The Black Swan

[JD Black]

[shadow=red,left,300] [glow=blue,2,300]Dance of Fate [/glow] [/shadow]

[shadow=yellow,left,300] [glow=blue,2,300]"Ever Dance with the Devil under the pale moonlight?"

"What if both shared the same Devilish soul?"[/glow] [/shadow]

[shadow=black,left,300] SSDD[/shadow]

The tall, dark pirate steps between Gav and his dance partner:: "Pardon me, sir...but I believe this dance is mine." Collecting the vivacious woman into his arms before either could protest, and he smiles with a wink down at her. He had been watching her from afar, and she intrigued him greatly. A bold man he was, so he'd make introductions in his way.

"Hmmm." Just simply grins as her partners change in mid-step. The transition would move smoothly, and the rum offered to her new dance partner. " Well hello, tall, dark, and handsome." Seductive was that tone, yet not a seductive bone rested in the heartless swashbucklers body.

Looks down upon her with eyes dark as the night, yet filled with the glint of mischief. Without a word he takes the rum. He tightens his hold upon her waist, not overly tight, but pleasantly firm. A wink of an eye is his thanks for the rum. He drinks and tilts his head just slightly as he savors the taste. "Not bad. Of course, I'd expect no less from one like you." A grin makes is obvious that he knows that she knows that he's flirting.


Which gained him a low, throaty chuckle. "One like me, ay?" Slim raven brow on the rise, as the intensity of those ocean blue eyes would meet those of pitch and hold "You must have me placed quite highly. To what do I owe such a compliment?" Head to tilt slightly as she watched him closely. "If it's meant to gain entry into my pants, I'd suggest the nearest knot hole, or barnical to satisfy yourself." A wicked twist of a smirk to now appear. " You'd have better luck. "

His laughter reveals near perfect, white teeth; his eyes join in the laughter with lines that reveal laugher is no stranger to him "You misjudge my intentions. I don't even know you!"

Again that throaty chuckle to sound. "So? You're a man, are you not?" Hips to press forward with a slight rub. "Most men think with what's between their legs, rather than what rests upon their shoulders." Smirk to grow even more. Insult? Perhaps so. Did she care? Not one iota. Keeping close as they moved about the floor, barreling over any that made the mistake of getting in the path of their dance. Shouts and curses to be directed at them. Not that she gave them a moment of thought, all focus was on the man who held her in his arm. Snagging the jug of rum from his hand, a healthy swallow to be taken. It was then her gaze would meet his in full once more. "So, if I'm mistaking your intention, why don't you correct the error of my thoughts in telling me what they are." Offering the jug back.

"You're right. Most men do think with what's between their legs - and they end up either dead or poor. I intend to end up neither of those." He takes jug back and more than matches her swallow. "My intentions?" He wipes a little rum off his lips with the back of his hand which holds the jug. He grins seductively. "Why, nothing more than a dance with a beautiful woman, and a few swallows of good rum. Disappointed?" The twinkle in his eye reveals he's enjoying this game she plays.

A glance down, then back up at him. He was quite amusing, and that would be so noted by the glimmer which appeared within those cold depths of blue. "Disappointed? ... Just a tad. I had envisioned my blade exposing your entrails. I guess that will has to await another day and another dance." Saucy wink directed up at him, and the jug would be snagged to take another drink. She had gained somewhat of an immunity to the stuff. Drinking nearly twenty-four, seven, did that to a person.

He liked the spunk of this woman, and something in her mannerisms and confidence told him that she had the strength to back up those words - at least with most men. "Well, my entrails offer you their thanks for keeping them so unexposed."

"Oh, they're most welcomed. For now. Things can change for the most slight of reasons." Always good to keep them on their toes. Ballet dancers she had caused even the most gruff of personas to become. Again the jug was on the rise, before she'd offer it back so he could quench his thrust. "So, you got a name? Or do I get to create one of me own?" Grin to now replace that smirk, a slight lean back to gain a head to toe appraisal of her dancing partner.

d**n, he liked her spunk. He stopped the dance and put his knuckles to his hips and just looked at her - up and down. He stood 6'2" and his hair was jet black, tied back in a ponytail (with a strip of red cloth) that fell between his shoulder blades. He wore a black, silk shirt and black boots that covered tight, black pants. He had a pure silver chain about his neck. She would not have been wrong if she had guessed he liked 'black', and therefore his response should also have come at no great surprise. "The name's James Black. I'm captain of the Sea Wolf."

