Dorian Lasseter

“Aye Cap’n… I’ll be away soon as I can. See you in Saint Pierre… today I would hope…” With nods exchanged, Dorian scanned the crowd and turned away, heading back aboard the Lucy. Aboard the Lucy Men hauled and coiled lines, took gaskets off the sails and readied all that could be to go to sea. Dorian paced the deck, occasionally giving an order how he wanted something done. He kept looking to shore, waiting for Mister Flint and his marines to come back with those of Lucy’s sailors who were ashore on leave. He would not, could not leave without the marines. All preparations were made and all those aboard waited for the order to throw off the mooring lines and shove off the wharf. Dorian looked up at the pennant and watched it lazily float in the breeze. “Ready th’ sweeps…” His order was repeated by the Master and the Bo’sun. The sweeps were unstowed and made ready near the ports. Still the order to shove off was not given. Again the Captain looked to shore, first to the group of soldiers with Captain Brand, then his eyes caught site of men hustling along. He smiled, for there were his marines with a group of the Starboard Watch in tow. The men clamored aboard, quickly stowed belongings and joined their fellow sailors on deck. Some were visibly drunk. The marines took position on deck and Mister Flint reported that all his marines were accounted for. Dorian consulted his officers and found some men were not accounted for, as expected given the haste. They would be well aboard the Watch Dog for a short time. First Bell of the Forenoon Watch

The two Captains were made to wait yet again. Dorian took on an aire of slight boredom and turned to admiring the sword in his hand. He kept aware of his surroundings, yet looked over the intricacies of the weapon. Standing just away from Turcotte and his company, Dorian mumbled under his breath. “I hate waiting… Time’s waistin’ an’ th’ Lucy’s ready ta sail, save fer th’ return o’ th’ Marines an’ wayward crew.” He lowered the sword but still waggled it some, the grip feeling very good in his hand. Will stood and remained the figure of patience on the outside. However, Dorian noted the set of his jaw and occasional roll of his eyes that said his patience too was growing thin.

While the crew readied the Lucy, Dorian stepped ashore to see what transpired between William and lieutenant Turcotte. He sauntered up and asked what news William might have, to which he was filled in by the Captain. Dorian readjusted his grip on his bright, shiny new sword, causing many of the soldiers and the man in question to eye it. Dorian saw this effect and in a swift movement brought the tip up and gestured to Monsieur de Conflans. “So… this man’s th’ last to ‘ave seen den Oven an’ his accomplice… deliverin’ them where exactly?” He waggled the tip as he spoke and was amused as so many pairs of eyes followed its every movement.

Ah, two pupils to keep me busy... Dunno if Captain Sterling is gonna like the idea of me getting in some practice with the sword...

William... I'm gonna hafta do quite a bit o' workin' out ta work off all this fine food... Work the lines on my ship, practice the art of the sword... mebee help work th' guns wi' th' crew... Wot's fer dessert?

Preston gave Dorian a genuine smile and was about to say something when Captain Brand excused himself, heading towards a group of French soldiers. Dorian slowly brought the gifted sword to his side, point up and resting on his shoulder. Both men watched William approach the soldiers. Dorian recognized Lieutenant Turcotte and was about to make a comment when Mister Wenge had said ‘Sir?’, finally responding to being given the lead in the unveiling. Dorian addressed him and put whatever William was attending to aside for the moment. As the Carpenter unveiled the figurehead and all who would sail upon the Lucy, and all those who would see her as she sailed took in the fine lady. Captain Lasseter waited a moment before speaking, letting all those present take her in. Finally he broke the silence. “No finer lass has graced th’ bow of a ship that I’ve been on. Nor any I have seen in my days at sea. I would wish to take time and drink a toast to th’ fine Lass, however we are soon to depart. So, once she’s sailin’ proudly, we’ll ‘ave that toast… Come lads! Time ta throw off th’ bonds o’ terra firma an’ give o’er ta the seas spirits! Back aboard an’ ready th’ lady!” A hearty ‘Aye!’ rose from many a throat and there was a mass of men waiting their turn to get back aboard the Cutter. Soon the mooring lines would be thrown off and the ship would cut through the water, sails taut in the wind.

My condolences to ye... I raised many a rodent in my youth and was saddened each time they went to the other side. Mayhaps they truly live the pyrats life; "A short life but a merry one"

Dorian remains seated, happily enjoying merlot, crumbly sharp cheese and fresh french bread... "I plied the highways n' byways in years gone by... worn out horse and shoes a-plenty... I'll keep ta th' deck of a ship..." He raises his glass to the merry band. "Slainte!"

Preston handed a stretch of canvas to his Captain and friend. As Dorian took hold of it he felt the steel within and took better care as his brow furrowed. “Wot’s this now?” He carefully laid back some of the canvas to reveal the polished hilt that was near blinding in the bright morning light. “Lordy Preston… Where’d ye…” He let the canvas fall away and held it at arms length, moving it back and forth, testing the balance as well… “You honour me greatly wi’ this Mister Whitingford… beautiful sword…”

I'm just makin' sure no blood gets shed... nor spirits spilled... That..... would be sacrilege....

