The Watch Dog

[William Brand]

"Very good, Mister Franklin. You may have your marines from Mister Roberts. Turn out the others at eight bells and have them ready to go ashore with me and mine."

"Aye, sah."

"Muskets and pistols..." William added.

[Pew]

"Aye, sah!"

Eric cupped his hands and called for Luc aft. He grabbed the man by the collar to tell him the series of events. Luc nodded each time Eric paused. The master-at-arms slapped his man on the shoulder and sent him below. Eric now hurried about to find Mister Roberts and those marines to head ashore.

[William Brand]

"Mister Warren."

"Sah." Jim returned, already at his elbow in anticipation of his next orders.

"Some men aloft if you please and mind you send not too many scarecrows!"

Jim Warren nodded and turned on his heal, passing these words on down to Mister Roberts, who was already in conversation with Mister Franklin.

"Understood, Sah!" Robert returned to the Master, and begging Eric's Pardon he scanned the Starboard Watch for those healthy enough to fight rigging in a good wind. "Hand and Loerwairt at the Main! Mister Smit...!" He sounded out a dozen names, and barked as good as any Bosun, calling men about the deck as if all were familiar to him.

William watched him go and went forward, squinting into a sudden gust of spray off the weatherdecks. "Mister Dash, lay aft!" The lad came running, and would have gone down, not once, but twice, if not for the steady hands of Kampaert and then Lefevre. He was too short for the oilskins someone had lent him against the weather, but he was up the larboard steps in time. "Mister Dash, take yourself to the galley and say to Mister Gage that the Captain needs a days weight in rum and biscuits for some six men. Tell him not to question the absence of the Steward in the taking of it. I shall make her aware of the loss against the stores." Mister Dash paused a moment too long, perhaps to hear more or to sort the order in his mind, too nervous not to. "Be about it Mister Dash."

"Aye, sah!"

[Dorian Lasseter]

Saint Pierre, Martinique

Marines searched homes and business in Saint Pierre on what would be considered the worst conditions to have a man hunt. The weather continued to worsen as the night grew darker. Some of the men were rebuffed at the doorstop of many a home, but after a short bit of indignant speech, they would be let in and allowed to do their duty. Even Captain Lasseter and Lieutenant Martin were given such an affront on occasion. On two occasions however, when the Lieutenant showed his face at the door, all were welcomed inside for a drink and to dry off for a spell. Even with this hospitality, they were given full cooperation and allowed to search high and low. Time passed quickly and soon they headed back to the Admiralty House to see what intelligence had been gathered. When the four men arrived, the soldiers guarding the doors were about to challenge them but recognized Lieutenant Martin and the Captain, so they just stood out of the way. One hastily pushed open a door for them, to which all four men tipped their hats. Making their way to the parlor, Judge Richet joined them and waved over a servant with a chocolate pot and had them served. Marines had reported back, but with no findings, and no word had come from the Lucy. Dorian asked for the clerk, and when he appeared, had him write a short report to send to the Lucy stating that no sign of the hunted had turned up.

[William Brand]

Jack was in the midst of calling a marine or two when Eric corrected him, explaining his need of them ashore. Jack nodded in kind and gave over the Starboard Marines, who went with the Master-at-Arms below for ball and powder. Jack had a chance then to wonder if any powder would do them good as he looked into the deluge aloft.

His eyes fell upon Robert Elmer, cringing in the lines, still and grimacing. "Mister Elmer! Th's ship has lookouts enough! Be t' your work!"

"Aye, Sah!" Robert returned, and he went up quickly enough, despite the injury which had halted him in his duties. Half way up the shrouds he had slipped a rope and turned his ankle so hard as to think it broken. It was not torn nor greatly damaged, but the immediate pain was intense enough to give him pause.

There were other injuries of course, most too minor to mention or report, as is the way of things in foul weather, but the Watch Dog was healed a bit in her course and placed near enough to the Lucy for William to call out, though Preston hailed him first.

"Ahoy the 'Dog!"

"Ahoy the Lucy!" William returned.