Now that gained a rise of a brow, as she stood back and openly appraised him in full. Her own slender, curvaceous figure was dressed in much the same manner as himself. A dark cobalt blue cotton shirt, worn beneath the tight fitting vest of black satin. Black pants, clung to those shapely legs possessively, only to disappear within the tops of boots, that raised to end just above her knees. "Interesting name you hold Captain." Stated as her gaze moved back up, slowly, so that ocean blues pinned pitch black in their hold. "JD .... Captain JD Black, of the Black Swan." Would be her own response, as she watched for a reaction to her words. Any who traveled the seas might know the name, but not realize it was attached to a woman. The playbills had a man being accused for her horrific crimes.

A single brow raised even as the smile faded, his recognition of the name would have been obvious to her. His smile returned. "Pleased to meet you JD. Seems we have more in common than I thought." So, she was the one who had him on the run for crimes he had not committed, although he certainly had enough of his own. Fate had certainly provided a dance that gave him more than just the pleasure of the touch of her body. He would not let on about problems she was causing him. Instead, he took her into his arms once more. "There's another verse to be danced to. Hate to waste the music."

She didn't pull away when he drew her to him, easily was she collected into his arms. Her own to lift, and casually drape over his shoulders. He towered over her slightly, being only five foot six, herself. Long dark hair fell freely over shoulders, the ends to flow about the mid portion of her back. "Being captains does give us a bit of common ground. Question is, just how common is it?" Interest to now grow. She knew of several Captains whom carried the name 'Black', though it was usually placed in the beginning of their name. He would be the first that she had ever met, that carried the surname that was alike her own. Her father being long gone, she having been at his side with the intake of his last breath, the name was buried with him at sea. Or so she had thought.

He half expected her to pull away from his advance. That she didn't might indicate that she didn't realize the trouble she was causing him - might. He would reserve judgement. "Seems we do have a bit in common. There are many captains in these waters - some good, some bad, but very few with the surname 'Black'." He took the jug and pressed it to his lips for two long swallows, leaving not much left as he lowered the jug to his side. "I do hope you're good". And he meant that in more ways than one.

A wry twist to that smirk. "I'm very good, in many things, Captain Black. It all depends on what's being questioned." Again her throaty chuckle to sound. "In some things..." Leaning a bit closer. "...I'm very, very bad." The last spoken in hushed tones. She meant not in bad, as unable to tend to a task properly. There was very little she couldn't do, or succeed in when attempted. And, if she did, she'd never openly admit to it, only blame it on someone else to be the cause of failure. There was a suspicion, that this man might be the one whom was being accused of her crimes. There was quite a resemblance to the face that was upon the playbills. Just the thought of this did cause her grin to grow. Though he spoke not of the situation, so she'd not cross that boundary, not yet. The jug would be snagged, as a hand lowered. The last would be for her consumption, then the jug was haphazardly tossed to the side. Pity the poor drunk who was passed out as they danced by, for the jug would shatter against the side of his head. No longer would the alcohol be the only reason for his being out cold.

No longer hindered by the jug of rum, he slipped both arms about her body. "Well, I've seen several things that you are good at - including your aim with a rum jug." He brought his cheek down close to hers and whisper into her ear, "It's those very, very bad things that have my interest."

Chin to tip up slightly, this would place her lips very close to his ear, as the surprisingly softness of her cheek was to touch against his own. Proof that the elements that had tanned her features, had not yet caused damage to the flesh in making it feel leathery, or dry. "Really now." A hushed whisper, the warmth of her breath to be felt against his skin. "Just which bad things are you interested in? Perhaps I could help you along." She held no trust for the man that held her, though there was no fear either. Life and death was a natural part of existence. If his intention was for her death, she'd be prepared to ensure it would be his that would be gained, as she continued with life; perhaps with a few new scars. The very scars she wore like a medal, as any who fought would.

