Cheeky Actress

Hmm...I don't know if I would have wanted to find that out or not! I'm just glad that we made it there in one piece (about 10 mins. to spare) and other than Clint having his shirt button all wrong (but...He kept it that way because he said, "I meant to do that!") everyone looked great.

One more strange but true tale of kit gone bad/wild/strange.... This happened back in the late 1990s. I had just been befriended by my Kishwaukee group friends who did an assortment of time periods. It just so happened that one weekend we had two events on the same day. I promised to pick up my two new friends, Andy and Clint in Wisconsin at a Civil War event and bring them down to IL for a Wild West event in IL. Well, needless to say, we were pressed for time and we had to get over the board and be ready in less than an hour. At the time I was driving a Dodge Stratus, which was limited in room to begin with. I drove like a mad-woman (and still do...ask anyone) the two men had to change from Civil War to Wild West in that tight little backseat area. All I can remember is the strange looks we got as we drove down I-94 to the boarder as cars passed us by. One particular man in a oversize pickup truck did a double take when he saw me driving and the boyz changing; he almost veered off the road! I am sooo lucky that we didn't meet up with a highway cop at the time. I don't know how we would have talked our way out of that one.

Lilly soon looked back at the good Doctor as she tried to hide her forlorn thoughts of her beloved Captain. “I am glad to hear that you are feeling better. How long will it be before we can return to Port Royal? I must see to my correspondence and see if I can procure employment at the theater in towne.” Reiley swallowed hard as he took a fairly good gulp of ale. “There will be time, I will wager you that. It’s best that I stay for at least a week before we venture back. Besides, Master Killingsworth is still about and we know that he’s in to do you a bit of harm. Abbi does not seem to mind. She likes the company.” Lilly nodded slowly. “Of course, I wish you well and if you need your rest, then so be it.” With an inquisitive look, the Doctor looked at Lilly as he shifted his weight to relieve the pain in his shoulder. “Here, what’s wrong?” At first, Lilly could not find the words, but with a slow sigh, she then whispered to him. “I fear I will be lost without my Captain. I did not sleep well last night…dreams of the past haunt me in slumber.” With a nod of understanding, Reiley quickly raised his hand. “Fear not, Mistress. I am sure that all you need a small dose of my famous slumber tea and all will be set right. You trouble yourself with woe and are fearsome of the unknown.” “You Sir, were not in the room when my life fell apart!” Her tone quickly turned hostile. Though only slightly shaken by her abrupt tone, Reiley cleared his throat once more. “’Tis true, Mistress I was not, but you are here amongst friends. We are here to help one another and this be my lot in life therefore, I shall help you in whatever way I can. Now, do as I say…please.” His tone became soft as his eyes met hers. “Doctor’s orders…”

Lovely! Just Lovely! Lilly says with a smile... Then suddenly pales when her name is mentioned by the good Captain. 'Tis my head and Master March's next upon the block?!" Suddenly she faints falling into the Captain's arms. I can't wait to see what you come up with!

leather

You must be feeling better if you are thinking this way! Yes, I would love to do this bit...Skittles and I could really work well in this venue.... But Pyrates first, of course...

Okay then...how are you feeling today, Rats me boy?!

Knowledge

Lilly looking frantic... Dear God Rats! I pray that it is nothing major and that you will recover quickly from this bout of pain. We're all here for you, Dearie!

