Patchwork Universe

Captain Magpie · Posted: Wed Apr 28, 2004 6:45 pm Post subject:

Captain Magpie was glad to take the chance to size up the other people in the pub. What he'd entered as a dark, empty room had turned into a decent bunch of drinkers and talkers - a public house indeed. And it was only ten at night.

He drank deeply from one of the tankards Jones had placed on the bar, and waved others over to fetch theirs. He didn't stop to talk to them but carried on in quiet conversation with Jane. He'd noted the look her father had given them both - that familiar mix of concern and respect that said 'she's my daughter, and I know full well you could turn her head, but you'd best be careful'.

Jane proved likable, and willing to talk, so Magpie quizzed her about her life, the tavern, the area, the world, and suchlike. He let slip the odd detail of his life, mentioning his fine ship, a 'bit of a dust-up with the navy', and 'my crew'.

The day had been a long one, but it was shaping up to be a fine evening.

Captain Magpie · Posted: Wed Apr 28, 2004 6:56 pm Post subject:

The pirates had settled into a couple of benches near the fire, which was soon roaring away. They gave up on seeing the Captain for a short while - as one put it, 'he's always got time for a pretty face'.

They made themselves at home, as only travellers know how. There was talk of the fight - exaggerated stories don't make themselves, you know? And talk of the new shore they'd pitched up on - the dark caves, the strange 'Janitor' and the Navy - 'bloody everywhere, aren't they?' Inevitably this talk of a new world turned to stories of other strange lands, and people. They all had stories to tell. Before long someone was telling the one about the Amazons and the fire arrows.

Kerry was listening to Larkin, trying to work out just how mad or drunk he was. It sounded like the sort of mad scheme that might have a big payoff, be it loot, experience or story. Maybe she'd have a quiet word later.

Jones · Posted: Wed Apr 28, 2004 9:16 pm Post subject:

Jane had completely forgotten Captain Isobel's request that Magpie join her in the saloon bar. Her eyes glowed as the dashing pirate told tales of his adventures and she passed off her own provincialism with a bit of a swagger and a segue past any awkward questions about her own experiences.

Although Jones kept a judicious eye on her from the bar, he was kept busy enough serving drinks. Meanwhile Jennifer hustled to provide slabs of meat slathed in mustard, hunks of bread and ripping and an array of rich dark cakes she'd been saving for just such an occasion.

All the same, at least once Jane's eyes flicked over to glance at Larkin, sitting near the fireside wth his mug of beer. Jones had passed off his enquirey about a room for the night with an uncharacteristic gruff reply that he'd "see what he could do". Meanwhile the young thief had been left to ace the curious eyes of the pirate company.

After that one glance, Jane studiously ignored him, turning instead to look admiringly up at Magpie.
"... you really jumped from the rigging of your ship to the crow's nest of his? And sliced through the sail with your cutlass... And left his ship dead in the water?" She blushed as Magpie winked at her and glanced around, trying to think of a yarn to match his and gasped as she remembered what she'd been forgetting.
"The navy!" Looking back at Magpie with an expression of guilty alarm she continued. "Captain, I forgot... The other Captain... Isobel? She arrived about the same time you did... They're in the saloon bar... waiting for you."

Jane stole a look at the clock and winced to see that at least a half hour had passed since she'd served the navy their drinks. "Been waiting for a bit, I think. Sorry, Captain."

Captain Magpie · Posted: Thu Apr 29, 2004 6:31 pm Post subject:

"Well I had better talk to her, to be honest. She's feeling a bit lost, no doubt." He didn't mention the fact that he wanted to know what she'd found out so far; they were both, to be frank, very lost indeed.

He'd talk to Jane later; the best thing about reaching shore was meeting new people. He'd picked up his crew from a dozen different ports on three or four continents. And broken hearts in twice as many.

He looked into Jane's face, wondering what she was thinking. She was very eager to talk of adventure, and sounded like she wanted it, but she'd travelled so little in the world. She'd stayed in her family home like she never really thought about travelling away. Like the pub was the centre of its own little universe - a place people came to rather than came from.

He sighed a little - here he was in a decent drinking joint and he was going to have to go and talk shop. 'Negotiation' is what Isobel would call it. 'Better than a musket ball' was his thought.

"In fact, perhaps talking to the Navy is something I'd better get out the way, so as to enjoy the evening better. "

He smiled, in what he assumed was a winning manner. The angling of the head so the firelight twinkled in his eyes was entirely subconscious.

"I trust you'll be here all night, and that I shall see you later."

Jones · Posted: Thu Apr 29, 2004 6:48 pm Post subject:

That Jane's cheeks were flushed and her eyes glowing was doubtless a trick of the light from the revived fire.
"I'll be around." she said, and sketched a salute with a fingertip.

Captain Magpie · Posted: Thu Apr 29, 2004 7:13 pm Post subject:

"Ciao bella," he said and turned away.

Magpie walked over to the pirates round the fire - "off to talk to the Navy..."

And with that he walked to the door Jane had indicated. He opened it and walked through. And straight into Captain Isobel.

