tirgesfu

Pieces of 8: Bones of the North

Whoa..Heroes... Nice! (ok so a little late)

Let's get ready to rumble!

Tides of Dusk: A Piratical Tale of Fantasy

“Oh good kind Sir,” He let his eyes glance to the Commander who rode along side, sort of leaning toward the carriage if Jax were to judge, “Sir Greene,” He leaned closer to the old man and whispered not so softly but with that secret type of breath, “Admiral, I am impressed. But please, for both our sakes, do not let on. I have a history of trouble with authority.” He leaned back and chuckled. “But then you, Sir Greene, unlike some others,” Did he glance again to the Commander? Of course not! “have that wit and wisdom. That’s what it takes to find and keep an excellent helmsman. Take’s a man that can see the skills of the one touched by the lady moon and the soul of the tiller.” Jax didn't say that was he, but, well, they should assume so, right?

Jax watched Ms Greene’s hand touch his book as she had to make sure. She needed proof of course that his story might be true. Not that she believed him, but to Jax that did not matter. To him, he would never bring any ruling body to his ship unannounced. Lead them to the Skate. Now way, sweet sugar, fancy boots or wise wit. No. That was just not his way. There were reasons he was not on some steady country, king of commander’s payroll. More than one really. But the fact was Jax just could not get into the military style. Not for this sea artist. Now he could follow orders, hell, you can’t guide a ship without someone in charge. And he picked his vessels just as he picked his Captiain They had to know the feel. Even if Jax was not sure of Thomas’ balls, Lightfooted or not, women on board, he knew the guy had the skills and the feel. He’s proven it to Jax. So to him the Drust Skate was perfect, a beautiful ship with a good leader.

He grinned to Ms Greene. Now if the Captain could just get up their damn skirts, make up his mind and leave them on shore, so much the better. But, Jax, wasn’t giving up his spot. And he wasn’t bringing a Commander and Ex-Admiral to his Captain’s dock. No way, salt spray.

Beside he actually liked Admiral Greene. He did. They guy knew about the love of the sea. And he was a tease, Jax was sure. “Of course after all of this,” Jax paused, “activity, I am sure you would accept my offer to share a swig of whatever teases your salty whistle and share some of you tales of the deep with me.” Jax took a of snorts of a laugh, “As you might have noted I find the flow of stories almost as soothing as the rumble of waves.”

“Besides,” He sat taller, “This lad might need your expertise even more than my humble attempts. Can you just imagine his excited delight to be introduced to an Admiral? Oh my he would be over the top of himself, for sure.” Jax let his excitement spill through,”Books are wonderful and fine, but the real thing? Beyond words.”

Jax cleared his throat and looked to the Misses of this ride, “Of course if you, my fine lady, have other plans and I would disrupt them, please set me off at the Inn. My seeking of the company of your esteemed Uncle is not meant to cause you any conflicts. We know how important those social engagements can be.” Jax lowered his head to somewhat hide his smile.

Tides of Dusk: A Piratical Tale of Fantasy

Jax moved into the carriage with ease and he settled into the comfortable seat. Nice, he thought as his bottom felt the soft rich spring of the cushion. He felt good so even the cold eyes of mister fancy military boots didn’t bother him. March on boy, ride on. Jax was in the carriage after all.

He turned to the rich thick sweet voice of , well whoever she was right now, Ms Greene, and he let his mouth open but no sound came out. Where was he going? But before he stumbled out his answer the older man began to ramble on. There was something about his smooth cloudy eyes and teasing voice that Jax liked right away. The old man was spry and entertaining.

So the Oncle wanted to meet the ship that was now his home and love? He did? That made Jax’s eyes open wider and he wanted so bad to wink to Tante. But no, he would try hard to, to..oh to what...well to play this game.

He was getting ready to offer his name, no harm in that, when the gnarled hand came down on his book and the man was off again, talking with a slight joking sound that Jax liked. There were not many that could out talk Jax but this old man could sure give him a race.

When there was finally a pause, Jax could not help but chuckle. “Well my kind observant rescuer Sir,” he kept the sea salt accent just because, once started might as well, “you do not let things pass by you now do ya? Good thing. Yes indeed. This fine lady in your care is privileged to have such a keen guardian, Sir.”

