. Then motioned o the hall way.*

"Come, haven't much time. If we are to pick up your daughter and make our departure."

*The trio immediately left the room and headed down to the Tavern. Many of their fellow crew mates sat in the tavern, enjoying their last night in town. Quietly they slipped past un-noticed, and headed to the convent. Funny enough, it was merely a hundred yards from the main faire of Taverns. Before they reached it's gates, a Sister walked out holding young Arwen. Placing the child I Rose's hands, not a word was said. They tucked the young child in it's blanket, and quickly made way for their ship. Suddenly it hit them. Like they were walking away from all they loved, they began to feel guilt over leaving their friends behind. As they approached their ship, they began wishing it were the Knight Hammer.*


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Reply author: Welsh Wench
Replied on: 11/06/2007 20:22:14
Message:

Wench walked along the docks when she spied three people, one holding a baby.
They were walking towards a ship and she recognized the stance of one, with his cloak swirling in the wind and holding his staff.
'Daemon!' she whispered to herself.
Picking up her skirts, she ran towards the trio.
"Daemon! DAEMON! WAIT!"
He turned around and saw his former first mate running towards him, her hair blowing in the wind.
To Dorean and WhiteRose, he said in a low voice, "I'll catch up to you in a moment."

She skidded to a stop to avoid running into him. Breathlessly, she said, "You really are going away, aren't you?"
He nodded solemnly and said, "WhiteRose and I have to go to El Dorado to save our son."
"B-but why not come with us on El Lobo? We will find the Knight Hammer and once again you will be the Captain!"
She could feel herself getting emotional. "Daemon, I never wanted to be captain. I really didn't."

He walked down the dock with her. He took a deep breath and gazed out over the water.
"I know you didn't. And it was unfair of me to put that responsibility on you. I never dreamed it would come to be not once but twice."
"Daemon, you tried to kill me. You drew your sword and told me I would join you in eternal servitude. What was I to do? Let you kill me? You said you were going to have you a wench kabob."

Daemon looked at the ground and said, "That wasn't me. It was another...being. I never would hurt you, Wench. I lo---I had great affection for you."
She could feel her eyes beginning to fill with tears. "You offered to share your very being with me to save my life from the poisoned sword of Jonas Corwin. You were willing to risk your life for me. I can never forget that. And how did I repay you? I killed you. I never wanted it that way."

Daemon reached up and stroked her cheek with the back of his hand. She closed her eyes to stop the flow of tears but they just kept coming. She touched his hand tenderly and could barely whisper, "I can never tell you how much you have meant to me, Daemon. Words would fail me."

Daemon felt his eyes tear up. "That one night...that one perfect night..."
She nodded, hardly able to put into words, "You gave me strength and protection when I needed it most...."
He held her, nothing more to say.

Finally she lifted her head to look in his eyes. "Daemon, please! Come with us to look for the Knight Hammer! Jack won't mind. He really won't. He---"
Daemon put his finger to her lips and said softly, "Your place is with your husband. For now. I can see that. Someday....maybe someday...."
She knew he was right. They could never all stay on the same ship. In the case of Daemon Vardus, once a captain, always a captain. Jack would feel the same way.

She and Daemon stood there for a few minutes, not saying a word but holding tight to each other. Finally he said, "I have to go. Dorean and WhiteRose are waiting for me."

Wench and Daemon walked towards the other two. Without saying a word, Wench hugged them fiercely. "God go with you, my friends."
Rose started to cry and Dorean gave her a hug. Wench whispered to them, "Take care of Daemon."
Dorean nodded, "I shall. And take care of yourself, Wench. We shall meet again."

Wench broke away from the group and stood back. "May peace be with you all."
Daemon stepped forward and he and Wench embraced one last time, kissing with all the depths of their souls.
Then she turned and walked away.
Daemon watched her go and then said to the two, "We board now." And with that, they walked towards their ship.

Wench turned only once to look back. She said in a broken but resolute voice, "We shall meet again, Daemon Vardus. Of that I am sure."

She headed for Dead Man's Tavern, her emotions in a wreck but her mind was clear. She did what she had to do.
And now she had made her peace.





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Reply author: Ice Mage
Replied on: 11/08/2007 20:15:07
Message:

*Boarding the Babylon, Captain Hawke walked over to Admiral Vardus.*

[Admiral! Are you ready?]

*Daemon looked back at his former first mate, watching her slip off into the distance. Captain Hawke nudged Daemon.*

"Yes Captain, we will be in our quarters below."

*Captain Hawke nodded in confirmation, and then began giving orders to make sail. Daemon gave one last look at Glenlivet, and the world he had given the last two years to. He made his way below to his cabin. Opening the door, he came face to face with White Rose. She was sitting on his cot, waiting patiently for him.*

'Daemon, are you ok?'

*Daemon walked past her and set his things on the desk. Barely even lifting his head, he lookedback at rose. A tear flowed from his eye.*

"I'm fine Rose. Leave me alone!"

*She stood up and walked to the door.*

'Be glad i still care for you! Anyone else would have stayed and badgered you.'

*She walked out the door and headed back to her cabin. Daemon looked down at the ground, and quietly mumbled to himself.*

"I wish you had."

*The Babylon taxied out of Port, and set full sail for the City of Eldorado.*


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Reply author: Hibernian
Replied on: 11/08/2007 20:39:34
Message:

The mist coming off the water drifted through the rigging of the ship as it lay at anchor. The anchoraged off the far spit of land had been chosen carefully, for even without the mist a trained eye would have to know exactly where to look to see the vessel. It was a perfect spot to observe the harbor of Glen Livet, and an even better spot to rapidly gain the upper hand on any vessel leaving Glen Livet. It had been some time since this vessel and its crew had gone pirating, it appears some skills are never forgotten.

"Capta'n the ship's secured, we've got a spring in the anchor line so we can bring our guns to bear as we wish and the axes are ready for a quick anchor drop. Any orders?" The First moved forward to stand by his Captain who at the moment had his glass trained on the harbor.

"Orders, I wish, the call finally comes and here we are, hurry up and get to sea just to wait. Well, at least we're back at sea, you never know which way the wind will blow we could be lucky and be out of here in no time, but not until he calls."

Captain Smootch moved to the far corner of the Pride's quarter deck, braced in the corner of the wooden railing he could lean back and enjoy the view of the crew going about its duties. Pulling his pipe and a pouch of weed from a pocket, he slowly packed the bowl and used a taper from the starboard lantern to light. A slow draw to savor the taste and the exhaled smoke slowly joined the sea mist in the rigging.

"Captain...no never mind sir."
"I know that look, what's on your mind, as first mate you should always speak plainly to me, you'll not regret it."
"The crew has heard and was wondering is it true, we're waiting on a monk of all things? Have the clan chiefs lost their minds? This is a pirate ship, not a cleric's cozy carriage."

"Now hold your horses, before you go on and bring the heaven's damnation upon us for speaking ill of the church, the monk we're waiting on is not your usual brown robed sit at the head table and eat the best cut of meat friar. This brother serves the Order of St Brendan, besides old Guard'n himself has ordered this, and that doesn't happen lightly."
"Do you know him Captain?"
"Not personally, but I understand Captain McGuckin of the Curruagh is family to him and well that's good enough for now."

Before another word could be spoken a cry from the mast top was heard, "Sail Ho."
The First shouted "Where away?" listening for the bearing.
"Port bow, coming out of the harbor."

Raising his glass the Captain held a steady gaze upon the out bound ship.
"Orders Captain?"
"A moment if you please, it's the Babylon..."
"Captain Hawke the last I heard."
"Not what or who we're waiting for, let her go First." Collasping his glass Captain Smootch turned to go, "I'll be in my cabin if you need me."




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Reply author: Blackjack Roberts
Replied on: 11/10/2007 22:59:58
Message:

"Now what in Hell was that all about?" Blackjack mused as Captain Jack Wolfe bolted for the tavern door as if all the fiends were hot at his heels.

Elinor leaned close in a conspirator tone whispered. "His wife Captain Wench is redecorating their ship."

"SHE'S MARRIED?!" Jack shouted, causing more than a few heads to turn in their direction. "Aye, I should have known." He suddenly laughed dropping his voice to a more conversational tone as the den of plunderer's returned to their respective business.

"Aye," Elinor laughed, "but you'd not know it from her actions."

"Still," Jack mused as he stood to seek the tavern wench he had been flirting with, "To see Captain Wolfe get that upset over a little paint. She must be a better pirate than a decorator. A good evening to ye, Lass. I've still some of Sparrow's money to spend, and a good idea as to where I should spend it."

"Good hunting to ye, then....." Elinor's voice trailed off.

Jack grinned as he realized that in his former stupor he had neglected to give his name. "Jack, M'Lady." he grinned and placed a soft kiss to the back of her offered fingers. "Blackjack Roberts."

"Just what we need." Elinor thought as she watched the roguish blonde pirate walk away in search of Emily. "Another Jack."

The flat of Emily's hand caught Jack's cheek with a resounding crack that caused more than one old salt to chuckle knowingly. "I'll be thanking you to keep your suggestions to yourself, Captain Wolfe." She replied haughtily, her hands upon her hips. "If you'll not let a girl know about your "condition", the least you can do is tell her you are married!"

"Married??!!" Jack rubbed his stinging cheek ruefully. "Captain Wolfe??! Lass, me name be Blackjack, not Wolfe! As for any "condition" I may have it was nothing more than drunkenness before ye near took me head off!"

One of Emily's hands went to her mouth in surprise at the revelation. "You mean you are not Mad Jack Wolfe?!"

"Nay, Lass." Blackjack chuckled. "And I be anything but married. Captain Wolfe was the gent what just lit outta here as if the Devil himself were chasein' 'im."

"But Captain Wench said..." Her voice trailed off in embarrassment.

"So she was here after all?" Blackjack queried.

"Aye not more than an hour ago, but when I pointed to your table she must have thought I was pointing to her husband!!" Emily gasped.
Blackjack's laughter rose above the din of The Dead Man's Tavern as he offered the shapely wench his arm. "An honest mistake, Luv." he winked. "Why not get us a bottle of what ever suits yer fancy, and we'll retire to my rooms to discuss the matter further?"

"That's the best offer I've had this night, Mr. Roberts." Emily smiled as she placed one hand in the crook of Jack's arm, then grabbing a bottle of the finest Jamaican Rum allowed him to lead her up the stairs.




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Reply author: Welsh Wench
Replied on: 11/15/2007 20:23:05
Message:

As Wench headed towards Dead Man's Tavern, she thought over her deeds of the evening. Having said goodbye to her captain and a former lover was never easy. She remembered how hard it was when she had decided to leave Captain Jack Wolfe. Only that was a tougher decision. After all, he was her husband. A term she hadn't thought about in a long while.
Together only a month. But, oh, what a month. So much had happened and so much to change her life.

As she passed the Blade and Bone, she was distracted by rowdy noise coming from inside. She looked in the open door and her eyes lit up.
Around the table were seven pirates playing cards.
A game of One-and-Thirty.
And Wench felt lucky.

She was glad she had changed her clothes before visiting Master Campbell. She still had on an emerald green dress with the white kidskin boots she had found in Jack's armoire. The bodice of the silk dress fit snugly and the skirt flared out from her hips and swirled over her boots, shimmering to a soft peacock blue.
Her hair was bound up and cascaded in curls down her back.
She walked in and the men at the table stopped and stared. She leaned over, affording them a glimpse of her ample cleaveage.

"Gentlemen? I have the feel of fortune. Deal me in."

They scrambled to make room for her. She took her place next to the two least disgusting ones. At least they had their eyes, their teeth and from what she gathered, all their appendages.
Wench gave them a dimpled, demure smile and asked, "What are we playing, gentlemen?"
She made a point of making sure her coin pouch made a great deal of clinking noise.

"Why, little lady, we are playing One-and-Thirty. Ye familiar wit' it?"
She frowned. "One-and-Thirty? Is it anything like Ruff and Honours?"
The men burst out laughing.
The one to her left, Zechiel, yelled, "Hey, Bartholomew! Deal her in!"

The cards were dealt and Wench exclaimed, "Ooh! What pretty cards!"
Smitty, the pirate on her right, asked, "And what ye be a-drinkin', little lassie?"
She frowned as she concentrated on her cards. "Oh, I don't know....something light, I guess. Does this place have rum?"
The men guffawed and Smitty yelled out, "Hey! Murphy! Get this little lass a tankard of your finest 'light' rum!"

The game progressed for the better part of two hours. Wench was losing money right and left. The more she was losing, the more rum the men were buying her.
Finally, she was down to her last few gold crowns.

One of the pirates, who filled her tankard up again, said, "Well, little lady, looks like Lady Luck didn't smile on ye after all."

She stood up, swayed over the table and then said, "Gentlemen, I have something much more valuable than a few mere gold coins. And I'll just bet you would like to know what it is. Ask yourselves, 'Do I feel lucky?' Well...do you, gentlemen?"


Reply author: Welsh Wench
Replied on: 11/16/2007 09:00:46
Message:

The pirates looked at her with expectation and anticipation. She placed her booted foot on the chair and resting her arms on her bent knee, she leaned forward and whispered, "I have access to a prime piece of property."
Smitty snorted, "We don't be needin' some piece o' land, lady. We be seamen. Saltwater be in our veins, not sod."

She smiled slowly and said, "Not all property is land. I happen to have in my possession a light frigate, three-masted and square rigged. Done in a basic black with burgundy red trim. The masthead is a snarling wolf. She has thirty-two guns and an arsenal to rival the Royal Navy's. Spanish-built and sleek, the Captain's great cabin is to die for. Or will be when it gets a bit of revamping. Even has a walk-in closet.
And best of all, it comes complete with a crew. Ready, willing and able."
"And just where ye be acquiring this vessel, Missy?"
She stood up and took a deep drink of ale and looked at them with glazed eyes. "Ever hear of a ship named El Lobo del Mar?"

The men were enraptured. Wench reached into her bodice and pulled out documents.
"In my hand, gentlemen, are the proof of ownership papers."
Zechiel made a grab for it and she drew it back quickly.
"Ah ah ah....hands off, you reprobate. I am willing to lay the title to this vessel down on the next hand. So what do you say? Does anyone have anything of value that will be worthy of this?"

Ferguson, a powerfully built pirate with a gold tooth in front, said, "Aye. I was left three hundred acres of land in Barbados. I'll lay the deed down for the chance to own the famed El Lobo Del Mar."
Someone piped up, "And how did ye be acquiring the title to said vessel, Miss...?"
Wench smiled sweetly and said, "Let's just say it was left to me."




Title: Re: DEAD MAN'S TAVERN I
Post by: Welsh Wench on May 19, 2008, 08:47:20 PM
Reply author: Martin Montgomery
Replied on: 11/16/2007 14:05:48
Message:

Martin gave the cast iron pan a final swipe with his towell and placed it into the rack that the Dooley brothers had made along the galley's wall. It fit with so little room that no amount of rough seas would cause it to fall. "I'll hand it to these boys" He thought to himself "They ain't got no formal learnin' but they are right smart! These cabinets would've taken any furniture maker a week ta make,an' then they would'a been another day ta install em'!" Smiling with satisfaction as he surveyed the clean, bright galley that was once avoided by the entire crew, if possible, because of the little lamented, tyrant of a cook named "Lucky". Now with most of the off duty crew well-fed,and the galley set to rights Martin was looking for something else to put his nervous energy towards. The only member of his old crew that was here was Lilaney, and she had eaten earlier. The young woman was doing what she did best,making an effort to befriend the crew of the "El Lobo Del Mar" the burly cook grinned as the girl had left with three young sailors to "practice" with her throwing knives on the main deck using an empy keg for a target, a challange was soon to be settled. He hoped that she might let one of the boys win but he didn't have much hope,better to hope to change the tides! Several of the Lobo's crew sat at the long trestle table playing cards and checkers and enjoying a final mug of the excellent coffee that the big cook had brought on board. One of the men watching the game nudged his mate and loudly asked "Do ya' tink Gordy might be a bit peckish?" Martin looked away from admiring the new cabinetry and asked "Who is Gordy? I don't believe that I have met him." The men in the galley fell silent as the new cook took the bait laid out by "Tricky Tommy Taylor". "Oh yessir! Best lookout ever ta leave dry land! You ain't met im cause he's on duty. I jest bet that he would love a bit of a snack!" Taylor gave the big cook a smile that never touched his eyes,but I bet you don't care one whit about poor Gordy,on duty out in the chillin' sea air while you sit warm an tidy here in your precious galley!" He turned to the other men sitting at the table "Ole Lucky weren't much of a cook but he was one of us! He put his life on the line time an' again, an' he paid a terrible price for the men of the Lobo!" Not knowing why this men was singling him out Martin knew that getting in a fight wasn't the best way to make a good impression for his old crew. Turning from the man who railed against the Newcomers who would soon invade the Lobo, Martin picked up a plate and went to the warming trays pileing it high with scrambled eggs,bacon,bisciuts and hash browns he found a mug and filled it with coffee then turned back to the growing crowd of Lobo crewmen who were looking at him with distrust. Shooting a scathing look at Taylor,that silenced him even as he praised Lucky's faithfullness to the crew, raising his bushy right eyebrow Martin quietly asked "If you think that this man Gordy might be hungry, and you can't take him some food then I will, because as faithfull as your friend Lucky might 'ave been,he was NOT a good cook! He was filthy in his personal habits,and I heard that some of old Lucky's problems were brought on by old Lucky! Now if you were worried about poor Gordy you could take this to him, but since I am the new cook I'll do it ,if you could kindly direct me to his work station." Taylor winked at his mates and turned to face the burly man,closing the trap. "He is the Lookout Sir, that would mean that he's up in the crowsnest,in fact,he dosen't hardly ever come down! Now,Sir you promised that if I couldn't take poor Gordy his meal,you would! Are you a liar or are you jest full of hot air?"


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Reply author: Lilaney
Replied on: 11/16/2007 15:25:51
Message:

"For God's Sakes women! Will you stop ordering my men around!"
Lil turned slowly on the spot; it would have been uncouth for this man to see her roll her eyes a second time.
"You and I are going to have to come to some sort of terms..."
Briggs interupted her.
"You are right there. You stop ordering the men around and I won't throw you off the ship."
Lil felt her blood rise at the veiled threat.
"Fine!" she looked at the working party and hollered, "Oy! You all! Leave that pile of things right where you found it! And bring up all the other stuff that you have taken down to the Captain's Quarters! Now!"
Lil heard the curses this time; after five trips loaded down with things like pillows, tablecloths and candlelabras they would have to unman themselves again and trot all the 'pretties' back up onto the deck for Glenlivet and all the world to see.
"This ship's gone to 'ell, it has."
One seadog muttered as he neatly draped a pink chenille throw over the top of a pile of three boxes.
Briggs took an even wider stance as Lil leaned back a bit to look up at him. He could have been called handsome, if he wasn't so sour faced all the time.
"I promise you that if any of this stuff was mine, I would be certain to send it to my quarters."
Briggs bristled a bit.
"You have quarters?"
Lil nodded and blazed forward, her fingers itchy on her concealed throwing knife.
"It seems that things are changing for the better on this ship and I for one am glad to see the change. Briggs I suggest you embrace this, or bugger off!"
Lil turned on the spot and stormed back over to the three morons she thought to teach a skill too.
"Oy! Why are you cleaning your ear with my dagger?"
The short, bald man looked up blankly.
"It itched."
The other two, who, after having a quiet shoving match were now 'dueling' with the wrong ends of the blades.
Lil looked to the heavens to offer a prayer of hope.
Her eyes must have been playing tricks on her.
"Martin! What the hell are you doing!?"



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Reply author: Welsh Wench
Replied on: 11/16/2007 19:25:49
Message:

"Best, two out of three?" Ferguson grinned.
Wench tried to focus her eyes. "Sounds good to me. My, that---whatever it was--is delicious! Please, may I have some more?"
The gentlemen grinned and Bartholomew came over with a full tankard. She downed it and laughed, "It certainly goes down easily, doesn't it? But do you mind if we take a five minute break? I want to be sharp as a cookie for this."
Smitty yelled, "Five minutes! Then back to the table!"

Ferguson sat with Smitty and they laughed at what they thought was a sure thing.
Smitty asked, "What you reckon to do about the crew on board El Lobo?"
Ferguson struck a match on his boot and took a long draw on his black cigar. "Either they join up or I dump them over the side when we get out of port."
"How you figure she got the ship?"
Ferguson shrugged. "Rumour has it Wolfe had a wife once. Pretty little blonde thing. Then she ran off. But first she cleaned him out. There was talk she maimed Captain Jonas Corwin of the Golden Phoenix."
"Corwin with the hands like...this?" Smitty demonstrated a crippled hand.
"Yeah, that be him. And I heard she ran Daemon Vardus through with a sword after he had his way with her. Or maybe after she had her way with him. Either way, he's dead. And I think that be the little lady in there. Also heard she sank the Crude Organ Donor and almost scuttled the Azure Tooled."
"Damn, ye say! Wench like that needs t'be taught she can't make a monkey out of brother pirates."
Ferguson stood up and grinned. "And I jest be the one t'be doling out the lessons!"

Wench walked outside and stood in the night air. 'Oh, they've really underestimated me,' she thought. She laughed to herself and took a few deep breaths. If all goes right, I'll be the owner of a three hundred acre sugar plantation in Barbados. All I have to do is put on that ridiculous act of being buzzed and I'll be home free....'

She walked back into the tavern, affecting a sway in her walk.
Ferguson came over with another tankard of rum and said, "Here. Allow me."
He pulled out a chair for her and she sat down gingerly. She hiccuped.
"Are you ready to play, Miss...? I be apologizing, we ne'er did hear your name.."
"Gisele. Gisele Trosclair, at your service." She slurred her words. Then she giggled.
"I think I can play now. Yes, I am sure. Mr. Ferguson, are you ready?"

The deed to the land and the documents of ownership to El Lobo del Mar were laid on the table. The cards were drawn and One-and-Thirty commenced.
Ferguson won.
A cheer went up.

Round two.
Wench one.
Time for round three.

Wench now realized it was time to play her hand. She sat there and snapped herself out of her so-called alcoholic stupor. Silly men, she thought. A tavern wench learns early how to look sociable without drinking half the alcohol offered. She was as sober as a nun at Easter services.

She remembered a lesson she had learned and learned well. And it was about to come in handy.
Cade Jennings had taught her how to read a marked deck.
And this deck had marks that would make a cheetah look like a connect-the-dot game.

"Gentlemen? I do believe this game will be the deciding factor."
The men looked to each other and were puzzled.
Where was the slurring?
Where was the unfocused eyes?

Before them sat a self-assured, totally in control woman.
And she wasn't the least bit drunk.

The cards were dealt and as the final cards were laid down, Wench let out a slow breath and said, "Thirty-one."
Bartholomew raised his hand and said, "Game over."
There was a silence from Ferguson as he couldn't believe what had just happened to him.
Wench scooped up the deed to the land in Barbados and slipped it into her bodice, along with the title that had been falsified as to the rightful ownership of El Lobo del Mar. Thank God for Master Beres, printer deluxe.

"Well, wasn't that a pleasant way to spend an evening? Thank you, gentlemen, I'll be on my way. Ta!"
She left the tavern and as she paused by the lantern light, she took a look at the deed.
'I can't believe it! Is this possible?' she said in astonishment.
She burst out in laughter.

The land was right next to the plantation that Wench, as Honour Bright Wolfe, had bought the day before she left Captain Jack Wolfe.

'Not bad for an evening's diversion. Not bad at all...'



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Reply author: Mad Jack Wolfe
Replied on: 11/16/2007 21:34:27
Message:

Jack closed the door of the tavern behind him. "Where is that woman?!" he bellowed.

"Aye! Jack!" Briggs yelled across the room. "She went... no, that was you. Well, I'm sure she'll be back. What are we drinkin' to?"

Jack made his way to the table and sat heavily in an empty chair. "You're right. Waitress! Oi! Rum, and plenty of it! She was going to bloody redecorate the entire sodding ship, can you believe it? And behind my back! Why are you looking at me like that?"
"What?"
"How much have you had?"
"Oh, just a dram or two..."
"He's had at least a half a bottle," Elinor slurred.
"Enjoy your cider, darling. Josiah, is she right? That's got to be a record, even for you."
"Aye. You were sayin', Jack?"
Jack rolled his eyes. "Enjoy your shore leave."
"We haven't seen Captain Wench at all since we've been here," Brother Timothy offered.
"Ah. No doubt she's on a shopping spree. I seem to have a previously unknown line of credit in this town. Where was I?"
"What?" asked Briggs.
"Wondering where your wayward wife has wandered off to," said Brother Timothy.
"Nice alliteration," Jack quipped.
Elinor tried to stifle a giggle.
"Josiah! How stands my ship?" Jack asked.
"In the harbour, right were we left her. Why?"
Mercifully, Jack's rum arrived just in time. "You are a goddess, darling. Wait a moment! Where's Emily?"
"I'm Dierdre. Emily's upstairs with some bloke. What, you don't like me?" the serving wench asked.
"No! I like you just fine!" he said. "I was just... oh, hell. Here." Jack pressed a few coins into her hand.
"If you change your mind, you know where to find me," Dierdre smiled.
"You seem to have no lack of luck with the ladies," Brother Timothy observed.
"Ha! You have no bloody idea," Briggs laughed.
"Oh, shut up," Jack snapped.
"Are you two always like this?" Elinor asked.
"This is a good day, love," Jack said.
"Heaven help us all," chuckled Brother Timothy.


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Reply author: Martin Montgomery
Replied on: 11/19/2007 20:29:25
Message:

Carefully carrying the piled high plate in one hand and a full mug of steaming hot coffee in the other Martin navigated the confining passages through the "Lobo" from his newly refurbished galley,deep in the belly of the mighty vessel to the hatch that opened onto the main deck. Following him were Tommy Taylor and several of his cronies,as the strange procession past men who were off duty and looking for entertainment the interested parties joined the growing crowd. As the burly cook walked outwardly calm,alone with his thoughts,he berated himself mentaly "You great bloody FOOL!" He seethed angrily at himself for falling into such a simple trap. "You need to replace a trusted member of this crew to be able to soothe the anger and resentment that will come when WW and the rest of YOUR crew arrive,hopefully this morning! Now, how are you going to do that when every mother's son that was in the galley heard you say "Now if you were worried about poor Gordy you could take this to him, but since I am the new cook I'll do it ,if you could kindly direct me to his work station." Bloody FOOL!! Ah well no use cryin' over spilt milk! Here we are!" The group,now numbering almost twenty men stood watching the new cook as he crossed the deck and gently set the full mug on the rail. Taylor nudged his mate with his elbow and loudly whispered "See! He don't care one lil' bit 'bout poor Gordy, he's givin' up!" The men surrounding Taylor laughed loudly as the big man slowly turned,nodded to Lilaney who was trying to seperate two of her "Students" who were,apparently fighting a duel,with the wrong end of their knives and tossed a heavy pouch at her feet. Moving the biscuits onto the top of the scrambled eggs made room for the mug on the plate. Setting the plate on the rail and clambering up to stand on it,at the bottom of the braided ratlines "Martin! What the hell are you doing!?" Martin answered Lil's screamed question with a grin and said "Lil, take all bets!!" Then picked up the plate of still warm food and started to slowly climb towards the sky!!



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Reply author: Welsh Wench
Replied on: 11/20/2007 19:13:18
Message:

Wench walked into Dead Man's Tavern like she was on top of the world. Which she was. Because of her daring and her cunning, she was able to wrestle a three hundred acre tract of Barbadian land from a big brute of a pirate. The lagniappe was that it was adjoining the land she bought right before she left Captain Jack Wolfe a few years before.

"Lorelei!" she called out. "I'm helping myself to a tankard here."
Lorelei looked up from laying down a tray of tankards. "Only you are the self-serve department here, Wench."

She filled up her pewter mug and said, "Seen any of my crew?"
Lorelei nodded over to the table by the window. "Right over there."
Wench saw Elinor and Brother Timothy so she sauntered over there.
"Well, hello, my crew! Or what is left of.....uh oh."
She skidded to a stop too late.
Because quick as a flash, a nose was almost touching hers.
And that nose was attached to the face of Captain Jack Wolfe, reluctant co-captain and even more reluctant husband.
"Oh. Um...hi, darling!" she said.
He shook his finger in her face. "Don't 'Hi, darling' ME!"
She pushed his finger away from her face. "Don't do that unless you intend to use it," she said crossly.
She looked over and said sunnily, "Well! Hello, Josiah!" He gave her a grin and saluted her.
She looked closely into Briggs' eyes.
"Briggs? Oh, dear. He's been into a dram or two..."
Jack started with, "Alright, what is the big idea of----"
Wench waved his upcoming lecture away like it was an annoying fly.
"Captain Wolfe, I am in too good a mood. Let's do this over, shall we?"

She walked outside the door, then opened it up. Pouring herself a tankard, she headed back to the table.
"Well, hello, my crew! Or what is left of it!"





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Reply author: Mad Jack Wolfe
Replied on: 11/20/2007 19:40:31
Message:

Jack grabbed Honour by the ears and pulled her close. "Hello, darling," he grinned, and kissed her so deeply she found herself on tiptoes, and her heart racing. "Missed me? Your line of credit seems a bit fouled up. Let's we negotiate, shall we? I know a place upstairs..."


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Reply author: Welsh Wench
Replied on: 11/20/2007 20:31:02
Message:

She started to melt once again like she always did at Jack's kisses. She started to go weak in the knees and she felt the heat in her inner core start to spread in all directions.
But she managed to yell, "OW! dangnubbit, Jack! I just had a second piercing in my ears and they were just starting to heal!"
She rubbed her earlobes.
"I swear, if I have to go through that again...."




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Reply author: Mad Jack Wolfe
Replied on: 11/20/2007 21:04:29
Message:

"I'll buy you piercings galore, my love. I've seen things in Singapore that would make your ear piercings look like child's play," Jack purred seductively. "Come closer, darling, and I'll tell you all about it..."


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Reply author: Welsh Wench
Replied on: 11/20/2007 21:08:34
Message:

SPLASH!!!

Jack sputtered and Honour stood there gasping. Both of them were dripping in ice water. Brother Timothy stood there, grinning.
"Oh, that felt so GOOD to be finally able to do that!"

Wench stood there, her hair plastered to her cheeks and the feathers in her big hat drooping like a depressed peacock. She shook rivulets of water off her hands. Her skirt clung around her legs.
Jack burst out laughing.

Honour took both her hands and pushed Jack backwards into Briggs.
"KISS MY ARSE, JACK WOLFE!"
He recovered long enough to say, "NOW you're talking, darling!"
She stuck her tongue out at him and ran up the stairs, dripping a trail of water behind her.

Jack shook Brother Timothy's hand and could barely contain his laughter.
"She always did look good in a wet bodice!"


Title: Re: DEAD MAN'S TAVERN I
Post by: Welsh Wench on May 19, 2008, 08:48:29 PM
Reply author: Hibernian
Replied on: 11/21/2007 22:48:26
Message:

The thought that he really should not have done that flashed across his mind but was quickly interrupted by the vision of her swaying wet behind as she climbed the stairs. His eyes followed her even as he took a very deep breath, held it but a moment and then rapidly exhaled, "now I know I really shouldn't have done that."

"Nonsense Friar, that was bloody brilliant, she never saw it coming and I am certainly enjoying watching it go, if you follow my meaning." Jack wiped more water from his face and tried to wring out his sleeves, "However, the next time you choose to baptize a sinner give a man a shout so I can get clear of the action if you please. Here I am soaking wet, it's not even Saturday night, what a waste."

"Captain Wolfe my apologies, retake your seat and permit me to make repairs. Elinor," catching her eye, "please do me this favor, Lorelie has a private stock of fine Irish uisge beathe, please go and ask for a bottle and make sure it gets here. Do not let it out of your sight, I don't have many bottles left in Glen Livet and would hate to see it lost amongst this maddening crowd."

Pulling his chair away from the table the monk motion the dripping pirate into the spot adjacent the fireplace, "Jack, every hour the Knight Hammer is getting further away, its getting late and we need to pull out of this port, have you given any thought as to how we will manage this feat?"
"Well, unlike some who may have better connections, I wasn't looking to walk on water, so I thought we would use the El Lobo and sail out with the morning tide. Why do you ask, is there something I should know?"
"No, I believe you already know quite a bit, and it is because of that bit, namely a certain blonde wench, that I think we may need some assistance."

The empty mug on the table in front of him seem to hold his attention, then looking at the monk "The rum's gone again."
"Yes it is."
"But the whiskey is coming?"
"Yes it is."
"Then good brother you have my undivided attention, you were talking about our needing divine assistance in exiting this fine port, are you suggesting we are on a mission from God?"

"It has been stated that the Lord works in mysterious ways, but I'm not sure even He would go to that length unless there was some serious repentance involved on a certain Captain's part, which I am sure will not be happening until the warm weather in Hell abates."
"Very true that wench will never change her ways much less get to a nunnery! Do you really think there is hope for her?"
"There is always hope for us all, Captain Wolfe, even for Captains with ships bearing wanted individuals and needing a safe way out of port."

The Captain held his glass upside down in front of the monk's face, "Water water everywhere and what I need is a drink, my mouth is drying out and soon I will die from thrist and other than dousing the wench you have yet to make a point in plain sight that I can understand. Is it your plan to talk me into conversion, to keep my drink just out of reach until I submit to your unknown inquisition, speak plainly man!"

Put the glass down sir, the water of life will be here in but a moment to revive your body, yet should you wish to keep that body intact know this...one, the subject of the recent showering is a wanted women, Captain get the smile off your face and focus."

"Certainly the Ravage and its pirate-hunters has left Glen Livet with her tail between her legs, but I think she will not be far off and waiting for a second chance and some revenge. Second, the English posted enough of those wanted notices that even some of her Captainship's so called friends may think twice about going for the reward. Third, there are certain Captain's and their crews who are still turning Glen Livet upside down looking for our blonde headed vixen, under any number of names and disguises, and once they find her, even if she is on your ship, they will do whatever it takes to get her. Fourth, I do not like having ships which I am sailing on blown up, it is an experience I do not care to repeat. Plain enough?"

The monk looked at Captain Wolfe sitting across the table, he saw that the drunk fool making passes at the serving wenchs earlier was merely a facade shown in public and easily set aside, for now his eyes were alert and his mouth set in stone. As he slowly took in what was said and the points made by Brother Timothy his mind weighed one point against another. "I am the Captain of El Lobo, I agree to nothing and am bound only by rules of the pirate brotherhood, but I am open to suggestions."

"A fair start, I have someone you should meet that may be able to aid our departure from Glen Livet." Brother Timothy looked over toward his clansman and Guard'n.




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Reply author: Elinor Hakebourne
Replied on: 11/22/2007 12:26:47
Message:

Elinor got up from the table at Brother Timothy's request and sidled up to the bar. "Um...Brother Timothy asked me to ask for a bottle of...what was it?" She cocked her head to the side, thinking. "I think it was called ooh-ish beeth, yes, that's got to be it! It's part of Lorelei's private stock," Elinor added, leaning in close the barmaid. "Thank you," she finished. After a good minute of the barmaid scowling at her for her mangling of the Irish tongue, she disappeared and came back with the bottle. Elinor strolled back to the table, the barmaid with the fine bottle of whiskey in tow.

"Do me a favor, Brother," the barmaid said, "On one of your trips out to sea, teach this one some Irish!" With a departing scowl towards Elinor, and a beaming smile towards Brother Timothy, the barmaid placed the bottle on the table and left.


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Reply author: Blackjack Roberts
Replied on: 11/24/2007 10:26:56
Message:

Blackjack had no sooner opened the door to his room to get another bottle of rum when a dripping wet Wench came fuming around the corner of the small hallway. "Good God, Captain!" He spoke opened mouthed at the sight. "What happened? Ye didn't get yerself tossed off the dock did ye?"

"No I did not!!" Wench cocked one hip to the side and placed her hands on both hips, tossing her head to send a dripping wet feather back from her face. "That rotten monk just thought this was the best way to break up an argument between me and my......well never mind! You're a fine one to be talking about appearance, Jack Roberts!"

Jack looked down at himself for a moment. There he stood wearing nothing more than his boots, breeches, and baldric draped around his bare chest, an empty bottle in one hand. He saw no reason to put on his shirt, as he didn't plan on being gone that long.

"Yes. Well I'm a tad preoccupied for the night, Luv." He grinned like a Cheshire cat. "So how did the argument with your husband go?"

Wench's eyes widened. "You know?"

"Aye." Blackjack chuckled. "Me companion fer the night kinda informed me, in a most unusual way." He rubbed his cheek with the memory. As if on cue Emily appeared in the doorway, wrapped in a sheet.

"Jack...what's taking so lon...Oh, hi Wench." Emily pulled the sheet a little tighter around her buxom curves. Speaking in a rush of words. "This is the one I was talking about, he had his back to the window at the time. At first I did consider your husband, but...well....he's married! And after you informed me of his "condition".....well, I near took poor Blackjack's head off, and we're discussing the misunderstanding."

"So I see." Wench replied a bit icily. Then her tone turned official. "Mr. Roberts. I trust you will be ready to sail shortly."

"Aye, Captain!" Jack straightened up to attention, half in drunken jest, but his tone was serious. "That I will. Just knock on me door when yer ready to leave." Then grinning he placed a quick kiss on Emily's cheek. "Now if you will excuse me, M'Ladies. I've a bottle to fetch, and a night to finish."

Wench and Emily watched as the broad tanned back disappeared around the corner towards the rowdy sounds wafting up from below. Emily sighed, and Wench unconsciously nodded in agreement. Damn, but the man did have nice....boots!

"Thanks for telling me about your husband, Wenchie." Emily sighed as she prepared to close the door. "I almost went with him tonight, but this one I think is much more fun and no diseases to worry about."

"Your quite welcome, dear." Wench replied even more coolly than before.

From a shadowed corner dark brown, nearly black eyes spied his nearly naked quarry as he came down the stairs and made a bee line for the bar. Purchasing a new bottle of rum he fairly flew back upstairs. No doubt about it the information was correct. That was Blackjack Roberts alright.

Raising one gloved hand Malcolm Dagget caught the attention of one of the serving wenches. "Another Ale, Love." He took two doubloons from his coat pocket. "And a bit of information?"

Looking quickly around the tavern wench slipped the two coins into her cleavage before leaning closer to the dark figure. "And what would ye be wanting to know, Sir?" She breathed huskily.

"The half naked rogue who just came down stairs a moment ago. Do ye know him?" Dagget whispered.

"Nay." The girl returned in a slightly disappointed voice. "I've heard he calls himself Blackjack. Emily would know more than I, but it may be morn before anyone sees her again this night."

"Thank ye, Love." Malcolm smiled beneath his trimmed and waxed black moustache. "Besides the ale that's all I require of ye." He grinned even larger as the girl turned to fill his order, tossing her hair in a huff.

"Well, well, well, Jack" He mused to himself beneath his breath. "It would seem I've caught up with you at last. More's the pity for you."



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Reply author: Welsh Wench
Replied on: 11/25/2007 22:07:36
Message:

Wench slammed the door to her room, and not very gently.
'Good, I hope they heard that downstairs!'
She took her hat off and looked at the five ostrich plumes in various shades of green and blue.
'Damn! And that was a brand new hat, too! Jack Wolfe will end up paying for that one. Singapore piercings, indeed! So much for a celibate life for him while we were separated...'

She took each feather and shook it out, laying it on the bed.
'Why do the feathers have to get wrecked? I mean, do ostriches go into a cave when it rains?' she mused.
She looked in the tilt-mirror and surveyed her dress. It hung limply around her body. She turned around and thought, 'Well, no bloomer lines there....'
She unlaced it and stepped out of it, dropping it into a heap. She picked it up and wrung it out, laying it flat against the chair.
Pulling the covers down, she slid into the bed.
But not before looking under her bed.
'Not one pair of boots. No wonder I am getting a headache.'

"NO! AAAAHHH!" she screamed.
She bolted upright in the bed, her arms covering her head and brushing imaginary pieces of glass and wood splinters from her head and down the front of her.
She looked around and all that confronted her was dead silence. The blackness of the room enveloped her.
She shuddered as she realized it was only a dream. A horrible, horrible dream....

She wrapped the sheet around her and walked over to the window, trying to regain her breath. Wench looked out to the harbor and spied El Lobo rocking gently against the moorings. She looked good despite the beating she took that harrowing day. No one would ever suspect Diego de Castille y Mendoza had left his callling card in a most terrifying way.
She laid her hand against the window and opened it. She could hear the merriment coming from the tavern below and wondered if Jack was still down there.
Unconsciously she twisted the three-emerald ring that now resided on her right hand. So long ago...but was it really?
Two years.
Two years and three months.
Two years, three months and five days.....
'As if I was counting...'

Wench touched the silver chain she always wore around her neck.
'Mother, please. Am I doing the right thing? Or is my heart ruling my head again?'
She realized she was shivering. But was it from the coolness of the air or from fear?
Or anticipation of being with him once again?
'Nonsense!' she chided herself. 'His boots aren't any better than Cade Jennings. Or Daemon's. Or James Blake's....'

She sighed and went back to bed. One more night in this town. 'One more night to change my mind,' she thought.
And before she realized, she was back under the power of Morpheus.



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Reply author: Martin Montgomery
Replied on: 11/27/2007 07:52:27
Message:

The breeze was coming in freshly from the sea and the early morning sun cast it's light down across the calm waters of Glen Livet Bay. Thousands of keening gulls rode the gentle winds carefully watching for any bit of garbage that might be pitched overboard from one of the many vessels that were at anchor in the large protected harbor. A few of the more industious avians dove down to skim the waters searching for any small fish that might venture too near the sparkling surface. All was right with the world..."'Fraid not!!" Muttered Martin as he carfully worked his way up the ratlines of the "El Lobo Del Mar" "Only a fool would try this,and I have to try it with one hand full!!" From the deck that was far below the burly climber's one true friend on board at the moment,Lilaney, shouted up encouragement" You've got the hard part done Martin!Just another ten feet!!" She turned to a group of crewman and then at the respectable stack of coins,mostly siver but with a few shining slivers of gold mixed in,laid out on the deck under the watchfull eye of an older member of the crew,that Lil felt could be trusted a bit more than the others. She sized up the pile and estemated that it contained the amount equivilent to thirty gold pieces! With a smirk the instigator,a smarmy type named Taylor,wolf-whistled across the deck at her and made kissing noises while others chuckled and patted him on the back. Her temper flareing up and her cheeks flaming hotly she chanced one last look at the cook's retreating rotund rump as it disappeared over the side of the crow's nest then stalked across the deck ahile filling both hands with her secreted throwing knives. "Would you like to run that by me again?" She said in a dangerously low voice."I couldn't quite hear you from way over there!" Taylor swallowed deeply and turned a billious shade of green as he realized he had swallowed his quid of tobbacco!! He choked back a curse as the razor point of Lil's right hand knife stood inches from his grizzled throat!! Lil flipped the blade in her left hand around to hold it carefully in a throwing grip and gave a small shake of her head at Taylor's companions. You and you stay where you are!" She said evenly.



Title: Re: DEAD MAN'S TAVERN I
Post by: Welsh Wench on May 19, 2008, 08:50:38 PM
Reply author: Hibernian
Replied on: 11/28/2007 19:22:19
Message:

"I do not need to meet any body, what I need to meet is another bottle of rum." The Captain slowly turn his mug about in a circle over the table demonstrating its empty state of being. "You promised a drink if I listened, well my ears are here and filled but the drink is not, are you a monk and a man of your word or just another bishop selling indulgences and looking for fat tithes?"

"Captain I am well aware of my church's short comings but as my father once said "change that comes slowly has a greater chance of lasting," and you may do well to remember the Scotsman who said "If you keep on drinking rum, the world will soon be quit of a very dirty scoundrel!" Brother Timothy spied Elinore and one of the serving wenches making their way to the table.

"Me! A dirty scoundrel! Friar don't think that paying me compliments will make me go easy on you, you still owe me for several ribs and its time for a boost of me pain medicine."

"Ah, here we are, manna from heaven, thank you ladies." Brother Timothy took the bottle of Irish whiskey from Elinore, broke the seal and savored the aroma. The light beamed through the amber liquid as he held the bottle up over the table where Jack could see it,

"Our cousins in Scotland think they invented this, but we know better, whiskey has been made in Ireland since the Irish monks brought the method of making it back from the lands in the East. The Normans called it "fuisce", but it has always been "Uisce Beatha" to us, the water of life." The whiskey found its way into four glasses, one for Elinore who at first tried to explain why she couldn't or shouldn't but was voted down by the monk and the pirate, one for Captain Wolfe who showed his experience by not gulping his drink but slowly savoring the taste, one for the monk himself and the fourth glass placed by the empty chair.

Eyeing the fourth glass, "One for the Holy Ghost?"

"Not bloody likely, I hear tell the bird doesn't drink, that one's for me." As the man in the dark green kilt sat down at the table Brother Timothy made the introductions, " Guard'n, may I present Captain Jack Wolfe of the El Lobo de Mar. Captain Wolfe, may I present Lairde Guard'n M'Crack of the Clan M'Crack."

"Lovely, just what I need another Irishman and please don't take this the wrong way, I love the whiskey, and if you were a pretty little Colleen well who knows what could happen but your not, and what with the vagabonds from the Knight Hammer my ship is a little overflowing right at this moment."

Brother Timothy's face started to darken as he spoke, "Captain that is uncalled for, you don't realize who you are speaking to, why..."
"Easy there boyo" Guard'n placed his now empty glass in front of the monk, "pour us another if you please Brother, my throat is a wee bit dry for the talking we have before us."

Captain Wolfe lean forward looking directly into the older Irishman's eyes, "Perhaps you didn't understand, there is nothing to talk about, good night and good luck."

"Being Irish I have the luck," leaning forward across the table Guard'n continued in a lower tone, "Thanks to the good brother here I also have the eyes and ears of Glen Livet, so I also know that right now there are three ships waiting for the El Lobo to set sail, and that as soon as you clear the harbor and the shadow of the Queen's tower they will turn on you and take you down. I saw the little doonybrook in the harbor with the Ravage, your crew is good but not 3 on 1 good. I hope someone on your fine ship is from the Emerald Isle because you'll be needin the luck of the Irish before this is done."

Captain Wolfe sat back and considered, his crew was good, and even more important in a fight he and his officers were not fools. Yet, if what the Irishman spoke of was true, and knowing his wife's effect on people and her uncanny ability to become involved in "situations" it very well could be true, "Well now what to do?"

"I curious sir as to why?"
"Why what?"
"Why the sudden concern for me and mine, we have no accord, no past business together, hell I don't even owe you money, or do I?"

Guard'n laugh, "No, if you owed the M'Cracks money believe me you would remember. Our concern is with Brother Timothy here, we watch out for our own even after they take on the brown robes of the Order of St Brendan. Of course, after the fight we're more than happy to see to the salvage of goods."

"Perhaps I was bit hasty, if what you say is true about those ships, well Mother Wolfe didn't raise a fool and a smart man never turns aside the offer of a helping hand. But we do need to talk about what is in that helping hand."

"Then its good that we have time and whiskey. Fot it would be a sin to waste, so I see it as our Christian duty to see that this water of life, this gift from He is above us all is put to good use."
"Amen Brother, here's my glass!"

The three men spoke quietly about ships and plans. Upon sailing the element of surprise would be three fold in favor of the El Lobo. First, Wolfe and crew now knew about the hunters who would follow them to sea and what to expect; Second, the presence of the Knight Hammer's crew meant a full crew on the Lobo working the guns and sails at the same time bringing a quicker response time; and Third, the unexpected presence of The Pride waiting just around the far point. If all went according to plan the hunters would become the hunted and both the Lobo and the Pride would feast.





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Reply author: Lilaney
Replied on: 11/29/2007 11:01:31
Message:

~
"Now, what did you want to say?"
Taylor's eyes bulged as he turned around and threw up the tobacco over the railing.
Lil deftly replaced the knives back in their wrist straps and watched as Taylor's companions did the work for her. Roaring with laughter at their friend's unfortunate circumstance.
"Tha' ain't the way to get a lady! You gotta show 'er your money when you whistle! Ya daft arse!"
Lil stepped back a bit from them and looked at her newly acquired money.
"Looks like you and two others won the pot, missy."
The old Pirate's rough bass voice did not fit his size. He was a bit shorter than her, but, that voice came straight up from the ocean floor.
"Thanks, so a three way split, huh? That's not too bad. I got ten, who's the other two?"
The Pirate had a set of 'sea eyes'. They were once blue when might have been young. But, the years on the ocean had clouded them, turning them storm grey. Lil would bet during a storm his eyes were green. The depths of his eyes sparked with a blue mischief as he answered her.
"Briggs and the Doc"
Lil felt she swallowed a lump of tobacco.
"Those two?"
She looked around the decks, they were no where to be seen. The sun was just clearing the horizen and the cold bite of the wind had lessened. The men on decks were begining in ernest to their own assigned tasks.
The Pirate nodded, and pointed to the Galley door.
"Briggs is probably lookin' over maps in Captain Wolf's cabin, and Doc's always holed up in his place. You take'em the money, me being seen with this much gold will get me a knife in the back."
Lil seperated out the money into three piles. Putting her own away, she tied the other two in spare scarves.
'I wonder if I just hurl these through the doors as I pass by, I won't have to talk to either of them.'
Her thought process was good, but, if her aim was true, and it was, those two surly men might come after her later.
Sighing, she looked up at the Crow's nest. Martin was not visible amongnst the sails and rigging.
Admiting defeat about the upcoming uncomfortable situations, Lil walked slowly through the galley door and down into the bowels of the El Lobo.





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Reply author: Elinor Hakebourne
Replied on: 11/30/2007 12:12:23
Message:

The minute she'd downed the whiskey in front of her, and the men at the table had started talking shop, Elinor felt herself getting incredibly tired. She tried very hard to stay awake, as any information, when it came to the Knight Hammer and the El Lobo were concerned, was good information to have, but she couldn't help a yawn or two escape her lips. Sensing she would not be missed in the discussion, she carefully manuevered her way out of the main tavern and up the back steps to her room upstairs. Glancing back at Brother Timothy, she caught his gaze and he gave a little nod, telling her he understood her departure.

Slowly climbing the steps, she held onto the railing that had been logically placed on the left-hand side of the staircase, feeling herself to be not as steady as usual, due to the cider and whiskey she'd just consumed. Finally managing to get herself to her room, she closed the door and plopped down on the bed tiredly, falling asleep almost as soon as her head hit the pillow.


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Reply author: Blackjack Roberts
Replied on: 11/30/2007 19:18:52
Message:

Jack lay on the bed beside Emil's softly sleeping form both wide awake, and sober. He lay on top of the coverlet, his breeches and boots back on, one arm crooked behind his head as he took another long pull from the half full bottle of rum he had returned with. Something was desperately wrong.

By rights he should be either drunk, or half asleep, but he was neither. Long ago he had learned to listen when things like this happened to him. It was a sure sign that something was amiss, even if he couldn't put his finger on it at the moment. His brow furrowed and he frowned, lost deep in thought.

Playing the happy go lucky rouge had served him well over the years since he had left England for good. It had been the cause of more than one enemy's underestimating him. Besides, he looked approvingly at the sleeping girl beneath the covers beside him, it did have it's benefits. He only hoped that whatever had occurred to set off his sense of danger would wait for the girl to be safely alone.

He took another long draught from the bottle and checked the charge of the pistol laying on his lap. The change in carriers hadn't changed all that much in his life it would seem. The girl stirred and he patted her bottom reassuringly. The longer she slept, the better. Satisfied he again cradled his head with one arm and returned his attention to the door.

Malcolm Dagget left The Dead Man's Tavern as quietly as possible. No since in spooking the quarry when it was this close to his trap. From all his men had been able to gather this night Roberts had signed on with a blonde female Captain. One who it seemed was married to Captain Jack Wolfe, Mad Jack as he was more popularly known in pirate circles. Captain of El Lobo del Mar. A formidable vessel to be certain, but if Jack was counting on that to keep him out of harms way he was sadly mistaken.

