Tavern Trouble (NTP)

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Tavern Trouble (NTP); Kisha, Jack (others please PM first)
Topic Started: 5 Apr 2007, 09:54 PM (354 Views)
Brendan	5 Apr 2007, 09:54 PM Post #1
A Legend. In regimentals. Pwn. Posts: 425 Group: Gopher Goddess Member #2 Joined: 7 December 2006	Originally posted by Jack. Port Royal again. Needless to say, Jack was less than thrilled about the necessity of going there once again. It was probably the least safe place for him to be in all the world. Well, perhaps there were one or two places that were worse... but not many. Somewhere up there (or down there) someone was laughing at him, he was sure. Jack was never very keen on letting others handle his business; if you want something done right, you've got to do it yourself - and that applied especially to the sort of people Jack usually dealt with. Dishonest people, that was. Still, he would have been grateful if, just this once, his very handsome but ever since his failed hanging too well-known face could have stayed aboard the Pearl, along with the rest of him. He would trust Gibbs, if he had to. Not the brightest light, perhaps, but a loyal mate, and a good man. But unfortunately, Gibbs could not be trusted with this, for the simple fact that Jack couldn't tell anyone else about it. Oh, the possibility was there, of course, but it would be extremely ill-advised. Even Gibbs, superstitious man that he was, could not be expected to stay with him if he knew about Jack; if he knew Jack's time was running out, knew that a solution would have to be found quickly if they were going to prevent Davy Jones himself from going after Jack and his ship. Jack was the only one who knew about all this, and that was how it should be. But that didn't make it any easier for him to find the solution he needed so badly. Still, Jack would get a chance at finding his solution tonight. The information he'd gathered in Tortuga was sketchy at best, but it was his first real lead. In Port Royal there was (or had been only a few months ago) a man who knew what the key of Davy Jones' chest looked like. (Or at least a man who knew where such information might be found; Jack's source had not been very clear, having been persuaded to talk by not only gold, but a few mugs of rum as well.) The man's name was supposed to be Smith (what a stroke of luck...), and he worked, or had worked, as a ship's carpenter. By the time Jack had got to asking about trifling details such as age and looks, his source was too far gone, only managing to utter scraps of what Jack presumed were meant to be songs for a few minutes before passing out. Still, Jack wasn't sure if the man had known anything more, as he presented his information in the same way he would any legend he'd heard tell. And of course, he may have invented the whole thing, in which case Jack was worse off now than when he started. But Jack chose to believe this was real. He had to; after months of 'research', it was all he had to go on. And so Jack found himself in Port Royal again, wandering the dark streets of the less respectable areas of the city. That would give him a better chance at keeping out of the hangman's way, and it also seemed to be the best place to find the elusive Smith. Jack only pondered where to begin his search briefly before heading straight for the lively sounds of a tavern further down the street. A tavern was always the best place to find information - and the rum was a welcome bonus.