He nodded his head in excess just to hide his laughter, “We barter we do, us who sail the seas, and you have given me a space on this fine ride so I give you an answer in return. Or a tale, as that might be." He turned his face to the older man, " It was one of those amazing nights that ends in your fine company. Guided by fate is all I can say.”

“You see I am Jax, to all who care to be friendly and Jozua to those who do not.” Jax chuckled again, “So Jax to you good Sir. I sail and guide because it was always just what I did and love. And because I do, I love and honor the moon and her night sky. Ah the things the lights of the night have told me, directed me to, shown me, I can only begin to explain “ Jax gave a sigh to help the story.

“Last night she directed me right into the clutches of a small wee boy who looks into the night just as I do.” Jax pulled his hand from the book and took hold of a piece of air, of nothing and yet something, to help his story. “Was it fate that lead me to him? Fate that directed the cut of those cakes?” Another sigh, “I think so.”

“This child’s eyes filled with wonder as I spoke of the moon and her splendor. For him I hunted and searched for this very special book for stars and science I pledged care and promise its safe return. But worth it for the guidance of a young boy to the sea and the sky.”

Jax paused a bit, “ I am at port for a time as we just docked and just stretched those sea legs. I ask not to return to the ship but to instead be dropped right where my night began at the Inn called Parakeets. For books.” Jax patted the book of Jesuit Astronomy and turned to look at the fine Ms Greene. “For the future of dreaming lads.”

Tides of Dusk: A Piratical Tale of Fantasy

Oh how Jax really wanted to just break out into a wide grin. Oh he did. And he fought it. What was with this day that he was going against the things he felt? Sort of swimming against his current. First with the whole sleepless Night Blooms and the real flower that he chased away and now with the masquerade of the brown sugar sea witch and her boys.

Her boys. The old man from the carriage stepped into things and he was the reason Jax longed to grin. Right to Tante Tonia Ms Greene. His mouth fought it even as his eyes danced a bit. He was not the master of disguise as this woman was. But he let the corners of his mouth rise in the direction of the black booted insincere Commander toy she was playing with. Ha! He said without moving his mouth to a smile at all. He steadied his feet, let his eyes raise to tease the Soldier Man. Before he could be sure or respond Jax moved past him and closer to the carriage.

“How kind ya are Sir.” Jax said with a sea sound drip. Jax stood and patted his stomach in an exaggerated fashion, hard and slim as it was, “Take note that I will not crush nothin’ except the lad that thinks to climb uninvited onta my ship. You read me right, kind Sir.” Jax took a second look to Ms Greene making sure not to wink even though he wanted to. “I be a man of the sea. Have been since I was spit in my Mama’s kiss. Will be until the salt takes all my waters. You are wise to so easily know such things.”

Having answered the Tante Tonia’s Oncle, he twisted his head to look back to her again. “Wherever?” He asked with a question that he was sure he wanted to hang like the edge of a wave before it crashed. “I will not crush your fine attire, I swear by my lover the moon.” Oh how he wanted to smile. “But my night was filled with such tension I would gladly accept. I have had no sleep and gladly accept a seat in your fine carriage and beside you.” He shot the Commander a quick look and a very tiny grin.

“That is if the esteemed Commander would not feel to..” He paused, just a white foam of a smile at the tip of the wave, “put out upon.” He turned back to the elder man, “Won’t want no one in them fancy boots thinking I stepped where I shouldn’t. Or sat for that matter.”

“But,” Jax took hold the carriage door and turned back to Ms Greene, “After you M’Lady. As injured as I am I still gots manners.” He bowed hiding his face because he was enjoying this too much. With his head down he offered his hand to help her back up into her seat. “Donna worry,” he spoke very softly, “my whereever is not far.”

Tides of Dusk: A Piratical Tale of Fantasy

On his rump with his hands tight on the book over his head Jax sat for a minute realizing how this was the right end to his Night Bloom night or right beginning to the next day. He started to chuckle until he heard the sweet music of an oh so female voice dripped with concern. For him? Well that was sort of lovely. And in that minute only Jax decided he did truly need help. Oh yes, his battered male ego needed the concerned eyes and soft touch of whomever was behind that glorious melody.

