Pyrates of the West Coast

[William Brand]

"No, Miss Smith. I have no appetite. Please see to your own needs and have some food taken to Ajayi. You will find him bedding down on the ward room floor."

She gave him a questioning look, but said nothing.

"You might find some place for him to bed down befitting his size. I cannot be forever stepping over sleeping giants. I do that already as it is."

Captain Brand paced the gun and quarterdeck for several hours after. He seemed restless and was ever looking out at the illuminated harbor. When questioned on his agitation, he would only give trite and restricted answers. He didn't like sending good people into the unknown. He had done so before and with the worst of results.

[Tempest Fitzgerald]

The Quartermaster had given charge to Mister Warren in regard to the oversee of cutter and crew, with an emphisis placed on best behaviour until he and the Frenchman's return. Someone would stay with the cutter at all times, though this duty would be rotated amongst the ten manning the oars at thirty minute intervals, while the rest were to stay at the small cantina nearby. Their manners while awaiting word of success or defeat in dispatch delivery would be a reflection of the Captain and it was best that they all kept that in mind. Nigel volunteered to stand the first watch, four of the remaining oarsmen bore the wieght of the two chests, following Dorian and Armand to the livery.

The livery and smithy, much like many of the structures about the harbour's edge, was of simple architecture, but well maintained and clean. Following the paddock border, Armand surveyed the animals secured therin with a critcle eye and was pleased at what could be seen. Though most of the menagerie appeared to be of Barb varity and therfore a smaller breed than he was accustomed to, they all looked to be in good health. Several pairs of large expresive eyes curious interest in the six men's presence and nickers of inquery played the air. The Gascon was about to gain the stable enterance when a lighter shade of pelt caught his peripheral notice and caused his hesitation in movement.

In a smaller paddock, just beyond the one they were stood, existed an animal of exquisit lines. Armand watched closely as the greyish white equin danced the perameter, the thick neck proudly arched in noble display. He noted that, unlike the neighboring horses who seemed pleased to stand about lazily, the other seemed restless in spirit and restless in spirit was exactly the quality he was looking for. Seemingly unable to draw his attention from where it lay centered, it was the Quartermaster's loud clearing of throat that returned the Frenchman to matters at hand. The four accompanying men gave secretive looks to each other in mild amusement, but steeled expression as a form emerged from the shadow of structure opening.

The livery owner measured the array of men that stood before him in a cautious manner as Armand explained their needs and discussed payment. Reserved in his willingness to accommodate, propreitor warmed with show of coin. Calling to a couple of young men standing just inside the barn, he pointed to which of the small herd should be singled out and readied. Armand gave approval of the choices, but requested that instead of the red dun, he prefered to hire the Lusitano kept by itself. The Livery man eyed him with an amount of speculation, stating that the horse in question was not tamed completely and had injured one of his people just this past week. The Gascon just smiled and reaching into an inner coat pocket withdrew a coin of gold hue to display . The Livery man looked from the coin to the Frenchman, then back to the coin, then offered another doomsaying. Armand continued to smile and retrieved another coin that matched the first. The livery man quickly took the two coins, tucking them in a different pocket than the others given earlier. The young man leading the red dun looked at the Gascon as though he was trying to gage sanity level, then returned to the paddock.

[Tempest Fitzgerald]

The ride from harbour to the estate of Don Francesch Manuel Vasquez, proved more pleasing than its outcome. Armand and Dorian conversed and made jests as they passed under the shading of large trees overhanging the path. Arriving at the great gates concealing the grand hacienda beyond, they noticed a large iron bell and striker hanging from ornate support. Armand looked to Dorian who shrugged then leaned in sthe saddle to make their presence known with the sounding of bell.

A few minutes passed then a small door in the right gate opened and a sun-darkened face appeared. Armand explained that they carried a message of great import to the master of the house. The wrinkled features eyed the two men suspicously, informing them that the master was not expecting any guests. Keeping irritation in check, the Gascon remained calm and reaching into what once carried amunition, withdrew the letter of endorsement with Fournier's seal and showed it to the gateman.

The gatekeeper focused on the envelope then back to the mounted men. There seemed to be a small dilema that took place in his mind before he spoke again, bidding them to wait he closed the small door. For what seemed an eternity the two men waited and were both given a smallish start as the loud pernouncment of heavy barriers were slid unseen and the gate parted.

