Post by Queen Beathag Aberdeen on Jun 10, 2008 18:32:58 GMT -6
Beathag:Beathag left the pretense behind in the wake of her steps, tossed preludes to civility over her shoulder to exist in the world for a little while was Lady Bess alone. When had her true name become synonomous with doubt, mewed up to heaviness? Bess could laugh where Beathag scowled. Bess sailed where Beathag was land bound. Bess could love, provide, and nuture where Beathag was stripped of anything that had once held meaning. Alas. A pint of mead might do the trick, for it was too early in the day for deep tankards. Rose took a special interest in serving the gold-haired Highlander the most sumptious things to be found. A good array of food on the belly made for good spirits, or so she always believed. "Ye look like ye've lost a scooch in ye hips! Tha' won't do, yer grace, what if the Duke came home tae tha..ne'er on my watch." She could only laugh as she found herself given the best dishes in the city for free!(d)
Jack:As far as the Irish were concerned, there was nothing at all wrong with stopping for a shot of the uisce beatha in the middle of the day. And thus was it that the Irishman wandered into the Briar Rose, having decided that a brief break from the task at hand. The Irishman offered a smile those gathered inside, until he noticed the Duchess present. There was, of course, a half-bow to her quietly, "Good afternoon, Yer Grace." There was a soft cough, before he walked over toward her. There was a bit of a sheepish looks to his eyes as he approached where Rose and the Duchess were standing. Then he asked, "I 'ope tha the both ye can aide me in somethin'....." He paused, "I wonder iffen ye can be directin' me ta a dye maker's shop. I 'ave a mind ta 'ave some custome dyes made." (d)
Beathag: "Good afternoon, Captain Flynn. Rose, ye remember the Captain wot come in these last pair o' days? Captain, this is Mistress Rose Keyes, she owns the Briar Rose, finest food n' the city m'thinks." The woman gave a curtsy before going to fetch another pint so the man might sit with her Grace, "A dye maker's shop? Mm..there beh a few, dpends on how vibrant ye'd want ye color. In earnest, Ah have a bias." she grinned, "Ah found our Court Artisan makes the finest dyes, inks, n' paints does it all fer her own crafts. In fact " she pulle illustrated the rich tones in the brown cotton dress, rich sienna, ocher sables. Earth, mountains, crumbling sands. By no means anything drab. "Gae tae the market, half the competition will seek their apprentices from 'er reccomendation n' employ her elder students. Sae there'd be a better bet. Ye'll find her about now in the Hall o'Guilds either sellin' or teachin, n' if nay there perhaps in the Scholar's hall teachin' philosophy." (D)
Jack: It would be the word 'inks' that perked up the Irishman's ears. There was a smile as he considered what the Duchess had said. "Aye? Then I shall be more than pleased ta be tellin' Mairi 'bout this recommendation from ye." The Irishman smiled, "We 'ave been lookin' fer some vibrant inks o' late...." He shifted, clearly having another question in mind. Although whether he should ask such a respected personage as the Duchess. Although, should the Duchess inquire, she would be truthfully told. Jack took a few moments to compose himself, to allow his features to grow serious. "M'Lady Bess, I dae 'ave one question..... I am a man o' tha docks, an' grave rumors 'ave I been hearin' about yer village o' Sleat. Nae one seems ta truly know what 'as happened ta it. They simply agree tha' there once was a town by tha' name.... an' now there tis nae." The Irishman was quiet for a few moments. Then he asked, "In sendin' Ulster's fleet ta patrol tha waters off tha town, ye are sendin' some o' the most powerful ships in these waters up ta tha town. Ye've seen tha Mistress wit' yer own eyes.... I 'ave under me personal command another ship, tha Wicked Temptress, an' she is carrack tha' was built fer war an' another ship, a carvel by name o' tha Lagan, tis a sworn-ship ta tha Ceannfort." He watched her quietly, "What lurks near Sleat, tha ye would send such fire power ta the town?" (d)