(Mistress Lilly is still in dream state thinking about her past and her Captain) He was drawn and confused from being turned away from her dressing room door by her dog’s body. With that thought in mind, she thought, perhaps tonight she would give chase to that gallant young Captain who almost tripped her up earlier in the night. He took a seat next to the window, as if he was watching for someone. The tavern owner came over to him and greeted him. "What will it be?" The Captain turned and looked back at the tavern owner. "Port, please...and bring the bottle." She didn't move from her chair next to the fire. Her hood covered her completely, as did her black velvet mask. It wasn't until the tavern owner approached her again, did the Captain realize that he wasn't the only one in the tavern that night. In the shadows, he could only make out the figure of a woman near the fire, yet sadly, he was still trying to recover from the fainting fit he had earlier that evening. He turned back towards the window looking through the foggy streets as if to see if he could capture a glimpse of the ivory colored chaise that left the back of the theater. He swore he saw the actress Lilly McKinney enter it and leave. Yet, by the time he managed to make his way through the crowd, it had disappeared from his site. All he knew is that it made its’ way towards the bridge. Now he sat in a darkly lit tavern on the edge of Old London Towne feeling ill and looking only to capture the glimpse of his lost love one more time. He turned away from the window to view the Lady by the fire once more. Taking another sip of port, he looked over in her direction. His face was pale and the cold sweat from a delusional apparition still chilled him to the bone. As he filled his glass once more and lifted it to his lips, he suddenly saw the figure of the woman turn towards him. He now noticed she wore the black Italian Moretta, which cloaked her identity. This application of discreetness was now becoming popular here in England as it was aboard in France, Venice and Italy. In his many travels abroad he remembered seeing them worn on both woman of power and prestige and ladies of fallen grace. They became the popular fancy of those who wish to indulge in a tryst without the strings of identity and the excitement of being incognito. Being that he didn’t wish to stare, he raised his glass out of a gesture of being polite and nodded his hello. She didn’t dare move an inch when she saw him acknowledge her. Did he know who she was? She thought to herself. “How could it be that he may know who I am?” She asked herself once more as she looked back at him without a single motion. Her mind raced to think back to the stage door, racing to the side alley as her maid servant took her place in the chaise and took off for the evening leaving her to walk in the comfort of solitude for the evening. No, he couldn’t know who she was, that she was sure of. It was then an only then she nodded her reply to the Captain. With hat in hand he moved from the chair next to the window and approached the Lady by the fire. He stood there for a moment, and then bowed ever so low proclaiming his identity to her. His words warmed with port, yet his tongue still strong of sense, he continued his introductions and his tale of his evening exploits. Of course, the Lady said nothing, but listened to him as he explained his evening out and his journey to the tavern. “So, you see, my sweet Lady. I am completely lost in Old London Towne and yet…I am still search for this elusive creature for she has captured my heart…eh, perhaps she is only a memory of my beloved wife…yet, I feel I must speak with her…only to hear her say my name would somehow make me feel whole once more.” She trembled as he spoke to her. The excitement was too great. Oh, to hold back her tongue and not be able to tell him that it was she, the very one he was looking for, made her whole body tingle with delight! She could only sit still and have her eyes followed his as he spoke of his night out, the memory of his dead wife and the longing of finding this ‘lovely vision’ he spoke of. It was then the game began for her. It was then she took his hand. The Captain looked up into the soft black velvet face and saw two soft deep blue eyes staring back at him. They were like no others that he could recall and yet…they were very hauntingly familiar. Her hand was warm and he could feel it through the doeskin glove that covered it. Such a tender touch from a stranger he thought. She could feel him melt as she held his hand. It was then she decided to make her move. As she lent forward, as if she was about to speak, she quickly got up from her chair and walked towards the stairs to the upstairs rooms. She hovered at the bottom of the stairs for a moment. He watched her standing there…no words were spoken nor needed. She then turned slowly and walked up the stairs, only to have him follow her.

Oh Ransom...looks like you've been caught red handed. Though, the idea is a good one...we here on Port Royal need not have to 'label' ourselves to the story line...We have so much more to offer.... I see no need for such a thing....

Well...this is still up to vote...as far as Morgan's B-Day...what says Birthday like having a Pyrate themed Party??!?! If we elect to go to Port Washington, you could bring the family along.... (see, I'm thinking here!!!! )

Perhaps to find some sleep...only for a little while, Mistress McKinney could only think of her life and what had gone before. She thought back to her days when the Captain first met her...or was it that she met him. She closed her eyes and dreamt... In the dark shadows of a narrow alleyway, Lilly skirted her way towards London Bridge all under the guise of her soft velvet mask. The cold winds of autumn sprang up as she drew her cape close to her. A man and a woman rushed by her. He and his whore made their way to one of the many shoddy stick framed houses on the bridge. For a moment, she thought he may have recognized her, but she was mistaken. She fancied this new trend of fashion, this disguise that made her life bearable. To her, it was almost liberating knowing that she could move about Old London Town without a care of being scene or being scene with whomever she liked. She made it a custom to dress in her dark blue gown and caplet and hide away from those who flocked to her stage door after her performances and she would always disappear from those who wanted to see her the most. Her adoring fans flocked to her like moths to fire, but she never truly felt comfortable with it...and perhaps she never would. She walked slowly through the muddied streets until she came upon the tavern called, "The Slaughter Lamb". It was here she felt at ease, expressing herself and her moods freely. She opened the door slowly as the tavern owner looked up from his bar. He smiled and offered her a seat next to the fire. "Good to see you back, Lady." He whispered as he showed her to her chair. She said nothing, but only nodded at his kindness. It was then she drew from her cuff a gold coin. With a nod the tavern owner left a bottle of wine and key to his best room. As she sat and warmed herself by the fire, then paused and thought to herself about the strange talk about town. Rumors circulated about the theater that made her smile a bit. One stated that she was nothing more than a spirit or a ghost; skillfully dodging anyone and everyone who tried to find her. This game of cat and mouse made her feel empowered in a strange sort of way. She fancied it...she loved to play such games. It was in her blood to be able to out think the other's ability to win. Yes, trickery was a wonderful asset to have in life, but as long as you have the right Aponte to make it worth your while. She looked up from the fire and watched the tavern door open quickly. It was there she saw the pale skinned Captain. Her eyes took him in and discovered that he still looked and pale from being ill at the theater earlier that evening. He was drawn and confused from being turned away from her dressing room door by her dogsbody. With that thought in mind she thought, perhaps tonight she would give chase to that gallant young Captain who almost tripped her up earlier in the night.

