Beginnin' at th' Beginnin'

[Jezzy The Butcher]

*Takes another sip o'rum and notices something he had missed*

Lassie, that be one foine hat ye be awearin'! I've heard o' some wenches who be a flyin' those colors. Be ye one 'them?

*Squints at her and grins*

That's a huge goblet ya there as well. I like that, a lass who kin hold her liquor.

*Passes the goblet over to McDrago for inspection*

Have yerself a sip from it, if ye like. It might warm yer cockles, so t' speak.

Aye, Sir, me goblet be quite large, as I ain't no li'l squab with fine feathers 'n all that. I be a WOMAN...ALL Woman! I can drink most men under the table, not that that be somethin' t' be proud of, but might say a lot about the men I been drinkin' with lately, eh? *smile*

And, as fer yer earlier comment about snow on the rooftop and yer firebox...well, I've always enjoyed snugglin' under a snowy rooftop, m'self. It's what's under the rooftop that be keepin' us warm. *wink*

*Jezzy thinks, perhaps, she's enjoyed quite a bit o' her special concoction from her goblet as she's gettin' a little relaxed.*

Nay, I'm not one of them Red Hatters. I was just showin' it off, as it were one of the many pieces I be sellin' that day. M' mum was a Red Hatter, tho. Lovely Ladies, they be.

[Jezzy The Butcher]

*approaches Jezzy The Butcher'a table and pulls over a barrel for a sit*

Aye, ye wish'd me a harty greetin, be only fit'n to return the favor!

:BARKEEP, Nuth'r drink all round! Me friends be thirsty so dn't keep us a wait'n!:

*peeks at the pics*

Ahrrr, hearty bunch o' scoundrels indeed. Cute lit'le tadpole as well!

*sits back to listen*

Aye, Mad L, that li'l tadpole was a cutie! He kept comin' back t' us and askin' us questions and talkin' like a pirate. He be a true pirate in th' makin' if ye ask me!

*takes a sip o' her Scarlet Jezabel from her goblet.*

Mmmmm...this be some fine spirits. I shoulda brought a keg o' this to share wit' ye all.

[mcdrago]

*Passes the goblet over to McDrago for inspection*

Have yerself a sip from it, if ye like.  It might warm yer cockles, so t' speak.

Aye, Sir, me goblet be quite large, as I ain't no li'l squab with fine feathers 'n all that.  I be a WOMAN...ALL Woman!  I can drink most men under the table, not that that be somethin' t' be proud of, but might say a lot about the men I been drinkin' with lately, eh?  *smile*

And, as fer yer earlier comment about snow on the rooftop and yer firebox...well, I've always enjoyed snugglin' under a snowy rooftop, m'self.  It's what's under the rooftop that be keepin' us warm.  *wink*

*Jezzy thinks, perhaps, she's enjoyed quite a bit o' her special concoction from her goblet as she's gettin' a little relaxed.*

Nay, I'm not one of them Red Hatters.  I was just showin' it off, as it were one of the many pieces I be sellin' that day.  M' mum was a Red Hatter, tho.  Lovely Ladies, they be.

*Peers into the goblet and takes a sniff, finding nothing untowards, takes a sip*

Thankee kindly lass, Ah....tis a fine drink. Aye, lass you seem ta be enough woman fer any mon. Ye reminds me o' a lass that twas bein' auctioned off by pirates oncet'. The bidders kept a shoutin' "We wants the redhead." I kin understand why.

[Jezzy The Butcher]

*Peers into the goblet and takes a sniff, finding nothing untowards, takes a sip*

Thankee kindly lass, Ah....tis a fine drink. Aye, lass you seem ta be enough woman fer any mon. Ye reminds me o' a lass that twas bein' auctioned off by pirates oncet'. The bidders kept a shoutin' "We wants the redhead." I kin understand why.

Ahh, bless ye, Sir. That be a kind thing t' say t' this redhead. If me memory serves me, and I ain't sure it does at present, I don't believe I woulda been that redhead up fer auction, but I did hear of 'er! 'Course, I coulda been sold at one point, I suppose. Enough rum an' who knows? I recall many times dancin' atop tables, but not from an auction block.