The day of reckoning was at hand, as soon as El Lobo del Mar set sail.




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Reply author: Mad Jack Wolfe
Replied on: 12/01/2007 16:18:20
Message:

"So, Guard'n. Before we go any further with the particulars of this proposition you're proposing, do you have any hint of why the English Crown and her Admiralty are so interested in me and mine?" Jack asked. It was an old ploy. The more drunken and confused he sounded, the easier it was to figure out just how drunk and confused the fellow on the other side of the negotiating table really was.

Guard'n laughed. "Where to begin? You've been at this game more than a little while, Jack. But the bee in their bonnet this time has much to do with, oh, how did they put it?" He pulled a broadsheet from his pocket. "'The several and heinous Misdeeds of the Founder of the Church of the Holy Unnecessary, the Right Reverend Cotton Thrasher, also known by many other Names including Captain Jack Wolfe, a notorious Pyrate.'"

Jack noted the incredulous look on Brother Timothy's face and smiled uneasily. "Everyone needs a hobby, yeah? Sorry for cutting in on business, Brother."
"A man's soul and salvation are hardly 'business'!" Brother Timothy protested.
"Tell that to the Vatican," Jack replied acidly.
"Have ye thought of whittling?" Guard'n chuckled.
"I'll keep it in mind," said Jack, clearing his throat. "Now, if I'm to understand your offer fully; I pack Brother Timmy here and the rest of the Knight Hammer's complement aboard the Lobo, sail out under your protection, and run like all Haitian - sorry, Friar - while you and your lads give the English the pasting they deserve. And all you ask is right of salvage?"
"That's all of it, in a nutshell," Guard'n replied.

Jack considered the deal for a few moments, then extended his hand. "We have and accord, my new friend. Let's drink on it, shall we?"





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Reply author: Martin Montgomery
Replied on: 12/04/2007 08:15:25
Message:

Gulping the bracing sea air Martin hauled his bulk over the side of the "El Lobo's" crow's nest and came face to face with the ship's lookout,Gordy. "Who inna HELL are YOU!?!?"he screamed. The burly cook set the loaded plate down then carefully lowered himself till he was resting on a cunningly constructed cabinet/bench,built,like the sleeping pallet and sun cover, connected to the outer frame of the nest itself. The sea green eyes that showed under the worn yellow sou'wester were filled with uncertainty as the burly cook stood up. Standing at six foot,six inches he towered over Gordy's three foot,three inches but the little man stood his ground.Extending a stubby finger he poked the burly cook in the stomach and stated "I thought I made it REAL clear that if Lucky sent me any more 'o his crap,I'd send down a bucket 'o MINE!" The small man removed his finger and snatched up a lidded "slops" bucket, prepareing to sling it over the rail,down on the crowed below! "Hold on there Master Gordy!" Martin stepped forward and grabbed the smelly bucket VERY carefully! Setting it down from where the small man had snatched it from,Martin took out a dishcloth and fastidiously wiped his hands before picking up the still warm plate and gently wafting the scent of a good meal under Gordy's large misshapen nose. "Master Gordy, I am the new cook on the "El Lobo",Lucky has been cashiered out! I have already served the rest of the crew that is aboard this morning and your friend,Master Taylor called to my attention that you might be a bit peckish and as you are always on duty, I brought you some breakfast." The small man's hands shot out and snatched the plate and Martin's breath caught in his throat as one of the oversized biscuits disappeared down Gordy's gullet without the benefit of chewing. After several moments the plate was bare and Gordy was wiping the remains of egg yolk from his moustache with his sleeve. "W'all son I'd say that was jest bout the finest meal served in a crow's nest!" As he had been eating, Martin had looked around Gordy's domain. The crow's nest had been built expressly for the diminutive lookout,a foldout bunk stood on one side and built in cabinetry held a few clothes and the rest of Gordy's foul weather gear,casks of hardtack and jerky were stacked next to a small barrel of water which stood next to the slops bucket."You climbed all the way up here, one-handed jest to bring me these fine vittles and ta win some sorry bet 'gainst Taylor, I can see that, but what i don't unnerstand is WHY didn't ya jest use the pully system?" Pointing to a boom that consisted of a large wheel and rope that obviously was how everything else had made the long trip up to the top of the mainmast.


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Reply author: Elinor Hakebourne
Replied on: 12/05/2007 10:51:24
Message:

The morning rays streamed into the room at Dead Man's Tavern, so brightly that Elinor, opening her eyes to the new day, had to blink, and turn her glance away from the window. As her eyes adjusted, her mind adjusted to the memories of the night before, and what lay before her today. We're supposed to sail today! she thought, springing out of bed. Dressing and getting the remnants of her belongings together, she tidied up the room, and rushed downstairs. Leaving payment for her room with the maid at the bar, she glanced around the room.

Seeing only Mad Jack sitting in the chair that he'd occupied the previous night, sound asleep, she wondered where Brother Timothy had gotten off to. "Goodness, I hope I didn't sleep TOO late!" She remarked worriedly to the barmaid. The barmaid just shrugged, and said, "I just got here, Lorelei asked me to fill in for a certain maid who is still occupied elsewhere," nodding back up the stairs, where Elinor had just come from.

Elinor raised her eyebrows. "Perhaps I'm not as late as I thought I was!" Still, I ought to get to the El Lobo, just to make certain no one leaves without me... Elinor nodded in the barmaid's direction, and took her leave of the tavern. Which one was the El Lobo, again?

Heading down to the docks, spying the many ships that were docked there, she had difficulty discerning which was the ship she was supposed to board. Coming closer to one of the ships, and seeing Martin's familiar face staring down from the Crow's nest, she knew that the great ship in front of her was the El Lobo. Climbing aboard, she shielded her eyes from the Sun and yelled, "Martin? What are you doing up there? Seems like I've missed a great deal while at the tavern!"

Title: Re: DEAD MAN'S TAVERN I
Post by: Welsh Wench on May 19, 2008, 08:52:02 PM
Reply author: Hibernian
Replied on: 12/05/2007 19:45:38
Message:

It was several hours later that the chill of the dark broke through the men's conversation and gave them caused to look about. The common room was strangely empty with the exception of one or two poor souls snoring beneath the tables. The fire in the big fireplace had been banked and no one could be seen nor heard behind the bar.

Three Irish whiskey bottles stood empty alongside a fourth one still filled to just below the label with the amber colored water of life. The monk's eye hurt to move as he realized what had happen and where the contents of the three now empty bottles had gone.

Looking about a room without moving one's eyes is not easy, but kneeling in chapel all that time as a novice had taught him thing or two. On his right Mad Jack was reaching for the lone bottle still containing whiskey while Guard'n on the left was trying to reach his green top hat which had rolled away across the floor. The monk took in the situation and came to the conclusion that as bad as he felt, he couldn't look at bad as these other two. Because if he did look and feel that bad then he was most likely dead, and while what he saw was not hell it most definitely was not heaven, which left only the common room of Dead Man's Tavern and he was alive. Contrary to what else his senses were trying to tell him.

"Gentlemen, and I use that term lightly so don't get your hopes up, I believe we have discussed, agreed upon and then toasted just about every situation that may occur up to and including what to do if the El Lobo should run out of rum. Although I'm telling you Jack you will not like the wine. Now I believe the time has come for my departure from here so I may prepare for my departure there."

"Timmy lad what are you talking about, departing here departing there, you could be in a box with a fox but you can't be departing because you aren't dead." Guard'n had managed to retrieve his green top hat which he was now balancing on the fingertips of his right hand.

Holding the whiskey bottle aloft Jack chimed in, before Brother Timothy could answer, "Before you go we need to have one more drink, because a monk once told me that it was a sin to waste, and besides a bit of the hair of the dog which bit us and we'll be better for it."

The three men shared the last of the whiskey then Jack carefully placed the fourth, now empty, whiskey bottle aside its three brethren. "Good morning my new friends," and with that final comment Captain Jack Wolfe laid his head upon the table and began to softly hum to himself.
"Is he talking to us or the bottles?"
"I really don't want to know, let's go I have several things to gather before we sail and you need to get out to the Pride."

Brother Timothy and Guard'n made their way to the door, looking back at the pirate they could no longer hear the humming and they could tell he was asleep. They closed and latched the door quietly behind themselves.




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Reply author: Welsh Wench
Replied on: 12/05/2007 20:40:33
Message:

The morning sun streamed through the windows and the beams seemed to find Wench's face. She groaned and covered her eyes with her forearm.
She murmured, 'Time to get up, darling....' and felt the space next to her.
Empty.

She sat up and ran her fingers through her hair, then flopped back, throwing the covers back over her head.
'Don't want to get up...you can't make me...too early....need sleep....'
But she knew her place was on El Lobo and today was the day they sailed out of Glenlivet.
She rolled over on her stomach and she felt something pressing down on her back.
And a soft touch on her cheek. She giggled and said, 'How did you get in?'
She threw the blanket off only to be confronted by Lorelei's cat.
"SILAS!!!"

Wench got up and looked around the room. She had thrown things into a duffel bag the night before. And a trunk. And another trunk. And one more.
She sighed, 'I'm really going to miss this room. It was the scene of some really great.....well, some really fun...I got alot of sleep here.'
She dressed carefully in her black breeches and white gauzy shirt with a waist cincher laced up the back. She twisted her hair up and put on a new hat. Black and white feathers and one bright pink one. She put on her black boots that came up to her knees and then trudged downstairs.

"Good morning, Wench. Sleep well?"
Wench helped herself to some fruit and bread and shrugged. "About as good as can be expected."
Lorelei nodded over to the chair in the corner.
"Looks like he never made it to your room."
"What is that supposed to mean?"
"Don't husbands and wives usually share a room?"
"They do if they aren't separated."

Wench walked over to Jack and kicked the side of his chair. Nothing.
She tried again. Still nothing.
Finally she cupped her hands and put her mouth close to Jack's ears.
"HEY! YOU! TIME TO SAIL!"

He jumped a mile out of a dead sleep and put his fingers in his ears.
"DAMN! THAT HURT!"
Wench stood up and tapped her booted foot.
"I'm ready."
"And the whole world revolves around that?"
She nodded. "Aye aye, Co-captain Wolfe!"
"Forget that co-captain stuff. And what is THAT?"
He pointed in the direction of her luggage.
"Just a few things I need. Can you carry them for me?"
"ARE YOU OUT OF YOUR MIND?"
"What's the matter, Jack? Slowing down?"
He stretched and yawned. "It's not the age, sweetheart, it's the miles."

He looked at all the chests and trunks and then at Wench.
"You want help?"
"Yes. Please."
"My pleasure."
Jack took the chests and threw them out the window and into the alley one at a time. Wench stood there with her mouth open. He dusted his hands off and said, "NOW we are ready to go."
He took her by the elbow and steered her to the door.
"Say 'Goodbye, Lorelei.'"
Wench looked wistfully over her shoulder and said, "Goodbye, Lorelei."
She looked at Jack and said, "Not good enough. And don't rush me."
She ran over and the two women embraced.
Wench whispered to Lorelei, "Take good care of those chests in the storeroom."
Lorelei whispered back, "Your boots are safe with me!"
Wench turned to Jack and said, "NOW I am ready to go."

As they were heading out the door, Wench said, "Now, about this co-captain thing....."









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Reply author: Mad Jack Wolfe
Replied on: 12/06/2007 20:17:08
Message:

Two of Jack's crewmen were at the door as he and Honour were leaving the tavern. "We're here for the lady's luggage, like Mr. Briggs told us," the first one said.
"Ah! Good! It's all in the alley round back."
"Right! We're on it," the second said as they headed off for the alley.
"Why didn't you tell me you had men on the way to carry my things?" Honour asked.
"And spoil the surprise? You know me, love. Considerate to a fault."
"I can't disagree with the 'fault' part," she snickered.
"Ungrateful brat. Now what is this 'co-captain' silliness you keep going on about?"
"It is not silliness!" she said indignantly. "My crew is joining yours, provisionally, until we recover the Knight Hammer. But there's no reason why we can't share the mantle of command, since we're both captains now."
"One ship, one captain," Jack said flatly.
"Why do you insist on being so unreasonable? Fine. I and my crew are staying here. I understand James Blake makes port her quite regularly. I'm sure I can convince him to give us passage..."
Jack ground his teeth in frustration as Honour watched him aloofly, hoping he didn't call her bluff.

"All right! I have absolutely no idea how this will possibly work, but... you'll be on my ship-"
"Our ship." she interrupted.
"Says you. Anyway, given the circumstances, how much trouble could you possibly get into?"
Honour smiled and hooked her arm with Jack's. "I promise I'll be on my very best behaviour. And our crew will just adore having two captains," she purred as they walked down the street.
"You didn't really have my cabin redecorated, did you?"
"Oh, Jack. You always know how to make me laugh..."


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Reply author: Blackjack Roberts
Replied on: 12/07/2007 18:42:49
Message:

Blackjack waited at the foot of El Lobo's gangplank. He had left Emily sleeping soundly in the room with a note expressing his gratitude for the night before. Since he couldn't sleep anyway he had decided that the girl's safety would be better served if he vacated the premises before dawn.

Setting on his sea bag he lit one of the numerous thin black tobacco Jamaican cigars he carried. The flavor of the rum soaked leaf helped him to think. Blowing out a thin cloud of aromatic bluish white smoke his mind went back to six years before. There could be only one man who would go to all this trouble to find him. One very powerful man.

He had excepted the blond female captain's offer in the hopes of fading into her crew and disappearing yet again. Unfortunately it seemed the lass was a magnet for attention. So far though, he had succeeded in remaining virtually unknown to the rest of her crew. He doubted if any of them even remembered his name. Trading the life of a highwayman for that of a pirate had so far worked in his favor. At least this time there had been no star crossed love affairs to complicate things for him.

Now that was one hell of a thought. Complicate things was an understatement if ever there was one. From the moment she had walked into the Crown and Scepter he had been infatuated. Her long raven hued locks, those huge deep sepia eyes. Jenny had succeeded in stealing something from him for once in his life. If only he had known her true last name was Blackwood. She might yet live, and he would not be wanted for her murder.

The sound of a familiar feminine laugh brought him back from his reverie. With a sigh at the cruel twists of fate he reassumed his devil may care persona, and stood up with a grin. Coming toward the dock was his new captain arm in arm with her husband. Soon he would be back at sea. Another adventure, and even more miles to put between himself and the English gallows.

He wondered if Sparrow was missing his purse yet.



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Reply author: Ice Mage
Replied on: 12/07/2007 18:59:21
Message:

*The Babylon sailed steadily towards El Dorado. Daemon sat on the main deck, watching the sun setting across the water. Thoughts of his life crossed his mind, as the day seemingly passed by. Before long night had fallen, and a heavy fog risen. Daemon stood up and walked to the bow. Seaching the fog for some sight other than lightly glowing grey. In the distance a form started taking shape, although shrouded in the ever darkening fog. Just as it was about to disapear, the shape briefly cleared. It was a ship, and her name appeared to be Knight Hammer. But as quickly as it had appeared, it vanished into the fog. Daemon stepped back in disbelief, and convinced himself it was just his imagination. He turned to go below, when he ran face to face with White Rose. She had this look in her eye, that made him flash back to the days of their love. When he would die for her without a thought. She was wearing a silk dress of elven design, trimmed in silver and pearl. She bore a regal presence that he had not seen since the old days working for her father. The wind caught her hair, as she took him into her arms.*


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Reply author: Hibernian
Replied on: 12/08/2007 10:01:38
Message:

Shortly after leaving the tavern Guard'n and Brother Timothy went their separate ways. Guard'n headed straight to a little used area of the docks where a small but well armed vessel waited to take him out to the Pride. Brother Timothy on the other hand visited several shops before walking down to the docks. It being very early yet he often found himself using the back or family doors of several of the shops. The scene was repeated at each stop, the brown robed monk would go into the shop empty handed and depart shortly later with not only his brown cloth bag looking all the bigger but with his hands full of morning pastries and a cup of warmed cider. It seems every shop matron felt certain that this monk living in a community of just men needed all the mothering care he could get, and what better way than feeding him. By the time he headed toward his new ship he had found a second bag to carry the overflow.

As he advanced along the dock walking toward the El Lobo his path took him within shouting range of a 12 gun sloop. He knew it was within shouting range because a voice was hailing him from the ship's quarterdeck.

"Hey Brother Tim!" Then even louder "Ahoy Brother Timothy! Come on, I know you can hear me." There was no getting around it, unless he approach and dealt with the caller the cries would not cease and soon the entire neighborhood would be awaken. Turning to the boat he raised his eyes toward the voice. The ship was a small but tight, its crew seem rather young but the friar knew that was to be expected of this ship. The Vexation was a pirate ship that was not only first in its class but perhaps the only ship in its class.

"Blessings Suzie and how are things faring with the "PIT" Crew?"
"They're a good bunch, still a little young and a lot green behind the ears but for "pirates-in-training" things are moving right along. Crazy Albert's House of Salvage is even sponsoring part of the monthly expenses. The only problem is we lost another Captain."
"Another one, what happen this time?"
"Things were going fine until there was a slight accident with one of the deck guns, I mean it barely grazed him, you would think nobody ever pointed one of those things in the wrong direction."
"What's that make four or five? Why haven't you ever considered Captain Suzie the Moderately Red and the good ship Vexation?"
"No disrespect Brother but are you out of your mind! I enjoy being the first mate, less accidents that way. Besides, you know I keep hoping you'll put a good word in Captain McGuckin and the Curruagh. Any word on an opening on his staff?"
Knowing from past experience where this conversation was going the monk began moving down the dock toward the Lobo, "Suzie, as always I will keep you and your pirates in training in my prayers, and should Captain McGuckin send word you will be the first one I call."

Moving quickly away from the Vexation Brother Timothy got his first good look at the El Lobo.
"Mater Dei!"

Title: Re: DEAD MAN'S TAVERN I
Post by: Welsh Wench on May 19, 2008, 08:54:23 PM
Reply author: Mad Jack Wolfe
Replied on: 12/13/2007 13:32:59
Message:

"... Though I have to admit, those French doors you had installed during El Lobo's refit were quite a nice addition. They give a lovely cross breeze."
"You see?" Honour said proudly. "I do have a knack for decorating. And you were so upset when you first found out about them."
"Only because of the grief I knew I'd catch from Briggs. Speaking of which, you know what he'll say about our arrangement-" Jack started.
"Jack? Jack Wolfe? Is that you?" a woman's voice called from behind them.
Jack eyes went as wide a saucers. "- but instead of all this conjecture, let's just find out, yeah?" he blurted as he tried to pick up the pace.
"Jack! Wait! It's me, Monique!" the voice called again.

Honour unhooked her arm from his, and stood there staring at him with her hands on her hips. Jack continued on for a couple of steps, stopped, cringed, and slowly turned to face his wife, wearing what was arguably one of the top 10 guiltiest looks in all of human history.

"My tailor. I owe her money," he lied.
"I knew it had something to do with money and your breeches," Honour fumed.

The woman finally caught up to them. She was a lovely thing, with emerald green eyes and long auburn hair. "Jack! I can't believe it's you!" she said as she flung her arms around his neck and kissed him.
Jack's face was a masque of horror as he tried to extricate himself from her grasp. Once he succeeded, he caught her by the shoulders and held her at arm's length.

"Monique! It's you! Why are you here?" he stammered. He glanced nervously at Honour, who's pursed lips and cocked eyebrow spoke volumes.
"I've been trying to find you," Monique answered. "Aren't you going to kiss me?"
"I'd really rather not at the moment," he replied.
"But, we have so much to catch up on -"
"Catching up! Splendid idea. Let's start that process right away, shall we? Monique DuPre, I'd like to introduce you to my wife, Honour Wolfe."
Honour gave Monique a sarcastically pleasant smile. "Pleased to meet you, Miss DuPre. And exactly how do you know my husband?"
Monique gave Jack a hurt and confused look. "She's your what?"
"Actually, it's quite the funny story..." he started.
"It's obvious from the greeting she gave you that the woman has a tongue, Jack. Let her speak," Honour chided.
Monique's face clouded. "Well, it all started when he became a frequent guest at my -"
"Tailor's shop." Jack interrupted. "Just like I told you, love."
"'Tailor's shop'? That's the first time I've heard it called such. And you never told me you were married, Jackie."
"'Jackie'?" Honour asked.
"A terrible oversight on my part. Look, I can explain everything..."
"You can always 'explain everything', Jackie. Whether it's true or not," Monique said in a mixture of humiliation and anger.
"She's got you on that one, 'Jackie'," Honour interjected wryly.
"I'm sorry I ever came looking for you," said Monique. "But, with your wife's permission, I'd like to give you something to remember me by."
"Oh, why the hell not," sighed Honour.

Monique took a step toward Jack, smiling, her eyes glistening, her lips parted ever so slightly, and slapped him hard enough to make him stumble. "Good luck with him," she said to Honour as she turned on her heel and marched back up the lane.

Honour went to Jack and gently touched his face where Monique hit him. "Are you all right, darling?" she asked sweetly.
"I'm fine," he said, working his jaw. "Honour, I'm sorry about all that. I'll make it up to you, I swear. Can you find it in your heart to forgive me?"
She smiled lovingly at him, and held her arms wide. As Jack slipped his arms around Honour to hug her, she delivered a surprisingly forceful punch to his already cracked ribs. He went down on his knees, clutching his side and gasping for air.

"OK, now I forgive you," she said happily as she adjusted her gloves. "Now, come along, 'Jackie'. We've got a ship to sail."

"Coming, dear," he wheezed.


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Reply author: Lilaney
Replied on: 12/13/2007 14:47:19
Message:

"Oy! Briggs! Here's your bet!"
Briggs looked up and just barely caught the bag of silver that was aimed at his gut.
"You're welcome!"
Lilaney's voice sailed in the door as she briskly passed the open door.
"Evil she-demon" He mumbled as he rubbed his stomach and went back to looking over the charts.
"CAPTAIN'S COMING UP THE PIER!"
The voice rung through the ship causing a flurry of activity.
Briggs put the sexton down and headed up to the main deck.
As he came to railing on the quarterdeck he saw the Mrs. Wolfe in the lead and the Captain not too far behind, staggering slightly and gently rubbing his stomach.
Her footfalls were bouncy and somewhat determined as she headed up the gangplank.




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Reply author: Elinor Hakebourne
Replied on: 12/13/2007 16:36:31
Message:

Before Elinor could get a reply from Martin, there was a cry from one of the members of the El Lobo's crew.

"CAPTAIN'S COMING UP THE PIER!"

Elinor whipped around to see her captain as well as Mad Jack stride up to the ship. Mad Jack looked a little worse-for-wear, but a smile played upon Captain Wench's face which made Elinor raise her eyebrows and smile a bit herself. I wonder what happened to get them into that state? She paused. Maybe it's better not to know... Deciding her best bet at present was to investigate the ship and find her quarters, she headed in the opposite direction of the two captains, hoping to find Lilaney if she was on board...


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Reply author: Welsh Wench
Replied on: 12/13/2007 21:13:44
Message:

Wench looked back at Renee walking away from them.
"She's got a big butt, you know."
"She does not!"
"And how would you know?"
"Let's not go there, Honour. Rumour reached all around the Caribbean about a young blonde female captain with a fascination for captains' boots. And it didn't take much to figure out who. Especially after Jonas Corwin's quartermaster blabbed the story of how his captain got his hands crippled."
"Hey, nothing happened even if Jonas thinks it did. He was so drunk and wanted to take the one hundred pounds I owed him out on 'trade'. Well, Wench doesn't 'trade' with anyone."
"Heard you sent him on his way wrapped up in your bedsheets and his boots."
"Don't forget the sword. I left him that."
"More than you left me with when you pushed me out of your room in the altogether."
"Served you right. Putting the moves on me just so you could find that Sun Key."
"Are you always going to hold that over my head?"
Wench looked thoughtful and then smiled radiantly. "I'd say the chances are pretty good that I will."

Wench saw the newest member of her crew sitting on his sea bag and smoking his cigar.
"Well, there you are! I thought for a minute that Emily would have whined and cajoled you into missing the ship. So glad you could make it, Jack!"
Black Jack Roberts stood up and bowed low. "And I am pleased that I shall be serving under you."
They looked at each other and laughed.
"Well, you know what I mean."
Captain Wolfe walked over to them and shook Black Jack Roberts' hand. "Glad to have you aboard, mate."
Wench looked at Jack and said, "Don't forget he is MY crew, not yours."
She glanced down and said, "Oooh! I love your boots..."
"That will be enough. Come along, Captain Wolfe, Jr," Jack said through clenched teeth. He grabbed her by the elbow and steered her towards the gangplank.
But not before she turned and gave Blackjack Roberts a wink and a smile.




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Reply author: Hibernian
Replied on: 12/14/2007 19:20:27
Message:

"Lord, what have we gotten ourselves into this time?" Brother Timothy stood on the dock taking in his first real look at the El Lobo. The first thought to cross his mind was she had seen better days. Much of the paint was faded, in places timbers were mismatched and judging from the powder burns here and there upon the hull, close combat has been a regular feature. The overall impression was not to sneeze too strongly and in the wrong direction else the entire ship might collapse like a house of cards.

"Yet the Captain I've meet is not a fool, in fact he is anything but despite the role he plays for others benefit. I wonder if his ship also has a role to play." Looking with a new intent the monk began to notice the tell tale hints that the casual or brief examination would have miss. Yes, the sails appear to be old and stained but the pattern of the brown markings on the cloth show the stain had been thrown upon the sails rather than earned through time and weathering. True, timbers were mismatched but there were also better concealed places where it appears the hull had been reinforced. There were even extra lines amongst the masts that demonstrated no purpose at the moment but he suspected could raise unseen sails for that unexpected bit of speed when needed in a chase or when fleeing. Moving up the gangway the monk thought better of their odds now, "A house of cards perhaps but one where the dealer hopes to hold all the aces."

Seeing what he assumed passed for a sentry at the head of the gangway, "Blessings of the day, permission to come aboard."

The young crewman had been told by the first officer that the Captain and officers of the Knight Hammer would not be exactly what he might expect, but he never expected a cleric. Much less one who stood well over six feet and close to 19 stone. Yet here one stood, dressed in brown habit complete with sword and staff in hand. What should he do now? His thoughts ran wild after all he hadn't talk to a priest since before he run away from home, am I suppose to bow or was that kiss his ring? The young pirate's mental conflict and debate resulted in an open mouth and an audible "umm."

"I'll take that as permission granted. I am Brother Timothy and you are?"
"umm"
"Yes, well, are the Captains aboard?"
"umm"
"Fine, is there anyone who could tell me where I'm berthing?"
"umm"
"Good, let's do this, you stay here and guard the gangplank and I'll go to the quarterdeck in search of another syllable. "
"umm"
"Be a good pirate now and mind your post." As the monk moved toward the quarterdeck several more crewman stopped and stood transfixed, the women from the new crew were one thing, after all everyone had heard of female pitates, but a monk on a pirate ship?





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Reply author: Ice Mage
Replied on: 12/14/2007 23:41:13
Message:

*Daemon stepped back and looked down at her. Raising her head, she looked back at him.*

'You never complained about my embrace before.'

"You were my wife then, and now you are married to my friend Dorean."

*She crossed her arms as she continued.*

'I'm worried about you. I know how much you loved her. You once looked at me in the same way.'

*Daemon shook his head as he turned to look out upon the sea.*

"It's not in the cards for me Rose. She is in love with another, and i cannot interfere with something like that."

*Rose wrapped her arms around his waist, and layed her head on his back.*

'Don't give up on her Daemon, i know she feels the same way.'


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Reply author: Blackjack Roberts
Replied on: 12/16/2007 09:23:58
Message:

Jack stowed his gear under the bunk assigned to him in the quarters set aside for Captain Wench's crew. A smile came across his face as he thought about the exchange between the two captains on the dock a few moments ago. From the short time he had known her he would have been willing to bet a plunder's share that Captain Wolfe had bitten off more than he could chew with that lass.

There would be a few moment before the rest of Wench's crew arrived so he took the time to sharpen the edge of his saber, lightly oiled "Old Hob", and checked the primer in the twin French flintlocks. The tasks had also given him more time to think.

He had been sitting in the Crown and Scepter near Dorset enjoying the fruits of his latest robbery. The coach had held several of the wealthy elite of Cornwall on their way to London. Having stowed his Black velvet long coat, and black silk scarf he tied across the lower half of his face to hide his identity, in his saddle bag he had little to fear. Most simply took him for a successful business man with money to burn, the rest simply did not care.

He had been successfully flirting with the serving wench, tipping her generously, and lying about his large farm near the Cotswold's when the door opened and she walked in. Even with the hood of her cloak pulled up to hide her features within its shadows her beauty shown through. Jack stared with his tankard suspended halfway between the table and his face.

No sooner had she inquired about a room for the night when the door burst open, and two large lads stormed in. "There ye are, Missy!" Exclaimed the larger of the two crossing the distance to the bar and roughly grabbing the frightened woman by the arm. "Ye've led us a merry chase, but it be over now!"

The rest of the patrons had not moved, being simple farmers they had no wish to involve themselves in an altercation that was clearly none of their business. Jack, on the other hand, had no intention of seeing any woman manhandled, regardless of the reason. He quickly set down the half full tankard and stood up.

"I'll be thanking you to unhand that lady, Lout, and to use a more civil tone when addressing her." He spoke sternly.

"And just who be you to be givin' us orders?" The second snarled. "Ye'd be better served mindin' yer own business."

Jack casually leaned one hand on the back of the chair he had just vacated. "My name is Jack." He grinned. "And it is always my business when a lady is ill used around me."

"Then yer business is about to earn you a right good wallopin'." The larger of the two brutes growled hurling the woman into the grasp of his comrade. As she stumbled the short distance her hood came down about her shoulders and Jack's blood truly began to boil. Her left eye sported a large purplish bruise that encircled it.

As the giant hurled himself forward Jack's hand closed around the top rung of the chair's back. Swinging with all the strength he could the chair exploded into kindling against the larger man's head and shoulders. The hulking abuser flew sideways from the impact to lay beneath a recently abandoned table, moaning in unconsciousness.

Spinning back around a long thin line of black leather uncoiled across the distance between himself and the remaining villain with a loud crack. With a howl of agony the second brigand released the raven haired woman and clutched his right hand in pain. Blood flowed between his covering fingers as he looked up in shock to find himself staring down the barrel of Jack's pistol.

"I'd be advising ye to take your mate and leave quickly." Jack hissed between his clenched teeth. "Before I should decide to add to the holes in your heads!"

The second brute drug his partner to the door by the armpits, stopping only long enough to warn Jack that he would live to regret this night. Jack's answer was a hearty laugh. Moving over to where the girl had fallen when the brute that held her shoved her away he offered her his hand to help her stand.

"Those two will bother ye no more this night, Miss...??" He said softly. His heart beating wildly at the sight of her deep sepia eyes.

"Jenny." She managed a smile as she took his hand. "Jenny Kenward."


Title: Re: DEAD MAN'S TAVERN I
Post by: Welsh Wench on May 19, 2008, 08:55:35 PM
Reply author: Welsh Wench
Replied on: 12/18/2007 20:18:53
Message:

As the two Captains, Wolfe and Wolfe Jr, walked up the gangplank, a voice was heard from behind.
"Wait for me!"
An auburn-haired woman a little taller than Wench ran up behind them, clearly out of breath. She put both hands on her hips and said, "Trying to sneak off without me, were you?"
Wench shrieked, "KATE!"
Jack winced and put his index fingers in both his ears. "For the love of God, woman! I really wish you would learn to lower the decibels."
She stuck her tongue out at him.
"Very mature, Wolfe Jr, very mature."
Wench ran up to Kate and threw her arms around her. "I thought you were staying to help your sister with the new baby!"
Kate had the two dock boys put her trunks down and said, "And who would help you with your clothes and make sure you stay out of trouble?"
Wench cocked her head towards Mad Jack and mouthed, 'Not him!'

Captain Wolfe walked over to where the two women were standing. Kate had her foot planted into Wench's backside and was pulling on her back lacings. Wench was gasping, holding onto the railing for support. "Not....tight....enough....can....still...breath...GASP!...OK...that's...it..."
Her voice was several octaves higher.
Jack put his hands on his hips and narrowed his eyes. "What good are you going to be if you pass out on me, Honour?"
He flipped out his dagger and sliced through the laces like it was a loaf of bread.
"OOF!" Wench let out a pent-up breath.
As Captain Wolfe's back was turned, she threw an apple at his head. It went whizzing by. He turned quickly but she was already deep in conversation with Kate.

"HEY! CAPTAIN! WHEN DO WE SAIL?"
The two Wolfes both turned. Wench gave Jack an exaggerated salute. "I do believe he is speaking to me. After all, he's one of MY crew."
Jack snorted, "And you can have him!"
He turned to the voice and said, "Ahoy, Hobson!"
Wench said, "Gunther."
Jack said, "Jason."
Wench said "Mason."
Mason piped up with, "Jerome!"
She whirled on him. "Who asked you?"
Mason shrugged and said, "Just trying a neutral name on for size. Speaking of size, did you know your shirt is wide open to the back?"
Wench reached around and felt skin. She gasped.
Jack burst out laughing. "I was wondering how long it would be before you noticed."
Jack's crew was trying hard not to laugh. She glared at them and then walked up to Jack, took his frock coat and ripped it off his shoulders. She slipped into it, adjusted her hat and turned to walk with as much dignity as she could muster.
Her boot heel came off.
"DAMN!"
She limped on board with all the panache of a pirate queen, slamming the door to the Captain's quarters behind her.

Jack said to Briggs, "You got to hand it to her. She sure knows how to make an entrance!"


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Reply author: Welsh Wench
Replied on: 12/20/2007 21:16:40
Message:

Wench looked around the cabin where once upon a time she spent her honeymoon 'cruise' to Tobago with Jack.
'Not much has changed,' she thought. Then she looked at the big bed and burst out laughing.
Jack had drilled hooks into the wall, strung some rope and sailcloth was draped right down the middle of it.
'At least he remembered I prefer the left side of the bed.'

She opened the chest drawer. Jack's effects were scattered in it. She took out the drawer and dumped it on his side of the bed. A miniature of a woman with dark brown eyes and long dark curling hair landed on top of the pile. She picked it up. Jack had explained to her on their way back to Barbados that it was a portrait of his mother. She had died when Jack was twenty-three. She looked at the picture, smiled at it and said, "Hello, Mrs. Wolfe."
Then she laughed. 'Well, as one Mrs. Wolfe to another.....I really should just stick with Miss Bright. Less complications....'

There was a knock on the door. One of Jack's men, Jacob Davis, handed her a letter and said, "This was dropped off for you, Mrs...Captain...um...what do we call you now?"
Wench took the paper and said, "Captain is just fine, Davis. Thank you."
He tipped his cap and left.
Wench sat on the bed and broke the wax seal.

Dear Rhiannon--

I know we didn't see much of each other in port this past month. As you know, I had some business to take care of in Glenlivet. And here is what I need to tell you. I won't be sailing with you this time. Perhaps when you come back, circumstances will have changed for me. But I have been offered a position to teach. I can't say what it is but you know of the Old Order and suffice it for me to say that it is along those lines.

I know you have always looked to me as your rmentor and protector. And even when I revealed I was the one who your father used to place you in the Order of St Brigid's, we stayed close. As for Tortuga, I am sorry it came to killing Captain Ramzy but I had no choice. Well, maybe I did, but he had to go.

You have many friends on board with you, Rhiannon. Martin, who provided you with the bracers that will protect you. Hibernian to keep your spiritiality on the straight and narrow. Practical Lilaney, who won't let you get away with anything. Elinor looks up to you, please make sure you don't lead her astray. She is of impressionable youth. And your best friend Kate to confide in.
Your new crewmate, who I met one night last week, Blackjack Roberts, will be a very good asset to you. And his boots were exceptional. Just don't complicate your life with them.

I'm sorry you lost Dorean and White Rose. But they have a mission of their own to tend to.
And Daemon. I know how close you were. And he did what he had to do. Whether we approve of it or not, he always was his own man. Some day you will understand, Rhiannon.
Some day.

I had no idea of your subsequent marriage to Captain Jack Wolfe. In fact, it seems that NO ONE knew of your marriage. But word has reached me that you have met your match in him. That he is probably the one man you can't put anything over on. And I did a bit of investigating and for all his madness, he is an honest--and yes--decent man.

You had always looked to me for guidance and answers, Rhiannon. But at this time, I am relinquishing this assignment over to your husband.
Just don't try to park his ship.

Your humble servant and friend,

Marvos

'Damn!' she thought. How can I possibly survive without the advice of Marvos? Marvos, who bought the costly Phoenix's tears to save her life when she became septic with the cuts from Corwin's sword. She sighed.
Taking his letter, she put it in the drawer with her belongings, buried at the bottom.

She sat on the bed, touching the sailcloth.
'I hope your will power is as strong as this sailcloth, Captain Wolfe. Otherwise, this shall make for an interesting voyage. Yes, indeed!'





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Reply author: Mad Jack Wolfe
Replied on: 12/21/2007 12:46:46
Message:

Jack picked up Honour's broken boot heel and nibbled on it, spat out a bit of leather, then handed the heel to Briggs. "Italian," he declared. "Some things never change." Briggs tentatively sniffed at the heel, then handed it to Mason.
"Mr. Briggs! If everyone is aboard, safely or otherwise, make ready to get under way. The rest of you... do what Briggs says. That's an order." He turned and walked toward the companionway entrance.

"And what about you?" Lil asked. "Captain Wench always helps out getting the ship ready."
"Well, I'm not Captain Wench," replied Jack. "And speaking of her, I'm off to see if the curtains still match the rug."
Lil and Kate gasped, and some of the crew chuckled lasciviously.
"What?" he asked. "She threatened to redecorate me bloody cabin! Now get to work!"

Jack grumbled all the way to the door of his cabin - strike that - their cabin, and paused. "Decorum, I suppose," he thought, rolling his eyes. He polished his somewhat gaudy wolf signet ring and rapped twice on the door before opening it. "Honey, I'm home!" he said cheerily.

Honour was sitting on the bed. She gave him a coy smile. "You've redecorated," she said, running her hand along the sailcloth partition.
"You noticed! It's my own creation. I call it 'Early Provincial'... something snottily French."
"Merde?"
"That's the one," he grinned.

Lil' Puddin' skirted into the room and wound himself around Jack's legs. Jack went to the cupboard and took out a saucer and a bottle of rum. He bit the cork off the bottle and poured some rum into the saucer, and laid the dish on the deck. Puddin' ran over and greedily lapped up the booze.

"Are you out of your mind?" Honour cried. "He's just a poor little kitty!"
"I daresay he could drink even the fabled Captain Wench under the table. That is, if the rumours are anywhere close to the truth." Jack poured two glasses full of the dark liquid, and handed one of them to his tongue-tied wife. "Shall we test the theory?"

Honour accepted his glass and took a deep drink. "Barbados rum? You sentimental dog."
"Only the best for the best, love," he smiled, and downed his entire glass. "More?"
She polished off her drink and screwed her eyes shut for a moment. "It's got a kick, doesn't it?"
"If it didn't, would it be worth drinking?"
"I suppose not. More, please," she asked. Jack eagerly poured them both a generous glass.
"A toast," he offered. "To Eldorado."
"To Eldorado." Honour clinked glasses with her husband, and watched as he downed the who glass. She swiftly poured hers into a chamber pot she'd placed under the bed, having anticipated Jack's plan to ply her with drink.
He quickly poured two more glasses. "So how exactly did you come by your determination to find Eldorado, where so many others have failed?"
"I have it's location on good authority. Very good authority. Iron clad, and irrefutable," she boasted. "All I need is to stop off at Martinique and pick up the correct map."
Jack grinned, and downed his glass. He got up and went to his bookcase, giving her time to dispose of her drink.
"I'm guessing you mean this particular map of the Orinoco River?" he gloated.
"Where did you get that?!"
"Jean Duquesne. Oh, is that a familiar name? He said you'd be coming for it. Cost me a pretty penny, I'll have you know. But I think it was worth the expense."
"Jack, that's my map, and you know it!"
"Well, since you've been crying 'community property' ever since we've reunited," he said, pouring more rum, "it seems only fair that we share and share alike. Don't you think?"
Honour stared at him. "This is Bonita's work. I can smell it."
"Oh, pish. I haven't seen here since Castara, nor do I want to. This was good old-fashioned getting-one-over-on-the-wifey," he said, downing his glass. "Wait... what's that lapping noise?"
"What noise?" she said, trying to cover the sound of Lil' Puddin' lapping up the rum she'd hidden.
"Why, that noise, under the bed!" Jack insisted. "What's under here? Puddin'?"
Honour took the opportunity and grabbed one of Jack's ornate pistols and clouted him with it.
"Fair enough, Jack. It's our map. And in the spirit of community property, it's my ship until you wake up." She set about changing her clothes, outfitting herself in black from head to toe, save a resplendent cascade of white feathers tumbling from her black leather tricorn. "My ship, my agenda, my revenge. This will be fun." she said to herself.

Reply author: Welsh Wench
Replied on: 12/23/2007 14:41:37
Message:

El Lobo del Mar started to slowly make headway through the harbor. As Wench appeared on deck, she was confronted by Briggs.
She stepped in his way.
"Where is Captain Wolfe?"
He tried to go around her.
She stepped in time to him.
He moved left.
So did she.
Right.
Left.
"Honestly, Briggs, if you want to dance, why don't you just ask me? I'll pencil you in for the Saturday night Cotillion."
"I need to find Jack."
"Whatever for?"
"Captain always is on deck when the ship leaves port."
She raised an eyebrow.
"What do you think I am, window decoration? I happen to be the acting captain."
Briggs snorted. "You? This is El Lobo del Mar and it has only one captain. Captain Jack Wolfe. Although if he relinquished the captainship to you in any form, he truly IS mad. Now where is he?"
Wench put her arm on the wall, blocking his way.
"He's out."
"What?"
"Like a light. He's sleeping. He's very tired. So he is taking a nap."
"A nap."
"Yes."
"AT 8:00 AM IN THE MORNING?"
"He had a rough night. Didn't get much sleep. I swear, he was just standing there and the next thing I knew, he was face down on the bed out cold."
"Let me check on him."
"Briggs, I don't think you should go in there. It's full of woman's niceties. You know...lacy, fluffy, silky, sheer things."
Briggs felt the colour rise in his face.
"When he wakes up, tell him I want to see him."
"Captain."
"What?"
"You're supposed to call me Captain. Maybe a salute in there would be a nice touch."
Briggs snorted again and walked off.
Wench yelled after him, "It's a good thing I like you or I'd yardarm you!"
To herself she said, 'Whatever that means....'

El Lobo sailed quietly, the sun starting to rise in the skies. Wench breathed deep the salt air.
'I'm going to miss Glen Livet', she thought. As they sailed through the harbor, she glanced over at the various ships in port. Blatherscythe....Black Rock....Dark Vexation, guess James Blake is ported still...Azure Tooled...AZURE TOOLED!
She tilted her chin in a defiant pose.
"Gunners."
"Yes, Ma'am...um..Captain Ma'am...Mrs. Wolfe?"
"Open the larboard guns."
"WHAT?"
"I am the Captain. Do what I say and do it NOW!"
"But..but..."
"OPEN THE LARBOARD GUNS!"
They shrugged and opened the larboard guns.
Wench stood watching intently.
"Now listen closely....almost there....just about...wait...wait...and LARBOARD GUNS! FIRE ALL!!!"
The guns fired a volley.

The gunners were good and the gunners' aim was true.
Azure Tooled took three hits at the waterline and blew apart.

Wench turned to the gunners and said, "I can't begin to tell you how good that made me feel!"
She watched as Captain Sean Daniels and his brother ran towards the ship or what was left of her.
She whispered, 'Give me a brass blade, will you? I just evened the score.'
She took off her tricorn and touched her forefinger to her forehead in a mock salute.
'Happy sailing, Captain Daniels. Happy sailing.'

Title: Re: DEAD MAN'S TAVERN I
Post by: Welsh Wench on May 19, 2008, 08:57:33 PM
Reply author: Hibernian
Replied on: 12/24/2007 09:24:10
Message:

'Happy sailing, Captain Daniels. Happy sailing.' She stood and watched as the Azure Tooled slowly took on water and sank into Glen Livet's harbor.

"Young lady,I truly wish you hadn't done that."

Wench quickly turned around to address the voice and now noticed the monk leaning against the railing of the quarterdeck's far corner. How had she missed him earlier? "Brother he had it coming, you remember how he was almost the cause of my death and this was just a small payback, he deserved much worse! Besides, that's a shallow area, see how the ship's settling already. When the tides out he'll be able to raise her and rebuild her, it'll just cost him two things he has plenty of, time and gold."

"Lass, I'll not debate the right or wrong of vengence with you, for the good book says that belongs to only one, and that's not you. Yet I had hoped we could slip out of port without attracting undue attention. You would do well to remember there are still people looking for you and the price upon your head, I had hoped to steal some distance with this departure. Now that bloody broadside has just announced our departure to the world!"

"Whatever, it was worth it!"

"You're acting like a, nevermind, well what is done is done," searching in his side bag the monk brings out a small flag. "I had hoped not to use this, here have someone raise this to the top of the main mast."

"Your personal standard Commodore Monk?"

"Not quite, but it is a family standard and one that I pray will bring enough assistance to see our way clear."






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Reply author: Blackjack Roberts
Replied on: 12/24/2007 11:00:14
Message:

As the report of El Lobo's cannon reach him Malcolm Dagget took the spyglass from his eye, a grim smile graced his lips. It would seem that Jack Wolfe had a score to settle before leaving port with the quarry.

"What in bloody Hell was that all about, Mr. Dagget?" Burton Cummings, captain of the HMS Cornwall inquired.

"A parting gift for some unlucky pirate it would seem." Malcolm grinned. "One less complication for us to worry about, Captain."

The Captain removed his navy blue tricorn to adjust the white powered wig which covered his head. "Be that as it may, Sir. I find it damned inconvenient to encumber no less than three of His Majesty's finest for the capture of one man." He continued.

Dagget cast a side long look at the shorter man, raising one eyebrow. "Are you saying you disagree with your orders, Captain Cummings?"

"Indeed I am, Sir! However, I shall see my duty through to the end." The captain retorted huffily. "The King placed us under your command until this brigand is brought to justice, and at your command we remain. But make no mistake, Sir. The safety of these ships and their men are my first priority."

Malcolm threw his head back and laughed loudly as Burton turned beet red. "Your priorities be damned, Cummings." he sneered after the fit left him. His flashing dark eyes bored into the officer. "You, and the rest of this fleet will do exactly as I command, or by God I'll see every one of you hanged as cowards! Is that understood?"

"Aye. It is, Sir." Burton Cummings returned lowly, a frown of frustration filling his features. Turning on his heel he stalked off to take his impotence out on the first unlucky sailor to be found neglecting his duty.

Malcolm returned to watching as the El Lobo del Mar made it's way toward open sea. The fleet would stay here out of sight until she was nearly gone from view. Thanks to some loose lips, and a bit of gold placed into drunken hands he knew full well the course she would take. Black Jack would not escape him this time, and he looked forward to personally escorting the coward to the gallows. Any man who would murder another man's wife in a fit of jealous rage deserved no less. Sir Terrance Blackwood will have his vengeance.

"Stone me!" Jack thought as the blast from the cannon reverberated through the ship. Leaping to his feet and pulling both pistols he raced for the main deck. If they were under attack already every man would be needed to fend it off.

As he burst into the sunlight he saw Captain Wench deep in conversation with the monk from the tavern. Then he noticed a docked ship slowly sinking into the bay. Faint curses coming from her direction. My God but that woman was hard on sailing vessels.

Wench spied him standing there open mouthed with his pistols pointed to the sky and laughed loudly as she walked over to him. "Ready for action are we, Blackjack?" She smiled. "Well it's good to know that you'll come running if there is ever any trouble, but this was just a parting gift for an old friend."

Jack Roberts stowed his pistols in his belt, scratched his head and grinned sheepishly. "Sorry, about that, Captain. Thought we were under attack."

Wench reached out and stroked his jaw line gently. "Nothing of the sort. At least not until Captain Daniels can repair his ship." She giggled. "And that may take quite a while. Have I told you how much I admire your taste in boots?" She winked and walked off toward the cabin she shared with her husband, leaving Blackjack feeling more than a little confused.

"Don't worry, My Son." Brother Timothy spoke. "You'll get use to her eventually. Now if you'll excuse me" The monk walked off to have one of the crew take a small flag up to the main mast.

Blackjack turned his attention to helping the rest of the crew make way out of the harbor. Since he was already on deck he might as well attend his duties. Besides he had hoped the work would take his mind off the ghosts of the past that had been steadily haunting him since last night. No such luck.

Jenny had taken his offered hand shakily, her eyes holding the tint of fear that he had seen grace the eyes of many an ill used woman. The purplish blue coloring around her right eye underscoring that fact.

"Don't worry, Lass." He smiled warmly, attempting to drive that demon from her. "Yer husband won't be returning any time soon I'd say."

"That wasn't my husband." she attempted to smile as she took the seat he held out for her at his table. "I'm not married."

"Then who....?" Jack began.

"They work for my father." Jenny smiled. "I ran away from our Estate in Kent. My father and I disagree on his choice for me."

"Still," He retorted, "that's no excuse for..." unable to voice the words he motioned lightly to her eye.

"Oh, that." She frowned. "Yes. Well you can see why I ran away, but I fear I have acted too hastily and can not repay your kindness."

"Think nothing of it, Lass." Jack Roberts grinned. "I've more than enough wealth, and should the need arise I can always lay my hands on quite a bit more."



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Reply author: Elinor Hakebourne
Replied on: 12/24/2007 19:41:42
Message:

"There!" Elinor surveyed her hopefully-not-permanent quarters with satisfaction. Everything had a place, from her parchment to her quills, to the small, but still rather sizeable writings she'd started to begin the ship's logs anew. Or to add to them if, no when we get the Knight Hammer back, she thought. Suddenly she heard cannon fire from a different section of the ship, cannon fire that, although distant, caused her to clutch the posts of her bed to steady herself as the ship rocked slightly. "What was that?" She muttered, striding quickly out and meeting Brother Timothy, who was engaged in conversation with Captain Wench. "Why am I not surprised that she was the one who ordered that to happen?" Elinor muttered, spying the look of satisfaction on Wench's face, and the look of disapproval on Brother Timothy's. "Wench!" She called, "we haven't even left port, and you're already stirring up trouble! What was that just now?"


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Reply author: Mad Jack Wolfe
Replied on: 12/27/2007 20:37:03
Message:

Sniff.
Sniff-sniff.
Consciousness crept back into his skull at a glacial pace. Burnt powder? Sniff. Oh, and rum. I like rum. Sniff-sniff. Wait, burnt powder?!

His eyes sprung open, to find Puddin's butt just an inch or two from his face. The cat lay curled up, snoring loudly. Confused, Jack gave another, very tentative sniff. Definitely burnt powder and nothing else. He slowly got to his feet, wondering why his head was pounding. Oh, she didn't, he thought. Suddenly, everything came together in his mind. "Oh, bugger!!"

He burst on to the weather deck and had to grab the door facing to keep from running into a gun crew. "Why are you swabbing the guns?!" he demanded.
"'Cause Cap'n Wolfe, I mean, the other Cap'n Wolfe, ordered a lit'le gunn'ry practice, if you be catchin' my meanin', Cap'n," the gunner laughed.
"Gunnery practice?" Jack asked.
"Aye, on that there derelict what we just sent to Davy Jones 'imself. She called it the 'A-Skewered Toad', or somethin' such the like. I'd say we done ourselves proud, we did."

Jack looked like he was about to explode. "Honour!!" he bellowed.
"Yes, Captain Wolfe? Did we have a good nap?" she answered from the quarterdeck.
He stormed up the steps to confront her. "What the hell do you think you're doing with my ship?"
"You mean our ship? Community property," she said defiantly.
"Fine, community property," he fumed. "But that doesn't mean you get to tool about the bloody Caribbean dressed like one of the Leather Goddesses of Port Royal..."
Honour shot him an indignant look.
"... scratch that. Anyway, you can't just go sinking any ship what gets your Irish up!"
She gave him a cat-that-ate-the-canary smile. "You mean, acting like a pyrate?"