Lilly just gave the good doctor a smile. “Abbi, he’s awake…and hungry, too.” The old woman came closer to the table. “Well…come to join the living, have you?” She said with a mocking tone. “Aye, there, there boy…we’ll be moving you to a proper bed this morning. I’ll be fixing you a bit of breakfast, but first…drink this.” Abbi handed the doctor over a cup of hot tea. Taking a large gulp of the concoction, he quickly made a face. “Good God woman!” He shouted as he wiped his mouth with the back of his hand. “You will send me to the devil if you ask me to drink any more of that horrid stuff!” “Oh come now, dearie…” Abbi said with a smile and giving him a wink. “don’t be cursing me for you own handy work. That be the very thing you gave me when I was ailing with the gout!” The doctor could only roll his eyes. Abbi needled him again to take another sip. “Oh..for the love of God…all right…but only one more sip, Abbi then no more!” He obliged her once more then laid his head back down on the pillow. “Keep this up and you’ll be sleeping with the dogs …again!” She said taking the cup away. Lilly suddenly felt Reiley take her hand. “You’ve been up all night watching me?” He asked in a low whisper. “Of course.” Lilly said whispering back. “We cannot afford to loose the best doctor in Port Royal.” It was then his eyes softened as if he was in distant thought. “Thank you Mistress.” She smiled in return and as she was about to release her grip, his grew tighter. “He’s the fool…,” he muttered as he looked up at her again. The words and the comment came to her out of nowhere. She did not expect him to state his opinion or say anything about the matter that past at the cottage the day before. Her eyes said it all and then he released her hand. “I must get some sleep, Reiley. I will have Davis move you to Abbi’s room. I shall be upstairs in attic room if anyone wishes to see me. I bid you good night.” She made her way to the narrow little flight of stairs and hopefully she would be able to find sleep…if only for a little while.

Strange reference there, Rats! It would be great to do this event (so close to home too)! But we still need to see what we can do...this is the same weekend as Blackbeard Fest in Hampton, VA....and let me tell you, I had a blast there last year!

You're doing a lovely job of it, CrazyCholeBlack! I just wish I had a bit more time to write this week...Weddings!

Mad Jack..Foxe... I've heard that "loo" is a very old game. Do either of you two Boys know when it came about?

Faro?! Really?! Ed, is this game Irish in origin? I portray American Wild West and Faro is a game that I have played before. Do you think the rules have changed much?

Really?! Wow...interesting. Well, some Pryate Captains were God fearing Men at that...this would explain their ideas against gambling... Thanks Mad Jack

(Doing a double take) - Sorry Empress...seeing that I haven't met you face to face...it threw me.... (tsk..tsk...tsk...Really, Kass...and you let your 'Bob' fiddle with the help?!)

Lovely Shot of you and the 'Prof." Empress! Cute bows to boot!

Does any one have any reference to what ‘games of chance’ or games that would ‘pass the time’ during the GAofP? I have heard the loo, goose and wisk (sp?) were popular games of the time-period, but did pyrates play cards or did they limit themselves to dice (bones)?

Lilly looks over at Nate.... What she owe you two silver for there, Nate?

It was at dusk Lilly found Reiley stirring from his sleep. She quickly drew herself from her chair and lent over him. “Morning.” She whispered to him as to gently wake him from his troubled sleep. “How do you feel?” Reiley yawned as his eyes fluttered open. “Like I’ve been to Hell and back.” Lilly smiled with a reassuring smile. Doctor Rieley was his old self again, at least in his mental state of mind. She took a small cup of water and handed it to him. With her help, she raised his head to drink. “You must have been dreaming last night.” She said again, keeping the conversation low and soft. “You were talking in your sleep.” Reiley’s eyes showed a bit of concern. “Did I say much?” His tone now peppered with embarrassment, too. With a warm smile she smoothed back his hair from his forehead. “No, most of it I could not make out, but you sir, can swear a cloud of thick and colorful metaphors to put the devil to shame!” He set his head back and smiled at her comment. The air once again grew quiet until Lilly lent down and looked at this dressing. “Who is Sara?” She asked. It was then Reiley’s eyes met Lilly’s she could see the pain behind them.

Abbi assisted Christophe to bandage the good Doctor. Davis and Lilly fetched a few quilts from a chest in Abbi's bedroom. "He's gonna need lots rest in the next few days. I better start making my tea." The old woman muttered. She then smiled a toothless grin at Christophe. "God bless you, Christophe. May God bless you and your family." The young Frenchman smiled, only to feel a little uncomfortable from the attention. As Lilly drew up the blankets about the sleeping doctor, she smoothed his hair back.