*peers into the goblet to see that it's been drained dry*

I see, sir, that you enjoyed my sweet elixer. Perhaps, I'll bring ye a bottle of it when next I darken these doors.

Fer now, tho', I believe I need t' continue me search fer a crew...care t' join mine? *wink* I could use a good quartermaster. Make sure ain't no on stealin' from our goods and all. Ye probly knows where we can find th' good stuff, too.

Barkeep, I think I'll be havin' a pint o' ye finest spiced rum, and ye know what that would be, right? I need somethin' fer the walk back t' me cabin.

[Jezzy The Butcher]

*Jumps up on top o' th' table and shouts*

Hey, Mates, I just advanced from Bilge Rat to Deck Swab! How ARRRRsome is that? Just havin' a friendly chat wit' ye's and I got me some rank under me belt! Arrrrrrr!!!!

Drinks fer EVERYONE!!!

[MadL]

*Jumps up on top o' th' table and shouts*

Hey, Mates, I just advanced from Bilge Rat to Deck Swab!  How ARRRRsome is that?  Just havin' a friendly chat wit' ye's and I got me some rank under me belt!  Arrrrrrr!!!!

Drinks fer EVERYONE!!!       

*falls off kegger, obviously had fallen asleep*

Uh? Eh? Wench On Th' Table!! Aye, now this th' way to wake up, brew in hand and dancin pirates!!

Hay, congrats on ye promotion thar Jezzy!

*nuh? coulda swern thar be tiny faerie sized pyrates run'in round har..? musta been th ale...*

[Silkie McDonough]

Fergive mae fer waitin so long t'greet ya. I tot I did ulready buot lookin back I nil sar m'post.

So welcome lass, if i'tis true ya is wit d'Callahan's den yer wit d'best uv cumpny!

Welcome t'ya!

[Jezzy The Butcher]

*falls off kegger, obviously had fallen asleep*

Uh? Eh? Wench On Th' Table!! Aye, now this th' way to wake up, brew in hand and dancin pirates!!

Hay, congrats on ye promotion thar Jezzy!

*nuh? coulda swern thar be tiny faerie sized pyrates run'in round har..? musta been th ale...*

Me thinks ye be right, Mad L! I believe ye be seein' Faerie sized pyrates dancin' about ye!

*smirks devilishly*

Did ye take a sip from me goblet, Mate? Oh, but I do believe ye did.

Soon, I shall have a new crew if ye's succumb to me Scarlet Jezabel so easily!

*leans back against the post and sighs*

Oh, Dear Scarlet Jezabel, your nectar be sooooo sweet and powerful. You're like a thief in th' night, quietly plunderin' the racks and sacks o' them drunken sailors.

[Jezzy The Butcher]

Fergive mae fer waitin so long t'greet ya. I tot I did ulready buot lookin back I nil sar m'post.

So welcome lass, if i'tis true ya is wit d'Callahan's den yer wit d'best uv cumpny!

Welcome t'ya!

Oh, tis nothin' t' fergive, Lass. I appreciate yer welcome and greetin'. Please do have a drink on me! Barkeep...bring this lass whate'r she desires! I've plenty o' coin in m' purse fer friends.

[mcdrago]

Fer now, tho', I believe I need t' continue me search fer a crew...care t' join mine? *wink* I could use a good quartermaster. Make sure ain't no on stealin' from our goods and all. Ye probly knows where we can find th' good stuff, too.

Barkeep, I think I'll be havin' a pint o' ye finest spiced rum, and ye know what that would be, right? I need somethin' fer the walk back t' me cabin.

*Laughs loudly at MadL's antics, then stands up*

Aye lass, as I haven't signed on ta a ship yet, I am at yer service.

Avast there, Barkeep.... my kit, ifn' ya please, I need ta escort a lady ter her cabin.

[Jezzy The Butcher]

*Laughs loudly at MadL's antics, then stands up*

Aye lass, as I haven't signed on ta a ship yet, I am at yer service.

Avast there, Barkeep.... my kit, ifn' ya please, I need ta escort a lady ter her cabin.