Jack went from furious to angrily deflated. "Mr. Briggs! Get this mess cleaned up, and see that we make it out of this port without leaving a complete a wake of total devastation? I'll be in my quarters, nursing this compound headache."


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Reply author: Martin Montgomery
Replied on: 12/28/2007 05:46:47
Message:

Finally having someone to talk to,Gordy had opened up like a book. Martin now knew that the short-sighted lookout hails from a small hamlet on the Emerald Isle,known to the inhabitants as "The Scarlet Shamrock" but on the maps it is called "Redton". The new cook is also surprised to learn that the very lonely little man has "adopted" the flock of seagulls that tended to follow the "El Lobo" living off of the plentiful waste after every meal,when the crewmen would dump the swill that the last cook,"Lucky" had tried to pass off as "Good-Stick to yer ribs Food". The flock has nine members and Gordy calls each one a variation of the name "Sam"! There is "'Lil Sam,Sammie,Samkin,Samuel,Samson,Samantha,Sambo,Sam-Sam and the flocks leader,Big Sam! Martin sighed "He must really like that name!" he thought,as the endless chatter pouring from the lonely lookout became MUCH more interesting! Apparantly when the long hours in the tidy little crows nest begin to get to him,Gordy watches the crew on deck! "....and when Mr. Briggs saw Taylor sneaking down to the galley with cases of RUM!!,ya see him and Lucky had a thing going so they could sell the crew extra rations of rum to make that crap that Lucky was servin' taste better........Well!! That cost Mister Taylor a week in the brig!! Lucky got off with "Donatin'" the "Extra" rum ta tha' Ship's Stores,which made the Cap'n happy....... Oh look they're raisin' anchor! Looks like we're on our way! Don't you worry none, Mr Montgomery!" The rotund merchant broke in and stated ,with a wide smile "You can call me "Martin" if I can call you "Gordy"! "That'll work fine,Martin!.....anyway ,like I was sayin' The "Lobo" can slip out o' any harbor! Quiet as a mouse! That crew down there has trained together so much they ain't even got to talk to each other when they're workin'!! Anyway we'll leave as silent as a ghost in a mist,then we........." The talkative lookouts words were drowned by a thunderous roar as the Port guns fired a salvo at a handsome looking ship with pale blue sails that was docked and taking on supplies! Peeking over the rail "That there is ..er.. WAS the "Azure Tooled"!! Good ship but they're Captains' kinda moody!! Too bad.....say Martin, what's fer supper?" Turning from the slowly settling ship and looking at his new friend Gordy kept up the running dialogue " Good thing she was docked! It's shallow enough there to raise her,when the tide goes out! The damage didn't really look that bad,she was holed,but they used solid shot......you know, no "BOOM!" after the hit. MARTIN!! What are ya doin?!?! The burly cook had grabbed the slender rope that held the bucket Gordy usualy got his food in,checked the knots,nodded to himself then sat on the rail and gave Gordy a mock salute "We are gonna fix this up real nice, with a MUCH bigger rope!! It's been real nice talking to you Gordy,keep up the good work!! Holler at me later and we'll visit some more,right now I've got to talk some sense to a beautiful,vengeful woman,and explain to her that "Silent as a mouse" doesn't mean "A mouse with twelve pounders!!" Putting his right foot into the bucket and wrapping the loose end of the slim rope around his broad backside Martin said "Wish me luck!" and slipped off the rail!! Sliding rapidly to the deck below,yelling at the men in the sheets to "Watch Out" as he went by. Gordy watched as the big man hit the deck hard,rolling with the impact and almost taking out the crew of one of the guns as they were busily swabbing the barrel and prepareing it to normal readiness! He slowly got up and after exchanging a few words with the guncrew limped towards the quarterdeck where the Captain's Wife and Co-Captain was standing talking to a tall robed man. "You'll need it,my large friend! That lady looks tough!!!.........and soft tooo.........."
Title: Re: DEAD MAN'S TAVERN I
Post by: Welsh Wench on May 19, 2008, 08:58:57 PM
Reply author: Mad Jack Wolfe
Replied on: 12/31/2007 14:37:37
Message:

Jack stomped back to his cabin, fighting mad. He turned and slammed the door shut, hard enough to shake the bulkheads. He turned to find Dr. Gander sitting at the table, pouring old cognac.

"Quite a magnificent woman, isn't she?" he chuckled.
"I don't know what you mean," Jack grumbled.
"Oh, I don't know... she's only managed to insinuate herself back into your life, get you to save her life not once but twice, secure passage on your ship for herself and her crew, and set you off on another wild quest. I'd say she's done quite well for herself."
"Oh, yes. And let's not forget that she's funded her exploits by stealing from me, and kept me as a cuckold all over the bloody New World!"
"Hmmmm, yes. I see your point. Quite the downside, that. Although, the grass didn't exactly grow long under your feet, either, Jack. Tell the truth now."

Jack took a long, slow drink of cognac. "What's the point to all this, Duckie? So far, you've only managed to restate that which I've been brooding about."
"Stop brooding about it, and I'll leave it alone," said Drake. "You have a very convenient memory when it comes to how long we've been friends. You didn't have to drop out, you know."
"How easily you forget. My father had died, and my family needed the money. Oxford isn't cheap, you know."
"No... no, it isn't." he sighed. "But I can see from your library you never stopped studying. Bacon, Spinoza, More, Sabuco, Powell, Suárez... You've certainly kept up with modern philosophers."
"That's because they're deathly dull. Helps me go to sleep."

Duckie poured himself another drink. "Jack, you are a masterful liar. Especially to yourself. And it's all good fun until you put yourself in this bind again."
Jack smiled ruefully. "And what bind would that be, my friend?"
"The bind where you're caught between that which you want and what you think the world expects of you."
"Finishing university taught you all that, Doctor? So tell me, are you more comfortable as a doctor or a bartender?" Jack quipped.
"Sometimes a man will tell his bartender things he'll never tell his doctor. But we both get the same two kinds of customers - the living and the dying. Which customer do you choose to be, Jack?"

Jack opened his mouth to answer, when there came a soft rap at the door. Honour politely stuck her head in. "Am I interrupting anything important?"


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Reply author: Welsh Wench
Replied on: 01/01/2008 21:22:18
Message:

Duckie's face broke out in a grin.
"Well, well, well....if it isn't the radiant Mrs. Jack Wolfe!"
Wench came in and crossed over the room, holding her hands out.
"And if it isn't my favorite doctor in the whole world! How are you, Doctor Gander?"
He held his finger up and said, "Ah, now....why the formality?"
She laughed. "Alright...Duckie, it is!"
He gave her a hug, winking at Jack over his shoulder.
Jack downed his cognac and glared.
"Honour, why are you here?" he asked impatiently.
She raised her eyebrow and said, "My, my! I didn't know this was a hush-hush medical consultation? Oh, wait! This doesn't have anything to do with me, your ribs and Miss Big-butt Renee, does it?"
Duckie choked on his cognac.
"Big-butt?"
Honour helped herself to a glass of cognac. She looked at Jack and said, "Before you say a word..."
Jack finished with, "...community property."
She looked at Duckie and said, "Oh, I have him trained SO well!"
Duckie sat back down and laughed. "You always were a challenge for Ol' Jack here."
Jack said, "Honour, if you don't mind, Dr. Gander and I were...."
"I know, 'consulting.' Well, I only came in here to get a book...ah! Here it is!"
She pulled out a volume of Voltaire. Dr. Gander looked at Jack and said, "She even has the same taste in books you do!"
Wench opened it and said, "Oh, dear! I think not. Inside the covers are some very naughty literature. For shame, Captain Wolfe! For shame!"
"I do not!" Jack exclaimed.
She laughed, "I really got you going that time, didn't I? No, Duckie, I just came in to see if my....oh, there he is!"
Muir crawled out from under the bed. He sat next to Jack. Wench patted her leg and said, "Come on, Muir! Time to go up on deck!"
He sat there next to Jack, thumping his tail. Jack scratched him behind the ears.
She fumed at Muir, "Traitor!"
She turned on her heel and closed the door.

Duckie turned to Jack and said, "Looks like you charmed her dog!"
Jack laughed and took a bone out of his pocket and gave it to Muir. "Dog bait. It's only fair. The cat seems to have defected to her side."

Duckie said, "Well, you may have saved her life a time or two but she seems to have done the same for you. Need I remind you of the attack you launched on The Mercedes on the way back from Tobago? "
Jack smiled ruefully. "And I have that lovely scar on my shoulder as a memento."
"She managed to dig that bullet out and pack the wound. Not very many women would be willing to do that."
Jack poured another cognac for Duckie and one for himself. "And right after that, it went downhill."
"She wasn't to blame for what happened."
"If she had stayed in the cabin, I wouldn't have been distracted and I would have seen the sniper."
Duckie polished off the drink and said, "Did you ever stop to think, Jack, that she may have unwittingly saved your life? If she hadn't distracted you, the sniper might have got you right between the eyes."

Jack said nothing.
Duckie said, "Yes. Well. Be that as it may...."
Duckie paused with his hand on the doorknob.
"If you had treated her right and not blamed her, Cade Jennings never would have entered the picture."
And with that he closed the door, leaving Jack with his bottle of cognac.
And something to ponder.



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Reply author: Hibernian
Replied on: 01/02/2008 20:10:32
Message:

Not getting an answer Elinor turned to Brother Timothy, "Well, do you know what that was just about, are we under attack already, should I grab a sword, do we prepare to defend the ship, won't someone tell me what is going on here!" Despite the grim look upon his face, Elinor followed him as he moved forward obviously looking for someone. She didn't really know the crew yet and with Wench not talking, the best source of reliable information would be the monk.

Elinor and the brother were making their way forward to one of the gun crews when suddenly a shadow appeared on the deck next to the cannon. As she thought about how clear the sky was today and where had the clouds so quickly come when a large shape landed with a thud upon the deck. Jumping back three feet and two lives she recognized that the falling shape was none other than Martin Montgomery. The man slowly regained his feet and was apologizing to the gun crew about the scare he had thrown into them when Brother Timothy took him by the arm.

"Heavens Martin are you alright, legs, back, head all intact. Good, I'm pleased nothing broken, then perhaps next time you'll let us know when you intend to test the quality of the ship's construction. Has the shock of a new ship lead our crew to take leave of their good sense? We have who knows who or what looking for us and the Wench takes to blowing up ships in front of the whole port and you're doing imitations of falling rocks. Perhaps we can save time and effort and just arrange to have Wench fire you out of the cannon at a passing ship next time."

"Brother Timothy," Martin placed what he hoped was a comforting hand upon the monk's shoulder, "having a bad day are we? Come on down to the galley and have a nice cup of tea, it will calm you down. I'll even make up a loaf of Irish brown bread for you."

"Oh Martin, I am sorry, you are correct this is not my best morning. You know as well as I do the dangers our blonde headed wench has following her, our leaving the port unnoticed this day was a challenge to begin with before she went and sank that ship. Right now there are probably a dozen sets of eyes on us, watching and thinking of when is the best time to make a move to follow us. Who knows what is just over the horizon. Mark my word before this day is through the smell of powder will be in the air and not from sinking a docked vessel."


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Reply author: Elinor Hakebourne
Replied on: 01/03/2008 22:28:28
Message:

"Which means that this is the best time for some refreshment!" Elinor exclaimed, brightening at the idea. "I have so missed your food, Martin! That is, if I'm invited to partake in it..." she coyly asked, sending an innocent look Martin's way.

Brother Timothy and Martin gave each other a quick glance which, to anyone "in the know," said plainly, "I think the girl's becoming a very able student of Wench's..."


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Reply author: Lilaney
Replied on: 01/04/2008 12:04:35
Message:

"God! I missed the sea!"
As the wind tickled the sails, Lil stood on the rail and leaned out over the bow. Hooking one hand into the rigging she watched the ship cut the waves neatly as they headed out for yet another adventure.
"Hey! Get down from there! You might fall!"
Lil felt herself ripped back from what was otherwise a peaceful pondering to the wonders of life.
With a quick move, Lil extracated herself from one of Captain Wolfe's men.
"I was fine, thanks, spent most my life on a boat. Couldn't fall off if I tried. Been pushed off a few times, blown off and I think once I jumped, but never fallen off."
The crewman looked down at the female, and sneered.
"yeah, well, you and the others stay out of the way, ya hear? Don't need another of Wolfe's Wenches gettin' underfoot. Distracts the others, see?"
About to retort, the man turned suddenly and bellowed up into the sails. The wind had caught and with a slight jerk, the ship picked up speed.
Lil balanced and decided that this guy might actually do her harm if she stayed to help.
Ducking to the side she scurried down the steps to the quarterdeck, steadying herself a time or two as the rock of the ship deapened.
'Gotta get used to the rocking again.' she thought.
Mr. Briggs was on the Quarterdeck.
"Hey! Got anything snide to say?"
He turned and raised an eye at the brunette pain-in-the-butt.
"Not getting enough verbal abuse from the others on the crew?"
Lil broke into a brilliant smile.
"Oh sure, but, it just doesn't seem that the day can go right until you tell me off for something I haven't done."
He turned his back on her, muttering something about time wasters.
Chuckling she walked to the door to the galley.
"You can't do cute!"
She stopped with her hand on the doorknob. Puzzled, she turned and looked at Briggs.
"What?"
Mr. Briggs felt he had finally gotten the upper hand.
"You; you can't be cute. You don't have it in you. No matter how long you hang around your Captain or the other females it won't rub off. So, stop being annoying and bothering the crew for attention and try to find something useful to occupy your time. From what I have seen, your Captain took you on as a sympathy case. What did you do for your crew, anyway?"
Lil had rarely been spoken to like this before, she opened her mouth to return a scathing reply, but, nothing came out.
Briggs, smirking, proceeded to the bow. Hollering a reply to the large man on the bow, who laughed.
Lilaney felt her colour rise. Anger radiated out of her as she stood rooted to the spot and watched the others on the deck. They were unwanted on the boat, she was unwanted! Oh! The nerve. She quickly thought up all sorts of evil ways to make their lives miserable, the ways in which she could exact the revenge on her hurt pride. But, no, she couldn't do any of that.
Her anger started to wain as self-doubt and fairness took its place.
They needed to work with Captain Wolfe's crew, not against them. Else, her misdeeds could get any one of her friends thrown overboard during the night. Shoulders sagging and slightly defeated Lil opened the door to the hall and trooped in. She walked slowly down the stairs chewing on the words Brigg threw at her.
'I have a purpose' She thought, 'I have many! But, that lout is right, I have a job to do. So I best be about it!'
With a surge of renewed confidence, she bypassed the Galley and walked straight into the quarters where the infirmary was located.
It was a nice space; clean, well kept and fastidiously organized. Nothing like she had ever seen before.
"Better than just a trunk of supplies" She said out loud to herself, "Well, best familiarize myself with the who, what and where of my new working space!"
Walking to the first glass-fronted cabinet, she threw open the doors and started removing bottles and boxes from the shelves.


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Reply author: Blackjack Roberts
Replied on: 01/06/2008 20:12:11
Message:

Just as the topsail of El Lobo del Mar was about to sink into the horizon Malcolm gave the signal to set sail. The three British frigates Pulled out from their hiding place near the mouth of Glenlivet harbor making for the open sea. "Captain Cummings!" He turned and shouted, secretly enjoying the haste with which the commander of the Cornwall came to answer his call.

"You called, Mr. Dagget?" Burton did his best to keep his distain from his face.

"Indeed, Sir." Malcolm returned. "Have all of the ships been given the coordinates for our rendezvous?"

"Aye." The captain frowned. "They have, and they know the part they have to play in your plan, Sir."

"Excellent, Captain. See that all is made ready, then give the signal for the ships to separate."

"As you wish, Mr. Dagget." Burton Cummings turned to carry out the man's orders, no matter how much they stuck in his gut.

Malcolm turned back to the point that he saw the pirate ship vanish. Only the flat open horizon of blue greeted his eyes. "Perfect." He thought. "Now let us see you slip out of this one, Black Jack." As he walked back toward amidships his mind went back to almost six years ago, and the night that Sir Terrance Blackwood had summoned him back to the estate in Kent.

Once he had been led to the huge library that doubled as Sir Blackwood's study his jaw dropped. An angry red scar marred the young nobleman's handsome features, running from his temple down the left side of his face to the jaw. Though he smiled cheerfully at the sight of his servant, a smoldering rage lay just beneath the surface of his pale blue eyes.

"Ah, Malcolm." He spoke as he rose straightening his evening robe, and brushing a few stray strands of dark brown hair back to where they had escaped the pony tail's red ribbon. "Come in, My Good Man. Please, have a seat, I've been expecting you."

Dagget crossed the room to take the richly upholstered chair across from the large oak desk the lord sat at. A cordial of fine brandy awaited him, but he waited for his master to sit and drink before reaching for it.

"I see by your eyes that you have noticed my beauty mark." Sir Terrance's grin was filled with venom.

"Your pardon, Milord." Malcolm almost stammered. Sir Blackwood raised a hand to cut him short.

"It's not like it's hard to miss, My friend." Blackwood continued. "It is part of the reason I had you brought back from France. But not the main one."

The Blackwoods were arguably the most powerful and richest family in England. Second to only the monarchy. There was even speculation that they had legitimate claim to the throne themselves. Malcolm's family had been in their service for as long as anyone could remember, and it was clear that the Dagget family believed the Blackwoods were the rightful rulers of England. In return for their loyalty The house of Blackwood saw to it that their every need was met. The Daggets lacked for nothing, and were almost an elite, well trained force for the Blackwoods.

"As you know I have spent a considerable amount of time and money on the return of my wife." The noble continued. "For almost two years it had been a fruitless search. Two months ago I was fortunate enough to have finally located her."

Unable to contain himself Malcolm blurted out. "Is she home now, Milord?"

A ironic chuckle came from the scared nobleman. "Hardly, Malcolm." He continued sadly. "She had taken up with a commoner, worse yet a common thief. I personally went to their residence near Birmingham to convince her to return home with me."

Blackwood stood up, placing his hands behind his back as he started to pace behind his desk. "She readily agreed. The life of living with a bandit had become more than the poor dear could bear. Just as we were about to leave the monster arrived home unexpectedly. He was not about to give her up and struck her. I drew my sword and fought with him, and that is how I acquired this!" He pointed to the long scar.

"I had almost won the day when the bastard did something so horrendous I shudder to think of it!" Sir Blackwood's voice began to rise with each passing second of the tale. "Seeing that he was about to lose the fight, he pulled out his pistol , said that if he could not have my Jenny then no one would, and shot her dead!"

"Milord!!!!" Malcolm gasped.

"The worst was yet to come, Malcolm." Terrance Blackwood's voice quickly changed, coming out low and sad. "As I rushed to her side the villain took the opportunity to escape. She died in my arms, professing her love, and begging my forgiveness."

Malcolm Dagget was on his feet in a moment. "Who is this brigand, Lord Blackwood?!! I swear I will lead him to the gallows personally!!"

"I believe you have heard of him, Malcolm." Sir Terrance's face was drawn and sad. "He is a highwayman of some reputation. Black Jack Roberts. He left England as soon as the warrants were posted for his arrest. I need you to find him and bring him back....for Jenny's sake. I will see that every means is placed at your disposal."

"With pleasure, Sir Blackwood." Malcolm bowed low. "I swear I shall not rest until this Roberts is swinging from the king's gallows.'

After Malcolm Dagget had been given all he would need to begin his quest Sir Terrance sat back down at his desk and poured a crystal glass full of brandy. A wicked smile formed on his face, soon blossoming into a gale of vile laughter. For all his use Malcolm could be such a fool at times.

Title: Re: DEAD MAN'S TAVERN I
Post by: Welsh Wench on May 19, 2008, 09:00:33 PM
Reply author: Martin Montgomery
Replied on: 01/08/2008 21:28:54
Message:

Looking up at the crowsnest,and shaking his head at the thought of what he had just done, Martin exchanged a few words with the gun crew that was busily swabbing their smoking cannon. Dusting himself off and biting back a choice curse when he noticed who had been flattened by his sudden appearance from the cloudless sky. Martin turned to Elinor and Brother Timothy inclined his shaggy head,eyes downcast and stated in a somber tone "Oh Elinor! This ship's poor galley would be improved greatly by your presence, but I am afraid".....Here the large cook slipped a covert wink to the smiling monk..." I've only had time to make the crew's breakfast this morning ........However I also whipped up a couple dozen CHOCOLATE muffins AND a pan of brownies!!! The young scribe broke into a wide grin and seized the large cook's right hand and set off down the central passage leading towards the galley. "Coming Brother Timothy? She called over her shoulder. The brown robed monk smiled and followed as Martin's voice wafted back "The offer still stands for the tea and brown bread Brother,Hurry!!


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Reply author: Elinor Hakebourne
Replied on: 01/08/2008 22:15:17
Message:

"Viff if wonderful!" Elinor exclaimed, her mouth full of delicious muffin.

Martin raised his eyebrows, giving her a look. She swallowed, and then blushed a deep pink. "Sorry, Martin! It has been so long since I've had the pleasure of having your food, I couldn't help but dive first!"

"And forget your manners in the process?" Brother Timothy asked.

"It's only been a few days," Martin added. Elinor shook her head. "It has felt longer than that! I suppose that's what happens when I get spoiled by such delectable concoctions as these..." It was now Martin's turn to blush, though he didn't turn as red as Elinor had. The three sat in the galley, each with a cup of tea before them, Elinor feasting on the promised muffins and brownies Martin had baked, Brother Timothy finishing a slice of brown bread. Elinor took a deep breath, letting it out in a sigh. "I missed this, us being all together," she replied, finishing off another muffin.

There came a shout and a few of the members of the El Lobo's crew came rushing into the galley, the aroma of the food having wafted to their noses. Rudely reaching over Elinor's shoulder, the two crewmen grabbed the last of the brownies and muffins, and left the galley, leaving a trail of crumbs as they ate them en route. Elinor sighed again. "Good thing I was full already," she muttered, and then let out another sigh. "I'll be grateful when we get the Knight Hammer back."


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Reply author: Hibernian
Replied on: 01/09/2008 20:17:49
Message:

The two men stood at the top of the hill just to right of the Mariner's Cathedral. They like everyone else within earshot of the harbor were watching the story unfolding down below.

"Well you got to hand it to her, she certainly knows how to make an exit."
"How do you know it was her, that's Wolfe ship and he certainly gives the commands."
"Aye, but that's Daniel's ship sinking into the harbor muck, and you know the old proverb that hell has no fury like a wench with blonde hair."
"Most likely you are correct, still give Jack some credit certainly he wouldn't leave her on the quarterdeck alone in command?"
"Not bloody likely if he can help it, still by this time the good Captain is probably just becoming aware of the full implication of that women being on his ship! He may not be in complete command of his own life much less the El Lobo."
"Well, time for a pint...first round at the Dead Man is on me."

Turning toward the side street which lead to the Dead Man's Tavern the two gentlemen missed the newest travesty to set forth into the harbor, the good ship Vexation and its Pirates-in-Training or PIT crew lead by Susie the Moderately Red Pirate was attempting to leave the dock. It should be noted the blackboard at the Numbers House gave the odds at 5-2 against.

"Once we clear the dock stow those lines and give us a bit more sail."

Turning back toward the quarterdeck Suzie, First Mate of the training vessel Vexation shouted over to the young trainee standing next to the wheel. "Helm bring her around another ten degrees to the starboard and you should feel her take the wind. You'll have steerage then so you'll be able to take up the course we discussed. Isn't this great, just think in a mere moment and a breath of wind you'll have the entire ship at your command, wherever you move the wheel, we'll move, do it right and the Vexation will turn on dime, do it wrong and well we won't go there."

The young man at the helm looked less than certain and seemed to be mumbling to himself, he didn't seem to hear her and the first mate of the PIT crew was beginning to turn moderately red with fustration. "You do remember the course we talk about earlier don't you, the one leading us out of the harbor, the one that keeps us from crashing!" Hearing no answer she moved toward the helm and the stiffening pirate at training, "Hello! Anyone home?" A blank stare was the only response she received as Suzie moved to take his hands off the wheel, a task perhaps easier said than done. And the Vexation continued to sail with the wind.

The signal flags danced up the HMS Cornwall's lines and the English frigates instantly moved into action. All eyes had been upon the quarry which had just slip over the distant horizon and now every hand was turned out to bring their ships to ready and into the chase. Orders were shouted and relayed, feet slapped the deck as the crews ran in response and the anchors slowly cleared the water. Nothing out of the ordinary or unexpected, just another typical day and port departure for the English Navy.

Unfortunately for the Captain of the HMS Broadsword, his ordinary day became a Glen Livet day when one of his officers called his attention to a rapidly approaching vessel.

"Sorry sir, she just came up out of nowehere, looks like she'll overbear us in no time."
A brief glance by the Captain, "Very well, her Captain should give way shortly, just the same keep an eye on her. Get one of the juniors to identify her and note those signals flags."
"Aye sir."

The bridge of the Vexation was awash with people and no one or combination of crewmen could pry the man's hands from the wheel. The ship sailed on with an erect but comatose helmsmen. Finally in fustration Suzie retreived a belaying pin and applied it to the side of the man's head.

"Yes! It worked!" The helmsman trainee collasped to the deck and released his hold upon the wheel and the ship. Unfortunately, this being a training vessel no one step forward to take his place and the wheel, and as the trainee's would learn the ship, was now turning on its own.

"Beggin the Captain's pardon, sir, regarding the oncoming vessel's flag hoist."
"Yes, what was the message?"
"That's just it sir, there was no message, just a single signal flag, larger than usual sir, big yellow flag with a black letter "L" in the middle."
Before the Broadsword's Captain could demand an explanation an excited shout from elsewhere brought his attention back to this vessel bearing the mark of the solitary L.

Suzie and the crew of the Vexation stood in shocked silence as they watched the bow of their vessel come about and head straight for an English frigate. "Oh my stars, we're going to ram her, someone get the helm and bring us about, everyone else to the sails maybe if we slow down it won't be so bad." Picking up the horn she did the only other thing she could do, shouting at the other ship, "Ahoy! Watch out! Coming through! No brakes!"

As the Captain of HMS Broadsword watched the Vexation approach he did the only three things a Captain in this situation could do; he order his crew to prepare for a collision; a signal to HMS Cornwall that Broadsword would be delayed; and that instead of his usual cup of tea this morning he would have a pint of rum, now.


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Reply author: Ice Mage
Replied on: 01/12/2008 13:14:02
Message:

*As she held him tight, the fog began to lift. In the distance they could see a row boat with a young couple, rowing just off shore. Daemon turned to look into the eye's of his former wife, and she in his. And at that very moment they forgot about their current worldy loves, and embrased each other in a kiss that only true love could have produced. Meanwhile across the deck, Dorean came up the stairs holding their child. Excited that the baby finnaly rolled over, crawled to him.
To his Horror he came face to face with the Image of the two former lovers in a passionate embrace. Furious he turned quickly and made his way back to the cabin. Daemon and Rose failed to see him, being that they were otherwise occupied. In a mere moment after Dorean walked away, they pushed away from each other. Both apologizing quickly, they realized their mistake. Rose excused hereself, and headed back to her cabin. Daemon turned to continue watching the lovers in the row boat.*

Title: Re: DEAD MAN'S TAVERN I
Post by: Welsh Wench on May 19, 2008, 09:03:19 PM
Reply author: Welsh Wench
Replied on: 01/17/2008 18:55:05
Message:

Wench stood on the deck, leaning on the rail of the upper deck of the community property known as El Lobo del Mar. She breathed deeply the salt air.
"I decided to take my morning coffee with you. Martin brewed a fresh pot."
Wench turned around and smiled at her sight of her best friend Kate.
Kate handed her a mug. "Thought you could use the extra cream."
At the mention of cream, Li'l Puddin' came running and wound himself around Wench's legs.
She reached down to pet him.
"Would you believe Jack gave him rum this morning? I've never seen anything like it in my life."
Kate said, "Well, that would account for him walking sideways. All this time, I thought it was kitty sealegs. I didn't know the kitty had an affinity for rum. Like his captain, no doubt."

Wench laughed. "Would you believe Jack tried to get me snockered before 9 AM?"
Kate took a sip of her coffee."From what you tell me of him----yes, I can believe it. Isn't that how you became Mrs. Captain Wolfe?"
"Ah, that Barbados rum! But what did me in was the Irish whiskey he pumped me with."
"I was really surprised when you told me you were married. I always thought it was to the dead one. I had no idea this one was so....lively."
" 'Lively!' A very interesting adjective to describe Jack Wolfe!"

Kate took another sip of her coffee. "I thought you said that being married to Madoc was enough marriage to last you a lifetime."
"It was. Although I would have married Rhys in a heartbeat."
"Do you ever think of him, Wench?"
She stared out to the sea, a melancholy look on her face. "Only on days that end in 'y'."
"Regrets?"
"No. Not at all. I thought myself dead to love until Rhys and I met."
"And where does that leave Jack? As Rhys' replacement?"
She turned to face Kate with a wistful smile on her face. "No one can replace Rhys Morgan. Just as there is no one to compare to Jack Wolfe. It's like..."
"...comparing apples and oranges?"
Wench laughed, "More like comparing Barbados rum with Irish whiskey. Both pack a punch. But you enjoy it while you are drinking it, never aware of the consequences of it. Or you don't give a damn. You just know you like it and damned be the morrow."
Kate shook her head and gave her friend a hug. "You do have a colourful way of explaining things!"
Wench grinned. "I came from a long line of bards, poets and singers. Welsh blood, you know."

Kate pointed to the distant harbor where a mainsail could hardly be seen above the waterline.
"Want to explain why you did what you did?"
Wench said curtly, "Some things need no explanation."
"You never do anything without a reason."
"I said 'explanation'. I didn't say 'reason'."
"What about Captain Cade Jennings?"
"When I meet up with Cade Jennings, I am going to kick his arse for what he has put me through."
"What about his marriage proposal?"
Wench just smiled. "I say we get ourselves another cup of coffee."
"I guess this is yoiur way of saying, 'mind your own business, Kate.' "
Wench just laughed.
"Cream or sugar?"


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Reply author: Martin Montgomery
Replied on: 01/19/2008 19:50:34
Message:

Sitting contentedly in the warm galley with Brother Timothy and Elinor,Martin realized with a start that these two very different folk were among the short list of people whom he would gladly trust with his life. Brother Timothy slipped a small flask out of his robes and offered it first to Elinor then Martin. Elinor shook her head and sat back with a smile of pure chocolate bliss across her face and the big cook simply passed his hand over his mug then toasted the monk as he liberaly added several dallops of the amber liquid to his own mug. Savoring a large swallow the old monk settled down to ponder the situation. "What else could go wrong on a voyage that had barely lasted half a day? More than anyone could guess!!" Was the only answer that came to mind. Finishing his tea Martin sighed, content with his surroundings,his companions and his new and exciting post on the "El Lobo Del Mar". Looking across the small table he noticed Elinor surreptitiously policing each and every crumbs from the now empty brownie trays. Winking at Brother Timothy stood and crossed the galley and stood near a newly built cupboard,opening it he removed a cloth covered basket. "My friends!"He stated" I didn't happen to notice first mate Briggs,Dr Gander or our esteemed Co-Captain Wolfe "at the trough" so to speak" Here he guestured towards the long trestle table that now was raised out of the way. So I believe I'll take these Chocolate Muffins down to Officer Country,maybe I'll stop by the surgery and introduce myself. As Elinor's head snapped around Martin reached around her and gently laid two beautiful muffins on the empty tray in front of her. "Take care Elinor!" He said as he negotiated his bulk out the galley door and down the passageway "They still have the papers on them!" The young scribe screamed at his retreating back,"Martin they don't have any paper on them......" She turned beet red as Brother Timothy smiled and Martin's hearty laughter floated back her ears. "That was a dirty trick!"She howled as the robed monk once again reached for the silver flask "but I'll think I'll put these somewhere safe!" with that the girl snatched up the two muffins and scampered off towards her quarters!" "Lord,grant me the strength!" the still smiling monk quietly whispered "To keep up with these good people! Putting the flask away, he finished "and help me to keep them all safe! Finishing the mug and putting it in the tub of dishes to be washed, the old monk moved off on a mission of his own.


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Reply author: Hibernian
Replied on: 01/19/2008 22:36:59
Message:

"If I had not been watching the whole thing with my own eyes I would not had believe it. In truth I not sure I believe it anyway, by rights both ships should be sinking to the bottom at this very moment. Instead the only excitement we get to watch is just some interlocking yards and damage to the sides. Might as well watch a cup of tea seep."

The first mate of the Pride stood listening to his Captain's commentary on the unexpected meeting of the training ship Vexation and the HMS Broadsword in Glen Livet's harbor while his eyes kept watch upon his own crew preparing to follow the El Lobo del Mar over the horizon. "What's happening now sir, dam it Snotty get those lines secured before someone falls overboard!"

"Perhaps we'll have some fun now as it appears that the English Captain is yelling at someone aboard the Vexation, oh he has just crossed over, ah now the Captain of the Vexation, whom it appears is a young woman, she's bowing to the Englishman, oh nice move stopped him in his tracks, it appears he is not sure how to handle a woman with authority, dam I wish I could read lips!"

"Why is that Captain?" A new voice was heard, one the Captain recognized as belonging to the chief of Clan M'Crack.
"Because I would give my eye teeth to know what is going on between those two over there, that girl can't steer a ship but I've got to give her the devil's due for standing up to the Englishman. Oh, it appears their done, he bowing and turning away, heading back...dam!"
"What happen? Here give me your glass." Guard'n took the spyglass and looked toward the tangled ships.

"What happened was that girl Captain, as the Englishman bowed and turned away she reached over and slapped him on the behind like a hussy and blew him a kiss! I swear I could see his face turn beet red from here. Now that kind of nerve should be encouraged."
As Guard'n looked across the water at the Vexation he smiled, "You may get your chance to encourage her, I recognize her even if you don't."

"What? Who is she?"
"That's Suzie, known as the Moderately Red Pirate" noting the question look in the eyes Guard'n continued," it's a long story so don't ask, just understand she's a youngster in Brother Timothy's clan. Wanted to sail with O'Driscoll, was told to get more experience first, so there she is running into an English frigate. She'll be of the age soon enough, we may have to bring her home just to protect the rest of the world's navies. Speaking of protection Captain are we ready to follow the wolf?"

"We have the coordiates but are you sure Timothy made it on board?"
"Aye that he did, for I saw the small pennet I gave him flying from the top mast telling me no changes have been made to the plan. Now lets be about our business and get underway."





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Reply author: Lilaney
Replied on: 01/22/2008 11:34:18
Message:

"What are you doing?"
The quiet voice behind Lil made the the hair on the nape of her neck prickle.
Lil froze halfway between putting an analgesic back in the cabinet and pulling out bicarbonate.
Slowly, she turned and almost bumped into that who is called 'Duckie', or Dr. Gander.
"What's up Doc?"
She looked up into to his emotionless face.
'Tough cookie' Lil thought as she began to turn around and continue with her inventory.
She was stopped with a gentle hand on her shoulder.
"Please stop touching my things."
If he had yelled, shouted, stomped or even physically thrown Lil about she could have reacted instinctively, but, this simple request baffled her.
"Say again, saw bones?"
He removed his hand and stepped easily in front of her and the cabinet.
"Stop touching the medical supplies, please. You have no idea what you are doing, and in turn are ruining the effeciency of my Surgery."
Lil stepped away from the man and bumped right into Martin.
"Morning, Doc!" Martin's cheery voice boomed across the small room as with one hand he steadied Lil and the other sat a basket that smell absoutlutely heavenly on the surgery table.
Dr. Gander turned and smiled at Martin and the nodded appriciatively at the the basket.
"Good Morning, Martin. I have heard from the crew that the cooking has improved greatly since you took over as cook. Thank you for that, I am certain their health and humors will be in high spririts for the time you are the cook of this vessel. You have made my job easier to contend with. Less cases of bellyaches and food poisonings will leave me free to deal with more serious issues."
Martin gave a smart salute and bowed at the Doctor.
"Thank you Doc; That was nice of you to say. I have come bearing gifts and I hope you and Lilaney will enjoy them immensly"
Lil sniffed the air around the basket.
"Smells good, whatever it is Martin, thanks!"
Lil made a grab for the basket and was beaten to the punch by the Doc.
"Thank you and I am sure Briggs will enjoy the rest of these."
Doc swiftly pulled two muffins out of the basket and handed it back to Martin, who winked at Lil, turned and left.
Leaving the door open to rock gently back in forth on its hinges by the swaying of the sea.
"Are you going to share?" Lil said archly as she stood back, hands on hips and watched as 'Duckie' left the muffins unattended on the shelf, and replaced everything she had taken out of the cabinets back precisily where they had been removed from.
"Should I? You have eaten already this morning, and I have not. You are free to return to the Galley while I must stay here and reinventory everything to ensure nothing is missing."
"I took nothing! I was only looking at what was all here! Being the ship's medical person on Knight Hammer; I was merely assuring we had everything nessecary for this voyage."
"Where did you study?"
Lil crossed her arms over her chest.
"I learned by watching, where did you study?"
Duckie was done replacing everything back in the cabinets and locked each glass-fronted case with an audible click when he turned and looked at her.
"Oxford."
Lil's arms fell to her sides.
"Well, that's me outsmarted isn't it? Say, Doc, if you need any help just let me know."
Feeling like she was floundering Dr. Gander smiled a civil smile at her, picked up the two muffins and bowed gracefully.
"I am certain I will need minimal assistance. I thank you for the offer and will remember it for a later date. If you'll excuse me, I will begin my rounds for the day."
He followed Lil out the open door and passed her as he made his way back up to the Captain's Quarters and she made her way to the Galley.
Flopping down next to Elinor who smiled serenely at her, Lil glowered slightly and then smiled back.
"How's it?" She asked as she stared at the empty brownie tray.
"It is going great!" Elinor said brightly as she took the tray and headed for the scullery.
"Wait up!" Lil followed "I think some dishwashing will suite my mood perfectly."






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Reply author: Elinor Hakebourne
Replied on: 01/22/2008 14:53:01
Message:

Having been treated to Martin's delicious food, and prompted by Lilaney's mention of dishwashing, Elinor decided it might be a nice gesture for her to help wash the dirty dishes that had resulted from Martin's cooking. Also seeing this as a good way to catch up with her friend after the time spent apart on shore, she spoke up amidst the bubbles and soapy water.

"You don't seem to be in the happiest of moods," Elinor started, giving Lilaney a quick glance. "Did something happen?"

Lilaney shook her head. "I was just bested by the ship's surgeon."

Elinor looked confused. "But you're the--ohhhhh," she replied, realizing what Lil had meant.

"It seems that I'm not needed," Lil continued, giving an extra vigorous swipe of the drying cloth to the dish she was holding at present.

Elinor looked at her friend in surprise. "Not needed? Why are you not--"

"He studied in Oxford," Lil explained, raising her eyebrows, assuming a slightly haughty nature about herself as she spoke. She sighed. "I can't compete with that."

"That's nonsense," Elinor responded. "Tell you what, the next time I get injured, I'll make sure I run to you to stitch me up. With the rate I end up getting scrapes or cuts, you may have work by the end of the day!" Elinor smiled hopefully at Lilaney, her grin so large and silly that it made Lil crack a smile. "And patch you up I will," Lil promised, "if I can get my hands on any supplies..."



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Reply author: Lilaney
Replied on: 01/24/2008 15:22:09
Message:

"Didn't you bring any of your own?" Elinor took the plates stacked neatly and put them away.
Lil's eyebrows furrowed as she crossed her arms and thought hard.
"I think so, the only thing I had on hand from the chest is two bottles of Rum."
"Yes, as those are only good for sterilizing and anthestitizing, think you could sew up a flesh wound with just your smile?"
Dr. Drake Gander stepped softly into the scullery and placed a metal pan of instruments next to the stove.
Lil quirked an eyebrow.
"Humor Dr. Gander? It doesn't suite you."
Elinor giggled and nodded to the Doctor.
"Pleasure to meet you, Dr. Gander, I'm Elinor, Scribe of the Knight Hammer. Looks like you know Lil already."
Duckie flashed an unnaturally genial smile at Elinor and took her hand to shake.
"Likewise, Elinor; have you happen to meet our Scribe just yet? He is an unusual gentlemen, but, being that you two are of the same occupation I am sure you will get along swimmingly."
Elinor's smile faltered ever so slightly, then brightened again.
"I am sure we will, say, where does he hang out during the day?"
Duckie had released her hand and turned to tend his instruments, using a rather large, sharp needle, he pointed towards the back of the ship.
"He is aft during the day, he says that light is better back there."
Elinor turned and beamed at Lilaney.
"I should go grab my logs!"
She eyeballed Duckie's back, her eyes slowly roving from head to toe.
She gestured with her head to his form and raised an eyebrow to Lil as if to say
'You going to be alright in here with him?'
Lil smiled at the concern her friend was showing about the matter and spoke brightly.
"That sounds great Elinor! Go get the logs; I'll just be moseying along, things to do ya know!"
If there had not been a moment of dead air, Lil might have missed the inaudible snort from the figure in the corner.
"That's right, 'Duckie', things to do."
Elinor slowly backed out of the room, smiling a rather worried smile.
"If you are sure, I'll be going now."
Lil waved her away with a grin, Elinor departed quickly and Lil allowed the grin to fade.
She leaned against the doorjamb and looked the Doctor up and down quite appriciatively.
"I can hear you thinking, you know."
His voice startled her.
"Imagine that, a man who can work and talk at the same time."
Lil crossed her arms protectively over her chest as she waited for reply. None came.
"ALL HANDS ON DECK!"
The bellow came through loud and clear, Lil, sensing her presence needed elsewhere, sent a little fairwell notice over her shoulder as she sprinted out of the scullery, through the galley, and up onto the main deck.
The small throwing dagger thudded soundly into the wood of the bulkhead just over Duckie's right shoulder. He let a small smile flit over his lips as he set the tools to scald.
"Temper, temper!"


Title: Re: DEAD MAN'S TAVERN I
Post by: Welsh Wench on May 19, 2008, 09:04:25 PM
Reply author: Blackjack Roberts
Replied on: 01/25/2008 19:09:04
Message:

Malcolm Dagget closed the spyglass with a snap, they were closing fast on the prey so it would be of little use now. Now that they were well out of sight of land he could take his quarry with relative ease. Even though his forces were now cut down to two against one he remained reasonably sure that the HMS Cornwall, and the Valliant could provide enough intimidation for his task to be completed without having to test the gunners.

"Captain Cummings!" He turned and shouted against the wind of their full speed.

"Aye, Mr. Dagget?" Burton Cummings came to stand beside his temporary commander.

"Signal to the Valliant to close in on El Lobo del Mar's port side. We will take to her starboard." Malcolm grinned with anticipation. "We shall each fire a warning shot across her bow, then give then our terms."

"Aye, Mr. Dagget." The captain of the Cornwall turned to leave, when Malcolm's words brought him up short.

"And, Captain, make certain that neither shot 'accidentally' hit's the ship. I want our prize taken alive. Is that clear?" Malcolm stared holes into the shorter man's back.

"Crystal, Mr. Dagget." Cummings replied icily without turning around.

"ALL HANDS ON DECK!!"

The cry brought the hackles on Jack Roberts neck up. With practiced speed he checked the charges in his pistols, and the readiness of the rest of his weapons. Racing to the rear of the ship, he pulled his own small spyglass, and confirmed his worst dread. Two frigates were bearing down on the El Lobo del Mar with increasing speed and both flew the Union Jack.

Only one man could possibly be in overall command. Dagget. Jack knew Blackwood's prize hound would have upped the stakes since their last encounter in Tortuga. That encounter had cost Malcolm two of his lackeys, and a bit of flesh. It looked like this time he was taking no chances. In a way Blackjack was rather flattered. Two of his majesty's finest for just him? And here he thought his reputation as a Highwayman was notorious.

He turned to see most of Captain Wench's crew were now on deck, and just at that moment both Captain Wench, and Mad Jack appeared. He liked his new crew mates, and made the decision to offer himself up to Dagget for their sakes. Even though they barely knew him, there was no reason to involve them in his personal trouble, nor to have them get skinned up on his account. Besides there was always the chance he could fox his way out of captivity. He had done it before.

"Hell's bell, and Hob's Bodkins, Honor!" Jack heard captain Wolfe bellow as he surveyed the situation. "What did you do to piss off the English?! Sink one of their ships in port?!"

"I have no idea, Mr. Wolfe!" The stylish blond Captain shot back. "They're one group that I have had little to nothing to do with!"

"Maybe their just starting to feel left out then." Mad jack grinned.

"It's none of her doings, Captain." Blackjack spoke up. "Unless I miss my guess, I'm the one they be after."

"And just why would that be?" Captain Jack Wolfe looked sideways at him.

"It's a long story from my past, but if the man I believe to be aboard one of those frigates is there, you can bet he won't give up until he has me in irons. The safest course would be to take me over in a longboat and hand me over to him. It's all he wants, and I don't think they'll have much interest in the El Lobo del mar after that."

Just then two cannon roared from either side of them and two splashes of water close to the bow made the frigates intentions well known. Blackjack looked up to see the unmistakable form of Malcolm Dagget at the side of one ship smiling at him.



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Reply author: Hibernian
Replied on: 01/25/2008 23:09:29
Message:

Since leaving the galley Brother Timothy had been working his way through this new vessel and her crew. Walking and talking his way through the midship, around the gun deck, pausing here and there to talk to the crew when the opportunity arose, looking but more often just listening and being seen. Lessons learned in his younger days kept him out of trouble or from committing some great taboo as he interacted with his new shipmates, but he also realize that a monk on this ship would never survive without an inside contact. He needed someone trusted by the crew to vouch for him before he would feel comfortable and safe.

Approaching the forecastle a faint aroma of pipe smoke was in the air, following his senses brought Brother Timothy around the foremast and into sight of the boatswain directing a work crew. A large man with a healthy brogue, the boatswain's verbal assault upon the crew's ears was halted in mid sentence by the sight of the brown robed monk.

"Sweet mother of Jesus, do my eyes deceive me is that a priest on the Lobo or has the sun taken me?"
"Pax vobis cum."
"Dominus vobis" before he even realized it the words of his youth in Ireland slip out of his mouth and big Sean Sweeney gave his men a last threat to keep working and turned to the approaching monk.

"I had heard that the Knight Hammer's crew was as unusual as their blonde siren of a Captain but I have to admit I wouldn't have expected someone such as yourself!"
"It has been said there are stranger things in heaven and earth but my mission has taken me down this path for now, so here I am."
"What kind of community sends a man such as yourself onto a pirate ship?"
"Then know me formally for I am Brother Timothy of the Order of St Brendan and I have need of..."
"Go no further for I know your Order of old, and I remember my sainted mother's advice its best to leave some things alone and you brown robes fall into that advice. Yet she also taught me to respect your old ways, while you are with us should you need anything send me word and you shall have it if possible."

Looking about at the work crew Brother Timothy saw that their ears were working harder than their hands, realizing that there will be hell to pay shortly on the forecastle when he left, he gave them a brief respite by engaging the boatswain in one last exchange.
"There is one very important thing you must do for me and everyone who sails upon the Lobo. We will be attack sometime in the future, when that happens you must raise this pennant to the top of the main mast. No don't look at me like that, we have friends, if you know of my Order you know that as well, and these friends will come to our aid. Will you do it?"
"Aye, I do not see any harm in it so consider it done."

At that moment the sound of the ship's bell echoed through the air, "ALL HANDS ON DECK!" Lookng about to see the trouble Sweeney leaned over the railings and glanced back to see two approaching ships, "English...dam English!"
"Suffering saints Brother from your lips to God's ear, give a man a little warning next time."
"It is not my fault, remember your promise."

At that Brother Timothy turned and pushed his way through the running crew toward the quarterdeck arriving just in time to hear Black Jack Roberts, "It's a long story from my past, but if the man I believe to be aboard one of those frigates is there, you can bet he won't give up until he has me in irons. The safest course would be to take me over in a longboat and hand me over to him. It's all he wants, and I don't think they'll have much interest in the El Lobo del Mar after that."

Just then two cannon roared from either side of them and two splashes of water close to the bow made the frigates intentions well known.

Walking past Roberts and toward the Captains and pointing at the flags, "They're English, they are not to be trusted, you give them Roberts and they''ll still blow you out of the water!"




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Reply author: Blackjack Roberts
Replied on: 01/26/2008 21:22:59
Message:

Blackjack looked at the monk aghast. He wasn't sure if it was to help him out, or just the priest's dislike of the English that had caused him to come to Jack's aid, But it was certain that they should all know who they were dealing with.

"I thank ye kindly, Good Monk, but do you see that sneering devil at the side of the ship off our starboard?" Blackjack pointed to Dagget. "The one who looks like a twin for Captain James Hook? I don't know if ye ever heard of him, but that be Malcolm Dagget, prize dog of Sir Terrance Blackwood himself."

"What ye say could very well be true." Jack continued. "But with two ships on either side of us, I can guarantee that blackguard will give the order for both vessels to fire on us if you don't hand me over to him."

"I haven't been with your crew long, but I have taken to every one of you that I've met, and I see no good reason for you to put yourselves in jeopardy for a stranger's sake. Not when there's the chance ye all can get out of this with a whole skin for the price of one man."

Just then Malcolm's deep voice came across the few yards that separated the two ships. "Ahoy, El Lobo del Mar! Captain Jack Wolfe! My name is Dagget, Malcolm Dagget! We have no quarrel with you nor any of your crew except for one! Hand one Jack Roberts over to me and I will give you my personal word that you can continue on your way unharmed! Refuse and I will give the order for both of his majesty's ships to open fire! You have five minutes to give me your answer!"

Jack stripped himself of his weapons and handed them to Captain Wench. "If you would be so kind as to look after me effects, M'Lady" He smiled with a wink. "Who knows I may come back to claim them with a bit 'o luck."

Then turning to Mad Jack he held out his wrists to be bound. "Well, Captain? It be up to you now."



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Reply author: Martin Montgomery
Replied on: 01/29/2008 05:40:52
Message:

After dropping by the surgery with his offering of muffins,Martin left belowdecks and headed up to the maindeck. The big cook felt that he could chat with the crew of the "El Lobo Del Mar" and pehaps entice some of his new 'mates to have a go at some practice combat,for although he felt pleased with the acceptance of most of the crewmen,some people you have to earn respect from in the time honored traditional ways. Emerging into the bright morning sunlight after so long belowdecks Martin's eyes were dazzled by the reflected sunlight and he had to stop and hold onto the stairs rail while blinking rapidly to clear his sight. hearing a sound of disgust the big cook shaded his eyes and percieved the First Mate ,Briggs standing at the ship's rail just aft of the massive mainmast. Crossing to the rail Martin smiled, tossed off a jaunty half salute and offered his hand. "Mister Briggs,it's a fine morning is it not?" Looking down at the proffered, ham sized hand and after giving him a look that would curdle fresh milk,barely nodded his head. "Mornin'" Martin sighed inwardly and put both hands on the rail,watching the sea roll past the clean wooden hull as the "Lobo" made way. Looking aft he noticed that all evidence of land had disappeared. A rouge wave of uneasiness slammed into the pit of Martin's stomach,and he quickly took his eyes off of the empty horizen and looked down at the rolling waves in the deep blue water below the rail. "A bit under the weather Mr Montgomery?" Briggs scoffed "Shall I send for Dr Gander?" Martin started to lie but thought better of it "Not at all Mr Biggs! There is no need to bother the good Dr. It's just a touch of ....Well I guess you could call it "Wariness". Briggs peered at the new cook with wonder in his eyes "You don't care for life on the seas,Cook?" He groweled. "No ,no I find it exhilarating! It's just,as a merchant on land, if a wheel falls off of my wagon,or an axle breaks or one of a hundred other things that can go wrong,do. I have the option of walking to the next village and ......I have yet to master walking on water!" As Briggs snorted,Martin caught a flash of motion out of the corner of his eye,in the water and called the First Mate's attention to it. The change in Briggs' mood was very evident he clapped his hand on Martin's broad back and crowed "No need ta worry now,my good Cook! We have Poseidon's own escort!" "Dolphins!" Martin exclaimed. "Correct!" The 'Mate continued "No bad thing happens ta the first man what spies Dolphins first day out 'o port!" The 'Mate excused himself,humming a shanty to himself and Martin returned to watching the sleek animals race past his position then leap up. Clearing the surface by many feet, then landing, almost without a splash. Cavorting and doing acrobatics they chittered loudly,seemingly pleased to have an audience. "Nothing bad will happen huh." The big Cook shook his head in wonder "It is VERY clear to me that he has NEVER sailed with OUR paticular crew before!" He muttered A cry went up from the watch "ALL HANDS ON DECK!!!" Turning from the rail Martin noticed others from the "Knight Hammer" on deck, Brother Timothy stood near Captains Wolfe and Wench discussing a matter of great importance. The newest crewmember of the "Knight Hammer" was divesting himself of a great number of weapons,which he then handed off to WW. Two booming reports of large caliber cannon echoed across the deck and Martin wondered to himself "Where the bloody HELL did two ships come from?" The next thing the Cook saw caused him to scurry across the deck and dive belowdecks to retrive his weapons from his chest in the Galley! Muttering "They fly the Union Jack!! What did she do to the English?!?!"

