Dockside Tavern - Open for business.....

[Carlotta]

-Open for business-
(Carlotta Basinstoke and Julian Blackwood)

~~Julian appeared in the common room as the sun was starting it's descent in the evening sky. Sometime while he had slept the blonde, Abigail he thought her name was had braided and beaded his hair so now long strands of black were restrained and tied back at the nape of his neck. A rag of black silk still held the mass away from his scarred one eyed visage. Julian had more scars and stories to tell about his battle wounds than most men twice his age. He seriously doubted he'd ever live to see a ripe old age. He'd die in battle, he'd survived the sinking of two of his own ships; he had no interest in Captaining another vessel, but serving on the Black Swan, well you never got the salt air out of your veins, so he'd signed on as Navigator. He limped down the steps, using his cane and the railing to steady his awkward gait. The Captain's table was empty and so he took a seat at the bar and waited patiently for the girl busying herself behind it to offer him a drink.~~

Hearing someone enter, she'd set the bottle in hand upon the shelf, then turned to greet the man with a polite smile. "Top of the evening to you Gov'. What can I be getting you to drink?" Hands to be washed in the water before drying them off with a clean towel. She new there were some new faces that had joined the crewmen of the Black Swan, as well as another ship added to the fleet. It was another matter on having met the individuals who signed on. She had been busy herself with her new duties, of both tavern manager and legal consultant to the captain's affairs. Everything had to look legit and above water. She had the knack for seeing to this, little twist and bends of the law would work to their vantage. She wasn't an overly slender woman, nor portly by any account. Medium in build and height, average in comparison to most. Long dark hair was pulled back into a pony tail, to keep it from getting in her way; save for the few fly away's that framed her face. Clothing was as nondescript as her build. A black woolen skirt in which that slightly large white poets shirt would be tucked within it's waistband. As much as she tried to hide her womanly features with the bulk of material, it wasn't an easy feat anymore. Mother nature had her way, no matter how hard she fought against it.

"Evening lass."~~His voice was soft, cultured, no matter how many years had passed the Elocution and cadence of London high society never left his voice. He dug in the pocket of a worn black coat that had once been velvet with silver braid; but now it didn't even have it's sterling buttons left. Hard times. A few coins were removed, he was becoming dangerously low on funds; something need be done about that.~~"A mug of ale to start I think."~~This was rather his breakfast and he usually liked to ease into his nightly drinking.~~"Anyone about tonight, that looks like they might like to have a game of cards?"~~The tavern looked d**n empty, wherever the Captain had gone off to it seemed she had taken many of the crew with her.~~

"One tankard of ale coming up." Turning to the cub board, one of the larger tankards were taken in hand. He was a large man, so she figured he'd have a large thirst as well. Moving to the freshly tapped keg, it'd be filled near to the brim, allowing room for the frothy head to be produced. Once accomplished, she'd turn to set it upon the bar before him. "A silver be the cost Gov." Spoken as she stood before him. Then she'd shrug with his last inquire. "Hard to say Gov. Not many about here as of late. I'm not sure if they're off with the captain, or tending to interest of their own. But that's only speculative, it could change." Dulcet tones entwined with the words spoken. No matter how much of a thingyney type of accent she tried to use, that of her proper upbringing would slip through. Again that polite formation of a smile formed.

~~He noticed her changing accent and smirked, most times he did very much the same thing. Many times his natural way of speaking made the men of his ilk that much more uncomfortable with his presence. His reputation didn't help any. He'd had to sail away to find a Captain willing to take him on, in other waters men not as self assured as Captain JD had already hired him as a crewman and then spent entire journeys asking for his input in matters that a mate would have no say. If he wanted to Captain his own vessel he'd have d**n well taken one by now and done just that.~~"Seems quiet around here, I need to find away to earn a few more coins to line my empty pockets."~~He grinned, even though his face and body hadn't been spared the scars amazingly he had all his own teeth and he kept them in good health. It was not his appearance that the ladies shied away from, but his dark demeanor.~~

Moving to collect her mug of mulled wine, she'd return to that placement right before him. "Yes, very quiet. I have to admit, I'm glad you came in. I was beginning to wonder if maybe this place was hexed, or others thought it was." Chuckling a bit at the very thought of such superstition, but then men of the sea were more superstitious than most she had met. "I'm always willing to participate in a game of chance." Brow rose and she'd grin slightly. "If you don't mind getting the pants beat off you, by a woman." Openly teasing. "Perhaps you should come back around when the good captain is here. I've heard she's taking on new crew members. Once you've signed up with her, you'll need for nothing. She's had me write up some contracts that take care of each." JD had a head for business, she admired that in the woman. Between her father and the good captain, she was doing well herself in that area.