Beathag: It was pleasing to know that she retained the ability to please someone. "Eirian will appreciate ye business, n' the visit Ah'm sure. Sit down, won't ye?" He could ask her about the naked backside of a drunkard paraded in the palace of an Emperor if he wished, he'd recieve the same style of candor. Most Duchess' stayed behind their walls with pale faces never being touched with sun. They didn't have callused hands the handmaiden had to tame only for them to reappear, nor knew what it was like to bleed to death from knife wounds instead of childbirth. He turned the talk to rumors from the sea, to which she replied, "They aren't rumors. Sleat is an outer retainin' wall, a harbor at the bottom o' the sea, n' many burned out homes. The reconstruction is only now commencin', the restitutions will see some o' the sturdy o' heart return home if they kin stomach the ghosts. Ah asked ye tae patrol, spare wot ships ye will, alongside the Griffin ships because in one night?" she put up one white, scarred finger. Weapons had rubbed those hands not too long ago, chaffed from the leather wrappings around a war axe," One night...one ship blew up the docks, two joined forces had already murdered half o' the night watch n' took their place, n' by the time we arrived, the MacDonalds o' Sleat had gotten the peasents tae revolt fer fear we'd come tae oust the last o' them out o' power in a bloody coup tae punish disobediance n' their war crimes. Nay, wot happened was enemies o' our allies found them here n' planned tae lure them out at sleat by razen the harbor down n' a raid...n' it turned intae a massacre." (d)
Jack: The Irishman had nodded quietly when the Duchess bade him to sit. As she spun her yarn of Sleat's down fall. The Irishman was quiet as she told him such a tragic tale, though she could see that he was listening and making careful notes on what she said. So there was a sunken ship in the docks? It was a navigation hazard and would need to be marked on the charts, if it hadn't already. The Irishman nodded quietly when she had finished, "Dae fergive me, miLady, but I shall need ta know all tha' ye can tell of tha night..... mainly concernin' the traitorus ships an' those wot attacked Sleat." He paused, "I spoke wit' a High Ranger earlier, an' she mentioned a blackguard by tha name o' Percival?" (D)
Beathag:"Percival 'Eight-Gazes' Vizharen, orchestrated the raid, teamed with a Destin Janus, leader o' the Sword Saints. N' they are nay common riff-raff, either. The first is responsible fer the murder o' the old Avarian Queen both are leaders o' some o' the most skilled fightin' forces with steal n' tactics ye've seen in Europe. His ship, black sailed, gunned, also manned by rowers..the Vigilant. Ah came a'sailin in the Sea Witch , with crew n' men fer the land, archers..our finest men, led by the General Maahes. By the time we got there..the dock was already explodin, blood ran in the streets. We encountered the vigilant, got in a good broadside shot tae her, she took out the stern, made a hard port intae the city, er wot was left o' it. Wot is at the bottom o' the water is pieces o' the Sea Witch, some o' the bodies o' the dead, the harbor..tis all bein' lifted as we speak n' dun away with. Wot more can Ah say? Utter confusion..chaos.. We fought, we bled, profusely..somehow we made it out alive. Fought some o' the ugliest men among the sword saints, slaughterin..anythin tae get tae wot they wanted, soliders, peasents..themselves. " (d)
Jack:"An' tha two traitorous ships? Did they be gaein' off wit' Eight-Gazes?" The Irishman asked. Then there was a long pause, before he looked to her. Then he said, "An' this Cap'n Eight-Gazes.... iffen I dae catch tha man, tis 'e a considered a pyrate by tha Griffin? An' may I treat 'im as such?" There could be no mistaking what the Irishman was asking. Pirates, even the hired ones, were hated through the lands. Their cold fate was a quick trail at the Assize Courts and a bit of hempen rope around their necks with a quick drop. And a sudden stop. Jack was asking permission to dispense with the Assize Courts if he cpatured Eight-Gazes. Was this the first time that Bess had seen the ruthless side of Jack? Or had she already heard the dock tales told about him? The tales that dubbed him the Dark Fae. (d)
Set In Her Way [6:04 P.M.]: "Dun get tae zealous, Jack. Tis a patrol n' surveillance sail..n' afore ye gae ye will meet with the survivors in the hall..fer in sleat they will grow weary o' toil n' faster still o' strangers, sae one shall gae with ye tae serve as a measure o' good faith. Iffn ye see him ye may encounter him AWAY from the village...n' ye will dae ye best tae bring him back in somethin close tae one piece. His head belongs tae the Avarian King...warranted he keep it here long enough."(d)