Title: Re: DEAD MAN'S TAVERN I
Post by: Welsh Wench on May 19, 2008, 09:07:17 PM
Reply author: Lilaney
Replied on: 01/29/2008 09:45:32
Message:

'There's nothing like a good skirmish in the morning to get the blood going!'
Lil muttered to herself as she monkey-climbed up the rigging lines to get into a better position.
'and to think; I thought it unwise to bring a bow and arrow on board. What I wouldn't give for some long-ranged hand-weapons right now!'
About halfway up the bow's topsail, she swung herself around and surreptiously wound her arms and legs into the lines. Even if she fell, she wasn't going to land on an English ship.
"Isn't this a merry mess!"
She shouted over to some Brits who were also climbing into position on the lines.
"Bugger off she-demon!"
Lil laughed into the breeze.
"That all ye got on a fine Morning such as this!? We musta really interuppted your morning Tea! Did a bisket get soggy? Or, gads! and even worse! Did you dribble on your nice pretty uniform!?"
One man gave a hand signal that left nothing to Lil's imagination on just exactly what he thought of her.
Her eye's open wide and she laughed brightly at her passing thoughts.
"Dumb idiots, every single one of them is exposed! Will be short work to negate them from the equation."
Finally, ignoring the men she was verbally harrassing. Lil scanned the English ship's deck.
'Standard set up, Don't these Brits ever get creative?'
She spied the gent who was doing all the hollering. Golly, he was a hair off the dog!
'Uh? Lil? Briggs wants to know sumthin'. Think you could get'em from this position?'
A skinny boy had shinnied up the man-lines and was now hiding behind Lil on the lines.
'Uh, get who?'
Obviously, this kid hadn't been out to sea much, she could hear his stomach threatening mutiny from all the deep swaying that happened the higher up the ship you went.
'That bloak that was doing all the yellin' a minute ago. Briggs thinks you could get'em from where you are.' His fear at being so high was whispered out as well as Brigg's words.
Lil espied the man who was now paceing back and forth next to the Pilot. Doing the quick math in her head, she nodded to herself and leaned back to whisper to the kid.
"Let Briggs know, if he can get that smarmy bloak to the railing of the quarterdeck, he is as good as dead."
The kid nodded and rapidly skinned down the ropes to the awaiting Briggs below.
"Sir, she says she could get'em if you got'em to the quaterdeck."
Briggs nodded firmly and quickly made his way up to the Captain.



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Reply author: LairdeGuardnMCrack
Replied on: 01/29/2008 13:24:26
Message:

The call from the crows nest to the deck was loud and clear to all. "The English move on the Lobo"

Captain Smooch, walked to the rail and pulled his glass from his coat, standing calmly watching the ships move closer together and then seeing the warning shots from the cannon.

The ships boatswain and sailing master began barking orders "Prepare for full sail and make ready all guns" The men and women of the Pride were quick to action and the whole ship immediately bristled with excitement. "Not since the days with Grace" one could be heard saying while another voice "Lets give da english 'ell". All the while Smooch just watched thru his glass.

"Captain, we be ready, do we move in?" Cover looked to the captain as he gave his report. Smooch just smiled at the question and looked over as Guard'n joined him on the deck. "We wait" was the simple reply.

Smooch spoke softly. "The English are pompus fools, they must have known we were here, we are not very easy to miss, and to move in on the El Lobo without knowing who we are is just stupidity. Their commander could not have been so interested in his prey that they did not see us shadowing them. Put eyes on every horizon to see if there may be others that have snuck up on these brits or even on us."

He turned to Guard'n and gave a quizzical look "we just wait for the signal from Timmy then we follow the plan exactly....." he stated more like a question before he mumbled a bit and looked back thru the glass.

Guard'n smiled to Smooch "Aye old friend, follow the plan exactly and then afterwards we get a fair share of the spoils. Anyway, your worries of the english knowing we were here, we have been flying it since we left the island. They think we are allies" He pointed to the pennant that hung a bit crooked.......there it was the St Patricks Cross, a flag flown by some Irish to show loyalty to the crown. Then Guard'n laughed "and even when we move in, they should think right up til it is too late, that we be nothing but friends and come to the aid upon hearing the cannon."

Smooch shook his head and had a wierd grin on his face as he returned to looking thru his glass at the El Lobo he spoke to himself but loud enough for all around to hear. "It be about time Brother Timothy, where be that signal" He chuckled and kept watch.







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Reply author: Welsh Wench
Replied on: 01/29/2008 20:53:26
Message:

Captain Wench stood there with a scabbard, a baldric, and a swepthilt rapier. Black Jack Roberts had placed his hat on her head. She puffed the feathers out of her face.
"Pfffttt! Pfffttt!"

She pushed the effects into Mad Jack's arms.
"Oh, no, you don't! You think I am going to hand over a perfectly good pair of boots to an Englishman?"
Jack handed the effects to Mason.
"And what do you intend to do about it, Mrs. Wolfe?"
"That's CAPTAIN Wolfe to you."
Mason piped up. "You forgot to say 'junior'."
Both Captain Wolfes said in unison, "SHUT UP!"

As they were arguing, the voice from one of the English ships called out, "...give the order for both of his majesty's ships to open fire! You have five minutes to give me your answer!"
Wench yelled back, "Are you out of your mind? I need five minutes to adjust my hat just right and you want me to....Malcolm? MALCOLM DAGGETT, IS THAT YOU?"

Dead silence fell over the ship. Daggett stood there and looked incredulous and then burst out laughing, sweeping his hat off his head and bowing.
"Mademoiselle Gisele Trosclair, is that YOU?"
All eyes were on her. She could feel one set in particular boring into her.
Captain Jack said tightly, "You must be mistaken, Mr. Daggett. That is not Gisele Trosclair. That is my wife, Honour Bright Wolfe. Who thinks she is a captain."
Wench held up her finger and said, "Ah ah ah! I am willing to share it. Co-captains, as it were."
Jack fumed, "My ship. My captain."

Malcolm stood on the prow of the ship and said, "But of course she is Gisele Trosclair! She was in Tortuga when Captain Ramzy was killed and the little ensuing uprising."
Wench said defensively, "I met him when I stopped in at The Shattered Blessings Inn with Captain Bacardi. That was when I was looking for Captain Spleen but it turns out I didn't need him at all."
She shouted back, "Malcolm, you must be confusing me with someone else. I never went near that tavern."
"Sure as I am standing here, Gisele."
Jack yelled back, "Sorry, mate. You have the wrong instance. You must have met her some other time."
Malcolm laughed and said, "I doubt it. Who else has a heart-shaped freckle on her lower back?"

All eyes were on Wench. Her face went red and she muttered, "Oh. ****!"
She cleared her throat and yelled back, "I'm sorry, Malcolm, but I shall be disinclined to hand over Black Jack Roberts. You see, he is my crewmate and therefore he is my property. And as this is the open sea, then I shall be the Queen...um...I mean, the Captain here."
Jack Wolfe yelled, "Over my dead body!"
Wench yelled, "Don't tempt me!"
Malcolm yelled, "I don't care who the captain is. Either Captain Wolfe or Captain Gisele Trosclair. But one of you had better hand over Black Jack Roberts. Your time is up!"




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Reply author: Hibernian
Replied on: 01/29/2008 21:51:01
Message:

Moving quietly forward he finally reached a point where he could both hear and see the action taking place between the Captains Wolfe and the English Commander. Having offered his advice, the best course now was to just remain silent, observe and pray that the situation would resolve in their advantage.

From the corner of eye he saw that Sean Sweeney was at the base of the main mast and watching to execute his request to raise the pennant when signaled. In his mind Brother Timothy knew their plan was a good plan, in his heart he knew Guard'n and the Pride were out there somewhere, but he still prayed with all his soul that St. Michael would guide his sword hand in this opportunity to make the enemies of Eire regret this day.

"MALCOLM DAGGETT, IS THAT YOU?" As every head on the Lobo turned toward the blonde wench the monk couldn't contain himself and muttering louder than he thought "Good grief Wench, we're in the middle of nowhere getting ready for battle and you meet another set of boots! How do you do it?"

She must have heard because she turned slightly toward the monk, "Not now Brother,besides it wasn't like that and I'll explain when we get out of this..."Ah ah ah! I am willing to share it. Co-captains, as it were."

"Ah Lord, here we go, so many of them and so few of us, I hope there is enough to go around." As he listen to the conversation deteriorate he checked his sword and reach down to lift up the hem of his habit so he wouldn't trip over it during the upcoming battle.

Looking over the Lobo's deck and her crew he spoke a silent blessings and raise his hand and signaled Sean to hoist away. The boatswain pulled and the package flew to the top of the mast, as it clear the last yard Sean gave the line a crack and the pennant unflured to expose its colors as half gold and half white with two keys embrodiered upon the white half.

On the Pride, Guard'n pull his glass away from his eye, "Its time."







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Reply author: LairdeGuardnMCrack
Replied on: 01/29/2008 23:28:46
Message:

Smooch looked to Guard'n with a grin....."the plan it is" Then the orders were given to close in on the three ships..."pull alongside the larger of the English Frigates, ensure all guns are readied to fire at the waterline, but remember to keep the gun doors closed til the order is made. By all the gods, you on deck, just go about your normal daily routine" almost with a laugh "at least try to make it look like normal work and I know how much ya want at those bloody english but wait for the order" His face got serious "or I swear you will personally explain to Hoodoo why you did not wait"

Muskets and swords were prestaged behind the rails so that when the order came they were in easy reach of those on deck. Captain Smooch changed his coat and hat to look more gentlemanly and stood by the wheel as the ship approached the others. "Guard'n, it be time for you and the Nox to go to wait out of site, it would not be good if any recognized you before the trap is set"

The ship moved steadily closer to the three, dropping some sail as they neared, to slow the ship. Guard'n grumbled as he returned to the cabins with the Nox. "We will be ready just get us in close" he called back to smooch before the door closed.

One of the younger lads would look up at Guard'n and those that gathered with him in the cabins, with a concerned look of his face. "First battle lad" Guard'n asked "Aye Lairde, but it be what the skipper said that bother me more. Me thoughts was that Lairde Hoodoo had done passed to fiddlers green." A few of the Nox chuckled and Guard'n even smiled to the lad. "Aye he went a few years ago, so do you understand now" The lad got a confused look before a look of surprise then ran off down the passageway to go below deck saying as he went "By Briget herself, I swear I won't screw up"

Work on the decks and in the sails would appear to all just normal sailing routine, and as the ship neared its desired place on the far side of the english frigate Smooch had the signal flags run up that would tell the commanders that they carry a parchment from the company and to offer assistance against their prey. He would wait til he was close enough to call out to the commander of the ship.

"Commader, can I be of any assistance with these pirates" He took a place on the quarterdeck at the rail holding a rolled up parchement in his hands, giving it a little wave.








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Reply author: Lilaney
Replied on: 01/30/2008 08:43:34
Message:

"Oh, great! Three Ships!?"
Lil leaned out a bit from her perch and stared at the new arrival. Nice lines, well maintained.
Crap
"I truly hope this is clever scheme of somebody's or we are really toast!"

"Mademoiselle Gisele Trosclair, is that YOU?" The man Lil was eyeballing for a perfect shot was now laughing and from what Lil could see, WW was not.
Lil heard the conversation veer towards the word 'Tortuga' and a visible shudder passed across her thoughts and body.
Blocking that aweful place from her mind she focused on the current situation.
'Gotta stay focused on the goal.' she thought.
Her mind reeled with possibilities.

'If I take out that man, his ship may open fire; but, the other boat may not have a chance to let a volley rip before we can. If that new ship along his port side, just on a whim, decides to be for our cause, we could open on the ship on our Port side and that might work. But, who knew how this would go down?'

All of a sudden, all hell broke loose..



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Reply author: Elinor Hakebourne
Replied on: 01/30/2008 12:23:56
Message:

After having left the galley and run off to fetch the Knight Hammer logs, Elinor headed towards the aft of the ship, hoping to find her El Lobo counterpart.

She soon found him, a tall, lanky gentleman, sitting atop an empty cask, his feet supported by a nearby crate. A stack of parchment, upon which he wrote, sat in his lap. "You're blocking the sunlight," he spoke up, his eyes not leaving the parchment he was focused upon.

"How am I--" Elinor began.

"Your shadow," The man answered. Elinor frowned. He doesn't seem to be very sociable, she thought. She shifted a few paces to the right, in an attempt to alleviate the problem. "Do you happen to be the El Lobo's scribe?" She asked carefully.

"Of course I am, am I THAT invisible to you?" The man exclaimed, looking up and meeting her gaze. "Oh, I thought you were one of the crew."

"I am," Elinor responded, nodding. Seeing the man's look of confusion, she added, "of the Knight Hammer. I'm the scribe of my crew, my name's Elinor." She put out her hand to be shaken, eager to meet someone new. Reluctantly accepting her handshake, he gave her the once over. "Julian." As she released her grip on his hand, she noticed that his fingers were covered haphazardly with ink. Elinor smiled to herself, thinking of the times she'd had ink-covered hands as a result of her scribe work.

"Those are your logs?" Julian asked, gesturing to the parchment Elinor held tightly in her left hand. She blushed slightly. "Yes," she replied. "I thought perhaps we could swap stories..." she began, trailing off at the stern look from her counterpart. Julian frowned. "Swap stories? I take my work seriously, I don't do it for sport," he responded. "If I were to engage in such an activity with you, it looks as if you'd run out of material quite quickly." Elinor glanced down at the parchment in her grasp. "I have more written, much more!" She replied.

"Where is it?" Julian asked, glancing around her.

"It isn't here, it's--" Elinor began.

"What can I say? Besides, this crew has far more interesting tales to tell than yours would, I guarantee that," Julian remarked, shrugging his shoulders nonchalantly.

"It's not my fault that someone hijacked our vessel and my logs with it....excuse me?" Elinor exclaimed.

"ALL HANDS ON DECK!"

Elinor whipped her head around, searching for the person who called out. As soon as she had turned back toward Julian, she caught him placing his logs inside the cask he had sat on, corking the ink bottle and placing it in his pocket. "Put them in here," Julian instructed, gesturing to the pile of parchment in her hand. "Excuse me?" She asked again, incredulous. "You insulted my crew and my scribe skills and then you expect me to follow in your strange customs?"

"You can't help out if you're carrying your logs," Julian pointed out. Not wanting to give him the satisfaction of being right, Elinor folded the pages and stuck them into her bag. "And I keep my ink in here, too," she said indignantly.

Julian glanced at her bag with its dark blue splotches, showing where the ink bottle had broken and leaked through. "Yes, I can see. Very industrious."

Blushing redder than a ripe tomato, Elinor ran to the main deck, where she found most of the crew assembled, and Blackjack Roberts giving himself up to assuage one of the ships that had pulled up alongside the El Lobo. When did they get here? she thought.

Title: Re: DEAD MAN'S TAVERN I
Post by: Welsh Wench on May 19, 2008, 09:09:04 PM
Reply author: Blackjack Roberts
Replied on: 01/30/2008 14:27:56
Message:

Malcolm raised his arm to give the order for the two frigates to fire, at that moment all hell broke loose releasing a bedlam of chaos that would take the respective crews of The Knight's Hammer and El Lobo del Mar days to eventually sort out. Even then none were sure they had it all straight.

Several events seemed to happen all at once. Seeing the red velvet garbed commander raise his arm to signal the attack on the El Lobo del Mar, Guard'n shouted. "Now, Smooch!" The Pride's cannon hatches opened to unleash a broadside deep into the Cornwall's innards. Lil had already unleashed one of her deadly blades at Malcolm, and had the Pride not fired at that moment sending her target sprawling, Malcolm would have dined in Hell that night.

The surprise attack thoroughly stunned both English ships, giving Captain Mad Jack Wolfe time to shout for the two crews to split up and attack both vessels. "We've allies, Lads!" He shouted. "Make the most of it!"

Seeing Malcolm regain his footing Blackjack watched in horror as he pulled a pistol and took aim upward at Lil. Quickly he pulled the hidden flintlock from it's hiding place at his back and fired. Whether by luck or design the smaller caliber musket ball hit center of Malcolm's pistol sending it flying from his grasp.

The two crews took the shot to be a signal and soon all four ships were filling the air with lead from dozens of firearms. None wishing to get into a cannon battle at such close quarters. Jack unsheathed his rapier, then throwing the baldric behind him, wrapped one arm in a free swinging rope and swung for the Cornwall and Malcolm Dagget. Followed by several more of the crew.

Landing a few feet away from his pursuer Jack grinned evilly. "Well, Malcolm, what say we finish what we started in Tortuga? Mayhap I can add to the scar I gave ye there."

Malcolm returned Blackjack's grin with equal malice as he ripped his own sword from it's sheath. "With pleasure, Coward! I'll either take you to the gallows, or place your head before Sir Terrance on a silver platter!"

Cheers rang out on the port side of El Lobo del Mar, as The Valiant pulled away, only to be brought to virtual silence as they watched the frigate swing around and make a bee line for The Pride in an attempt to rescue The Cornwall before she succumbed to her wounds.



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Reply author: Lilaney
Replied on: 01/30/2008 16:59:05
Message:

From high atop her perch, Lil watched the battle ensue.
Her eyes darting back and forth, she watched avidly as the main players got their digs in where they could.
'I can see why older salts pick the crow's next for watch, this is the best place to view the meelee!' She thought as she heard laughter coming from the crow's nest as 'Gordy' pulled a slingshot from somewhere behind him and started winging musket balls in every direction.
"Oy! Why not shoot'em out of a flintlock like any other pirate!?"
Lil ducked as he sent one whizzing by her left ear.
"Cause me aim's terrible and I don' wanna hit the Captains!"



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Reply author: Mad Jack Wolfe
Replied on: 01/30/2008 20:26:15
Message:

"All hands, return fire and prepare to repel boarders!" Jack ordered. "Briggs, see to the grapnels. I want us lashed to that English scow. She'll not be going anywhere without our say so!"
"What the hell are you doing?" Honour yelled. "Are you trying to get us all killed for certain?"

He rolled his eyes and leaned on his cutlass like a walking cane as shot whizzed past them. "First off, only an idiot tries to lie aboard from the larboard side. They've handed us control of the engagement since they're in the lee. With the Roundhead's ship secured to ours, they can't fire their guns without significant risk of damaging themselves worse than they'd hurt us. Granted, the same holds true for us, but we'll worry about that later. So, what say we set about saving our ship - a task you're well acquainted with - and make sure Blackjack doesn't get his neck stretched by that overstuffed peacock?"

Honour blinked for a moment, then drew her rapier. "Either you're starting to make sense, or I'm finally losing my mind."

"Whichever it is, you still have poor taste in blades. Mind the masts, eh?" he smiled slyly.


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Reply author: Welsh Wench
Replied on: 01/30/2008 20:46:41
Message:

"You worry about El Lobo right now. I'm going to fetch my crewmate! He saved me from Captain Jonas Corwin and I'm about to lend him a helping hand."
She walked in the direction of the HMS Cornwall.
Jack grabbed her arm, "Are you still a bit impetuous after all these years?"
She looked down at his grip on her and said, "Release to touch, Jack. Or I'll give you the same treatment as Daggett gets."
Jack glared. "You promise? The sailcloth and rope CAN come down, you know."
She walked off towards the upper deck. "That is an argument for late at night when we are alone."
She added over her shoulder, "And it's not what you think."
He shouted, "What do you think I think?"
"I don't know but guaranteed it is an unsavory think!"

Wench grabbed the rope that was swinging from where Black Jack had let it go. Jack tried to grab her but she was already in mid air and landed on the deck of the Cornwall with a thump. She stood up rubbing her rear. "OW! Why can't I ever get a soft landing?"
"HONOUR! I DEMAND THAT YOU GET YOUR ARSE BACK ON THIS DECK THIS INSTANT!"
She stuck her tongue out at him and yelled, "MIND YOUR OWN BUSINESS, WOLFE! THIS IS MY CREWMEMBER!"

She landed on the upperdeck which miraculously didn't have anyone. Wench crawled over to the canvas lying there and hid under it. With stealth, she moved down the deck almost like a ghost wrapped in tarp.
She made her way to the deck where the clashing of swords made her heart beat a little faster.
Wench threw the sailcloth off and climbed to the upper deck, holding onto the riggings.
Black Jack saw her and wondered, 'What the HELL is she doing up there?'"

Malcolm seized the moment when Black Jack was temporarily distracted and pressed his advantage. He had Black Jack pressed against the rail of the gunwale and an evil grin spread across the face. The tip of his blade was pressed against his chest.
"My face shall be the last you see, Roberts, before I send you to...."

All of a sudden, Daggett's eyes unfocused and he slumped to the deck.
Black Jack looked up and there was Captain Wench, standing precariously on the rail but with grace.

She was holding one of her boots in one hand and holding onto the rigging with the other. As she looked at the heel, she said, "Damn! Broke another heel!"
Then she grinned. "But it was for a good cause!"
Black Jack laughed, grabbed her hand and said, "Let's fight our way out of this and over the edge back to El Lobo together!"

Wench said, "I always said 'Heels wound all the time'!"



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Reply author: Blackjack Roberts
Replied on: 01/31/2008 16:19:52
Message:

"Duck, Luv!!" Blackjack shouted.

"What?? Duckie?? He's still on the Lobo, do you need a doctor?" Wench said confused.

Jack quickly grabbed her arm, and spun her behind him, catching the sword of the lieutenant close to the hilt of his own rapier. "Not very sporting attacking from behind, Mate." He grinned wickedly. "Especially a lady!" His boot caught the shocked sailor in the gut, doubling him over. The butt of Jack's sword finished the job. "Ye make me ashamed to be an Englishman!" He spat on the unconscious officer.

"Sorry for the rough treatment, Luv, but there wasn't time to be gentile." He grinned at Wench. "Put your back to mine, and we'll try to rally the rest of the crew what followed me to get our collective arses off this sinking scow."

"Hmmmmm?? Back to back you say?" Wench winked smiling.

"While ye are a fine woman, M'Lady, and I am honored greatly, we do have two problems." Blackjack shook his head.

"And what's that?" Wench asked coyly as she relived Malcolm of his Damascus rapier, and caught another sailor through the midsection as he charged in with a belaying pin.

"For one, ye be married." Jack shouted as he parried a third sailor's thrust. It seemed that by taking down Dagget they had attracted much unwanted attention.

"And for another?" Wench shouted over her shoulder, locking blades with yet another attacker.

"That right at the moment this is neither the time, nor the place, Luv!" Blackjack laughed back as he ducked a wild swing and buried his sword in the hapless man's chest.

"Oh, pooh!" Wench laughed merrily, sending her opponent's sword over the side of the ship then cutting the man's britches off so that they fell to his ankles. Wench made a threatening move toward a certain part of the embarrassed man's anatomy and he fell overboard in his haste to escape.

The Pride pulled away to intercept the Valliant, the last thing Guard'n, or Captain Smooch were about to permit was a two on one battle to take place against the Lobo. The two fighting ships circled each other in the open water, each vying for an advantage the other would deny. Occasionally cannon fire would erupt from either vessel with little or no effect on it's nemesis.

Suddenly the HMS Valliant broke away from the battle, it's crew tossing several barrels over the aft side of the frigate. "Their covering their retreat!" Smooch yelled as one of the bombs exploded sending a spray of water high enough into the air to lightly wet the crew of the Pride standing at the bow. "We'll have to sail around!"

"Now what in hell do ye make 'o that?" Guard'n asked pointing back to where the Cornwall was lashed to the El Lobo del Mar.

"Damn you, Roberts!" Wench and Jack whirled to find Malcolm had recovered his senses enough to shakily stand, aided by one of two commonly dressed men neither had seen during the fight. Malcolm signaled to one of them and to their surprise the man ran for the hold. The other had trained a pistol on the two and slowly helped Malcolm back away toward the long boats.

"Maybe I'll be able to fish your body out of the water once this ship blows!" Malcolm sneered as they retreated.

Wench and Jack looked at each other. "He's going to blow up the ship!!" They exclaimed at the same time.

"Crew's of the Knight's Hammer, and El Lobo del Mar. ABANDON SHIP!!" Wench shouted as she and Jack made for the grappling lines that still held the ships too closely together. The two pirate crews swarming along side of them.

"Quick, Jack! Cut us loose and get us the Hell out of here!!" Wench shouted as they made the deck of the Lobo. Just then a call came from the crow's nest.

"SHIP AHOY!" Gordy shouted.

"Can this day get any bloody worse?!!" Mad Jack swept one hand down his face. There on the horizon the HMS Broadsword appeared and headed towards them.

"Mister Dagget, I'll be damned if I allow you to scuttle one of his majesty's ships just to settle a personal score!" Burton Cummings was livid. "I demand you call off your man at once, Sir!!"

Malcolm nodded to the lackey that helped him to keep his feet. Without a second thought he raised the pistol and shot the captain of the HMS Cornwall between the eyes. "No, captain Cummings. I, and Sir Blackwood do the demanding here." Malcolm sneered. "Now let's get out of here before this bucket takes us with it."



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Reply author: LairdeGuardnMCrack
Replied on: 01/31/2008 17:03:59
Message:

Captain Smooch continued to bark orders at the crew of the Pride, having the ship move around the barrals, trying to pull into an favorable position to unload all shot on the Valliant while keeping it unable to turn back to help the Cornwall without opening itself to a full broadside. All the while Guard'n stood at the rail watching the Cornwall and Lobo, the surprise volley that the Pride had given the british ship had opened quite a few gapeing holes at the waterline and the ship was taking water very fast. He saw that the lines between the Lobo and Cornwall were pulled very tight and was sure it was the only thing keeping the british ship from rolling on its side. He also saw the Lobo's crew cutting lines very quickly and trying to pull away.....He watched all this until he heard the watch yell there was another ship on the horizon.

Capt Smooch had also heard from his watch that another ship had broken the horizon and cussed to himself. "We have a bit of time lads" he called out "We dispatch this pest first" indicating the Valliant "Keep watch on the Lobo, and let me know when she is free" He hoped that the Valliant would see the other ship as well, and try to make a run its direction, that would give him the position he would need to let his gunners take out their main mast. "Stay ready lads, ye know we will only get a few cannons on a clean shot on their sails, all other prepare for chainshot on her ropes" He did not want to sink the ship, he wanted to capture it intact, he knew from what Guard'n had told him that the Lobo carried two complete crews and from all his past experience, that could be about as much fun as a weekend with an x-wife and the pub out of beer.


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Reply author: Hibernian
Replied on: 01/31/2008 17:06:22
Message:

In the blinking of an eye the fight had begun and the crews had scattered like leaves before the wind. As so often happens in this type of a fight, there is a rapid formation of many small clusters of intense action surrounded by circles of relative calm. This is easily confirmed given the opportunity of time and a safe vantage point from which to observe. Brother Timothy, sword and staff in hand, slowly made his way off the quarterdeck and down the main deck heading toward the frigate Cornwall.

Passing around and between the clusters of crew he both directed friends and dispatched foes. The rap of the staff to the head and then a push in the back directed the fighters in the proper direction. More than one English sailor looked smilingly at the brown habit thinking of an easy kill before suddenly finding himself swordless and a large wooden staff crashing toward his head.

Coming around the mast Brother Timothy found clear air and an unobstructed view clear to the Cornwall. Something was wrong, in the back of his mind a voice was screaming but he couldn't quite make it out. Sword raised he engage the next cluster of men. He had just smashed a young English officer when he bumped into...

"Briggs! Over here, I need you!"


Dodge and slash, parry and smash.
"Dam it Brother I'm a little busy right now, do you think it could wait?"

Pull the sword from one body-back stab into another.
"No, look around you...does something seem wrong?"

Duck, duck, duck, enough of this take the legs out!
"We're in the middle of the ocean with a 200 men who want to kill us, what could possibly be wrong?"

A wooden staff swung underhand connects with a sailor's nether region.
"Boy that has got to hurt, I can't place it but something is off kilter."

Hey nice axe, like my sword?
"You're nuts, trust me Captain Jack Wolfe has everything well in hand, before you know it we'll have an English frigate to call our very own!"

Suddenly a familiar voice could be heard above the battle...
"Crew's of the Knight's Hammer, and El Lobo del Mar. ABANDON SHIP!!"

"Oh-Oh perhaps we spoke too soon?"




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Reply author: Elinor Hakebourne
Replied on: 01/31/2008 21:05:07
Message:

It would have been better for me to have stayed where I was,Elinor thought, as the battle raged around her.

There had been only a few moments for her to puzzle what was going on before the fighting began. She had immediately sought shelter behind some crates on board. She knew her fighting skills were not up to par to deal with the conflict at hand, and figured she'd probably be trampled if she chose to crawl anywhere else.

As soon as the fighting had begun, Elinor found herself alone, Julian having joined the crew in the fight. First thing on my list after this is getting some decent fighting skills from a crew member, she thought.

A roar could be heard from in front of her. Her gaze locked upon a man who charged right for her from the left. His face wore a manic expression upon it, and for a second she entertained the idea of grabbing her bodice dagger and striking at him. The moment passed, and with it her impulse to do such a thing. I'd probably hurt myself, and he'd end up unscathed, she thought. Grabbing her trusty--and strangely, not yet destroyed--bag and grasped the handles tightly with her fingers. Putting all the force she could muster behind her strike, she took the bag and aimed for the man's ankles. The man was at such a run that in his haste this strike was effective, in that he stumbled, slipped, and fell.

Elinor got to her feet at once and attempted to walk at a crouch away from her attacker. He grasped at her skirts and held on with his grubby left hand, his right hand fishing around for his dagger. Elinor stood as soon as she felt the tug upon the fabric, and spun around, impulsively clocking the man in the head with another strike as forceful as she could make it. The move was successful, for the man was knocked out by the blow.

Breathing heavily from the effort, Elinor had barely time enough to recover when she felt a sharp pain in her arm. Her brain took stock of the battle as well as the source of the pain. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw red blooming from her left arm and realized she had been shot. She whirled around and saw a shooter aiming at her, or a point just beyond. Ducking just in time, she saw the shot hit the wood behind where she had just been.

"Maybe getting that dagger out would be a good idea now, Elinor," she muttered to herself amid the din of the battle. Awkwardly fishing her bodice dagger with her good arm, Elinor crouched, poised for another attack, when the call came to abandon ship. "Abandon ship?" She muttered. "Why would we--"

But, at that instant, she fell to the deck as two men pushed past her, engaged in a battle of their own. You need to get up, Elinor, she told herself. You'll get trampled or worse if you stay down here... Doing her best to get to her feet, her eyes searched for her fellow crew members of the Knight Hammer. Spotting Brother Timothy, who seemed the closest to her at the moment, she called out to him, using her best hawking voice, hoping she'd be heard over the noise of the chaos and confusion. Clutching her arm, which now throbbed with pain, she yelled, "Brother! Why are we abandoning ship?"

Title: Re: DEAD MAN'S TAVERN I
Post by: Welsh Wench on May 19, 2008, 09:10:43 PM
Reply author: Hibernian
Replied on: 02/01/2008 07:29:20
Message:

Crews started moving across planks and ropes from one ship to the other. The din of battle gave way to the stampede of feet as the order to abandon the Cornwall passed man to man.

"Now why are we running away from a perfectly good ship?" The monk stood on the Lobo watching the horde move, looking up to the masts he noted that all were still intact and nothing on mid deck seem amiss. A loud snapping noise jerked his attention to the grappling lines joining the Lobo and Cornwall together as if they were Siamese Twins.

"Oh saints and sinners she's sinking and taking us with her!" The Cornwall was indeed sinking and the lines lashing her to the Lobo were snapping under the increasing tension. Lines that weren't snapping were biting their way through the ship's sideboards crushing the wood. "Damm, we need to cut those lines, or else we'll soon have three crews on one ship and I don't think even Guard'n has enough ale for that."

His sword flashed in the light as he attacked the lines, slowly they started to part and break under the assault.

Looking up and checking his progress his eyes scanned the Cornwall. In amongst the chaos his eyes found a small figure, a young girl in the middle of battle, how odd, wait, I know her. "Elinor! What are you doing over there? Never mind, get over here now! Elinor...abandon ship...come to me now!"


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Reply author: Lilaney
Replied on: 02/01/2008 09:37:52
Message:

"Abandon Ship?"
'She cannot be serious!' Lil's mind reeled with the thought of yet again having to find another ship to be babysat on until they found the Knight Hammer.
"Oh No you Don't!"
Lil saw the Brits from what was obviously the sinking vessel to their starboard, using monkey lines to swing to safety.
Unfortunately they were not just swinging across and giving up; they were trying to take out the El lobo and the Knight Hammer's crew with them.
"Ye Bloody Cox-combs!" Lil yelled as she unwound herself from her relatively safe position, caught the nearest man-line and swung out into space.
In her downward arc she caught a Brit square in the face with her hob-nailed boot, neatly dislodging him from his line.
Lil laughed as she reached the peak of the swing and began to decend back the way she came, kicking at bodies and snagging lines to draw them off-course with her left arm.
She was starting to loose momentum on the line when she heard the ominous snap of lines below her.
"Bollocks!" she yelled as the Brit's ship was taking on water from it's gun ports now.
It would be any moment and the water would be gently flooding the main deck.
"Last Line!" Some poor powder Monkey shouted as he hacked the last lashed line and the El Lobo gave a great heave as it righted itself on the keel after having been slowly leaning onto to its side.
Those were the boy's last words as the Brit who was on that lash-line made a jump for the deck, gained his footing, and cut the boy down where he stood.
Anger boiled up into Lil; she understood the ways of combat and had no problem with a fair fight, or an unfair fight where she had the advantage. Hell, she understood a fight where she was at a disadvantage.
But, to cut a weaponless kid down just for? That was bad form!!
She bent her knees to gain momentum on her final downward swing.
With the quick shift of the ship, she was going twice as fast as she was previously. Quickly switching arms and angling slightly, she held her right arm out stiffly as she approched the deck of the ship; she grabbed the Brit by the hair and with his added weight, she forced him back over the railing and with a 'thunk', he hit the water, sans his hair.
"Oh! EWWWW!"
Lil released the hank of blond hair that still remained in her clutched fist.
Sliding down the line a bit as the line slowed, she judged the drop and on the next pass across the bow, she dropped to the deck and immediatly slipped on the slick boards, falling square on her fanny.
She let out a small cry from the contact as she rolled and sprang to her feet,
just in time to duck a swinging cudgel.
"Oh! Sorry Lilaney!" Brother Timothy took out the sailor directly to her right and she dodged left.
"Not a bother, Brother!"
Lil picked up the unconcious man's blade and moved to the closest group of fighters.
"Lil! Never mind that! Elinor's hurt!"
Lil's mind was filled with bloodlust and had to pause a moment to let it sink in that her friend was injured, quickly searching the crowd, she spied Elinor, leaning against a stack of crates. She was gripping her elbow as the crimsom stain bloomed up the arm of her sleeve.
"Madre de Dios!" Lil ran past the group of fighters, smacking the nearest Brit on the butt with the flat of her blade as she past.
"What the hell happened?!"
She took Elinor by the her good elbow and began to assist her, bobbing and weaving, to safety.
Elinor was starting to shake from the shock of blood loss. She looked quickly over at Lil as she kept an eye on swinging arms and flailing bodies.
"Guess I took one for the team."
Lil's mind focused on their destination, Duckie's Surgery. He had what she needed to fix this.
"Duck!"
She pushed Elinor down as an Axe blade came too close for comfort.
"WHAT!?"
A booming baritone caught Lil offgaurd. She looked to her and Elinor's right, there, kneeling on the deck was one very annoyed looking Dr. Gander.
His shirt sleeves were covered up to the elbows in blood, his shirt was sliced across the shoulder, leaving a gaping hole exposing skin. He was leaning over a bleeding and screaming crewmen of the El Lobo. It didn't look good for the man on the deck.
"Not to worry, Doc! Lil has this!"
Elinor's words started strong as she hollered the last of her energy out at the Doc, and then fainted on Lil's arm.
"Easy, Girl!" Lil was not expecting her to faint and made a grab and steadied her as she changed grip to heave her friend up into her arms.
Duckie was next to her in a flash.
"I'll take her." He wasn't offering; he simply took her neatly out of Lil's arms, turned and was gone.
Lil, too worried for her friend's injuries, followed in their stead. Occasionally punching a Brit in the back, arms, face or legs if they got too close.
"What about the kid on the deck!?" She hollored at Duckie's back as they wended their way across the main deck.
"Dead!" He barked back, finally making it too the door, he kicked it open with his foot and proceeded down the steps and into the dark.


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Reply author: Mad Jack Wolfe
Replied on: 02/01/2008 14:35:52
Message:

"That's it! Clear the last of those lines before that hulk drags us down with it!" Jack hacked at the few remaining lines even as they wrought havoc with the gunwales. A grapnel had dug itself so solidly into the wood that he couldn't dislodge it no matter how hard he strained. Finally, he grabbed an ax and hacked the surrounding wood free. The grapnel dislodged with such force that the mass of metal hooks and wood flew at the deck of the floundering Cornwall like a hellish cannonball. He watched as the projectile found a victim; a young midshipman who chose the wrong moment to leave cover. "Better than drowning," he thought.

"Hard a-starboard! Lay on all canvas, and get some pikes against the Cornwall to push off! The rest of you, get blankets, canvas, anything you can soak and cover the decking!" The crew set about following his instructions as the wind began to fill their sails.

"You'll never get away in time!" Dagget howled. "The fuse is lit, and my revenge is nigh!"

Jack regarded the gibbering madman for a moment, and clenched his teeth. He shoved one of the deck guns back and set about loading it with a double charge and single 8-pound ball. Pushing the gun back into position, he aimed it at the sinking ship's waterline, amidships. "Not with my bloody ship, you won't!" He touched off the gun and blasted a three-foot wide hole in the Cornwall's hull, causing her to take on water even faster. Jack was gambling that by getting her to sink faster, maybe enough of the powder magazine would be wet enough to diminish any explosion. "Get us away, Briggs!" he ordered.

Briggs dutifully relayed the order. "Helm! Get us runnin' before the wind!"

Jack watched the sinking timebomb and waited as they ran from her. Was it enough?


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Reply author: Blackjack Roberts
Replied on: 02/01/2008 22:39:36
Message:

The wind caused the white sails of the El Lobo del Mar to billow out with a crack as Blackjack jumped to aid the rest of the crew and strained himself to his limit on one of the pikes they were all pushing on. He knew full well that the English at least kept their powder in tarred barrels until it was needed to prevent it from accidentally getting wet below decks and becoming useless. They couldn't count on the seawater pouring into the ill fated Cornwall's guts to be enough to stop the explosion.

"Heave, you scurvy dogs!!" Biggs shouted as he strained on his own long pole. "Heave, or by God I'll set my foot to your backs!!"

Blackjack's face reddened and contorted with the effort as he tried to will ever more strength into his back and legs. Sweat streamed from beneath the black silk scarf that bound his head, soaking his long ash blond hair into damp strings about his shoulders. Suddenly he felt the pole give and he nearly fell over the rail as El Lobo pulled away from the doomed ship.

Without the Lobo to hold her up and counter balance her, the Cornwall heeled over to her starboard side away from the pirate ship. The rolling action drifting her a few extra yards away. Buckets of water were hastily pulled up from the sea and thrown over every scrap of cloth they could cover the deck with. Quickly El Lobo del Mar gained yard after yard of distance between them selves and their fate.

The hull of the Cornwall bobbed like a deranged cork in the gray sea, sinking a little further with each dip. The Lobo was a good fifty yards away when the water had began to close over the last of her. That's when they heard it. A series of dull thuds beneath the waves, like a giant hammer striking thick wood. Then the one explosion near the surface that did nothing more than send a jet of sea water fifty feet into the sky. Marking for one small moment in time the watery grave of the ship.

The cheer that went up from the deck of the Lobo carried over the waves to the ears of Malcolm Dagget as he climbed the rope ladder of the HMS Broadsword over a hundred yards away. He looked over his shoulder to see the pirate ship sailing away safe and sound.

"Phanishwar!" He shouted to his one remaining lackey as they made the deck. "Did you remember to bring my rifle with us?"

The Punjabi man nodded and pointed to an odd oblong piece of luggage that lay among the several bags he and his brother had loaded into the long boat after the Pride had attacked the Cornwall. Dagget hurriedly opened it to reveal a flintlock the like of which none aboard had ever seen before. Quickly he loaded the ridiculously long weapon, and attached a strange looking spyglass to the top. A metal foot clicked into place and he set it on the railing, looking patiently through the eye piece.

Blackjack grinned, shaking hands with various members of the crews as they all celebrated their victory and escape from the English. Once again he had escaped the traps of Malcolm Dagget, and had found new comrades in the bargain. For the first time in years he began to feel as if he had finally found a home again.

"We're not done yet, Lads!" Captain Mad Jack's voice rose above the din. "Set course for the Pride and that other English tub! All hands to battle stations! Let's see how they like being bloody out numbered!"

Malcolm steadied himself as best he could on the rocking deck. He stared one eyed down the scope until he had Blackjack's head in the crossed camel hair embedded in the far lens. "Damn you to Hell, Black Jack Roberts!" He hissed between his teeth as he pulled the trigger.

He watched with satisfaction as Roberts arced backward, then took his eye away from the scope and handed it to his Indian servant. "Captain Hawkins! Make for the rendezvous, full sail. I believe I have some good news for Lord Blackwood."

"Very well, Sir." Captain James Hawkins responded. "All hands full speed, Nor' by Norwest!" The Broadsword pulled away from remaining ships and soon vanished over the horizon.

The report of what sounded like a small cannon echoed from the Broadsword bringing all eyes on the El Lobo del Mar to her. A small almost invisible puff of smoke drifted from her deck.

"What in Davy Jones locker was that?" Biggs rubbed his stubbled chin in wonder.

"Damned if I know, Mr. Biggs." Mad Jack scratched his head as he watched the English ship turn and sail away. "Didn't seem to mean much at this range, did it?"

"Blackjack!" He heard Wench shout. Turning they looked down at the still, unconscious form of Jack Roberts, a long red streak creased his head just above his right temple to vanish beneath the black silk head scarf. Blood began to darken the cloth to an even deeper shade.



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Reply author: LairdeGuardnMCrack
Replied on: 02/02/2008 03:16:52
Message:

"So they decided to try to run away did they" Smooch yelled loudly to his men, "well we will see just how smart that commander is" it was then that Guard'n came to him "El Lobo is free and the Concord is now with Davy Jones"
Smooch rubbed his fingers thru his beard and gave a small smile. "hoist the jibs, we will make her think we are going for speed to run her down" He turned to Cover and Guard'n "If the commander is smart he will see us going for speed, and he will tac to starboard to break away from us and the Lobo and then try to double back and make for that other vessel, he knows we will not be able to slow enough to turn after him at speed so he will think he has the advantage and should pull all sail as soon as he is turned. He knows that at speed the best we can hope for is a running broadside". He watched thru his glass at the other ship, and laughed as he watched the rudder of the other ship begin to turn almost as soon as the jibs caught the wind. As soon as he saw the ship fully turned and making sail the order was barked out "drop all stun'sl and jib and bring us starboard"

Guard'n looked to Smooch "will that not put us in his direct path" asked questioning "then he looked at one of the deckhands and handed his mug to the lad "seems I will be needing an ale" He looked at Smooch, who just grinned and barked more orders "chainshot in all port guns, take out the rigging" He looked at his helmsman "once the broadside is released, bring us hard ta port so we face this british pup directly"

The expression on Guard'ns face was one that a few had seen before, and Cover upon seeing it quickly made the sign of the cross and looked to the heavens. "That is the look lads, the one he gets when a current wife and current girlfriend both show up at the pub at the same time that a tavern wench is sitting is his lap" Smooch laughingly said to those on the quarterdeck as they watched the Valliant turn directly at them as they moved into position. "Now you all know the feeling, you may not die, but your sure there is going to be a lot of pain involved" A lad handed Guard'n his mug back from which he took a huge gulp then looked again at the other ship bearing down on them and raised the mug again to his lips.

"FIRE ALL GUNS" and a full broadside of the Pride went off almost in unison. The billowing smoke from the guns blinded the quarterdeck from seeing the Valliant for a moment, but as ordered the ship was steering quickly to port. Once the turn was complete and they could see clearly, the two ships were almost head on, and as they passed each other the gunwales moaned and groaned as they scraped along each other while the crews of both ships just looked at each other with eyes wide.

The damage had been done, the Valiant was slowing and some of its sail had fallen to the deck and much of the other fore and main sail was flying loose. The chain shot had done its job, taking out much of the cordage. Many of the forestays, halyards and sheets were destroyed leaving much of the running rigging and standing rigging for the fore and main mast damaged.

"Bring us Abaft and abeem the El Lobo" Smooch ordered the helmsman, before looking to the first mate "hoist flag for the Valliants surrender" He knew that without the ability to catch the wind the ship could not move with much speed and would be a sitting duck, so he was sure the commander of the british tub would be reasonable.

By the time the Pride manuvered around and joined with the El Lobo, the Valliant had the flags of surrender flying. Smooch called to the Captains of the El Lobo "seems we have a prize, do you all know where we can find a crew for it" He laughed heartily "shall we pull alongside and see what we have or should we chase down those longboats and that other ship"

Smooch looked to Guard'n "so how do you like the ship so far" Guard'n just shook his head, "I hope we brought enough ale because day one will take me a barrel just to get thru" He sat down with his back against the binnacle drinking his ale while he watched many of the crew take to the ratlines with small arms while others reloaded cannon and waited for the orders to which ship they would move on.

Title: Re: DEAD MAN'S TAVERN I
Post by: Welsh Wench on May 19, 2008, 09:14:14 PM
Reply author: Elinor Hakebourne
Replied on: 02/02/2008 10:45:00
Message:

Compared to the commotion that occurred on the main deck of the El Lobo, Dr. Gander's surgery was silent. There was no urgent shouting, no frantic cutting of ropes, for the peril inside the surgery was quite different than the peril outside it. There was only the sound of Lil's foot tapping impatiently on the floor, watching as Dr. Gander calmly and thoroughly worked on his patient, despite the din outside.

As the cheers rang in the air, signaling the news that the El Lobo was now free, Dr. Gander finished stitching up Elinor's wound, and she regained consciousness.

"What is the yelling for?" Elinor mumbled. "So loud--" She heard a gasp come from the other end of the room, where Lilaney had been pacing nervously. A moment later and Lil was at her side. "Lil!" Elinor exclaimed. "What happened?" She glanced at her left arm and saw the fabric of her left sleeve cut away, revealing the wound she'd received and the stitches that now decorated her arm. The greater part of her sleeve was soaked in blood. "Lil!" She exclaimed again. "You stitched me up! You--"

"Didn't," Lil replied simply. "I helped a little, but Dr. Gander did most of it."

"What?" Elinor asked, confused. "But--you were supposed to do it! I was supposed to let you treat me, not him!"

"You weren't in a condition to choose," Dr. Gander responded. "You'd fainted right after telling me your friend was able to treat you. I had to take the matter into my hands, it was the only way."

"It wasn't the only way!" Elinor exclaimed. "Lil could have done it, she--" Elinor made to clench her left hand, and found that her fingers were stiff. Why can't I move my fingers as I used to? she thought.

"Elinor," Lil began, grasping her right hand. "I'm glad you think so highly of me, but I'm not as experienced as Duckie is. I am willing to give up my pride to see that you get better," She finished, squeezing Elinor's hand.

"Lil is a good surgeon, Dr. Gander," Elinor persisted, but with half the fight in her now after hearing Lilaney's words.

"Things had to be done quickly. I knew where my supplies were, and I was best equipped to help you. That was a serious injury you withstood," Dr. Gander responded. "I knew I had to act fast." He paused. "How are you feeling?"

"Woozy," Elinor mumbled. "And I--can't move my fingers right--"

"That'll take some time," Dr. Gander replied.

"Some time?" Elinor quietly asked. "Do you know what's going on out there? I need to be there, observing and recording what's--"

"No, you don't," Dr. Gander responded. "You need to rest."

"How am I supposed to rest knowing my fingers won't grip a quill adequately for me to write once I'm rested enough to return to my job? Will I be able to do my job? I don't have any idea, I've never been shot before! Oh, no, I won't be able to be on the crew anymore, I'll--"

"ELINOR!" Lil shouted over her friend's worry-filled rambling.

The door opened, momentarily letting in the noise from the upper decks. "I could transcribe for you," said a soft voice from just inside the door. Elinor turned her gaze from her friend to the visitor at the door. "Oh. You." She muttered, glancing back at Lil.

"So you did meet, then," Dr. Gander said brightly.

Lil looked at Elinor, confused. "I'm Julian, the El Lobo's scribe." He held out his hand for Lil to shake, which she did, her face dawning with recognition. She flashed Elinor a smile. "What?" Elinor asked.

"Nevermind!" Lilaney responded in a sing-song voice.

"I saw what happened, but couldn't get to you in time," Julian responded, oblivious to the unspoken conversation that was taking place between the two women. "Are you allright?"

Elinor sighed. "Not entirely." She glanced at Dr. Gander. "But, I suppose, I need to thank you for your swift thinking and execution, Dr. Gander. Things might be worse if it hadn't been for you. So, thank you."

"You are most welcome, my dear," Dr. Gander replied, a small smile forming on his lips. "I am glad you are doing better."

"Lil is a good surgeon, though," Elinor said once more, under her breath.

Just then, a shot rang out on the main deck. Its sound reverberated through the air, reaching the ears of those inside the surgery. "What just happened?" Elinor asked, voicing the thoughts of each person in the room.

They didn't have long to wait for the answer to that question, for a few moments after the doors to the surgery swung open, and Blackjack was carried in by some of the El Lobo crew members, a dark stain bleeding through the black head scarf he wore.


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Reply author: Mad Jack Wolfe
Replied on: 02/02/2008 17:30:16
Message:

"Oh, damn." Duckie fretted, noting Blackjack's head wound. "Lil, you need to tend fully to Elinor for the moment. You've seemed to be angling for my approval, so here may be your chance."
"I have not!" Lilaney protested.
"You're in my surgery now, and debate is not something available to you, are we clear? Keep pressure on that wound, and give her a tincture of laudanum ," he ordered.
"Laudanum won't help her," argued Lil.
"Yes, but then she won't care much about her injury, will she? Now, get to it!"

Duckie turned his attention to Roberts, whose headscarf was soaked with blood. He washed his hands in a relatively fresh basin of water and gently pulled the scarf free. "Well, what have we here?" he asked no one in particular. He gently turned Blackjack's head and felt the back of the wounded man's skull. "No exit wound..." he muttered. His fingers continued to probe back toward the injury. "The skull is still firm, that's encouraging," he noted. He reached the injury itself, and took a deep breath as he probed the wound with his little finger.