Brendan	5 Apr 2007, 09:55 PM Post #2
A Legend. In regimentals. Pwn. Posts: 425 Group: Gopher Goddess Member #2 Joined: 7 December 2006	Originally posted by Kisha Boswell. A tavern was indeed always a good place to start. Kisha started most her nights in one, but regardless of where it started it always ended in the same place- bed. A career girl, of sorts, Kisha took smaller jobs through the night but always aimed at one overnight gig as that was what paid the highest. Some nights she got more than others, but it was rare that she ended up empty handed. Within the year or so that she'd been in Port Royal she was doing quite well for herself. She didn't need much really so it was easy to not want for anything. She was accustomed to a simple life, and despite the fact that her bed was shared in abundance, her life in general was very quiet. She socialized with the other girls, but she did not keep any close friends in particular and held more than a few secrets. She didn't talk about her personal life, or her business. Sure she was spotted with customers, but she wasn't the type to tell of her exploits. If people wanted to gossip, let them, but she never verified anything. She wouldn't let herself be dragged into competition or compromise the trust of customers. It was a simple way to keep them coming back, beyond the mere physical aspects of it, and it kept her out of trouble. Well, most trouble anyway. There were plenty of other things girls of her sort had to deal with. It was only right to avoid what you could. At the moment Kisha was perched on the bar, conversing with a large, but shabby looking man who had clearly had more than his share of rum for the evening. Even sitting he swayed, and when he laughed it was a bellowing wild sounds that carried across the small but busy tavern. She had downed a bit herself, and was on a steady roll. She wasn't quite drunk, but she was getting there. The slight haze to her dark eyes and the hint of flushed colouration on her cheeks and across her chest showed it for what it was. She hadn't planned on drinking (but when did she ever?) but the current company was a bit on the obnoxious side and it made his company easer to bear. A previous fumbling, but profitable encounter out back left her orange dress a little dishevled. It was too big on her shoulders, leaving the wide but sleeveless straps sliding off, but otherwise it seemed to fit her rather well. It had at one point been too long and that was remedied by simply trimming the bottom. She hadn't bothered to hem it properly and so the entire edge was quite a bit ratty looking. The colour was maybe what suited her best- a brilliant orange, or at least it had been. Now it was a bit faded and tattered, a few odd stains here and there- but it was still orange nonetheless. Her painted face went through a variety of expressions as she spoke, very animated, and yet a discerning eye might catch the less than enthusiastic gaze that she was giving her 'friend'. Her foot bounced as she sat, jingling the bells on her ankle, in a manner that a bored child might. The man continued to tell some story that was no doubt an exageration, and Kisha took another sip from her cup, eyes wandering off towards the door and then across the room in a quick inspection. She was hoping to catch the gaze of one of the other girls working the room to trade off. The man was drunk and clearly looking for company, but frankly Kisha wasn't interested. Hopefully someone else would be. There was always someone else, Kisha figured, let someone else have this one. If he had any more to drink, which clearly he planned on as he ordered another, he could get too roudy for her taste. He had already felt free to pinch and poke her, and had picked her up and set her on her current seat- on the top of the bar in front of him. His hand migrated to her knee, uncovered as her skirt lifted and bunched when he moved her, and it had orginally climbed from a place near her ankle. On two seperate occasions she tried to reajust herself- move the leg or adjust her skirt to cover it. Both had been stopped by the big and ungentle hands in a manner that suggested he'd claimed her for the evening. The back of Kisha's mind was grumbling at the whole thing. She felt captive by him, and while his story seemed out to impress her there had been no talk of monetary exchange. She had downed maybe half a drink too much to figure out a way to weasle away, so with her mind clouded she just sat and pretended to be entertained. She told herself if he tried anything too blazen she'd slip away- though a sober Kisha would have known better. It was hard to mistake her for anything but a whore- her face painted, hair free, and the way she was dressed. So surely he intended this to be business? Not necissarily. He was in truth the type that would take whatever he wanted, and even if she did get paid Kisha would be sore in the morning. However with rum in her system Kisha was not the calculating thing she otherwise was. It would be trouble most likely, and unfortuantely she wasn't in a state to recognize it coming, let alone head it off at the pass.



Brendan	5 Apr 2007, 09:56 PM Post #3
A Legend. In regimentals. Pwn. Posts: 425 Group: Gopher Goddess Member #2 Joined: 7 December 2006	Originally posted by Jack. Not a bad tavern for a respectable place like Port Royal, Jack decided as he entered through the always open door. Small, though; much smaller than the sound coming from it would suggest. But in this case size didn't matter. Jack's brilliantly detailed plan consisted of walking to the bar, ordering rum, and asking the barkeep about this fellow Smith he wanted to find. If he couldn't find an answer here, he would simply find some other tavern and repeat the process, as often as it would take to get results - or until his legs could no longer carry him, of course. Sad as it was, if this was going to take a while, he'd have to merely order rum, and not drink it. Which was fundamentally wrong, but if that was the only way he was going to get what he came for, so be it. As Jack made his way to the bar, he didn't pay much attention to its customers; they were all but irrelevant to his quest. Still, as Jack leaned on the bar, one man at the far end of it managed to attract his attention by the noise he made. It was presumably intended as laughing, but it sounded more like a strange combination between a bull mooing and a donkey braying - which no doubt said a lot about the man in question. Jack, still waiting for the barkeep to get around to serving him, couldn't resist a glance at the half-animal. He was surprised to find someone he knew (in the most intimate meaning of the word) in the man's company. Poor, beautiful Kisha. If Jack had been here on her kind of business, he would have loved to save her; as it was, he knew better than to interfere with her work, even by something as innocent as saying hello. Nevertheless, the situation didn't feel right somehow, and Jack couldn't ignore it. The man was very pushy, and Kisha was looking not quite herself somehow. It could be no harm to her business or his own, Jack reasoned, to at least be nearby in case she should desire to be rescued after all. Leaving his spot at the bar, he walked to near where Kisha and the man were conversing, and casually elbowed someone out of the way to earn himself a new place at the bar there, which was clearly the better end; the barkeep asked him what he wanted right away, and had his rum in front of him in seconds. Kisha was sure to see Jack here, if she hadn't seen him before. Attracting the barkeep's attention again, Jack asked his questions regarding Smith, and got nothing but a blank look in reply. Brilliant. If Kisha needed any help, she had better make her request quickly, or he would be on his way again already.



