Alder

Beard of Bones

Cook

Polynesia

In the constant deluge, curtains of water flowed down the surprisingly repellant fabric of the carpenter’s coat. This newly acquired garment met with his approval in rebuffing the weather from Miss Ashcombe’s form . . . save her skirts; though it was ne’re designed for such. With a grin, Alder reconsidered the merit of what he had thought was a ridiculous price for a coat even with the fine buttons and trim. His elation had all too soon followed by disbelief and frustration at Jenny’s stumbling after his efforts to negotiate her between the bobbing vessels. Alder wished he had taken another course on her behalf, but could not contemplate what might have saved her plight. In what he could only discern as embarrassment at being righted by Pew, she disappeared from view. Alder most wanted to reassure her and; out of necessity, to recover his coat in preparation for the forthcoming gathering. The carpenter would be adorned with his new finery and unfaltering fiduciary to the mission of the Lucy, but would it be enough to satisfy the Captain’s strategy.

consort

Alder remained at the ready alongside Misters Whiting and Jameson the senior of the three in the only manner that held no stock; age and not of salt. His anticipation met apprehension as the two emotions vied for prominence even and they lay cloaked from the unperceptive by a mask of finery. Though he felt well-armed in both wit and weapon, he wondered what receptin would be met. Still the carpenter was eager to offer his talents as his Captain saw fit. Alder assessed every nuance and awaited command however it may be communicated.

“Aye Sah” Alder soundly replied without any hesitation as he straightened himself up eager to represent his captain and the crew. Having expended sufficient energy on images of the past, his passions now rose to a steadfast, defensive posture. The carpenter's wiry hand felt for the folded note pressed tightly against his chest. Then; in deference to the emphasis of "invitation" by Captain Lasseter, his hand fell to to his side for the assurance of the pistol that he had unfortunately neglected below. A moment of apprehension was replaced by a plan of action to abandon the first possession and retrieve the second.

Alder beams with the vision he spies across the bar. "Ray, if you please. My coin is heavy and my tankard is light. " With drink held aloft, the carpenter ushers those gathered , "A toast for this pirate in training!" "To Aurora, my beauty, my bride, my heart... You honor me by your willingness to exploring my pastime. May you enjoy knowing the fine folks I have come to call my friends. I shall cherish you, eternally!"

Sleep had overtaken his weary frame and carried the carpenter’s mind leisurely adrift. Stillness and calm healed and readied his worn body for the next watch and his countenance for the next task. The fleetness of the Lucy conjured a breeze that lit its way though the narrow passageways and teased the skin of the resting man. Growling a snore in reply, he rustled and repositioned himself in his hammock. Not to be defeated, the wind echoed the resonance of an ethereal bell that pealed in the distance; a harbinger of marriage, death or little worse. Its merciless bay leveraged the unnaturally early rousing of the man. The carpenter rubbed his eyes soundly. Unpeeling layer and layer of oak, he envisioned her outstretched hand and the spray that framed her as the bow cleaved the waves. Mayhaps, if he could anchor this dream, he could face the calm. Tugging a becket, he dragged a well-oiled chest closer to him. Slowly, deliberately and with singular attention, Alder unfolded a square of parchment buried deep beneath a compartment in his wooden coffer.

barber

Aboard the Lucy As they distanced themselves from the port, the weight of responsibility for the vessel pried Alder’s thoughts from pastime to the practicality of maintenance that was essential not only to the continued seaworthiness of the Lucy but also the very survival of those aboard. The carpenter had inventoried his expansive tool collection including those he had only recently acquired on his visits ashore. He had assessed their condition, oiled, sharpened, and tuned as needed in each moment he could steal away. Alder had hoarded much more than his hands alone could wield in anticipation as well as the humbling realization that he could not accomplish her care alone. The support of crew was critical. He thought about an apprentice to assist in their guidance, someone stout of heart that would manage duties of the reciprocal watch and seek him out presently should the need arise. He rubbed his bristled chin with tar stained fingers and began to assess the crew. Captain Lasseter had been supportive in the request for assistance in his last endeavor with the figurehead, nay, he had been much more than that. The carpenter would need to consider well before he call to station the most valuable resources of his liege. Alder sought to mentor one who would follow his lead, not become an obsequious sycophant. One with loyalty; yes, but blind obedience could endanger both the master and his mate. Many of the newest crewmembers were the result of the Captain’s personal selection. Perhaps when he was satisfied with caulking for the day he would seek out Captain Lasseter for advice.

Each day ta know yea be one ta revel in and be thankful for. Bless you this year and every one that follows. You are appreciated BriarRose. Happy Birthday. Alder E. Wenge

Alder was much relieved by the response and honored by the Captain’s praise. He was likewise assured by the approving nods of his crewmates without whom he would not be enjoying this glory. The brightness of this mornings sun shone upon the figurehead. A beaming ray bounced off the goldleaf star in her outstretched hand and reflected onto Alder’s squinting gaze. Straining for sight between the slits of his eyes, the craftsman beheld an unsettling specter from his past. “Aurora” he uttered in a melancholy whisper, having little regard for who might have overheard. Was it his angle of view or his lack of rest that had transformed her image so? Alder pondered as he made himself ready and supported the crew of the Lucy for her maiden voyage. With renewed resolve, the carpenter anticipated the escape this newest journey may offer.

The carpenter stood dumbfounded at the realization of Captain Lasseter’s announcement. It hadn’t been that long ago that he was new to this assembly and the honor bestowed seemed overwhelming. Though it was certainly not beyond his capabilities, he considered as he deliberately straightened himself up, but well beyond his expectation. “Sir?” Alder queried his Captain’s surprising announcement. “Aye, Mister Wenge, he continued “Time’s come t’ unveil tha’ grand lady.” “You’ve done right by ‘er when she held another name, and now ya shall do right again this day” he transferred the twisted sisal to Alder in as much a handshake as a directive. The carpenter scanned the gathered mass; some familiar, some unknown, but all bound with him on this journey, if only for this chapter. With his captain’s nod, Alder ceremoniously tugged at rope and simultaneously prayed to St. Joseph that neither canvas nor tie would bind. With the upsweep of a feral breeze the shroud unexpectedly bellowed aloft before gravity demanded allegiance and tugged it past the bow and away from view. There she was in all her glory. There was a deafening delay of silence as some drew round even closer to take in the sight. Though expressions belied the calmness, all awaited their Captain’s cue to respond.

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May blessings abound for thee on this glorious day and each that follows. Happy Birthday!

disrobe