Eight Bells of the Second Dog Watch

First Watch Begins

Larboard Watches on Duty

[Dorian Lasseter]

Admiralty House, Saint Pierre, Martinique

Captain Lasseter, Master Flint, the Lieutenant and his Sergeant stood near the fire in the parlor as Judge Richet filled them in with what he had found out from the Garrison. Several ships had been searched in the port with nothing to be learned of den Oven, however several small local traders had left the port near the Lucy’s arrival, according to the harbour masters lists. Any one of them might have been persuaded to take men to another island for a price. Some discussion was had on this possibility, and how they might pursue any number of these. They were interrupted by the main doors being thrown open by a gust, the guards scrambling to push them shut, along with the man sent to the Lucy. Now worse for the weather, the man approached and gave a shallow bow and explained that none of the boatmen dared to take him out to the ship in this weather for fear of being capsized in the chop. Dorian took this in and stepped to the doors, boldy unlatching one and nearly being pushed over from the strength of the wind. He grabbed onto his hat and stepped out into the weather for a moment before returning and helped shut the door.

“Juge Richet, Lieutenant Martin, I believe the weather has beaten us this night. How might we call in th’ marines? I will not risk my men in this weather. I may risk them in a battle, but not to the wrath of mother nature on this island.”

Some ideas were given and it was decided that the four would head out and when they found a squad, they would pass the word to have them find the others, thus the whole unit would end up together and report back to the Admiralty House. Though they would all get soaked yet again, the course of action was agreed upon and soon they were back in the weather, this time searching out friend, not foe.

Larboard Watch on Duty

[Pew]

Aboard the Lucy

Preston had his hands cupped around his mouth trying to yell into the wind. A sudden gust forced him to look downwind. The ship's master called again to the Watch Dog to tell that he was waiting for word from Captain Lasseter ashore.

"Will ye be goin' ashore 's well Cap'n?"

[William Brand]

August 4, 1704 - Aboard the Watch Dog

"Aye, in time, and with a handful of men from the 'Dog! How is it with you and yours?"

"Well, Cap'n! Have ye our men, left stranded?"

"Aye! I shall return them to you presently!"

This shouting continued back and forth several times, as news was cast rail to rail. Then William, reaching subjects better handled in private, felt it prudent to say no more, but informed Preston that he would arrive before the next bell of the watch. Preston acknowledged this and William went about the business of ordering out the cutter and called for those men of the Lucy to join Eric and the marines amidships.

[Red Cat Jenny]

Mr. Pew entered the ward room briefly, calling out that Captain Brand with some of his and the Lucy's left behind company would be arriving shortly. He did this as he opened a ledger retrieving a list of names of those not present when the Lucy had departed for St. Pierre.

Jenny hastily finished doing up her hair and came around the canvas. But before she had a moment to query him, the Ship's Master wiped the rain from his face, stifled a cough and exited back into the weather. She sighed and hastened to make sure none of her belongings were in sight. Satisfied with a glance around that everything was as it should be, she lit a second lamp expecting that several of the men may enter to discuss the search and whatever news needed to be shared. The heavy smell of the soot from the lamps wick conspired to tilt her constitution, which had been set on edge by the ships uneven motion. Jenny ran to the door, opened it and was met with a cool damp gust. She breathed deeply holding the edge of the door tightly against the wind. She closed her eyes and her stomach stilled. Lesson learned, Miss Ashcombe settled back inside with a glance to the windows aft, hoping for a hint that the storm would ease soon. She thought of Mr. Pew out there on the deck. Surely being soaked in the rain could be a danger for someone still recovering his particular illness. She said a small prayer that he would remain safe from further ills, adding intentions that the Captain and his men out on shore and those in the approaching boats would remain safe as well.

Jenny wondered at the fact that she had already begun to consider herself a part of their world and that of the few she had met most had accepted her so readily. This thought calmed her stomach further and she found comfort in it settling to close her eyes for a short time as she sat awaiting the visitors.

[BriarRose Kildare]

She awoke to the creaking sounds of the ship. The heavy swaying of the ship was some how comforting to her as she lay upon her bed. Overhead BriarRose could hear footsteps as well as the sweet sound of Treasure singing softly from the other room.

