Jaded Skull Tavern

[JD Black]

The Jaded Skull Tavern sells basic liquors of Rum and Whiskey drawn from kegs. Finer grades such as Scotch, Poteen, Brandy's: Regular, Blackberry, Cherry, and Peach, Cognac, and Gin can also be found. There's the house ale, and that of dark that can be gotten by the tankard or pitcher. The kitchen provides modest meals, of roasted beef, pork and lamb. Although a variety of sea food is what it provides in abundance; Crab, Shrimp, Tuna, Shark, Oysters, Clams, White Fish, Cod, Flounder, and Escargot.

The Jaded Skull Inn provides all the basic comforts, as well as a public bath for the few who wish to clean up after a lengthy voyage at sea. It grows as does the demand for such luxuries. Most bunk upon their ships. Small cottages had been erected for those merchants who remain for a lengthier time, in which rent is paid.

Nestled in a cavern, that had been built to the Captain's specifications, is a hidden area in which she does most of her planning. Secret passages from both the inn and tavern allow her access to this, as well as an cave that runs to exit out near the area where the Swans are anchored.

[JD Black]

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

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

Slight grin on his face as he entered the tavern and moved up to the bar. He had been spending a little too much time out by himself lately, so he decided to put the daggers away and see what what he could find. Besides, too much practice made him like, too perfect, maybe.

She would be standing at the bar's end. Silent and brooding. Gone was the usual garb of ship and adorned in the fashion of a noble. Cobalt blue velvelt, with small black horizonal pin strips. A bit too clingy for her taste, but for the price paid to gain it, she'd not complain. Hair left to fall freely over shoulders unbound. Leaning on forearms, a cup of coffee being slowly turned between her hands. Upwards glance to see whom entered, then a nod when recognized. "Evenin' Zack."

::Of course..Now in walked...Joffre LaFayette! Mightiest Frenchmen ever to step upon foreign soil! The bronze-skinned revolutionist was clad in black cloths to his neck, to his wrists, to his ankles...He also had boots and gloves!..aye-aye! The man seemed to be looking for someone other than Salem..And Oui! He found her!..Those dark eyes focused upon JD..He spoke out.::"Mon Cap'a'tan! Ah mus' speak to you regarding Zee traitor you call Ran'Dall Oui?..I half in formation on."

"Hey Cap." He offered her a smile, try and lighten her mood a little bit. Couldn't rightly blame her after everything that was going on. "Anythin' that I can do ta help ya out?" He guessed that the company would do as much for her as anything else.

So much for a night of lesiure, when she heard the shout of the man who entered. Piercing gaze of blue would turn their intense stare upon her cooks male lover. A bit of a frown to form, the last time she had seen Frenchy, was the night when Randall spoke out against her. Figuring he had followed off after Randall, knowing those two were somewhat close. "It had better be good to be disturbing my solice." Nearly growled out in that low, cold tone.

"Of course, if it isn't, I wager I can boil his nose and pack it in ice, meb sprinkle it with some cinnamon for a dessert.." He sneered looking at the man. Loud. Annoying, he instantly associated it with Salem for that reason alone, regardless of the accent.

"..Salem sent moi to figure out why zhe Cap'a'tan turned coats...It seems..Ze Englishmen was given two choices..Eithier become ze King's admiral in hunting ze Black Swan Crew....Or 'ave his family be killed, and have their heads sen ' t'im..Obviously Zee Cap'a'tan chose his family."

Zach bit his tongue, he had plenty to say on that, but it was not for him to do so.

"Obvoiusly, zee Cap'a'tan...." Mimicing his accent in that low voice. "...did not have faith or trust in us to see that his family was free'd." Pulling out the lastest letter and slamming upon the bar with her hand. "..then has the audacity to sign his foul, peutrid notes with the closure of love?" Scoffing. Eyes narrowed. "I hope his family isn't killed by that pompass arse that sits upon the throne. I want that pleasure all to myself." Gone was the usual thingyney she was usually known for. That inner rage didn't permit her to multifocus, and right now, her entire focus was on the planning of revenge.

"..course, power corrupts absolutely an' all that. f'git about family, he liked the offer he got. He said I was his family, ya sod!" Zach was getting hot under the collar. "All f'one and one f'all! I bet he dun remember tha!" His fist slammed on the counter and he took a step at the man.

"..Killing a man's family?"::A brow was quirked::"..Personally Cap'a'tan..I see no problem wit' zit....But Zalem migh--."::And now he turned to look to the one who who just turned to him...Joffre suddenly went cold..That bemused look in his eyes turned to cold fury..Like frozen fire.::"..I don' give two d**ns about zheese Randall, Boy...But you walkin' towards Moi like zha'..Is a mistake."

