Port Royal, Jamaica

[Cheeky Actress]

It was a long walk to the bowels of the jail. The air was thick with the stench of rotting straw foul air. The light was from of the touches which guided the guards and Lilly to her cell. As the cell door was open, the creaking of the heavy metal door caused Lilly’s very blood to run cold. “I am innocent!” She shouted as one of the guards shoved her into the cell, slamming the door behind her. A roar of laughter erupted from the every dark corner of the cell’s contense.

“Oi, we are all innocent here, aren’t we ladies!” Shouted a dark figure sitting in the shadows. Again, the roar of laughter rose quickly.

It was then the guard stepped forward and shouted. “Be quiet you… and that goes for the lot of you! If you are not quiet, I will make sure none of you will have your evening meal!”

As he turned to go, the guard turned and looked at Lilly. “Pity.” He muttered. It was then she reached through the bars and grabbed his coat. “Pray, I am innocent! I need to get word to Captain Sterling. Surely, you can see I am not like these…women here. I pray you; I’ll do anything if you would please let me out of here.” The guard looked her over again, this time a sly grin appeared upon his face. “Would you?”

Lilly shuttered at his reply. “I know people…important people.” She whispered to him as he drew closer. “What do you desire? Money? I could send word and have you promoted in weeks. You would never have to see the inside of this God forsaken place again. What say you? Please…”

“I wouldn’t waste your breath on him, Mistress…” A calm and sudden voice came from the other side of the cell. “He’s not worth you soiling yourself with. No man is. Save your influence for the Judge. Perhaps he will be more appreciative of your charms.”

“That will be enough out of you!” Shouted the guard. The dark figure moved forward. She her feet and hands were shackled. Her right eye was bruised and her lip cut open. “And do what…beat up on a woman? Now that’s a very manly thing to do!” Lilly looked over at the guard. With a look of disgust, the guard waved his hand and walk down the dark hallway and up the stairs.

Lilly turned and faced the woman. “You were no help. I could have convinced him that…” The woman shouted back at Lilly. “You could have convinced him that you were worth his half hour of pleasure then back to the cell you’d be. Do not be foolish, Mistress. There are better ways of getting out of here. Had it not been for me being in the wrong place at the wrong time I wouldn’t have ended up in here in the first place.”

“Oh, and I assume you know how then?” Lilly said looking at the woman with a bit of disgust. Lilly glanced this woman over once then crossed her arms in front of her . “Who do you think you are, anyway?”

The woman quickly bowed low for Mistress McKinney. “I am Lilith Sheol, Commander and Captain of the Tartarus.”

['Bastian Devareaux]

Andre's expression remained remote, small gesture was made indicating desire. Another, keeping far corner vigil, stood gingerly and retrieving decanter from nearby. Goblet filled, sildelong glance was given to Beggar Prince with hint of query. The silent response called for wait, and injured returned to origin.

Elder eased back to chair's support, allowing slow exhalation to escape his lungs. With a casual wave of hand, unsaid thoughts were vanquished and smile proffered that did little to cover predatory nature.

"Maîtresse....Do you feel that you are in threat by this....Pinon? For it would seem, that a delicate creature as yourself would be easily preyed upon if a man of such inclinations took to whim. Perhaps....Perhaps we might be of service to each other, non? But do not think that I ask favor of, shall we say, your main occupation."

From corner standing, Sean Roberts looked to where kindred countryman remained by chamber portal. A look returned with barely covered amusement....There were just some things that Andre' was not aware of.

The sum of such was embodied just behind Elder's chair.

[Lilith]

“The woman has no clue who or what I am.” Lilith thought to herself. It was obvious by the look on the woman’s face. “Best keep it that way…for now.” Lilith said to herself as she smiled again and lent against the heavy iron bars. “Ouch!” Lilith declared as she winced in pain. She had forgotten about her split lip she received earlier that evening.

The confrontation between her and Pinon was not pretty. After the brawl broke out at the inn she went to investigate further. It was then she saw Captain Sterling leaving in the custody of Pinon and several guards. She had lingered behind long enough so know one would have seen her follow…or so she thought.