Jack: "Heh," The Irishman said as he took up tankard of whiskey. The smile, so elfin and somewhat cruel, spoke the words 'so you have heard of me.' Then his smile was obscured when the Irishman took a good swig of his whiskey. However, he would do as he was instructed, "As ye sae, m'Lady. " The Irishman would no go full-bore after Eight-Gazes. Jack's own family would be aboard. Then he raised a hand, and rubbed at his branded cheek. "Since ye 'ave spun me a story, I dun see why I cannae be spinnin' ye tale, iffen ye wish, 'bout tha brand an' 'ow I got it." It was odd, one might say. The brand started Jack on to another form of ritual scarification, although on that was not yet preformed. The Polynesians knew it well. (D)
Beathag:"I thought yeh fell intae a hot poker with a P on it is all," she shrugged, non-chalance marking the pasage of the tone into glib humor, reclining back as she waited in true curiousness to see just how Jack Flynn recieved his most glaring, prominent marker to date. (d)
Jack:The Irishman smiled softly, "Tis nae a great story ta tell.... As any o' tha merchants along tha docks, an' they'll tell ye m'father -- Andrew -- t'was a feckin' bastard o' a man." Jack drained his tankard, for another go. "An' they're right. 'E was a merciless wit' the scourge whne he applied, 'e was a lover o' whiskey,.... an' a feckin' coward." The Irishman was quiet for a long while, before he said, "The crew would nae take 'is cruelness any longer, an' they rose again' him. An' tha sealed me fate. I did nae 'elp the mutineers... but I did nae stand again them either." He paused, "Ye know 'ow tha Anglish are. Iffen a man does nae stoppin' a mutiny they count 'im a mutineer... an' a pirate." He was quiet awhile, "We got caught off tha coast o' India. They 'ung most o' tha crew at tha' very moment, only tha ringleaders an' I were kept live ta be hung at Execution Dock. They branded me face after they sentenced me... sae all would know me crimes." He was quiet, "A Dutch privateer blundered inta tha ship I was prisoner on an' took it as a prize. After I was out, they offered me a chance ta make the Anglish fear me, sae long as I privateer fer 'em fer ten years. I did sae, an' earned the Mistress in exchange." (d)
Beathag:She put her feet back on the opposite chair, skirt pulling away from the tips of black boots, white willow bark coming from the laces of another. It was an extraordinary tale to a person who still knew excitement when she heard it, common to seamen whom the water's bounds meant little or nothing. "N' Mari was how ye came o'er the other two. A life lived right down tae the last bit o' skin, Mr Flynn. One would give ye yarn the gift o' another. Have ye any questions fer meh?" (d)
Jack: The Irishman smiled, "Nae quiet. Only tha Lagan tis sworn ta Ulster. Tha Temptress tis me own ship, fer I captured her in battle." The Irishman was quiet for a while, then shook his head, "Nae, m'Lady. Ye 'ave already spun me a worthy yarn." He paused, "Dae he mind iffen we bring wee Seanna wit' us when we visit ye an' young Abodha next?" (D)
Beathag:"Nay, Aodhan is wonderful with wee ones..he'll suprise ye." Seanna, her niece Sorcha, and all children endeared a special place in the heart of the Duchess, especially the want to patron their growth, for Edme would never flourish now as they would. Her voice subsided only a little as she sighed, sipping at her drink (d)
Jack:The Irishman was quiet for a long while. The happings of the Griffin Castler were unknown to him, but he had heard the poor Aodhan mention a pool and saw sorrow now. The Irishman said, "Ye 'ave always been a friend ta me, Lady Bess. Tis there anythin' that ye wish ta speak o', er tha' me family can dae fer yer own?" (d)
Beathag:"Other than the pleasure o' yer company n' ye fortitude, mah friend..e'en ye could nay bring back the missin' pieces o' wot can't beh brought back." She sighed, the smile half lit, sorrowful. They were on the verge of another yarn (d)
Jack:There was a soft nod of his head. There was, of course, just a quick glance about to make sure no eyes were upon her before he reached out to lightly touch her hand, "The Ceannfort an' I are here fer ye, m'Lady. Tis clear tha' ye 'ave 'ad a loss... Pray, tell me o' it? Sae tha' we shall be able tae make offerin' o' mournin' wit' ye." (d)