He had to chuckle at her response. If he had to suffer for the deeds of a woman, he was quite pleased that it was a women of this caliper. Had she been unworthy, she'd have already had her throat slit and the 'Wanted' posted pinned to her chest with the blade of a knife. JD intrigued him. Perhaps she was worth the trouble she had caused. "I beg your forgiveness, JD. I've no right to ask such a question. Perhaps, if our paths cross more than this once, I'll have the pleasure of discovering for myself the very good and the very bad." The music had stopped, and he let his hand slide from her back to her hips.

Her own arms were propped upon his shoulders, hands to dangle over the other side. Be it by accident, or purposeful movement, fingers would occasionally brush against the back of his neck. A light caress that would be barely felt, though leave a lingering tingle of having been there once drawn away. "Forgiveness?" That gained him a chuckle. "For what? Speaking your mind?" Head drew back to allow her to look up at him. "If you didn't mean it, it wouldn't have been stated. Never apologize for speaking your mind or thoughts. I know you're not that weak." Brow rose as blues held those blackened depths. A touch of a smirk to rest upon the fullness of lips. "You'll know when you over step my lines of propriety. You'll either lose your tongue, an eye, or your life." Smirk to grow here, with a wicked twist. Either she was joking or serious. It would be best to take the latter as being what she was.

He loved the feel of her hands upon his shoulders, and he could just imagine the feel of this woman in his bed; but he put aside such thoughts for now. "Ah but you assume that what my mind determines to speak is appropriate, and I assure you it almost never is." His grin widened, showing those white teeth. "Then I shall be careful where I step, JD, for I have no intention of losing - anything." He gave her a wink. "Thank you for a lovely evening, Captain. May you always have favorable winds." He pulled back and gave a gentlemanly bow. "I look forward to our next meeting!"

Slowly that smirk would form upon her lips. Arms drew away, as a step back was taken. "If, there is ever to be another meeting, Captain Black." Wink directed up at him. "If there is, pray you, that it's on the same terms as this night, and not another." Warning clear and concise, it would leave nothing to the imagination. "Stiff wind in your sails, Captain." Two fingered salute from the temple, then an about turn upon heel. Another salute to those in passing, that she had spent the evening drinking with. It would then be towards the door she'd make way, stepping out into the night. There she'd be reunited with a few of her crewmen, and the group would make way back to the area where a small boat awaited them. This utilized to carry them back to where the Black Swan rested, anchored off shore. It was time for them to return to the area they called home. Cobalt blue sails in place of the usual black, no need to draw attention to themselves at the moment. The Island they had taken refuge upon, would soon disappear in their wake, as they headed out towards the open sea.

[JD Black]

[shadow=red,left,300] [glow=blue,2,300]Homeward Bound [/glow] [/shadow]

[shadow=black,left,300] SSDD[/shadow]



From Liverpool docks we bid adieu
To Suke, and Sal, and Kittie too
The anchor's weighed and the sails unfurl
We're bound to cross the watery row
For we know we're outward bound
Hurrah, we're outward bound

The wind it blows from the east nor'east
Our ship will scud ten knots at least
The purser would our wants supply
So while with life we'll never say die


And should we touch at Malabar
Or any other quarters far
Our purser he will tip the chink
And just like fishes we will drink


Then at last our captain comes on board
Our sails are bent, we're manned and stored
The Peter's hoisted at the fore
Good-bye to the girls we'll see no more
For we know we're homeward bound
Hurrah, we're homeward bound


One day the man on the look-out
Proclaims a sail with a joyful shout
"Can you make her out?" "I think I can;
She's a pilot standing out from the land"


And when we're hauled into Liverpool docks
Them bloomers all come 'round in flocks
Them pretty girls, we hear 'em say
"Here comes Jack with his twelve-month pay"


Next we go to the Dog and Bell
Where there's good vittle there to sell
When in comes Archie with a smile
"Drink up me boys, it's worth your while"


When poor Jack's money is gone and spent
Nor more to be had, no more to be lent
Then in comes Archie with a frown
Saying "Rise up Jack, let John sit down"


And so poor Jack must understand
There's ships in the harbour needing hands
So stows his gear like he did before
And says farewell to the Liverpool shore
For he knows he's outward bound
Hurrah, he's outward bound

______________________________________________________

The trip back would be all but uneventful. It was as if anything that could go wrong, would. After a few days, she and the crew would let their guard down and enjoy the hours of sailing at sea. It was something that always soothed her, especially now as they headed back for home. That was when all their troubles began.