Lilith should have known what type of creature this man was from the very first day she laid eyes upon him. He was considered lowest of the low, even by her standards yet, there was something strangely familiar about him. Perhaps she was drawn to him due to his elusive nature and his uncaring manner. These were the very same qualities she possessed and by her nature, she would consider him an equal…and yet.

“Here, let me take a look at you.” Lilly said bending down to offer help. “I don’t need any bloody help!” Lilith barked. Lilly pulled back quickly and looked shocked. Lilith could see that Lilly did not take kindly to being yelled at. Lilith felt pity for her. She would never learn to be strong for herself. This was a type of woman who would always need a man to take care of her…no matter what.

“I know you…or at least of you.” Lilith said now holding her bloodied lip. “You’re that Actress from London. Damn! You are far away from home, aren’t you? Aren’t you that Captain’s whore, or something?” Lilith waited to see Lilly’s reaction. Wife, courtesan, mistress or whore, they were all the same in her book. “That is correct.” Lilly muttered softly, then cast her eyes to the ground. Lilith rolled her eyes. “Good God woman, I’m sure that he’s not going to be the last man who you bed. Christ! Only moments ago you were going to toss off that guard who would…”

“SHUT UP!” Screamed Lilly. “You know nothing! Do you hear me? YOU KNOW NOTHING!

The cell became very quite. Lilith’s cains rattled a bit as she took a seat against iron cell wall. It was then Lilith gave Lilly a stare. “No wonder he left you, not very pleasant to be about are you?" With that, Lilly’s eyes just widened.

[Nelly Greene]

"Maîtresse....Do you feel that you are in threat by this....Pinon? For it would seem, that a delicate creature as yourself would be easily preyed upon if a man of such inclinations took to whim. Perhaps....Perhaps we might be of service to each other, non? But do not think that I ask favor of, shall we say, your main occupation."

“Threat from Pinon? Good Heavens no!,” Nelly Greene said then giggled at the thought. She leaned forward, hazel eyes sparkling in the candle light and looked deeply into Andre’s eyes. “Or were you really referring to yourself and your happy little band?” she asked, her tone teasing and all the more alluring. She straightened, then eased herself from her chair to stand regally before the long table and the two men that opposed her upon its far side. “I know you would not be interested in my favours, Monsieur Devareaux, I am an anathema to you and your kind. It would be my hard earned coin that you would ask… no… demand, from me in time. I am, Monsieur, a relatively small business that need not have part in your affairs, nor you in mine and I would like to keep it that way. If, in the future, I can assist you further in keeping the riff raff from our doors, then I shall be happy to give you what little information I can obtain in order to help us both. Now,” she said gathering up her belongings. “I have done what I can where Nimrod Pinon is concerned, tis your turn to play what ever hand it is you hold regarding him before the gentleman I fear for can no longer be helped.”

['Bastian Devareaux]

Elder maintained reptilian stoicism to her taunts, though there was a tremor that coursed inner being in regard to veiled barbs. Draught was taken from near forgotten crystal and soul's windows maintained her pinning. A wry chuckle rolled forth followed be minute curl of lip.

"Maîtresse, of what interest does it hold for Le Cour to interfere in the fate of individual that you leave un-named. Is there profit to be gained by our dabblings? You yourself said that you wish for no accord betwixt ourselves and your holdings...." Gobblet was set aside casually and yawn was stifled. "If there is nothing of profitable nature to be gained, then I will consider this matter closed and deal with this Pinon accordingly if he dares overstep his bounds."

Rising to standing, Elder appraised her general being then nodded to enigmatic contemplation, "Merci Maîtresse Greene for taking time out of you busy....schedule. As it is that I have brought you here safely, I shall assure the same in manner of return."

Gesture was made toward Burke, who reached for locking mechanisms without further ado.

"Non." Single word startled progress, as Beggar Prince moved from silent post. "I shall escort Mademoiselle personally." Twin onyx narrowed as they turned away from concentrated mark and resettled, "Our business is not concluded."