The Gatekeeper had been joined by two younger men in armed fashion, who stood at ridgid attention as the visitors were motioned in. Dismounting with the gate's closure, Dorian and Armand waited until the older man joined their company, informing them that the were to go with the armed men to wait in the foyer as a groom appeared to take care of the three horses.

There could be no doubt that the Don in question had been allowed success in what ever buisness ventures he had vested in. The grounds around the immediate area were lush formal garden, and the garden was only a pale shadow in comparison to the large estate house they surrounded. Admitted into the inner sanctum of palatial dwelling, they were escorted to a eloquantly appointed room and asked to wait once more. Armand cautioned his companion to keep a nuetral vissage and not to speak unless addressed. Upon finishing said statement, the sound of door opening brought both men to proper stance.

The armed men that had offered escort entered first, standing either side of the large entrance. With their stations secured, another figure entered the room and the two visitors doffed hats and gave deep sweep of bow to the woman that looked upon them both with interest. Stepping forward to meet her, Armand took her proffered hand and lowered himself once again in flourished bow before announcing introductions. She in turn, introduced herself as Donna Maria Vasquez.

Motioning for the two men to accept seating on one of the ornate sofas, she explained that her husband was away on a hunting trip on the other side of the island. He was expected back late morning, but she would be happy to let him know of their visit upon arrival home. The Gascon made apologies in turn that they had missed the Don and thereby disrupted the tanquility of her day by their visitation. Donna Maria smiled warmly, stating that a visit from refined gentleman was not what she considered a disruption at all.

Again begging her pardon for improper timing, Armand gained his feet and aproached her respectfully. Reaching into his coat, he retrieved the endorsement sent by Fournier, as well as a correspondance from Captain Hollande. He informed her that the case secured upon the pack horse was a gift of goodwill from the Captain and that he wished to speak with the Don at nearest convienece. Armand relayed that it was a matter of great interest in regard to her husband and where they may be reached. Begging her leave and not wishing to take up any more of her valuable time, Armand thanked her with all propriety and they left her company.

With the Madeira safely unloaded, the two men remounted and offering a nod of acknowledgment to the Gatekeeper; Armand and Dorian returned the direction from which they had come.

[Diego Santana de la Vega]

Mornings pause just afore the suns rise I be up on the main deck listening to the sea birds making their own days renew. I couldn't see them but i know they must be headed out to sea in another direction because they weren't getting any louder to me. Knowing the prize of so many as it be fullfilled within the parameters of daily bread leaving me my duties again below. To the galley I trod having slept most untamed as a chill did awake me and first bird kept me such. Ah! To the galley for the coffees start and days begin. I be thinkin french toast and stripped pork might welcome me makes the new day. Mayhaps I can find me some maple corn syrup as well?

[Diego Santana de la Vega]

I went down into the galley and lit the stove. Putting water on for coffeee I lit a candle and went down into the hold and found 27 eggs, a nice pig quarter flour and sugar. I made my way back up into the galley where the water were getting hot and I began the slicing of pork. Now I personally like it thin and crisp but so many of the crew likes it thick and never soft. So I just put the fire under the large fryer and lays out about thirty strips ta fryin I takes out me three flours, yeast and water and a pinch a this and that and throws it in the ovens to bake. The coffee grind already in me mug (premeasured) I throws it into the boiling water and turns the pork srips over (hmmmmmm) what a goodly smell it were too! So I scramble up the eggs and adding two cupes a sugar and a splash of water and adrop of maple start heating up to make some syrup. The first three loafs of bread came out just as Ms Smith came in fetching vitals fer the Captain herself and Ajayi our newly freed slave. "Aye Good morning little one is Gods blessing with you this day?" I says "throw back a cup here with me afore you go and let me fry up some a this frenchy toast eghh? So I finish it and hand her three plates with thee pieces each six slices of pork fried and three cups o coffee. Starting the next pan of pork strips after I threw in three more loafs of bread to bake, I watched her as she perfectly negotiated the turn and stairs with ease.

[Dorian Lasseter]

::as Armand and Dorian rode back towards the port, they took in the sights and sounds of their surroundings for pleasure, noting the colours and scents of flowers, the colourful dress of some of the inhabitants... and at most every turn where their was a shop or sign, Armand transelated it for Dorian, who, after the third or fourth time had to set something straight...::

A'right, lad.... ye nay 'ave ta do tha'... when I said earlier tha' me Spanish was goode as me Dutch, an' me French... tha' dinna mean I was unlearned... AYe, Me Dutch speakin' is poor.. I han't a use fer it... French... I actually ain't bad... just han't used it in a time... so I's slow... Same wi' me Spanish.... No, I can't give no flowery speaches in an o' them languages.... mayhaps not e'en th' Kings english... but I c'n converse 'nough t' get me piont across, n' then some...