Well, what a fine turn o' events we got 'ere, McDrago! Apparently, me potion be workin' jes fine, eh? *lol*

So, ye be escortin' me t' th' ship. Ye know, when ye sign on with me, it could be fer life! Maybe even eternity, so be certain of what ye be agreein' ta. I only mention this as I know ye had a bit o' the Scarlet Jezabel and ye did seem to be a kindly man, a stout and strong one, never ye mind th' snow on the rooftop. I wouldn't want t' be accused of takin' advantage of ye now.

*smiles and winks with a glint in her eye*

*puts her hand on his shoulder*

However, I am in need of a trustworthy man. Beware, and know, if there be any of m' crew still aboard, they won't be as trustin' as I might be. Can ye handle it?

[mcdrago]

*Pats his pistol*

Aye lassie, I kin hold me own.

*Puts his arm around her waist*

As I be sure ye kin tell!

As fer signin' on.... wahl, ye seem a foine lass and a fair one ta boot, and ya do brew a bloody good drink as well. If'n ye needs a quartermaster, then I be yer man.

[Jezzy The Butcher]

*Pats his pistol*

Aye lassie, I kin hold me own.

*Puts his arm around her waist*

As I be sure ye kin tell!

As fer signin' on.... wahl, ye seem a foine lass and a fair one ta boot, and ya do brew a bloody good drink as well. If'n ye needs a quartermaster, then I be yer man.

Me most sincere apologies, m' fine McDrago...I seem to have experienced a momentary time lapse. It must be m' own Scarlet Jezabel that's gone t' me head. I know I've been sittin' 'ere with ye, but it seems as though I've been gone fer days! Whoa...I best be leavin' that Jezzy Grog alone fer awhile.

However, ye do appear t' be quite the scoundrel, but a hearty man at that, so, I am willin' t' take ye on as a fine member of m' crew, to be certain. Now, what was it I was a sayin'?.....

[mcdrago]

{Me most sincere apologies, m' fine McDrago...I seem to have experienced a momentary time lapse. It must be m' own Scarlet Jezabel that's gone t' me head. I know I've been sittin' 'ere with ye, but it seems as though I've been gone fer days! Whoa...I best be leavin' that Jezzy Grog alone fer awhile.

However, ye do appear t' be quite the scoundrel, but a hearty man at that, so, I am willin' t' take ye on as a fine member of m' crew, to be certain. Now, what was it I was a sayin'?}

*That's cause we be havin' a conversation on another thread that looks like this one.... Perhaps we best be a doin' this on only one, dontcha think lassie?*

[MadL]

*Watches MadL run into the smoke*

"Crazy as a loon he is. Easy there Lass, will find yer unca Bill!"

*Gives her a quick hug, pat her back and then stares at the panicing men runnning about, then pull his pistol points it into the air and fires*

BOOM!

*Everyone stops in thier tracks*

"AVAST THERE YE BILGE RATS! Grab sum buckets and barrels and start puttin' out that fire before the whole dock catches fire! Smartly now, ya swabs...."

*Pulls out his cutlass and applies it to thier behinds to get them moving. This appears to have the desired effect and crewman start forming a bucket brigade to put out the fire*

"Now lass, let's find yer unca Bill. What does the blighter look like?"

*MadL emerges from the smoke an' fire, carry'n a mangy cat that be a fight'n an' a scratchin*

Ahrrr, this dn't be lookin like a uncle Bill it dn't!

Harken Jezzy lass! Thar be men trapp'd down below thar is!

MORE WATER! O'ER HERE! MORE WATER!!

*MadL beg'ns ta drop trow...*

Ahrrr! N't Enough Rum, N't Enough Rum!!

MORE WATER! O'ER HERE! MORE WATER!!

[Jezzy The Butcher]

*Jezzy feels a bit less apprehensive as Mcdrago has taken control of the situation quite nicely. Good to have one clear head in the chaos. She worries though, as MadL heads off into the smoke and flames.*

*She sees a bucket coming her way*

Thanks be t' ye, Mcdrago fer keepin' me from a near panic. I'm prayin' that th' gods be keepin' m' men and ship safe, but it don't be soundin' too good right now.