His chuckle shifted to a look of pain. He could have a hurt ass, not a problem.

Jax slowly lowered the book glancing at the cover to make sure no mud splashed up. The first mate was pissed enough. No need to add any salt to that wound. As he lowered the book and found his sad eyes he looked to the woman who had run to his aid. His eyes started at her fine silk gown, the rich fabric, crafted stitches, shimmering color. His eyes ran up the curves of the silken dress to the tight fitted waist and the full chest that was snugly fitted into a wonderful taunt display of tease and promise between wealth and prize. Jax almost smiled. Until his eyes traveled over the soft curves of the light brown neck to find her eyes.

Wait! Jax blinked and caught the beauty of those grays right with the threat they so easily conveyed. But she wasn’t the same. He knew the eyes by now, but damn if they looked different all dressup. And she sounded different he was sure. Oh it didn’t take long to know Tante Tonia was not playing with little boys now. Or maybe she was. Jax saw the polished boots right behind that silken green dress. The feet of a high ranked officer moved close to her.

Even as her eyes made it plain to Jax to watch his step or more so his mouth, she let out a sweet song of lady concern and polished woman words. Jax didn't find it hard to let his face show slightly painful confusion as he handed to book to the surprised official and took Tante Tonia Ms Greene’s hand.

“Twas my mistake M’Lady.” Jax let his voice slip into the rough sailor sound. “Didn't mean to rough your ride.” He put one hand into hers and the other he used to push off from the road. Shaking and taking hold of her hand he stumbled against her briefly, getting close enough to feel the rise of her tight straped chest and then stumbled back before the soldier at her side eyes got too angry.

Jax took a step and held out his hand for the book. “No troubles to you, fine Madam . Just let me shake the stars from me head and I’ll be out of ya road.” He shook his head and looked into those deep grey eyes again. What game was this mermaid playing now, he wondered. Not that he should know, oh best that he doesn’t. Still, he was finding some fun in the different sides of the Captains figure head. Oh yes, she was so like the woman that hung ornately on the bow of many a ship.

“Ya’re kind to stop.” Jax spoke quietly glancing at the Commander sure that he wasn’t the one who pulled the reins to a halt. “Don’t concern yourself none. None at t’all. I will just..” Jax pulled away and stumbled catching himself before he fell. He wavered and tucked the book back into his jacket making it obvious he was having trouble walking. “Not hold ya up.” He let his words say he was fine while his legs wobbled and swayed.

He looked over the two to the fine carriage he had walked into and then shook his head. He looked to the Commander just to make note of the guy’s face, the new boy in Tante Tonia’s play yard.

“Not keep ya.” Jax added and took another unstable step back. He winced making a painful face with each stumbled step. He could play this mystical mermaid game. Oh not as well as she, he was very sure. Still Jax found some pleasure in this hidden game.

Pieces of 8: Bones of the North

The food smelled wonderful and Thad had no trouble filling his plate. That was in between tasty morsel that went directly to his mouth. He did glance back to Siya raise his eyebrows, his toes, and the corners of his mouth. Go get ‘em sex sucker, he thought as he watched them entwine for a second or two. Sort of like vamp porn and he could enjoy that. But like all porn it made him think of Veti.

So it didn’t take him long to find his own feed, his real food, and spot Veti across the room. She must have felt his hungry eyes on her because she looked over at him. Even from across the room he could sense the call of her eyes. He didn't need more than that. With a few more handfuls of whatever was there, what were those stuffed rolled green things anyway? Thad took the overfilled plate and moved past the x-rated show over to his real one, Veit and crowd.

And it was a crowd. Daisy had just stomped off, well sort of stomped enough for her pink hair to bounce a bit. He saw Nester and sort of slid his plate in the guys direction. Just in case anything on his plate looked good enough for that classy guy to take. He smiled to the new guy. Well, all of them as far as Thad was concerned. Semyon had his hand offered to someone and Thad resisted the urge to just push his plate where the hand extended. But, he squashed that fast enough. He was the one who hadn’t eaten for forever. He was not in the mood for sharing much more than a quick grin. If Nestor wanted anything he better take it quick.