Captain Isobel DeRainault · Good Joined: 20 Jan 2004 Posts: 186 Location: HMS Justice

Perhaps surprisingly, Captain DeRainault was not at all unprepared to have a tipsy pirate walk right into her, and quickly sidestepped Magpie as he stumbled into her, his attention doubtless on the young woman still gazing intently at him from across the room. Despite this, both Captain and pirate caught each other a heavy blow on the shoulder.

Not for the first time today, DeRainault found herself biting back a curse. "Magpie." Captain DeRainault grimaced as she rubbed her shoulder. "Finally managed to tear yourself away from drinking and wenching, I see." She was clearly irritated, and there was a slight edge of disdain in her voice. "Well, I've no time to talk, I must return to my ship - we've been asked to provide aid, requirements of the service and the like. If you have matters to discuss, you may speak with my Surgeon, Doctor Maria Domenova, who is waiting in the Saloon Bar, and will be staying at this establishment for the night. She holds an independent commission with the Admiralty, and has my full faith and confidence. " Having said what needed saying, DeRainault seemed ready to leave, but pausing just a moment, she leaned in, and speaking in a low but fierce voice so that only Magpie could hear her, said "Rest assured, pirate, if any harm comes to her, or to any other innocent in this place, you will answer to me. After all," and here her manner became once more relaxed and cordial, "try that you might, you cannot escape Justice."

In a few more steps, she had reached the door, and was followed out by a lone sailor.

[Captain DeRainault has now left the Public Bar thread, and her actions continue in the Roadside thread. Anyone wanting to have a word with her before she leaves the patch should catch her there.]

Larkin Quickgrip · Good Joined: 21 Jan 2004 Posts: 124 Location: The Slums

Larkin finished his ale and with a yawn pushed himself to his feet. He wondered over to the bar and placed the empty mug upon the wooden surface with a thunk.

Flashing the landlord a quick grin he said "So, errr, about that room?"

Jones · Posted: Mon May 03, 2004 1:53 pm Post subject:

Jones considered Larkin thoughtfully. This was the young man's second visit to the pub and he'd already made it clear that he had no coin of any kind with which to pay for the inn's services. However, making money was not the be all and end all of Jones' life.

More serious was Larkin's public announcement that he was acting as the agent of a God. Jones knew something about Gods and suspected more. At any rate he wasn't about to give offence to someone who claimed to be working for one.

"The Rocking Horse Room," he said, eventually. He was hedgign his bets here, since the Rocking Horse room was by no means the pub's best. It was the one used by members of the Jones family themselves when they stayed in the main building rather than one of the farm cottages. But it was clean and the twin beds were always made up. While the sheets might not be fresh on today, Larkin looked like the type to whom fine linen would be luxury enough.

"It's up the stairs and along to the back of the building," Jones continued. "You can't miss it for there's a sign on the door." Slapping a key down on the bar top he added. "Here's the key, and we recommend our guests keep their rooms locked if they have valuables with them."

The publican concluded more seriously, fixing Larkin with a long look.
"We've started a slate for you. But there's more ways to pay back a debt than in money... there's always chores to be done in the kitchen or the farm. If you run into difficulties I'm sure we can come to some arrangement."

Jones · Posted: Mon May 03, 2004 1:58 pm Post subject:

[ooc note: Isobel and Magpie have both passed into other threads. Currently in the bar are assorted pirates, Arnora, Larkin and Jones family members. Please could all players remember to signal their movement appropriately in this (somewhat complicated) forum. See the map in the sticky for more detail.]

Larkin Quickgrip · Good Joined: 21 Jan 2004 Posts: 124 Location: The Slums

Larkin nodded understandingly, he had done chores before because of his lack of money. However thanks to Yarrow his reward may prove to be the end to all his money troubles.

Then he remembered that he had a partner to get a hold of and so as he took the key, he announced rather loudly "The Rocking Horse Room Aye? That Is Where I Shall Be If Anyone Wanted Ter See Me!" and then blatantly turned around to make sure that everyone had heard him.

Turning back to Jones he said, much quieter "Which room is that?"

Jones · Posted: Mon May 03, 2004 2:08 pm Post subject:

"Up at the end of the corridor on the second floor," the publican said. "Here I'l have someone show you the way."

Jane had been sitting by the fire among the band of pirates but at her father's call she turned with a scowl, one that twisted further on recognising Larkin.

"Show this... gentleman to the Rocking Horse room, please." Jone said and Jane shruggd her shoulders ungraciously.
"It's this way," she told Larkin, jerking her head at the door to the stairs. Without waiting for a reply she set off towards it.

[ooc: Jane now moves to the Rocking Horse room thread.]

Larkin Quickgrip · Good Joined: 21 Jan 2004 Posts: 124 Location: The Slums

Larkin grinned a little at the girls obvious annoyance, but followed her anyway.

ooc Larkin has now moved to the Rocking Horse Room Thread

Patchwork Universe · Posted: Thu May 20, 2004 1:22 am Post subject:

[ooc: this thread now ended. Arnora, Kerry and Harlequin's interactions moved to the mew public bar thread.]