I be supposin' there n't much can be done at this time, but what we be doin' now. Damn MadL. I hope he be safe out there. Would hate t' lose a fine lad fer the sake of m' ship. I'm sher them timbers be about ash right 'bout now."

*sees MadL storm back in through the door carryin' something squallin' and hissin'.*

No, Lad, that n't m' uncle bill. God bless yer heart. Now, keep yer scrawny arse inside this 'ere pub until that fire dies down. Don't wants t' see ye turned to barbeque, ye know!

All right, Lads, MORE WATER!!!!

*a man enters the pub covered in smoke, spittin' n' hackin'*

"Damn them blazes!"

*Jezzy grabs him by the arm and spins him on his heel*

What ye be knowin' of th' ship what's turnin' t' ash down there, mate?

*the man coughs a few more times, trying to clear his lungs*

"Missy, I hear a man sayin' a tussle broke out between the crews of two ships at the end o' the pier. He said it was the Bonney Wind 'n the Black N' Red Dove! 'parently, the Black N' Red Dove hauled anchor n' sailed away but not b'fore lobbin' a ball o' fire from th' deck onto th' Wind!"

*Jezzy couldn't believe what she was hearing and sat down on the nearest keg. She was relieved that her ship was spared, but angry about the situation. What caused the fight, and WHO took control of the wheel and sailed the Black N' Red Dove away? And, where are they taking her? Will they return after the fire dies away? So many questions...her head is swimming and her ire is climbing ever higher*

Barkeep! Barkeep! If'n ye can see through this haze, bring me a flagon, will ye, but make sure it be full of RUM!

*She sees Mcdrago glare at her*

(**Side Note: Mcdrago and MadL, I just wanted to say thank you for playing along here. If you're wondering why it takes me a while to get back to the story sometimes, it's because I'm on the road, doing the faires in Florida, so I don't always have the time to get back here everyday. I won't leave you hanging, though. *lol* Again, thanks. I'm having great fun with this and it's really nice to have made two new friends/mates!)

[MadL]

*Mad L, in defiance, stomps to a nearby table and mutter*

It sure be look'n like some one's uncle's eye they be...they did!

Barkeep! Mo'r Rum!!

*begins to think how to make amends fer bring'n Jezzy a mangy bilge wharf cat inst'd o' her uncle....*

[mcdrago]

*Goes and gets the flagon in question and brings it back*

Here ya go lass.

*Hands her the flagon o' rum and waits till she has a drap, then takes a pull hiself*

Ahh.....now that'll clear out the smoke.

*Eyes MadL's rescued "uncle bill"*

Avast mate, that there puss'll be yore friend fer life now. A man needs a good puss ifn' he caint get a dog. Take good care o' him now, ye saved his life an' now it belongs to yer.

*Turns back to Jezzy*

Now then lass, what were ye sayin' about me be a joinin' yer crew before all this here brew-hah-hah happened?

*Cleans and reloads his trusty flintlock pistol*

[Jezzy The Butcher]

*Goes and gets the flagon in question and brings it back*

Here ya go lass.

*Hands her the flagon o' rum and waits till she has a drap, then takes a pull hiself*

Ahh.....now that'll clear out the smoke.

*Eyes MadL's rescued "uncle bill"*

Avast mate, that there puss'll be yore friend fer life now. A man needs a good puss ifn' he caint get a dog. Take good care o' him now, ye saved his life an' now it belongs to yer.

*Turns back to Jezzy*

Now then lass, what were ye sayin' about me be a joinin' yer crew before all this here brew-hah-hah happened?

*Cleans and reloads his trusty flintlock pistol*

*Jezzy grasps the handle of the flagon and grips it tightly. She peers into the sparkling liquid as the smoke clears away, wondering what to do next. She looks up at Mcdrago to see his caring eyes peering at her. She feels a sense of protection coming from him and feels she can trust him, and she breaks a smile.*

Thank ye, Mcdrago. Much appreciated, 'tis.