Brendan	5 Apr 2007, 09:56 PM Post #4
A Legend. In regimentals. Pwn. Posts: 425 Group: Gopher Goddess Member #2 Joined: 7 December 2006	Originally posted by Kisha Boswell. Catching sight of Jack was indeed comforting. He was the sort that Kisha enjoyed the most. He was pleasant company, provided good conversation, and knew the difference between friendliness and business. They�d had some interesting times (in both terms of work and random adventures) and so when she saw him she smiled a much more genuine one than that offered to the beast in front of her. And beast he was. The newly arrived drink was gulped down quickly, a decent amount getting on his face and trickling down his neck. Only after the liquid was gone and his mouth wiped with the back of his sleeve did he slide payment over to the bartender. He laughed about it, saying how he guessed he was done for the night because that was the last of his money. A joke to him, from the way he said it, but a problem for Kisha. Well, there went business now didn�t it? As there was no longer any reason for her to keep his company (unless she was enjoying it, and she was not) she opted to move on. "Thats alright." she said with a smile "You can finish mine." She placed her cup on the bar next to her and slid down off of it. When he realized that this was a move to leave the man reached out and grabbed Kisha by the wrist. "Aiy! Where'da think yar goin'?" the words were harsh and very slurred. "We ain't dun yit ya know." He yanked her closer, making the room tilt for Kisha. The situation made her head clear just enough to know this was bad and that she had definitely had too much to drink. "C'mon now luvie, give's us a kiss yea?" By give he meant he was going to take one, and Kisha suddenly found his grip pulling her toward his hot, stinking breath. She wrinkled her nose and pushed against him, which did her absolutely no good. Kisha was not very strong, and now she was drunk and this particular man was well more than twice her size. Not really knowing what else to do she continued to push on him defensively with one hand with the other moved back and grabbing her half finished glass of rum. She flung its contents in his face, which startled him just enough to get him to release her. He stumbled back a step and a half, wiping at his face and cursing angrily- much of it less than flattering adjectives for Kisha. The move angered him quite visibly and before she had a chance to move she felt the hard sting of the back of his hand on her face. Stunned she stumbled back against the bar. The room shook hard, her drunken eyes unable to focus enough to see him rearing up to strike at her again.



Brendan	5 Apr 2007, 09:59 PM Post #5
A Legend. In regimentals. Pwn. Posts: 425 Group: Gopher Goddess Member #2 Joined: 7 December 2006	Originally posted by Jack. Jack had glanced at Kisha just in time to see her smile at him. He didn't smile back, due to his current policy of non-interference, but instead gave her a look that was... real? Sincere? Well, about as close to such concepts as Jack ever came, anyway. Jack the good man who would gladly help a damsel in distress - a ridiculous notion, but the pose was well-meant nonetheless. Jack's brief but important conversation with the barkeep absorbed his attention for a moment. When it was over, he noticed that Kisha's situation had become a bit more impassioned - still, some people liked it that way, and Kisha's current customer might well be of that sort. Jack would not play the hero and make a fool of himself as heroes always did; he was there if Kisha needed him, and all she had to do was ask. Jack avoided looking at the happy couple as he finished his mug of rum. He got up to leave - but then there was the sound of a slap, and Kisha falling back against the bar. Bloody hell... Well, that was it then; Saint Jack to the rescue. Jack grabbed his mug and ostensibly stepped away from the fight, but as soon as he was out of sight of the brute, he turned around and slammed the metal mug down on the middle of the man's head. Jack's brilliant plan had been that the man would fall to the floor unconscious at this point; end of story, and they lived happily ever after. All the man did, however, was turn around and grab Jack's right wrist, Jack's hand still holding the mug. Judging by the man's facial expression, he, for one, did not value Jack's chivalry very highly. Jack briefly considered feigning innocence, but the evidence was too clear. Jack's mouth had opened to say something, to deny everything, but it closed again as his eyes drifted to the fist clenched around his wrist, then to the mug in his hand, and widened at the sight of it; the bottom rim curled slightly upwards where it had made contact with the offending cranium. Little damage it may have done, but the man still blamed him a great deal, that much was certain. With his right hand caught, there wasn't much Jack could do; draw his pistol, perhaps, but leaving a trail of fatalities in one's wake was no way to go about town unnoticed. The brute raised his free hand, balled it into a fist - Jack, getting somewhat worried now, tried to pull back, unsuccessfully; reached behind him with his left hand to find... to find... There! Jack swung out again, hitting the man's temple - Please let it work this time! The bottle, pulled from the hands of a drunk that was now make faint plaintif noises at its sudden disappearance, broke into a dozen pieces upon impact. A strange moment when time seemed to have stopped; lasting uncertainty about whether the mean would stand or fall as the shards of glass fell to the floor. Then at last he fell, and Jack could relax. The world was still standing still, all eyes turning to Jack; no one spoke, and the musicians had stopped playing. Jack glanced once more at the unconscious body at his feet before facing everyone's looks. "Carry on," he said, as casually as he could, and immediately the music started again, followed shortly by the talking.