It started with one of the most rogue of circumstances, the Black Swan II had sailed over what seemed to be a rocky formation in the middle of nothing but a watery desert. No explanation could be found, of how such a thing came to be in the middle of nowhere.

The crew had to battle massive sharks, as they entered the water to fix the bow's hull the best they could. It would be during this time, two good men would be lost. Their screams for help still rang in all of their ears, as the great whites converged upon the water treading builders. Five men would be pulled back on deck, the last two, now joined Davey Jones and Horatio Black, in their watery graves.

The repair without, and within, had been enough to keep the Black Swan II stable for sailing. None would test the guardians of the sea anymore. Further repairs would be done from inside, all praying that the wind would carry them swiftly home before the timber patch would give way.

Several more days would pass, and just when all thought they could breath relief, a storm would swiftly move in upon the two ships. Twenty foot waves rocking them about, as if nothing more than a piece of driftwood. The Black Swan I would take the damage this time.

The winds began to get stronger and the waves got higher, everyone was being tossed about on the ship, like rag dolls Water rushed over the decks of the ship making it seem so small in a great, great sea. All of a sudden it happened, the wind began to blow. Oh how it blew! It was the beginning of a gale.

The ship rode the waves and wind like a bucking horse. The storm hit with a force so strong that all most could do was hang on to the nearest post and pray for their safety. Suddenly a line broke and the sail was flapping around so violently that many though it would bring the mast right down and through the ship’s deck.

One of the crewmen ran up to the mast, with his rigger’s knife in his hand. The gallant sailor climbed aloft. While he clung to the mast he quickly cut the rigging lines that held that flapping sail. He saved the mast with that one quick cut.

By this time, the water was rushing about three feet deep across the decks and to many, they really thought the ship would sink. Again a freak experience, for as soon as it came, it was gone. No sign of the torrent rains and gusting winds. The rolling waves that threatened to capsize the ship, and suck it down into it's watery grave.

Once the seas got calmer, the ship's surgeon took out the medical kit. He had to tend to the wounds the sailors got while fighting the storm. They had slashed arms and legs. Some had cuts on their faces and heads. Mister Flynn had to actually used a mending needle to sew up one sailor’s leg. A large piece of a mast had cut though his leg. Whiskey was given to all hands to help them forget the pain they were suffering.

It was as if the storm was a forewarning, and soon that would be brought to light. Perhaps all that transpired those days before, was an omen to stay their sails. Still the Black Swans would continue on, and that's when the final occurrence took place. For those who were considered the scourge of the sea, blood thirsty, and heartless. None were unaffected by what they witnessed. A chill to be cast deep within their very bones.

It would be during the middle watch, the unknown, nor foreseen, ship crossed our bows. She first appeared as a strange red light, as if a ship all aglow, in the midst of which light her spars, masts and sails, seemingly those of a normal brig, some 200 yards distant from us, stood out in strong relief as she came up. Our lookout man on the forecastle reported her close to our port bow, where also the officer of the watch from the bridge clearly saw her, as did our quarter-deck midshipman, who was sent forward at once to the forecastle to report back. But on reaching there, no vestige, nor any sign of the ship, was to be seen either near or away on the horizon

It would be in the wake of this, many began to question if they still lived or not. Others began to rumor that whatever evil was on the ship, was perhaps that awakened, that took Captain Horatio and his men several years before. Superstitions created, fear ran rampant. It was all she could do, to keep the men from over throwing her command, in mutiny.

The morning came with a brightness, that seemed to ebb some of the men back into a normalcy. Several more days to pass, and soon the shoreline of Blacks Bay would be in sight. Only then did tempers calm, and fears became saited. Full sails would be set, to carry the two ships back to home.

Battered were the ships and men, if it effected the Captain, none would ever know. Several of the men decided to change their choice of duty. Signing up to work the docks, swearing to never set foot on a ship again.

It would be in the local taverns, that the men would spin their tales of what happened upon their return. The first two stories would have many an old timer nodding in remembrance. Though, it would be the ship that disappeared, that had all sitting on the edge of their seats. A ghost ship perhaps, of one of the greater vessels lost at sea. Much speculation would be added to the tale as it was passed along the rumor vine of the dock and market areas. A typical story, that would start out with a minnow and end with a whale.