Sabastian ignored underlying tone, "It shall be upon my return..."

[Nelly Greene]

Nelly Greene ran appreciative eye over younger man’s from and the quality of his adornment before she turned and began her way to the door. “As you wish,” she said. In ordinary circumstances she would have enjoyed what she viewed, but he was Le Cour and her thoughts were fixed upon another.

[Ransom]

Trilby slammed the tile to the floor, where it shattered. "I'd rather keep company with the deevil himself."

Ransom merely cocked a brow. "Who said the devil was a 'him'?"

With a huff, Trilby flung back, "Nae doubt that's why you call that murderous ship of yours the RakeHELL!"

The ranting old man was starting to annoy me. Yesterday eveything seemed fine. Today he was treating me like a tax collecter. "The ship is named the Rakehell for a variety of reasons, none of which would mean a blind thing to you."

"And I nae care!" he fired back. "Just sae long as you leave."

My temper flared. "Look you old reprobate, I came for a nice visit. I like you—or I used to. What the devil has changed since yesterday?"

"For one, that near riot and shooting in the street. Nae tell me you had nothing dae do with that, for I saw you with mae own eyes through that glass." He gestured toward the spyglass. "Taunting the guards, you were, 'till that black-clothed man siced them on you."

I frowed, remembering the black-clad figure, his obvious superiority over the soldiers, and my flight over the rooftops. Who was he? What authority did he weald, and under whose sanction? Since his interferrence had nearly gotten me either beaten or killed, not to mention the possiblity of being arrested along wih Sterling, I had a great desire to know who he was.

Trilby continued to glare at me, his chin thrust forward, his ratty beard jeweled with tile chips and bits of whatever he'd eaten for lunch. "I've had enough excitment for one week. If you've embroiled yourself in some nefarious bit of business, I don't want to be connected with it...or you."

I rose and gave him a courtly bow. "As you wish." Then I turned to the half-wall, climbed over, and worked my way back to the street the same way I had left it.

With the Rakehell being careened, I couldn't go back to the ship. Feeling the sudden need of a strong drink, I decided to pay a visit to the Royal Grace. As I started to jog in that dirction, the air was rent by the sound of an explosion. I paused, trying to judge from which direction it came, but with its echos darting among the buildings, it was impossible. I continued toward the inn, but a smile touched my lips, and I muttered, "No doubt, Trilby will blame me for that as well."

['Bastian Devareaux]

Nelly Greene ran appreciative eye over younger man’s from and the quality of his adornment before she turned and began her way to the door.  “As you wish,” she said.  In ordinary circumstances she would have enjoyed what she viewed, but he was Le Cour and her thoughts were fixed upon another.

Chapeau of native lands was snagged with chamber departure; wide brim brought lower in the front, causing obscurity once out of doors. Arm was offered and coach brought around to the rear. With charge safely placed within cabin, Sabastian follow closing the door fast and drawing blinds. A light rap gave instruction for vehicle's forward progression and chapeau was doffed to find rest place on seating beside.

He regarded companion closely and held tongue for passing of minutes then allowed verbose to play the air.

"Mademoiselle, you must forgive my brother's manner....."

[Nelly Greene]

Nelly graced him with a smile. "Il n'est rien. Honestly, what is there to forgive, Monsieur? He is a businessman non? He was only doing what is in his nature to do."

['Bastian Devareaux]

"Tres vien, Mademoiselle." He moved blind a fraction to peruse passing surround before continuing. "If I might inquire, who is it that you have such regard and concern for...Perhaps I might be of aid."

Lupin features bore sly smile in the dim.

[Nelly Greene]

Nelly looked down, turning the vizard over in her hands. The black velvet mask was easier to hide behind sometimes. She continued to consider a bit longer. It would be so easy to speak His name. Surely it would be enough to bring a halt to the marriage and she could easily win him over when he came seeking ease from his heartbreak. But she knew if he ever found out that she had so blatantly resolved to destroy his union, he would never have anything to do with her again. That was something she was not willing to risk. A few hours in his company was far better than none at all. Hours that would increase if she continued to play her hand well, for, deep down, she knew she gave him what he truly craved. And yet, she was deeply concerned about him. He had not returned to see her. She turned the mask once more in her keeping.