Brendan	5 Apr 2007, 10:25 PM Post #6
A Legend. In regimentals. Pwn. Posts: 425 Group: Gopher Goddess Member #2 Joined: 7 December 2006	Originally posted by Kisha Boswell. Kisha rubbed her cheek. Mostly it was sore, and no doubt it would bruise. There was a small cut from a ring marked her at the top of her cheekbone, and the whole mess of it throbbed. The room settled down to a slow waving motion, doubles blurring together into one. And what did she see? Jack. Jack having at it with her attacker. She was surprised, most definitely. Especially when she watched the larger man go down. Her eyes followed him as he hit the ground and then her gaze moved back up to Jack. The combination of shock and gratitude was written all over her face. For a moment she stood in her stunned silence, then a soft smile appeared and she found her voice. �Thanks.� She really didn�t know what else to say besides that. She owed him, most definitely, but that much didn�t need to be spoken. When they first met she returned his keeping her secret with aiding his own ruse where she could. While it was unlikely that Jack would need saving from a slap or two, Kisha would certainly have his back elsewhere if he asked it. Odd as their whole situation was she did consider him a friend; and while she didn�t need much reason to do favors for Jack, at the same time this incident only cemented that further. The general rule for those things was that it would have to cause minimal trouble for Kisha herself, however after this she knew that rule would end up being ignored to some degree if necessary. With the attention turning away from the scene and back to business as usual Kisha stepped over the unconscious man. �I think I�m going to step outside in case our friend here wakes up. Don�t suppose you�d like to join me hmm?� It wasn�t a business proposition, and nor did it have her usual playfulness or flirtatious undertones. It was friendly, and had the same genuine sound as her earlier thank you. She didn�t want to stay there and she figured Jack didn�t either. Kisha was still �off� but the situation did sober her up a little- quite literally knocking sense into her. At once she wished she could force the liquor out of her system, and incidentally she also swore off rum for at least a short while. Maybe a walk would do her good. She hoped Jack would walk with her for a little while at least- to give them a chance to catch up. Pirate that he was it was likely that he was in town for some sort of business, but whether he mentioned that business to her or not was up to him. It wasn�t Kisha�s practice to pry, and Jack would know that by now.



Brendan	5 Apr 2007, 10:32 PM Post #7
A Legend. In regimentals. Pwn. Posts: 425 Group: Gopher Goddess Member #2 Joined: 7 December 2006	Originally posted by Jack. �Thanks.� Jack grinned. "You're welcome, love." The look on her face was absolutely worth it. Was that why he'd done what he had? It must have been. For some reason, though, it didn't feel right that he had. Would she think he was a true friend now? What if he ever had to do anything that would betray that supposed friendship? Jack looked away, trying to think of happier subjects. Too much thinking, not enough rum. Having the devil of the sea after you did that to a person. At least, it caused the former; the latter Jack would have to remedy. �I think I�m going to step outside in case our friend here wakes up. Don�t suppose you�d like to join me hmm?� Jack glanced at the giant on the floor, raising an eyebrow as he considered the mood the man would be in when he regained consciousness. "Well, if you insist..." He put his arm around Kisha's waist and led her outside, where he let go of her again. Walking was much easier on one's own, and Kisha was doing it fine all by herself, no protective arm necessary; besides which, Jack reminded himself, this wasn't a professional engagement. "Is it very sore?" he inquired, looking at Kisha's cheek. "I hope it won't bruise too badly." He should have taken the man's purse, he thought now; only fair that the miscreant should pay for the business Kisha would lose thanks to his behaviour. Still, knocking a man out and taking his purse might have been too much on the criminal side for even the sleazier taverns in Port Royal; the risk probably wouldn't have been worth it. "So, how've you been recently, eh? Business been going all right?" Apart from this being a good question to determine if Kisha could cope with a temporary lack of income, it was a nice way to divert attention away from Jack himself. Although... Perhaps Kisha might help him. Unfortunately Jack couldn't - wouldn't - tell her the exact purpose of his visit, and it would be awkward to ask for help and not tell her why when she asked, which she undoubtedly would. He could lie, of course, but it didn't feel right, not with Kisha; besides, he rather suspected she'd have a good idea of when he was lying. Sticking to half truths would be so much better, but it put a limit on how he could state his request in a way that would be most likely to gain Kisha's voluntary cooperation. Jack didn't like to beg for help; he'd rather have the topic arise naturally, his question brought up casually in the conversation. Perhaps Kisha would even offer help, without him having to ask for it. For now, Jack would see where fate would lead him, and wait for an opening.