The fact remained, both crews of the Black Swans had seen her. A vision that caused their very blood to run cold. For the first time, in perhaps most of their lives, the men were thankful to be upon land, and in no hurry to return to the vast oceans and open seas.

[/size]

[JD Black]

[shadow=red,left,300] [glow=blue,2,300]Reaper of the Sea

-=The Hunt for the Red Ghost to begin=-

[/glow] [/shadow]

[shadow=black,left,300] SSDD[/shadow]

So many matters to be tended to, and all would be personally seen to by the scourge of the sea. The situation with Carlotta taken care of, now there was her own problem that needed to be dealt with. Something was out there, something that scared several of her crewmen straight. Not as if they were flamboyantly other than manly, but their love of the sea had been lack blustered, and their tales was making it hard to replace their bodies where needed.

It had been quite some time since she used the ulterior actions for gaining men to man the hoists, riggings, and mains. Many years ago it was, when she use to have a passed out drunk hauled upon ship, chained to support beam in the cargo hold. Or a young man who was out muscled, to find he had no choice in his career. Hard to say no when out in the middle of the ocean.

It never failed, when they seen the pouches of gold they'd get after a haul, they'd stay on without question. Or the free flowing whiskey, rum, and grog to whet their whistles, would keep a drinking man's devotion true.

"Blood 'ell, ye bunc' o' scally wags, products o' drippin's down dae leg o' a w'ore. It was but a trick o' the storm I be tellin' ye. T'ere be nae a s'ip t'at be more fiercer t'an dae Black Swan 'n 'er crew! Stop ye belly akin 'n assemble a crew. We'ra goin' 'untin'." Bellowed at the men who scampered to ready both ships. She stood upon the dock, fists resting upon hips. The intensity of those cold oceanic depths, boring down upon the men who were set to the task of mending and restocking.


The Black Swan I, a Square-Rigger, is the flag ship. Many people do not realize that, like other sailing fleets, pirates often had more than one ship, and some pirates had flagships in their fleets. Her size, 110 feet long on the main deck, allowed her to carry up to 200 men (Although now, only 166 remained). In addition, her capacity to carry cargo made her an excellent transport for the collected swag of a pirate flotilla. She housed 20 cannons and 8 swivel guns, proficiently manned by Mister Zachary "Dead Eye" Tinney and his Gunner Mates.

When they set to sea, to openly apply their trade. JD would be upon the Black Swan II, preparing for intercepts. The man she often trusted to over see the Black Swan I's men and captain the helm during these times, was none other than one Mr. Daniel "Mad Dan" Gibbs. Midshipman by trade, until his promotion due to her own acquisition of the Black Swan II. That was before he was murdered by the Ton. By Admiral Randall Simon Cain himself. JD personally seen to the Admiral's demise. It was now Mister Edward "Red Eye " Flynn, her former First Mate, that manned the helm in her behalf. Whilst Mister Jack "Mad Dogg" Dunlap, stood as First Mate at her side.

The Black Swan II is a Brigantine, distinguished by two masts for and aft, and could reach speeds up to 11 knots. .... The shallow-draft, two mast brigand's ship provided great maneuverability and speed from it's various square and fore/aft-rigged sail possibilities. This ship was first choice for prolonged battles instead of quick hits, or utilized to come from the rear, when all attention was on the main ship bearing down upon the chosen target/prey.

A larger cargo area combined with moderate firepower meant the versatile brigantine could be utilized for carrying away the bounty often gained. 80 foot in length, it carried 100 men easily(Though now only 85 remained). It's 12 cannons and 4 swivel guns would make it deadly as well as fast, along with the talent of Mister Mad William "Bloody Bill" Flint and his proficient Gunners Mates.

Another feature of that endeared brigand was her shallow draft. This enabled her to navigate in shallow waters. A spoil of war, would be the explanation of how it was gained. She too would hoist the black sails of the flag ship. A display that would mirror the larger vessel of her father's.

Imagine the fear that ran through the hearts of sailors and captains alike, when they seen the full sails of black bearing down upon them. Those that tried to run from the main ship, would soon be made well aware of their mistake, when the smaller twin of the larger ship, would bear down upon them.

Many of the men were from the crews of merchant ships, either forced into service or volunteered to keep their neck. Some were deserters of the Navy or ex-military men looking for employment. Why so many willingly turning to the life of pirates? Why endure the hardship of being a pirate, especially since being a pirate was punishable by death -- hanging?

