Pyrates of the West Coast

[Tudor MercWench Smith]

It took another few moments until Tudor's hair passed her discerning scrutiny. Most of the reason for the delay was not due to difficulties in the arranging, but rather, she kept herself following Armand's movements aroud the room in her mirror, amused by his apparent distraction and obvious thoughts. She smiled, then had quickly refocused on her task at hand with a grin, upon Armand taking note of the eyes following him. The eye tag continued several rounds, until Tudor could no longer contain he giggles.

But when they emerged in the courtyard, both looked prepaired and well groomed, the late morning sun glaring off the perfectly placed tresses on Tudor's head. As they crossed to where The Surgeon and The Quatermaster stood, sideways glances continued to pass between them, along with small smiles.

[Tempest Fitzgerald]

La Margarita ~ Main Harbour

Antoine Grandjean had regained the familiar table that had held the company of old aquaintance and female companion on last visit. He prefered its' lacation in small cantina namely due to the unblocked view of harbour and main thorough fare. The one eye of steel blue hue, travelled the cobbled path to where the once opulent bordello sulked in charred ruin, which brought forth a tsk of disaproval. The four others occupying the table's round made slys of carnal tincture in regard to the young maiden servicing their wants of morning meal and drink. Normally, the ex-Lancier would have joined in such reveling, but his focus lay too distracted by the Anglais wrought frigate that bobbed peacably at anchor in harbour's protection.

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The brigantine Voyage Gracieux had wasted no time in gathering wind and departing La Margarita as the shoreline had become an inferno. After making intended port on the mainland of Venezuela, they had made the arranged trade of goods and set courses to reverse bearing. There had been no real need to make visit to last port, but curiosity was a nagging old whore and orders where relayed to check the soundness of the waters. With information gathered from local vessels assuring all was to the rights, they had sailed back into port with the morning's early light. Whatever had ocured before seemed to have run it's legnth and snuffed.

What Antoine had not expected to see, was the vessel called Watch Dog still at leash's claim. This could prove a good deeming of Fate and a resolve to issues he fully expected to have reared up by now back in La Desirade. If Le Chien de Garde was still in the area, then Armand-Gabriel would be as well.

************************************************************

Movement caught the Frenchman's attention, along with nearness of pungent scent of local delight. Turning his head to take in the nearing approach of svelt young form and the burden she carried, Antoine shot his comrades a look of warning. Although he could be crass in mannerisms conditioned by years in the field, Monsieur Grandjean would not tollorate open showing of disrespect towards ladies...at least not when it would be obvious to the lady in question. The other four hushed their banter and became perfect lambs until the young mademoiselle was out of earshot once again. One by one, the smiles of secretive qualities reapeared in choriographed sequence and the banter resumed, as the one who held sway over them returned his focus to window's view.

[Pew]

<edit>

[Dorian Lasseter]

The Surgeon stepped near the Quartermaster to allow Jean-Micheale privacy. Leaning close, she fixed him with an iquisitive look before speaking.

"There is no need for you to make scarce. Other arrangements are in the works and we may return aboard once we have all gathered."

She scanned the area briefly, "I am sure Mister Badger, Miss Smith and Armand shall be here soon enough."

Lamaire chuckled, " So much for our days of wine, roses and innocent nubiles at beck and call..." He rolled his eyes with issurance of heavy sigh. " Back to heave this, secure that, hoist this, belay that..."

::Dorian's brow creased slightly as Tempest spoke of his not needing to give privacy... He flicked his eyes to Capitaine Fournier and back before he spoke...::

I had thought you were to have private words with Fournier.... You could not have accomplished yer parley in th' short time from whence I left ye til now... Are ye sayin' there be a change o' plans?

::As he finished these words, Armand and Ms. Smith appeared, looking smitten with each other as they approached... ::

Well, here be 'r mates 'cept fer Mr. Badger. Ah, I stand corrected... here comes th' lad...

::Mr. Lasseter raised his arm in the direction of where the chase had clattered from, there Mr. Badger walked slowly towards the gathering...::

Well... all look ta be present an' accounted for... I do believe tis time ta make 'r way back aboard 'r respective ships? I do believe a second chase is needed, as I believe tha' fine vehicle shant hold seven... Or will some o' us wish a final ride on horseback?

