Port Royal, Jamaica

[Aurore Devareaux]

Surprised was Reiley, to see the young mistress' playfully banter.

"M-Lady, the only "French" which I am familiar with...." Smiled Reiley, as he suddenly caught himself. "... Unfortunately m-Lady, I am unfamiliar with the language... In truth, I fear I've taken a turn for the worst with my own spoken word. Mayhaps you would be so kind as to decipher the writing?"

Aurore laughed lightly again, " Oh come now, monsieur. You are of a people that relishes the very essence of life and its' virtue or otherwise. Our cultures are not that much in differing on certain levels; laughter and fine honed wit are wonderous qualities and I dare say that you should not fear offending my sensitivites with the indulgences of such."

She smiled with a brief hint of mischief before recentering on ledger sprawl, "Now the question is Docteur, what exactly you are in want of. As you can see, this tome is quite cumbersome in girth and I will need some direction in order to cross referance what I am searching for....."

Her sentance was dropped without furthering to the sound a fast paced footfall from above. Aurore glanced upward, training on the quick cadence which travelled onward to stairwell. The rhythem was not recognized as one of her own and standing to full heigth, she made quiet observation to seated companion.

"I believe what is done is done....Perhaps you might wish to check into the matter further..."

Aurore stepped back, allowing room for Reiley to gain his feet, "We shall attend to this matter of procurement a bit later, I think."

[Cheeky Actress]

Mistress Lilly could feel her face burn with the tears streaming down her face. She quickly took each stair as she made her way down to the parlor. She suddenly found herself standing in the middle of the empty room looking about as if disoriented and confused. It had all happen so quickly and Lilly was desperately trying to take in the moment at hand. How could he just turn her away? She thought as she looked up to the heavens for an answer. The Captain had made his choice and in her eyes, it was a bad one. Her emotions floated back and forth until suddenly Lilly heard the sounds of voices and footfall coming up from the bowels of the house. She quickly turned around to see Doctor Rieley and Aurora enter the room unannounced. Lilly’s eyes quickly set upon Aurora. As the late afternoon sun bled its’ way into the room, she could not looked more perfect. “I wish to leave this place Dr. Rieley. I need to return to my room at the Inn. I am not feeling very well as of the moment. Would you please be so kind as to escort me home?” The Doctor looked at Mistress Lilly and could tell by the expression and pain on her face that things did not go to her liking. “Please…” She whispered again, but his time not looking in his direction. She did not want Aurora to see her in this state.

[Aurore Devareaux]

Aurore felt a twinge of sympathy for the other woman, but just in so much as a common understanding of loss known to us all. No assumptions were made as to the verdicts that took place in chamber above and Aurore gave no impression of gloat as she gazed upon other's discomfort. Quietly, she begged leave to allow some dignity in Lilly's regard. A quick glance was given to the Doctor with departure.

With soft tread, a whisper of bare foot to wooden rise, Aurore retraced step to private chamber. A soft knock was laid on wooden surface as she chose ways of propriety; waiting for word of admit from within.

[Capt. Sterling]

Sterling looked toward the door as he heard the gently rap.

"Aye Meagan be that you? Come in child," he said, not attempting to hide is exhaustion. "I could do with that drink ye brought me."

[Aurore Devareaux]

She hesitated at his answer, delicate features drawn to frowning with the obvious weariness that betrayed unseen constitution. The door was eased back just enough to allow view.

"Non, Sucre'...C'est moi."

[Capt. Sterling]

Sterling smiled when he saw her, but despite the upward turn of his lips he could not hide the hurt in his expression.

"All the better then," he whispered and held out his hand to her.

[Aurore Devareaux]

His facial render conjured forth deep marks of concern on Aurore's own. Closing the door, she crossed small distance to place her hand into his keeping. Uncertain as what she should do, Aurore kept silent; allowing him to make next move with the wake of storm still so fresh.

[Capt. Sterling]

"I shall force ye to keep yer word Chere," he said. "Come sit with me and read, please." And yet he would not surrender her hand so that she could go in search of a book.

[Aurore Devareaux]

Sterling's clasp was strong yet tempered with tenderness, acting as contradiction to verbal request. She sat on mattress edge carefully, allowing him to keep procured prize held insistantly. Deep olive visually caressed the drawn planes of his face and it was a view that brought pain to the depths of her soul.

[Capt. Sterling]

He shifted, painfully, as best he could. Finally relinguishing her hand, he laid his head upon her lap.

"Thank you," he whispered. He closed his eyes. "Never hide yerself from me, Chere. Always let me know how ye truly feel."