Life aboard a merchant ship or in the Navy was brutal. Discipline was harsh and severe. The more known punishments aboard ships were keelhauling (being scraped across the barnacles on a ship's bottom), walking the plank, going through a gauntlet, hanging, being dunked in the sea or towed from the yardarms, flogged with a rawhide whip or beaten with a cane.

In some cases an officer might dip a rope in tar and flog the sailor. Other punishment that sailors endured that is not spoken of much is eating bugs, such as thingyroaches, physical beatings, jamming a sailors mouth with iron bolts. All this created a hatred for authority, the common bond of pirates.


They found not only a fierce leader in their lovely Captain, JD Black, but a woman who could negotiation better than any politician, and make the other believe they came out the benefactor, or held the upper hand. Deception was one of her greatest assets. Under her command they found the weight of coins in their pouches to grow quite steadily, not to mention the bobbles and priceless items gained on a raid. Wealth and power through darker means.

Not a tear to be shed for the flow of red, unless it came from their own. But that was only a result of their happiness in the split being more due to one less pouch to be filled. Although, JD wasn't fully heartless. If one of her men died that had a family, his family would never want for anything again; as long as she was able to provide.

These are the ships and the men who crew them, that were making preparations to return to the untamed seas, to seek out that which was causing some of the most fierce men to give up sailing all together. Those who prepared to set off to find the red glowing ship, were as cold and heartless as the very Captain they followed. No mercy would be shown, when they came upon whom ever was inhibiting their trade.

You can mess with a pirates woman, since they had several in every port. Even take their bottle of drink, if the fool didn't mind the backwash that would be found. A pirates way of marking what was his, but when you mess with their lively hood, that would have them fighting mad. The crew of the Black Swans were mad (insane) as it was, now their ire was raised, which would make them more dangerous than usual.

[JD Black]

[shadow=red,left,300] [glow=blue,2,300]Black on Black
[/glow] [/shadow]

[shadow=black,left,300] SSDD[/shadow]

JD had gone to her usual haunt for the night, for several reasons. To get away from the docks for a little while, to get sloppy drunk, and perhaps find a fat dandy to target, or someone worthy to snag for her crew. It was during this time, that she'd gain unsuspected company. No sooner had she ordered her chosen drink of the evening, when the bottle was snagged from the bar. She had turned with a dagger in hand, ready to eviserate whom ever had the balls to steal her drink. Quite surprised she was to find one Captain James Black standing there grinning down at her. This would be the beginning of the battle of verbiage to break out between the two sea captains. When he started to rip roar about the playbill he waved about, she did the only thing she could think of, lure him out of the tavern, and away from the crowd. Down the road towards the docks, her personal safe haven, and one of the dark alley ways there. Her men were close, if needed, though she called not upon any as the battle of words raged on....

"I don't give a d**n who's crimes they are or who's behind the bloody poster!"

"Nae ye say, but back at me favorite watering hole, ye bellowed such accusations. If that wasn't your intent, then it's you who are stupid!" Angrily replied.


"I had to know, JD. I had to know who I'd be doin' the dance for. If it was you, I wouldn't have minded! If you didn't run off like a rabbit you'd have known that by now!" he still shouted down the alley. "Come back and talk to me, dammit!"


The silloutte of a form began to slowly emerge from the dark shadows of the alley way. At it's end she'd come to a hault, half basked in shadows, features barely lit by distant lamp light. "There's better ways of finding out, Captain Black. You dishonored the code, in that public display back there. You are a disgrace to all who stand against parliments and their unjust laws."


Watches the silhouette appear, his anger has now faded. "Disgrace? It was MY picture on that poster. Not yours. If anything, I exposed myself to others who would collect the bounty."


"Even if the picture on that playbill was mine, and the crimes listed upon it yours. I would have sought you out for a private meeting to tend to the business at hand. You, you come forth to destroy my only safe haven, for what? To blat your accusastions, to which you have not a shred of evidence to back it up. Then tell me it was all because you sought for me?" Spats to the side. "Yes, you are the disgrace."


"I bloody d**n well looked for you in private. What did I find? Only the news that you are engaged to be married...and to a bounty hunter! Now THERE's a disgrace!"