Duckie smiled. "Bone. I feel solid bone! It's only a graze! Thank goodness the fusil boucanier isn't as accurate as they claim." He picked up a fine needle and silk thread. "Lil, would you like to learn how to properly suture a wound?"
"Um, yes. I would," she offered. She'd done this procedure several times before, but she was always willing to learn, and Duckie seemed more than ready to teach. Maybe she'd pick up something new.
"Well, here's your chance to increase your repertoire," he said. "Here, I'll talk you through it while I tend to Elinor."

Lil was hesitant, but she traded places with the doctor. "What do I do? There's so much blood!"
"Head wounds bleed profusely, dear. Don't let it intimidate you. Splash some clean water on the wound, and dab it as dry as you can." Duckie instructed.
Lil did as she said, then picked up the needle and threaded the silk through it. "What do I do now?" she asked nervously.

"Keep your cloth handy to clear any blood from the wound. It's like darning a sock, really. Just not as tight. Start from the front of the wound, picking up the skin with the needle, and sew it closed. If anything like metal should catch your eye, pick it out, flush the wound again, and keep going. Just like I showed you with Elinor, only this time you don't have to stitch under the skin." he reassured.

Lil began stitching Blackjack's scalp back together very slowly, then gained speed as her confidence increased. "Duckie, what if this leaved an ugly scar?" she asked.
"Scars are tattoos with better stories, Lil. You're doing fine. That's my girl, just tight enough to solidly heal. You're quite the natural at this!"
"She tried to tell you," Elinor slurred.
"Yes, but now I know for myself," Duckie whispered. "Go to sleep."
"OK," Elinor smiled.

"All right, I think I'm done," Lil said.
"Let's take a look, shall we?" Duckie said quietly as he stepped in close to examine her work. "Very nice. Very nice, indeed. Now, wash the wound again, dry it, and bandage it up. I'd say your patient's prognosis is excellent!"

Lil beamed with pride as she finished bandaging Blackjack's head, and they eased the wounded man on to a cot. As she washed her hands in the basin, Duckie cleared his throat. "I'm sorry, do you need something?" she asked.
"As a matter of fact, I do," Duckie said. "It's obvious that while Jack can get us into more than enough trouble, Honour can easily treble it. I need someone with your considerable, if unpolished skills. I'll happily teach you to shore up your abilities. All I ask is that you abide by my rules and procedures of keeping a proper surgery. I know you're used to doing things your own way..."
"Yes," Lil interrupted.
"I beg your pardon?" asked Duckie.
"I said 'yes', you overeducated windbag! Yes, I want to learn from you!"
"Oh! Good! You promise not to sling any more knives at me when we disagree?" he smiled.
"I'll try to restrain myself," Lil smiled devilishly.
"Delightful!" Duckie grinned. "Now, finish cleaning things up, and I'll see you first thing in the morning, yes? Have a good night!"

Lil looked around the surgery and shook her head. The table was a literally a bloody mess, and the floor littered with blood-soaked rags.

"You think he's cute," Elinor giggled.
"Shut up and sleep!" Lil snapped.


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Reply author: Mad Jack Wolfe
Replied on: 02/03/2008 19:39:39
Message:

"I want the condition and disposition of one Mr. Roberts once he's awake" Jack raged. "I'll be damned if I risk life and limb before I put us all in harms way for a single member of her crew. I'm fed up with her agreeing to have a blended crew unless she's hell bent on defying me. If she continues to defy me on such matters, then I know a few islands in need for a new governor. Damn it... the last thing I needed was to be embroiled in a private little war now with England!"

Briggs scribbled down Jack's ranting as best he could. The upshot was that Honour need to toe the line and act like a member of this crew whether is suited her or not.

Honour appeared as if on cue. "So I take it we return to port for repairs," she asked cheerily.
"Absolutely not," Jack snapped. "We've already garnered too much attention there. We'll make what repairs we can at sea, and..." as he finished some calculations and drew some heavy lines on the chart, "...we're going HERE. No debate. It's 2 days out of our way, but I didn't expect to have the entire third Expeditionary Force breathing down my neck!"
"What's the island's name?" Honour asked.
"La Ville du Traitre. I thought the name appropriate, give the circumstances. Good people, and repair priced are cheap. We'll make landfall in two days, no discussion. They're excellent at solid repairs, a situation you should be well acquainted with, darling. No shore leave. Briggs, Duckie, Martin, and I are the only ones allowed ashore. And I'll not debate it!."


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Reply author: Elinor Hakebourne
Replied on: 02/03/2008 19:55:02
Message:

Lil set about starting to clean up the surgery, leaving Elinor no choice but to succumb to the weariness that was overtaking her, lulling her into sleep.

But not before she saw out of the corner of her eye a shadow slip past her and approach the door to exit. "And you were just going to leave, after you came in, so concerned?" She demanded. Sleep will have to be delayed for a moment, she thought.

Julian turned back to face her. "You need rest! I didn't think you'd be up for much conversation right now, after that laudanum--"He began.

"I didn't really need you to be so stuffy and cold earlier, either. I could have used a friend, but no! You couldn't be bothered!" Elinor mumbled, trying her best to sound angry, but failing miserably.

"I didn't--"Julian started once more, but then paused. "What is that?" He opened the door to better hear the noise out on the main deck. "Sounds like Captain Wolfe is angry enough for the both of you," Julian responded, glancing at Elinor. "He doesn't seem too happy with your Captain," he added, glancing back through the sliver of open doorway.

"Who is? I mean, I am, but, really, who is?" Elinor slurred. "She's always going after one pair of boots or another--"

"That is enough," Lil said crossly. She pointed at Julian. "You? Out. You're just riling her up, when she needs to rest." As soon as Julian made a hasty exit out of the surgery, Lil turned to her friend. "You? Sleep. Please?" Elinor gazed back at her, and nodded, finally allowing herself to relax and drift off to sleep, despite the row that ensued just outside.


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Reply author: Welsh Wench
Replied on: 02/03/2008 19:56:27
Message:

"What do you mean, 'no shore leave'?"
Wench waved her boot in front of Jack's face. "Look at this heel. LOOK AT IT!"
The heel was just inches from Jack's nose.
"Do you expect me to limp around on one boot heel for the extended voyage?"
Jack pushed the boot away and said crossly, "You have plenty of boots in the closet and YOU KNOW IT!"
She raised her eyebrow. "And what has YOU so cranky this fine day?"
"Fine day. FINE DAY??? Look at my ship!"
She looked around. "What? Our ship has a few scratches."
"A few scratches. Are you out of your mind, woman?"
"Hey, I've seen worse!"
Kate came on the deck and said, "I'll say! You should see the parking job she..."
Kate faded away as she saw Wench standing behind Jack motioning to her with a finger drawn across her throat.
Jack whirled on Wench and she just shrugged. "She meant the parking job the other ships did to the Knight Hammer. I had a longboat that got a bit of a ding when the helmsman got a bit too close to the dock. That's all. A little putty and it was as good as new."
Jack turned to Kate and said, "Is this true?"
Kate said, "Sure. A ding. That's all it was. A little bitty scratch."
As she walked by Wench, she whispered, "You SO owe me!"

Jack started to walk forward. Wench started to back up.
Forward. Backward. Forward. Backward.
Like some sort of dance.
Only there was no music.
"OW!" Wench hit her head on the wall.
Jack put his face inches from hers.
"NOW LISTEN AND LISTEN GOOD, CAPTAIN WOLFE JUNIOR!"
She held her finger up. "Keep up the attitude, Jack, and I'll take my maiden name back."
"You do and you will bunk with the rest of the women on your crew."
She said flippantly, "What's the matter, Jack? You refuse to live in sin?"

That brought uproarious laughter from Jack. "Oh, that's rich! I seem to remember that is how we got married!"
She retorted, "We got married because you plied me with too much whiskey and rum."
Jack couldn't stop laughing. "Oh, that may have contributed to my momentary lack of judgment. But I seem to recall your exact words. We were going at it pretty heavily when you said, 'Not until we are properly wed.'
What was I supposed to do?"
"You could have controlled your bodily urges, you know!"
Jack put both hands on the wall on either side of her head and leaned in. His lips were dangerously close to hers.
"May as well stop a cannonball, love."

Wench's face flamed hot at the memory of that night and waking up to a marriage license on the dresser.
She ducked down and then flung over her shoulder, "Yeah, well, you're paying for that privilege now!"
Jack yelled back at her, "And some mistakes you never stop paying for."

But all he heard was the slam of the door.
Yeah, she was good at that, as he well remembered. He checked his door hinges and then said to no one, "I'll add it to her expense list. One set of door hinges."
And off he went in search of Briggs to amend his 'to do' list.






Title: Re: DEAD MAN'S TAVERN I
Post by: Welsh Wench on May 19, 2008, 09:15:28 PM
Reply author: Blackjack Roberts
Replied on: 02/03/2008 22:24:40
Message:

After Lil had left to discard the soiled bandages Duckie returned to check on the condition of his charges. Elinor slept soundly and soon he expected more wounded to be filtering down in need of attention. As he bent over him Blackjack suddenly awoke with a start, and the surgeon found a razor pressed to his throat just hard enough for there to be no doubt as to the bearer's intent, but not enough to break the skin. The look in Jack's eyes was one of both pain and confusion as it was obvious that the pirate was desperately trying to sort out his situation, and taking no chances after being nearly killed.

The man's confusion made this a far more dangerous situation and Dr. Gander knew he had to diffuse the situation quickly. "If you plan on giving me a shave I suggest you allow me to lather up first. However, if you plan on cutting my throat I would suggest you aim for the carotid artery." He said calmly.

Blackjack's brow furrowed for a second, then he lowered his formerly hidden weapon and smiled as best he could. "Sorry about that, Mate. Thinking you've been killed tends to make you a bit jumpy." He slid the razor back into it's hiding place behind his wide black leather belt. "Again, my apologies. You be the sawbones what fixed me up?"

"Actually it was your crewmate, Lil that preformed the stitching. I merely instructed." Duckie scowled. "And please drop the dumb pirate act with me, Roberts. I am not that easily fooled."

Blackjack sat up far too quickly than was good for him and he swooned a bit from the throbbing it set off in his skull. "Don't know what your talkin' about, Sawbones." He gritted his teeth against the near blinding agony. "But I'd say about now I've more than wore out me welcome yet again, and I'll be seein' if I can find a way to slip off this barge afore I find meself walkin' the plank."

"Running again, Highwayman?" Duckie's comment brought Jack to a dead halt at the door. Slowly he turned around to find the ship's doctor sitting at his desk pouring two tankards of rum. He held one out to his patient. "Here this may help with the headache I would say you have."

Jack made no move to accept the doctor's offer. "And just how would you know that about me, Sir?" He replied dropping his act, a dangerous edge tinting his voice.

"Take this, and don't be a fool!" Duckie commanded sharply. "If I had wanted you dead I could have done it while you were unconscious. I'm certainly not trying to poison you now. And sit down before you fall down."

Jack took the offered tankard and the advice sitting on the edge of the cot he had lain on a few moments before. "My gratitude, Surgeon, but that still begs to answer my original question. How do you know of me?"

"I studied at Oxford and still have more than a few friends there." Drake replied. "Did you honestly think that anyone who would put a wolf in sheep's clothing like Lord Terrance Blackwood in his place would go unnoticed by others of the nobility? Especially when it was done by the most notorious highwayman since Robin of the Hood; Black Jack Roberts?"

Drake laughed at the confusion that leapt into Blackjack's blue green eyes. "What did you think all we do at college is study dusty old tombs? There is a small group of us who have known the truth about Sir Terrance for a long time. The man is a traitorous dog that will blow the roof off of Hell when he finally gets there. You did a noble deed taking Jenny Blackwood away from that monster."

"For all the good it did her, Sir." Blackjack stared at the bloodstained floor of the surgery. "Because of me she died far too young. It might just as well been my hand that did her in."

"So that's why you ran." Duckie mused. "Not because you feared Blackwood, or the gallows, but because you blame yourself for her death."

"Aye." Blackjack responded miserably. "I could no longer stay in England being haunted by the memory of my failure to protect her and being branded as her murderer. As long as I can remain alive I have a chance. One day I will return and Sir Blackwood will get his chance to blow Hell's roof off. I promised her that on her grave. I will kill that bastard slowly, when he least expects it."

"Now if you will excuse me, My Good Man." Jack said standing once again. "Unless I miss my guess I would say your Captain would just as soon have me off his vessel, and I would prefer to have a sporting chance to survive so that I may carry out my vow." He had not taken three steps when the room began to spin. Jack turned to stare at the ship's doctor, accusation written in his eyes.

"A little white lie, Black Jack." Duckie said calmly as he moved to catch the swaying man and redeposit him on the cot. "A bit of laudanum in the rum. Your in no condition to be going anywhere. It would be a death sentence with the concussion you have. You need to rest and heal if you are to have a chance at your revenge. A chance to avenge my poor niece. I'll do all I can to see you get that chance."



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Reply author: Lilaney
Replied on: 02/04/2008 11:25:23
Message:

Lil stood on the deck surrounded by men and their various minor wounds.
The late afternoon sky blew a nice warm breeze across the deck lifting her hair slightly from her shoulders as she worked.
"You'll be fine, it's a scratch." She said to the last man in the ranks.
The Pirate guffawed as he spat tobacco into the wound and began to bind it up with his shirt sleeve.
"Naw, when we get in port; it'll scar up nicely and it'll be pike wound what I got offa Brit that I ran thru with me blade!"
Lil chuckled at his lip.
"Nice detail, although, you might want to let the Doc look at it in a couple of days to see if it is puckering properly; a good scar still needs a doctor's touch."
The sea dog grabbed another rag to wrap up the bound arm and shuffled off.
Lil leaned back on her heels again and looked at the pile of bloody rags she had tied up in a sheet.
"Could clean'em, but, I think some are just a loss."
Two men headed for the rag pile, grabbing the lot, they began to walk off.
Lil marched after them.
"Hey! What are you two doing!?"
One turned his head to shout over his shoulder.
"Using'em on the dead, no use wasting fresh blood, makes the sharks circle faster."
Lil blanched slightly.
"Sharks!?"
The other nodded his head at the comment, the three of them walked aft where several British Sailors were laid out in a row near the railing.
"Yeah, Sharks, we need something to wrap'em up with and I ain't wasting the good cloth on these buggers. They'll go to Davy Jones either way."
The malice in this man's voice was clear to Lil. Slowing her footing she looked over the few dead sailors from the El Lobo. She only counted five. Each one wrapped up tightly in clean white sheets, their bodies amidship as opposed to the Brits who were aft.
"Hey! Bird! You're a Doc, right? C'mere and check these Brits over will ya? Wanna make sure they are good and dead. If they ain't I'll be happy to make sure they are."
A tall, skinny, angry Pirate motioned for Lil to follow him. Lil passed by the bodies of the El Lobo crew, and caught up with the gent who yelled for her.
"You are not sure they are dead?"
She was slightly confused.
"Nah, we know they're dead, but, want to get an official word and since Duckie ain't around, you'll do."
This felt to Lil morbidly like a Pass and Review. She walked slowly by each body, the tall Pirate keeping in step with her and she nodded at each lifeless form.
Her vision was getting hazy as she passed the last one and turned to look at the Pirate to her right. He glanced sideways at her slightly.
"Ye ain't crying, are ye?"
Lil was wondering why everthing looked underwater.
Swiping her arm quickly over her face made the entire world come back into focus.
"Nope, forgot to blink. I can say with whatever authority I guess you think I have, that they are all ready for Davy Jones."
The tall Pirate gave her one last suspicious look and headed over to the other two gents who were starting to prepare this lot for a burial at sea.
Feeling slightly lightheaded Lil started back for the bow of the ship.
Hibernian was over the bodies of the El Lobo's crew as she passed, bowing slightly to him she walked by in silence.
Making her way back into the surgery, she got there just in time to grab the other side of a not-so concious Black Jack and help readjust him on the cot.
"Laudanum in the Rum?"
Duckie nodded solemly as Lil chuckled out of strained hysteria.
"Classic move. Got any more?"
Duckie made a wide gesture to show her the other tankard on his small desk in the corner.
Sidestepping the gent, she passed Elinor, who looked as if she was sleeping peacefully and grabbed for the tankard. Toasting the air in Duckie's general direction Lil took a slug and sat the mug back on the desk with a rather hearty thump.
"Needed that, thanks. Got a bit left to do in here and then I am for bed. Shouldn't you be along to make sure Wenchie hasn't skewered your Captain?"
Lil moved around Duckie who had taken up a post leaning against the cabinet between the two sleeping paitents. She grabbed the bucket and scrub brush in the corner, dunking the bucket into the rain barrel, she drew up half a bucket adding in some rather harsh smelling solvent she found near the bucket she walked back to the other side of the surgery and got to washing the floor.
"I like how this ship is made, angled on the sides so all the water runs to the walls and aft. Clever design."
Lil felt herself chattering nonstop, she kept on about the ship's build and design commenting on the rigging and the efficiency of space and sundries. The entire time Duckie just stood there in silence.
Lil was slighlty self concious of his presence. Which made her only talk faster, or was that the Rum and Laudanum? By the time she began to compare the aft cannons to some she had seen on a shipwreck of the isle of Ginger, she had made her way across the entire floor.
Dipping another bucket into the water she sloshed it around on the floor and using the reed-broom she swept the water to the walls, where is ran aft and out of the surgery.
Lil turned to put everything back in the corner; as she turned back around Duckie loomed over her. Making her step back and almost fall into the buckets.
"Steady."
His voice was soothing, he pressed a mug into her hands.
She sniffed the contents and then looked up at him questioningly. He smiled slightly.
"It's only water, no tricks. You did quite well today."
Lil took a tenative sip, searching for any trace of odor or odd taste. Finding nothing, she took a longer draw on the water and then handed back the empty cup to his waiting hand.
"Thanks, needed that. Tough day today. And it's not even over yet!"
Lil felt her voice rising to a higher octive. Damn her nerves! She felt herself getting emotional. Time to beat a retreat before the weakness took over and she was a blubbering mess on this nice clean floor.
"You need sleep. Find me in the morning and we'll make a round of all the injured. Savvy?"
Lil looked him dead in the eye for the first time.
The color was astounding, a strange deep blue-green. Her mind caught the one line he threw her.
"Did you just say 'Savvy'? Doesn't suit ya Doc, better stick to what you know. Agreed?"
Duckie backed out of her presence and allowed her to pass, she walked over to Elinor and gave her sleeping friend's hand a squeeze of courage. Turning and looking back at Duckie, she saw that the day had passed for him the same as it had passed for her. He seemed to recognize her look of slight pity and he mustered his face back into a passive look of indifference. Lil cocked an eyebrow at him and made her way to the door.
"Call me if you need me."
No answer came as she walked down the hall and to what was once Brigg's quarters, but, was now the women's lodging. Lil felt herself going light as she crawled into her hammock. Feeling the room start to spin, she laughed silently at Duckie as she slowly fell into a warm well of passive darkness.
"Idiot gave me belladonna, no taste, no smell. I'll get back at him in the morning."




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Reply author: Mad Jack Wolfe
Replied on: 02/04/2008 20:54:52
Message:

After a while and several reports on injuries an damages, Jack heard the lilt of Honour's voice approaching the main deck.

"A word or two with you, Madame Captain, if you please?" Jack asked quietly as he leaned against the gunwale. The steam was almost visible wisping from his ears.
Honour decided that since there was no possibility of sashaying nonchalantly in broken boots, she'd retrieved her bodice dagger and slit the lacings on both boots. Better barefoot than hobbled, she thought. She sidled up to her husband and with a voice dripping honey, asked "Yes, darling? Is there something the matter?"

He turned to face her, eyes ablaze, when he suddenly realised that she was several inches shorter. He drew a breath and started again. "As a point of curiosity, are there other wanted criminals among your portion of our crew whose apprehension might involve, oh, say, a bleeding squadron of Royal Navy ships?!"

She thought for a moment and answered "No, I'm certain you're the only one."

"This isn't fun and games, Honour. Roberts was nearly killed before us all, a scene I'm certain you're tired of reliving; a perfectly serviceable ship is now in need of repairs, and you have that to deal with." Jack looked at the bag of sailcloth lying on the deck. "Best we can tell, he's part of your crew. Or was. Your crew, your responsibility. Seems fair. I'm sure Brother Timothy help you find some appropriate words. Oh, and the crew expect his effects auctioned before the mast at noon tomorrow."

"But, wait! Aren't you going to help me with all this? Where are you going?" she asked.

"I'm going to inspect damages to my vessel, Madame Captain. And after that, I'll most likely be sitting with Briggs and Duckie, getting drunk. Care to join us when you're done?"

Title: Re: DEAD MAN'S TAVERN I
Post by: Welsh Wench on May 19, 2008, 09:17:09 PM
Reply author: Hibernian
Replied on: 02/04/2008 21:57:44
Message:

Sword in hand he stood quietly near the railing where the injured Elinor had been gathered up by Lil and Duckie and taken to the surgery. His mind streamed and to no one in particular "Odd name for a physician, Duckie; I wonder if he has webbing between his toes? Still doesn't matter, Lil was there, Lil is good, Lil will take care of Elinor."

"Comin' your way friar!"
"Beggin' your pardon Father, but we needs these bodies."

The voice brought Brother Timothy's attention back and for the first time took note of the two men asking for his attention. Two short pirates, one with a knuckle to his head, looked at the monk and gesturing at the numerous bodies lying about.
"If you're done we'll take these away for you. No disrespect, but I swears you don't look like much of fighter, brown robe and all, but these eight bodies says otherwise, no disrespect meant sir."
"Pax, no disrespect taken, it had to be done." Reaching down and taking a scarf off one of the bodies he carefully wiped the blood from his sword before sheathing it.
"What's the devil's due today?"
"Not quite sure yet, only five of us," and the sailor pointed toward the far railing, " but still countin' the English. Davey's sharks will eat well tonight." With that the two, now supervised by a taller man, started to move the dead English into rows.

As he walked across toward the five bodies he reached into his pouch and withdrew a small vial of water. Kneeling down next to the first he undercover the face and began to silently pray. When he was done the face was recovered and he moved to the next.

"Praying won't help that lot." A sailor, Timothy recognizes him from the "shark detail" now stood looking at him.
"I beg your pardon."
"I said, me, them, us, we're pirates; don't believe; praying now won't help them."
"Perhaps, but it won't hurt either."

Turning back to the last body, in a voice loud enough for the pirate to hear..."Ipsis Domine, et omnibus in Christo quiescentibus, locum refrigerii,lucis et pacis,ut indulgeas, deprecamur, per eumdem Christum Dominum nostrum."
"Whats that your saying, I don't speak no church words."
"It's the ending of my prayer for them, as I beseech He who is above us all to grant them a place of refreshment,light and peace."
"Heck don't sound so bad, probably wasted on that lot though, I don't suppose they serve rum in this land of refreshment?"
"I see no reason why not, nothing I have ever read says there isn't rum. After all He did turn water into wine."
"In that case, when my time comes, you do some beseeching and see if I can get some of that rum in heaven."
"You have my promise, I will do my best to get you some rum in heaven."

At that moment a shout from the tall pirate hurried the man on his job. Having completed his duty Brother Timothy turned toward the quarterdeck in search of the latest news and plans.





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Reply author: Ice Mage
Replied on: 02/06/2008 21:18:08
Message:

*Upon arriving back in her cabin, Rose found Dorean packing their things. She walked over to him and put her hand on his shoulder. Shrugging her off, he returned to packing.*

'What's wrong my love? Why are you packing? We still have a long road to go.'

*Dorean glanced back at her.*

-We are booking a ship back to Glenlivet, as soon as we hit the next port.-

*Rose seemed confused.*

'What about my son, we can't just abandon him?'

-We won't! You will go on, an I will take our daughter home.-

*Frustrated she began to raise her voice.*

'I can't do this without you, and I will not part with any of my children!'

*Dorean slammed the lid on their foot locker, and spun around to look in her eye's.*

-You won't be alone! You will have that dirty S*n o* a B***h, to keep you warm.-

*Rose's face flushed, as she sought out a response to Dorean's comment.*

'Wha...wha... what are you talking about?'

*Infuriated, Dorean chucked a glass goblet against the wall. As it shattered he began yelling.*

-I SAW YOU TWO TOGETHER!!!!!! I SAW YOU KISSING AND CAUDLING!!!!! I WANTED TO TELL YOU OF SOMETHING OUR CHILD HAD DONE, AND CAME ON DECK JUST IN TIME TO SEE YOU EMBRACING HIM AS IF HE WERE STILL YOUR HUSBAND. SO ALL I HAVE TO SAY IS, WHEN DID YOU PLAN ON TELLING ME? OR WERE YOU HOPING TO QUIETLY DISPENSE WITH ME WHEN THE TIME WAS RIGHT?-

*Rose collapsed to the floor in tears.*

'It was an accident, I only kissed him!'

-So was the groping an accident too, or merely a benefit?-

*Rose continued to cry on the floor, begging Dorean to forgive her.*

'Please listen to me. We both realized it was a mistake, it will never happen again!'

-Why? Has he run out of money for his little whore, or it time for me to get his leavings once again?-

*Rose stood up and a flash of anger crossed her face.*

'It was not like that! Nothing happened!'

*Dorean headed to the door, and briefly spoke as he exited.*

-Yeah I'll bet!-

*After Dorean Exited the room, Rose began weeping once more.*

'How could I have been so stupid? How can I make him understand?'

*Dorean stormed down the corridor towards the Captains Cabin, just as Daemon came down the stairs. They stopped for a moment and looked at each other. As Dorean was just about to draw his sword and dash at Daemon, an explosion occurred between them. Pieces of deck plate, bulkhead and fire flew in the air.*



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Reply author: Blackjack Roberts
Replied on: 02/07/2008 20:13:20
Message:

Blackjack's eyes opened for a second time on the world of the living after thinking himself dead. This time no stranger was leaning over him, and the surgery was dark, save for a single oil lantern gently swaying on it's hook against the far wall, the wick turned as low as it could be for a faint ghostly light.

Without moving a muscle to give away the fact that he was awake he scanned as much of the room as he could. As near as he could tell with the exception of the softly sleeping Elinor he was alone. Slowly he sat up, his hand instinctively hooking a thumb under his belt to access the hidden razor. Now that was interesting. The razor was still in it's sheath. Shouldn't the surgeon have taken it? He certainly knew about it.

"Damn!" Jack thought. "Is everyone I meet today hell bent on trying to kill me? I swear I seem to be capable of wearing out my welcome faster than a poxed tavern wench!" At least this time his head didn't throb as badly as it did before. The only order of business left was to find his effects and get off the Lobo before the captain decided to have a go at it for all the trouble he'd been put through. Third time could be the charm and Blackjack wasn't about to tempt fate that hard.

The last thing he could remember was Duckie saying something about a little white lie, and then blackness. At least his luck was still holding there. So far he had been shot, then poisoned and he had yet to join Jenny. Not that he would mind, but he would prefer to tell her that her husband was providing the devil with sport first.

Everything seemed to be working until he stood. The combination of his concussion and the fast fading laudanum caused his head to swim. Then his stomach turned and he went to his hands and knees beside the cot with a violent case of dry heaves. Out of the corner of his eye he spotted them. His hat and weapons were neatly placed into a pile under the foot of the low bed. It seemed Lady Luck had not totally abandoned him yet, someone had thought to bring his belongings here. Possibly Captain Wench she seemed to like him. Blackjack was going to miss that spunky lass for sure.

As quietly and quickly as he could he donned his baldric and shoved the twin French flintlocks into place behind his belt. Coiling Old Hob he fastened the frog around the supple braided leather and patted the bullwhip like a lost pet. "Good to have ye back, Old Chum." Jack whispered. "Should have took ye when I went after Dagget. It would have saved me a headache."

Reaching up he felt the bandage on his head. It was dry which meant Lil had done an exceptional job stitching him up. No time to look for the head scarf, so he replaced his cavalier's hat over his bare head and did his best to adjust it to hide the white bandage. If only the bloody room would quit spinning so often. He squeezed his eyes shut for a moment. The pitch and roll of the ship was one thing, having the floor trying to replace the ceiling was quite another.

His eyes snapped open, someone was coming into the room. There was nothing to be done for it now. Quietly He pulled his rapier, then filled his other hand with the bullwhip. Wench entered quickly keeping an eye to the hall, and quietly closed the door. Turning to the room she saw Jack.

"Now that's not a proper greeting." She tapped one foot in front of her, and placed her hands on her hips. "Just where do you think your going, Mr. Roberts? Your supposed to be resting!"



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Reply author: Welsh Wench
Replied on: 02/07/2008 20:26:13
Message:

Black Jack Roberts said quietly, "I was going to try to seek employment elsewhere before I was asked to quit. But it seems I had a momentary lapse of consciousness."
Wench walked over and held her hand out. "I'll be taking that piece of fine steel, Jack. And the whip."
He clutched them tighter. "I say they be staying with me."
Jack sat back down and said, "I guess I feel a bit light-headed. Must be low blood sugar."
"Or lack of blood."
She picked up his feet and threw them back on the bed. Then she gently pushed his shoulders down.
"Why, Captain Wench! Do you think this is wise? With your husband so close by?"
She laughed and said, "My husband has not exercised his conjugal rights in some time. Besides, he would never kick a man when he was down. Only when he wasn't looking."

Wench sat on the edge of the bed and took Jack's boots off. He laid back and said, "Why, Captain Wench! I was thinking that my boots could end up under YOUR bed."
She laughed. "Aye. But I share the room with a co-captain and he's a light sleeper. What you really need right now, as opposed to a romp on the high seas, is a good deal of rest."

She walked over to Elinor who was sleeping soundly on the cot. Wench tucked the covers up over Elinor and pushed Elinor's hair out of her face.
"Oh, Elinor, forgive me for not being there to protect you."

Jack turned to Wench and said, "You really do care about your crew, don't you?"
She came over and sat back on the bed with Jack. "I certainly do. These people have stayed with me through thick and thin. They could have left when we were in Glen Livet. But they didn't. When we were ready to sail, they signed on again. Even Brother Timothy. OK, so he has a dog to find. Cade will take care of Amber."
Jack Roberts' ears perked up. "Cade? An unusual name."
Wench nodded. "Yes. Captain Cade Jennings."
"Friend of yours?"
"Sort of."
"Ah. Say no more."

Wench changed the subject. "Let me take a look at your head. After all, when you signed on with my crew, I am duty sworn to protect you."
"Even from you, Milady?"
Wench laughed and removed Jack's hat and put it on her own head. "You'll get this back in a moment. Oh...nice. Nice job Lilaney did. You, Jack Roberts, are one fortunate man. The angels smiled on their favorite son!"
She put the hat under the bed. "Everything will be safe here. No one is allowed in here but the captains, Duckie and Lilaney. And you can trust them."

She bent over and kissed Jack Roberts on the forehead. "Now get some rest. Seems I have an appointment to get drunk with my husband. He'd better have a stiff drink for me."
She lowered the oil lamp wick and covered Jack up with the blanket.
"I'll check on you later, luv."

Jack smiled in the dark as the door closed softly.
He said to himself, 'Cade Jennings. You sly dog! Taking her ship to lure her away from her husband. Well done, cousin. Well done.'

Title: Re: DEAD MAN'S TAVERN I
Post by: Welsh Wench on May 19, 2008, 09:18:22 PM
Reply author: Lilaney
Replied on: 02/08/2008 12:25:28
Message:

"MimbleWimble!"
Lil sat straight up in her hammock just as the ship dipped and tossed her merrily sideways out of the canvas sling.
Smacking her hands rather roughly on the deck, she rolled and came up on her knees.
"Hurts every time, some day I gotta stop doing that."
As the ship settled back into an easy roll Lil shakily stood up, blinking in the darkness, adjusting her eyesight for the night. A single whale-oil lamp dimly lit the space.
Kate was sleeping soundly in what used to be Brigg's old bed, Elinor's pallet in the corner was unoccupied and the bed neatly made. The whole room was at rest, except Lil.
Something hade woken her straight out of a drugged dream. She listened hard.
Sighing and rubbing her sore head as the last of the tainted water faded from her view, she turned and headed silently out of the cabin, down the passage way and back into the surgery.
"Time for the night rounds" she mumbled, still feeling groggy she held a steadying hand against the bulkhead as she made her way into the room.
Quietly, she stuck her head in and saw two still bodies where she left them.
'Wonder who took off his boots?' Lil thought as she silently entered the space. Shrugging and thinking Duckie must have finished up after her wobbly departure, she turned to her head wound victim first.
Not wanting to wake an injured Pirate, she knew how grumpy they could get if disturbed, she used what dim light there was and assesed the damage. A tiny almost insignificant spot of blood was on the bandage.
'Hmmm' she thought to herself, he must have woken up at least once tonight. Nodding her satisfaction at him, she then moved to Elinor, who was stirring slightly.
"Shhh, rest now, write later" Lil whispered as she laid a cooling hand on Elinor's forehead.
She felt warm.
Frowning slightly, Lil went and dipped a small pot of water from the corner, quietly she mixed in three drops of rose water and returned back to her friend's side. Gently wiping a cloth over Elinor's forehead, she saw Elinor start to relax a bit, her face still in a stern frown.
Lil sat the water on the floor and got a three legged stool to place near Elinor's head.
Scooting it as close as she could, Lil picked the water back up and began to observe her friend. She looked overhead and prayed to the heavens.
"Please let this be a sniffle."



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Reply author: Elinor Hakebourne
Replied on: 02/08/2008 15:36:12
Message:

As the night waned, and most were sleeping in their beds, those passing by Dr. Gander's surgery would have perceived both patients to be sleeping peacefully. Anyone, save Dr. Gander himself, or Lilaney who now sat beside her friend as she lay sleeping. The fever she felt upon Elinor's forehead told her that all was not as well as it should be, as did the frown upon the young scribe's face.

As Lil sat beside her and hoped that her ailments were minimal, Elinor dreamed. Not dreams of balls and mice and pumpkins, but dreams that seemed ripped from her life and fashioned into frightening, confusing monstrosities that blurred the lines of reality and fiction.

"You have people here who care about you, and were worried when you had gone with little word," he said, "Can you say the same of your shipmates?"

Yes! She wanted to say, but she found she couldn't, words escaping her. The kind, playful face of her fiancee retained its happiness, twisting it to now sport a malicious grin, "What will your captain do when she finds that you're no longer of use to her as a scribe, that you can hardly grip your quill? And when you do, you make a scrawl not fit for the most foolhardy of men, utterly unintelligible and not suitable for the logs of any ship?"

"She--she wouldn't!" She blurted out, but her words seemed lost to him as they stood on the road in Glenlivet where she had left him. The grin never left his face. "What will you do when you come back, having failed in your grand plans, to find I am no longer waiting for you like the dutiful friend I've always been?" And suddenly, Elinor found herself far away from him, unable to reach him. As she gazed, she saw an elegant woman, dressed in a beautiful gown of dark blue, her long brown hair delicately arranged with flowers, striding up to him. He took her in his arms. She smiled triumphantly at Elinor. "Finally," Luke exclaimed. "A woman who cares enough to stay with me, and not stupidly join a crew where she gets shot because she hasn't enough skill or luck to protect her!" He smiled at the foreign girl, and they kissed. To Elinor's dismay, the kiss didn't seem to end, but seemed to perpetuate forever, and no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't look away from the sight. "Luke!" She cried.

"I could transcribe for you," a voice said behind her.

Elinor swiveled around and saw the figure of Julian standing there, assuming the same haughty posture and attitude he'd taken when they'd first met. "But I doubt it'd help. Once you're off this ship, I'll go my way and you'll go yours. Do you think that you'll still be wanted by your crew? You can't defend yourself, and your crewmates can't keep making up for your failures," he continued.

Suddenly she and Julian were on board the El Lobo, and he was glancing at the parchment that contained the new pages of the ship's logs as she held them, folded in her grasp. "I suppose I can work with this for the time being," he remarked, grabbing the pages hastily and unfolding them, glancing at their contents. "Though your sense of continuity is quite absent, I'm sure you're glad that no one else looks at these, aren't you?"

"Brother Timothy has--" Elinor began.

"But not in great detail, has he? Anyone with any skill in this art would be very disappointed. It's interesting anyone on your crew tolerates you," he mused.

"They don't just tolerate me, at least, I don't think--"

"Nevermind, I'll spend some time neatening your work up, and then we can move forward, is that satisfactory?" Julian asked. "It shouldn't take but a few weeks," he added nonchalantly.

"A few weeks?" Elinor's eyes bulged. "I thought I did a serviceable job with this--"

"And it is good I am here to set you right," Julian finished calmly. "But you'll have to not stand in the light, Elinor, I cannot do this work if you're blocking the light!"

Elinor whirled around again. "But I'm not--"

"Your shadow," Julian calmly replied. Elinor moved, so her shadow was not blocking the sunlight that she now noticed was present. No matter where she stepped, however, the sunlight seemed to follow, persistantly creating a shadow over Julian's work.

"Elinor!" Julian said sharply from his position, "Your scrawl is unintelligible as it is! Stop blocking the light!"

"I'm trying!" Elinor exclaimed, her eyes flooding with tears.

"I have too many things to do, to be concerned about you," a voice reached her ears, a familiar, usually friendly voice. Elinor now found herself in the surgery, being lifted off her cot and and brought back out onto the main deck, which was now draped in night. "Captain Wench told me to tell you you're too much to deal with. Goodbye." And with that, Lil grabbed Elinor by the waist and dangled her out the side of the ship.

"You know how to swim, don't you?" But now the figure holding her dangerously off the side of the ship was Luke, smiling playfully at her from when they were younger. No, now it was Dr. Gander. "I am glad that you are feeling better," he said, smiling. "Now I must tend to the other wounded," he replied, and released his grasp. "No, please!" Elinor cried, but, once again, her words were lost as she fell downwards to the sea below. As the deck of the El Lobo became hidden from her sight, she screamed.

"Elinor!"

Who would be calling for her? No one was around, at least, not that she could see. The water enveloped her as soon as she hit it, wrapping her in a coldness that made her heart thump fast in her chest. "ELINOR!" The hiss was louder now. She looked around, searching for it, and found her right shoulder being grabbed gently, shaking her.

"You'll wake the whole ship screaming like that!" Lil hissed, a statement that seemed to pull her reluctantly from the world of dreams back into the real world. Her eyes sprang open, searching around wildly. She made to sit up, but found her left shoulder immobile with the injury she'd sustained that day. "I'm not in the water?" She asked, confused. She glanced at her position laying on top of a cot in Dr. Gander's surgery and her eyes flitted towards the door. "I'm still on the ship?" She asked. "I'm so cold..."

Then she noticed Lilaney sitting beside her, a cloth in her hand. "You're not going to t-throw me overboard are you?" She asked, her eyes truly filling up with tears. She did her best to shrink away from her friend, fearing for her life as the nightmarish dreams she'd just had refused to fade away. Her heart was beating fast, and her face was hot. She had to stop momentarily to catch her breath. "C-Captain Wench will still want me on her crew even with my injury, right?" she asked Lil in a small voice.

"Not if you keep making that kind of noise, she won't," said a voice from the doorway. Elinor's eyes flicked toward the door once more and her eyes grew wide with fear. Captain Wench stood in the doorway.


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Reply author: Blackjack Roberts
Replied on: 02/08/2008 18:17:15
Message:

Honor walked into the surgery, the concern on her face belying her glib manner. "How is she, Lil?" She whispered.

"She says she's cold, but you can see and feel for yourself, she's burning up." Lil whispered back. "She's having delirious dreams in the bargain."

"Thugee." Blackjack's voice brought them all about to find him setting up once again on the edge of the cot, pulling his boots on.

"What was that, Mr. Roberts?" Dr. Gander demanded, scowling to see the buccaneer determined to defy his orders to rest.

"Did any see the bastard what shot her?" Jack responded once again rising unsteadily to his feet.

"Blackjack! Lay down this instant! That is an order!" Wench was livid. It was enough she had to deal with Eleanor's turn for the worse, she certainly was not prepared to watch the newest member of her crew commit suicide.

"As you wish, Malady." Jack sat back down, but made no move to lay back down. "Now would someone please answer my question? The lass's life may depend on the answer!"

"No!" Lil spoke up. "No one saw who the shot came from. Are ye daft? All hell was blazing away up there, but I think it came from where you and Captain Wench were fighting on the frigate."

"That's what I thought." Blackjack squeezed his eyes shut against the throbbing in his skull. "Odds are it came from one of Dagget's lackeys."

"And just what would that have to do with it?" Duckie asked, curious.

"Ever notice that Malcolm's men are for the most part dark skinned, and do not speak?" Jack continued fighting to think against the dizziness that threatened to overwhelm him. "That's because they are Punjabi Thugee. A cult of religious murderers from India."

"God's Teeth!" Duckie cursed. "I thought that's what you said."

"Figures you would know of them, Sawbones." Jack chuckled as he gave in and lay back down on the cot. "Odds are that musket ball was poisoned with their special brand. If so I may have a solution. In the bottom of my sea bag there's a little rosewood box. Don't ask how I got it. Inside are three small bottles. It's the antidote. I intended to fetch it myself, but I don't think I'll be doing that right now."

"I know where it is." Captain Wench exclaimed as she ran out of the door. "I'll be right back."

"What about yourself, Jack?" Duckie asked feeling Jacks head for any sign of fever. "You were shot from the other ship before it left."

Blackjack laughed. "No worries there, Sawbones. Malcolm won't let one of his dogs do me in if he can help it. He wants that pleasure for himself, and he's too confident in his own abilities to think otherwise. Now if you'll excuse me, I do believe I'm going to take a bit of a nap."


Title: Re: DEAD MAN'S TAVERN I
Post by: Welsh Wench on May 19, 2008, 09:19:34 PM
Reply author: Welsh Wench
Replied on: 02/09/2008 21:12:59
Message:

Wench came back with the bottles.
"Which one is it, Jack? Before you drift off."
Blackjack turned his head towards Wench's voice and said, "They are all the same. I stocked up. Give her a few drops under her tongue and then pour some on the wound."
Wench handed it to Lil. Removing the bandage, she did just as Blackjack had told them.
"Now we wait."

Elinor, in her delirium, clutched Wench's hand and pleaded, "Please! You won't feed me to the sharks, will you? I promise I'll be good. I'll learn to write all over again, Captain! I'm not useless. Please! Please!"
Wench's eyes filled with tears at the desperation in her young crewmate's voice.
She gently pushed the hair out of Elinor's eyes and smiled at her with affection.
"Elinor, dear, I'd never do that! You are like a little sister to me."
She held Elinor's hand and felt the dry heat coming off them.
She turned to Duckie and said viciously, "Do something! DO SOMETHING!"
Duckie said, "All we can do is wait. I only pray we are not too late."
Wench shook her head and looked to Lilaney.
"I won't allow it. I won't allow Elinor to die. I forbid it. Do you hear me? I FORBID IT!"

Lilaney said sternly, "Wench, you are getting yourself all upset. Just like you did when Daemon Vardus blew himself up. You even threatened us with a sword if Daemon died. And Martin had to take you in a headlock and drag you up on deck and then he doused you with that 55-gallon drum of water."
Wench winced at that memory.
"Ruined a good pair of suede boots, too. Alright, Lil, I'll stay calm. For Elinor."
Elinor's teeth chattered and she was shivering but her skin was burning hot.
Wench and Lil took turns washing her face off to cool her down.

Wench walked over to Black Jack and adjusted the blankets, covering him up. Through sleep-laden eyes, he mumbled, "You know, Captain, you are beginning to look like an angel...."
Wench said, "What? OH! That! Well, that's the light in back of me. The sun is starting to go down and gives me that Lady Madonna look. Believe me, in front of that light beats the heart of a fallen angel. If you could see my halo, you'd see it was dented."
Blackjack smiled and took her hand.
"I thank you for all you have done."
She touched his cheek and said, "It works both ways, Jack. You put Jonas Corwin in his place and you saved my life earlier today."
He squeezed her hand and said, "I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship!"
She laughed and said, "Some day, some one is going to say that in the future as the standard for unlikely relationships!"

"Captain! Come quick!" Lilaney shouted.
Wench hurried over, fear on her face.
"Is she...is she...." Wench could feel the tears welling up in her eyes.
"Yes, she is."
Wench could hardly whisper, "She's...gone?"
"What are you talking about?"
"Her face. It's clammy and grey."
Lil grinned, "Her fever broke! She's breathing normally! Wench, she's going to be alright, thanks to Black Jack Roberts!"
Wench and Lil both wiped tears of joy from their faces.
Jack Roberts closed his eyes and said, "Thank God I was right!"
Wench touched his hand and said softly, "I can never repay you, Jack. You saved her."
He squeezed her hand and said, "I think we are even, Wenchie."
She smiled at the name he called her and then she said, "I have to tell Jack and Briggs."

She went up to the nautical map room. There Jack and Briggs had a bottle of Jamaican rum and were sitting there with their pipes.
Wench came in and sat down.
"Elinor is going to be alright. The fever broke."
Then she burst out crying.
"I need a drink. Several of them. Hell, I need the whole damn bottle!"





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Reply author: Mad Jack Wolfe
Replied on: 02/09/2008 23:21:19
Message:

Briggs fetched another cup, which Jack promptly filled. Honour took it and gulped down the dark liquor.

"More," she coughed, and the tears started again.

"Better fetch another bottle or two, Josiah. This could be a long night."

"Aye, and a few kerchiefs," Briggs said as he left the room.

"Which was worse, darling?" Jack asked her as he filled her cup again.

"Worse? I don't follow."

"This little tiff today, or the Mercedes? Which was worse?"

Honour dabbed her eyes and drank a little more rum. "I don't know... Why are you bringing Mercedes up again, anyway?

"Let's call it 'professional curiosity'. Which experience was worse?"

She thought about the question for a moment, still not sure where his typical pretzel logic was going. "Well, the Mercedes incident was horrible. And you made it unbearable afterwards."

Briggs reentered the room with more rum and a pile of kerchiefs for Honour. "So, what have I missed?" he asked.

"Just Jack trying to see how angry he can make me."

Briggs sighed heavily and poured more rum in everyone's cups. He hoped they didn't notice him move the sugar bowl and salt cellar well out of Honour's reach.

"All right, now," Jack said. "Honour, my darling, you're... right. I have yet to thank you properly for saving my life that day. Now that that's taken care of..."

"What did you just say?" she asked incredulously.

"Something that will most likely drive us further away from an answer to my original question."

"Did you just apologize?"

"An apology wrapped in a thank you, drizzled with a bit of humility, yes. Why?"

"Mother and child. He did in front of a witness," Briggs whispered.

"Can this day possibly get any more confusing?!" She drained her cup, and the tears began again. Josiah tried to be helpful by filling her cup and offering a fresh kerchief.

"Which leads me back to my original question! Given the choice, which experience was worse?"

"This conversation," she said, then blew her nose and disposed of the soiled kerchief in Jack's cup.

"Humour me, and I promise your one answer will answer a thousand others."

She thought about both days; the guns, blades, and blood. She thought about Jack getting shot right before her eyes, and her desperate makeshift surgery to save his life. Then she thought about poor Elinor, and Roberts."

"Today," she answered flatly.

"Why?"

"Because before, I was only a small player, helping where I could. But today... people I'm supposed to watch over and care for nearly died. It was worse than thinking you were dead. I'm sorry, I know that's not the answer you were looking for..."

Jack plucked her kerchief from his cup and pour more for the both of them. "What you told me was exactly what I was looking for, love." He clinked his cup against hers. "It is indeed an honour to share a table and glass with you, Captain Wolfe."






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Reply author: Hibernian
Replied on: 02/10/2008 23:04:03
Message:

The wind upon his face felt good and with the slight roll of the ship combined in an almost dreamlike state as he slowly recovered from the battle. It was always like this after a battle, the mind and body one minute frantically trying to respond to a thousand impulses and now it was an effort to keep his arms and legs from turning into pudding. The experience of the years has taught him this would soon past, but the advancement of the years has brought new aches and pains in places he never knew before.

Standing alone looking back over the Lobo's stern he watched the Pride engage and with the lowering of the English ensign capture the last frigate. "Good for you Guard'n now give a taste of the hell they've been giving us for past 100 years!" A muscle spasm in his back brought a low complaint followed by a heaven sent apology from his lips "Hey that hurt! I know, I know, you didn't have to kick me in the sore spot Lord, I shouldn't take pleasure in other's misfortunes as it were, but they deserve that one at least. Its about time the Irish got a bit of their own against the English."

His quiet time of reflection was suddenly interupted by the call of the watch to the sails and the Lobo's sudden shift in direction. Brother Timothy stood off and watched the helmsman wrestle the ship's wheel back under control before he approached "Helmsman, are we no longer on pursuit of the Knight Hammer?"
"You're a nosey one aren't you, what concern is it of yours, the Lobo heads where Capt'n Jack wants it to head."
"And where is it that Capt'n Jack fancies heading now?"
"None of your business where we're heading." Looking down his nose at the monk the helmsman continued "I imagine if you were meant to know you would know now wouldn't ya."

Cutting off the retort before it was spoken, Brother Timothy step over to the compass to observe the ship's current heading.
"Hey what are you doing, get away from there..." and as the helmsman tried to closed the lid of the compass case the monk's right hand connected with the back of the pirate's skull. Jumping quickly away the helmsman couldn't know of the long line of monastic novices and students he had just joined; all sharing the same experience of feeling the mighty hand of Timothy upon their crown.

"Never" Brother Timothy using his stern voice straight from the diaphram "do that again.It's one thing to play dumb, although I'm not sure it takes much effort on your part, and not answer simple questions. But do not attempt to get physical with me or in my way. That was a soft tap, it can get worse."

One hand on the wheel for the ship and one hand rubbing the growing goose egg on the back of his head he watched the monk step forward to the compass and pull out a small leather bound book. Carefully the ties around the book were undone and the monk leafed through as if looking for a specific page.

"Looking to say your prayers priest? Perhaps if you pray hard enough a voice of heaven will come down and announce where we're heading?"

"My friend you should tend to something you are familiar with such as your aching head and not religion, while it is true the monks of St. Brendan are known for their prayers, I am long past needing a breviary. You may not realize it but the founder of my Order was a great navigator and that tradition continues today, this small log contains copies of charts acquired over the years. Knowing where we were and the current heading will give me an idea of our new destination."

The charts within the log were too small for most details and meant for general use by the traveling brothers. Yet he did not like what he found, knowing their departure point, allowing for the battle and drifting, factor in the Lobo's current heading and he hoped he was wrong.

Even if only half the stories told were true, the Captain wouldn't be foolish enought to take this crew to that devil of an island. Carefully lacing the ties around the book the monk turned to go.

"So where do you think we're heading priest?"
"Exactly where you deserve to be, straight to hell."


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Reply author: Welsh Wench
Replied on: 02/14/2008 20:45:38
Message:

"'Captain Wolfe. How strange that sounds. I mean, after all, there can only be one Captain Wolfe. I'm thinking of changing my name back to 'Bright'. But then again, they all know me as Captain Wench."
Briggs laughed. "I remember the night we met you. You even gave us the name as Honour Bright back then."
Wench took a deep drink of her rum. Lord, how it went down smooth after the first one....

She let out a little hiccup and then laughed softly.
Jack poured another cup and slid it towards her.
She held up her finger. "Ah, ah, ah...it won't work this time, Jack I am sa...sa..sav...I am wise as to what you are like. But that doesn't stop me from taking the rum you offer."

She took a deep drink of it and looked over her cup at her misplaced husband. He looked exactly the same as he did the day he sailed off. Co-incidently it was the next day that Cade sailed off. And she followed the day after that. She had to close the deal on the sugar plantation in Barbados. Too bad, Jack, that you reneged on your promise to give up the life of pyracy. And now ironically, I am sucked into it, she thought.