And there was someone else, someone new, who Semyon was greeting. Let him play nice. Thad had other hungers. He didn’t stay long with the friendly get to know each other gang and instead moved to Veti. Now there was someone he would never get tired of getting to know.

He found his way beside Veti. His arm with the plate full wrapped around her and presented the food right to her even as he kissed her ear quickly. He pulled back a bit and grinned to Henry.

“Henry.” He nodded to the singing ice boy. Of course he only heard the end of whatever Henry was saying. “Whose lap dogs are you playing with now?” He asked as he wiggled the plate of food in front of Veti. Thad didn’t wait for Henry’s answer. He remember Henry did not like Max too much and he wondered if he would accept a difference or not. He looked instead the wolf. Right there next to his hot hound was a werewolf. He let himself study the thing, the tuffs around its ears, the huge paws, the sleek and powerful shoulders, the size of the thing. He sort of stared and he looked back to Veti. Could he look like that? Something about it stirred the warlock. He smiled to Veti. He wondered if she could tell what he was thinking.

But because he was Thad now and not Max he acted just a bit more civilized and he bowed his head to the herculean animal beside Veti. “I’ll share if she will.” He raised his head and winked to the plate that kept his arm around Veti. With his other hand he found a small bacon wrapped around something and lifted it to Veti’s lips. Wolves like meat right? He grinned and waited for her to take his bite.

Pieces of 8: Bones of the North

Great reads and activity! Way to go...crowd, group, you guys.. everyone.

I am back from a camping trip of my own and hope to catch up and jump back in this weekend.

Ok...I lied.... I am not good at sitting on the edge I guess. Just had to get back in.

Tides of Dusk: A Piratical Tale of Fantasy

Jax watched his stream finally dribble out, shook and looked up. He saw her back as she stomped away. “I was teasing,” He called but not with the force he should have. His shoulders sank down to his feet. She had given him the smile he dreamed about all night. He had that. For a second. For a few minutes. She could parade away in complete disastifaction of him and yet he still had that. He knew he made her smile.

Of course he made her plod away in anger. She had that for him too. Jax stood and watched her military stiff cold walk through the swaying cane. He almost regretted his jest. He should have known she would not take it lightly. Or maybe he did know. Maybe he needed her rejection to set his mixed up dumb ass head back on right. What was he thinking?

Still, as he watched her, even her tight assed, stuck up tromp, he found regret. He closed his eyes and saw her smile. He felt her lean because he had stay awake all night making sure he would remember it. He looked to the Night Blooms, closed now just like her, and realized they would always be something different now. Would they ever open for him the same way?

Oh well, time to ride the tide and let be. Slowly Jax left the pond , the flowers, and the sound of the wind blown cane. He kept the memory of Nicolette Beauchamp. He repeated her name silently in his head and saw her smile.

He followed way behind her, not even beginning to match her quick purposeful gait. It wasn’t until he was out on the main path, all the way to the edge of town that he brought out the book, her book, and began to flip open the cover.

He looked at the first few pages and knew he would like this very much. Tried, distracted, still feeling the warmth of her smile and the sting of her back, Jax was not paying attention to anything around him. Why should he? He had a book and a memory. That would have to hold him for awhile. And it could. Hopefully they would be off on the seas soon enough that his time would be taken by his love the ship.

Jax didn’t hear the horse or even the wheels. He might have been walking alongside the road and wandered right into the center. He didn’t know. He wasn’t watching. Was he so absorbed in the words or the image of that smile? No, it must just be lack of sleep. Not until he felt the bump of something hard that knocked him off his feet did he look up. He raised the book high as he fell making sure none of the mud of the road touched the book. Shit! What if he damaged the book? With it high above his head Jax fell ass to the dirt. He sat in the middle of the road.

Pieces of 8: Bones of the North

Just a note.....I am enjoying the setup and interaction between Daisy and Semyon. Fun to read. Good job both.

Pieces of 8: Bones of the North

Oh...Serge......you're not going to play hard to get again are you? (teasing of course..but then any New Yorker would know that......Right Grainy?)

I got coffee. A little late in the day if there is such a thing.