She found her self content to just lay there knowing for a brief time she was free. BriarRose was grateful for her friend Maeve bringing her along on this new adventure. One that she dared hoped would change her life bringing a sense of peace that she had so desperately sought over the last few months.

Once fully awake she realized that the heavy swaying of the ship was caused by an outside storm. She stumbled slightly as she stood from her bed reaching out her hand against the side wall to steady herself.

[Silkie McDonough]

The storm outside tossed her from the corner in which she had been nesting. Her earlier panic had given way to clearer thinking but she was still unable to relax. Captain Brand’s discourse brought the young woman clarity; she had put the Wach Dog, Lucy, their officers and entire crew at risk with her impulsive behavior. How could she atone for that? She had not understood the ramifications of helping the captain of the Arch Angel. To her detriment she had thought only of helping the man who had made her freedom possible. Her thoughts were still clouded. The accommodations in the cable tier did not allow for much comfort. Shifting, Miss McDonough moved the left leg that had fallen asleep beneath her. There was no light in the room, darkness had enveloped her physically and emotionally.

Thunder sounded again but somehow different, something moved beside her and she pulled away from the rat. Suddenly the small space was filled with movement and the source of the thunder filled the room! She jumped to her feet, her left leg almost giving way beneath her. Her sharp scream was cut short with the realization that it was not some strange swarm of rats descending upon the cable tier. The anchor was being dropped. The line as thick as a mans wrist was pulled rapidly and the sound of rope whipping against hardwood filled the room. The line snapped as each length of the flaking was violently yanked straight. Murin held herself flat to the door biting her lower lip. She had seen men lose limbs to such lines. She strained to see in the darkness and prayed that she stood clear. The sound began to subside then stopped. She exhaled. The tension that held her against the door slowly fell from her as she let her head tilt back to rest upon the hard wood behind her. Her labored breathing soon slowed but she remained standing. They were in port. Captain Brand would soon inform the officers of the Lucy of her transgression. Already she felt she had been confined here for an eternity. Wait was all Miss McDonough could do. She slumped where she stood and started to weep silently.

[William Brand]

August 4, 1704 - Aboard the Watch Dog

Mister Dash returned and reported that the duty given him had been completed as ordered, though Lazarus had not first been at the galley when he arrived there. William thanked him, and being reminded of it himself, he informed Tudor of the removal of ship's stores. She nodded and made a note to mark the losses against her ledgers, but William was already ordering her to other things.

"Fetch up sufficient clothing to join those men and me ashore for the purpose of seeking out our lost men and the vagabond, Den Oven."

"Aye, Sah." she replied.

"And weapons also." William added. Tudor went smartly to this duty. William then conversed but a moment with Mister Roberts who had remained with Mister Badger despite the change of watches. Then, giving the deck over to Jim Warren, he went below.

Larboard Watches on Duty

[Alder]

Though it brought him some measure of enjoyment to see Jenny and his coat both in good order, Alder was anxious that the lass be returned to a place of more safekeeping and less virility. As he turned to close his sea chest, he reflected upon their brief conversation and the gentle lilt of her voice. Was his apprehension truly for her virtue or merely a poor attempt to supplant long forfeited emotions? The carpenters thumb played across the folded parchment that he neglected to return likewise to safekeeping. He brushed off his notions and his coat having set it right to dry. He tucked the note in his sash to address afterward and lay his hand across the warp and waft of the well tailored garment. He allowed his vision to blurred into the matte moray and he beheld the apparition of another lass, wrapped within another time, another place.

She said coyly that she had “found” his cloak, or had she. He didn’t recall having misplaced it. She took such pleasure in draping it over her slender shoulders, inhaling the scent of him still resident in the weave. He remembered how ridiculous she seemed as she took in a last memorable breathe of the thing before she handed it back. How he had squandered that and so many other moments.

A brusque wave unsettled him, dashing his shoulder into a beam and his thoughts from his indulgent reverie back into the present. This storm would not so easily abate. The carpenter restored his composure, but remained anxious for word from Captain Lasseter as he rubbed his shoulder and glared back at the rib of the Lucy which seemed likewise to be reminding him of his errant attentions. Alder returned the note with its bits of crumbled sealing wax back to storage. He more earnestly began considering the selection of a carpenter’s mate; even as he rounded his shoulder to disperse the ache.