Brendan	5 Apr 2007, 10:33 PM Post #8
A Legend. In regimentals. Pwn. Posts: 425 Group: Gopher Goddess Member #2 Joined: 7 December 2006	Originally posted by Kisha Boswell. Kisha headed out with Jack, avoiding the few glances it earned her. She liked to forget that nights like this could happen. A whore�s life was far from glamorous, but keeping her head usually allowed her to avoid �situations�. It was a good thing Jack had been there, and Kisha knew that the luck of it was about the only thing that kept things from getting worse. When it boiled down to it though Kisha was very lucky, and she was very aware of that fact. There were worse things that could happen besides a few slaps. "Is it very sore?" he inquired, looking at Kisha's cheek. "I hope it won't bruise too badly." She smiled just enough to show that she appreciated him asking. �I�ll be fine.� Her voice suggested it was perhaps as much a blow to her ego as it was to her physically. It was already a little bruised, but it wasn�t anything that wouldn�t sort itself out with some time. A good cleaning and rubbing would help it along. "So, how've you been recently, eh? Business been going all right?" �I�m the same as always Jack, and business is as good as can be expected- unless you want to count that little bout.� She smiled a little more, eyes looking to Jack. Her spirits weren�t stamped out totally and there were hints of it in here. Any doubt of it would be cleared up when she spoke again. �So besides feeling heroic tonight how�ve you been? Keeping yourself busy? Or should I thank boredom for sending you my way?� Her full smile crept its way out, as well as a slight playfulness. She �wanted- to ask why exactly he was in Port Royal, but if Jack wanted her to know he�d surely stumble onto that eventually. She wasn�t asking him directly, and she wouldn�t. Either way though she wasn�t about to go prowling for another customer. If Jack was looking for business naturally she wouldn�t turn him away, but excluding that she was more or less finished for the night. One smack had been more than enough. Still, Jack was a bit sober for this to be a pleasure run, and his choice for location left doubts on it as well. A reason behind it, she figured, but one that he could keep to himself if he felt it was that important.



Brendan	5 Apr 2007, 10:36 PM Post #9
A Legend. In regimentals. Pwn. Posts: 425 Group: Gopher Goddess Member #2 Joined: 7 December 2006	Originally posted by Jack. ((Meh, Jack keeps going depressed on me in this thread. A bit out of character, but I can't seem to help it. Also, sorry for extreme brevity, but it seemed to make sense to stop there.)) �So besides feeling heroic tonight how�ve you been? Keeping yourself busy? Or should I thank boredom for sending you my way?� There it was then. For some reason, Jack didn't feel as cornered by the question as he might have - still, it was not something he liked to think about. He inspected the street tiles, his mouth automatically, almost defensively, curling into a small smile. Boredom indeed. "I've never been quite so bored that I was willing to risk a hanging for the fun of it..." The words might have been harsh, but weren't. Jack's face briefly became very serious as he continued: "No, I'm looking for someone. Man by the name of Smith, believe it or not... Perhaps you know him?" He looked at Kisha, his eyes as inquiring as his words. "Near as I know, he's a ship's carpenter."



Brendan	5 Apr 2007, 10:37 PM Post #10
A Legend. In regimentals. Pwn. Posts: 425 Group: Gopher Goddess Member #2 Joined: 7 December 2006	Originally posted by Kisha Boswell. "I've never been quite so bored that I was willing to risk a hanging for the fun of it..." Kisha wanted to chuckle a little at that, but Jack wasn�t quite himself about it so she felt the urge subside. So business it was then. Jack�s sort of business. �No, I'm looking for someone. Man by the name of Smith, believe it or not... Perhaps you know him?" He looked at Kisha, his eyes as inquiring as his words. "Near as I know, he's a ship's carpenter." She raised a brow at him �Smith? Jack, I know a few of those�� Kisha tapped the tip of her finger against her lips, clearly running her memory. There were a few Smiths, most of which she had to assume were fake. However ship carpenters there were considerably fewer of. Her steps were a little slower, and then they came to a stop, a smile spreading on her face into a full grin as her eyes went back to Jack. �Ship-carpenter Smith. A little taller than you, graying hair and a bit scruffy. Bellows when he laughs, more so when he�s drinking, but largely a quiet man.� She didn�t question these facts, but rather offered them to Jack. She did know a smith that fit into that category. It had been about a month since she�d seen him, but it was at least a start. �I haven�t seen him in a while myself, but he did mention that he�s fond of the Tin Bell. You can start there. If nothing comes up I know a few girls who work that area more than I do. I wouldn�t mind asking them for you.� Clearly by her words she was content to tag along tonight and attempt to help out if needed or asked. She didn�t need to know why Jack needed this man, so she didn�t ask. Of course knowing was nice, but asking questions in her position had never done her much good. There were times that were meant for questions, or rather that were more productive in the hands of the right woman. Outside of those, however, Kisha would offer an ear but avoid prodding.