Hmmmm... *Takes another glass of merlot, a large piece of french bread and some crumbly cheese. Leans back to see what shall be seen.*

Hmm... little less salt at the moment... Just plain ol' hardboiled eggs will do... and hot sauce.... mayhaps I'll try a nip o' wasabi too...

Wasabi? You do have a death wish Captain... I was thinkin' along th' lines o' Frank's redhot...

Dorian chuckled at William. "Oh come now... you've pulled sweeps as of late... mayhaps not of the Lucy's size, but you've certainly pulled on a pair in a longboat or cutter or somesuch..." Captain Lasseter raised an eyebrow and gave a quirky smile. He then looked back aboard the Lucy at the Cox'n who had just turned the glass and began ringing the bell. Seven Bells of the Morning Watch

Another drink... another sandwich... and, William, have you any hard boiled eggs? I could go for a couple and something to spice 'em up....

Aye... simple ye says... An' as fer wot ta drink wi' yer cheese sandwich... Wine!!! Wine with cheese! I recommend a nice merlot...

Dorian accepted the bottle and smiled at the toast offered by William. “Aye… To that and much more…” He looked about and into the air. “Tis a fine beginin’ of th’ day… I’m hopin’ fer th’ breeze ta pick up a touch more, then we’ll sail off th’ wharf… if not, th’ lads’ll be bendin’ th’ sweeps…”

we got three eyes betwixt us ta watch two of ye...

Aye, Cap'n... best have a seat 'round here... on this side o' th' table... Out of reach... Plus this 'ere table candelabra will take damage first...

Aboard the Lucy At Six Bells all aboard were roused and reported topside. Captain Lasseter stood on the quarterdeck, hands on the rail. The crew milled around on deck some while the officers stood in semi-attention at the break in the deck. Dorian pushed himself off the rail. “Good Morn! We’ve some work ta do this day, I’m sure most of ye already know… In no more than two turns o’ th’ glass we’ll be settin’ sails. Mister Flint! I’ll have you send yer marines ashore an’ rouse any you can find of th’ Lucy’s crew. Have ‘em report fer duty. Not ta worry, Th’ Watch Dog’ll be in port ta pick up wot don’t get found. But, b’fore You an’ yer men go, we have a small ceremony… Our Master Carpenter will have th’ honour o’ unveilin’ th’ Lucy’s figurehead… All hands Ashore at th’ Bow!” Smiles and nods all around, except for a few stuffier individuals, and most everyone headed across the gangway to the wharf and assembled at the bow where a mass of canvas and lines hid the pride and joy of Mister Alder Wenge, Master Carpenter of the Lucy.

Er... my apologies Cheeky... twer my turn ta keep an eye on Cap'n Sterling... Don't see an issue... Cap'n's upright n' not too deep in 'is cups... *shrug* :angry:

Aboard the Lucy As he watched his Captain nod one more time, Preston decided to wait til the morning to give what he had for Dorian. “A’right Dorian… I’m off… see you ‘round dawn…” “Aye Preston, that ye will…” With that the Ships Master headed out and to his quarters. Dorian stretched and yawned a great yawn and shook off the edge of his tiredness, stood and crossed the room to the door and set the latch. He made his way over to his new desk and proceeded to hang his weskit there on the chair. He sat and removed his shoes and stockings, rolled said stockings and placed them each in a shoe. Even in his sleepy state he quickly rigged his hammock and climbed in. Not two minutes passed and he was sound asleep. Four Bells of the Morning Watch As the sky began to glow in the predawn, Dorian woke to the sounds of shod feet pacing above him on the quarterdeck. Rubbing a hand across his eyes, he rolled into a seated position in his hammock. A moment later he dropped onto the deck, his bare feet making a dull thud. He stretched and put his hands on the overhead, looking like he was Atlas trying to hold up the heavens for a moment. Turning to the sideboard he found the basin and pitcher, along with a washcloth. Striping off his shirt, he wetted the cloth and wiped his upper body down. Some water splashed on his face and run through his hair, he dried off and headed to his chest, withdrew and donned a fresh shirt. He continued to dress, occasionally looking out the stern windows at the growing light. He finished dressing and placed his hat on his head as he unlatched the door and made his presence known on deck. Five Bells of the Morning Watch 4 August, 1704

Aye, Happy Easter!

And Heave again!

The Forge... Could some bellows be made? Something like this; http://www.rurallife.plus.com/rlc/download/forge.gif Aye... Hmmm... there lies the rub... It would be grand to see a working forge of the time period. I know of a couple folks for F&I (1750-60s) that have portable forges with the bellows, mind you, they do little demos, not full on forging...