Beathag:The public would not quaff a touch as that, a passing glance paid no more heed. If one was in the close company of her Ladyship, it was to be expected. Rough as the hands could be, twas said they were as gentle as a mothers, as sweet as a lover's, swift in combat as forthright as a friend's. She looked to him and said, "My daughter is dead." (d)
Jack:The Irishman nodded quietly. It was not coldness that kept his tongue still, but his unwillingness to say anything. What he could do, but appologize for her loss? Or say that the wee child had gone to a better place? He doubted that the Duchess longed to hear such words, she had no doubt already heard them many atime. "Wha' was her name, yer Grace?" (d)
Beathag: "Edme..Edme Anstice. Edme means, great loved, Anstice is the Scotts-Gaelic fer anastasia, born again. The Duke found her, after a Lowland Skirmish..all a'covered in ashes..just the sweetest thing ye e'er did see a'comin intae Inverness, in a banner cloth nay less fer he had nothin else.."(d)
Jack:The Irishman smiled softly, at hearing that story. "Ye an' yer Duke are kind souls, ta be takin' 'er in. Ye are good parents fer 'er, an' young Aodhan. I be proud o' ye both." (d)
Beathag:"Tha' is how Adam n' Ah met. He went by Marco Sudovaine then...n' needed tae find a goat..got him a heavy skin o' milk n' fed the child m'self n...wanted her sooner than Ah'll admit tae wanting the man," shechuckled a little. " Aodhan took to her n' she was nay quite four months then..twas a year agae..she was a'walkin n' a'talkin....." (d)
Jack: The Irishman was quiet for some time, "Reminds me o' 'ow I met Mairi. She was goin' by the name o' Colleen then, actin' a commoner. Durin' a meetin' I 'ad wit' 'er, Laura 'ad come up wit' Seanna in 'er arms fer tha wee 'un was wantin' 'er mum." There was a soft laugh, "Seanna was just lookin' ta talk there. Guess I 'ad been 'round 'er some much, tha one o' tha first words tha' she said was 'Da'." There was another laugh, "Thought Mairi like ta 'it me then. She always says tha' if Seanna 'ad nae 'ad me, Mairi woulda refused me tae." The third word, as far Jack knew, that Seanna had spoken was 'the sea'. (d)
Beathag: "Tha's tae sweet," she chuckled heartily, " The Ceannfort sparks me 'as a hard woman, mayhaps e'en harder than m'self, see, babes beh important tae such things....I see she is..expectin another?" What drinker took anything with water unless the belly had something within? She grinned a bit (d)
Jack:The Irishman grinned a bit, "Aye." He cleared his throat a bit, "Afore we left Ireland, Mairi 'ad made known ta me tha' she was gonna take me ta 'er bed as one o' 'er conquest. Guess she did nae expect ta gae this long." There was a smile, "We only completed tha' constortship ceremonies fer Beltaine just afore we reached port." The Irishman was proud to still bear the faint woad smudges, and no doubt Bess could tell by the way he stood a touch prouder as the Irishman discussed being taken as Mairi's Consort. There was soft frown, "T'was 'ard, tho. She 'ad nae gotten o'er Sean's loss when we met... an' she refused me Claddagh in Port Royal." Then he smiled softly, "But she 'as accepted it now." (D)
Beathag:"Sae, conquest equals bein' the consort tae the Ceannfort n'bedfellow n' painted marked man," she actually thought the marks on him were striking, a bold statement for a Celt man to wear so openly now. "Ah'm happy fer yeh both n'glad such events have come tae pass. A noble turn fer a pirate, ne'er was one more deservin." (d)
Jack: "Aye," he said. There was a pause, "I dun think she understood 'ow deeply I cared fer 'er, till just now....." He paused, "I told 'er tha' I wanted 'er ta ink these lines ta me flesh, sae all shall know an' nae doubt it." He smiled, "She said aye, only iffen I gave 'er a mark in return. She will be gettin' a Claddagh from me upon 'er left 'and." (d)
Beathag:"Ye know tis hard tae know wot carin' is fer such women as us, when ye've had it n' it gaes, ye doubt sooner than ye'll admit tae love. Leaves us a might jaded, yer good tae love her." (d)
Jack:The Irishman nodded his head quietly, "Aye. Ye are speakin' ta a man tha' has experinced it." There was a soft smile, "But 'as been worth it. I will be tha first ta admit tha'." (d)