:: he smiled, letting Armand know he wasn't cross with him, just letting him know how things lay...::

But, iffn' ye like, ye can translate wote'er might be said by th' Don when we gets audiance wi' him... Might be interestin'.... see iffn they try ta slip one o'er on us... think thay's dealin' wi' some fool... Hmm... I prey they got better manners n' tha'...

::they continued their trip back to the port, talking of the surroundings and what they might gather from the local shops to reprovission the ship...::

[Diego Santana de la Vega]

morning meal complete I went up into the main masts basket and asked Ciaran if he can see the cutter and he says to me Aye! The quartermaster and Armand it appears are jes returning from a ride about. I looks at 'im??? a ride about? he says yeh they took to the saddle over an hour ago and just gettin back into the docks area. He handed me his brings 'em near and sure 'nuff they be dismountin there by the cutter.....@#$%&*$@ Who's getting the foodstuffes? slips outa me mouth afore I can stop it I looks to Ciaran and hands him back his brings 'em near and start me descent. Reachin the main deck I begins me look fer the captain to inquire to whom was put in charge of finding the food supplies on shore?

[William Brand]

After too long a time pacing the decks, the Captain retired to the lower holds to make an examination of the ship's stores. It was true that Mister Lasseter had already preformed this duty, but William found that he couldn't sleep.

When this task was done he made his way to the Doctor to make inquiries about the new crew member still under her care. He learned there that the man was recovering well, but had remained very quiet during the few hours he was awake. Little had been learned of him.

This brought William to other thoughts and he went in search of Mister Pew.

[Tempest Fitzgerald]

With no full success achieved with the delivery of dispatch and request, the Quartermaster had balanced the twin horns of dilema, and finally come to the conclusion after making arrangments with local vendors, that returning to the ship was the best thing that could be decided upon. After speaking with Mister Warren, the horses were returned and a retainer laid to ensure of their access if need presented itself. Armand's personal tack and saddlery was removed and placed back within its chest to be carried to the cutter and after a small round of local spirits, the group loaded up and pulled for the frigate bobbing at anchor.

Regaining the decks, Dorian and Armand were immediatly accompanied by the Captain to the privacy of the Ward room. An hour passed as the two relayed what had been observed ashore and the occurances relating to the Don. William took all in stride, and what dissapointment he may have felt at the Don's absence never surfaced in his manner or expression. Thanking them for their efforts, the Captain gave them leave stating that there was nothing more that could be done that day and perhaps the next morning would prove in their favor. Liberty would be held in check until more was known, but the cutter would be sent in the morning hours to secure the supplies that had been negotiated. With their dissmissal, William sat down heavily to consider the next set of possibilities.

As was normal, the sun sunk and was replaced by moon's rise and in turn, the golden orb returned to take its post of duty again. In the distance, the sound of cock's crow heralded the new day's arrival and the Three Sister's wove steadily the skien of fate as the mortal world rose sleepily from Morpheus' lands.

[William Brand]

The previous day and night had been a mix of success and failures.

Miss Smith was able to secure a place for Ajayi outside the ward room in a space provided in the holds. It was insufficient for his height, but given the fact that he could stand upright nowhere aboard ship, this was not an accommodation she had considered. Still, it gave Ajayi ample room to stretch out and move about. It also afforded him more privacy than most aboard enjoyed on such a small ship. He seemed pleased and even rewarded her with a smile, once he understand why he had been coaxed there. Blankets and some extra personal belongings that could be scrounged together were added to a large bag for Ajayi's use. It contained a wooden bowl, horn spoon, soap, an extra shirt and other sundries. He excepted all graciously and took to his new lodgings at once.

The Monsignor and the Captain conversed at length on the subject of provisions. Much had been used recently under the charge of the Monsignor, to the delight of all. William reassured the clergyman that all would be restored very soon, but reminded him that some of his dishes, while delicious and hearty, were all too consuming in their ingredients, advising the Monsignor to curb his recipes to simple sustenance. The lavished meals of late were too much too often.

He had asked him then to let the law of the galley be 'Heavy with some flavor in the morning. Light fare by day. Rich, rewarding meals of variety in the evening.'