“I am sorry Monsieur but I am not in the habit of betraying my lovers by shouting their names from the rooftops.” She locked her gaze on the younger Devareaux. “If you truly wish to come to my assistance and the man in question, it is Monsieur Pinon that you should set your sights upon. Remove him from the puzzle and you deliver us all.”

['Bastian Devareaux]

Covering any further notions with a shrouding of aloofness, Beggar Prince perched left ankle upon opposit knee and glanced through blind crevace, once again.

"Mademoiselle, I fear that I am but a simple man of business. Murder most foul does not seem to fall under my credentials."

And in the fleet of oil lamp passing, another fire of feral wrought danced in visual pools and his thoughts turned to the hunt. The hunt and undoing of those who might be viewed as problem.

[Nelly Greene]

Nelly laughed lightly. "Ah yes of course Monsieur, just like the others of your clan. Perhaps then you were not offering to come to my aide at all? Perhaps you are just in the habit of hearing the idle gossip of the others around you? Is that it Monsieur? Or do you delight in making money off of the dirty laundry of others?"

['Bastian Devareaux]

View of outside world was forgotten and he turned full attention to her face. "Non, Mademoiselle...You are quite unkind in your judgements. The offer I made was of genuine nature and idle wagging of tongues proves nothing more than tedium. I fear I have far better things to distract my person at any given moment versus such doledrum."

[Cheeky Actress]

“How dare this …this woman dare speak to me that way!” Lilly thought to herself. She felt her blood boil and her fits clench tight as the words of this creature tormented her. Lilith looked back at the crowd of women as they whispered among themselves. One passed a piece of bread to another and mumbled. “This and whatever we get for supper tonight. I am sure that Lilith will take her in one blow!”

It was then Lilly controlled her anger and straightened her form. She did not say a word as she walked passed the sea captain and took a seat off on the far end of the cell. “Good,” whispered Lilith. “I didn’t feel like killing anyone today, anyway.”

The cell was over crowded. Many of the women were there for vagrancy, theft, disorderly conduct, prostitution, murder…and the like. A girl half her age knelt next to another woman who must have been her mother. The young girl looked up at Lilly. “What are you here for?” She said softly. “As I told you…I am innocent.” Replied Lilly has she tried to keep her voice low. “My mother and I are divers. We got caught a fortnight back. We are scheduled to hang on the 12th of this month.”

What dreaded news. Lilly thought to herself. This poor creature, not even in the prime of her life now forces to meet her maker in less than seven days. “I am here because of love.” Suddenly, a scoffing sound came from Lilith on the other side of the jail cell. “Fool!” Shouted Lilly. “Me?! You are the fool, Mistress! Love has gotten you into this place and where are your powerful friends now? Where are those who wish to protect you?” It was then they heard the sound of footsteps approaching the cell door.

“Silly creatures…you lot.” Said a figure from the other side of the cell. “There…that one in the blue mantua. I wish a word with her.” Lilly stood quickly. There before her eyes stood Lady Tess St. Claire. “Come now…I haven’t all day!” She said covering her nose with a perfumed handkerchief.

[Nelly Greene]

She did not back down from his gaze.

"Well then, Sir, Pinon is whom you should focus your attentions on, not my lover. He is of no importance to you... only me."

['Bastian Devareaux]

"And that is the aid you request of me? The tithe and boon?"

Dauphin pursed his lips in contemplation, making his thoughts only his own as the carriage gently swayed.

[Nelly Greene]

“Tithe and boon, Monsieur? I have already paid with the information you have received regarding Pinon,” Nelly replied.

['Bastian Devareaux]

"Non, cherie...is that the boon you request of me?" He returned lightly; mirth played angled features in the dim. "Do you think I ask payment of yourself? If I were to do so, it would surely be something that I would negotiate to proper concensus betwixt both parties involved, Mademoiselle."