"I'm already signed up."~~He pulled off a glove and offered his hand in introduction, burn scars covered his hands disappearing up into the sleeves of his loose black shirt. From the way the shoulders of the garment fell over his lean build one could say that the clothing had been tailored for a larger man, or that he had lost a fair deal of his previous bulk. His cheeks, now clean shaven looked pale and were only a few pounds of flesh away from gauntness.~~"Julian, Julian Blackwood Navigator of the Black Swan. The lady Captain is generous indeed but I like to pay my own way."

Her hand reached forth to accept his that was offered. "Julian. The captain speaks well of you. She has great faith in your navigational skills." Knowing the men of he sea as she did, her grasp would be firm as she shook his hand. "I'm Carlotta. I've been with the good captain for a little over a year now. First serving in the galley, now I'm the manager of this place and the captains legal advisor." This time her smile would be genuine, not that plastic facsimile she would produce for patrons. "Nice to finally meet you." It was then she shook her head. "It's not generosity on her part Julian, don't mistake it as such. All ...." Thinking of a good way of putting it. "...things found and sold are put into a trust fund. This fund is then divided between all the crew members. This is her way of ensuring all are taken care of during the slow periods of time. She has quite a reserve saved, all gain an equal share, no matter the time of their signing. Like she told me, you'll well earn your keep when the time comes."

"I plan on doing just that, I hope."~~He had no worries as to his navigational expertise. He could plot a map on the back of a sleeper that would lead a ship from here to the Orient and never so much as scrape her hull on a reef. Not only that he knew so much about maintaining and repairing a ship that he could build one of his own if he had the money and the inclination. What he was worried about was battle, if they ran into a fight he could throw blades better than most men could fire pistols. But if the combat came in close range and he was forced to draw his sword, well his lame leg was indeed a hindrance; is why he wanted no parts of Captaining his own ship again.~~

"That's good. Never think the captain gives charity, she's not that thoughtful. When she gives something, she expects something in return. Although, if you have a family member you wish to list as a benefactor in the case of your demise, she will see to their care for up to two years past your bodies resting at sea. Something began by her father that she continues until this day." Mug to be lifted and a drink of that now cooled mulled wine taken before it lowered. Chestnut colored eyes would lift to set upon him with a slight grin. "I think that's why she expects these contracts to be signed by the individuals own blood. A blood pact if you will, more binding than the paper it's written upon."

"I don't think I've ever worked with Captain that so . .financially organized."~~His own contracts had been lengthy at first but then he had been considered a privateer more than a pirate. He'd steal from the merchants of the Caribbean and fence his goods in London; no need to pay a middle man that way. IN the years before he'd lost his eye he'd made and lost a bloody fortune. But that was two vessels, one eye and a broken back ago. He'd gone from gentleman privateer to pirate, sometimes he regretted the events that had shaped his life, but when nothing could be changed it was pointless to wallow in the past and feel sorry for yourself.~~"Most men will never find a Captain to serve under that offers so much."

Small shrug of her shoulder. "She's my first captain to serve under, so I'm clueless of other's business agreements. The only thing I can say, is that her ways are those of her fathers. From what Hank has told me, she's quite the image of the man in so many ways, only darker in spirit. The men who leave the Black Swan, do so for one of two reasons. Captured by a royal fleet and hung, or death in battle. No matter which, death was the ultimate culprit." She thought back for a moment. "I do remember one who sought to have the crew back him on taking over her ship." Slowly shaking her head. "What a bloody mess that turned into, literally. Not one member would side with him, or raise an arm against the good captain. Someone brought the matter to her attention; I believe Eric was the one. Anyway's, in the middle of the night, she roused us all from our sleep. It was just prior to the dawn. She had the men create a structure that would float just below the surface of the water. Something that would keep him nearly afloat, but still submerged. After having him secured with rope, she cut his wrists and ankles. She told him he better hope he bled out before the predator of the deep got scent of his wounds and surfaced hungry." Another sip of that wine taken before she'd continue. "Needless to say, he didn't bleed out fast enough. A frenzy of sharks were to be his demise. We could hear his screams, even though he was nearly a league in our wake." Looking up at him with a slight smile. "Devotion can be found if you take good care of what you have. She takes as good of care of her men, as she does her ships. The next captain may not be so generous, gives all the more cause for interest to be protected, hers and yours."