Upon the return of the cutter and those crew members with it, William had retired to the ward room for discussion and deliberation. The conversation had been brief and less than he had hoped for, but he was not without much thanks for the risks and efforts of all concerned.

He ordered everyone and himself to some food and rest before beginning any other efforts or adventure. He heeded his own order with no small enthusiasm.

[Diego Santana de la Vega]

the list of needed suppies were gone over and the goodly Capitaine were again one step ahead o the likes o my shortsightedness. I only wished I could have been there to speak the native tongue in port and be a guiding light of certain needs be. To no avail, I went below after being dismissed and found solitude in the quietness of me chamber. Finding then one o me most favorite verses giving my need to shine it's dulling accord. Selfishness and ego be me downfall, I knows it and I tries to curb them. I fell fast asleep only later on the need to hear me bells call for me time in the basket.

[Dorian Lasseter]

:: Now dispersed from the meeting in the Captain's wardroom, Mr. Lasseter set to some figurings in his cabin...::

Hrmmm... all goes well, gonna give shore leave ta th' crew.... they gonna want , no... need specie ta spend... goode thing we got some coin from the dutchy, along wi' th' cargo..... gotta split it out as per th' articles... No one gets their share lest they report ta me......... hafta make an anouncement on deck a'ter I sort it out....

:: after much figuring and head scratching, scribbling, etc., he stands, adjusts his rig and makes his way topside..::

Mr. Badger! Prey assemble the crew... every Lad n' Lass, in th' waist.... I 'ave an anouncement that they's all gonna want ta hear...

[Rummy3]

'Been a bit uncomfortable while I work on this here sea chest. My adze, though been me trusted friend on every ship I have ever laid me hands on, seems to be the wrong tool for this project. The drawing I shared with Mr Hawks has never been discussed. I'm hoping that he can make the necessary hardware without too much imposition. I'd like ta find him and discuss. I pull my flute from me waist sash and begin playing softly. If Mr Hawks is available, perhaps he will hear the music and join me. I'd really like him to assure me that we can combine our efforts on this project.

[Dorian Lasseter]

I say, Mr Badger.... Call ALL the officers to attention, 'ave them assemble here, just for'ard o' th' taffrail... Then 'ave them take charge o' their crews...

Then we'll get down ta business!!

[Jonathan Hawks]

'Been a bit uncomfortable while I work on this here sea chest. My adze, though been me trusted friend on every whip I have ever laid me hands on, seems to be the wrong tool for this project. The drawing I shared with Mr Hawks has never been discussed. I'm hoping that he can make the necessary hardware without too much imposition. I'd like ta find him and discuss. I pull my flute from me waist sash and begin playing softly. If Mr Hawks is available, perhaps he will hear the music and join me. I'd really like him to assure me that we can combine our efforts on this project.

As luck would have it, Jonathan Hawks was already making his way to find Rummy. He wants her to carve out some special wood molds that he can use for sand castings of the hardware for her chest. Hearing the tune, he follows it right to where she is.

"Well, well, Lassie, It not be difficult a findu=in ya board this vessel I says. Good thing too. I been meaning ta see i'fn ya can carve me some molds fer some sand castings sos I can make yer hinges."

[Diego Santana de la Vega]

Clean 'orizons and blue seas wind swell from the south east at four knots seas are one to two with an occsional set of three feet.

[Rummy3]

"Well, well, Lassie, It not be difficult a find ya board this vessel I says. Good thing too. I been meaning ta see i'fn ya can carve me some molds fer some sand castings sos I can make yer hinges."

"Ah, Mr Hawks! Yer timing couldn't have been more perfect. Tell me, how would these do ye?" I reaches beneath the workbench and pulls the carvings I just this morning had finished. "...And will ye take a look at me handtools. I think that I ned something special to sharpen me favorite one in particular. :

[Diego Santana de la Vega]

Empty 'orizons and blue green seas wind swell from the south south east at sixteen knots seas are two to three with an occsional set of four to five feet.

[Kendra The Sea Maid]

"May are hearts always remain strong, as we sail on. . ." *Friendly giant came upon the sailmaker, looking over her shoulder he comments "Glory be, miss, you have been written in that thing for days now. What could be soooo interesting?" *Tries to sneak a peak*

*she quickly snaps it shut* "Its nothing Simon, just some random thoughts. . . *She tackfully Changes the subject* "Have you finished the repairs to Captain's Wake's coat?"

"Yes miss."

"Good, take it to Miss Smith, then."

"As for me, I am going to turn in early."