Beathag:To hear Jack speak of it in such a way, she still a had hopes that Adam would have room in his grieving spirit to not belittle the faults in hers over much when he returned, to continue to love her the way she was, but all the same? She'd broken a promise by going out to Sleat, even she knew continuing to fight as she had would cost her more than head spells, visions, and ankle braces one day (d)
Jack:The Irishman had spoken the truth, when he had told Mairi that she and the Duchess had more incommon than she knew. Even now, the Irishman knew that Dunluce castle burned still in Mairi's heart. And it frightened him. (d)
Jack:As far as the Irish were concerned, there was nothing at all wrong with stopping for a shot of the uisce beatha in the middle of the day. And thus was it that the Irishman wandered into the Briar Rose, having decided that a brief break from the task at hand. The Irishman offered a smile those gathered inside, until he noticed the Duchess present. There was, of course, a half-bow to her quietly, "Good afternoon, Yer Grace." There was a soft cough, before he walked over toward her. There was a bit of a sheepish looks to his eyes as he approached where Rose and the Duchess were standing. Then he asked, "I 'ope tha the both ye can aide me in somethin'....." He paused, "I wonder iffen ye can be directin' me ta a dye maker's shop. I 'ave a mind ta 'ave some custome dyes made." (d)
Beathag: "Good afternoon, Captain Flynn. Rose, ye remember the Captain wot come in these last pair o' days? Captain, this is Mistress Rose Keyes, she owns the Briar Rose, finest food n' the city m'thinks." The woman gave a curtsy before going to fetch another pint so the man might sit with her Grace, "A dye maker's shop? Mm..there beh a few, dpends on how vibrant ye'd want ye color. In earnest, Ah have a bias." she grinned, "Ah found our Court Artisan makes the finest dyes, inks, n' paints does it all fer her own crafts. In fact " she pulle illustrated the rich tones in the brown cotton dress, rich sienna, ocher sables. Earth, mountains, crumbling sands. By no means anything drab. "Gae tae the market, half the competition will seek their apprentices from 'er reccomendation n' employ her elder students. Sae there'd be a better bet. Ye'll find her about now in the Hall o'Guilds either sellin' or teachin, n' if nay there perhaps in the Scholar's hall teachin' philosophy." (D)
Jack: It would be the word 'inks' that perked up the Irishman's ears. There was a smile as he considered what the Duchess had said. "Aye? Then I shall be more than pleased ta be tellin' Mairi 'bout this recommendation from ye." The Irishman smiled, "We 'ave been lookin' fer some vibrant inks o' late...." He shifted, clearly having another question in mind. Although whether he should ask such a respected personage as the Duchess. Although, should the Duchess inquire, she would be truthfully told. Jack took a few moments to compose himself, to allow his features to grow serious. "M'Lady Bess, I dae 'ave one question..... I am a man o' tha docks, an' grave rumors 'ave I been hearin' about yer village o' Sleat. Nae one seems ta truly know what 'as happened ta it. They simply agree tha' there once was a town by tha' name.... an' now there tis nae." The Irishman was quiet for a few moments. Then he asked, "In sendin' Ulster's fleet ta patrol tha waters off tha town, ye are sendin' some o' the most powerful ships in these waters up ta tha town. Ye've seen tha Mistress wit' yer own eyes.... I 'ave under me personal command another ship, tha Wicked Temptress, an' she is carrack tha' was built fer war an' another ship, a carvel by name o' tha Lagan, tis a sworn-ship ta tha Ceannfort." He watched her quietly, "What lurks near Sleat, tha ye would send such fire power ta the town?" (d)
Beathag: It was pleasing to know that she retained the ability to please someone. "Eirian will appreciate ye business, n' the visit Ah'm sure. Sit down, won't ye?" He could ask her about the naked backside of a drunkard paraded in the palace of an Emperor if he wished, he'd recieve the same style of candor. Most Duchess' stayed behind their walls with pale faces never being touched with sun. They didn't have callused hands the handmaiden had to tame only for them to reappear, nor knew what it was like to bleed to death from knife wounds instead of childbirth. He turned the talk to rumors from the sea, to which she replied, "They aren't rumors. Sleat is an outer retainin' wall, a harbor at the bottom o' the sea, n' many burned out homes. The reconstruction