Jack raised his eyebrow and looked at her. "Why the cryptic smile, wifey?"
She leaned back in her chair. "Just thinking about how strange life is."

She looked out the bay windows over to the horizon and her mind thought back to the two weeks preceding her hasty departure from El Lobo del Mar.The battle with the Mercedes had taken its toll on the ship. Not to mention the fact that Jack was felled by a sniper in the Mercedes' rigging. Jack claimed he didn't see him because Wench had been hiding in a longboat and he was distracted when he saw her.
She remembered clearly how she had to dig the ball out of Jack's shoulder with a dagger. And how she tried to take care of him.
That seemed to be the turning point in their relationship.
Then Cade Jennings came to Bridgetown.
And that was when her marriage unraveled.

Jack had sailed off to meet Armand LaFourche about the location of a treasure.
Treasure. All for a treasure.
Jack couldn't see that their marriage was trashed. Cade was only a symptom, not the cause.
She thought back to Captain James Blake and how he helped her out. James did more for her at that time than anyone else and he was the keeper of her secret.
The secret.
The real reason why she left Captain Jack Wolfe.

"Honour?"
"Hmmm?"
"Where were you? You were a million miles away."
"I'm sorry. Did you say something?"
"I asked if you wanted a refill on your cup?"
She brought her attention back to Jack Wolfe and said a bit too brightly, "I can't see any reason why not, Captain Wolfe. Pour it. And keep them coming."


Reply author: Welsh Wench
Replied on: 02/15/2008 11:37:50
Message:

"Did we really drink that much rum?"
Wench up-ended the bottle and watched as a few drops fell into her cup.
Jack looked over and said, "Three dead soldiers laying on the floor, I guess we did."
He kicked the three bottles out of the way.

The sun was beginning to set. Jack offered Wench another cup and she said, "Alright. But this is the last one. I'm starting to get a headache."
She rubbed her temples. "Right...in...here. It's gone all the way down to my shoulders."
Briggs poured himself a cup. "Tension. The day has a way of lodging into your muscles. Plus you are getting old, Honour." He winked at Jack.
Wench grew indignant. "Speak for you and your old man Captain, Briggs. I'm at least fifteen years younger than you two!"

Jack stood behind her and put both his hands on her shoulders. He said, "Want a neck and shoulder massage?"
He dropped down to a whisper, "It always made you purr before."
She retorted, "That was Puddin' laying on the pillow. Don't give yourself credit where none is due."
He put his hands up. "Do you want it or don't you?"
She grabbed his hands from behind and put them on her shoulders.
"I didn't say I didn't want it now, did I?"

As Jack began to give her a neck massage, she closed her eyes.
"Mmm...you haven't lost your touch, Jack. Now where did you say we were headed?"
"La Ville du Traitre."
"Has to be an interesting story there. Care to tell me about it?"
Jack looked over at Briggs and said, "You want to do the honours, Josiah?"
Josiah Briggs laughed and said, "With pleasure. You know how I love to spin a good yarn, Jack...."



Title: Re: DEAD MAN'S TAVERN I
Post by: Welsh Wench on May 19, 2008, 09:22:32 PM
Reply author: Mad Jack Wolfe
Replied on: 02/15/2008 11:40:42
Message:

The quartermaster topped off his cup, took a long sip, and let out a dramatic sigh. Briggs was in his idiom; the master storyteller was on stage.

"Only a day or so's sail from here," he intoned, "there be a forbiddin' island of jagged black rock called Île d'Enfer - Hell Island. The French chose it to build a prison to get rid of the very worst of the worst. Every murderer, swindler, scoudrel and pirate they could get their hands on was locked away in this massive prison they built right in the middle of a fortress. They gave the prison the name City of Traitors, La Ville du Traitre.

Now, the French, they knew that it would be only a matter time before some crew would have half a mind to attack the prison to spring their mates, so they ringed the entire island with batteries of cannons, coverin' every navigable approach. And it worked. At least for a while."

With all them guns protectin' 'em, well, those Frenchies got plenty complacent behind the walls of La Ville du Traitre, and the governor of that black rock was more than willin' to turn a blind eye to how the prisoners were bein' treated. Finally, the inmates had had enough of their sadistic gaolers. They rioted, and it weren't long before they had complete control of the fortress. They kept every approaching ship away as they set about stagin' drumhead trials, 'til every last one of the soldiers was hung by the neck and left to dry in the sun."

It's told that they had a special fate for the governor. Oh, no, they didn't let him go, nor throw him into the sea. They figured that he'd done such a good job overseein' the affairs of the island and it's inhabitants, that he ought to stay on and continue to watch over them. If ye take a close look at the flagpole atop the high tower, you'll see the good governor's skull dutifully at it's station watchin' everything that goes on."

The port is open only to those what fly the black flag. All others, well... lets just say they the welcome they get is warmer than they can handle."

Briggs took a drink and sat back, a self-satisfied smile on his face. "So, there be the tale of La Ville du Traitre."

Honour blinked, then looked up at Jack. "Remind why we're going to such a god-forsaken place?"

"Because, darling, we're pirates, they only welcome pirates, and we don't have to worry about the English."
"Are there boutiques?"
"No."
"Shoe stores?"
"No."
"Gourmet foods?"
"No."
"Day spas?"
"Ummmmm...no."
"No wonder they call it 'Hell Island'."
"It's not that bad, really -"
"We're going to an island that has absolutely nothing worthwhile on it? I have a pair of boots that need repair!"
"I'll tell you what; next port, I'll buy you a new pair," Jack offered.
"A new pair?"
"A better pair."

Honour considered the offer as she drank her rum. "Two pair. And a hat."
"Done,"sighed Jack.


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Reply author: Blackjack Roberts
Replied on: 02/17/2008 07:45:03
Message:

Blackjack lay back on the cot, his arms folded behind his head. As long as he lay back his head didn't throb as badly as when he tried to stand. He owed Malcolm for this headache and intended to collect with interest as soon as he crossed paths with the dog again. There was also his current situation to consider. He had to reveal more of himself than he had intended to save the scribe's life. That the decision was worth it, there was no doubt, but the doctor was far more knowledgeable than Jack was comfortable with.

True, Duckie had not taken the razor from it's hiding place and that was encouraging, but had he searched while Jack was unconscious? Did he know about the other, more exotic weapons Jack kept hidden? Perhaps. Perhaps not. Most of them would not be recognized as weapons by the larger part of the populace and they had been instrumental in aiding his besting of Dagget on several occasions over the years.

Jack's mentor's had taught him well, and one of their first rules was secrecy beyond all else. His own training under their tutelage, although no where near the level of skill they themselves possessed, was the key he needed for the destruction of Terrance Blackwood. He had spent the years since leaving England seeking them out in the darkest, most dangerous corners of the Earth. Each success another step toward his goal.

As the Sawbones had correctly guessed he did not care if he lived or died, only that he could send that noble son of a pig to Hades first. Or at least take the bastard with him. Blackwood may be above the law, but that wouldn't put him above paying for his crimes. Not if Jack had anything to say about it.

"Think nothing of it, Lass." He had grinned. "I've more than enough wealth, and should the need arise I can always lay my hands on quite a bit more."

"You are of the nobility then?" She asked, and he noted the flash of fear that lit her deep brown eyes.

"Nay, Miss Kenward." Jack laughed, relived to see the fear leave her as he spoke. "Just a successful man of business. I trade in gold and jewelry mostly." He wondered why she would have a fear of the nobility. She was obviously high born herself, he had robbed far to many of her class not to recognize that about her.

"Again I must thank you for your assistance, Mr......?" She smiled genuinely for the first time, and Jack felt it to his very core.

"Roberts, Miss Kenward. Jack Roberts, at your service." He lightly kissed the back of her soft fingers.

"Mr. Roberts." Jenny continued to smile. "But I fear you may be in danger because of me. My Father's men may return in greater numbers, and so I must leave here with haste. I may suggest you do the same." She rose from the table to go.

"Well then," Jack grinned rising to his own feet. "If we both should have to leave, would it not be wise for us to accompany each other for our own safety?"

For a moment Jenny Blackwood thought of refusing the offer. She knew nothing of this man and there was no telling what his true intentions were. Yet there was something in his blue green eyes, something in his deep voice that spoke to her inside. Though it was against her better judgment she found herself saying. "I think I would like that, Mr. Roberts, Thank you."

Jack tossed several gold crowns onto the table. Holding Jenny's cloak for her as she slipped back into it they then left the Crown and Scepter, his hand hovering protectively near the small of her back without touching her. Once outside they mounted their horses and turned to the west road.

"Where should we go from here, Mr. Roberts?" She asked.

"I've a small cottage near Birmingham, Miss Kenward." He offered. "I live alone, and there is a spare room. I swear neither I, nor any other will touch you there, and it should prove to be the last place your father will think of to look for you."



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Reply author: Welsh Wench
Replied on: 02/19/2008 20:54:30
Message:

Wench stood up a little shakily. She immediately sat back down in her seat.
"You alright?" Jack asked.
She nodded.
Briggs replied, "Two of those bottles of rum were the ones you drank, Honour. Jack and I switched to Irish whisky a while back."
She folded her arms and laid her head on the navigational charts table.
"Why did you let me drink so much?"
Jack almost sprayed his whisky in Briggs' face.
"Since when did I ever have control over you?"
Wench shrugged. "Once upon a time I might have done what you wanted."
She stood again. "I'm going to the in--in--infir----infirmararymary. Have to check on my crew, doncha know?"
Jack slapped her on the rump when she turned around and said, "Ya you betcha!"
She fumbled around for her bodice dagger and when she couldn't find it, she leaned over to Jack and whispered, "Remind me to stab you later."

Wench made her way to the infirmary by holding onto the wall. She didn't dare let go of it so she kicked the door with her foot.
Duckie answered the door and burst out laughing. Wench had hit the opposite wall and slid down, sitting on the floor.
He chuckled as he grabbed her by the hand and hoisted her to her feet.
"Just like old times, eh, Honour? Jack plied you with Jamaican rum, didn't he?"
"Non--non--nonsense. I plied myself with it."
She tried to straighten her shirt and went to adjust her hat but it was not on her head. But a few of the feathers were stuck in her hair.
"You look like a plucked chicken. Shouldn't you be in bed?"
"Why, Doctor Gander, that's a very interesting invitation. But shh! Not in front of my crew. They lose respect for you if they think you are a floo---floo--floo..."
"A tart?"
She put her finger up and said, "Precisely!"

"Duckie, I need to check on my kids."
The doctor laughed. "This is your crew, Honour. Not your kids. Although I think you would make a wonderful, caring mother."
Wench ignored that comment and asked, "Can I see them?"
"Why not come back tomorrow, Honour? Black Jack Roberts saved Elinor's life and they are both sleeping."
She motioned Duckie closer and whispered in his ear, "Promise?"
"I promise you, Captain Wolfe Jr. They will be better tomorrow. And so will you."
"I'm ho-holding you to that, Duckie."
She then started to tear up.
"Duckie?"
"Yes, my little commander?"
"Jack is sending me to hell."
"Honour, I hardly think that the relationship you have with Jack will send you to eternal torment in fiery flames. Although if you hang around with Jack long enough, you just may end up there. As he always said, 'Better parties'".
She shook her head. "You don't understand. He is taking us to Le Ville de Traitre."
Duckie exploded, "Is he out of his mind? After what..."
"After what?"
"Never mind. Why don't you go to bed, Honour. And take this."
He handed her a package of powder.
"What is this?"
"Take it with water--NOT rum--and you just may ward off the headache that is heading your way."
Honour gave Duckie a kiss on the cheek and said, "Have I ever told you how much I adore you?"
"Yes, you have. But that is besides the point."
Honour paused at the door and asked, "Duckie?"
"Yes, darlin'?"
"What does one wear to a party in hell?"
"Red."
"Oh. OK. I think I have a red dress for it."
"Honour?"
"Yes, Duckie?"
"Go to bed. Good night."
She sighed and said, "You're the doctor."
As she walked out, Duckie heard her say to herself, 'Wonder what kind of boots you wear to a party in hell? And I have to get a new hat for it....'

Wench managed to find her way into the captain's quarters. She laughed when she saw the rope strung up and the sailcloth curtain down the middle of the bed. She threw her clothes in the corner of the room, crawled into bed and wrapped herself in the coverlet.
But visions of new hats, boots and hellish parties danced in her head.

Title: Re: DEAD MAN'S TAVERN I
Post by: Welsh Wench on May 19, 2008, 09:24:29 PM
Reply author: Lilaney
Replied on: 02/20/2008 09:54:14
Message:

Duckie quietly shut the door to the surgery and leaned against the aged wood.
'Long day' he muttered; closing his eyes as the weariness of the day begin to set in.
Lil stood in the corner quietly observing the doctor.
He was no great hero, covered in all honor or glory.
But, to this crew he was prized for his knowledge and friendship. The trust that the Captain held for him, the respect this rough and scratchy crew gave him was an oddity on this, the high seas of adventure.
This puzzled Lil.
"Why are you here?"
Her statement in the quiet of the room surprised even herself.
Duckie did not move from his position, nor did he speak.
Nervous energy made Lil fidgety, and kept her moving while Duckie remained motionless.
Putting away supplies from changing Jack's bandage and cleaning up the area around Elinor's bed, rearranging this and that on the tops of the tables and cabinets while Lil's mind swirled with self-doubt.
It was a Cardinal Rule that one not ask a person why they had chosen the proffesion of Privateer, or Piracy. It was just rude, plus, one might not like the answer they received.
The silence of the room was deafening to Lil, she really could not stand quiet. That sort of situation always lent itself to mean danger.
"Why are you awake when I gave you enough sleeping powder to knock down an Arabian Stallion?"
The statement from so close behind Lil back made her freeze in her current task of rearranging the ink wells on the desk.
Turning slowly, she was relieved to see that Duckie had moved from his position of weariness to now leaning one hip against a cabinet, arms folded casualy,as he stared her down.
Lil felt a thrill of whimsy as she tilted her chin up slightly with pride.
"Because, Doc, I am immune to most standard poisons and potions. It also helps that I am about as similiar to an Arabian horse of either gender, as you are to the Duke of Buckingham."
The tiniest flicker of a smile passed his face before he reset his visage to one of cool calm.
"Be that as it may, you need sleep, just as much as your own dear Captain needs a nap."
"So sayeth the man for whom sleep shall take as he stands before me."
Lil quipped.
He raised a single eyebrow at her.
Lil had taken a similar pose as he had, leaning against the desk, arms folded as she stared him down.
His blues eyes to her brown.
"Touche, so we are agreed; it is sleep for the both of us. It looks like our patients will not be needing either of us for a few hours more and dawn will be upon us faster than one would like."
Lil nodded, but, did not move, neither did the doctor.
"So? Are you going to bed?"
Lil smiled a Cheshire grin.
"You first, Duckie."
"Drake."
Lil's smile faultered slightly.
"Drake?"
Duckie nodded as ,finally, he moved to head out the door.
"That's my name. If we are to be working together you may call me by it."
His hand was on the door when Lil finally looked up from the floor where she stared, pondering.
"Drake?"
"Yes?"
"Sleep Well"
His face softened, and he gave her a true smile for the first time.
"Sweet Dreams, Lilaney."





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Reply author: Blackjack Roberts
Replied on: 02/20/2008 21:54:42
Message:

Blackjack awoke with the first light streaming through the porthole into the surgery. Elinor slept still, but peacefully this time. He smiled. Thank God he had guessed correctly. Most likely the Thuggee had fired at Captain Wench after she brained Dagget and missed when Jack pulled her out of the way of that other back biting swine.

Now yet another safe haven had been ruined for him thanks to Malcolm's ability to show up in his life at the worst possible moments. It certainly wasn't the first time, but Jack knew he would regret this one more than the others. Still he could not deny that it was because of him that the ship had sustained so much damage, and worse of all another lass had almost lost her life. Perhaps it would be better for him to remain on the move, it would certainly be safer for all concerned. You would think he would know better by now, but damn it, even he grew tired of walking life alone sometimes.

If only Mad Jack would have done what Roberts had expected him to, and turned him over to Malcolm. Any other pirate captain wouldn't have thought twice about it. He was beginning to see how the man had earned his name. Dagget would have happily sailed off with his prize without so much as a backward glance, just to satisfy his twisted sense of honor. Elinor would have been safe, happily recording the ship's log, and many a good pirate would still be breathing as well.

"Yer a bloody Albatross is what ye are!!" Cade had shouted at him after the Tortuga incident, as they both threw buckets of water onto the deck fire.

"I told ye not to interfere, Cousin!" Jack shouted back throwing another bucket, and reaching for the next one. One of Malcolm's lackeys had gotten off a fire grenade as they pulled away from the dock, a split second before Blackjack had put a pistol shot between the Thuggee's eyes.

He had just escaped from the brig on Dagget's sloop when Cade Jennings and the rest of the crew came flying down the dock fully armed, and intent on his rescue. The large crowd had not gone unnoticed and the alarm had been raised. A stealthy departure was out of the question now. Jack quickly released the wire he had slit the guard's throat with and swung down to meet them.

"And what the Hell did ye expect me to do?" Cade shot back. "Leave you to the gallows back in England?"

They had almost made it back to Jennings' ship when Malcolm had caught up with them. In the melee that followed on the dock Jack and Malcolm had engaged in a brutal sword fight that ended when Jack had disarmed Dagget by wrapping Old Hob around Malcolm's blade to jerk it out of his hand, then sent several inches of his own rapier through the man's shoulder. Cade had grabbed him before he could finish the job and they made a run for it as Malcolm's reinforcements ran for their position.


"Regardless, Jack," Cade said sadly as they finally got the fire out. "I'll have you off this ship first port we make for repairs. As long as that maniac is after you my whole crew is at risk. God knows what he'll try next."

It was a scene that had been repeated a few times over the years, sometimes not quite as civilly. No matter how many times Malcolm had caused Blackjack to wear out his welcome he had never quite gotten use to it. Jack didn't expect this time to be any different from the others. At least he had a few good times to add to the others in his memory.

He had just begun to wonder what port he would find himself wandering in this time, and how much of Sparrow's purse was left to get by on when he heard the door begin to open. Quickly he shut his eyes, and pretended to still be asleep as Dr. Gander entered the room.




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Reply author: Elinor Hakebourne
Replied on: 02/24/2008 13:49:30
Message:

The Sun was starting to announce its presence in the sky, letting warm light cover the entirety of the ship, when Julian noticed the ship's surgeon--or, one of them, at least--head back into the surgery. He thought about the patients that rested inside--one in particular--his mind traveling back to the events of the previous day. He remembered being unceremoniously ushered out of the surgery to let the young girl rest, and figured he had no reason or right to entertain the thought of checking up on her to see if she was well.

Seeing as his feet did not often follow reason or right, the scribe of the El Lobo found himself following Dr. Gander, striding into the surgery.

The pirate who had sustained the head wound was resting, as was Elinor. He paused to watch her sleeping, just in time to catch a grin spread across her face for a fleeting moment, the result of what he hoped was a happy dream.

Her bag was slung over a stool next to the cot on which she lay. That bag, he thought. He glanced at the splotches of blood that decorated it, mixing with the ink spills to create a bruised purple hue. She was not prepared to live this life, was she? Noticing him come out of the shadows and approach one of his patients, Dr. Gander gave him a cautious look which Julian answered with a shake of his head. He didn't intend to wake her.

Lifting the flap on the bag, he poked around inside. The glass of the broken inkwells tinkled softly as it was shifted around. The inside of the bag was even more of a mess than the outside. Despite the lack of light caused by his shadow, Julian could see the bag was dark with ink stains, stains that now covered most of the rest of the parchment Elinor had with her. I wonder how long she's had to deal with supplies in this condition? he thought. She should have taken his offer to store her ship logs in the barrel. At least they wouldn't have been ruined by the inkwells smashing once again. He sighed, shaking his head. "She should have known how to fight," he muttered softly.

From her cot, Elinor stirred slightly, slowly waking up from her deep sleep. Opening her eyes, she spotted him crouching down beside her bag, one hand still inside it. Her eyes widened, and then shifted into a glare, her brows furrowing. "Get away from my bag." The voice was firm and steady, a coldness creeping into it that he hadn't heard from her lips before. "I--just--" He stepped away from her bag, putting his hands up in surrender.

"I didn't know you fancy stealing from someone you thought you were better than." The words cut through the air as she spoke them.

"I wasn't stealing," he responded. "Just...inspecting." He blushed in embarrassment, pushing his hair out of his eyes.

"Preparing more jokes at my expense, more ways to elevate yourself above me? I don't need your help, I don't want your help, so you can take your offer of transcription and throw it overboard!" She exclaimed, attempting to sit up, and slowly doing so. "I can handle myself!" She finished, nearly spitting at him. He backed slowly away, looking frightened and confused. Where did that fire come from? he thought.

"Julian, I think it would be best if you departed," Dr. Gander replied cautiously. He gazed back at the surgeon, and moved to walk out of the surgery. He had not gone three paces when he stopped and turned back.

"I was not stealing," he muttered. "I only thought that since we're docking sometime soon, I'd take a look at your belongings, see what kind of supplies you had, in case they could be replenished when we got in port." He paused. "But, I see that you desire to work with inferior supplies alone, so I won't stop you."


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Reply author: Elinor Hakebourne
Replied on: 02/26/2008 12:52:24
Message:

After having fallen asleep once more, Elinor's dreams were far better than they had been. Doubts about her life still lingered at the back of her mind, but they were kept at bay by other, happier thoughts.

Slowly, somewhat reluctantly, pulling herself out of her dreaming sleep, she opened her eyes, and the contentment she'd had vanished from her. Julian was crouched next to her bag, one hand inside it, a startled look upon his face as if he knew he was caught.

She found the words immediately, her voice cracking a little from little recent use. "Get away from my bag." She was surprised at how steady her voice seemed, how cold in tone it was. She'd rarely, if ever, used that tone with anyone. This time it's fitting, though she thought. How dare he?

"I--just--" Julian stepped away from her bag, putting his hands up in surrender.

"I didn't know you fancy stealing from someone you thought you were better than." The words cut through the air as she spoke them. I should have expected it, it isn't like he has been consistently nice. I should have known.

"I wasn't stealing," he responded. "Just...inspecting." He blushed in embarrassment, pushing his hair out of his eyes.

"Preparing more jokes at my expense, more ways to elevate yourself above me? I don't need your help, I don't want your help, so you can take your offer of transcription and throw it overboard!" She exclaimed, attempting to sit up, and slowly doing so. "I can handle myself!" She finished, nearly spitting at him.

She found herself attempting to clench her left fist again, out of instinct and anger, but she found she could barely move the fingers, they were so stiff. You just lied, didn't you? she said to herself, the words echoing in her head. You lied. You need his help. You can't handle this by yourself, not yet. Her eyes flooded with tears momentarily, and she looked away, to prevent Julian from seeing them.

"Julian, I think it would be best if you departed." She could hear Dr. Gander's voice behind her, calm and even. She could hear Julian's footsteps making the journey back towards the door to the surgery, and then they stopped.

"I was not stealing," he muttered. "I only thought that since we're docking sometime soon, I'd take a look at your belongings, see what kind of supplies you had, in case they could be replenished when we got in port." He paused. "But, I see that you desire to work with inferior supplies alone, so I won't stop you."

At this, she turned her head back towards him, blinking the tears of of her eyes and wiping them carelessly on her right sleeve. "That's quite a statement to make. That may be what I desire, but that isn't going to happen yet, and you know that. You know, as well as I do, that a scribe who can't grip her quill is useless. You certainly have a way with insults." Her gaze locked with his. "If we had stuck together in the fight, maybe I wouldn't be in this mess! Instead, you have a starring role in my nightmares, and come in here rifling through my bag, and offer help, then easily accept that I don't want it!" The tears filled up her eyes once again, and she realized absently that they were falling down her face. She didn't care.

"I know when to back down from a fight," Julian replied. "How else am I supposed to deal with you? You are as stubborn as a mule that refuses to move!"

"Deal with me? I didn't know I was someone who had to be dealt with!" Elinor exclaimed. She could feel her face getting hot. Was that fever, or anger?

"Julian!" Dr. Gander replied sharply. "I suggest you keep it to genial conversation, or you leave, as I suggested earlier. She has had a long night, she does not need more trouble now that the Sun has risen!"

Julian came forward, and spoke in a low voice. "I didn't know of your fighting skill, and knew that my crew members needed me in the battle that ensued. I left your side because I was needed elsewhere. Then I saw what happened to you, and I immediately regretted my actions. I've been at this life longer than you have, that is clear to me now. I wasn't even going to enter this room this morning, as I didn't think that I had a right to see you again. But, I wanted to know if you were allright. Last night I heard the commotion that occurred with the fever and the terrors, and I couldn't bear to think--" He paused, his mind calculating how to proceed. He spoke in an even lower voice. "I shouldn't have acted as I did, and I am sorry." He looked uncomfortable now, as if speaking for so long, so intimately, was not something he did--ever--and he looked for a moment as if he regretted his speech.

Elinor looked back at him, stunned. "I should leave," Julian replied. As he made to leave a second time, Elinor grabbed his hand. "Please, stay." He looked at her, confused, but nonetheless, did as he was asked.

Title: Re: DEAD MAN'S TAVERN I
Post by: Welsh Wench on May 19, 2008, 09:27:06 PM
Reply author: Mad Jack Wolfe
Replied on: 02/27/2008 09:10:51
Message:

"... and that thieving snake Luttrelle is sure to gall us for every stick of oak he replaces. But all told, we've suffered worse," said Briggs. He drained his cup, and that's when he noticed Jack hadn't payed attention to a word he'd said. He thought for a second, then put his cup down with a bang.
Jack snapped out of his reverie. "What? Sorry, Josiah. My mind was elsewhere."
"And I'll lay hard money on where it was. Are ye gonna sit there starin' at the door all night? Might as well be done with it, says I. With that belly full of rum she's got, it ain't like she'll throw ye naked out of your own quarters for tryin'."
Jack thought about it for a moment, and a lecherous smile played across his face. "Impeccable logic, as usual," he agreed. The whole room seemed to rock and spin when he stood up, but thanks to plentiful experience he quickly regained his bearings. "Wish me luck," he said as he wobbled out the door.
"Oi, Jack!" Briggs called.
"Eh?"
"Other way."
"Ahh..."

Before long, he was outside his cabin door. He was confident Honour had managed her way back, judging by the odd small feather he found here and there along the companionway. Quietly, he pushed the door open and slipped inside, and to his delight, Honour was already in bed. He scanned the room and spotted her clothed in a heap on the floor. Puddin' had already claimed it as his bed for the night.
"Very good," Jack thought to himself. Looking back at Honour he noticed an oddly wicked smile adorning her lips. His smile broadened when he noticed her bare shoulders.

No chemise.

He was sure the Powers had truly smiled on him. He made his way as stealthily as possible for a drunken pirate to a chair near her side of the bed. The left boot, then the right came off. He used his foot to slide them neatly under the bed, right where she'd be sure to see them. His two belts were a bit more problematic, but manageable. He froze when the clank of a heavy brass buckle made Honour stir, but she didn't wake up. The rest of his clothes came off in short order, and he climbed into his side of the bed. He paused to examine the sailcloth the carpenter had rigged to divide the bed in half. It was an ugly monstrosity, but like any barrier, it was a nothing more than a nuisance to Jack. All he had to do was lift it up and...

It wouldn't move. That snotty carpenter had lashed the bottom of the sailcloth fast to the bed. Undeterred, he felt under the edge of the mattress and found the knife he kept there. He felt around the bottom of the curtain near the headboard until he found the rope. The knife made quick work of the rope as he expected. What he didn't expect was Honour's hand grabbing his wrist. She pulled back the curtain, her nose only an inch or two from his.

"You're the one who always said no weapons in bed," she giggled.
Jack couldn't help but laugh as well. "You're right," he said, and tossed the knife behind him.
She looked at the curtain, then back at him. "Jack Wolfe, are you trying to get on my side of the bed?"
"The thought had crossed my mind, yes."
"We had an agreement," she said, waggling a finger at him. "Your side, my side."
"I was was trying to keep an open mind about things."
"Well, I know about you. You're not open in interested minds."
"I'm not what?"
"I meant 'interested in open minds'." She dissolved into giggles. "I'm drunk."
"See? We still have so much in common."
"I'm not going to fall for your... your charming act. And I know where your hand is."
"Who says I'm acting?"
"See? That was charming. Not falling for it. Nope."
"Honour?"
"Um, yeah?"
"You're talking too much again."
She looked into his eyes, and that wicked smile reappeared. "Then find a way to shut me up," she whispered.

He kissed her gently, and she responded tentatively at first. But all the tension between them, that had been like a powderkeg kept too close to the fire, transformed into a hungry passion that overwhelmed them both. Their hearts raced, their bodies entwined...

And as fate would have it, the drunken lovers passed out within moments of each other.

The morning sun washed over the couple as they slept. Honour was the first to stir. She felt the warmth of his body against hers as she lay in his arms. She smiled and snuggled back against him as a feeling of satisfaction began to glow inside her.

Her eyes flew open. She looked around, wild eyed, realizing where she was. She lifted the covers and looked down at the arm that was wrapped around her. On his forefinger was a wolf signet ring. Then she peeked over the side of the bed.

There they were. Jack's boots.

Honour tried desperately to remember what had happened the night before. She remembered drinking with Jack and Briggs, getting undressed, and Jack being in bed with her. The kissing, the passion, the...

For the life of her she couldn't remember. Had they, or hadn't they?


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Reply author: Martin Montgomery
Replied on: 02/27/2008 23:58:28
Message:

Martin slowly moved around his galley,banking the fire in the stove so it would be still burning in the morning,the pots,pans and dihes from the last meal could wait until his helpers came in to start breakfast. Removing his belt and hanging it on it's peg,he slipped his boots off then eased his bulk into his heavy duty hammock. Rubbing his eyes he thought back over the last day,starting with the running battle between the English ships,the "Lobo" and the the blessed ship of Brother Timothy's "Friends" called the "Pride". He had answered the call for battle by making his way to the chest under his hammock and arming himself with his pair of long daggers a boarding axe and his newest possesions,bought in Glen Livet, a brace of flintlock dueling pistols. Taking the weapons from their case he quickly loaded them and stuck them in his wide belt(no holster or scabbard was supplied with the set,as they were meant to be held until fired.) Clipping on the new pouch that held the pistols powder and shot on his belt as he made his way back to the deck,Martin spoke to himself aloud,"Not satisfied with the life of a traveling merchant! NOOOOOO! You had to Follow adventure! Sign on with this Female Captain who IS a snappy dresser but doesn't know the bow from the stern! Make friends with her motley CREW of LONERS! A Monk,A Female Doctor,A Battleing Scribe,A Sea-Going Highwayman, AND SIGN ON WITH A LONG LOST HUSBAND!! As he spoke the final sentence he burst out onto the deck ,which was now swarming with the fighting crew of the "Lobo"! Lines had been thrown and grappels dug deeply into the rails of both ships and Lord love them all the spirit of adventure swelled in Martin's breast and his pride for the joined crew made him smile widely. A seaman from the attacking english ship swung over on a line that was lashed to the crossmembers of the mast. He landed and drew two pistols ,discharging them even as he dashed towards the main deck,both of his shots hit but weren't instantly fatal one hit a young gunner in his shoulder and the other lodged in a sailers leg. The big man had stepped out from the shelter of the hatch and extended his right arm. The running man's face had went from bloodlust to surprise in the instant before his neck snapped from hitting Martin's forearm! His body fell, limp and lifeless,to the hardwood deck,the cook took the attacker's mismatched pistols,shoving them into his belt,behind his back. He also found and confiscated a full powder flask. The battle was a blur from then on and the hefty man had taken several wounds,none of them life threatening. The call had gone out to cut the ship's free and he had fought through to the rails just as a young boy took a fatal shot from an English seaman,who had paid with his life ,as Lil had decended from the sails like an avenging Valkyre.


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Reply author: Martin Montgomery
Replied on: 02/29/2008 00:35:56
Message:

The firey tempered young woman swung down on a monkeyline that was tied off to the crossmember of the mainmast,her swing was so fast that she seemed to blur across the sky.Martin winced as Lil snatched a handfull of long hair from the English sailor that had just shot the unarmed "Lobo" powdermonkey. She used the extra velocity from her swing to yank the hapless sailor off of his feet and over the side! The cook listened for a splash but he was too far away too hear. Turning towards a chillingly loud scream that set his teeth on edge! A huge English sailor charged across the open deck with a heavy cutlass,already swinging forward,aimed for the burly cooks throat! Snatching the boarding axe from his wide belt Martin got it high enough to block the powerful blow,but lost the weapon from the kinetic energy transfered. Reaching out after the lost weapon with his numbed left hand,Martin's body half turned away from his attacker,who stood poised,weapon raised high,ready to seperate the "Lobo's" new cook from his head! The English sailor stepped forward and grinned "Let's us see what there stuffing inside pirates to make 'em so big!" As he spoke Martin saw the rotting stumps of the sailor's remaining teeth and felt his rank breath wash over him in a noxious cloud. Completing his unbalanced turn like a drunken ballerina,Martin drew,cocked and shoved the barrel of his right hand pistol deeply into the guts of his attacker! "Shut yer stinkin' piehole!!" He yelled as he pulled the trigger and blew the contents of "Rottenteeth's" stomach out the hole in his back! Rolling the lifeless hulk off of him Martin stood up,recovered his fallen axe then took the time to charge the three spent pistols and replace them in his belt,before working his way to the rails just in time to hear the call go up "Abandon the ship!! Back to the "Lobo!!" Tossing a couple of attacking sailors back over the rail and onto the deck of their own ship Martin drew his trusty axe and aimed at the helmsmen of the English ship. The cook's spinning axe flew straight and true,taking the helmsman in his chest and knocking the fataly wounded man to the deck. The man had wrenched the wheel hard to starboard which widend the gap between the two ships. Martin ,seeing that it's too far to use his pistols accurately started to gather the wounded "Lobo" crewmen on the main deck to await treatment by Lilaney or Dr Gander and tossing the wounded English overboard! He then set to laying out the men who were beyond suffering looking up as he heard the sharp crack of a large firearm and saw Blackjack Roberts fall to the "Lobo's" deck in a boneless heap,bright red blood staining the wood! The rest of the day passed in a mist of burials at sea,repairing the damaged ship,helping Lil care for the wounded and serving the despirited crew a fortified stew made of salted beef and good vegetables. Martin tried to visit Elinor,the wounded scribe,in the infirmary but Dr Gander warned against to many visitors so the big man checked hourly on her condition. When it improved,thanks to Mad Jack's knowledge of Thugee poisons,the Knight Hammer's crew breathed a collective sigh of relief. Still all in all,the crew found out that a nearby port that catered to the needs of "Enterprising ship's crews" or pirates was the next destination and not too many of the wounded were abed and not working their posts so the mood was slowly improving. So at this moment when his head hit his bedroll Martin was asleep and looking forward to the new adventures of the joined crew serving the Co-Captains Wolfe.


Title: Re: DEAD MAN'S TAVERN I
Post by: Welsh Wench on May 19, 2008, 09:28:26 PM
Reply author: Elinor Hakebourne
Replied on: 02/29/2008 14:47:01
Message:

Even though she couldn't yet fully trust him, and even though she wouldn't admit it to his face--He doesn't deserve any more ego boosting, she thought--she craved companionship. Now that the day was here, the night having been forgotten--somewhat--she knew she wouldn't be as mobile as she'd like to be, due to her injury. That meant much time spent in the surgery, with mostly Dr. Gander for company. Lilaney wasn't up yet, and Elinor felt lonely at the prospect of no one but the El Lobo surgeon to talk to at present. Facing a day full of frustrating and unsuccessful attempts to return to her work, and facing the prospect of doing it relatively alone, she made the hasty decision to ask Julian to stay at her side.

Dr. Gander walked around behind Julian, bending down slightly to whisper in his ear. "If you rile her up again, you will not be allowed back in this surgery as long as she is in it." Julian nodded solemnly. His warning given, Dr. Gander walked away from the pair, attending to other work that needed to be done. "After last night's commotion, and having to regulate visitors to the surgery, it's good that things have calmed down a bit." He glanced at Julian, giving him a look that reinforced his earlier warning.

One part of Dr. Gander's last comment gave Elinor pause. "Regulating visitors?"

Dr. Gander waved the question away dismissively. "Oh, a man stopped by the surgery wanting to visit you last night. I didn't recognize him, I suppose he was a member of your crew. With all that had happened, and was happening, I decided it was best for you not to be disturbed and I sent him away."

"A man? Wanting to visit me?" Elinor's brows furrowed. "Who would--the man wouldn't have been of a large, intimidating stature, would he?" She asked him.

"Yes," Dr. Gander nonchalantly answered.

"How dare you?" Elinor replied. "Martin wanted to see me, and you wouldn't let him?"

"No, I wouldn't. You needed rest and still do--" He replied firmly, but wasn't given a chance to finish.

"So, I am allowed the company of a man I barely know, who only says he regretted leaving my side in the battle, and I am not allowed the company of a crew member I've known far longer and has proved himself a great ally and friend of mine?" Elinor spat.

"I thought you accepted my apology!" Julian exclaimed.

Rather than feel helpless, Elinor, placing her right hand upon the cot, swiveled her legs delicately around so they dangled off the cot, groaning in pain as she did so. She paused, allowing herself to relax for a moment and the pain to ebb away slightly before proceeding to land her feet firmly on the floor of the surgery, hoisting herself to standing position.

"What are you doing?" Julian asked.

"I am going to pay Martin a little visit, show him I'm all right," Elinor said matter of factly, looking at him as if this was exactly what she should be doing.

"He is most likely still sleeping," Julian protested.

"You should not be out of bed," Dr. Gander advised.

"I would do as Dr. Gander says, Elinor," said a voice from the doorway. "I don't want the crew to get any unsavory ideas about you." Elinor glanced at the door the surgery. Lil stood there, trying to hide a smile. Elinor glanced down. The left sleeve of her chemise was bloody and cut open, very near to falling off. If it wasn't for the bodice...

Elinor blushed in embarrassment. "I'd better get some new clothes, shouldn't I?"


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Reply author: Lilaney
Replied on: 03/03/2008 11:19:35
Message:

"As a matter of fact, I have some clothes for you right here."
She brought the arm that was slightly behind her back around and held out a small pile of clothing.

Elinor's face lit up at the prospect of changing clothes and possibly visiting Martin in the galley.

Duckie's brows drew together in a look of concentration. He knew what the girl was thinking. And somehow he was going to have to convince her to stay put, for her own health.

Elinor tried to stand, against the doctor's warning, and was caught easily by the tall man next to her. Lil's eyes glared at the gent.
"Who are you?"

He looked only as old as a kid who had just descovered he could grow a beard, but, his eyes told the story of how old he really was.
"My name is Julian, and I am the scribe on this ship."
The look Elinor threw Lil told her he was alright and Lil backed down.
"Very well, well, go ahead and set her down and if you'll pardon the rudeness of my statement but, could all you gents bugger off, so Elinor can change in privacy?"

Duckie felt a small twitch of a smile, but, let it fall as he nodded and helped Blackjack out of the room. Julian hesitantly laid Elinor back on the cot and followed the others out, closing the door behind him.
Lil handed the clothes to Elinor.
"If you need help, just ask, I am going to straighten up the desk."
Elinor smiled and nodded as she began to clumsily unlace the bodice. Her quiet look of determination spoke volumes to Lil that helping her now would be a bad idea in the healing process. So, Lil moved to the Doctor's desk and began to put stoppers in ink pots and gather pens and paper. She saw a piece of paper that was covered in very fine writing.
.." the night was trying, with her in the surgery, but I can see why the Captain allowed this motely crew aboard"...
Lil stopped reading, mainly because the lines had gone blurry. It looked like water had mussed up a bit of the paper's edge.
"I'm through Lil."
Lil looked up and saw Elinor freshly dressed and trying to stand again.
She ran over to help her friend back on the cot, but, into a more comfortable sitting position.
"Doc's right, you know, you have to stay here."
"But, what about Martin?"
Lil smiled, "I'm sure the Doctor could not prevent Martin from bringing you breakfast, seeing as you are ordered to stay abed for the day. Would that suite?"
Elinor broke into a brilliant smile and nodded.
"That's settled then, I'll go tell Martin and you stay here."
Lil opened the door to see Julian hovering at the lintel and Duckie gone from sight.
"It's safe to come back in, but, please don't upset her." Lil asked of the man as he came back in and Lil walked out.
"Wonder where the Doc and Blackjack got off too?"
Lil made her way to the Galley to speak with Martin.



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Reply author: Blackjack Roberts
Replied on: 03/03/2008 20:51:29
Message:

"I'll make a deal with ya, Sawbones." Blackjack spoke up once the door to the surgery closed behind them. "I've a need to get back to me bunk and insure me effects be in order. Ye can follow me there, an' I'll promise to rest in me own bunk."

Drake looked suspiciously at the highwayman turned pirate for a few moments before answering. "I'll agree, but only if I have your solemn word that you won't attempt to jump ship. From all I've heard of you, despite your former profession, you have never broken your word yet. Besides, in your condition you wouldn't last more than a few days alone on the sea."

"Very well." Jack steadied himself against the wall. "You have my word that until I see the lay of things with Jack Wolfe, I'll not attempt to leave the ship."

"Fair enough." Duckie offered his arm to steady Blackjack as they made their way deeper into the bowls of the Lobo. Only slightly disappointed, as well as amused, that Jack ignored the offer, using the close walls for support.

Julian watched as they made their way down the hall slowly. "Either that one is the most stubborn man since the Captain, or for some reason he doesn't fully trust Duckie." He thought to himself. "Either way it should prove an interesting bit of work for Elinor and I. There's more to that one than he lets on, I'd wager."

Dr. Gander was lost in his own thoughts as he followed behind Blackjack who balanced himself by bracing both hands against either wall. Several times he had to move forward to try and catch him before he fell, only to find the action was unnecessary as the buccaneer caught himself, and paused for a moment to regain his composure.

"He doesn't trust me." Duckie thought to himself. "After the spiked rum, I can't say I blame him, but it's more than that. If I were a gambling man I'd be willing to wager that he hasn't had much reason to trust anyone so far. I'd say Honor has seen more of the true Jack Roberts than any of us have, and doesn't even realize it."

Jack opened the door to the crew quarters set aside for Wench's crew, and Duckie breathed a sigh of relief when Blackjack stumbled to the cot he had claimed and fell heavily into it. "There! I've made it here in one piece, and all without pukin', so's ye can be about yer business with the lass, Sawbones. She be needin' ye mor'n I."

In response Drake crossed his arms and leaned against the center post. "You don't trust me, do you, Mr. Roberts?"

"Can't see why I should, Doc." Roberts eyed the surgeon steadily from the bunk. The throbbing in his skull the walk had set off making him a bit disagreeable. "Ye make a lousy tavern keep."

"I didn't try to poison you, Jack." Duckie sighed. "If I hadn't stopped you somehow, you would be dead now. Either shot by the watch, or drifting about in an open coffin with oars for the gulls to feast on."

"So I stay here to have a drumhead trial and wind up food fer the sharks, governor of me own little sandbar," Blackjack's voice was laced with sarcasm, "or clapped in irons and bargained off to the first redcoat we meet in port. At the best I'll find meself in another pirate's den tryin' ta survive long enough ta find another crew ta sign on with."

"None of which will happen." Duckie grinned. "At worse Captain Wolfe is curious as to why the English would send an entire fleet for one man."

"Weren't the English, Sawbones." Jack closed his eyes for a moment as the pain lessened. "It had to be Blackwood. Either he called in a few favors to the Crown, or he outright purchased the use of the vessels to add credibility to any endeavor to take me. Probably thought it would make it easier to get the crew of whatever ship I was on to hand me over without a fight."

"I would say that is exactly what Jack Wolfe wants to know, whether we are at war with England, or not." Dr. Gander added thoughtfully. "He'll be relieved to find out we're not."

"Tell me one thing, Jack." Duckie switched gears. "What did happen the night Jenny Kenward died?"

Blackjack's eyes snapped open. "How did you know that was the name she gave me the night we met?"

"I didn't." Duckie pulled a barrel next to Jack's cot and sat down. "It was her maiden name. Her mother's was Gander, My sister."

"Then Jenny was..." Blackjack's eyes widened.

"My niece." Duckie finished. "I didn't think you were conscious enough to hear me the last time. So you see I have a vested interest in keeping you alive and healthy. Now please answer my question."

"Jenny and I had been together for almost two years." Jack began softly all trace of the pirate accent leaving his voice. Duckie marveled at the difference, Roberts almost sounded like an English squire when not playing his role. "We had fallen in love, though I can not swear I did not love her from the moment I laid eyes upon her. I knew not of her true life before me, in truth I cared not. I kept my true profession hidden from her, and for a while she thought me no more than a successful man of business."

Blackjack paused, then looked Drake straight in the eye. "But secrets such as we both carried never last long between two who truly love each other. We soon confessed our true stories to each other, and found that we did not care. As long as we had each other we were more than content. Of my own violation I gave up my profession, and began to actually work the farm that went with my cottage. I can promise you she was happier than she had ever been with our simple life."

He turned his gaze to the ceiling. "Then came the day I was off looking to a horse that had wandered away. I heard the scream as I neared our home, and ran for the back door. As I burst in she was on the floor, and Terrance Blackwood stood above her. His fist was clenched, and blood flowed from her lips. I remember little after that, but I pulled my sword from the wall and cut the bastard across the face. He fell backward and I turned to see to Jenny."

"I should have never taken my eyes off him!" Emotion choked the pirate's voice. "I never heard the click behind me, but she reached up and pulled me off balance with all her strength! I fell to one side as the pistol fired behind me, striking her in the chest! Before I could recover he had bolted, and as I cradled her in my arms I could hear the hoof beats of his horse fade into the distance! She died in my arms!"

Jack's fist slammed into the cot with his frustration. "She died because of me! If I had only pressed my advantage, and done the blackguard in, she would yet live! It's my fault she died at his hand!"

"You did nothing save be concerned for her, Jack." Duckie said softly. "I thank you for letting me know the real story, and if I have anything to say about it you will get your chance to avenge her."

Dr. Gander stood and walked to the door, stopping as he opened it. "Remember, I have your word." He said without turning around. "You stay in that cot and rest. I'll come back to check on you every now and then. You can't revenge our Jenny if you succumb to your wound, and your in no true danger here aboard the Lobo del Mar."



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Reply author: Welsh Wench
Replied on: 03/04/2008 18:43:36
Message:

Wench's head was swimming from the combination of rum and confusion. She was filled with great trepidation over what may or may not have transpired. Although all indications were that she and Jack weren't exactly exchanging cookie recipes...

She lifted the cover carefully once more. Yep, Jack was without apparel. She leaned over to her side of the bed. Li'l Puddin' was snuggled in her chemise.
She bit her lip, perplexed. 'If my chemise is there....and Jack's clothes are over there....
She looked under the bed.
'Oh my GOD!'
Jack's boots were parked under her side of the bed.
She looked over at Jack. His back was turned and it was kind of...scratched up.
'Doesn't mean anything', she reasoned. It could have been Puddin'. Yes, that's got to be the answer! The cat did it.
She carefully lifted up Jack's arm and slid down towards the edge. Carefully she rolled. Closer..closer...Ooof!
'Guess the edge was closer than I thought.'

Jack stirred and she hastily put a pillow in her place. He threw his arm around it.
"Honour?"
She leaned over and whispered, "Go back to sleep, darling..."
He murmured, "Do you want to....zzzzzzzzzzzz."
Wench quietly picked up her chemise and shimmied into it.
"Good Puddin' but you mustn't scratch up your daddy's back like that."
Puddin' glared at her for being disturbed.
She shook her head. 'I swear, that cat really does resemble his side of the family...'

Tiptoeing into the small room off to the side of the cabin, she filled a wash basin with water. 'Why do I feel like the bottom of a bird cage?'
She looked in the mirror and gasped.
There were three hickeys on one side of her neck and two on the other.
She remembered the line Jack had used on her that night they met. 'I don't bite...too roughly!'

Bits and pieces of the night started to connect the dots in her mind. She remembered seeing Duckie.
Sort of.
They were discussing parties and what to wear. She remembered shedding her clothes and crawling into bed. The next bit was hearing Jack swear and his knife cutting through the ropes. A blank spot and then her words came back to haunt her....
'Then find a way to shut me up.'

Jack woke up to a blood-curdling scream from the other room that was probably heard all the way to Glenlivet....



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Reply author: Welsh Wench
Replied on: 03/05/2008 06:09:04
Message:

Deadbishop and Captain Bacardi were at Dead Man's Tavern enjoying a tankard of rum.
Deadbishop paused with the tankard halfway to his mouth.
"Did you hear that?"
Bacardi shrugged. "Yeah. That's Wenchie."
They both went back to their rum.

Lorelei stopped wiping the bar down, shook her head and muttered to herself, 'It was bound to happen sooner or later. I hope you survive, Mad Jack.'
She resumed her task.


Title: Re: DEAD MAN'S TAVERN I
Post by: Welsh Wench on May 19, 2008, 09:30:36 PM
Reply author: Capt. Bacardi
Replied on: 03/05/2008 09:39:34
Message:

Bacardi lowers his tankard again...
"Blue!!!....Get out of that wenchs bodice, and go find Wenchie"
Blue tilts his head at Bacardi, like I am having fun here.
"She has coconut rum in her bodice....".
Blue takes flight in search of Wenchie. The Captains looks back to Deadbishop.
"She is probably going to need my help bailing her out of some kind of mess."
"OH".....They do bad to their rum......

Lorelei looks over to Bacardi.
"You should really stop doing that"
"What can I say I am a sucker for blondes.....Plus she told me a good place to get rum..."


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Reply author: Mad Jack Wolfe
Replied on: 03/05/2008 21:33:50
Message:

Honour's scream startled Jack out of his sleep. He flew out of bed and into the anteroom where she stood in front of a mirror.
"What's happened? Are you all right?" he asked urgently.
"Look at me!" she exclaimed. "You were supposed to stay on your side of the- oh, for God's sake! Put some clothes on!"
He leaned against the door facing, purposely flaunting the fact he wasn't wearing a stitch of clothing just to annoy her. "Forgive me, darling, but when you go screaming to raise all blue bloody hell, decorum is a low priority. Besides, you seemed quite happy with this attire last night."
She gave him a withering look. "It must have been warmer last night."
"Touché," he sighed, and returned to the bedroom to fetch his clothes. "What are you so up in arms about?"
"You promised you'd stay on your side of the bed, Jack! We had a deal!"
"Deals change. You know that."
"Thanks for reminding me," she said snidely. "Tell me the truth; did we...?"
He paused to tuck in his shirt. "What do you think?" he said, motioning at his neck.
"I'm having a little trouble remembering, after all that rum you-"
"Ah, ah, ah! You're the one who kept asking for more. It's not like a gun was pointed at you."
"There's another fond memory."
"All the evidence points to the affirmative, love," Jack smiled, tightening his belt. "We've officially gotten reacquainted."

Honour sat on the edge of the bed. "It shouldn't have happened. This is terrible!"
"It's not terrible," he said. "In fact, it's wonderful! Plus, it's a logical extension of what you proposed in the first place."
"Oh, I have to hear how you've figured this out."
"You proposed we merge our crews, yeah? Well, now the co-captains have, shall we say, merged as well. It all fits quite nicely, pardon the pun. Hey, this means you're the first captain I've ever made love to, or would want to for that matter. Usually one has to join up with the regular Navy to make such a claim..."

"THAT'S IT!" she exploded. "Enough!! Get out! Get out!! Go!" she hollered.
Jack backed away from her, wide-eyed. "Now, Honour, just settle down..."
She grabbed his boots from under the bed and threw them at him. "Bastard! GET OUT!!"

Jack got through the door as quickly as he could before she slammed it and threw the lock. As he stood there staring at the door, he heard a quiet chuckle from behind him. There at the end of the hallway was Briggs.
"See? I told ye she'd not throw ye out naked," the quartermaster chortled.
Jack was about to reply when he heard the door unlock. He turned to see if Honour had changed her mind. Before he could open his mouth, his hat hit him squarely in the face, and the door slammed again.