[Pew]

Aboard the Lucy

Preston coughed. And again. And yet again. So much so he was nearly doubled over in a fit. He spit up blood and spat it on the deck to watch it quickly wash away. Charlie and his boys had double hitched the tarp so another mishap would not occur. The former mate on the Bullrush saw the Ship's master keeled over near the tiller. Goddon sent the men below and quickly went to Preston's side.

"SAH?!"

Preston swept his hand to the side and spat again. Charlie saw the blood and grabbed the master's arm by the elbow. They made their way to the Ward Room and Charlie kicked at the door. Miss Ashcombe was there immediately and helped Charlie usher Mister Pew out of the storm. Jenny pulled a chair out as Preston dropped into it.

"Rum, Miss Ashcombe," Charlie requested.

She nodded and reached for a glass, then filled it from the decanter. Preston drank heartily and was met with a refill. He sighed.

"Charlie, 'ave the watches changed. Make those officers still aboard know Cap'n Brand will attend t' us shortly."

"Aye sah."

"Ash, fetch a plate of bread an' cheese for th' Captain an' 'ave Mister Marsh send 's up some soup t' warm th' bones..."

"Yes sir."

[Dorian Lasseter]

Saint Pierre, Martinique

4 August, 1704

Once out in the weather, the four men walked against the wind one moment, halting forward movement the next as the winds and rain boxed the compass. They walked down the main thoroughfare out of town to the north and as luck would have it met up with a squad half way out of town. The situation explained, a look of relief passed over faces and acknowledgement given to the officers. The squad moved off to find the next, which they had run into not a turn of the glass ago. Captain Lasseter and the others turned back to the Admiralty house and briskly made their way inside, shook off the rain yet again and retired to the parlour with the judge. Dorian wondered if he would ever be truly dry again.

Aboard the Lucy

Nigel had been in the bow when he saw the Ships Master double over and spit something on the deck. He was about to make his way aft when another had come to attend to the man, helping him below. Not sure exactly what had happened, he figured a touch of sea sickness had found Preston. In some respect Nigel wouldn’t be surprised and he himself wasn’t feeling his best, having been on duty longer than normal with the storm on top of that. The dinner served not long ago sat like a stone in his gut, one that kept being tossed about as was the ship in the chop. Once all was checked in the bow and secure, Nigel started aft, passing ‘Cut-throat’ Johnson, the Master Gunner. Not more than nods were exchanged as the man went back to making sure the brass guns were well secured against the weather. He checked all the lashings, tompions, and touch-hole covers as he went. As the Coxswain reached amidships Mister Goddon the Boatswain’s mate approached and cupped a hand over his mouth.

“Mister Brisbane! Mister Whitingford sends his regards! Captain Brand and company will be aboard soon!”

Nigel nodded and shouted back.

“Aye! We’ll do our best ta give ‘em a proper welcome!”

Charlie nodded and went forward, seeking out others to spread the news.

Nigel headed under the shelter at the edge of the quarterdeck and peered out towards the Watchdog, seeming to slowly gallop at her anchor.

Two bells of the First Watch

Larboard Watch on Duty

[Silkie McDonough]

Aboard the Lucy

Ben had been shaken roughly from his slumber and ordered to muster before his body was fully rested. He had taken his turn at the bilge pump and was now preparing to receive Captain Brand and others from the Watch Dog. The weather was distasteful but it better than the dark of a prison cell. He stood under the tarp that hung over the waist but it offered little protection in this wind. He gathered the collar of his oil skin around his neck in a vain attempt to keep the rain from his garments. The hat held snug about head. Yes this was where he wanted to be. His stomach would still lurch a bit when the ship was tossed too roughly but he was at sea, at home.

[William Brand]

August 4, 1704

William went over and down into the cutter, Patricia. There he found his place among the Master-at-Arms, the Steward, the Larboard Marines and a handful of rowers. Miss Tribbiani was conspicuously absent, so Cobus sat in her place, chosen for his good standing and his multiplicity of tongues.