[Aurore Devareaux]

Gently Aurore brush back fevered matting of light hued tress from Sterling's face. She drew deep breath, releasing it slowly then repeating words said not overlong ago in the day's more innocent time. The first offering was given as it had been originally in exotic sooth of Rom render. Then she repeated once more, in the language of his origin. Her voice tender, the tracings of accent winding verbage like wisps of smoke curl.

"You are the air I breath; the water that quenches my dying thirst; my sanctuary within the storm...And if there is one thing I know, it is this. From now until I draw last breath, no matter what Fate deems right or wrong... That will never change."

[Rats]

"Hellfire!" cursed Reiley to himself, as hurried Mistress McKinney from the atrium. "I'll see you to the inn at once m-Lady."

"Mr. Davis!" Called Reiley. "A carriage brought forward at once!"

"Yes sir!" replied Davis, as he sprinted to the livery.

"Come mistress, perhaps you would like to accompany me out side?" Offered Reiley, in an attempt to aid with the awkward departure.

"M-lady." Nodded Reiley, as he passed Lady Aurore. "I thank you for your hospitality. I will return annon to see to the good... to check on Captain Sterling."

As he escorted Mistress McKinney from the house, Reiley could feel her body quake as she continued to cry.

Thinking back to the advice he had once recieved, he could almost hear old Grady Lords warn, "The only thing a heart is good for, is breaking."

"Shut up, old man!" cursed Reiley under his breath.

[Aurore Devareaux]

Christophe brought the Bay around for saddling while overseeing progress made with carriage horses. Sabastian had been quite clear in instructions and at initial anouncement, the Frenchman had thought to send one of the others as escort back into the Port. But, as he thought on who would be chosen for the task, Christophe reconsidered his options; deciding to handle it himself.

With Sabastian back, the way was clear to step away from the imediate reminder of his own losses. Crossed words exchanged betwixt her and Aurore still stung like fresh wounds. For the first time in five years, Christophe wished that he had never left France. A thought he would recant, for the fact lay that this place and the people that exsisted here were as family. An odd mixture, but family never the less.

Pulling girth cinch tight, Christophe paused as young Davis rounded cottage corner. Hurried pace dropped off with uncertainty as youthfull expression showed signs of puzzlement regarding carriage already in the process of being mated to power sources. Regaining some shade of duty driven confidence, the boy approached eyeing black vehicle then the Frenchman in silent query.

As Davis opened his mouth to inquire, Doctor Reiley and English Mistress rounded house edge, as well. Christophe gazed briefly upon Lilly's state, a minute furrow appearing on the swarth tinctured surface of his brow. Looking to her supporting companion, the carriage was indicated with a motion of small nod.

[Aurore Devareaux]

The Frenchman spoke soft wordings to Bay's swiviling ear while watching Reiley conduct grief stricken fille into to carriage interior. Muffeled verbose drifted back to his hearing, small snatches of sentance gleaned while the rest undecernable. The young lad Davis was instructed to take Driver's post as Reiley secured vehicle door. As newly appointed helmsman eased small stature onto appointed perch, the Doctor lingered at vehicle side, speaking with low tone to occupant.

Sound of footstep drawing near captured Christophe's attention, turning him away from current scene. With caress to Bay's flank, he watched as Jason approached with objects requested a short time before. Said requests were inspected closely; two large caliber pistols were secured under the donning of riding coat, the ominous presence of blunderbuss tied into saddlery keeping. The Frenchman and youth exchanged comment briefly, words quelled as Reiley left vehicle to join proximity.

As Medicine Man looked over the Bay with approving eye, he made offer of thanks in regard to its' usage. Christophe gave the other a look of strange renderings and informed that he was to accompany the carriage into the Port as escort at Sabastian's bidding. This in turn, brought a look of slight confussion to Reiley's expression and the Irishman politely suggested the Frenchman act as nearer escort and attend the Mistress inside the vehicle while he, himself rode in rear guard. Christophe's stance became rigid to the proffering, but not wishing to cause more stir than had already lanblasted coveted home, he reluctantly gave in.

The Bay eyed constant companion curiously as he was passed by to enter carriage surround. Christophe called back to Reiley just before mounting black encompasment, "Take care, Monsieur...'e is most used to my instruction and you will find the slightest indication shall give extreme response."

[Rateye]

"I thank you good sir. Answered Reiley. "But to be honest, I have no plans to argue with or press an unfamiliar mount. Especially when it belongs to someone else."