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Reply author: Lilaney
Replied on: 03/06/2008 09:40:42
Message:

Lil spewed what was once a full mouth of ale all over the deck.
Her laughter made the Quartermaster and the Captain turn around to see the errant Surgeon of the Knight Hammer laughing at the current situation.
"Want me to talk to her? Or, should I send for Kate?"
Her request was punctuated with wheezes and choking from the laughter.
"Thank you, Lil. I have this."
The Captain was smiling like a cat who got the cream. Briggs was trying to glower at Lil, but, the smirk of humor from the current situation kept breaking through.
Lil nodded cordialy and continued on her way to the main deck. She smiled merrily at the waters as she leaned against the Quarterdeck's railing.
"Nice to see Captain Wench is back to normal."



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Reply author: Mad Jack Wolfe
Replied on: 03/07/2008 21:57:41
Message:

Jack put on his hat, then leaned against the wall and started pulling his boots on. "Glorious morning, wouldn't you say, Josiah?"
Briggs was initially caught off guard by Jack's cheeriness. "Aye, that it is. Better for some, I'll be bound."
"No, I'm not one to kiss and tell..."
"The hell you ain't! I seen that look too many times to be told different."
"Guilty as charged, my friend. It's a beautiful day," Jack beamed. "Is Duckie up and about?"
"Aye, he's in the surgery checkin' on Roberts and that Elinor girl."
"Good! I've got some questions for the erstwhile Mr. Roberts." He walked in the direction of the surgery, whistling a cheery tune.

Duckie was preparing his books and instruments when he heard Jack knock at the door. "Good morning, Jack. You're looking chipper today. Get a good night's sleep, I trust?"
"It was a very, very good night," Jack smiled. "I do have a favour to ask."
"I'll do my best to accommodate you if I can. What do you need?"
"I need to speak with Roberts."
"Can't it wait, Jack? I'd rather he rest and gain his strength before you interrogate him."
"Duckie, we're a little over a day out from La Ville du Traitre. I need to know if there's any more surprises we might encounter on the way."
Duckie sighed, but gave in to Jack. "He's in steerage with the rest of the Knight's Hammer crew at his insistence. You have until the next watch bell. Not a minute past." He finished gathering up a few things turned his attention to Elinor.
"Thank you, doctor. I promise no to overtax him." said Jack as he left.

The ship's scribe pretended to be asleep, but she had eavesdropped on the entire conversation, as she had the night's before. She was worried that Jack Wolfe would find some way to split up the crew, and that he'd found his starting point with Blackjack.

Jack found his way to the temporary home of the Knight's Hammer crew. The accommodations were far from opulent; each berth contained 2 hammocks, one slung above the other, and scarcely any room for personal possessions save a sea chest or duffel.

"I had a feelin' you'd be along to see me," Roberts said from his bunk, not offering to rise and meet the ship's captain. "Where's your drum for the trial, Captain Wolfe? I was expecting all the bread and circuses!"

"Calm yourself, Mr. Roberts. I have a few questions about the previous night that requires answers only you can give me." Jack leaned back against the bulkhead and regarded the former highwayman. "Why are the English after you hot enough to indiscriminately attack a pirate ship of superior strength?"
Blackjack appreciated the direct question, and slowly shook his head. "Not the English. Just one man hell-bent on stretching my neck," he replied.

"Ah! Good! I'd hate to find myself at war with England over the likes of you," Jack sniffed.
"His name's Malcolm Dagget, a noble-born snake if there ever was one. He's what you'd call motivated to see me dead."
"And why so?"
"Because I'm determined to kill him first."
"Any particular reason for your mutual blood-soaked vendettas? A woman, no doubt?"
Roberts' eyes darkened. "Aye. A woman I loved, and acquaintance of Dagget's murdered her."

Jack weighed things in his mind for a moment before speaking again. "I can see how a vendetta could be sparked by an event like that. Still, no matter how badly you want Dagget's head on a pike, you are now a member of this crew, until such a time as we retake the Knight Hammer. So you can put your 'jumping ship' notions right out of your head. The crew have standing orders to turn the patereros on any boat stolen from this vessel. Any attempt at running will be your last."
"That's quite an offer, Captain. Either I mind my P's and Q's, or watch my chances of drawin' a next breath fade."
Not at all, Mr. Roberts. Once ashore, you may part company, if that is what you wish. I'll simply not have you absconding with my ship's equipment."

Duckie appeared at the doorway. "Jack, I have some input that will help you decide your next steps with him." Jack and Duckie stepped outside the space and spoke for a few minutes. Finally, Jack returned.

"Before you go passing sentence on this poor old sea dog, I have a question or two for you, Captain," Roberts declared.
"All right then, ask away.
"Why didn't you just hand me over to Dagget when you had the chance?"
"Because," Jack began, "he attacked my ship with no preamble nor provocation. It wasn't until well into the fight that we knew it was one deranged fool after you."
"You could have recalled your crew and left me to die."
It wasn't my crew causing the confusion. They where Honour's people, and Honour herself staging your defence. To recall my men would have left her exposed, and I was unwilling to risk that."
"So you were more worried about her safety than mine."
"Yes, if you need it spelled out like that. Yes, I was concerned about her safety."
"You've got to admit, brother, that's a strange way to react, given the state of your marriage...
"SUffice it to say our marriage is a strong, yet unique on. And it's an odd marriage, inviting none of your business." Jack replied stiffly. "Now, get your rest. We'll be docking at La Ville du Traitre sometime tomorrow. Perhaps we can gain additional information of Malcolm Dagget while we're there. Someone that brazen usually has a big mouth, too."
Roberts could scarcely believe his ears. "You mean, you'll help me get my revenge?"
"There's precious little profit to be had in the revenge business, but the satisfaction it brings is more than worth it. You have my cooperation."
"Thank ye, captain!" Roberts exclaimed.
"Don't thank me," Jack smiled. "Thank the doctor. I owe him more than a few favours."



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Reply author: Welsh Wench
Replied on: 03/08/2008 21:19:24
Message:

"DAMN YOU!"
She yelled to...no one.
Her mind was in a turmoil. 'How can I face my crew with all these sucker-bites'?
She went back into the anteroom and looked in the mirror again.
"ANIMAL!"
Doesn't even know the meaning of the word 'discreet'.

She took her hair and pulled it in front of her neck. If only it isn't breezy....
Hunger overtook her desire to hide for the next twenty-five years. She dressed quickly and as she backed out of the room, pulling the door closed, she bumped into something.
Someone.

"Briggs! You startled me!"
"Beggin' yer pardon, Mrs. Wolfe, but..."
Wench said curtly, "It's Captain. Captain Bright. I changed my name back this morning."
"But----"
"But...what?"
"Well, seeing as how you and the Captain have entered connubial bliss once again and---"
"Who told you that? Did HE tell you that?"
"Well, not exactly--"
"What do you mean, 'not exactly'?"
"Well, he was smilin' like--"
"Like what?"
"Like he did a few months ago when he and Renee--"
"WHAT?????"
Briggs looked around for a longboat or at the very least some canvas to hide under.
"Can we start this conversation over again, Ma'am?"
"No."
"Didn't think so."
"Did he tell you what happened?"
"No. He said he wasn't the 'kiss and tell' type but I saw the look on his face and--"
"Look at my face."
"Yes, ma'am. A right pretty face it is."
"Do I look like he did?"
"Well...I can't rightly say. It's been a while since I've seen you after----"
Wench took Briggs' hat and jammed it down over his nose without a word.

She poured herself a cup of coffee from the galley and headed up to the upperdeck.
"I thought I'd find you here."
"Where else would I be? You know I always take my morning coffee in the sunshine, Wench."
Kate sat with her face to the sun, smiling even though her eyes were closed.
"Kate, I've got a problem."
"When don't you, Wench?"
"A man problem."
"As I said, 'When don't you, Wench'?"
"Things got a little..complicated last night."
Kate opened her eyes and looked at Wench. She didn't say a word.
Wench sat with her coffee on the deck and said, "Last night..um..well.."
"The sailcloth came down?"
"Not exactly. More like it was set free. Kate, it wasn't supposed to be like this!"
"Oh, come on, Captain! You two have been on a collision course since he set foot in that tavern in Barbados!"
Wench rubbed her temples. "Damn rum always gives me a headache."
"OH MY GOD HE TRIED TO STRANGLE YOU!"
Wench hastily pulled her hair in front of her.
"Oh, I wish! That I could deal with."
"Oh, you mean, he used your neck for canvas and his mouth was the medium he used?"
"Doesn't mean anything. Kate, I don't remember a thing about it."
"What?"
"I said, "I don't remember--"
"I heard what you said, I just don't believe it."
Wench nodded. "I must be losing my touch if I can't remember a thing."
"Then how do you know it happened, except for the ungodly markings on your neck?"
Wench shrugged. "I would have known...wouldn't I?"
"I would think so. Only one way to really know for a fact if you did or didn't, Wench."
"How, Kate?"
"Wait nine months and see if there's a miniature captain or wench making an appearance!"
"Thanks alot, Kate."
"Anytime, Wenchie."


-
Title: Re: DEAD MAN'S TAVERN I
Post by: Welsh Wench on May 19, 2008, 09:32:07 PM
Reply author: Blackjack Roberts
Replied on: 03/09/2008 11:07:37
Message:

Blackjack lay back in his cot, he had not completely obeyed Duckie's instructions and had taken quite a few moments to prepare for the worst. It had become a habit for him since Jenny's death, serving him well over the years.

Apparently Captain Wench had not noticed anything unusual in his sea bag, not that he had expected her to, and everything was still in place. She had even replaced the rosewood box that still contained two of the antidotes to the Thuggee poison. Jack knew he was right about her, and could trust her. The halo may be dented, but the woman it belonged to still carried a good heart.

He smiled at his exchange with Mad Jack, a good captain and pirate there, concerned more with his ship and crew than anything else. Still, he couldn't be blamed for underestimating Blackjack's abilities, it was the same thing that kept Dagget and Blackwood at bay. As if he would have been fool enough to try and slip off with a long boat without taking precautions to ensure his success. Misdirection was such a handy technique when applied to situations other than a conjurer's tricks.

No need for that now though, Mad Jack had earned his respect, if not his complete trust. Roberts had told both him and the doctor no more than they needed to know, and he was fairly sure the sawbones had brought Mad Jack up to snuff on the rest. Jenny's uncle? That explained much. Small wonder Jack had awoken a second time to find all his surprises still in place, including the one Drake knew about.

Blackjack chuckled, had he possessed the knowledge he had now six years ago he could have walked off with the Crown Jewels, and no one could have stopped him. Better still, Blackwood would be dancing jigs for Lucifer's entertainment long ago, with Dagget as his waltzing partner.

La Ville du Traitre was the next port of call, eh? Even better. It had been a couple of years since Blackjack had set foot on that den of iniquity, but was fairly certain that he was still there. Strangely enough it was the one place that old blind sea dog was completely safe. The question now was if Roberts should put the old pirate to use.

If any would know of Cade's exact whereabouts he would, but what would Mad Jack's reaction be when they found him? When he found out Cade's plans to take Honour for himself? There was still Wench to think about as well. That she deserved her ship back Jack had no doubt. The problem was he knew his cousin all too well and there could be only one reason he would steal The Knight's Hammer. To lure her to him, and Mad Jack wasn't the type to just sit idly back while another sailed off with his wife.

This was turning into quite a sticky wicket indeed. Roberts questions to Mad Jack had not been to spell out anything about himself, that he already knew, but to get the pirate captain to tilt his hand about his true feelings for Wench. The ploy had worked brilliantly. Blackjack now knew beyond doubt that Mad Jack was deeply in love with his wife, regardless of what outer show he put on. Misdirection was a handy technique indeed, properly applied.

The question now was just who did Blackjack owe his loyalty to? He answered the question almost as soon as he asked it. There could be no doubt. His loyalty was to the crew of The Knight's Hammer and Captain Wench alone. It would be their best interests that he would serve, no matter who stood in the way. Once they made port in La Ville du Traitre he would go to see old Pew. If the man knew anything about Cade Jennings whereabouts Captain Wench would soon be made aware of them. After that the decision would be hers as to what, and who she wanted.

Malcolm could wait. Most likely he thought Blackjack dead, and it would be some time before he learned otherwise. On their next face to face meeting, however, Roberts would hold nothing back. It was high time Terrance Blackwood lost his prize hound. If Sir Blackwood had indeed called in enough favors to commandeer three of the crown's ships, and lost two in the process, then Jack's fear of him releasing an even larger force at Malcolm's death was a moot point. The king would never agree to it now.

"And when you get to Hell, Dagget," He said to the empty room, lighting a thin black cigar, "You be sure to tell Satan that you have company coming to join you. Very soon."



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Reply author: Elinor Hakebourne
Replied on: 03/09/2008 14:58:03
Message:

Elinor patiently listened to the Captain of the El Lobo speak with Dr. Gander, her eyes closed. She could feel her eyelids fluttering open as Jack left the surgery and Dr. Gander changed the dressing on her wound. The moment she heard the door close a second time, she opened her eyes. With a start, Julian, who'd been watching her as she dozed, glanced at her. Her brows were furrowed.

"Did you sleep well?" Julian asked.

"Partly," Elinor responded, shifting on the cot. "He's up to something."

"Who?" Julian asked. "Dr. Gander?"

"No, that Captain of yours," Elinor replied, frowning. Why do I have the feeling that this cozy arrangement of our two crews working alongside each other isn't so cozy for all parties concerned? She thought. Choosing not to voice any more opinions to one of the members of the El Lobo's crew, she pushed her thoughts of Captain Wolfe and what he might be trying to do to the crew of the Knight Hammer out of her head, at least for the moment. She let her facial features relax out of the harsh frown they had sported, and she sighed. She didn't have much time to engage in further conversation with Julian, however, as there was another knock on the door of the surgery.

Julian looked up, and sprang to his feet at the person who entered the surgery now. Elinor could faintly hear the tinkling of bowls and mugs. She sat up, slowly, looking behind her, to see none other than--

"Martin!" She exclaimed, smiling.

"I got word you wanted to see me," Martin replied, grinning himself. "Lil also said you were preparing to go against Doctor's orders and leave your bed to do so," he continued. "And as much as I appreciate the gesture, if the doctor says to stay in bed, you shouldn't ignore that on account of me."

"It's so good to see you, Martin!" Elinor exclaimed. She moved to hug the cook, forgetting her wound. The pain in her shoulder that resulted served to bring her memory back quite quickly, and she lowered her left arm once again, gasping.

"Give that arm of yours a rest, and have some breakfast," Martin ordered,lowering the tray laden with food so that it rested just above her knees. "There's more than enough for both of you," he added, spying Julian suspiciously. He glanced at Elinor, who gave a nod and a small smile, and Martin relented. "Thank you, Martin," Elinor said. "I don't care what Dr. Gander says, you are allowed to visit me anytime."

"You are very welcome, and thank you," Martin responded warmly. "I should see about breakfast for the rest of the crews, but I will be sure to check on you later." Elinor nodded, and watched him leave.

"Seems Lucky has been given some time off," Julian mused, gazing at the food before him and Elinor. "Very well-timed time off, I might say!" He leaned in close to Elinor. "Our cook left...well...much to be desired."

Elinor nodded. "We're lucky to have Martin on our crew." Remembering the times he'd steered her out of harm's way, she said softly to herself, "Very lucky."



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Reply author: WhiteRose
Replied on: 03/10/2008 21:32:00
Message:

"What the hell?" Rose said as she pick herself up off the ground.

The baby started to cry and then stopped. Rose walked over to her to see nothing but blood coming from the side of bed. The closer she got the madder she got. When she got to her there was a piece of the bow in her little chest. The baby tried to breath but she couldn't do. Rose just look at her and said ' Sleep my little one, forever sleep.' Everything that she had tried to keep in her past was just a taste of what was about to happen now.

"THEY WILL PAY FOR THIS! NO ONE KILLS MY BABY AND LIVES. DOREAN!!!!!!!"

She picked her up and started running out the door. When she found Dorean, he was with Daemon.

"DOREAN, OUR BABY! Who did this to our baby? Who killed our baby?"

'Our Baby killed...' That's all he could get out as he turned around to see Rose holding Arwen in her arms covered in blood. All hate he felt towards Rose just stopped and he started blaming Daemon for everything that had just happened.

'YOU SORRY S** OF A B****, IF YOU WOULD HAVE JUST LEFT MY WIFE ALONE, MY DAUGHTER WOULD BE ALIVE. NO, YOU HAVE TO EVERY WOMAN WANTING YOU ONLY. WE WERE HAPPY, WE HAD OUR BABY, AND NOW WE HAVE NOTHING. YOU HAVE DESTROYED MY LIFE. THE BRITISH KILLED MY BABY BECAUSE OF YOU. THEY ARE LOOKING FOR YOU, NOT US.'



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Reply author: Martin Montgomery
Replied on: 03/11/2008 06:33:14
Message:

Martin,carrying a covered tray from the galley,nimbly dodged the crewmen that hurried to their morning work stations. Most of them offered him a mock salute or a quick grin as they passed under the loaded tray. "I guess that the best thing to make the "El Lobo's" crew accept us "Outsiders" from the "Knight Hammer" is a little good food in their bellies and a stirring sea battle!!"He thought to himself "It didn't hurt that Lil patched up the wounds of half the crew up on deck yesterday!" Lost in thought,the burly man knocked once very lightly on the surgery door and then just walked in expecting to find Elinor and Blackjack asleep in their sickbeds and possibly the two ship's surgeons discussing some medical procedure He stopped short,still balancing the breakfast tray in his right hand the surgery's doorknob still gripped in his left. Jack's bed was empty,but a figure had quicky lept from the stool sitting VERY near the bed of the "Knight Hammer's" comely young scribe. She was struggling into a sitting position in her bed,a smile lighting up her face,her hurt arm was swathed in clean bandages and she was in clean bedclothes. "Martin" she exclaimed, her smile showing her joy at seeing the large cook,whom she counted on to listen without comment and to never,ever judge.(And he could COOK!) The crockery shifted under the warming cover and an almost musical chorus of muted tinkling sounded as he quickly righted the tray with a scowl directed at the "Lobo's" foppish looking scribe who offered a weak grin at the VERY,VERY large man blocking the doorway,while nervously fingering the jeweled hilt of his beltknife."I got word you wanted to see me,Lil also said you were preparing to go against Doctor Gander's orders and leave your bed to do so," he continued. "And as much as I appreciate the gesture, if the doctor says to stay in bed, you shouldn't ignore that on account of me.(Or him!! He finished inside his head! "It's so good to see you, Martin!" Moving to hug the cook as he set the tray on the bed,resting it just above her knees. Her face showed the pain as she lowered her injured left arm with a gasp."Give that arm of yours a rest, and have some breakfast! Whipping the cover off the tray,Martin showed the bounty that he had brought from the galley. Bowls of oatmush,fresh biscuits,little brown sausages that still sizzled in their bowl,a rasher of bacon sang counterpoint,a pyramid of wedge cut fried potatoes graced a platter next to large bowl of scrambled eggs.Butter,jams and jellies were arranged on a carrier next to a large pitcher of fruit juice. "There's more than enough for both of you,I had thought Jack would still be here" he added, still scowling at Julian his face turned away from Elinor's,turning back to the young woman who gave him a nod and a small smile. Martin relaxed,she was able to take care of herself,but with her injury......"Thank you, Martin," Elinor said,breaking into his thoughts "I don't care what Dr. Gander says, you are welcome to visit me anytime." "You are very welcome, and thank you," Martin warmly replied "I should see about breakfast for the rest of the crew,but I will be sure to check on you later." With a final low growl and a curled lip directed at Julian he left the surgery,pulling the door closed with a shake of his head he headed forward to search for the "Captains Wolfe" he had heard through his budding grapevine that the ship was damaged more than the Male Captain had let on and that they were headed towards the Pirate Port of " La Ville du Traitre" and he needed to let the Co-Captains know about the small holes created by cannon fire from the English ships. The damage had been patched by the ship's Carpenters, but not before half of the Galley Hold,amidships had flooded,ruining many of the provisions and leaving the ship low on many staples. "She does know how to look after herself" He whispered to himself "But will she want to?" With another shake of his shaggy head ,Martin steeled himself to report the bad news to "Yin and Yang" as the crew had began to call Mad Jack and the Welsh Wench.

Title: Re: DEAD MAN'S TAVERN I
Post by: Welsh Wench on May 19, 2008, 09:33:32 PM
Reply author: Martin Montgomery
Replied on: 03/13/2008 05:16:12
Message:

Martin had thought to quickly stop by the Galley and pitch in with the finishing touches of the crew's breakfast but,as with any simple task,everything went wrong! The hens had sufferred "Shell Shock" because their coops had been stacked against the starboard bulkhead,not the port,which had been holed by one of the attacking ships.Half of the poor birds were refusing to lay,and the other half couldn't keep up with the renewed demands for the new cooks food. Several tedious hours later a VERY tired large man headed to his small space set aside for him in a corner of the soggy galley hold. Using a wooden crate as a desk, Martin checked the list of ruined supplies against the list that he and the Dooley brothers had double checked when surverying the damaged larder together. Martin had set the young men to making a savory stew from the busted barrels of salt pork ,after first checking each peice for splinters! Dried peas and corn would help form a thick,tasty gravy and he had sent one of them,Tim he thought,back to find a bag of cracked barley to thicken the rue and help it stick to the hungry crew's ribs. Shaking his head he removed his worn grey beret and raked his fingers through the shaggy mane. Absent-mindedly he polished the fine gold pin that rode proudly upon the the hats shabby band with a bit of linen,a Lady's kerchief,and let his tired eyes close for a few seconds. "Was she safe?" He wondered "Was she happy?" he let his mind bring up her face out of his fondest memories and he smiled. It had been good while it had lasted,but in the end the Wanderlust got to him and they had drifted apart. When the big man found himself under a heavy workload or lots of stress, he could think back to their time together and breath easier,knowing that somewhere out in the wide world,at that EXACT SECOND was remembering him with fond thoughts. Bringing the list on the crate back into focus he smiled,gave the horsehead pin a gental rub with his thumb and set the threadbare beret back on his head. "Boys!!" He called to the Dooley's "Don't scorch that stew!! It must simmer for a long while to make that bootleather that Lucky had stocked up on,taste like pork!! Wake me up in a few hours,so I can show you how to make fresh bread!! The Carpenters must have used the hardtack to plug up the holes,cause I didn't see any!" Leaning back in his hefty hammock,the big man put his boots up on the overturned crate. Covering the inked stamp "Ship's Hardtack- Best if used by........."


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Reply author: Hibernian
Replied on: 03/14/2008 19:43:55
Message:

A slow draw upon the pipe brought forth the bitter taste of the smoke as it played across the surface of his tongue. But deep within that bite of bitterness was a hidden sweetness. He laughed at himself now comparing the smoke to his current situation. While on the surface things did not seem to be going well, Isle of Traitors indeed, there must be a way to turn this to their favor and find the sweetness within a situation he is helpless to change.

His Order has been sailing the oceans since the original Brendan found his way to the promise land in the setting sun. While not the oldest profession upon the waves, piracy was a close second and this Isle was just another incarnation of the ageless idea of the stronger preying on the weaker. One didn't have to know there was no honor amongst thieves to realize that once within sight of the cursed isle that the entire crew must be on the alert if they wish to leave with everyone and everything that belonged to them intact. Somehow he must make sure to get his dear Captain aside and make sure she realizes the full extent of where this ship is heading. This was an island where anything and everything was for sale and sometimes people, even whole crews were known to have disappeared. After all, there was still a price on her head, and much worse has been done for as little as thirty pieces of silver. Perhaps his feelings were wrong, perhaps Captain Wolfe could be trusted, but his gut told him to watch and be ready to act...just in case silver was stronger than love.



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Reply author: Ice Mage
Replied on: 03/16/2008 12:44:41
Message:

*At that moment, one of the powder kegs exploded. The shock through them all to the deck, as the rest of the bulkhead fel away. Through the now gaping hole in the wall, a British Ship of the Line could be seen. Planks extending from her deck to the now crippled merchant vessel. Within moments soldiers poured down through the decks.*


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Reply author: Martin Montgomery
Replied on: 03/17/2008 05:20:15
Message:

Tim Dooley crept closer to the mountianous form occupying an oversized hammock,which swung gently in time to the waves that the good ship "El Lobo Del Mar" effortlessly cut through on it's way to the Traitor's Isle. "This is the last time that I listen to Tom!!" He thought as he inched closer to the softly snoring man. "You lost fair 'n square Brother!! The empty hand is the one what picks! Now you go and wake Martin while I fetch these ingrediants from the galley hold."Smiling he held up the scrap of paper that the cook had scribbled out the neccesary items needed for making bread. Two steps further in,"An' like a fool,here I go, ta' wake up a man that I seen with me own two eyes,throw aside full casks of salt pork so's them Carpenter's could get at that last big hole inna "Lobo's" side!! Damnation!! Them blessed casks is a couple hunnert pounds a'piece EASY!!" Stopping and crossing himself Tim wondered aloud "Why dint I jest pick Tom's other hand?" A low chuckle rumbled from under the grey Beret and a voice whispered "Then the hand that picked would have been the one with the marble,Tim, and you still would be here talking to yourself!! Snapping upright and touching his knuckle to his brow Tim Dooley gawked as Martin Montgomery took his extra large boots from their place on an upturned crate then heaved his bulk to a standing position. Looking past Tim,he noticed a bright beam of sunlight arcing down from an open hatch on deck. "Looks like it's around eleven,time to rise and shine! By the way Tim" He grinned "I don't usually rip the arms off of my friends and shipmates!! With that the big man crossed the galley to remove the cover from the cauldron that had been pushed away from the hottest coals and sniffed the tempting aroma rising from it's contents "Well" He sighed "It's not stuffed and roasted pheasant but it should stave off hunger for today!!"


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Reply author: Blackjack Roberts
Replied on: 03/18/2008 20:40:05
Message:

Blackjack pulled the small blue flask from it's hiding place in the false bottom of his cigar humidor, he could no longer afford to have his throbbing head keep him bed bound. Although the tincture of poppy juice and black lotus would not heal him any faster it would allow him to ignore the wound and any side effects from it for a few hours.

He dreaded using the concoction though and kept it only in case of emergency. Once it had allowed him to run through the jungle even though Malcolm had put a flintlock ball through his thigh. He had almost bled to death from forgetting that he had been shot. That was not why he dreaded it though. The bloody stuff tasted like an aged pigsty smelled!

He took a sip of the foul tasting syrup and gagged it down while he replaced the bottle in it's hiding place. Immediately he pulled a black tobacco cigar from the humidor and lit it in an attempt to get the taste out of his mouth. Rum worked better. Placing three more cigars in the inside pocket of his jerkin he lay back and waited for the liquid to take effect.

While laying back and thinking it had suddenly occurred to him that there was something strange in his exchange with Captain Wolfe. Were it not for his throbbing head he would have caught it sooner, but the fact seemed to remain. Drake Gander had not told Mad Jack all of the story. Blackjack had deliberately led him to believe that Malcolm was his target to throw him off the scent, and when he had returned he seemed to still be under that impression.

It could only mean that the doctor had not informed him that Jack's true target was Sir Terrance Blackwood. Malcolm was incidental, more in the way than anything else. Were he not trying to kill Jack to please his master Jack wouldn't have given a brass farthing about the man. Still it seemed that Duckie had allowed that misconception to remain, and Blackjack needed to see if he could find out why.

Something else had occurred to him. He had maneuvered Mad Jack into giving away his true feelings about his wife, not that they were not obvious to any but the blind, and that had brought another thought to Jack's muddled brain. Mad Jack intended to keep Captain Wench aboard the Lobo. To do that he would need to split the Knight's Hammer crew asunder, and he planned to try and start that fissure with him!

"Not bloody likely, Mate." Blackjack murmured to himself as he rose from his cot. The potion was working and he neither felt dizzy, nor the dull throb in his head. He grinned sarcastically. "Not if I have anything to say about it."

Blackjack pulled a sheet of parchment from his bag and a bamboo stylus. Dipping it into the small steel inkwell he scribbled out a note to the doctor:

"Don't be worrying your head, Sawbones. I'll be keeping' me word, and am still aboard. Just got hungry, and am headed to the Galley fer somthin' to tide me over. I'll behave and return soon."

He grinned at the awkward scrawl he used to disguise the fact that he could write perfectly well, tossed the note onto the bunk, and strode for the door.

"Well, It's not stuffed and roasted pheasant but it should stave off hunger for today!!" Martin groused over the stew pot when he heard the now familiar laugh from behind him.

"Perhaps not, Mate. But I'd be as likely ta eat it were it three day old horse meat. As long as ye been the cook." The huge man turned to find Blackjack leaning in the doorway to the galley, grinning. "Think ye could spare a bowl fer a shipmate what's not had a bite in two days?"

"Jack!" The giant of a man grinned. "I was going to bring you a bowl, but you seem to have beat me to it!" Martin was pleased to see his newest crew mate up and about. "Elinor said you had returned to your quarters. Come in and have a seat." Martin turned and filled a bowl of stew handing it to the former highwayman.

"Ahhhh! Thank ye kindly, Martin." Jack smiled with gratitude. "Me stomach were startin' ta think it was me throat that got cut instead 'o me head what was shot. How is the lass, by the way?"

"She's doing much better. Thanks to you I hear." Martin watched with glee as Blackjack dug into the stew with gusto.

"I just happen ta in the right place at the right time." Jack dismissed the praise. "I couldn't well stand by and let the lass die when I had a fair idea as to the cause." He looked around the galley quickly. "There be none 'o the Lobo's crew about, is there?"

"None. It's a short while till mess call. Why?" Martin frowned.

"Ye know about their captain's feelin's fer our own lovely captain, don't ye?" Jack dropped his voice to a conspirator tone.

"Aye." Martin nodded. "Who doesn't?"

"I've a feelin' Mad Jack intends ta keep his wife with him, whether we finds the Knight's Hammer, or no." Blackjack continued. "Ta do that he'll have to make sure she has no crew 'o her own. He plans on splittin' up the crew 'o the Knight's Hammer, and thinks ta start with me."

"Over my dead body!" Martin growled.

"Calm yerself, Mate." Jack winked, handing the empty bowl back to the Knight's Hammer's cook. "He can only succeed if'n we lets him. Fore warned be fore armed says I. Ye being the cook can spread the word ta the rest 'o our crew without the Lobo's crew being any the wiser. I'll be a visitin' Elinor and let her know what I've twigged."

"That scribe from the Lobo's crew is with her, Jack." Martin warned him as he stood to leave.

Blackjack grinned wickedly, patting Old Hob. "No worries there, Mate. Leave him ta me."



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Reply author: Lilaney
Replied on: 03/19/2008 08:45:08
Message:

"Day's looking good for tacking."
A body had joined Lil at the railing; she knew who it was before he even spoke.
"You bet, just for the curiosity of the crew, where the heck are we headed?"
Lil turned to look at Duckie's profile.
He seemed to be intent upon something, what ever it was he wasn't letting on with his looks.
That man certainly had a poker face.
He remained silent in his ponderings. Lil leaned against the railing and stared out over the ocean.
The gents of the Lobo and the scant handful of swabs from the Knight Hammer were busy behind them with adjusting the sails and lines, grabbing what wind there was as it came. Their shouts and songs were a melody that sang to Lil's heart as she felt the ship moving and shifting to the wishes of its crew.
"We are after your ship, of course."
Lil nodded to the obviousness of his statement, but, to her it sounded rather rehearsed.
"If you say so, but, your meaning holds much to be desired."
Duckie never took his eyes off the waters to the NorthEast. He squinted at the horizen,
he could see the omnious darkening.
"It is due too being after your ship that is marking our course, where it takes us, well, that is where my meaning stands."
Lil followed his gaze and saw the darkened sky. She searched her mind for what that particular shade of black could mean.
"Storm?"
Duckie gave a firm shake of the head.
"La Traite du Ville"
Lil's eyes rounded to the size of saucers and her mouth formed a silent 'O'.
"Is it really nessicary?"
Duckie then turned to look at her, her fear could not be hidden fast enough for his scientific eyes
to divine.
"That is where we are headed."
Lil nodded and looked away from the increasing darkness that was slowly coming upon them.
Her own innards were at war, her courage battled her fear.
"You'll be fine; I've seen you fight."
The half-hearted attempt at flattery made her smile slightly. She turned again and leaned in close to Duckie, for being on a pirate ship, and being surrouned by the salty tar of sailors, he smelled good.
"Ain't me I am afraid for." She whispered.
The breeze blew over the ship from the North East at that moment bringing with it the smell of burning wood and flesh.
"Smells like we are five nautical miles out." Lil pulled away from his curious gaze.
"Best let the crew know we are almost at the Gates of Hell."



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Reply author: Elinor Hakebourne
Replied on: 03/19/2008 10:04:34
Message:

The surgery was quiet once more. Having eaten breakfast with Elinor, Julian had told her he wanted to tend to a few things in other parts of the ship, so he had left her, with a promise to check in shortly before they docked.

As such, the surgery was empty save Elinor, who tried to close her eyes and rest, but to no avail. She found her mind wandering back to Captain Wolfe's entrance to the surgery, and what he'd said to Dr. Gander. Not having much information to go on, however, her mind flitted to her fellow Knight Hammer crew members, and what would befall them next.

Listening to the silence, she heard the crew singing on the main deck. She could only faintly make out the tune, and it wasn't one she recognized, but it was nice to hear music once more. She'd almost forgotten about it, with all the adventures and dangers that had happened to both crews of late.

Before she realized it, she had started singing with them, but a different tune altogether...

"Where will they go?
No one yet knows how their story will end
But theirs is a story of battles with foes
And sharing pints and talk between friends..."

It was a rough tune, plagued by stops and starts when a lyric didn't come as easily as the rest. Her voice, rugged with disuse, started out rough as well. But as she continued singing, the tone grew clearer and stronger, as she remembered all the adventures, from Tortuga, to Glenlivet--and the cats!--to this recent battle aboard the El Lobo. The memories fueled her singing, and gave it life.

"In a new tavern called Dead Man's there met--" She paused. "How to describe our crew, in words that might rhyme, no less?" Her brow furrowed in concentration.

"I don't think our crew could be limited to one verse of a song, lass," said a voice from the doorway to the surgery. Elinor nearly jumped out of the cot in fear and surprise, finally turning around to see who had entered. "Blackjack!"


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Reply author: WhiteRose
Replied on: 03/19/2008 17:58:38
Message:

Rose held Arwen tight has she could, as two of the British soldiers grabbed her by the arms.

"Do not touch her! Get you hands off my wife and daughter, You lousy pieces of sh*t!"

Dorean draws his sword and plunges it into one of soldiers holding Rose, while Daemon leaps on top of the other soldier.





Title: Re: DEAD MAN'S TAVERN I
Post by: Welsh Wench on May 19, 2008, 09:37:33 PM
Reply author: Hibernian
Replied on: 03/19/2008 20:43:35
Message:

Just another stride or two and he would catch her. Having spotted her on the upper deck conversing with Kate she had moved down the stairs and was heading below before he could reach her. Somehow she seem not to hear his calls which was unusual considering everyone else on deck was holding their ears from the loudness.

"Make a hole, coming through, gang way there, Son move your posterior or else!" Through the hatch and down the stairs, a hard right and then a left brought him in sight of the long blonde hair moving down the hall.

"Wench" and yet still she didn't respond.
"Wench!" loud enough for the hands two deck below to shout back but the blonde headed lass didn't miss a step.
"Wench hold it right there or I shall call you by your proper name in front of God and crew!" Stopping quicker than a ship running aground on a sandbar her hands went to her hair as she turned, "Why Brother Timothy how nice to see you, but you must excuse me I have an errand."

"Consist. Verto." Turning to go his voice caught her off guard, the register had changed and she found herself unable to move. Her mind was certainly willing, but somehow the legs weren't listening. Strange, she hadn't experienced anything like this since her druidic training as youth. She wondered if there was more to this old monk than anyone suspected.

"Wench, we need to talk, do you know where the Lobo is currently heading?"
"Certainly Brother, I'm the Captain or at least one of the them, what kind of Captain would I be if I didn't know where we were heading. I'm not just a figurehead." She leaned back into a shadow and pulled her hair to the front of her shoulders.

"Is something wrong with your neck?"
"NO! I mean no, everythings fine."
"Then why do you keep adjusting your hair and collar, please step into the light so I may see you. Girl we don't have time to play back and forth here like youngsters," he stepped forward and extended his hand, "may I?" He lightly lifted the long blonde hair to expose her neck.

"Dam Wench your neck, St. Blaise protect you, what happen did you battle a kraken last night?"
"Oh these little things, would you believe I ran into a door..."
"Please while I am a monk and have taken the vow keep in mind I haven't always been a monk, so please don't insult the intelligence of either one of us. I imagine this had something to do with the other Captain Wolfe."
"Do I look like the type of girl to kiss and tell?"
"No, normally the boots under your bed tell the story well enough for you. Wench this is exactly why I needed to talk with you. Whether you realize it or not where we are heading is not your typical port of call, the only rules are the ones being made up at that moment. The way you, shall we say usually behave, can be very dangerous on this isle, people may take things the wrong way and well there could be problems for you and the crew."

Stepping toward him, the monk could see the seriousness in her eyes "I am the Captain and I will take care of my crew. Besides you know me, I'm like a cat who always lands on its feet."
"Yes, I've watch you and I've help patch you up, how many lives do you have left Wench and are there enough lives to cover everyone from the Knight Hammer?"

"Brother I will be careful, we stop here long enough to repair the Lobo and then its back to sea and after the Knight Hammer." A quick move and suddenly the monk found himself being bear hugged by the blonde Captain. Akwardly he reach around and patted her on the back. "Um, I'm sorry but this is a little unusual for me"

"Thats why I did it, your the one man aboard I can hug and not have to worry about misunderstanding and looking for more."

"Fine young lady, just remember to behave and watch out, the face you see may be smiling while the hand behind the back holds a knife."





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Reply author: Blackjack Roberts
Replied on: 03/19/2008 21:58:51
Message:

"How you feelin' now, Luv?" Blackjack walked over to Elinor's cot, pulling Drake's tall stool over from his desk to sit next to her. Suddenly she sat up and hugged the surprised pirate with her good arm.

"It's so good to see you walking around, Jack." She smiled excitedly. "How can I ever repay you?"

"By getting better, Little Sister." Jack grinned. "Ye've no idea the importance of a good scribe. Ye be the keeper 'o all the secrets 'o the ship." He winked and Elinor giggled for a moment, before her countenance turned gloomy.

"But, Jack. What if I can not write anymore?" Tears began to fill the young scribe's eyes. "My fingers still won't work right!"

Blackjack reached up to gently cup her cheek in one warm hand. "Now don't ye be worryin' yer pretty head on that account, Luv. That be just the after effects 'o that particular poison. It paralyzes the muscles around the entry wound. It will wear off in a few days, take it from one what knows." He smiled reassuringly.

"Oh, Jack! Do you mean it?!" Elinor almost jumped for joy in her cot.

"Here, now!" Jack scowled, smiling at the same time. "Don't ye go overtaxin' yerself there, Missy. Ye leave that kind 'o foolishness to Ol' Jack. I has more experience at it. Ye rest and get well, the crew needs ye."

"Speaking of which," Elinor crossed her own arms in front of her and scowled back, "shouldn't you be resting yourself, Mr. Roberts?"

"See what I mean?" Blackjack laughed. "I will, Lass, but at the moment there be some things I needed to tend to. Things important to the future 'o the Knight's Hammer crew, and I has me ways 'o dealin' with me own injuries fer the moment."

"You mean what Captain Wolfe has in mind for us?" Elinor's eyes widened. "Have you found something out?"

"So, I see I'm not the only one who noticed." Jack mused, dropping his pirate persona. "This is what I meant about a good scribe, Lass. You have the head for the job, very little escapes your notice. Yes, I believe I have figured out what the good captain has in mind."

"Jack!" Her eyes widened even more, "I've never heard you speak like this before!"

"When one wishes to blend in with their surroundings and not arouse suspicion it becomes prudent to effect every aspect of one's environment, Luv." Jack grinned. "It isn't to deceive my crewmates, I assure you. People tend to believe what they see and hear, and I long ago learned how to use that to my advantage. It's how I've kept ahead of those who would see me dead."

Elinor smiled realizing how much he had come to trust her to drop his ruse in her presence. "So what have you learned?" She whispered excitedly.

"From what I was able to wheedle out of Mad Jack without his knowing, I believe he has formulated a plan to keep Honor by his side. Whether she wishes to be there or not." Blackjack stroked the goatee part of his beard thoughtfully. "He has figured it out that if she has no crew to be captain of, then she would rightfully turn to him and stay with the Lobo. To that effect I believe he has formulated a plan to dissolve the crew of The Knight's Hammer. He's a canny one to be sure."

"I thought as much myself!" Elinor gasped, and related what she had overheard between Mad Jack and Duckie.

"Your perceptions make you well suited to your job, Luv." Blackjack grinned proudly. "I've been to see Martin and....." His words trailed off as the door suddenly opened and Julian burst into the room.

"I couldn't hear all, but it sounds like the two of you are planning mutiny!" He shouted.

Blackjack stood slowly up from his chair. "Ye be wrong there, Mate." He grinned wickedly facing the Lobo's scribe. "Regardless didn't yer mama teach ye it's not polite ta eavesdrop?"

"And what do you plan to do about it?" Julian sneered, his hand inching toward the pistol in his belt. "Your not in the best of health, Roberts."

In a blur of motion that surprised, and shocked Elinor Blackjack's hand flew to his belt and sent a thin line of black snaking out into the space between him and Julian that ended in a loud crack. Julian's belt and pistol clattered to the wooden floor, the belt's leather cut three inches from the buckle as cleanly as if by a knife.

Julian jumped and flattened himself to the bulkhead as Blackjack's other hand shot out releasing a silver streak that pinned his shirt to the wood of the ship's wall, a throwing dagger that the both of them had never seen Jack in possession of quivered there. Sweat broke out on the Lobo's scribe's face in rivers, as Jack strode over to him.

"Listen up, and mark me well, Mate." Blackjack growled lowly as he pulled the dagger from the wood. "Breathe one word about what ye think ye heard here, and I'll clip yer ears and tongue just as fast and easy. And believe me. There are none aboard this ship what can stop me in time. What ye heard were the Knight's Hammer crew makin' sure we remain a crew! We don't give a tinker's damn about yer captain's ship, nor his command, but we'll be damned ta Davy Jones locker if we'll be letting' him drive a wedge between us!"

Blackjack turned to leave. "See if ye can talk some sense inta yer friend, Luv. Fer his sake. I'll be seein' ye later." He winked to Elinor so Julian couldn't see before he turned and strode out the door for his own quarters. Duckie would be around to see about him soon enough, and he could feel the potion beginning to wear off.



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Reply author: Martin Montgomery
Replied on: 03/20/2008 07:40:45
Message:

After Blackjack left the galley,Martin began thinking how to let the "Knight Hammer" crewers at least be on the lookout for each other while not tipping his hand to the "Lobo's" crew. "We can't have this appear to be a "mutton-y" as Wench would say!" A quick grin here " But as Blackjack said fore-warned is fore-armed. Still I can't be seen taking just "our" men aside,it would choke off the newfound camradarie that battle has forged between the two crews. Wether or not Mad Jack has thought to separate WW from "Her" crew,we must stick together!" Absentmindedly stirring the stew with a long handled wooden spoon the big man thought "I also have to figure out exactly how many weapons I can sling from my belt without clanking or slowing myself down!" Still stirring the large cast iron pot,a slow smile crossed Martin's lips and an amused chuckle escaped them. Later that day when serving the combined crew the hearty stew with thick slices of toasted bread,he made sure that Lilaney,Brother Timothy,Mason and several other,literate and totally loyal to WW,members of the "Knight Hammer's" crew recieved specially toasted slices carefully crafted by Martin using a bit of bent wire heated in the coals of his cooking fire. As he set the thick slabs of bread on the trays he spoke to each man in line no matter which ship he hailed from, but when he set the "special" slabs on the chosen men's trays,face down,he tapped the toast and winked. The message simply....."C E 4 INFO"


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Reply author: Elinor Hakebourne
Replied on: 03/20/2008 12:10:59
Message:

As she watched Blackjack leave, she muttered, "My friend? He's not my friend."

Julian turned around, his face red with anger and embarassment, and, Elinor suspected, more than a little fear of the man he'd just interacted with. She caught his gaze finally, and it was as if she now saw him through an invisible shield, one that could not been seen, only felt. That unseen barrier prevented Julian from crossing to her bedside, and seemed to halt their speech, for neither talked for what seemed like a very long time. Then, turning on his heel, Julian started to stride out of the surgery.

"I hope you're not going to do what I think you are going to do," Elinor said softly. "He meant what he said, I am sure of it."

Julian halted in his stride, pausing for just a moment. "I have a duty," he replied, and then left the surgery, without looking back. Fearing for the worst, Elinor delicately swung her legs onto the wooden floor, and carefully stood, propping herself up on her right hand. Once standing, she slowly began to walk, holding on to anything nearby--sometimes even awkwardly grabbing at the wall--to steady herself. Exiting the surgery, she glanced around, looking for any sign of her El Lobo counterpart, but he was nowhere to be found. "Got to find Blackjack," Elinor muttered to herself. "Where would he be? Maybe the galley? Perhaps the Knight Hammer's crew quarters?"

Continuing to walk onward, she decided to try the galley first. Steadying her breath against the waves of nausea that swept over her, she walked past the ship's crew going about their daily routine, continuing to repair the ship after the battle. Finally arriving at the galley, she found it almost filled to capacity with crew members of both ships.

"Look who's up and about!" One of the El Lobo crew members exclaimed. This gave the others pause, and they shifted their gazes towards the doorway, where Elinor stood wearily.

"ELINOR!" Martin and Lil admonished together. "Whatever happened to staying in bed, obeying Duckie's orders?" Lil asked her, coming over to her. As soon as she had reached Elinor's side, Elinor whispered in her ear as nonchalantly as she could, "Circumstances require me to cut my bed-rest short."

Lil looked back at her bread, the message unmarred by a few bites taken out of the edges of the slice. "What is going on?" She asked, pulling Elinor off to the side by her good arm.

"Not here," Elinor muttered, trying to avoid the glances of the El Lobo crew members. "This room is full of wolves." Lil gazed at her friend for a second, finally understanding. Martin glanced over at the two of them with concern, but Brother Timothy did not meet her gaze. "You need to be resting," he calmly asserted, turning around and approaching her and Lil. "Cabin-fever, that is all this is," excusing her behavior to the others present. "Lil, help me get her back to the surgery, will you?"

"But--"Elinor protested.

"No but's," Lil replied.

"You need to know something!" Elinor hissed rather loudly. Brother Timothy glanced around to make sure no one had heard her. "I have no doubt of that," He whispered into her ear. It was only when they had gotten back to the surgery, and Elinor was once again laying on her cot, that Brother Timothy spoke again. "As you said yourself, that room was full of 'wolves,' as you put it, and I don't doubt it would have been a very dangerous place for all of us if you'd decided to start talking there and then."

Elinor's eyes widened. "You heard that?"

Brother Timothy nodded. "But I doubt anyone else did, they were so focused on the meal before them."

"What is this all about, Elinor?" Lil asked. "First, Martin's leaving messages for us etched on our bread, and then you decide to take a stroll when you should be resting, fear written all over your face!"

"I was not strolling," Elinor replied indignantly. "If I was strolling I would have been in a lot less pain, I'll have you know!" She glanced at her left arm, where a deep red circle had bled through the dressing.

"Perhaps you're getting better then, if you can be that indignant again!" Lil replied, managing a small smile. "But why the sudden need to go walking?"

"I think--and so does Blackjack--that Captain Wolfe--the Captain of the El Lobo--intends to separate us from Wench so he can have her all to himself."

"What?" Lil asked, her eyes widening.

"And while we were talking about it, Julian came in, and started yelling about mutiny, and then Blackjack threatened him as to what would happen if he talked, but Julian left anyway. I think Julian's going to tell Mad Jack what he overheard," Elinor whispered. "Before he left the surgery, he said he had a 'duty,' probably to his Captain, to let him know what we were planning. I was trying to locate Blackjack, but instead found all of you."

Title: Re: DEAD MAN'S TAVERN I
Post by: Welsh Wench on May 19, 2008, 09:39:17 PM
Reply author: Lilaney
Replied on: 03/20/2008 14:44:53
Message:

Lil's Brain whirled with the inumerable scenarios that could be quickly played out.
Every one going from bad to worst.
She saw Brother Timothy nodding in time with all the words that Elinor was saying.
"This is not good." Lil stated the obvious then, began to pace the surgery.
"But, what about Julien?"
Elinor sat a bit straighter up on her cot. Brother Timothy had began to change her bandages. He was doing a fine job, so Lil let him get on about it.
Lil looked at the back of the surgery door for a moment.
"BlackJack can take care of him. No, my concern is for us. La Ville du Traite is not exactly a luxury resort and to be going there makes me wonder. Why are we going there?
And finally; if we cannot find the Knight Hammer, there is no way in hell I am staying on that island for any length of time. I'd rather be keel-hauled."
Elinor watched Lil in her pacing; the stride was made longer by nerves, her face set with determination. She stopped suddenly and stared at Elinor.
"You are certain in your information? Not a doubt rests on this relay?"
Elinor nodded firmly at her friend, biting her lip as Brother Timothy made the bandage snug in its place.
Lil gave a curt nod. And set to pacing again.
"That settles it then, we have to get Kate, the Captain, Martin, and BlackJack all in one place. We need a plan, a backup plan and a fall back plan."
Timothy gave a flit of a smile at her ramblings. His confidence was palpable.
Lil watched him for a moment, then went back to searching her mind for possible solutions.
At that moment, the door opened.




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Reply author: Blackjack Roberts
Replied on: 03/20/2008 21:26:54
Message:

Julian strode down the close hallway towards the captain's quarters. He fumed inside at what had just happened. That pretentious bastard had dared to make him look like a weakling in front of Elinor! Worse yet after he had preached to her about acquiring fighting skills if she were to be the scribe of a pirate ship! How dare he?!

He especially hated the feeling in his gut. The trembling fear that settled deep inside from the display of skill he had been the recipient of. He had guessed correctly, there was far more to Roberts than met the eye. The man was moving about as if he had never been wounded in the first place, and no one human could fight like that a mere two days after such a wound. He had seen too many wounded men in his time to believe it. The man had to be some kind of demon.

Well, once he had made it to either Biggs, or captain Wolfe it would be a moot point. They could keep him safe from Blackjack. He wouldn't be surprised if they didn't have him keelhauled, or thrown overboard once they knew.

"Goin' somewhere, Mate?" The hated voice set Julian's knees to quivering as he looked up to see Roberts blocking his way. "Ye didn't think I'd be letting' ye go that easy did ya?"

Julian raised his right hand, his retrieved, and cocked pistol pointed at Blackjack's chest. "D-d-don't move so much as a whisker, Roberts!" His voice slightly higher than Julian was used to. "I won't hesitate to shoot you! Keep your hands where I can see them and take off your weapons! I'm taking you to Captain Wolf!"

Blackjack grinned. "Wouldn't think of it, Mate. Just don't get all trigger happy on me, and I'll go quietly. Perhaps yer silence can be bought? Would this seal yer tongue?" He opened his hand to reveal a two inch wide ruby resting in his palm.

Julian's eyes glowed with greed. He could accept the ruby and still turn Roberts over to the captain. It would be just deserts for the man making a fool of him in front of Elinor. "It's a deal, Roberts! Hand the jewel over nice and slow and I'll let you return to your quarters then forget all about what I overheard."

Blackjack closed his hand over the glittering red square and slowly held it out to the scribe. As Julian transferred his pistol to his other hand and held out his right to accept the ruby Jack suddenly tightened his grip. A crunching sound was followed by Jack suddenly turning his hand upright and tossing a handful if crushed thin red glass and white powder from his palm.