They began what should have been a short, uneventful voyage from one ship to another. The rain and wind were up, which caused no small amount of chop, and even in the darkness, one could see that many inbound waves were white-capped. Still, the rowers bent into their oars and the small boat went smoothly enough to her destination.

Once there, William called out to the Lucy, out of formality more than need, for Nigel Brisbane was already at the rail. They exchanged the short pleasantries allowed them in the gale and men stood at the ready to receive them.

It was in that last moment on approach that the routine of the moment gave over to sudden chaos, and what might have proved comical in better weather, carried little or no humor in the night storm.

William stood at the bow of the Patricia, along with Jochem Roggenbroet. Jochem was forward, accepting an offered line of the Lucy. William was stepping forward also, as nimbly as one might, hoping to gain the ladder of the Lucy, when someone struck him from behind. It was not an attack, per se, but it served as dangerous as one, for William stumbled just enough to upset Jochem, who turned about so quickly in surprise, that he shoved William quite clear of the safety of the Patricia. One moment William was upright and progressing to the security of the Lucy, and the next he was in the brink, fully clothed and fully prepared to sink from history.

William had just enough time as he passed out of one element and into another to think, "Where am I off to?", though his actual thought was far more abstract than this, for in that sudden moment he experienced the clarity of thought and the disproportionate sense of time which one only enjoys in a split second fired by pure adrenaline.

Once in the sea, he was joined there by Gavin Montgomery and Simon Larke. The second had fallen over board with him, owing to the stumble which had first upset William's progress, while the third had followed with the purpose of rescuing either of the first two. Tudor kept her place by virtue of being seated, and Eric remained aboard through an effort of vaulting over Montgomery as he fell. The Patricia herself was tipped so suddenly, that anyone left aboard was put in as much danger as the surprised swimmers, for she dipped and filled at the starboard stern quite suddenly, and this was not at all fortuitous, she being heavy with rain already.

The air filled with voices at once, and if the wind and strong rain had made yelling a requirement before, it was now a necessity made more grave by circumstance.

Between two and three bells of First Watch

Larboard Watch on Duty

[Silkie McDonough]

Mister Quigley had just tossed a line to the sailor in the bow of the longboat as the captain and two others spilled overboard. Ben sounded “Man overboard! Three men overboard!” He called again his eyes remained focused on the scene below. He heard those around him shouting but once again he bellowed, “Three men overboard!”, emphasizing the number as he did. Tying off the line he kept his eyes on those overboard keeping hold to draw it in if needed.

[Dorian Lasseter]

It was as if the call to send boarders away was given, the number of men who suddenly swarmed the deck of the Lucy from below. Nigel Brisbane and Charlie Goddon who had been about to receive those from the Watch Dog had been standing peaceably, but were now racing about with lengths of line to be tossed to outstretched arms. Mister Tucker and Adam had stripped to the waist and were about to dive into the water with lines attached to themselves. Nigel saw this and hollered above the wind.

“Hold fast! No more men in the water! Shut yer gobs, all o’ ya!”

Amazingly, the air became bereft of shouting for a couple moments. Attention was turned back to those overboard, lines tossed to clutching hands with shouts of ‘grab on!’ punctuating the air with each toss. Empty lines drawn back and coiled for another try.

Instead of jumping into the water, Tucker climbed down the ladder and was helping to steady the ships boat, imploring those still aboard to get aboard the Lucy.

[William Brand]

William sank far enough in the first few moments that he passed under the Patricia. This was not accomplished as much by the current below as it was by the boat being carried over him by the current above. He was unaware of this, being preoccupied with the sea first, and being almost upside down in it. Also, he had not had sufficient time to carry a full breath with him before being submerged, so he was made aware of his mortality soon enough, and being fully clothed, he was all too aware of having more weight on his person than was wished.

Strangely enough though, William was not panicked. He had never been one to panic in open water, owing to a natural ability to tread the medium since a very young age. In fact, he was a poor swimmer, even poorer than most, but like a dog, he could keep his head above water for long periods of time. Still, stranger than not panicking was his mood of the moment, for being a creature of experience as he was, he sometimes delighted in the most inopportune luxuries by enjoying the unusual circumstances in which he found himself, and this moment was no exception. Thrust as he was into peril, he still managed a second or two to wonder at the calm aspect of the sea beneath, while a cacophony of noise murmured down from overhead.