"Since when is it a disgrace to keep enemies close and off guard, to protect one's interst?" Lowly growled in return. "Again you blab your lips on matters you have no knowledge of. I suggest you climb back aboard that floating piece of driftwood of yours and pray you, that come the morning, your sails can no longer be seen." Slowly she began to step back into those shadows.


Paces around the dock...his hand moving to the back of his neck in frustration, then what she just said is absorbed. "Wait! What do you mean by enemies close?" ::he wonders if he has indeed just made as big a fool of himself as she has accused him of::



"You're suppose to be the smart one here, or so you claim. Figure it out, Captain Black." Spoken as the last of the light would be hidden from, as she stepped deeper into the alley's shadowed confines.


Kicks a crate so hard it splinters. "Women!" He looks down the alley. "I came to Dockside just to see you again!! I don't care about anything else" shouted down the alley.


"You chose a poor way to do that, Captain Black. Making an enemy in me, is nae a good way to get to face me off again." Called back towards him.


His teeth clenched in frustration. "Look at it from my side, JD, and you'd have done the same thing! If it was your picture there with the name James Black, and I was marrying a bounty hunter, wouldn't you have been just a little suspicious that I was in league with the bounty hunter to set you up and collect the gold?" spoken into the darkened alley way.
"How do you think I felt, dammit all!"


"That's the difference between you and I, Captain Black. You see, I utilize informants to find what I want to know. Not making a spectical of myself in a public setting. A fool is he who draws attention upon himself, when annonymity is what should be maintained with firm grasp. You, Sir, are the fool." Would be the echo of words to return.


"Attention!? HA! I think having my d**n bloody picture posted everywhere already did a fine job as far as attention goes! It's easy for you to say!" Realizes he has lost any chance at a relationship with JD, business or otherwise. "Okay, I'll admit I was wrong."


"Ay, for it wasn't I who waved a picture around in a crowded tavern and announced it was I upon the playbill. Now every sword itching to laiden their pockets with gold, shall be drawn here and looking for you." Could he hear that smirk in her voice.


At that he had to laugh. "I doubt it was the first for anyone to see that poster. And you can be thankful it's me they'll pointing their swords at." He put his hands on his hips. "I was a fool, alright. No argument about that!"


"Ay, for come the morning, Captain JD Black shall cease to exist." There was such a finality to those words, perhaps a prediction of her own death?


"What? What are you talking about?" He walked into the ally, no longer caring about his safety. "JD...where are you."


"An end to a means, the final escape." From deep within the shadows, would her voice rise. Beyond the reach of any light, with the lack of moonlight above, it made it all the more darker. "Why, I'm right here, where I stand." Distant still was her voice, yet he was slowly closing in.


His clothes and black hair were absorbed into the blackness of the alley, himself merely a shadow in the dark. "JD," his voice had softened with concern, "what are you talking about?" Suddenly they were upon each other....his body stopped as they touched.



"It doesn't matter James." When she felt him touch her, she'd step aside. They weren't alone in that alley, he would come to find as darker shadows shifted around them.


He first felt the presence of the others, but he didn't care. "JD, don't do it. I'll give myself up to the King's men."His arm reached out and felt her arm, her own shawdow could not be seen.


"There are no such things as hero's James ... only bigger fools with romantic ideas, that end up in their death." Any time she felt him close, she'd shift gain out of reach.


"We all give up our freedom in different ways. One is no more foolish than the other." "For me, it's just a matter of time anyway. I doesn't have to be that way for you."


A short bark of laughter. "Go away for a time? James, if they capture you, they'll hang you. Haven't you heard? All pirates captured shall be hung from the neck, upon a special platform along the English coast. No trial, no burden in proving crimes. All someone has to do is point you out, and claim you're responsible for the crime, whether you committed them or not."


Shakes his head. "You've misunderstood yet again. You think I don't know what they do? I mean it's just a matter of time before they either catch me or I'm shot dead by some piss ass fool looking for the bounty."


"What do you want from me, James?" This time her voice came from the opposite side than it had just a moment before.


His body turned to follow the voice...a curt laugh couldn't be helped. "What do I want?" He paused just briefly. "I don't want anything *from* you. And it's apparently too late for what I did want. I don't know why I came...not anymore." He turned to leave...then turned back.
"Okay...I've already made a royal fool of myself so I might as well finish it.