is only now commencin', the restitutions will see some o' the sturdy o' heart return home if they kin stomach the ghosts. Ah asked ye tae patrol, spare wot ships ye will, alongside the Griffin ships because in one night?" she put up one white, scarred finger. Weapons had rubbed those hands not too long ago, chaffed from the leather wrappings around a war axe," One night...one ship blew up the docks, two joined forces had already murdered half o' the night watch n' took their place, n' by the time we arrived, the MacDonalds o' Sleat had gotten the peasents tae revolt fer fear we'd come tae oust the last o' them out o' power in a bloody coup tae punish disobediance n' their war crimes. Nay, wot happened was enemies o' our allies found them here n' planned tae lure them out at sleat by razen the harbor down n' a raid...n' it turned intae a massacre." (d)
Jack: The Irishman had nodded quietly when the Duchess bade him to sit. As she spun her yarn of Sleat's down fall. The Irishman was quiet as she told him such a tragic tale, though she could see that he was listening and making careful notes on what she said. So there was a sunken ship in the docks? It was a navigation hazard and would need to be marked on the charts, if it hadn't already. The Irishman nodded quietly when she had finished, "Dae fergive me, miLady, but I shall need ta know all tha' ye can tell of tha night..... mainly concernin' the traitorus ships an' those wot attacked Sleat." He paused, "I spoke wit' a High Ranger earlier, an' she mentioned a blackguard by tha name o' Percival?" (D)
Beathag:"Percival 'Eight-Gazes' Vizharen, orchestrated the raid, teamed with a Destin Janus, leader o' the Sword Saints. N' they are nay common riff-raff, either. The first is responsible fer the murder o' the old Avarian Queen both are leaders o' some o' the most skilled fightin' forces with steal n' tactics ye've seen in Europe. His ship, black sailed, gunned, also manned by rowers..the Vigilant. Ah came a'sailin in the Sea Witch , with crew n' men fer the land, archers..our finest men, led by the General Maahes. By the time we got there..the dock was already explodin, blood ran in the streets. We encountered the vigilant, got in a good broadside shot tae her, she took out the stern, made a hard port intae the city, er wot was left o' it. Wot is at the bottom o' the water is pieces o' the Sea Witch, some o' the bodies o' the dead, the harbor..tis all bein' lifted as we speak n' dun away with. Wot more can Ah say? Utter confusion..chaos.. We fought, we bled, profusely..somehow we made it out alive. Fought some o' the ugliest men among the sword saints, slaughterin..anythin tae get tae wot they wanted, soliders, peasents..themselves. " (d)
Jack:"An' tha two traitorous ships? Did they be gaein' off wit' Eight-Gazes?" The Irishman asked. Then there was a long pause, before he looked to her. Then he said, "An' this Cap'n Eight-Gazes.... iffen I dae catch tha man, tis 'e a considered a pyrate by tha Griffin? An' may I treat 'im as such?" There could be no mistaking what the Irishman was asking. Pirates, even the hired ones, were hated through the lands. Their cold fate was a quick trail at the Assize Courts and a bit of hempen rope around their necks with a quick drop. And a sudden stop. Jack was asking permission to dispense with the Assize Courts if he cpatured Eight-Gazes. Was this the first time that Bess had seen the ruthless side of Jack? Or had she already heard the dock tales told about him? The tales that dubbed him the Dark Fae. (d)
Set In Her Way [6:04 P.M.]: "Dun get tae zealous, Jack. Tis a patrol n' surveillance sail..n' afore ye gae ye will meet with the survivors in the hall..fer in sleat they will grow weary o' toil n' faster still o' strangers, sae one shall gae with ye tae serve as a measure o' good faith. Iffn ye see him ye may encounter him AWAY from the village...n' ye will dae ye best tae bring him back in somethin close tae one piece. His head belongs tae the Avarian King...warranted he keep it here long enough."(d)
Jack: "Heh," The Irishman said as he took up tankard of whiskey. The smile, so elfin and somewhat cruel, spoke the words 'so you have heard of me.' Then his smile was obscured when the Irishman took a good swig of his whiskey. However, he would do as he was instructed, "As ye sae, m'Lady. " The Irishman would no go full-bore after Eight-Gazes. Jack's own family would be aboard. Then he raised a hand, and rubbed at his branded cheek. "Since ye 'ave spun me a story, I dun see why I cannae be spinnin' ye tale, iffen ye wish, 'bout tha brand an' 'ow I got it." It was odd, one might say. The brand started Jack on to another form of ritual scarification, although on that was not yet preformed. The Polynesians knew it well. (D)