Out of instinct Julian inhaled sharply, sucking a good amount of the powder deep into his lungs. A violent coughing fit took him for a few moments, as he struggled to get a bead on the advancing pirate. Why couldn't he lift his pistol? The fit had passed. He tried to raise his hand to ward off a blow from Blackjack. His arm wouldn't move either!! What kind of spell had this devil put on him?!!

"Have'n a bit 'o trouble there, Mate?" Roberts grinned as he took the pistol from Julian's paralyzed fingers. "That there be the same dust what the Obeah use to make zombies with. Were the sawbones ta find ye in a few moments they'd wrap ye in a linen cloth and slide yer worthless carcass overboard. I'm tempted ta let that happen."

Julian's mind screamed in silent horror at the thought of being buried at sea alive as he listened helplessly to the highwayman turned pirate continue.

"No worries there, Mate. I'm not that cruel a man." Blackjack smiled. "I'll be hidin' ye instead. It takes about three days for the effects ta wear off without the antidote. By then I'll have me business ashore taken care of. Till then ye better hope none finds ye. Even the doc will believe ye dead, and ye know what would happen to ye then. Once I finds out what I need ta know, I give ye me word I'll return ta set ye free 'o the powder."

With that Blackjack threw the thin man across his shoulder and headed for the place he had chosen to hide the man for the next few days until he could talk with Pew. What he hadn't told the scribe that was once he had given the man the antidote to the powder he would never remember the last few days. It was the antidote, and the continual feeding of it to the victim that was actually responsible for creating a zombie.

Roberts would have used it now to make the scribe forget, but he had none of it with him. He had never planned on having to release anyone from the living death it induced. He could get what he needed at La Ville du Traitre. Till then he would have to hide the man and hope no one found him. They would instantly believe the scribe dead and bury him alive without knowing it.

By the time he had secured Julian's body in the last place any would think to look for it the potion had nearly worn completely off. Blackjack stumbled dizzily back to the Knight's Hammer crew quarters. The note lay undisturbed on his bunk and he collapsed on top of it. All of his skill had been used to insure that no one of either crew had seen him since he left the surgery, and it had taxed what he had learned from the Lin Qui to it's limits.

As he passed out his mind took him back to that day he had washed ashore in China, and the events that had led up to his being taken in and trained by one of the clans of the vagabonds.



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Reply author: Mad Jack Wolfe
Replied on: 03/21/2008 21:25:53
Message:

The morning air was clear and crisp. Jack inhaled deeply, the salt air refreshing his mind and spirit. He looked out over the ship from the quarterdeck and smiled with satisfaction. Some of the crew looked up at their captain and started speculating rudely amongst themselves as to why he looked like the cat that ate the canary.

He went to the binnacle, found the bottle stashed there, and took a healthy tug of rum. La Ville du Traitre lay a day before them. Hopefully they could get the ship repaired in a couple of days. It would cost more, but he didn't want to stay there any longer than he had to. Who knows where Cade was going with Honour's ship, but Jack was determined to run him down and return Honour's ship to her.

But he had enough to deal with at La Ville du Traitre in the meantime. How easily could he keep Honour under wraps long enough for him to track down Ahmet the Turk and negotiate a recall of the £250 bounty he'd drunkenly put on the head of the woman he knew as "Honour Bright"?

He took another drink of rum. "Thank goodness she's going by the name 'Wolfe'," he thought. "It should make dickering with Ahmet easier if his men don't know she's right there in the town."


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Reply author: Blackjack Roberts
Replied on: 03/23/2008 12:50:14
Message:

Blackjack had pushed himself too far under the influence of the painkilling drug. He had caused it to burn through his system at too fast a rate, and that had allowed the lotus to flood his brain at an accelerated pace. The usual trance like effects of the black lotus took over and he sank backward into the past.

He found himself back on the deck of the Maria Anne, caught in one of the worst storms he had the misfortune to ever witness. He had left India and Malcolm's group of Thuggee assassins far behind, chasing a rumor that offered him the hope of surviving their next encounter by something other than luck.

Roberts had worked his way to the position of quartermaster on the pirate ship since signing aboard, and he couldn't say that the captain's decision to waylay a shipment of British opium has set well with him, but the crew had voted. Blackjack didn't care as long as he could make it to Singapore and begin his search for those he sought. They hadn't counted on the monsoon though.

The monstrous waves tossed the ship around the ocean like a child's toy. Driving rain that stung the skin like icy daggers made it impossible for them to get their bearings, but as far as the pilot knew they lay somewhere near the coast of China, between the Japans and the mainland. More than once the violent heaving of the groaning vessel had tossed men overboard, and sent Jack himself tumbling to the deck.

Without warning the bow lookout shouted as hard as he could, "ROCKS AHOY! DEAD AHEAD!!"

Blackjack cursed beneath his breath. The storm had driven them closer to the mainland than they had realized. Not knowing if he had enough time Jack grabbed a loosely rolling barrel and pried the cork free. It was one of the grog barrels that had been left on deck for the crew's entertainment, and thankfully it was nearly empty.

He poured the remainder out to be washed from the deck by rain and sea water. Ramming the cork home he pounded furiously on it with the side of his fist to ensure it may stay put. Grabbing a length of rope he put one arm around the barrel and lashed it to him as best he could. Just then he heard the sickening sound of wood rending itself asunder on stone, and the Maria Anne flipped sideways launching his helpless body into the churning sea.

Mi Lin walked cautiously along the beach. It had been strewn with the wreckage of some hapless ship that had been unlucky enough to have been caught in the monsoon of last night and she was sure there had to be at least a few valuable items her clan could make use of. Since the western barbarians had increased in their trading numbers such events proved useful to keeping the Lin Qui well supplied and less dependant on defrauding the populace.

She could assume that there were no survivors since only that which could float had reached ashore. The western devils must have hit the short islands that sometimes dotted the sea about a mile away. She shook her head, only fools, or pirates attempted to sail these waters during the monsoon season. Suddenly her almond shaped brown eyes widened.

Yes. Her eyes were not playing tricks on her. There behind a few crates that had washed shore were the booted legs of a gweilo. What luck! At the least he would have a few coins that should come in handy to exchange in town. If his weapons had made it to shore with the body all the better. The powder would be useless, but the quality of the firearms were second to none, and highly prized by the aristocracy.

She rolled the body over, discovering to her shock that the westerner still breathed! How could this be? By all rights he should be dead! It had to be a sign from the ancestors. She would have to consult with grandfather. Perhaps the I Ching would hold the answer. Putting her fingers to her lips she whistled loudly, and her two brothers ran back up the beach to her.

"What is it, Mi Lin?" Li Chan asked breathlessly. "Have you found something useful in this mess?"

"I do not know." She frowned. "See for yourself."

"Buddha!" Fai Chen exclaimed. "This gweilo is still alive! In that sea last night? He must have a very powerful joss!"

At that moment Blackjack's eyes fluttered and he groaned. Mi Lin knelt down beside him. "Ni hao. Ni ke ma?" He heard her say.

"Sorry, Luv. No savvy." Blackjack smiled. "Well at least it looks like I've made landfall in China. Could have been gentler though." He tried to set up and collapsed back onto the sand in exhaustion. "I'll never find the Lin Qui at this rate." He said to himself.

The brothers instantly shot looks to each other. "How can he know of the Lin Qui?" Chen eyed the stranger suspiciously. "This gweilo is too dangerous to let live!"

"I agree!" Li nodded. "Let us kill him and be done with it!"

Blackjack didn't understand the melodious words, but he knew full well the inflection his hosts were using. Anger and fear sounded the same no matter what language was used. He had to take the gamble and pray if he were to survive. Reaching up around his neck he pulled the small jade amulet free of his shirt and said the only phrase Jun Quon had taught him in India.

"By the Grandfather of the Vagabonds, I claim your protection!" He choked out coughing from the irritation the sea water had imposed on his lungs.

The three looked in shock at the small figurine dangling from the leather thong Jack's hand held aloft. How did a western devil gain possession of the brotherhood amulet? Even more puzzling, how did he know the secret phrase that demanded hospitality from one clan to another?

"We must take him to Grandfather." Mi Lin demanded. "Gweilo, or not, we cannot ignore tradition."

The two men nodded, and grunted an affirmative. Blackjack relaxed for the moment, sensing that he had gained a small measure of safety for the moment and if he had not there would be precious little he could do about it now. As his exhaustion overcame his senses he could only hope lady luck had not yet turned her back on him.

The next sight to meet his eyes was that of an aged Chinese gentleman. His wispy beard hung almost to the center of his abdomen and his solid white eyebrows curved up well beyond his brow. The effect was both sinister and gentile at the same time. His clothing was neat and slightly expensive without being opulent. His equally white hair draped down his back in a waist long braid.

"Welcome." He smiled speaking in near perfect English. "I am Liang Hu, leader of the White Tiger clan. I am curious as to how you have come to know of us and where you acquired this." He held up the Jade amulet that had been around Blackjack's neck.



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Reply author: Lilaney
Replied on: 03/26/2008 15:24:40
Message:

"OW! HEY! LEMME GO!"
Lil's hollering was muffled by the deck; in which her face was now pressed.
Her arm twisted up and behind her back.
"Let her up, lad. She can't help her reflexes, it is the way she is programmed."
Lil was set back on her feet with a swift thump by Martin. She flexed her now
released arm, as the pins and needles tingled the nerve endings back to life.
"Thanks Martin. He scared me! You don't go sneaking up on a person when their back is turned."

Duckie was fuming.

"I did not 'sneak' up on you! I merely opened the door to MY surgery and was accosted by a she-harpie with a dagger. I only defended myself!"
Brother Timothy had moved swiftly from Elinor's side to next to the good doctor's.
"Lad, she meant no harm, she's just a bit jumpy."
Duckie looked around the room clearly since entering it and saw the majority of the crew of the Knight Hammer. His gaze stopped on Elinor's down-turned and somewhat guilty face.
His gaze focused on her and his eyebrows drew together.

"What are all of you doing in here? And why has your bandage been changed, Elinor?"
Lil stepped into the line of the piercing gaze that Duckie had leveled at her friend.
"We are having a family reunion and talking about the price of tea in China.
And I would thank you to let me take care of my patient how I see fit.
If I want to change her bandage fifty times a day, I will! And further more.."

"Lilaney, calm your pride, he is merely concerned."
Duckie looked at the passive face of the Good Brother and grew even more suspicious.
"Concerned isn't the word, but, I can see that I am not wanted. I will be going, once I have come to fetch what I am after."

The room full of eyes watched as the good doctor made his way to his desk and riffled through papers, selecting a few, he glanced them over, he tapped them smartly into a tidy pile, and nodding
to the assembly, he made his way back out the door.
His last glance was at Lil, his eyes left Lil feeling as if she had done something wrong. Forbidding herself from looking ashamed, she lifted her head and cocked an eyebrow at him as he closed the door with a sharp snap.

"Now, where were we? Oh, yes, how to warn our Captain of the suspected betrayal. I think we should tell Kate, she has the closest and least suspected contact with her. Now that Julian AND the Doctor know that we are in cahoots, I can garun-dam-tee they will be watching us just a hair bit harder than most."
The room in general nodded at this idea. Lil turned to Brother Timothy.

"Brother, seeing as you would be the least supsected of this assemblige, would you do the honors of informing either the Captain, or Kate?"

Brother Timothy smiled and gave a slight nod, letting himself out of the room, quietly closing the door behind him.

"Martin? If you get wind of anything. Send us another message and we can gather here again."
Martin smiled, gave Elinor a gentle hug and returned back out the door.

"What about me? What can I do?" Elinor looked at Lil, her eyes held so many emotions that Lil also felt the need to go and hug her.
"You are hereby ordered to get well. If you promise not to move this day, we'll go on the deck tomorrow and you can get a glimpse of the true scum and villanany that is our next port of call."
Elinor, feeling a bit tired, nodded at the somewhat confusing statement and began to drift off to sleep.

'Now, for me to go find the Doctor, and think up a whopper to keep him from garnering any more suspicion that he must have already divined.'
Lil turned the oil lamp's wick low, to dim the room, and left the surgery.
"Where would the good ol' doc be so early in the morning?"
She thought, as she made her way through the bowels of the boat.

Title: Re: DEAD MAN'S TAVERN I
Post by: Welsh Wench on May 19, 2008, 09:40:30 PM
Reply author: Welsh Wench
Replied on: 03/26/2008 18:54:06
Message:

Wench looked right and left in the companionway. Captain Mad Jack Wolfe was nowhere in sight. She quietly went back to the captain's quarters.
Back to the scene of the crime.

She sat on the bed and looked at it. If we did, I should remember it, yes? Of course. But I don't. Was it that lousy?
No, it never was before. And it's like riding a horse, right? I mean, you fall off and may even get stomped on, but you get back in the saddle for a ride.
Wait...that didn't sound right.

She flopped back on the bed and looked at the ceiling. Really does need painted...but I should have noticed that last night.
The pillow smelled faintly of rum and leather mixed with jasmine. A scent that always took Wench back to the heady days of Castara Bay and Barbados.
She laid there and looked at the tattered sailcloth and the knife thrown in the corner.
All evidence pointed to it, as Jack said.

She picked up the pillow and threw it.
"DAMN YOU, JACK WOLFE!"
Always screwing her life up. And now he was taking her to the bowels of Hell.
And all without a new dress for the party.

She marched down the hall and opened the door to the room on the end. She began to gather clothes and some sheets and blankets.
"WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU ARE DOING?"
Josiah Briggs stood in the doorway.
Wench turned to Briggs and piled the clothes in his arms.
"You are relocating, Briggs."
"And where do you think you are relocating me to, Mrs. Wolfe?"
"That's Captain Bright to you. I changed my name a half hour ago."
She took out some maps and added them to the pile on Josiah's arms, then spun him around and pushed him through the door.
"And where am I to sleep?"
She slammed the door behind him and yelled through it, "Tell your Captain Wolfe, 'Hi, bunkie!'"

She gathered all his things and threw them in the hallway. Sheets. Towels. Blankets. His boots.
"Ow, Wench! I almost broke my neck on all this stuff! What is going on?"
She looked out the door and saw Martin standing there.
"Martin! I'm moving into this room. I like the way the sun doesn't come in the window at 7 AM. I need my sleep."
Martin laughed. "Not from what I have heard."
"Whatever you heard, it's not true. Not at all. Not the remotest. Never happened. I don' t know where you got your information, Martin, but whoever it is, they are lying and I'll be the first to--"
"Your neck. You didn't have your head in a noose."
She muttered, "That's debatable."
"Plus the fact that Captain Wolfe..."
"What? WHAT?"
"Well, he's walking around like he just held the winning hand in a high-stakes card game."
Her eye narrowed. "Is he bragging?"
"Not in so many words. I think the word..strut...is the one we are looking for."
Wench said quietly, "Thank you, Martin."
"Don't worry, my little captain. No mutton for you. At least not today. Not as long as we have French toast!"
"Martin, you are beginning to sound like...me."
Martin grinned and tipped his cap. "Wench, you are more loved than you know. But just be a bit cautious."

She listened as Martin's footsteps faded away. Climbing to the upperdeck, she found Kate still there with her coffee.

"Kate?"
"Yes, Wench?"
"Um...have you ever...um..."
"What?"
"Not remembered?"
What? Anniversaries? Birthdays? Whether I ate lunch or not?"
"No. Have you ever gotten...close? And not remembered?"
"Wench, are you still bothered by this?"
She nodded. "I can't remember whether we did or not. The earth didn't move. I didn't see any shooting stars or explosions! I--I'm losing my touch! No one will ever want their boots under my bed anymore! I'm a dried-up old hag!"
"At twenty-one?"
Wench wailed, "Kate, I--I'm FRIGID!"





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Reply author: Ice Mage
Replied on: 03/26/2008 20:06:16
Message:

*Dorean plunged his sword over and over into the soldiers chest. Long after the light had left his eye's, Dorean continued to punish the corpse as if he had personally murdered his child. Meanwhile, Daemon strangled his opponent to a lifeless lump.

Rose continued to rock back and forth with her child, muttering all kinds of random comments. Cursing the soldiers, she began to summon her Voidwalker (A demonic spirit, sworn to protect it's caster). Just before she was able to finish, she was met with another horrible shock.

The British flowed down the stairs like a great wave. Catching the two men exhausted, the soldiers clubbed the men on the back of their heads. Rose however was not as lucky. The soldiers ripped the now stiff little body out of her hands, while kicking her square in the face.

Moments later they were all tied up, and unconscious. They were drug through the burning corridors, and acroos the gang planks to the British ship. Flopped onto the deck, they were laid out before the British commander. Wearing the uniform of the Dragoons, the man ordered them to be dumped into the brig.*


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Reply author: Blackjack Roberts
Replied on: 03/29/2008 20:17:01
Message:

The effects of the Black Lotus kept Blackjack reliving the events of over four years ago, such was it's properties if used directly, or if he pushed the pain numbing drug too far too fast. Until the effect wore off he might as well have boarded a time machine and traveled back into the past.

"I am curious as to how you have come to know of us and where you acquired this." Liang Hu had questioned him. Blackjack's hand shot to his throat in a vain attempt to find the necklace that swung from the Lin Qui leader's hand.

"You need not worry, I will return your property as soon as I have my answers." Liang Hu smiled. "Never before has a gweilo ever mentioned us, and I am curious as to how you obtained your information."

"Gweilo?" Jack's eyebrows knitted in his confusion.

"Ah! Forgive me." the old man smiled again. "Gweilo is our term for a white man. Translated literally it means a ghost. I'm afraid it is because of your pale complexions. Some do use it as a derogatory term. I assure you, I do not. How did you learn of the Lin Qui?"

"A friend of mine in India." Jack relaxed, there seemed to be no reason to worry over the sage who sat beside his cot. "We found ourselves comrades by chance, and he told me to seek out the Forest Demons....the Lin Qui. He felt that only they could teach me the skills I need to survive my enemies."

"And did this friend have a name?" Liang Hu asked.

Blackjack nodded. "Jun Quon."

Liang Hu's eyes widened for a moment, then he returned to his near inhuman state of serenity. "I see." He said quietly, handing the amulet back to Roberts. "Rest now, you are safe here. Once you have regained your strength we shall see if you are worthy of such instruction."

The elder man rose as silently as a passing shadow and left the room, deep in thought. Entering the outside garden he found himself face to face with Mi Lin. "What have you learned, Sifu?" She asked, breathlessly.

Raising his right eyebrow Liang Hu favored her with a sidelong glance. "You have much to learn of patience, Little flower." He frowned. "Still all of this can not be mere luck. The hand of destiny is self evident. He has met with my grandson in India. If this is not the will of Buddha, then I do not know how else to explain it."

"So we are going to train him??!!!" She asked incredulous.

"That will depend. If he can prove his spirit, then he will become the first, and quite possibly the only gweilo to ever learn our secrets." Liang Hu scowled for a moment. "We will see."

Suddenly the vision parted, and Jack found himself looking into the concerned eyes of Dr. Drake Gander. "Jack! Jack!" The concerned physician gently shook Blackjack's shoulders. "Are you alright? I almost could not wake you. Who is Mi Lin?"



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Reply author: Martin Montgomery
Replied on: 04/01/2008 04:57:24
Message:

Standing beside his hammock in the far corner of the galley,Martin shook his head at the pile of weapons and gear strewn across his small living area. "This must be how Wench feels every time she goes to a new town!" The big man snorted,then adopted a much higher pitched voice "What to wear!? What shall I wear!?" Smiling grimly to himself he selected an old favorite,a very long,wide belt made of thick and sturdy leather. To this he added his two long knives,the footlong blades resting on his right hip. His long boarding axe would be to hard to carry,since he was figuring on a quick departure from the pirate held island. "Hey!" He thought outloud "It pays to be prepared!" With that thought,and recalling overhearing Duckie as he quietly informed Captain Wolfe of some of the weapons found secreted upon the person of Blackjack Roberts,quickly adding a few "extras" here and there. Just to be sure,Martin cleaned,inspected and reloaded his matched set of dueling pistols,purchased from a weapons shop in Glen Livet right before this whole adventure started. The pistols were a true work of art,beautiful yet functional,both had long engraved barrels,walnut grips and decorative buttplates. The heavy buttplates had been added by the shop's owner,so the "Gentlemanly" pistols could be used as a club after firing. Martin stuck one under his belt behind his back and the other went inside a pocket on the rear of his newly sewn canvas gear bag, which he would sling crossbody. The newest aquisition to his arsenal was a wickedly sharp,short cutlass boasting an enclosed hilt that could be,and most likely had been,used as a "Knuckle-Duster".It's past owner,a gunner's mate named "Ham Hands" Harrison had perished in the savage battle between the crews of the English warship and the "Lobo". Harrison had fought off every challenger,but had been shot from behind by the same Thugee that had shot Elinor. Gordy,the "Lobo's" squinty-eyed lookout,had presented the weapon to him because Harrison had the cutlass specialy made for his oversized hands and it fit Martin's own meathooks like a metal glove. Setting the obvious weapons aside until the shore party was ready to embark on a new and very dangerous adventure,Martin turned from his seachest and hammock,then started to prepare the "Lobo's" evening meal."Lord above us" He whispered under his breath "Watch over Fools and Sinners,You know there are plenty among THIS crew!!"


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Reply author: Welsh Wench
Replied on: 04/03/2008 19:37:04
Message:

Kate refilled her coffee and sat down next to Wench.
"My father used to say, Wench, 'you can't get a coconut every time.' "
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"It means once in a while things don't quite work out. For whatever reason."
"You think?"
"Yes, I think. Fatigue and stress. Not to mention that your blood was rum-infused."
"Maybe I should try again?"
Kate grinned, "It wouldn't hurt."
Wench grinned back and started heading out the door.
"Wench? Are you heading toward the crew's quarters?"
Wench said nothing.
Kate exploded, "I meant with Mad Jack!"
"Oh."
"Maybe you should wait till Black Jack Roberts is stronger."
Wench sat back down and said defensively, "I had no such idea."
"Uh huh. You do know it could compromise Black Jack's position on the ship, don't you?"
"To say the least."
Wench brightened. "There's always dry land!"

Kate shook her head. "Wench, you are something else!"
"You know I was just kidding."
"Uh huh."
"Although he IS good-looking."
"Black Jack Roberts? Yes, he is. Very."
"And so is Mad Jack."
"Top of the line. And they both have their teeth."
"That's always a plus."
"What about Cade Jennings?"
"The thief stole my ship. I'm going to keelhaul him when I catch up to him."
"And then?"
"Remains to be seen."
"Are you going to marry him?"
"Maybe."
"I feel compelled to bring this point up. You are already married."
"Jack Wolfe and I were together a month. That hardly qualifies for an anniversary gift, let alone a roll in the hay."
"There's no hay. You'll have to do better than that."
"Alright. A romp on the high seas."

Kate laughed. Wench was quiet for a minute, then said, "Kate, did you ever noticed something about Black Jack Roberts?"
"Nothing more than he is good looking and wicked smart."
"No...something else. He reminds me of...."
"Of who?"
Wench took a deep breath. "Cade. He has the same laugh as Cade. And the way he raises an eyebrow and tilts his head when something strikes him as amusing."
"Now that you mention it...but I am sure there must be countless men who do that."

Wench tapped her finger to her lips. "Cade once told me of a cousin who was a highwayman in England and then disappeared."
"So?"
"So people disappear and resurface in the most unusual places."
"You're letting your imagination run wild, Wench."
"Perhaps."

Just then, Briggs walked by with an armload of maps and charts, grumbling under his breath.
"You dropped one."
Briggs looked back and ran into a wall.
"#%^&@*!!!"

Kate said, "I'd love to be a fly on the wall when Captain Jack Wolfe sees his new roommate."
Wench laughed. "Don't need to be a fly. Hear that? That, my dear Kate, is the sound of Mad Jack Wolfe opening the cabin door. Now wait...."

Thirty seconds passed.
"And the next sound you hear..."
The expletives began to fly.
Wench stood up. "I do believe I shall make myself scarce. I was never here. You haven't seen me."
Kate gave her a mock salute. "Aye, aye, Captain Wolfe Jr."
"Captain Bright and...oh, look! Shiny things!"
And with that she walked quickly in the opposite direction of the yelling.

Title: Re: DEAD MAN'S TAVERN I
Post by: Welsh Wench on May 19, 2008, 09:42:14 PM
Reply author: Hibernian
Replied on: 04/07/2008 08:25:37
Message:

"Fine I'll tell them, but where to look; easily done if we're in port I'd just look for the closest lane of stores and she would probably be in one of them. If not stores then perhaps one of the local ale houses, just find the one with the finest collection of boots and bingo problem solved and search ended. But a wench on the Lobo, dam she could be anywhere."

On the main deck Brother Timothy moved amongst the crew looking about in hopes of seeing a glimpse of the wench turned Captain. The occasional greeting and question with the crew netted no help. One would imagine she would stick out like a sore thumb. Finally making his way to the quarterdeck he spotted Kate looking out at the rolling sea.

"Blessings of the day Kate."
"Brother, what brings you my way, looking for lost lambs to build a congregation amongst these sea wolves?"
"Your question is more appropriate than you might imagine Kate, do you have a moment?"
"We're nowhere near landfall, the sea and sky about us are clear, and I still have hot coffee in my cup, I have nothing but time, speak away."
"True, have you seen our mother lamb, the blonde wench currently known as Captain Wolfe?"
Kate swallows a laugh and replies "No, but I have seen the Captain formerly known as Wolfe but now doing business as Captain Bright. You just missed her, she headed in that direction in search of sparkles. Why is a there a problem?"
"Perhaps, then again it could be just a big misunderstanding." The monk then related to Kate all that had been discussed below and the warning to keep a weather eye on the Lobo's Captain and crew.

Looking out at the ship's wake the two shared a quiet moment until, "As usual the merry crew of the Knight Hammer appears to be in the deep end again."
"We could use some timely intervention."
"Looking for a miracle from above Brother?"
Nodding out to the wake "Not from above, from out there, I just wish I knew where they were right now."

Kate placed her coffee cup down and lean closer, "Are you talking about that other ship and crew from the battle?"
"Aye, that I am, Guard'n and the Pride came to our assistance. I have many friends and even family on that vessel, they took out that other frigate, saved this ship and crew while we sailed away."
"But they're an experienced Captain and crew, certainly they knew the Lobo was damaged and had to seek shelter and repairs."

He turned and smiled at Kate, "That's what I counting on. By the time the Pride finished that English frigate off, probably took her as a prize, I figure they are about four days behind us and knowing the lack of pirate friendly ports in this region they'll be heading for the same isle that our Captains Wolfe have picked to visit."

"Except that's Captains Bright and Wolfe."
"So it is, I beg your pardon and your leave so I might go and find her before she manages to get in trouble again."

As Brother Timothy heads off, Kate returns to nursing her cup of coffee.





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Reply author: Mad Jack Wolfe
Replied on: 04/08/2008 10:25:51
Message:

"She told you what??!!" Jack thundered.
The crewman swallowed hard and put down the armful of dresses he was carrying. "That... that she'd be takin' Master Briggs' quarters, an' 'e'd be bunkin' down wif you, is all," the man stammered. "Said you an' she'd worked it out all democratic-like, an' that we was to move all 'er gear there, an' likewise wif 'is, 'cept vice versa. Said you knew all about it."
"Does it sound like I knew about any of this?"
"Now you mention it, no, it don't much. Say, you figure she was 'avin' one over on us?"
Jack's eyelids went to half mast. "Trindel, an albatross could have one over on you easily."
"Oooh, albatrosses!" Trindel said happily. "I like albatrosses! All stately as they glide about up there. I sometimes wish I were an albatross..."
"Trindel!"
"Aye, sir?"
"You're babbling."
"Sorry, sir. Me mum, she says I always babble a bit when I'm nervous-like..."
"A remarkably insightful woman. No doubt runs in the family. Now, where is she?"
"Gloucester," said Trindel proudly.
"I meant my wife, you nit."
"Oh, her! She went topside a bit ago. Said sumfin' about needin' 'coffee and counsel', she did."
"Kate," Jack muttered. It made sense to him that she'd seek out her most trusted friend.
Trindel cocked his head quizzically. "I thought you said 'er name was 'Honour'."
"You wouldn't happen to have a relative, a cousin perhaps, named Mason, would you, Trindel?"
"No, but now you bring it up, I met a bloke from the uvver crew what goes by that name. A right brilliant one, if you ask me."
"I'm not. Now get back to your station. No more moving anything in or out of here unless I order it. Understand?"
"No more movin' anything, even if you order it," Trindel replied.

"Close enough," Jack sighed. He saw Lil'Puddin' jump up on the table, with one of Honour's feathers in his mouth. The cat stretched, then seemed to melt onto the table with his back to the rest of the room, his long tail moving to and fro like a languid snake.
"Traitor," said Jack under his breath. He turned on his heel and stalked off in search of his wilful wife.

He prowled the upper decks until he found Kate finishing her cup of coffee. Another cup, almost empty, sat across from her.
"Hello, Kate," he said, turning on all the charm he could muster. "Have you perchance seen my darling wife about?"
"You mean Captain Bright?" Kate asked, peering over the rim of her coffee cup.
Jack's blood ran instantly cold. "'Captain Bright'?" he asked. "Surely you mean 'Captain Wolfe'."
"No," Kate said. "I don't believe I stuttered. Captain Bright is what she told me. She decided this morning to retake her maiden name. I can't wait to see the splashy entrance she makes on this little slice of hell you've decided to take us to."

Jack's mind began to race. Of all the times she might pick to pull something like this, she'd have to choose this one. As Capt. Wolfe, she at least stood a fighting chance of avoiding the Turk's bounty hunters. Announcing herself by her "maiden" alias was certain to bring nothing but trouble unless he could either get her to change her mind, or get to Ahmet before anyone tried to collect the bounty. He rose and gave Kate a nervous smile.
"Something the matter, Jack?"
"I should be getting along and find Honour. A few things we need to discuss before we make port. Captainy things. You understand."
Kate smiled and nodded her head to indicate which way he should start looking. It just happened to be the wrong direction. "Happy hunting, Captain Wolfe. Topsails and mainsails."
"Ummm, yes. Quite." He hurried off, trying not to break into a run. "Honour! Where are you? Honour!"


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Reply author: Welsh Wench
Replied on: 04/16/2008 21:14:53
Message:

"Honour? HONOUR!! Where are you, dangnubbit?"
"*&^%!!" she said under her breath. "Talk about cranky! He's out for blood this time."
She slipped down the hallway and into the kitchen's galley.
"Ooof!"
"Martin! I'm so sorry. Was that a souffle?"
"Not anymore. It's just...a puddle of something."
Wench poked it. "Can you, like, add some air to it? I mean, can you just take a straw and blow it up again?"
Martin stood there staring at her in disbelief.
"Wench, did you ever cook?"
"Not if I could help it."
She prodded the sunken mass in Martin's hands.
"It really looks----"
"HONOUR!!"
Wench turned to Martin. "I really need to go NOW."
And down the hall she went.

Jack burst into the galley.
Martin stood there scraping the remains of his souffle into a trash barrel.
"She's been here, hasn't she?" Jack said triumphantly.
Martin said calmly, "What makes you say that?"
"No one can deflate something that is supposed to rise as fast as she can."
Martin choked back a smart remark and a laugh.
"I guess you would know better than I would."
Jack raised an eyebrow and said, "What is that supposed to mean?"
Martin assembled his face to an impassive one. "Well...did she ever cook for you?"
"Honour? COOK? Hell no! I'm still alive, aren't I? Never mind..I'll find her yet."
Martin said, "I'm sure you will. I'd check with Lilaney. Wench probably went to check on Elinor."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Wench!" Elinor smiled with glee.
Wench put her finger to her lips and shut the door.
"I had to stop in and see how my favorite little scribe was faring. How are you, darling?"
Elinor winced as she held up her newly bandaged arm. "I seem to have had a leak. But Lil and Brother Timothy saw to me and Lil said I am healing nicely."
Wench leaned over and felt her forehead. "And no fever! How is the hand?"
Elinor wiggled her fingers. "Still stiff. I tried to hold a pen but it just slipped through."
Wench patted her arm. "It's to be expected. When my arm was broken from that mast, it took me a good three months to regain all my strength. And now it is as good as new."
Elinor grinned. "You sure proved that when you and Black Jack Roberts went back to back."
Wench shrugged. "I was trained by Marvos. He is the best."
"But, Captain, you never let anyone know before you...um..dispatched Captain Vardus."
She grew silent at that. "It was a very bad time. If only...."
Her voice trailed off. Elinor sat in silence.
"Well...on to better things!"

"HONOUR! Where the HELL are you? This ship isn't the bloody ark, you know!"
Elinor said, "I do believe that is your mister's voice."
Wench got up quickly and stood behind the door. Her finger was to her lips.
Captain Wolfe opened it and fortunately the door blocked his view of his rebellious part-time wife.
"She in here?"
Elinor faked a coughing fit and shook her head no.
"When she shows up--and she will---tell her if she knows what is good for her, she will meet me on the quarterdeck."
Elinore nodded. "And do you want the ship moved to the right a little?"
"What?"
"Nothing. If I see her, I'll tell her."

Jack slammed the door and Wench came back into view. "My, my! I guess he got up on the wrong side of the sailcloth!"
"Huh?"
"Never mind. Just a ship that crossed my wake one night."
Elinor looked confused.
Wench sighed. "Yes. Well. I think I can turn this into a game. Let's see how long it takes Captain Wolfe to catch this little chick."
"Now THAT I understand!"
Wench winked and gave her a light hug to keep from hurting Elinor's arm.
"I give Captain Wolfe at least two hours before he catches up to me."
Elinor grinned, "My money is on you, Captain Wolfe Jr."
"Bright. Captain Bright. As of an hour ago. I'll be back later unless the other Captain decides to feed me to the fishies."




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Reply author: Welsh Wench
Replied on: 04/20/2008 22:18:46
Message:

'Let's see how long we can keep this game of hide and seek going, dear husband of mine.'
Wench slipped around the corner of the infirmary.
Suddenly she was caught. "And where do you think you are going in such a hurry?"
"Duckie, you just about gave me heart failure!"
She put her hand to her chest.
"I heard Jack is tearing the ship apart looking for you. Said if I found you, I was to keep you and send someone for him."
She grinned, "But you won't."
"Give me a reason why not."
"Old time's sake?"
Duckie tried not to laugh. "Honour, where do you think my loyalities lie?"
She shrugged. "Your loyalty is to your hypocritic oath."
"Hippocratic."
"Him too."
Duckie leaned against the wall. "Jack is my friend."
"He's my husband. What's the point?"
"I've seen alot go on between the two of you. I was there when it all fell apart."
Wench was quiet. "That was a long time ago."
"Two years."
"Alot happened in two years."
"Cade Jennings didn't. He happened in the first month."
She sighed. "Dr. Gander, you saw how Jack was after El Lobo took the hit from the Mercedes. It wasn't the ship that was wrecked. It was Jack's self-esteem. He always thought himself indestructable. Bonita predicted disaster for us. And she was right."
"I admit, Jack was a bit hard to deal with...."
"A BIT? Duckie, he drunkenly pulled a gun on me that last night and accused me of having an affair with Cade!"
"Well, weren't you?"
"Not that it is any of your business, but no. I wasn't. The next morning, Jack apologized profusely and gifted me with a sapphire necklace. But it was too late. The damage was already done."
"Damage?"
"Well, sure. Right after he accused me, I figured I might as well be guilty of the crime accused. The next morning as Jack gave me that sapphire necklace, I could barely look him in the eyes. When he left to get the journal from Armand LaFourche, I arranged the purchase of the sugar plantation. Cade sailed the next day and I left the day after that."
"Honour, why did you leave? You could have stayed on the plantation."
"Duckie, this conversation is now over. I had my reasons. Let it go at that."

"HONOUR! WHERE THE HELL IS YOUR ARSE AT?"
Wench sighed. "Will he never realize that where I am, my arse is too?"
Duckie laughed. She gave him a hug and whispered, "Game on! See you!"
And with that she scampered down the companionway and turned right.

Jack turned the corner as Duckie had his hand on the door of the infirmary.
"Aha!" he said triumphantly. "She's been here!"
Duckie raised his eyebrow. "What makes you say that?"
"I can still smell her perfume."
He looked at Duckie and then spat, "Hell, you wouldn't tell me anyhow."
And with that he continued on his mission.
Mouse-2
Cat-0




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Reply author: Hibernian
Replied on: 04/21/2008 00:06:28
Message:

"This vessel is not that large, how in heavens name does she do it?"

He spoke to no one in particular and to himself specifically as he moved about the El Lobo in search of the one previously and now once again known as Captain Bright. Crewman quickly moved out of his way and made no effort to assist or hinder the monk in his search. In fact a pool had been started amongst the hands, one could get decent odds that neither their Captain or the monk would find the elusive blonde wench of a Captain within the next hour.

"Honour, wherever you are, get your pretty arse back to me right now!" The monk paused to listen and with a shake of the head he continued onward. "Might as well tied a bell around your neck Jack, with all that bellowing she knows exactly where you are and where she shouldn't be,"

Rounding the angle by starboard cannon six the brother was stopped by a large number of crewman chasing cannon balls across the deck. Usually stacked in a proper pyramid for easy access by the gun crews, all that remained was the base. "It can only be."

Grabbing a pirate by the neck and looking at him directly, "Yes or no, has she been here?"
The poor man extended his arms and waved them about indicating the balls rolling about and looked near to tears, his mouth open but at first no sound came out. Slowly the words started to come out of the moving mouth, "It wasn't us Padre, you have to believe us, make sure the Captain knows it wasn't us, he'll believe you, you being a man of the cloth. Tell him we couldn't stop her, she just appearred sudden like, and then pointed at the cannonballs and said they were dusty and if we didn't take better care of the ones we have, well we wouldn't get any new ones. Wipes her finger on the top ball and shows us the black soot on it to make her point. Well no sooner does she leave than all bloody hell breaks loose and we got balls rolling everywhere. You gotta stop her before she strikes again!

Bless you, which way?"

Following the pointing hand the monk continued forward.


Title: Re: DEAD MAN'S TAVERN I
Post by: Welsh Wench on May 19, 2008, 09:42:58 PM
Reply author: Lilaney
Replied on: 04/23/2008 09:38:12
Message:

"Almost there."
Someone muttered on the quarterdeck.
"Yeh, but, I ein't leavin' for port call."
Four sailors of the El Lobo were working the lines;
all strong as oxen, brave of souls and dull of wits.

The dark shadow of an Island began to loom closer and closer to the ship.
The winds had died down and now they were tacking at a more sedate pace.
A peaceful morning was slowly turning into a tedious afternoon.

"You's will iffen Bo'sun says so!"
There was a swing and a miss and a muffled laugh.
"Yeah, well, yo right about thatun; but, iffen I have me druthers, I is staying on board when we's gets there."
"Is it really all that bad?"
The youngest bull of the bunch removed the marlinspike from his line and admired the new eye he had just woven in.
"You's stayin' on board; iffen yo Mam wants te see ye alive in a four month."
He looked rebellious for a moment and quieted as the other three glared at him.
"That bad, eh?"
The three nodded and went back to line work.

"'Scuse me!'Scuse me! Comin' through!"
The rustle of fabric was their only warning
as a sweet-smelling, blond hair-flying something
ran right between the four of them.
She paused for a hint of a second.
Looked up, and smiled at the youngest man,
who was entranced by her beauty.

"Where does that lead?"
He was spluttering, so the older man with one eye
nodded his head at the manhole in question.
"To the line locker; but ma'am, ye ain't wantin' to go down thar..."
"Thanks!" Her bright perky reply caught them offgaurd
as she darted down the steep steps and out of sight,
a hair's breath before their Captain came into view.
"WHERE THE HELL ARE YOU!?"
His stare could sink ships.
"You lot seen her?"

Three shook no, one nodded yes.

His Captain had him by the neck faster than blinking.
"Where?"
The young man pointed towards the Galley.
Captain Jack dropped him and stormed in the opposite direction.

"Ye idiot! Whatcha do that for?"
The young one grinned,
re-took his seat on the rain-barrell
stuck his marlinspike into a new line
and whispered.
"I's might earn a kiss."



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Reply author: Welsh Wench
Replied on: 04/23/2008 21:26:09
Message:

Wench got about halfway down the steps when she felt something land on her shoulder. She looked to her left and there were two red eyes. Letting out a blood-curdling scream before she could stop it, the bilge rat bounced off the wall.
She shuddered as she landed against the railing.
'If there is one thing I hate, it's rats.'
She backed slowly up the stairs and within seconds, she was back among the four men.
"Ma'am Captain, you alright?"
She took a deep breath. "When was the last time this ship was fumigated?"
"Fumi--what?"
"Purged. Of vermin."
"Ye mean that Frenchie guy we picked up in St Maartin? Firmin?"
"No! I mean of rats. At least the four legged kind."
"Ah! Well, Ma'am, bilge and rat kind of go together. Like ye canna think o' one wit'out the other."
"Never mind. Anyone been looking for me? Like another Captain?"
The young man spoke up. "Aye. Cap'n Wolfe. Been lookin' like he 'bout to blow a gasket. Sent 'im towards the main deck seein' as 'ow ye were going down, he better be goin' up."

Wench exclaimed, "You're wonderful!" and threw her arms around him and gave him a quick kiss on the cheek.
"And now I need to hurry up and get dressed. Going ashore, you know."
"Uh..Captain Ma'am, I don't think ye..."
But she was gone in an instant.
The young man, Scully, grinned. "Tole ya so!"
The bo'sun shook his head. "Canna b'lieve she be goin' t'shore. Don't she know that island be hell on earth?"
One of the other men grimaced, "Aye. But that island ne'er experience that thar Cap'n. On'y woman that can make Cap'n Wolfe that crazy...well, that La Ville du Traitre be no match fer 'er!"

Wench headed towards her cabin--well, Briggs' cabin which was now hers--and as she reached it, she put her hand on the doorknob when all of a sudden a fist slammed into the door. She looked up into the red and angry face of Captain Jack Wolfe.

She sighed and said, "Game over."



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Reply author: Mad Jack Wolfe
Replied on: 04/24/2008 21:04:57
Message:

"Game over, indeed," Jack growled. "Would you mind explaining was that was all about? I've torn this ship apart looking for you."
"It's really quite simple when you think about it," Honour said coyly.
"Do enlighten me, darling."
"All right. I'll start with the simple bits and go slowly, just for you. This is a door. It opens and closes, and with any luck it'll keep you out-" She tried to duck through the door and slam it in his face, but he blocked it with his boot.
"Now that wasn't very nice. Care to start over, without the carpentry lesson this time?"
"Not really."
"Humour me."
"Did it ever cross your mind I didn't want to be found?" she said impatiently.
"I gathered that. People who run away typically don't. You always were skilled in that respect."
Honour's face clouded over. "Jack, I hope you didn't track me down just to say something hurtful. Not when it comes so naturally for you."
He gave her a thin smile. "Touché. Actually, I wanted to ask you about a strange rumour Kate told me."
She cocked her hip and smiled sweetly. "Really? Which one? Oh, do tell!"
"What do you mean, 'which one'? There's more than one?"
"For someone who's so good at gathering accurate, inside information on his prey, you really stink at it when it comes to your own crew."
"Cheeky to the last, you are. Kate said some ridiculous thing about your switching aliases before we make port. It's not true, is it?"
Honour turned away and walked to Briggs' writing desk. "No, I'm not changing aliases."
"Finally, some good news..."
"I'm reclaiming my maiden name."
Jack winced. "Please tell me you're joking."
She paused to check her makeup in Briggs' shaving mirror. "Deadly serious," she replied.
"That's what I'm afraid of."
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"Nothing!" he said with nervous quickness. "I was hoping I could convince you to reconsider your decision."
"Why on earth would I do that?"
"Oh, I don't know. Old times sake?" He tried his best to cover his growing anxiousness by turning on the charm, but it wasn't going well. The last thing he wanted was for her to sashay into La Ville du Traitre announcing herself as "Honour Bright". If he couldn't get Ahmet to call off his bounty hunters in time, it would mean a death sentence for her.
"Oh, right. Because old times with you were so good," she said sarcastically. "No." Her suspicions were mounting, but she knew she'd have to string him along a bit longer if she hoped to hear anything resembling a straight answer.
"Please, Honour? It would mean the world to me if you did," he implored.
Time to go fishing, she thought. "Come off it, Jack. There has to be something in this for you. What happened? Did you lose a bet?"
His face brightened at her suggestion, and the deceitful wheels in his head sprang into motion. "I confess. You've sniffed me out yet again," he lied. "You're almost entirely though not quite wholly correct. See, here's the thing. I did indeed make a bet with a tavern keeper on La Ville du Traitre last time I was there. He wagered me a tidy sum that I wasn't really married. Now, if you were to walk into said tavern on my arm and introduce yourself as the one and only Mrs. Jack Wolfe..." He stepped closer, smiling devilishly all the while. "Think of it, love. We breeze in, he loses the bet, we split the money, then pop you back to the bazaar for a bit of shopping. What could be better?"
Honour leaned into Jack, and traced lazy circles on his chest with her fingertip. She looked into his eyes and in her most sultry voice, said "I have an even better idea, my dear husband."
"Yes, my love? What is it?"
"I say you take your idea, and go STRAIGHT TO HELL!" She pushed him away and slapped him as hard as she could.

Jack steadied himself against the wall and shook his head to clear the stars from before his eyes. "I'll take that as a no."
"Finally, you've figured out how to take a hint."
"Well, what's so wrong with it?"
"Simple," she smiled. "Because you want me to."
"Now that's just petty," he protested.
"Get over it. And while you're at it, get out."
"But Honour..."
"I said GET OUT!"
"Fine. I'm going. But will you please think about it?"
Honour stared back at him. That's when he noticed the inkwell in her hand.
"All right, all right! I'm out." He stepped into the corridor as the door slammed behind him. Briggs was standing in the doorway of the great cabin with a smirk on his face.
"She's slippin'," said the quartermaster. "I didn't hear one thing break."
Jack grunted dejectedly and walked off toward the main deck.


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Reply author: Martin Montgomery
Replied on: 04/27/2008 23:02:38
Message:

Dinner that evening was a mix of baked fish,supplied by the "Lobo's" crew,the remaining root vegetables stewed together with barly and bits of salted beef ladeled over a hastily prepared flatbread that consisted of all of the ingrediants that would normaly go in a souffle. The big cook dished out hearty portions to the crew then took a covered pot to the Captain's Mess he was followed by one of the Galley Mates who carried a heavy tray draped with a cloth towell. Entering the Mess,Martin looked down the narrow table,Captain Wolfe sat with a grim expression on his face,Welsh Wench occupied the far end,looking with concern at Elinor, who had made the trip from the ship's surgery to a sunny spot on deck for her health,then back down to the Captain's Mess for this dinner. Briggs sat on his Captain's right side,flanked by Duckie,Lilaney and Blackjack Roberts. To WW's right was Kate,Brother Timothy,Mason and a large empty chair meant for Martin."Friends!" He boomed in a falsly cheerful voice "We make landfall soon and I can think of no better way to plan and prepare than over a good meal!" He shot a withering look at his blonde Captain and recieved a bright smile and a little hand wave" Thanks to several lucky casts by Captain Wolfe's able crew we shall dine on fresh baked fish,vegetable beef stew and...." another look askance at WW " a new flatbread recipe that I have been wanting to try for a while." The big man had been carefully serving the meal,starting with Captain Wolfe and working his way down the table to end with Captain Honour Bright, a small amount of retribution for ruining his surprise souffles, she hardly seemed to notice.Martin dismissed the Galley Mate as Mason looked about the table with a look akin to fear,but he was at the meal to represent the combined crews and to report back to the men with their duties duing the ship's repair at La Ville du Traitre's facilities. The nervous man took up his spoon and started to dig in as rich smelling steam tickled his nose,but his utensil stopped short of his watering mouth,stopped by a single finger on his right wrist. Brother Timothy pointedly cleared his throat and after recieving a nod from both Captains spoke in his rich voice "My comrades, we have been together but a short time,yet I have come to realize we all have benifitted from each others company." A snort sounded from one end of the table and a sniff was heard from the other,but Lil toasted Doctor Gander and Briggs nodded to himself. "Our coming together may have seemed unlikely and at times,I admit,painful." A wry grin touched Elinor's lips as she unconciously flexed the fingers of her wounded arm. "Soon we enter a dangerous place,where personal honor and fairness are more than likely looked down on." A barking laugh from Briggs was cut off quickly and he lowered his gaze to his own bowl. "I know that we all have differing outlooks and beliefs but at this time I would like to ask that we each focus on whatever you each believe personally and wish,hope,beseech,appeal,plea and yes,pray,for all of our safe returns!" The robed monk silently clasped his hands and after dropping his own gaze,he heard bits and pieces of mumbled prayers and wishes. When the quiet murmers stopped he raised his head and nodded "Now, may I suggest that we enjoy this meal while it's still hot!" "Amen!!" Mason blurted out,through a mouthfull of flatbread.


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Reply author: Hibernian
Replied on: 04/29/2008 22:00:38
Message:

"My compliments, an excellent wine Captain Wolfe." Holding the wine glass up Brother Timothy slowly twirls it about watching the light from the candles play upon the edges of the cut glass.

"Compliments are always welcomed, but in this case they belong to a French merchantman the Lobo took awhile back, my Captain's share included several bottles of the wine you are admiring in that Irish crystal. I was keeping this wine to celebrate a certain special event, but now it appears that event will not come to pass," Jack's words may have been meant for the company but all the while his eyes stayed focused upon the blonde wench at the far end of the table. "So let us not waste a single drop for who knows what the future might bring," Jack quickly drain his goblet and very deliberately places it back on the table.

"Speaking of the future, while not formally acknowledged, word about the ship is our next port of call lies just over the horizon. Any truth in that Captain Wolfe?"
"Brother in case it has escaped your notice this ship is not the saintly community of scholars you may be use too, rumors and innuendos spring up with every change of the wind and on top of that, as the Captain I am not in the habit of discussing my decisions with the crew."

"Fair enough, but you obviously have never spent time in a monastery." Elinor's giggle escaping the far end was quickly swallowed "My apologies, the sudden image of Captain Wolfe in a long brown habit complete with tri-corner hat was too much to keep inside. Please excuse my interruption, Brother do go on."

"Captain, while I understand and respect your rights as Captain of the Lobo, every delay places the Knight Hammer that much further out of reach. I admit to being a bit bias as I have a very close friend on the Hammer, but I'm also concerned that we are heading into a very dangerous port. It has been my experience that the leaders of the crew, namely the people who are sitting around this table need to work together if we are all to survive. Do I assume correctly that it is meant for all to survive the Isle of Traitors?"

Jack ignored the monk's question, "If you're afraid monk, I can arrange passage off my ship."

"No, not afraid, but long ago a younger man once sailed these waters and his experience lays a strong foundation for my concerns. These people need to know what to expect...no more secret games...no more raising the limit Jack...time to lay the card down for all to see."



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Reply author: Mad Jack Wolfe
Replied on: 05/01/2008 08:22:38
Message:

ack smiled as he poured himself more wine, then held his glass aloft in a salute. "I have to hand it to you, Brother Timothy. You don't shake easily."

The monk gave a single small nod. Had he heard a hint of respect in the pirate's voice? "A by product of strong faith, Captain."

"I suppose," Jack replied. He took a sip of wine, then continued. "You all seem to have heard ramblings and rumours about our destination." Everyone at the table nodded and made affirmative noises. Briggs just shook his head and slugged back his wine. "Well, it's true. We are bound for La Ville du Traitre, the former prison colony built by the mongrel French and now run by pirates, for pirates. We'll lay in for necessary repairs, thanks to the popularity of your Mister Roberts here with certain well armed lunatics. Will we lose time in our pursuit of the Hammer? Of course we will. But we'd lose considerably more if we were to lose a mast, which you all have intimate experience with, or should we manage to get a few more holes blown in us, which always seems to happen whenever your bonny captain sets a stilletoed heel on my deck..."