Brendan	5 Apr 2007, 10:38 PM Post #11
A Legend. In regimentals. Pwn. Posts: 425 Group: Gopher Goddess Member #2 Joined: 7 December 2006	Originally posted by Jack. �Smith? Jack, I know a few of those�� "I know..." Jack mumbled. He was beginning to wonder if this wasn't a lost cause after all; but how else was he supposed to wriggle out of the debt he owed Davy Jones? Why couldn't the bloody man - squid - whatever-he-was have given him his ship back, free of charge? What would he have lost by it, really? If anything, another pirate roaming around would cause more mayhem, more lost ships; Jones had done himself a good turn as much as he had Jack, if one thought about it. Unfortunately, Jack doubted he could convince Jones to abandon their previous agreement now. Kisha walked slower, then stopped; Jack looked at her, wondering why. Not for one second had he dared hope to hear everything she told him next. �Ship-carpenter Smith. A little taller than you, graying hair and a bit scruffy. Bellows when he laughs, more so when he�s drinking, but largely a quiet man.� Salvation. Jack's mouth opened, then he grinned; he hardly knew what to do or think, simply staring at Kisha and savouring this moment of pure perfection. He must have looked stupid, but didn't realise it, nor would he have cared if he did. �I haven�t seen him in a while myself, but he did mention that he�s fond of the Tin Bell. You can start there. If nothing comes up I know a few girls who work that area more than I do. I wouldn�t mind asking them for you.� For all his piracy, taking what he could while giving nothing back, Jack was certainly able of feeling sincere gratitude, and even of giving monetary as well as physical expressions thereof. But now, he was at a loss what to do. He was tempted to kiss Kisha, hug her, but it seemed simultaneously exaggerated and not enough; too much undesirable show of emotion, while the physical aspect of it was nothing compared to what they had already done. "Love, you're a lifesaver," was all he said as he put an arm around her shoulder, briefly pulling her close to him before they started walking again. Somehow, he would have to repay her.



Brendan	5 Apr 2007, 10:38 PM Post #12
A Legend. In regimentals. Pwn. Posts: 425 Group: Gopher Goddess Member #2 Joined: 7 December 2006	Originally posted by Kisha Boswell. Kisha knew that look. Surprise mixed with gratitude. Whatever reason Jack needed this Smith for it was likely of some importance. She was glad that she was able to help. "Love, you're a lifesaver," �Well that makes two of us then, now doesn�t it?� the words were clear enough- Jack didn�t owe her anything. If anything she still owed him. She smiled back, perfectly content to have the arm around her. There was no cause for awkwardness between them really. A kiss, a hug, or just the arm it all would have conveyed the message just as clearly. Jack was happy for the information. As someone continually around �affection� she knew well enough how to tell the difference. Jack was generally straight forward though; at least in this department anyway. He wanted what he wanted and that�s what he targeted. It was half brilliance and half bumbling, but it was entirely Jack. Tonight he wanted this Smith, so that�s what she�d help him get. As they reached the place Kisha was tempted to have Jack go in on his own. She�d had enough drunks for the night really. If Jack was going to be forward with the tender it shouldn�t take long, and she could wait outside. But if he wanted to be slick about it he could likely take all night (depending of course on what sort of story he cooked up)�In which case she was better off sticking close. If she looked taken it would be the best method to clear off unwanted propositions. Naturally in another situation she would have no problem with such, but the sting on her cheek was a reminder of why it was enough for now. Not only did it put her out of the mood to deal with customers, but reminded her that she should see Jack through his little hunt. At the door she leaned her shoulder next to it a bit, looking to Jack. Usually her hair falling in her face would be irritating and brushed aside, but tonight she let it conceal some of the bruising. Between the shadows and her hair she was able to look more or less normal. �Still want my company? Or have you had enough of me for the time being?� she smiled, showing that either way she was fine with his choice. It was business, after all, -his business- so she wasn�t sure what Jack had planned. She wanted to help, but she didn�t want to step on his toes either.



Brendan	5 Apr 2007, 10:39 PM Post #13
A Legend. In regimentals. Pwn. Posts: 425 Group: Gopher Goddess Member #2 Joined: 7 December 2006	Originally posted by Jack. ((Apologies for the following... Crappy writing ahoy.)) �Well that makes two of us then, now doesn�t it?� "I suppose it does." Oddly enough, Jack hadn't thought about it like that at all. "What a fine pair of upstanding citizens we make." They made the rest of the way to the Tin Bell - not very long - in silence; as much as Jack liked to talk, his thoughts were too occupied right now, and Kisha, he hoped, wouldn't mind the lack of conversation. When they arrived, she stopped at the door. �Still want my company? Or have you had enough of me for the time being?� "Not remotely enough." Jack smiled. "I'd like you to come in with me, if you don't mind. You know the man's face, and I don't; should he be here, you'll find him quicker and more surely than I could." A thought sprung to mind. "In fact... Perhaps you could do the inquiries? You're more of a familiar face around these parts than I am, and, even regardless of that, you'll be seen as less of a threat." That Kisha might not want to face customers right now didn't even register with Jack; she was fine now, as far as he was concerned - and in the shadows, her bruise was all but invisible. Still, it came to mind again as Jack, inspired now, continued. "You could even say he gave you that," he brushed her hair away to uncover her cheek, "provided you're not too fond of the man. Might get you a little sympathy."