"She's a good head on her shoulders. You can tell that her men are devoted to her."~~Julian didn't feel that devotion yet, although he'd do nothing to jeopardize what he saw as an excellent opportunity. He took a long drinking of his ale as she went into detail about the man the Captain had fed to the sharks. It wasn't sympathy that made him wince, mutinous bastard had deserved what he had gotten to be sure. But the old scars on his chest and back, well let's just say Blackwood didn't swim in unfamiliar waters anymore. There was a shark tooth hanging on a leather cord around his neck, and a long tale to explain it and the semi circle of scars where the beast had tried to bite him in half.~~"Swift justice, she dealt with him well I'd say, can't let a man like that linger to cause you problems later."

Shaking her head. "The captain's justice is swift. No council to plead your case before. Sometimes, if the offense is minor, you had better pray she didn't wake up in a fowl mood. She tends to get a bit over dramatic." Whether she meant that as a joke or was being serious, it'd be hard to tell by the grin that appeared. There were many flamboyant tales about the captain floating about from port to port. Some were true, others fabrications or inflated to make the story teller look good. She had seen many actions with her own two eyes. One of the reasons she took up to learning to become proficient with a rapier. She had a long way to go on her skills, but she could impale a man as good as any other, if her life was on the line. "You'll see in time, if you remain Julian. The captain has a good side and a bad side. If the bad side is gotten on, the person who gains it has also gained an automatic death warrant. She takes her time with revenge. I actually think she likes to savor in unleashing it." She'd take his tankard, literally pulling from his hand. Brave? Yeah, she was to a degree, but she knew he wouldn't complain when she moved to refill it before it was placed back before him.

[Carlotta]

~~He was the last man that would refuse a refill. Granted being that the company and conversation were both good he wasn't drinking as much as he usually would have been.~~""Your devotion alone speaks volumes in her favor. But I have to ask Carlotta, how a lady; and I do mean lady, such as yourself finds herself here tending bar and business for a pirate captain?"

That mug would lift for a drink of that mulled wine as she thought of an appropriate reply to that. Not that she worried about being sold out by the crew she served beside, and now tended to while upon land. Mug lowered as that rich chestnut gaze rested upon him. He evidently was quite intuitive, or distinctly receptive and observant. "Sometimes things happen in life and we all make mistakes. I had done that and the captain saved me from the dire consequences of it. She offered me a chance at life, so I took hold with both hands tightly. I have learned much under her care, and that of Hank, who is like a father to me. When JD gained proprietorship of this tavern, she offered me the position because of my attention to detail in keeping books and knowledge of the law." Small shrug to follow. "I owe her my life, and I keep trying to repay her, but she always keeps the upper hand." She'd then lean against the bar. "What about you? What's your story? From the looks of you, battles abundant you've seen. Why have you chosen to sail beneath the captain's flag?"

"The usual tale, nothing special about me."~~Honestly he had no idea where to start, but he hated leaving it as open as all that. Carlotta was sharing her story with him, it was the least he could do in return.~~"I was taken by a pirate ship as a lad during a crossing from England to the America's. I sailed under Captain Jacob's flag for nearly ten years, as cabin boy, cook, helmsman, he taught me everything I know about the sea. He was fair, but he ruled his ship with an iron fist and a quick lash. When he retired he left his vessel to me, and I sailed her for three years before I had made enough money to build a fine ship of my own."~~There were obviously more installments to the story, but he didn't want to bore her with his life's history.~~

"Sounds like we have very similar backgrounds, at least in how we came to be where we are today. I guess that's what they mean by kinship of the sea. In one manner or another, we're alike in a way. Be it small, or on a grander scale." Again she'd offer him one of her pleasant smiles. "I'm glad to have met you. Now I see why JD speaks well of you. You're a man of intelligence as well as skills that have been gained through hands on learning, rather than a book." She had met some of those who called themselves seamen. More the butt of all seamen's jokes.