Then stepping closer, to the young master and gesturing toward the carriage

"I thank you again." Added Reiley. "and I'm sure that any comforting words spoken in travel, would not be out of place... But I am very grateful."

"Mr. Davis!" Reiley called, to the youngman. "You're familiar with the task at hand?"

"That I am sir," Replied Davis. "But we best it be slow, with the rain an' all."

"Then slow it will be..." agreed Reiley.

[Aurore Devareaux]

Begrudgingly, Christophe entered the carriage and took seating catty-corner and across from Mistress McKinney. In truth, the Frenchman had always loathed the use of carriages and enclosed versions even more so. It was the unsturdyness of center and the blindspots to exterior surround that bothered him in hieghtened was. Those issues alone were enough to stir grave irritation under unruffled surface, but added to the mixture was the other occupant. Christophe was at a total loss as to how one was expected to handle a distraught female; this was more Sabastian's forte' then his own.

The soft patter of rain sounded on wooden roof as the carriage was turned to gain access to winding private drive and the main road beyond.

As the gates were withdrawn to allow passing, Christophe hoped that the Doctor had the good sense to cover the blunder left secure to saddle keeping; it was fully charged and the rain would leave it useless outside of being a blunt instrument.

Nothing outside of nod had been exchanged betwixt he and she thus far. But Lilly's attempt at covering her angst had been futile, punctuated by soft snuffles and silent river of tears. Christophe glanced to her while she watched the overcast view of gray framed by window's allowance. The air had cooled a few degrees as the rain gained stregnth and Christophe made effort to stand inside small compartment, carefully counter balancing the odd rock and sway of vehicle traverse.

Removing his riding coat, the Frenchman found a square of soft linen inside a pocket and extended it to Lilly. She looked at him uncertainly at first, then accepted with a whispered word of thanks. He nodded in response, then after a momment of consideration, offered her his coat, as well. Mistress McKinney seemed hesitant to take second offering, then accepted it, allowing the Frenchman to drape and arrange it about her person. An effort of smallish smile was given to him as he regained former seating.

The rain gained further confidence in its' intensions, waging assult to all that lay without sanctuary.

[Rats]

"By God, I hate the rain!" hissed Reiley, as he trotted behind the carriage. Yet with such a long time since he had been on horseback, let alone a mount as fine as this... For a moment he almost felt a resurgence of the freedom he had known while working the highways.

He knew the situation with the good mistress was far from over. And though he felt drawn to comfort her, Reiley also felt a need to clear his thoughts and attempt to find a solution to the upheval.

But as the carriage ahead of him began to slow to a halt, Reiley brought the Bay alongside to learn the cause of the delay.

There in the middle of the road waited a rider on horseback, his long coat blowing in the wind. He was accompanied by three equally sinister and heavily armed men, whom Reiley immediately recognized as Johnathan Moorehouse and the Allister Brothers.

“Time to settle up Reiley, you bastard!” yelled Moorehouse. “I told you, you were a deadman the next time we meet. Unfortunately for you, it looks like we’ve met….”

“I haven’t the time nor the desire to bother with you Johnathan Moorehouse.” Cautioned Reiley, as he opened his coat and revealed a pair of pistols. “If you have any sense about you, you’ll give us the road and let sleeping dogs lie… Otherwise you’ll force me to take hold of me blade and kill you in front of your men. You wouldn’t want that… Would you?”

It was a threat more than a question, as the rain continued to fall. However as the two enemies began to size each other up, it was obvious there would be bloodshed in moments.

[Aurore Devareaux]

From within the carriage, Christophe silently cursed; once again damning the vehicle's blinding ways; damning the fact that it was a rental and not one of Le Cour's powered by well trained horses. His dark slate eyes moved to where Reiley and the Bay chose placement just outside, and to the 'buss that had been covered wisely against the elements. 'Too far away', he thought and silently cursed again.

Returning his attention to Lilly and the semi-frightened expression she wore, Christophe eased across the short distance and leaned intimately close to her left ear, "Madame, it appears that your Chevalier Blanc has unwanted company. I wish for you to listen to me very closely and follow what I have to say without protest or hesitation." The soft touch of her hair brushed his cheek as Lilly gave a small nod to the Frenchman's words in reply, sweet scent of parfume taunting his senses.

"I need to take my coat from you and apologise for having to do so, but I require items that are in its' security..." he whispered, drawing back just enough to handle wishes; carefully as not to disturbe carriage stance. Coat donned, he moved near again, " There are at least three out in front, judging by the conversation...I am going to leave you, as much as I would prefer not, but it seems of neccessity."