*looks over at MadL, who's fiddling with a smoke covered, drenched cat, while looking dismayed and disappointed in himself*

Aye, MadL, ye takes good care o' th' "puss", n' it'll be keepin' ye warm n' cuddly at night! Don't ye be frettin' about not findin' me Uncle Bill. I'm thinkin' he be the one what sailed me ship outta the harbor. Just seems like him t' do such a thing, bein' as loyal t' me and that bucket o' barnacles as he be. 'ere's hopin' anyways. She be in good hands if'n that be the case.

*takes a huge swallow of rum*

Aye, that takes the edge off m' worries now. Well, Mcdrago, no matter if'n the Black n' Red Dove still be under m' command 'r not, I still can use a good quartermaster. If there be no Dove t' command, I'll be seekin' outta new vessel, fer sure. Only means I'll be needin' to muster me up a new crew, so ye be the first. Guess that would make ye pretty much m' first mate.

*Jezzy takes another swig of rum and winks at Mcdrago*

M' greater hopes lie in gettin' the Dove back n' knowin' Uncle Bill be still alive 'n well. I suppose there be no point in goin' out lookin' fer m' ship or the old scudder at this particular time. I'll try t' be patient 'n wait a day 'r two t' see if they come back fer me. If not, then there be a pirate out there what needs t' be findin' refuge, fer if'n I ever find the scallywag what took m' ship away, he'll be findin' the edge o' m' knife against his ear, 'n a gouge of his eye. He'll feel them nine tails o' m' cat, 'n finally swimmin' wit' them sharkies out thar. It won't be pleasant by no means. M' Irish be up 'n hot now. I best just take comfort in this here rum 'n the company of good friends fer a short spell.

*takes another swallow and begins to feel the effects as she ponders the whereabouts of Bill and the possibility of either a mutiny or a takeover.*

[mcdrago]

*Fills his pipe and then lights up*

Firs' mate eh lass? Aye, that be foine w' me. So Unca Bill hove to w' yer ship, did he now? Wal we can get ye a new one. Either by hook or by crook ifn' ye gets me meanin'.

*Turns to MadL and his new furry companion*

Mister MadL, the lady needs a crew, an she made me mate. I be takin' it upon meseff ta offer ye the job o' bosun. With yer permission Capn'?

*Turns to the lady in question, then back to MadL*

Can ye and yer new puss find us a few good men? Apparently we already have a Ship's cat. First order of business then is ta find us a good cook, Ifn' we have that, then twill be easier to get a crew.

[Jezzy The Butcher]

*Fills his pipe and then lights up*

Firs' mate eh lass? Aye, that be foine w' me. So Unca Bill hove to w' yer ship, did he now? Wal we can get ye a new one. Either by hook or by crook ifn' ye gets me meanin'.

*Turns to MadL and his new furry companion*

Mister MadL, the lady needs a crew, an she made me mate. I be takin' it upon meseff ta offer ye the job o' bosun. With yer permission Capn'?

*Turns to the lady in question, then back to MadL*

Can ye and yer new puss find us a few good men? Apparently we already have a Ship's cat. First order of business then is ta find us a good cook, Ifn' we have that, then twill be easier to get a crew.

*tips her head back to accomodate the last bit of rum, then looks at the two men sitting with her*

Aye, permission granted. Bless ye, Mcdrago, fer steppin' in 'ere. I was thinkin' t' take MadL along wit' us, as well. He seems t' be needin' a home fer 'imself 'n his puss.

*winks at MadL and looks at him questioningly*

So, MadL, whaddya think o' th' offer? When I gets me Dove back, 'r if'n I don't, we'll be a sailin' agin soon, one way 'r t'other. If'n the Dove returns, 'n after m' inquistion o' th' remainin' crew, I'm certain there'll be many unfortunate, however necessary changes t' be made. Someone aboard m' ship lobbed that fireball, 'n I needs t' find out who 'n why.

If the Dove be under a new Cap'n, I'll be seekin' out a new one wit' ye's help. Aye, McDrago, by hook 'r by crook fer certain.

*flashes a knowing smile at Mcdrago and slams her flagon on the table a few times. looks around the room at the crowd of sailors and makes an announcement*

A' right men, n' ye lassies, too. First of all, be there anyone in this place what knows what took place b'tween the Red 'n Black Dove and the Bonney Wind?