"I hadn't realized I'd impressed the Captain. I'm honestly humbled by her opinion of me."~~He smiled and dropped his head in a nod. She caught his profile, the unscarred left side, he'd been a fine looking man before he'd lost that eye. He still retained some of the manners he'd been taught in London as well. It was obvious he'd had a proper upbringing, just how proper would come as a serious surprise.~~"I can only hope I do not disappoint."

Now Carlotta wasn't like the rest of them, not when it came to the compassion department. She seemed to house enough for the entire crew. She could be their scapegoat for that, she'd carry what they had left behind long ago. Her smile would warm even more. "If that's your hope, Julian, then it's already achieved. She may be harsh and demanding, but she also respects those who give their all, or attempts rather than make excuses for why it can't be done. I know she don't show outwardly what she feels inside. She tells me things she'd never admit to anyone else. I don't judge her as others do. I don't hold expectations on her, as many have and had. Don't take me wrong, I'm not saying she's weak or soft, just the opposite." JD would probably throttle her if she learned of what she just said. "I'm just saying, she appreciates what's done, even if she's bellowing about that which has yet to be started." A bit of insight, after serving a year with the woman, and hearing the stories told by fellow crewmen, she felt as if she had a good idea about their good captain.

"She needn't worry about using kid gloves on me lass. I'm not the type to take a few harsh words to badly."~~He smiled and took a drink of his ale. The Captain had indeed impressed him, if she hadn't he'd have walked form the tavern the same night he had entered it.~~"I'm not some green lad that falls for a lady at first sight, no matter how fair she may be. I If do poorly by her I'll be expecting my lashes, or dismissal as the case may be."

She'd chuckle hearing that. "Trust me, I don't think she knows what kid gloves are, and secondly, she enjoys brandishing out lashes." Leaning closer. "To be honest, I think she does it because she gets a kick out of seeing the men tied to the mast butt naked." Which was furthest from the truth, but hey, she could start her own rumors and legacies herself. Yet her soft laughter and that grin would be that outward sign of the joke being spoken. Leaning back the mug taken up to finish off the wine it contained.

~~Julian grinned at one time he'd had all the appetites of a satyr, and sometimes that lascivious nature did rear it's head and a few comments were made.~~"I can only hope if she ever ties me naked to her mast that she holds no whip in hand . . .I never relished a good flaying."~~He leaned back in his seat; that grin curving his expressive lips, my but he did have an imagination when circumstance allowed it to free rein.~~

Hearing that, she'd laugh this time. "Now that is what I would be calling a wanting dream, Julian." She had seen many make their attempts at the captain, and joined in the laughter when the man was sent running aghast, or in a fit of rage at being so blatantly shot down. She admired JD for that, and it was her life's goal to follow in the woman's footsteps. Leaning on the bar, she was a woman, so she loved gossip. "So tell me Julian. You thinking of trying to gain the good captain's eye in a more favorable manner?"

"Unless she's granting me a greater cut of the plunder, nay. I'm not interested in the Captain for her feminine charms, although I'd have to be completely blind to not see them."~~He noticed Carlotta's too, but that didn't mean he'd be chasing down her skirts. He liked his sex easy and attachment free. Abigail, the blonde that he usually took to his rooms was even pressing the boundaries of his favor. When it came to women he wanted only a good romp, maybe a little comfort with a warm bed for an evening. He was kind enough by nature, and he treated a sleeper as well as most men treated a high bred lady. But he'd had enough of women and relationships to last him a lifetime. He didn't think of them as being the lesser sex, although there were few that rose to the prominence of Captain Black or Carlotta. Few that proved to be self sufficient. He admired them for what they had accomplished.~~"Nay, I've no interest in impressing the Captain with anything but my sailing skills."

A snap of her fingers. "Danged nab bit. That's a silver lost." Chuckling to follow. This time she'd grin when she looked up at him. "A few of us have bets going, on who of the new ones would try and make a play. I bet you all would. You had to be the exception to the rule, didn't you." It was meant as a good natured tease, even if she had lost that cold coin. She'll probably be the one to come out loosing the least, her bet was done, others still had coin on the line as to who would make their play. "That's good to hear though, it means the captain will have one less worry."