Without moving from mistress McKinney's intimacy, he relenquished on of the large caliber pistols, placing it upon her lap. "Keep this hidden and I hope you are familliar with its' usage?" The soft nod teased him with encore. "Tres bien, Madame."

Pulling away from her just enough to meet eye contact, he pursed his lips in afterthought. Holding Lilly's gaze steadily, he issued final instruction, "I wish for you to place yourself low on the floor at the slightest indication of this going awry..."

For a momment, the Frenchman considered exiting on the side that Reiley was on and releasing saddle afixed iron. But such action would only place them in too close proximity which would act with no benefit. Christophe gave parting glance to traumaed rose, then crossed meager distance to opposit door wondering just how well the boy atop could handle the carriage if need be.

The door was swung open and soft boots landed in the mire below. The action brought attention away from Reiley as four sets of eyes turned to far side. Christophe measured each coldly in turn, the comforting and familiar feel of shank palmed deftly in left hand. He addressed the Allisters with disdain, ignoring Moorehouse on purpose as if he were too low for acknowledgment.

"Messieurs Allister...I do not know your stake in this petty buisness, but you are delaying my progress. It is embarrassing that you should choose such base company and it would be wise for you to let us proceed unhindered without further provacation. This man is under Our employ and I doubt you wish to tempt Our wrath..."

[Rats]

The Allisters immediately recognized the young lord. However, being well paid and with another bounty just out of reach, it was a chance worth taking.

“It’s not that easy! Yelled one of the Allisters. “He’s a price on his ‘ead, which my brothers and me aim to collect! So one way or another, he’s a dead little bastard! And so are you if you take his side.”

This was a situation Reiley had never wanted. It was one thing to risk his own life, but to risk the lives of his new friends was something Reiley could not accept. Therefore, outnumbered and with little choice, Reiley slowly spurred his horse forward to the middle of the road.

“If I cooperate, you’ll let these good people go.” Insisted Reiley. “They have nothing to do with this.”

“Sorry Rats!” replied Morehouse, in a sarcastic display of sadness. “I just can’t have any witnesses… I’m sure you understand.”

As Morehouse and the Allister brothers began to chuckle to themselves, Reiley quickly pulled a pistol from his belt and fired a single shot through the neck of the nearest Allister.

Blood sprayed forth from the bigman’s throat and a thick cloud of black powder hung in the air. Then as if the beast was familiar with such a fray, Reiley quickly spurred the Bay into a charge, as he hastened to close the distance between himself and Morehouse.

[Aurore Devareaux]

Christophe said nothing in response to the insolant delivery, even as a simple cut-purse he had never associated with what he considered those of lower bearing...Unless they had offered some advantage. The death threat was marked and noted, the Frenchman's thought pattern cool and percise. As Reiley spurred the Bay forward and Allister trois became numbered duex, Christophe used the confussion to advantage.

Glancing to young Davis, who's pallor had gained something of less than healthy hue, one hand was applied with great force to near carriage horse's hind quarter. Already unsettled by spent powder and the sound that accompanied it, the assult was enough to rouse instinct of preservation flight. Second carriage equine followed the manner of first, and soon the vehicle careened unsteadily through those afore it, listing slightly before finding center of gravity in forward bolt.

Disturbed mud splayed in flight to adorn anything in carriage vacinity, which in turn caused eldest Allister's mount to break already unsteadied mindset with the scent of blood. Rearing, the mare dropped rider's failing grasp to run in clearest route; coming within range of where Christophe held placement. The next series of event happened with split second reaction as fleeing mare's mane and loose reins were captured, mount progress slowed slightly by the drag of former rider being caught in far stirrup hold. Pulling back on leather command, equine was brought into unsteady check, eyes rolling and nostrils flared; ear flicking back and forth.

Gaining seat, Christophe kicked at fallen foe until stirrup was relenquished. The mare was turned, giving some fight to bit offender then giving in. Rider and mount faced the frey, the former's expression deathly calm the later dancing on sodden soil. Boot heel dug deep into girth curviture and the mare lept forward leaving divets of soaked terra in flight. Large caliber souless eye was trained on Allister with cocky airs, hammer was placed in ready and as the mare overcame slick ground to close distance, trigger was engaged sending roar of deffience.

And then there were two....

[Rats]

With his blade drawn, Reiley continued to close the distance and made ready to engage the outlaw Moorehouse. However, without warning a shot suddenly tore into his shoulder, causing him to sway backward in the saddle.