Beathag:"I thought yeh fell intae a hot poker with a P on it is all," she shrugged, non-chalance marking the pasage of the tone into glib humor, reclining back as she waited in true curiousness to see just how Jack Flynn recieved his most glaring, prominent marker to date. (d)
Jack:The Irishman smiled softly, "Tis nae a great story ta tell.... As any o' tha merchants along tha docks, an' they'll tell ye m'father -- Andrew -- t'was a feckin' bastard o' a man." Jack drained his tankard, for another go. "An' they're right. 'E was a merciless wit' the scourge whne he applied, 'e was a lover o' whiskey,.... an' a feckin' coward." The Irishman was quiet for a long while, before he said, "The crew would nae take 'is cruelness any longer, an' they rose again' him. An' tha sealed me fate. I did nae 'elp the mutineers... but I did nae stand again them either." He paused, "Ye know 'ow tha Anglish are. Iffen a man does nae stoppin' a mutiny they count 'im a mutineer... an' a pirate." He was quiet awhile, "We got caught off tha coast o' India. They 'ung most o' tha crew at tha' very moment, only tha ringleaders an' I were kept live ta be hung at Execution Dock. They branded me face after they sentenced me... sae all would know me crimes." He was quiet, "A Dutch privateer blundered inta tha ship I was prisoner on an' took it as a prize. After I was out, they offered me a chance ta make the Anglish fear me, sae long as I privateer fer 'em fer ten years. I did sae, an' earned the Mistress in exchange." (d)
Beathag:She put her feet back on the opposite chair, skirt pulling away from the tips of black boots, white willow bark coming from the laces of another. It was an extraordinary tale to a person who still knew excitement when she heard it, common to seamen whom the water's bounds meant little or nothing. "N' Mari was how ye came o'er the other two. A life lived right down tae the last bit o' skin, Mr Flynn. One would give ye yarn the gift o' another. Have ye any questions fer meh?" (d)
Jack: The Irishman smiled, "Nae quiet. Only tha Lagan tis sworn ta Ulster. Tha Temptress tis me own ship, fer I captured her in battle." The Irishman was quiet for a while, then shook his head, "Nae, m'Lady. Ye 'ave already spun me a worthy yarn." He paused, "Dae he mind iffen we bring wee Seanna wit' us when we visit ye an' young Abodha next?" (D)
Beathag:"Nay, Aodhan is wonderful with wee ones..he'll suprise ye." Seanna, her niece Sorcha, and all children endeared a special place in the heart of the Duchess, especially the want to patron their growth, for Edme would never flourish now as they would. Her voice subsided only a little as she sighed, sipping at her drink (d)
Jack:The Irishman was quiet for a long while. The happings of the Griffin Castler were unknown to him, but he had heard the poor Aodhan mention a pool and saw sorrow now. The Irishman said, "Ye 'ave always been a friend ta me, Lady Bess. Tis there anythin' that ye wish ta speak o', er tha' me family can dae fer yer own?" (d)
Beathag:"Other than the pleasure o' yer company n' ye fortitude, mah friend..e'en ye could nay bring back the missin' pieces o' wot can't beh brought back." She sighed, the smile half lit, sorrowful. They were on the verge of another yarn (d)
Jack:There was a soft nod of his head. There was, of course, just a quick glance about to make sure no eyes were upon her before he reached out to lightly touch her hand, "The Ceannfort an' I are here fer ye, m'Lady. Tis clear tha' ye 'ave 'ad a loss... Pray, tell me o' it? Sae tha' we shall be able tae make offerin' o' mournin' wit' ye." (d)
Beathag:The public would not quaff a touch as that, a passing glance paid no more heed. If one was in the close company of her Ladyship, it was to be expected. Rough as the hands could be, twas said they were as gentle as a mothers, as sweet as a lover's, swift in combat as forthright as a friend's. She looked to him and said, "My daughter is dead." (d)