"C'mon! If his family was really in danger, than me, a man he called 'brother' woulda gladly mad sure his own were safe. He just wanted power! He is a sod!"

"If Frenchy has a problem with it, he can go to 'ell right along with Randall and be his personal cook." Sneered towards the man. Turning back to that mug upon the bar. It'd be lifted to finish off it's contents.

Zach was boiling! He was tired of being called 'boy'. He was tired of being doubted. And he was ready to prove himself by going off right now. But a look to the captain was all he needed to know it would not be the smartest of moves.

"..Draw your weapon Chienne!"::And that insult was tossed to the woman...Chienne, by his tone, obviously meant pregnant dog!..Heh, His left eyebrow was arched.::

Slowly she stood back from the bar, turning to face the man as her hands rose. Was he blind? She was wearing a gown, and no evidence of weaponry upon her. "What do you want me to do? Beat you with my shoe?" No amusement in those words. Her tone was as low and cool now as it was in the beginning. Though there would be motion around them, as the guards of the lands would shift into position. This tavern was unlike the ones at the docks. Frequented by nobles and royalty, the were well guarded.

Zach took a step back, throwing dagger pulled from his belt, flat pressed in his palm. oh, he had been practicing for days on days and was itching. "Ya'goon. It bodes not well for someone wit' a big mouth like y'self." Of course, Zachs rage blinded him to that detail, and it wasnt until she motioned to the guards, that Zach stood down.

"...No wonder zheese Randall is na'dead yet..None of you people come prepared.."::He noticed the guards..But for some reason..He didn't seem afraid...There was a d**n good reason too....He was crazy.::"...So...Mon Cap'a'tan...You ex pect me to stan' down at zhe guar's bein' call-.."::And more shouts in French::"Fock! How many times must I flee!?"::And now..He ran into the kitchen, out the back, as the French Constables ran in, shouting after him::

Eyes narrowed as she watched the man fleeing, glancing over to Zach, then to Alex. "Another." All she'd say for awhile.

[JD Black]

[shadow=red,left,300] [glow=blue,2,300]Revenge
Dropping the Gauntlet
[/glow] [/shadow]

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

It would be in the small office she kept in the back storage room of the tavern, that she now wore a new path upon the wood planked floor with her pacing. The newest letter rested atop the piles of papers upon her desk.

"d**n him, d**n him to hell I say." Complaining to those walls and all other objects in the room. None dared to approach her door this afternoon. That brooding darkness had turned into a violent combustion within the swashbuckler.

"I'll cut his heart out and tie his lifeless body to the foremast, that's what I'll do." The last glass would be lifted and sent crashing against an opposing wall. As had four others prior. "With all the love my heart possesses? How dare he! Patronizing me in this manner. Speaking of my family and his respect he held for them, then telling me he was to be the one to hunt me down. d**n him to hell I say."

Words were not screamed or cried out. It was a low growl in which they'd pass her lips. "I'll show him just how weak he is all right." It was then she moved to her desk, three notes to be written by her hand. One to be sent to Carlotta, one to Geddoe and one to Zach. All stated the same thing.

Fellow mates,

I intend to take up Randall's challange and face him off. Ending this once and for all. I am giving what may very well be my last order. I want the three of you to find this sister of Randall's. The wench is presently behing held by the Royal Court of England. I want you to find her, and kill her. Whether I live or die, matters not. I want her dead. An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth. Randall took Mister Gibbs life, now we're going to take on in return to make it even. Frenchy and his lover, one Joffre LaFayette, may know where she's being kept, or in close proximatey. If you must get the information by lying and saying you're attempting to save the sea dogs sister, then so be it. Do what you must, but do it.

If I survive this confrontation, you will all be well rewarded. If not, then take all off both the Black Swans, divide it up between all the crew, though you three are to keep a larger portion for yourself. Then I want both to be sunk. That way my father and I can sail upon our ships in the next life.



Captain JD Black



All three would be sealed with black wax and the signet ring of her father used to set them. None knew of the noble status the "Reaper of the Seven Sea's" held rights to. Or so she had thought. All were dead, or that's what she was lead to believe. Until Randall spoke up. He knew, he knew way too much. He knew about the past she had buried at sea so many years ago, as well as the crimes in which she was guilty of, that were being blamed on some nameless man.

The next letter she wrote would be directed towards Randall. Not knowing where to find him to send it, if she did, she would have slit his throat in the midst of the night, long ago. This would be posted upon the message board that rested on the dock.