He also had time to consider his own vanity, and even in the face of so much danger, he choose the unwise course of keeping his coat and cutlass despite the volume of water the cloth had collected and the weight of the steel on his hip. He did not want to lose either, and being ever so stubborn about such things, he decided to maintain them. As he righted himself under water, he was minutely aware of losing a pistol, for the weight of it, though small by comparison to the rest of him, was significant enough that he felt it drop away and he pitied the loss. He instinctively slapped at the place where it had been on his belt far too late to have caught it back again.

He felt a line drag over his face then and he grabbed at it. It slipped from his fingers even as he coiled his hand upon the cable, but this was enough. The short contact proved to be an adequate tug, so that he gained a little buoyancy and began kicking upwards.

[Pew]

Preston had been ripped from thought at hearing the voices yelling on deck of the Lucy. Quickly he made his way to the railing and offered hand to pull those rowers climbing aboard from the Watch Dog to safety. Scaling down the side of the Lucy, he passed Mister Tucker steadying the bow of the cutter. Clumsily, he made his way into the Patricia. The Ship's master yelled for a lantern to be passed down to see what he could of any more crew in the water. Mister Montgomery had climbed from the foam as had Mister Larke. Captain William Brand finally came into view as one of the furthest victims of the accident. Preston set the lantern down and laid on the gun'le of the cutter and outstretched his hand toward the Captain.

"A bit late f'r a swim Cap'n," Preston called.

[William Brand]

"Aye, the sea wa..." William began, but a wave over-crested him. He came up with more water in him than anytime thus far and the weight of his clothing was so heavy now that he was obliged to roll over on his back to keep the surface. A wave parted him and the Patricia a second time as he tried to gain the proffered hand. William used a third wave to his advantage, which brought him against the Patricia sideways. It was a hard hit, and Preston was obliged to step back a bit as William used the momentum of the contact to roll into the cutter. It proved an effective maneuver, if not a graceful one, for William spilled into the boat clumsily. Preston helped him the rest of the way in and William came to rest in a clutter of limbs, cutlass and the dregs of his dignity.

Simon Larke and Gavin Montgomery were at the head of Patricia now, trapped in the dangerous position between the small cutter and the large one. The Patricia was not helping them any by thudding repeatedly against the hull and it was impossible to tell who was rescuing whom as their mettle was tested between hammer and anvil.

Up above, men of the ship were pulling hard upon the lines to bring Patricia parallel to the Lucy. Ben Quigley was serving as a sort of anchoring point off the beam, giving over the slack to the pullers while Tucker moved about the smallboat with the confidence of a man secured. His efforts were benefitted by Adam above, who proved to be as good at tying knots as he'd been reported to be.

Preston, certain that William was safe for the moment, caught a line on the fly, which Nigel had thrown deftly across the void, and he lashed it to the tiller, calling for another line as he did so.

William gained his feet as quickly as he could, if badly. Water rushed from his clothes, adding to the half swamped boat and his coat was so heavy that he almost went over a second time. He was obliged to turn on one heel in a move that probably looked graceful from any other vantage point but his own, and being overbalanced a bit, he allowed himself to fall a little forward as he tried to gain the bow. Here, he threw his shoulder into Lucy's side to prevent Gavin's head from being dashed as the Patricia swung a little on her keel. Simon had just grabbed one of the lines and pulled Gavin free of the Patricia as it swung alongside. Simon released him at once and Gavin remained, clutching the smallboat in relative safety now, while Simon was hauled forward and up by the Lucy's men.