"Apparently too late .... Intersting response." This time her voice came from behind him. "No fight, Captain, I expected so much more from you. Sounds to me it was a wasted trip, so my sound advice, return from whence you came."


He paused to hear her speak. "I'll return, but I'll give you an answer so that your fine opinion of me can reach the epitome of admiration. I came because you've been on my mind every second since our dance in the travern. You think I didn't know at that time about the poster. I couldn't give a rat's ass about that! I was going to joke about the d**n thing! I came because I wanted to see you again. Pure and simple. And when I inquired about you I head of your upcoming nuptials. Talk about being a d**n fool. I guess tonight I just outdid myself


From his left this time, her voice so close, he could almost feel the heat of her form. "As you've come to learn, I don't have a sense of humor. I can't control idle gossip, and I can't believe you continue to dwell on hear-say, not understanding facts." Then the heat of her form would be drawn away, to his right, this time, her voice to be heard. "You're right, you're a d**ned fool to have come looking for me." Again a shift within the shadows. "Our bows will cross again, Captain Black ... who's to say if guns shall bark at the same time." Voice growing distant, as it echoed more in the dark confines of the alley.



" He stopped to listen once again. "I believe our bows will indeed cross, JD. And if the guns bark, I can only hope your husband is on board with you!" He turned and walked out of the alley. He had enough of her insults.


"Jealousy is unbecoming of you, Captain Black." To follow him out, and the sound of a low, throaty chuckle. "I win." Husky sound of her voice to echo, then silence.



He turned at the sound of her voice. "At least I have feelings, JD! And if you call that winning, I'd sure as hell rather lose!" He stormed out of the alley and when to his ship, determined to leave the harbor that night."


A small group was gathered before one of the late night establishments. Heads bent as they shared conversation with one another. From within their cover, intensity of those cold, dark blues would watch as the captain headed back towards his ship. A smirk upon her lips to form. He was leaving, in that, is what she considered victory. At least he left the alley with weapons and personal items intact, as well as his life. He made enough of a ruckus in the tavern openly, that any who may have thought she was the one wanted, might now trompse off after on Captain James Black. It could easily be said that the "D" on the playbill, was a misprint at this point.

[JD Black]

[shadow=red,left,300] [glow=blue,2,300]Reaper of the Sea [/glow] [/shadow]

[shadow=black,left,300] SSDD[/shadow]

Things were all quiet on the home front, something that settled not well with the swashbuckler. Raine hadn't been seen around for several weeks, which in a way, was a relief to her, since the day of her forced nuptules had came and went, leaving her still free.

Perhaps the man had perished, if she could be that lucky. Or found another in which to woo with his charm. Maybe he realized it was time for him and his fellow bounty hunters to move on. Which ever it was, he had not been seen about the docks, though she wasn't taking a deep breath as of yet.

It could possibly be the quiet before the storm, that time when all is serene and beautiful. Then suddenly thunderheads roll in, their booming deafening, and the brilliance of lightening that shot across the sky. Torrential rains that would sting when it hit flesh, and flood low lying areas.

She considered men as unpredictable as the sea itself. Just when she thought she had them figured out, something would happen to prove just how wrong she was.

The son of the admiral hadn't been seen about, perhaps he had moved on to seek his vengeance elsewhere. Also the Captain who babbled on to her crew members of a feud he intended to follow through with, was no where to be found.

Then again, perhaps those who were loyal to her, had discarded of the waste in her life quietly. It had been done before, so she wouldn't question the actions if they took place now.

She had even caused Captain James Black to run away with his tail between his legs. Something that made her snicker at the very thought.

Her ships now having undergone full repairs, the task of having them restocked and prepared to sail was nearly accomplished. She was going to take advantage of this lull in what was going on, to regroup.

They had managed to gain some strong hands to replace those that ran like cowards after their close call with the red glowing ship. That was what was now upon her mind, as she studied the maps before her. Marking the area she figured their bows crossed, and the direction in which it was traveling.

All islands, and mainland's were then marked to where the ocean current would carry a ship of such magnitude. She was going to find this ship, and with her growing fleet, hunt it down and take over command. Such was her plans, and this is what she'd now spend her time and energy preparing for.