Brendan	5 Apr 2007, 10:39 PM Post #14
A Legend. In regimentals. Pwn. Posts: 425 Group: Gopher Goddess Member #2 Joined: 7 December 2006	Originally posted by Kisha Boswell. The quiet as they walked was not a problem for Kisha, but it did send her mind reeling. Jack was not typically the sort to be lacking in things to say. Whatever this business was it had to be serious, and likely very bad. With that in mind she would see it through then, given of course that it didn�t get her killed in the process. "Not remotely enough." Jack smiled. "I'd like you to come in with me, if you don't mind. You know the man's face, and I don't; should he be here, you'll find him quicker and more surely than I could." She had already figured out that would be the case, she had simply wanted to double check. But before she could agree to go with him he continued. "In fact... Perhaps you could do the inquiries? You're more of a familiar face around these parts than I am, and, even regardless of that, you'll be seen as less of a threat. You could even say he gave you that," he brushed her hair away to uncover her cheek, "provided you're not too fond of the man. Might get you a little sympathy." She smirked, looking a little sad. �Jack, there�s little sympathy for whores. But I�ll ask all the same. Just stick close, if you could. I�d like to keep out of anymore trouble tonight.� She found herself instinctually shaking her head a bit to move her hair again to where it had been. It was useful when it wanted to be. She offered another smile, and again a genuine glint in her eyes- she was in this to help as far as Jack needed her. Kisha never offered freebies, but favors like this were freely exchanged with those she trusted. Or as close to trusting as Kisha could get anyway. It was a combination of faith in people, and in her own ability to read them. Besides what could asking a little question like this harm anyway? �On we go then.� She took a breath and looked to Jack with a quick lift of her brows and then led the way into the pub. This place was not as busy as where they had been, but it was a far cry from empty. Like any good tavern no one appeared sober, and if they were they were brooding in corners out of the way and working on ridding said soberness. It wasn�t the most active place, and it left one to wonder why someone should frequent it. But, having met the man personally Kisha could figure that out well enough. He liked the quiet and keeping to himself. Otherwise he was involved in something else that made it necessary. Customers like that were for the most part easily pleased. An open ear with the assumption that she wasn�t very bright, even if very pretty, with no need to talk�.smile and follow the routine. Sometimes a fake name, often none, and the exchange of affection for money. Sometimes they spoke of business, simply because they felt they needed to say �something- and had nothing else to talk about. The ones she assumed were conducting questionable business were usually also the ones that spent the money to sleep in her bed. No doubt a whore�s bed was far from somewhere people were really going to go looking for you, and it took no admittance from her customers for her to know that. Not spotting their Smith anywhere, Kisha made her way to the bar, leaning her arms on it and looking towards the tender who made his way over. He wasn�t busy, and he asked her what she�d like with a slight smile of recognition. Kisha however had enough of drink for tonight and set straight to business. �Nothing thanks Pat. I�m actually looking for a �friend� as it were.� She tilted her head a little, the hair falling away just enough to glance the bruise, and her lips formed a smile. She made it all seem very natural, as though she wasn�t trying to show it at all, and then simply straightened again. He might have been the one to hit her, he might not be. There was no doubt that in all her years on the street Kisha was an excellent actress. She seemed sweet to everyone, and was in general known for just that fact- a nice girl when you talked to her, but never shying from business. She had every capability of being a sweet young thing or a tempting siren. Usually it was somewhere in the middle. She wouldn�t be the first to use that technique, but it fit her particularly well and she clearly knew how to use it. �Smith. He�s in here a bit- happens to be a ship carpenter. You know- yey high, little younger than you but kinda grey, some beard on him. Quiet but laughs on the loud side.� She raised a brow and let herself fall silent, waiting for the tender to fill in the missing pieces� which by the look on his face he had at least a few of. ((No worries Jack, I�m just sorry it took me so long to reply. I figured I�d stop here though so you can decide about how much we find out on this Smith guy.))



Brendan	5 Apr 2007, 10:39 PM Post #15
A Legend. In regimentals. Pwn. Posts: 425 Group: Gopher Goddess Member #2 Joined: 7 December 2006	Originally posted by Jack. ((Hadn't really thought about how much to find out... It doesn't matter, I suppose; maybe just some random tidbits - a general direction where to find him. Getting into some fun trouble is really the only goal (besides general amusement) of this story for me. I still can't seem to really get into the moment of it, though... Much overthinking = more stodgy writing. shrugs I'll get over it. I just don't want to keep you waiting until I do.)) �Just stick close, if you could. I�d like to keep out of anymore trouble tonight.� "No worries, love; I'll be right behind you. Besides, the chances of anything happening to you twice in one night must be pretty slim, right?" Jack smiled, hoping that his words would reassure her. He knew she'd perform the inquiries as well as anyone would, regardless of the fact that she might still be a bit shaken from her recent trials, but a little support couldn't hurt. �On we go then.� He nodded when she raised her eyebrows, determination in his eyes. Much might be decided in the next few minutes, but he tried not to think about it. After all, there was nothing to do but wait. After giving Kisha a second or two headstart, he followed her into the tavern, and took a place at the nearest table to her. From there, he could keep a close eye on her, and, in the relatively quiet tavern, possibly even overhear her conversation with the barkeep. He perked his ears, straining, and could just make out her description of Smith. The barkeep's voice was louder, and much better heard where Jack was sitting. "Smith? Aye, I know him... Hasn't been around here for weeks, though." Pat's eyes wandered to where Kisha's bruise was hidden under her hair, but he knew better than to stick his nose in other people's business. "Things got a bit uncertain for him, if you know what I mean... I hear he left the island for good."