::He looked at Armand and Dominique, who in turn looked at each other, then Dominique to Fournier and Armand to Ms. Smith and Ms. Fitzgerald, then back to Mr. Lasseter who smiled at the scene...::

A'right... Shall we lads? I ain't as goode a horseman as th' like o' you lads... If it is alright with you Cap'n Fournier, I leave th' comfort o' the chase for th' Grande Ladies an' yerself... along wi' Mr. Badger....

:: As he spoke he caught Tempests' eye and winked at her, then looked to Fournier for his approval...::

[William Brand]

(Aboard the Watch Dog - second and third bell of the Forenoon Watch)

William rose during the second bell of the Forenoon Watch, expecting it to be much later in the day. He dressed, careful to brush his coat over many times, stopping occasionally to wipe away new blood with cold water. He did this in a meditative silence while seated in his room. He pondered matters both immediate and remote, his thoughts often wandering to La Blanquilla.

By the time he was done grooming the third bell of the Forenoon Watch sounded and almost in answer to it came the rolling reply of a church bell ashore.

Minutes later, William appeared above decks by way of the door aft of the quarterdeck wearing his coat and hat and bearing his mortuary sword and Jacobean pistol. He exchanged a cursory glance with those officers on deck, careful to note those able seamen at work and their disposition. Finding Mister Warren close at hand he asked to borrowed his spyglass, and going to the rail, he made a long and careful examination of those ships at anchor and the activities of the harbor.

The sun was already high enough to make a coat warm at this latitude, but it went a long way to waking up bones that he had dragged from bed. In the absence of the Ship's Steward, Harold Press brought the Captain his coffee, and this too worked its magic. Before long he was in better spirits, despite the two men close at hand who still kept company with each other in death. But, he believed that he was restored enough now to make their departure worthy of them.

[Pew]

::Moving the last crate, I stood and mopped my brow.

Sitting back at the small desk, I dipped the quill and pointed at each crate . Finishing counting out loud, " . . twenty and thirty . . . , I do b'leve we made our proper introductions mate", I said to the non-descript log book.

I capped the small bottle of ink and waited a few minutes for it to dry before I blew out the candle, stepped in the hallway and locked the door to the Armoury behind me.

Passing by the Ward room, I peer in to see if the Captain has recieved the belongings of Jack and Diego. Seeing the personal effects untouched as when John and I had left them, I went above to see if the Captain had arisen.::

[William Brand]

William stood at the starboard cathead, spyglass in hand, when Mister Pew reached the weatherdecks. William was still taking in the harbor, and though he noted the arrival of the newly selected Master-at-arms, he made no show of it at first. Instead, he finished his survey of the docks and then collapsed the glass all at once, passing it over to Harold Press, who had remained hard by to refresh the Captain's cup. William had drained three cups already, reminded to much by the sunlight that he had celebrated and mourned with drink all in the same night.

"Mister Pew." he said, greeting the man even though his face was still turned to land. "I trust the weighty responsibilities that have been shifted to you have not put you off of your feet."

"No, sah. Still planted firm as they ever were."

"Good. Good. Have you anything to report, Mister Pew?"

[Kendra The Sea Maid]

*As She made her way on deck, she sniffed the air giving her spirit a renewed hope and strengh with a dash of change. Yes change, for that is the best word in the King's English she could find to describe this complex feeling. This past year had been bittersweet. But as her father has alway told her, "It is part of growing up." And indeed this ship and its crew have taught her to grow up and fast.

She sees the Captain and Mr. Pew are engagged in something. Mr. Pew turns and nods in greeting and she dose the same, before making her way to otherside of the ship to be alone , look to the heavens and pray.

[Tempest Fitzgerald]

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Well... all look ta be present an' accounted for... I do believe tis time ta make 'r way back aboard 'r respective ships? I do believe a second chase is needed, as I believe tha' fine vehicle shant hold seven... Or will some o' us wish a final ride on horseback?

::He looked at Armand and Dominique, who in turn looked at each other, then Dominique to Fournier and Armand to Ms. Smith and Ms. Fitzgerald, then back to Mr. Lasseter who smiled at the scene...::

A'right... Shall we lads? I ain't as goode a horseman as th' like o' you lads... If it is alright with you Cap'n Fournier, I leave th' comfort o' the chase for th' Grande Ladies an' yerself... along wi' Mr. Badger....