To the foppish leader of the Ton, Randall Simon Cain,

I accept your challange and shall meet you face to face to end this once and for all. No matter the outcome, it ends here. Be it your death or mine, it matters not. One thing I can and will promise you, the price that you'll pay will be double that of my own. I intend to cut your throat and feed your entrails to the gulls. There is only one thing that I care about, where it concerns you, anymore. That is that your death be slow and painful, no mercy will I show upon you or any of yours.


She left it unsigned, he'd know whom it came from. As would countless others. It was then she called upon Carlotta and had her deliver the messages to their perspective recipient, and the last to be tacked upon the post board. It was now time to prepare for the up and coming encounter. The tavern would be left as she made her way to her ship and cabin. She was going to fight him all right, someone is going to die.

[JD Black]

[shadow=red,left,300] [glow=blue,2,300]The Pirate and the Bounty Hunter[/glow] [/shadow]

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

The door was flung open with a push, then inwards came that arrogant sauntering swagger of form. Black linen shirt adorned beneath the rich cobalt blue satin vest; which fit snugly. Form fitting black breeches tucked within the tops of boots tops which rounded just above the knees. Long dark hair left to spill out over shoulders freely, a length that reached the small of the back easily. Just inside the door would the figure halt, then step off to one side The intensity of those cold, dark blue oceanic depths slowly set adrift over the area entered and sea of faces gathered within. A moment to assess and measure those within the commons this evening The one that gazed in the swashbuckler's direction, would gained a very unfriendly glare in return. Back to rest against the wall, as arms lifted to cross over chest. Some were being weighted and measured, though most were simply over looked.

Somewhere in the mix of the crowd the bounty hunter had quietly slipped inside and moved through the crowded room. He was there at the end of the bar, leaning on the counter. That steel blue gaze of his keeping an eye on the room.

Ahh, well looky here, what did the swashbuckler see? But a Bounty Hunter, one who was gaining attention too. A touch of a smirk to form upon those lips, it would seem the crowd was a good cover for the swashbuckler. Time to observe, perhaps even gain a chuckle or two.

When the tender happened to wander down towards his end of the bar, he'd flag him down and hand him some coins for a bottle of scotch whiskey and a short glass. Once the bottle was handed over, Raine rose up from his lean and pulled the cork out, then tipped the bottle over and filled the glass half way. With a light tap he replaced the stopper to the bottle, then picked up his glass and took a long swallow. Mother's milk. That steel blue gaze would drift over the woman glancing his way, a brow rising just a bit. He'd paid for the drink, so there better not be any problem tonight. He set the glass back down on the counter and took up that lazy lean again.

Ahh, but to have a drink of that Scotch! Tongue would slip out to whet that bottom lip. Nope, not giving away that hiding spot, even if it was out in the open. For now, the wall would be held up by the swashbuckler's back.

Had he taken notice to anyone in the tavern? He wouldn't be a very good bounty hunter if he hadn't, now would he? He slanted a glance to his side, staring across the room, past the crowd of patrons until it settled on one who thought they had gone undetected. Just the barest of grins would pull to the corner of his lips, let them have their little ruse for now.

Ah, but that grin was detected, enough to let the swashbuckler know. Slowly a smirk would form upon those now glistening lips. Would she move? Not yet. Why give him the satisfaction of letting him know, she knew, he knew? Cat and mouse? More like wolf and rabbit was the game at play.

Simple answer to a perplexing question. He knew she knew, he knew. Certainly he could make the approach, but it was so much more enjoyable to watch the swashbuckler make that swaggered walk across the room. Raine trained his gaze elsewhere in the room, lifting the glass for another drink. Ah. That scotch whiskey sure hit the spot. Even had him smacking his lips together and licking them.

d**n him! He knew her weak spot, she hated him for it too! Soon, the swashbuckler would give in to the game. Not to him, but to the drink! The wall would no longer have that plaque of feminism, as that sauntering swagger would set into motion. Any who got too close, would meet her elbow or shoulder. A few drunks were sent spilling into a table to upset it. Her full attention was on that bottle she intended to claim!

She'd have to get around him first to reach it. He tipped his drink back and swallowed down the rest of his drink. The bounty hunter wore a dervish smile.

The intense nature of those dark blue oceanic depths, would narrow slightly when she seen that bottle shoved aside. Would that stop the swashbuckler? No way in Hell, she was going in for the kill! Not a word spoken, she'd step right up to him, with a lean, across his front, she'd reach for her intended victim; that bottle of Scotch!

He'd grab her then too. Gottcha! Raine turned, rising up as he swept JD into his one arm. The other reached for the bottle at the same time she did. She was pulled up and crushed against his chest, leaving him to grin down into her face. "Well, look what the cat dragged in. My little dove." He said, behind those steel blue eyes of his was a flicker of amusement.