[Dorian Lasseter]

Saint Pierre, Martinique

The Admiralty House

Captain Lasseter paced the length of the parlour several times while waiting for the marines to find their way to the Admiralty house. During this time it was suggested that the meal they had missed earlier might be made available in some form to all those men who had spent the hours out in the weather. Judge Richet agreed with a broad smile, as he admitted the prepared meal would be a waste otherwise. Some tables were brought in, arranged, and clothed. Platters were laid out filled with different meat, cheese and fruit. Much of it was now cool, yet was still a fine course. Part way through the setting up of this small feast the marines arrived, every man soaked to the bone. The officers greeted their men and addressed them, along with the Judge. They were given the main corridor to place their weapons and sundries. Those servants of the House would be put to task taking coats, a couple at a time and using the main kitchen fire to dry and warm them in turn. All were invited in to the parlour to have a meal they all had been kept from earlier in the day. The scene became one of a party, a wet, bedraggled party. Spirits were up and even with the language gap between some of the men, good conversation was had. Somewhat bawdy on occasion as it is with rough men, they were left to their merriment. When the weather calmed some, they would be sent back out to continue the search, to hunt men. To find enemies escaped from prison. Captain Lasseter had shared several short conversations as he milled about his and Lieutenant Martin’s men, but his mind was not focused there. He wondered how the Lucy and her crew were fairing the in the weather, along with the Watch Dog and her crew as well. Since no boats dared to be outbound from shore, none would dare coming to shore as well, unless a grave need caused such.

[Black Syren]

A slender finger traced the spine of the tome she held whilst she hummed quietly, the fingers of the other hand kept the beat of her song against a slender thigh. The sound of the rain without silenced by a loud crash of thunder seemed to deafen her for a moment. Her song paused as her hearing returned and she stilled as a brilliant flash of blue light leapt through the porthole to illuminate the cabin before fading and leaving the room lit by a small lantern nailed down and burning low.

The storm gave her a sense of restlessness and she rose and quietly padded to the porthole and looked out though she could see nothing but darkness though the violent pounding of the rain upon the small window gave claim to the storm without. Resting her head upon the walls of the cabin she said a small prayer that all would remain safe while Poseidon raged. A noise within the antechamber had her glancing up to see Briar unsteadily weaving towards her. Hastily pulling out a chair she ushered Briar to settle herself. “Hopefully the storm will pass soon.” She uttered hoping to restore the camaderie, then winced as they pitched to starboard “Or not.” She muttered as she braced herself against the sudden movement.

[Red Cat Jenny]

Aboard the Lucy

Miss Ashcombe had only just closed the ward room door against the wind as the Ship's Master exited, heading once again into the weather. Mr. Pew was more steady for only the tepid stew she had fetched him and a few moments out of the rain and wind. Given the storm, Mr. Marsh had doused the hearth and what remained in the kettle had mostly cooled. Still, he had thanked her for it and her reserved attentiveness.

Insticnt as a woman would have had Miss Ashcombe see him some dry clothing and admonish him against going back out into the weather in his condition, but she kept her efforts to a minimum and her concerns to herself as she was sure he would pay her no mind.... and doubly sure he would rebuke her for such foolish remarks to a hardened sailor.

As she latched the door against the wind she heard shouts go up and the sound of several men rushing past the entryway. Jenny fetched up an oilskin from off it's peg and throwing the oversized garment about her rushed onto the deck. She was immediately nearly knocked over by two men as they rushed by, their attention focused forward as shouts of "Three men overbard!" came over the wind. Jenny held to the side of the quarterdeck and made her way as far as she dared staring wide eyed against the rain transfixed at the sudden drama. She feared for whom it might be but had no idea of the small boat beside the Lucy. She spied Mr. Tucker briefly and Mr. Pew just as he climbed over the rail. Jenny crossed herself and stood soaking in the spray and rain until it seemed all had been pulled to safety.

Her eyes widened further as she saw it was Captain brand who lurched across the deck with the others, all so wet it was impossible to discern which had just been hauled from the waves. Though one was bruised and scraped badly on his cheek.

Mr. Pew shouted to her as they came. "Ash! don't stand about gawking gerl! Have blankets and food brought up fer th' Cap'n an these men! "

Jenny jumped as if she'd been prodded and rushed below looking for the young man she'd seen earlier. There were few men yet below, all still wet from runnig to the aid of those over the side. She then ran to the galley finding Tjack and pleaded with him to light the hearth and heat some broth giving hasty account of whom was in need.