:: As he spoke he caught Tempests' eye and winked at her, then looked to Fournier for his approval...::

Fournier glanced away from paperment distraction, listening thoughtfully to le Irlandais Quartermaster. Amber scrutiny followed the small confusion that ensued there after, which in turn caused a hinted curl to the edges of his lips in mild amusement. Ever the mask of enigma, Jean-Micheale showed no outer reaction to the wink cast towards recent past companion. Folding the correspondance and tucking it away safely, he pursed his lips in thought momentarily, deadlights never wavering from Mister Lasseter.

"Monsieur Lasseter, I do believe that the carriage will accommodate six nicely...If one is willing to share the driver's seat. I will not be returning at this very moment. I have some last minute buisness to attend to in regard to your store allotment. Please inform Capitaine Hollande, that your vessel will need to be repositioned just ahead of Le Requiem for cargo transfer and inspection for needed repairs. There is enough space to safe mooring."

He waved Lamaire to his side and they conversed briefly in native tongue before Fournier returned attention back to Dorian.

"Monsuier Lamaire is willing to accompany you back to your vessel and lend aid in regard to the harbour's navigation. He is well aquainted with the anomalies that exist near the Don's area of the waters in question. I shall return to Le Requiem in the turn of two glasses.For the time being, I must beg your leave."

Jean-Micheale Fournier offered proper bow to the ladies then returned to the hacienda's inner depths.

"Well then," Dominique quipped, as he moved to carriage side. "I shall risk the peril of the driver's perch." Opening side door to allow enterance, he extended a hand to Miss Tudor with impish smile.

"Mademoiselle..." Taking her hand in his, Lamaire leaned near. "You must allow me the pleasure of aiding you in ascent, for I shall be denied the honour of gazing upon your beauty during our short journey overland."

He leaned back and nodded toward the team of four.

"Such a cruel fate having to gaze instead, on the posteriors of equine nature."

[Tudor MercWench Smith]

Tudor giggled mirthfully as she allowed the flirtatious frenchman to escort her into the carriage. With careful navigation, she folded her skirts into the cabin onf the carriage, settling in for the short ride to the docks. It seemed like months ago that they had arrived at the Don's estate, even though it had been little more then twenty four hours. She sighed contentedly as she reclined in the comfortable interior, glad to be heading back to the ship, even though she knew not what the coming days held

[Dorian Lasseter]

::Mr. Lasseter gave a short bow to Capitaine Fournier as he left, and shifted his gaze to Tempest as Leftenant Lamaire helped Ms. Smith into the carriage, smiling and slightly shaking his head... Offering his hand to the Surgeon he moved closer...::

Shall we ride in grande comfort back to our ship?

::She took his hand and a slight curl formed on her lips as she gained seating in the coach. Dorian then allowed Armand enterance and seating next to Ms. Smith. He got in next to Tempest, followed by Mr. Badger, who sat to his side on the longer seat in the rear... Lamaire closed the door and smiled at the inhabitants within before gaining the perch next to the driver. Once settled a crack of a whip, and the jostle of the carriage told all they were on their way...

They sat in silence as the chase and four made its way to the main gate of Don Vasques' estate, only after passing through the raught iron structures did any conversation come fourth. Just idle banter of the beauty of the flora and fauna they saw throught the sides and of the fleeting memories of the night before...

Through the conversation, Mr. Lasseter allowed his mind to bring up his shipboard duties, reminded by Capitaine Fournier with his statement about taking on stores... he let his mind wander as he looked out at the view of the bay, his hand slid over and found Tempest's hand, to which he gave a slight squeeze as the familiar sight of the Watch Dog came into his view...::

[Pew]

"Good. Good. Have you anything to report, Mister Pew?"

"Aye sah.

I h've gathered Mr. St. Anthony's sea chest and placed it in'e ward room. Mr. McGinty collected Monsignor's things and placed 'em inna small crate there 's well. Mr. St. Anthony was a Captain . . .dinnit know 'at sah . . .

. . .I 've found 'r armoury log and 've counted 'r arms. Ifin ye like ta see I can discuss wit ya at your disposal sah. . . .I must also r'port I have placed Mr. St. Anthony's arms under lock and key and have checked them in as well . . . ."