A scowl would form upon her features, as he pulled her tightly against him. Those cold depths of blue would meet that of steel. "Ay, I was thinking the same thing when I seen you. Now be a good lad, and give me a drink!" Not a request of course, but demanded.

Of course he would. But not until he was done with her. "For a price." He demanded, why request this if she was going for the kill? Up he held that bottle a little higher and just out of her reach. It paid to be tall, especially where she was concerned.

[JD Black]

[shadow=red,left,300] [glow=blue,2,300]The Pirate and the Bounty Hunter[/glow] [/shadow]

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

A low growl to form at the base of her throat. Not one that could be heard by the masses, though he'd hear it well enough. "And what is the price? I could just as easily get my own and just bypass you completely." A bit of a squirm in that hold he held her in. Testing to see just how taunt it was. Glance up at that bottle, then back to him focus shifted. d**n she wanted a drink!

And how he heard it, but to him it wasn't threatening, but rather sexy for the saucy sea wench. His grip would tighten, not about to let her wiggle out of this one. "You could." He agreed, no longer disguising that grin of his. "But we both know mine tastes better. So." He mused the price, then gave her a boyish grin. "..I'll settle for one tempting kiss of your lips."

That had a brow on the rise. The Bounty Hunter was pushing it! "Is that so....?" Narrowed gaze upon him. "I bite!" A touch of a smirk to form. "If you were to give me that drink, maybe I'll play nice!." The swashbuckler play nice? Not in this lifetime.

He'd lay down his cards and call in all bets. Raine leaned down and whispered next to her ear. His gaze shifted over to the tender, motioning to him to bring another glass as he still held the bottle high, out of her reach. "We must keep up the ruse, remember dove? C'mon now, let's have that kiss. You know they make you melt." -w-

Again that low throaty growl to sound. "d**n you!" To sound along with it, even if only heard by him, being so near. To run him through would be what her ultimate wish was at that moment. Head to pull back as that narrowed gaze would settle upon his face. "I don't melt!!" Emphatically spoken. A forward lean, a peck to his lips given. "Happy!?!"

His brows would wiggle up and down. He simply loved watching her boil over. It's one of the things he found so appealing about her. "Cheap." He replied, smirking back at her. "And you do so melt." Just to prove his point, Raine hoisted her up tight against his frame and leaned down to cover her mouth with his lips, heatedly kissing her there in the public room. A peck, hell no. He kissed her a good long time, tender and softly. Meanwhile he forgot about the bottle of scotch whiskey he was holding as his other arm lowered and wrapped around her.

Well, so much for a quick peck, as she was drawn into that kiss. d**n him! She tried so hard not to react. One thing was for sure, she wouldn't melt! The tension she placed to try and break free of his hold, would lessen as she returned that kiss. Deep inside, she was a woman after all, and d**n he kissed good! But she'd never admit to that fact, no way in hell. Give him the satisfaction? She'd never do that, well, she'd try not too. Surely her kissing him back would have him grinning like a Cheshire cat once it's all over.

Finally Raine stopped with the kiss and pulled back. He looked down at her, grinning like a Cheshire cat. Was he that readable? He let her go at last, dropping his arms from around her and turned back towards the bar. That lazy lean was taken up again as he pulled the other glass in front of him and poured her a drink, sliding it over to her. The bounty hunter stared at the pirate, over a half smile. "One of these days you're going to admit to me that you live for those kisses, dove." He gave her a roguish wink, refilled his own glass and took a long sip from it.

"Live for them?" Scoffs. "Hardly. It was payment for the drink, nothing else!" Glass to be snagged, don't mind that grin to appear. Glass lifted to quickly take a drink of the whiskey, more to hide that. When it lowered, she'd glance over at him. "So you really intend on following through with this, don't you!" A question in the form of a statement.

His shoulders shook with silent laughter, slipping a glance her way. "Of course I do. You're not trying to back out on me now, are you?" Raising a brow to question. His fingers wrapped about the glass in his hand.

"Hmm, some choice I have. The gallows or you!" Glass lifted to down the rest of the contents, when it lowered she'd reach for the bottle to gain a refill. "I'm nae in any hurry to get my neck stretched yet. Thanks!" Can't tend to unfinished business that way. Plus, being alive, she could always find avenues to get out of anything.

She'd get a broader grin from him. "C'mon. It's not that bad of an idea. Besides." His gaze drifted away from her so she couldn't see him smiling. "I think you're actually taking a notion of liking the idea." It was time to get a quick drink in before she smashed that bottle over his head.