He leaned a bit deeper into carriage comfort, a hint of smile tugging mouth's corners.

[Cheeky Actress]

Tess St. Claire was the last person she wanted to speak with. The guard unlocked the cell and called forth Lilly. Tess looked Lilly over once, still holding the hanky to her nose. “Really Lilly” Tess said shaking her head. “Your behavior has been in question ever since you’ve arrived here in Port Royal. What am I to tell Lord Darnley?”

It was then Lilith looked over up at Tess St. Claire. That name. Lord Darnley. Where did she hear that name before? Lilith stared off into spaced and tried to remember where she had heard that name before.

But before Lilly could reply, Tess raised her hand. “Never you mind. Just be lucky that I found you. If it had not been for that reckless group of ‘Wild Women from the North’ I would have never have found you.” Oh, they were quite a group of seamen! I couldn't understand the lot of them...Gaelic perhaps...or maybe it was Scottish?"

“Do you mean Hamish? Is he all right? Last I saw of him was upon the docks. He said that he needed to look for his First Mate.” “Yes,…yes…yes..and I am sure he did, Dearie.” Tess said nodded in agreement. “I have spoken to the Officer of the Gate and he has decided to let you go. Under my protection of course.” Lilly listened in disbelief. She couldn’t believe that Tess was able to get her released from jail. Something was up, yet she would have to wait and see. “Now, you must come with me. I have something special to show you! You will thank me later!”

[Nelly Greene]

“Then you are willing to truly assist me without strings attached?” she asked. She looked him over again where he sat.

['Bastian Devareaux]

"That, as I said, is a matter of conjecture, Mademoiselle. What is it that you consider falling into the realm of "stings attached." His amusement gained higher plateau. "Tell me just what you mean by such mentionings, s'il vous plait."

Watching companion with good natured humour, he shifted position and rested hands at abdomen. Dark eyes caught hers from across small distance of carriage legnth and he waited for her retort expectantly.

[Nelly Greene]

Nelly refocused her gaze on his. “You must forgive me Monsieur… I always expect the worst of men. As you well know I am always in the realm of negations where your sex is concerned. Perhaps that is why I have jumped to such conclusions. You see, that is one of the reasons I have grown fond of this man,” she began then halted. Surely it would not be as if she were to announce his identity.

“He was straightforward with me from the beginning.. Plainly he told me he could not afford to keep me and yet never lied and took advantage of the situation. He willingly told me he was married as well and there have been times where he has come solely for a place to rest and nothing more. As I have said before… he is different.”

['Bastian Devareaux]

Sabastian rubbed his chin in thought, "Well, Mademoiselle...I cannot negate your suspicians in regard to your daily goings on. And, for that matter, would be lying if I were to say that one as yourself, has absolutely no effect on mine person..."

He paused briefly, brow knit.

"Nevertheless, I am not one to take what is not willingly offered. No sport or plasir in said pursuite...I do, however, urge caution in your deductions. The nature of the Beast, is the nature of the Beast, after all. And if one in question is attached, it may not be of wisest choice in comfort...The other involved may be far from forgiving."

Coach eased to halt and Dauphin eyed his charge carefully.

[Nelly Greene]

"Unforgiving toward who? Me?" Nelly shook off the idea with a wave of her hand.

"How would what she feels toward me matter? I have dealt with other wives before with men who were not as forthcoming. And her unforgiving where he is concerned? He already is convinced that she does not love him for she ignores him when he needs her most. And, "she added with a huff. "I am not referring to just the physical, which so many of your sex only care about!" She collected herself as carriage sway steadied itself, then added.

"I will tell you this, she is everything to him... he so desperately desires to be loved, especially by her, and yet she is so concerned with others that they all come before he does. Perhaps he is right and she does not truly care for him at all... but then in time I shall learn if this is true, for I plan to place him first in my world and shall give him all that he desires when he wishes it, especially my time and attention. I do not fear her. She should fear herself." Vizard was positioned as she waited for carriage door to open.