"Are you feeling alright?"

Yes, I am just tired is all. * she kissed his cheeck to reasure him before heading below.*

[William Brand]

Miss Smith intercepted Simon as he was headed into the companionway to give the Captain his coat.

"Thank you, Mister Powell, but the Captain is resting. I shall see that he receives his coat when he awakes. Please thank Kendra for her work."

She turned to leave and then remembered other needs and called Simon back again.

"Mister Powell, I wonder if you would ask Miss Kendra to see to the needs of our new crew members. Miss Wardell and Mister Gage are in great need of additional clothes, and Ajayi is large enough that no clothes we have found are fit for his frame. Kendra's sailmaker skills may be more appropriate to Ajayi than her tailoring. Please ask her to visit with them at her convenience."

[Pew]

::As I scuttle about stowing gear and recieving my gunners orders from Mr. Youngblood, I find some idle time about ship. Asking permission from Mr Youngblood, I decide to take a short dip over the side of the Watch Dog.

I step off the platform and let myself sink to the bottom of the lagoon. I sit on a mat of pulverized pink coral; taking a handful, I begin to scrub myself from head to toe. Looking up the round belly of the Watch Dog appears like a June bug floating on air . . . except I cannot breathe here . . .

I let go of al my senses and swim for the brain coral about 2 fathoms away. The tidal flow of the sea carries me further towards the reef near shore. My lungs begin to ache. I break the surface, letting my air out slowly, then ride the flow of the warm sea water towards the heart of the cove. The bull shark sometimes hunts here . . .I am still as death but never been more alive . . . .::

[Tudor MercWench Smith]

After stowing away the Captain's newly repaired coat for him, Miss Smith took a stack of parchments and ledgers she had been working on in the Ward room early and headed topside. She saw no reason to be cloistered up below when she could finish up just as well, sitting somewhere out of the way on deck, getting the advantage of sun and fresh air.

She spread out in a secluded corner, her quill in ink-stained hand. She watched as the crew bustled around, and smiled sadly to herself, as she looked back down to her work, her handwriting glaring back up at her.

[Tempest Fitzgerald]

The Gascon emerged from the depths of the frigate's belly deep in thought. The trip ashore had rekindled longings that were assumed to be more under control. There were contemplations that danced lightly the twin horns of dilema, stirrings that began with livery arrival and expanded with entrance to the eloquent hacienda. Armand had high hopes involving an accord with the Don, but there were naggings of selfish desire that lay just below accomplishment of Capitane Brand's wants.

It was deep in the clasp of these wonderments that the grey eyes took in the familiar form, bent to the whims of deep concentration. Changing direction, Armand padded with unconsience stealth across deck's surface and halted as echo of frame fell across the Captain's Steward in shadowed announcement to his presence.

"Bonjour, Mademoiselle Smith..."

[Tudor MercWench Smith]

Tudor gasped, startled by the deep voice from behind her, upsetting her inkwell in the process. Luckily, she managed to catch it before it spilled all over her work, instead, dying her hand even more then it already was.

"Um . . . hello." She said, smiling up at him, overturned ink pot still held in her palm. 'I'm not usually this clumsy y'know . . ." She said, trying to look serious, not looking him in the face, fearing that he would be laughing at her.

[Kendra The Sea Maid]

"Mister Powell, I wonder if you would ask Miss Kendra to see to the needs of our new crew members. Miss Wardell and Mister Gage are in great need of additional clothes, and Ajayi is large enough that no clothes we have found are fit for his frame. Kendra's sailmaker skills may be more appropriate to Ajayi than her tailoring. Please ask her to visit with them at her convenience."

Kendra's sailmaker skills may be more appropriate to Ajayi than her tailoring.

*Those words echoed over and over again in her head as she and Simon spent most of the moring taking Ajayi measurements, not just for his size but for he would not hold still.* "If you want your clothes to fit you perfectly than you must hold still please." she gently chided

*Simon translated the the new members responce, "He's says he can't help it Miss, he is ticklish."

*she rolls her eyes, "Who has ever heard of a grown sailor being ticklish." *Simon stuffled a chuckled, as the other giant's laughter went up an octive as she tried to measure his waist.*

Finally she had had enough* "Simon, would not happen to have an extra shirt he can barrow while I make him his tent like breeches."

"Certainly Miss."

Let him know he will have his new clothing, at the begining of next week."

*Upon hearing the translation, Ajayi planted a big kiss on her lips in gratitude and left.*