Jack:The Irishman nodded quietly. It was not coldness that kept his tongue still, but his unwillingness to say anything. What he could do, but appologize for her loss? Or say that the wee child had gone to a better place? He doubted that the Duchess longed to hear such words, she had no doubt already heard them many atime. "Wha' was her name, yer Grace?" (d)
Beathag: "Edme..Edme Anstice. Edme means, great loved, Anstice is the Scotts-Gaelic fer anastasia, born again. The Duke found her, after a Lowland Skirmish..all a'covered in ashes..just the sweetest thing ye e'er did see a'comin intae Inverness, in a banner cloth nay less fer he had nothin else.."(d)
Jack:The Irishman smiled softly, at hearing that story. "Ye an' yer Duke are kind souls, ta be takin' 'er in. Ye are good parents fer 'er, an' young Aodhan. I be proud o' ye both." (d)
Beathag:"Tha' is how Adam n' Ah met. He went by Marco Sudovaine then...n' needed tae find a goat..got him a heavy skin o' milk n' fed the child m'self n...wanted her sooner than Ah'll admit tae wanting the man," shechuckled a little. " Aodhan took to her n' she was nay quite four months then..twas a year agae..she was a'walkin n' a'talkin....." (d)
Jack: The Irishman was quiet for some time, "Reminds me o' 'ow I met Mairi. She was goin' by the name o' Colleen then, actin' a commoner. Durin' a meetin' I 'ad wit' 'er, Laura 'ad come up wit' Seanna in 'er arms fer tha wee 'un was wantin' 'er mum." There was a soft laugh, "Seanna was just lookin' ta talk there. Guess I 'ad been 'round 'er some much, tha one o' tha first words tha' she said was 'Da'." There was another laugh, "Thought Mairi like ta 'it me then. She always says tha' if Seanna 'ad nae 'ad me, Mairi woulda refused me tae." The third word, as far Jack knew, that Seanna had spoken was 'the sea'. (d)
Beathag: "Tha's tae sweet," she chuckled heartily, " The Ceannfort sparks me 'as a hard woman, mayhaps e'en harder than m'self, see, babes beh important tae such things....I see she is..expectin another?" What drinker took anything with water unless the belly had something within? She grinned a bit (d)
Jack:The Irishman grinned a bit, "Aye." He cleared his throat a bit, "Afore we left Ireland, Mairi 'ad made known ta me tha' she was gonna take me ta 'er bed as one o' 'er conquest. Guess she did nae expect ta gae this long." There was a smile, "We only completed tha' constortship ceremonies fer Beltaine just afore we reached port." The Irishman was proud to still bear the faint woad smudges, and no doubt Bess could tell by the way he stood a touch prouder as the Irishman discussed being taken as Mairi's Consort. There was soft frown, "T'was 'ard, tho. She 'ad nae gotten o'er Sean's loss when we met... an' she refused me Claddagh in Port Royal." Then he smiled softly, "But she 'as accepted it now." (D)
Beathag:"Sae, conquest equals bein' the consort tae the Ceannfort n'bedfellow n' painted marked man," she actually thought the marks on him were striking, a bold statement for a Celt man to wear so openly now. "Ah'm happy fer yeh both n'glad such events have come tae pass. A noble turn fer a pirate, ne'er was one more deservin." (d)
Jack: "Aye," he said. There was a pause, "I dun think she understood 'ow deeply I cared fer 'er, till just now....." He paused, "I told 'er tha' I wanted 'er ta ink these lines ta me flesh, sae all shall know an' nae doubt it." He smiled, "She said aye, only iffen I gave 'er a mark in return. She will be gettin' a Claddagh from me upon 'er left 'and." (d)
Beathag:"Ye know tis hard tae know wot carin' is fer such women as us, when ye've had it n' it gaes, ye doubt sooner than ye'll admit tae love. Leaves us a might jaded, yer good tae love her." (d)
Jack:The Irishman nodded his head quietly, "Aye. Ye are speakin' ta a man tha' has experinced it." There was a soft smile, "But 'as been worth it. I will be tha first ta admit tha'." (d)
Beathag:To hear Jack speak of it in such a way, she still a had hopes that Adam would have room in his grieving spirit to not belittle the faults in hers over much when he returned, to continue to love her the way she was, but all the same? She'd broken a promise by going out to Sleat, even she knew continuing to fight as she had would cost her more than head spells, visions, and ankle braces one day (d)
Jack:The Irishman had spoken the truth, when he had told Mairi that she and the Duchess had more incommon than she knew. Even now, the Irishman knew that Dunluce castle burned still in Mairi's heart. And it frightened him. (d)