Reveling at his well-placed shot, Moorehouse casually dropped his pistol and drew his sword, as he spurred his horse forward to finish Reiley. But as Moorehouse triumphantly raised his sword, he quickly discovered just how dangerous a wounded animal could be. For without warning, Reiley leapt from the Bay and viciously pulled Morehouse to the ground.

“You want hell, Johnathan Moorehouse?” snarled Reiley, as he landed on top of the outlaw. “I’ll be takin’ you to there!”

As the two enemies fought to regain their footing, the sound of hurried step caused Reiley to regain his composure and turn around in time to parry the thrust from an Allister’s blade. But as the bounty man followed with his thrust, he drove his bear-like shoulder into Reiley’s chest, sending him sprawling backward into the mud.

“Just like a rat!” sneered the Allister, as Reiley backed through the mud, trying to catch his breath.

But as the bounty man drew forth his sword and made ready to dispatch the fallen Reiley, he suddenly found his blade parried from a new opponent.

[Aurore Devareaux]

As the melee unfolded on slippery square, Christophe urged mare into unwilling close proximity. Reaching to concealed gauche hibernating under woolen legnth, disarming ring was used with careful calculation as Allister point was captured, bending opponant's arm to backward angles of discomfort and loss of footing on uncertain slop. The mare was circled back then reined in just enough so that the remaining one of three could focus on antagonist as he shuffeled to regain full standing.

Once again, mare's girth felt the dig of heel command her ears laid back to the goading. A hint of fear crossed Allister's expression with the fleeting thought of being trampled under shod hoof, but as the sloggish thunder of four striking surface near steadfast, course was altered a degree. It was not the the pound of metal formed "u" that laid blow, but that of riding heel planted firmly to upper chest. Bounty was spun hard, landing without grace to earthen embrace.

Mare was brought to full stop as the Frenchman watched Allister's feeble attempt of belly crawl retreat. Survey was cast of the surround, companion seemed equal match to the one he opposed, Christophe would keep the situation in peripheral sight to ensure the scale not tipping to undesirable course. Not far off, the Bay had stopped with ears pitched forward to the commotion, tail swishing in aggitated manner. Christophe issued a sharp whistle which brought equine comrade near. Dismounting, the mare was teathered to larger brethren then Christophe strode to where fallen antogonist still worked at retreat of the square.

"I warned you, monsieur..." The statement was punctuated by hard kick to Allister's head rending him unconscious.

The rain began to slack....

[Rats]

“This isn’t going as planned!” Thought Morehouse, as he feverishly looked for an avenue of escape. “I have to leave this place! Where to go? Where to go!”

But as the outlaw staggered from the road, he found himself facing the man whom he foolishly believed would be an easy mark to his credit.

“Leaving so soon mate?” grinned Reiley, as he wiped mud from his chin then looked coldly into Moorehouse's eyes. “Ere I thought you were having fun…”

With a howl, Moorehouse lunged forward slashing his blade wildly. But as the outlaw's blade repeatedly scathed through the air, Reiley casually deflected all of the careless attacks. Then seizing his opportunity, Reiley quickly stepping forward, parried the outlaw's blade, then moved close as he brought an unseen dagger into play.

As he felt the blade drive deep into his chest and his life begin to fade, all Moorehouse could do was to stare dumbfounded into the eyes of Jacob Reiley.

[Aurore Devareaux]

Leaning to Bay support, Christophe watched with aloof air the final stages of struggle. Morehouse's cumbersome attempts of attack brought an expression of severe dissaproval to swarthy features. Each ill calcultated thrust or slash was deftly manuvered from harmful wishes and it was only when the two men locked closely, that the Frenchman stood to full height with closer regard. Foul mannered ruff's eyes grew wide in reaction to Reiley's checkmate, body growing stiff than limp.

Christophe looked away to inspect the carrnage left behind after attempted coup d'etat. Brushing away mud that had splattered woolen coat, note was made of an Allister mount grazing near field. He considered the bodies that lay where fallen, all but one robbed of breathing prowess. They would have to be disposed of...

[Rats]

Allowing the lifeless body of Johnathan Morehouse to slide from his blade, Reiley calmly returned to check on the welfare of his companions.

As he nodded his approval and thanks to Christophe, Reiley suddenly began to feel his legs become sluggish and his senses dull.

Looking down at his left arm, he noticed a continual stream of blood which poured from his cuff.

"Bugger..?" Sighed Reiley, realizing he had been shot. "Right when I was doing so well."

Then taking a few additional steps toward the carriage, he suddenly felt his legs give out and the world fade black.