"No romantic thoughts here. I had done with those notions a decade ago, when I was still a young man."~~Still a young man? If he lived life a little less hard and took a bit of care for himself; well he was still a relatively young man. He was only 34; many pirates hadn't earned so much as an eye patch, a hook or a peg leg by then. He'd earned every scar, every ache that he cursed when the weather turned cold. If he had heard the bets he'd have placed his coin in with the others, but he wouldn't have bet against himself. Not that the Captain there wasn't a truly fine figure of a lady, she was more than fair. He just chose not to mix business with pleasure.~~"You bet I'd try then? "

[Carlotta]

"I bet that you'd all take a stab at her, to try and gain her favors. I've heard stories of those in the past who have tried, and even seen nearly as many first hand. I think many see her as a challenge. To try and break through that touch outer hull of hers, to touch the softness of the woman inside." Slowly shaking her head. "What many don't realize, is that they search for a lost treasure. There's nothing soft about JD, and if there was, it isn't there any longer. I've never seen her even glance at a man more than once, and if she did, it was either to size him up and his worth, or a potential crewman to be shanghaied. JD's not your typical woman in any way. I admire that, and hope that one day I can be viewed in the exact same essence."

"You don't need to be as tough as the Captain to be as worthy as she is Carlotta. I'd wager JD sometimes wishes she wasn't as hard as she is."~~He knew all about changing who you were, he hadn't been the man he is now his entire life., He'd been a star eyed youth that had chased more than his share of skirts. Even as a privateer he'd still held romantic ideals of love and chivalry. He'd read too many books as a child of knights and ladies; those ideals had been dashed. His lady had been a pirate, one of the strongest and hardest he had ever known. They had been over and done with before his last ship had been sunk. He had no idea where she was, and he hoped that she thought him dead. To have her see him like this would have been a fate worse than death~~

Looking up at him from the top of her eyes. "I know I don't need to be Julian, it's my wish. No one pushes her around, or tries to force her to do anything against her will. If they do, I think they'd find their luck better with a hungered shark in the open sea. As for my worth, I'm proving that, in the way I tend to business matters. I'll admit, I'm better with books and legal issues than hoisting a sail, or tending to the mooring. I give it a gallant try when I do, I'm just not cut from that form of cloth. I think JD seen that too, and why she offered me this position. A reward to my loyalty and devotion." Again she'd smile. "I'm sure when you first began, you had someone you looked up to. Someone you hoped to become like."

"I wanted to be like San, she was a pirate when I was just a sailor. I don't think I ever made her proud, never got it right by her."~~He'd tried, god knows for years he had tried to be the man the pirate that his woman had wanted him to be. But he never got it right, he never found the right balance between who he was and who he wanted to be. It didn't help that he caught her staring at his scarred face every so often, he knew she felt guilty for that. There had been so much regret between them it had been kinder to let her go, and let her believe he had died with his last ship.~~"I doubt many men are stupid enough to cross you Carlotta, I've heard that the lady that runs this tavern wields a fearsome sharp rapier."

Now that had her laughing. "They must surely be speaking of the captain. I'm learning, and have a long way to go, from what I've been told. I can defend myself if the need ever arose, though I'm not sure as to for how long. As for the aggressor? I'm not quite skilled at that. I don't anger easily, though when I am, I will admit, my temper sometimes gets the best of me. I need to rid of that soft part of me. JD has told me, softness will end me up being dead, and she wasn't just speaking of the physical aspect of it either."

"Well, I can't help you with the temper. But I could help you practice with the blade, used to be a skilled swordsman in my day."~~Skilled enough to teach and teach well. He hadn't been pressed to the task of seriously defending himself since he'd been injured, it was impossible to say if he still had all his previous skill, or if the lame limb was too much a hindrance to over come.~~

This perked her interest and there was almost a child like excitement to be exuding from her. "I would be forever grateful. I don't have much to barter with, yet. But I can barter a few things in return, or make it up to you when I'm able." She wanted to be good, so that she'd be a benefit upon ship for more than cooking and doing laundry. She understood that was an important position in itself, but she wanted more. She got a small taste of the excitement upon the decks during battle, and she was left craving more. A junky for the extreme, it wasn't like she had a lot to lose, at lest not in her estimation.