Secondly, I'll be lookin' fer a new crew for the Dove, 'r a new vessel, whatever th' case may be. Anyone lookin' fer a new adventure?

Barkeep! If'n ye don't mind, I'd appreciate another rum. 'N one round fer the house!

[mcdrago]

*Mcdrago sips his rum and smokes awhile thoughtfully*

Lass.....do ya think yore Unca' Bill was the one who took off with yer ship? Why in Neptune's arse would they fire on another ship an' then sail off that way? A grudge? Thar be a mystery here we be needin' ta solve.

Either way, lass I be yore man fer certain. Let's drink ta it!

*Holds out his cup for her to toast thier new relationship*

[Jezzy The Butcher]

*Mcdrago sips his rum and smokes awhile thoughtfully*

Lass.....do ya think yore Unca' Bill was the one who took off with yer ship? Why in Neptune's arse would they fire on another ship an' then sail off that way? A grudge? Thar be a mystery here we be needin' ta solve.

Either way, lass I be yore man fer certain. Let's drink ta it!

*Holds out his cup for her to toast thier new relationship*

*clinks her flagon against mcdrago's mug in a toast*

Aye, Mcdrago, ye be m' man a'right. Happy t' 'ave ye wit' me. 'pears we mighta lost MadL somewhere in th' din. He ain't respondin' t' us. Perhaps a mug o' coffee would bring 'im back t' life, eh?

Did m' uncle Bill take th' Dove? If'n he did, sir, I'd bet everythin' I own, granted, 'taint much, however, if'n he did, it was t' save 'er, not to steal 'er.

So, he'd be out there now, waitin' t' find safe harbor fer 'er, 'n t' send word fer me, I know it. But, if it weren't he what took 'er, then we're gonna have us an adventure trackin' 'er down and gettin' 'er back. Then, we'll be havin' us a Plankin' Party, to be certain!

We needs t' be askin' around this pub first what everyone knows. And, seein' as there weren't one taker of m' offer to join our crew, I'd say there be a few in 'ere what knows exactly what took place, but they be keepin' there tongues in their heads fer fear o' losin' 'em!

*places her hand on Mcdrago's and nods toward MadL, passed out on top of his smokey cat*

'dya think we should get the lad somethin' t' wake 'im, 'r leave 'im be fer th' moment? He'll be needin' his strength once we decide t' set out after the Dove. By the by, my good man. Have ye heard tell of any ships about what might be needin' a good cruise? *wink*

[mcdrago]

"We needs t' be askin' around this pub first what everyone knows. And, seein' as there weren't one taker of m' offer to join our crew, I'd say there be a few in 'ere what knows exactly what took place, but they be keepin' there tongues in their heads fer fear o' losin' 'em!

*places her hand on Mcdrago's and nods toward MadL, passed out on top of his smokey cat*

'dya think we should get the lad somethin' t' wake 'im, 'r leave 'im be fer th' moment? He'll be needin' his strength once we decide t' set out after the Dove. By the by, my good man. Have ye heard tell of any ships about what might be needin' a good cruise? *wink*"

*Thinks for a moment, then knocks out his pipe on his boot sole*

Aye, lass some one knows somewhat an' that's fer certain. Methinks somethin can be done fer that.

*Looks over at where MadL and his new cat are sleeping peacefully on the table*

Nay lass, let the lad sleep. He did after all try ter rescue yer unca bill. A good man he be fer sure. Nay, I dinna ken of any ships. Twas my main reason fer comin' here as ye recall.

*Pats her hand and then get up and finds the barkeep*

Here be a piece o' silver, me bucko. When me friend w' the furry companion awakes, tell him where ta find us. Does ye have a room so's we can spend the night?

*Comes back over and then stands on the bench, then raises his voice so all can hear*

AVAST THERE MATES! If anyone knows anything about what happened on the dock tonight, see me or the lady here. Twill be a gold dubloon fer ye as payment if yer information be of worth.

*Gets back down and offers his hand*

I got us a room fer the night. Ye can have the bed an I'll take a chair and sit with it against the door, just in case o' trouble.

[reelpirate]

Welcome., and what ye be butchering bye the way?