::I place my hand above my brow to see the Captain's expression in the bright sunlight; a small smile begins to appear in the corner of his mouth::

[William Brand]

"Thank you, Mister Pew. As always, your attention to detail is appreciated. I will look over those items and consider what personal affects may be auctioned before the mast. I should like to revue the arms lists later today. Also, I think a musket volley for the funeral is in order...given the sta..."

Ciaran interrupted from overhead with the announcement of a boat's approach and the return of Mister Lasseter and the remainder of the ship's officers. William excepted the offered glass that Harold Press held out to him. William went immediately to the rail to scan the boat as it approached, glad to find each familiar face aboard.

William cupped his hands and yelled up to the lookout in the rigging. "Thank you, Mister Ciaran!" Then he turned again, and after scanning the boat a second time he called for all hands.

[CaptainCiaran]

(Ciaran waved down to the Captain and watched with anticipation as the boat drew nearer.

Under normal circumstances, the return of these crew members would be a reason for celebration, but as Ciaran glanced down at the two wrapped bodies awaiting burial, he sighed heavily.)

[Tempest Fitzgerald]

Lieutenant Lamaire and those of the Watch Dog's company parted ways upon reaching the harbour's proximity. Warm words were passed around and Dominique instructed Dorian to run up a signal when Captain Holland saw fit to change area of anchorage. The Frenchman bowed to the ladies and shook hands with the lads, then made for harbour's eastern side and the docking that lead to Le Requiem.

The hired transport made quick and easy passage from shore to waiting frigate. The morning's weather proved fair in temperature with a light southerly breeze which kepts the pinnace's single sail full and taunt. Those that sat within the small vessel's keeping were quiet for the most part; the rigors of a late night and early morn was making itself known.

Steadily the pinnace trekked forward with a small rythemic bob and roll to the jeers of avian interlopers above. Armand studied the other occupants of harbour's security, noting new arrivals and old aquaints. He looked forward to ridding himself of current adornments and the shadowy comfort of familiar cot. His thoughts drifted to the brief repose of fine feather bed back at the estate and some part of him longed for its encompassment in exchange for cot. An unconsciencous smile played his features as he glanced sidelong to Miss Smith. It was at that moment that a flash of duel color caught his eye; the bold strike of regal blue and green contrasting against pastel skyline.

Leaning forward, the Gascon whispered into daint ear of kindred being. The emerald sights trained past Dorian to the object in question and there was no denial to what was to be deciphered. The brigantine who's presence had made scarce with the uprising on land, had returned to old haunt. The two of kindred line said nothing of verbal means in regard to object of interest, one nodded the other echoed in response.

Returning her attention forward, the Surgeon noticed the weather deck's of floating home seemed unusally full. Scanning the frigate's length, she took in the familiar form of William watching as they neared proximity. Placing a hand lightly on Dorian's near arm, she remarked quietly...

"Does it not seem rather out of the ordinary that there is as much activity above decks as seems be at this moment?"

[William Brand]

The Captain stood at the rail while the ranks of the Watch Dog filled the gundeck. He looked about only once at the blinking crew members who were brought into the daylight sooner than they had expected. He marked their order, despite their fatigue. He also marked the still and silent crew members near at hand, already sympathetic to the surprise it would bring to those on approach.

He placed his hands behind his back and waited.

[Dorian Lasseter]

Returning her attention forward, the Surgeon noticed the weather deck's of floating home seemed unusally full. Scanning the frigate's length, she took in the familiar form of William watching as they neared proximity. Placing a hand lightly on Dorian's near arm, she remarked quietly...

"Does it not seem rather out of the ordinary that there is as much activity above decks as seems be at this moment?"

::Dorian had been scanning the port, looking at all the different ships there when Tempest had put her hand on his arm and queried him on the activity aboard their ship... His gaze shifted to her face then to the ship in question... He looked the length of the deck and masts, noting that their appeared to be the entire crew assembled... some stood unmoving, some looked to be doing a poor job of attending to some duties... ::

Hmmm... tis a wee bit odd... mayhaps Cap'n's got 'em out fer a talk... 'r mayhaps ta welcome us back?