"Don't be silly, it'll give me something to do here other than drink all day."~~He'd look forward to dodging something useful up until the time came for them to sail. There was little to do on shore other than drink and wenching. And he had indeed partaken in more than his fair share of both those concepts.~~

"Your time is worth something. I'm able to afford two gold a week in payment. I can also offer my legal advise if you ever become of need, or cook you up a fine meal. Hank has taught me well. I'd be happy to be as skilled with a rapier as I am with an iron skillet." Even if they did make for good weapons in a time of need. She's rung a few men's heads with the heavy bottom of the pan, who had gotten a bit too close.

"I'll take the meals, and the company, but your gold is yours to keep."~~He smiled and took another drink of his ale. He really meant it, he'd enjoy training to girl and if she held any talent whatsoever he'd find it and teach her to use it. If she had any natural skill with a blade she'd learn to use it to it's utmost capability.~~

"Thank you Julian, I truly mean it. Now the poor roasts can be served without looking as if butchered by a boarding party." Smile to grow more with this admission. Parried, jab and slash, all were being learned upon a poor defenseless roast, prior to roasting and after pulled from the heat. She minded not joking about herself, or utilizing her mishaps to gain a laugh or two. It was better to laugh with others, then to be laughed at.

~~He practiced self depreciating humor and sarcasm like they were art forms. In truth his sense of humor was dark on a good day, abysmal if he'd been well into his cups for too long.~~"Aye, we'll make a master butcher of you yet lass. Do you have your own blade?"~~His cutlass was a bulky bit of steel indeed, the weight and Blanche of the larger sword would be too much for her, she needed a finer more elegant weapon something fast and light, to utilize her grace and balance. She'd not be overpowering an opponent in battle, but outwitting and outmaneuvering them.~~

Nodding. "Yes. The Captain had one made for me. She said in order to begin properly, I had to have one that was fitted to my hand and balanced to my grip. I have learned, that a woman's wrist is not as strong as a man's, and there must be compensation for that. My thrusts should be from under and upwards, rather than trying to impale down. Due to my height and weight, most of my opponents will be built much like yourself. I don't have the physical prow ness, so I must learn to be quick. In and out, not to dawdle to permit them a return strike." Curious look at him to see if she had been informed properly. Not that she doubted it, the captain had been her private teacher up until now. Kane helped occasionally, but his knife wielding skills were better in the galley than on deck. He'd grown soft in his position as cook.

[Carlotta]

"My thoughts exactly, you need to out wit and out maneuver an opponent, not overpower them. You'll learn to parry and feint fist, and then I'll teach you how a flick of the wrist is every bit as effective as a full lunging thrust. You've the grace and agility, you have skills that could be utilized until you master the blade."~~He leaned back and smiled, it was the first time in a very long while that he had a project to spend his time on that he felt would keep him occupied, something he could look forward to. He could teach her how to throw knifes and shoot a fair pistol if she wanted to learn that as well. But they'd start with the blade.~~"When ever you wish to begin."

"I'm free tomorrow." Nothing like ambition. She was quite excited about the whole prospect. A chance to steal away from the multiple ledgers, writting of contracts and balancing numbers. This would be a chance to be active in body, rather than mind. It had to be that Tom-boyish nature of hers seeping through. Her smile would nearly beam, showing that eagerness within.

"Tomorrow is good then."~~He didn't know how much of a job she had to perform here, the ledgers and accounts and whatnot but if she ever needed a hand with those he had a head for business, ran his own estates for years before he 'died' He was pleased to see her enthusiasm it would be nice to have a willing student that didn't grumble when the work got tough.~~

"Wonderful. During the night, I'd like for you to put some thought into what meal you'd like to enjoy." Hand lifted before he could protest to quell his words. "I'll not hear any debate or refusal. We made an agreement and we'll stick to it. After each practice, you'll be served the meal of your choosing. You must chose that to be prepared, since I know not your likes and dislikes. It'll forego any possible mistakes." Thinking ahead, something instilled by her father. Always stay ahead of the game, never faultier and out think your opponent.

~~He arched a brow above his good eye and leaned in close, if he wasn't mistaking her intention she planned to feed him in return for his instruction. Gods knew he could use a good meal, he'd lost roughly twenty pounds of muscle in the last seven months. He'd never been overweight at all, so the loss of so much weight had left him far to thin for his height.~~"Roasted chicken, extra seasoning in the stuffing . .."~~He didn't have to think long or hard about it, he only considered it for a moment.~~

A brow rose in mild surprise as the instantaneous reply. Soft laughter as she leaned as well, to pat his cheek lightly. "Then you shall have it. With candied baby carrots and baked yam?" She'd feel him out for his other likes and/or dislikes. She'd collect his tankard as she awaited reply, to refill it before setting it back before him. She'd then move to the kettle that held her own special brew of mulled wine. Once this task was accomplished, she'd return to standing across from him.