::He shrugged slightly, yet kept his eyes on the ship... a feeling in his gut that had been very slight since the morning duel became stronger.... they were too far away to make out facial details, but the movement of the crew was off...::

I wonder... I.... wonder....

::He lapsed into silence for the remainder of the passage, the closer they got, the grimmer the looks on the Captain's face became...::

Ahoy Cap'n! Permission ta board?

[Pew]

::I tuck the book neatly into my breeches and don my shirt. I hear Mr. Lasseter's voice over the side, move to the gun'le, and look below to see our crew aboard the pinnace. Looking grimly at our returning members, I see a very questioning look growing on the face of our Quartermaster.::

[Dorian Lasseter]

::As the pinnace bumped along side the Watch Dog, Captain William came to the gangway and leaned against the rails, Mr. PEW's head also came into view over the gunnwale...::

"Granted, Mister Lasseter... All of you, please come aboard... I have some... grave... news..."

::Dorian's brow furrowed deeper as the captain spoke the last words slowly... He stood, stepped to the gunnwale of the pinnace, and with practiced ease hopped onto the boarding ladder and was up over the side, once on deck he stood by to help the Surgeon and Steward get aboard, not that they could not manage... in a low voice he spoke to William...::

Cap'n... Wot's 'appened? Not another bit o' trouble wot we just finished wi'?

::As William gathered his thoughts, Mr. PEW stepped over...::

[Pew]

Looking to Mr. Lasseter, and then to the Captain, and back, I begin, "Beggin' the Cap'n's pahdon, Mr. Lasseter, we've lost two 've 'r own" . . .

[Dorian Lasseter]

::Mr. Lasseter opened his mouth, closed it, looked at William, then back at Mr. PEW....::

Wot... Wot ya mean lost? Jumped ship? A fight? Scurvey? Th' pox? What!

[Pew]

"Nay sah. Jack St. Anthony. Mr. Youngblood's musket went off as Mr. St. Anthony tried ta ask why he be target shootin' in tha midst of tha evening watch . . shot him right through the neck . ."

::Before continuing I waited for the last words to register upon our Quartermaster. Mr. Lasseter took off his hat and ran his fingers through his hair, and replaced his cap, "Who else?", he asked both bewildered and sorrowed . . . ::

"Diego Santana de la Vega. The monsignor was found ashore 'bouts ready ta be buried inna potter's field b'hind the Las Aves. Some o' the crew 'ere was able to bring 'im back to the Watch Dog. Mr. Franklin, Straw and myself, cleaned 'im up and found he was shot 's well." Watching the color drain from our Quartermasters face showed he was as stunned as the captain when he first heard. Speechless more like it.

"And, Mr. Lasseter," I grasp our Quartermasters forearm and bring him close, "the Captain has taken care of Muller."

[William Brand]

William stood hard by during the exchange, unsure what more he could have said. He had not known where to start or which fallen man to speak of first, so he allowed Mister Pew to explain the bare facts of each respective demise uninterrupted.

Instead, he watched the faces of each returning officer. Tempest's expression faded from concern to understanding. Having seen her share of death in all of its forms, she was more sedate than the others, but she could not entirely hide the hurt of it just the same. Miss Smith's own face seemed locked in a duel of emotions that ranged from despair to anger. It was a terrible thing to watch in so young a face. Mister Badger looked more injured than Jack had been in death and William was reminded that they often kept company one with the other on their watches.

Even Mister Pew seemed to fall off from speaking after a moment, unsure as to what else might be added.

William turned toward the quartermaster. "Mister Lasseter, I'll speak with you privately on the quarterdeck, if you please."

[Dorian Lasseter]

Aye......... Aye, Cap'n...

:: Mr. Lasseter regained his composure slowly... his shoulders had fallen and now came back to their squareness, an his back straightened... a stoic look fell upon his face as he nodded to Captain Brand, then turned to make way to follow him to the quarterdeck... As the captain took the lead, Dorian looked back at his comrades, seeing the saddened looks on everyones faces... He mouthed the words "all will be righted" and turned to follow his captain...::

[CaptainCiaran]

(Even from above, the Lookout could clearly see the stunned looks upon each of the returning party's faces, as the news of the deaths was told. Save for the sound of their feet upon the deck and the lapping of the waves, the ship seemed as quiet as if abandoned.)