"No yams, but the carrots would be lovely."~~He leaned back as she filled his mug and his hands fell into his lap. He watched her carefully, noting the way she moved, the grace of her stride the balance with which she held her shoulders. Most women would think he was appraising them, and in a way he was but he was just determining how best to use her attributes to make a swordsman out of her.~~

Nodding and her smile grew a bit more. "All right. One more choice to be picked. Apple, cherry, pumpkin or mince meat?" Surely the items given would be hint of what they would be utilized in creating. No meal was complete without dessert. Her father would call that a tragedy, as bad as not serving bread and butter, or dinner rolls with a meal. She seen him fire cooks in a rage over such over sights. Not that she agreed with him, mind you. It's a part of that upbringing, where you have certain things instilled; also known as conditioning.

"Decisions, decisions . .pumpkin."~~He smiled, the very idea of so fine a meal had his mouth watering. It had been years since he'd sat down to a full dinner with dessert and al the trimmings. He could get very used to being so well spoiled. No matter how talented your on board cook was, a sailor couldn't hope to enjoy a meal as fine as the one she had discussed with him, the provisions would have been impossible to keep.~~

Leaning back, her smile now full in display. "Excellent. Tomorrow you'll be sitting before a fine feast." Dulcet tone held that indication of her pleasure. The kitchen had become an enjoyable hobby for her. What better way to pay off a debt, than doing something that was so greatly enjoyed. Not only the act, but the response given when a days work would be set before them to sample. "I can't tell you enough how thankful I am. I hope I don't disappoint you and make you regret your offer."

[Carlotta]

"You shan't."~~He shook his head and sipped at his third ale of the evening. He wasn't even feeling the slightest bit of a buzz; the drink so far had been enough to wet his lips while they spoke and nothing more. Seeing that the tavern was so quiet tonight Julian pushed a chair out away from the bar and kicked his boots up on it with a sigh as he shifted in his seat.~~

"Remember that when you question your own abilities for the captain." Talk about coming full circle and tit for tat. It would be evidence of the woman's sharp mind and wit. Even with the constant shifting of their conversational topics, it managed to come back to him. Though she used it as a good natured tease more than anything. Dark brooding mood? She could deal with that, it wouldn't keep her from having fun. It was part of her nature to be spirited.

~~He needed someone spirited to keep his mind from those darker thoughts. The girl may indeed be a good influence on him. He'd spent too many months flat on his back perfecting his disdainful brooding. Too many months staring at four grimy walls and feeling sorry for himself. He'd been wounded yes, nearly crippled, but he was walking, he was alive and he would improve vastly if he stopped trying to drink himself into an early grave.~~

"Where would you like me to meet you tomorrow? For the training?" She would appear in proper dress for the exercise. Boys breeches, men's fell off her hips unless she had a rope to cinch them tight. A linen shirt and boots that reached to just below the knees, without heels. Something she had gotten on her own, she knew how to shop to take on the part of a boy. Something else her father had perfected within her.

"Here is fine, unless you prefer to not have an audience."~~Not that he'd be training her in the tavern, but in the stable yard out back. There should be enough room there and the ground was tramped down nice and flat.~~"Late afternoon, after the sun has started it's descent."

"Here is fine." Then a slow shake of her head. "No, no audience. Having others standing around would mean potential victims. In case I miss, or perform something incorrectly. I'd hate to see an innocent bystander get run through." Both brows rose and she couldn't help but chuckle. She hoped not to perform that horribly, but it was a humorous thought.

"I don't think you'll be doing all that poorly Carlotta."~~He grinned though the idea of his student accidentally running some drunken old salt through the gut. Well, he had a very complicated sense of humor. But mostly he'd wanted no audience because while he could instruct her, he had no idea how well he'd be able to show her.~~

"I'll draw on your faith in me then Julian and make you a proud papa." Not meant in the terminology of his being a father figure, but in the sense of pride she hoped he'd achieve as she did her best to execute everything he taught her, as perfectly as she could possibly manage.