Brendan	5 Apr 2007, 10:40 PM Post #16
A Legend. In regimentals. Pwn. Posts: 425 Group: Gopher Goddess Member #2 Joined: 7 December 2006	Originally posted by Kisha Boswell. ((sorry for the wait and the brevity! Things have been a little crazy over here.)) "Smith? Aye, I know him... Hasn't been around here for weeks, though." Pat's eyes wandered to where Kisha's bruise was hidden under her hair, but he knew better than to stick his nose in other people's business. "Things got a bit uncertain for him, if you know what I mean... I hear he left the island for good." Rats. She�d have to prod a little more if there�d be anything useful in this for Jack. She didn�t generally like to ask so many questions, but she also knew that most people didn�t want to know why most women asked anything. After all what could they possibly be doing of any importance? The Gaje�s underestimation of women never seemed to let her down. Sure they could call her a gypsy or a witch, but in the end they would only see her as a whore. �I don�t suppose you have any idea of where he went do you? Or of a next of kin in the area? I�d rather like to reach him, if I could, and I�d be very grateful for a point in the right direction.� She smiled at the keep, as though to say if he was of use she might show her gratefulness. Kisha rarely wanted for much- and this was perhaps why. If she didn�t earn her way she could always trade. She tried not to call in favors, but when she did she was generally very good to those she called them from. Money, affection� it didn�t matter so long as it kept her reputation intact. It was key to surviving in this life, and she knew that. The perception of herself was often better treated than even Kisha herself. A day or two hungry was always better than loosing strings which might need pulling later. Perhaps that was why she was currently hoping Jack wasn�t in over his head. Part of her knew he was- he was just too serious about this whole thing. Would he honestly get her into that much trouble? She hoped not. Partly for herself, but also because of Jack.



Brendan	5 Apr 2007, 10:40 PM Post #17
A Legend. In regimentals. Pwn. Posts: 425 Group: Gopher Goddess Member #2 Joined: 7 December 2006	Originally posted by Jack. ((No worries! The wait was hardly long, and the brevity allows me to feel less guilty about the shortness of practically all my posts. Like this one - but it just made sense to stop there...)) �I don�t suppose you have any idea of where he went do you? Or of a next of kin in the area? I�d rather like to reach him, if I could, and I�d be very grateful for a point in the right direction.� Pat hesitated for a moment, glancing suspiciously at Jack, who was still keeping his distance and pretending not to pay any attention to the conversation. Unknown faces were not all that common at the Tin Bell, and Pat didn't like the look of this one, though he couldn't say why; he didn't consciously decide that the appearance of a suspicious character and simultaneous inquiries about a somewhat shady man must have something to do with each other, but the situation felt wrong somehow. However, he had nothing against Kisha, and would in fact be glad to help a woman as pretty as her; you never knew... Having made up his mind, Pat leaned over the bar, keeping his voice low to avoid being overheard by the stranger. "No next of kin that I'm aware of... but rumour has it he went to Nassau." He straightened up again, awfully pleased with himself. "Mind, though, it's just a rumour."



Brendan	5 Apr 2007, 10:41 PM Post #18
A Legend. In regimentals. Pwn. Posts: 425 Group: Gopher Goddess Member #2 Joined: 7 December 2006	Originally posted by Kisha Boswell. Pat leaned over the bar, keeping his voice low to avoid being overheard by the stranger. "No next of kin that I'm aware of... but rumour has it he went to Nassau." He straightened up again, awfully pleased with himself. "Mind, though, it's just a rumour." Bad but good all at the same time. The whispering was noted, as well as the look in Jack�s direction. He might have to linger to avoid suspicion. Kisha smiled at Pat, curling her finger a bit in gesture. �Thanks Pat.� And she gingerly reached over and gave him a small kiss on the lips. It was light and small, but she did sneak in a slight nibble on the lower lip for good measure. �If you hear anything else on him, send it my way hmm?� another smile and a wink and Kisha turned around heading towards the door. She had no intentions of lingering in here, but Jack should. She smiled so he could see it, though it might look little else but business to anyone else, and flicked her eyes towards the bar. Hopefully he�d get the hint to grab a drink before following her out. It wasn�t much but it was a start, and at least she had the tender on her side.



Brendan	5 Apr 2007, 10:41 PM Post #19
A Legend. In regimentals. Pwn. Posts: 425 Group: Gopher Goddess Member #2 Joined: 7 December 2006	Originally posted by Jack. She smiled so he could see it, though it might look little else but business to anyone else, and flicked her eyes towards the bar. Hopefully he�d get the hint to grab a drink before following her out. Jack nodded slowly, just once, making it look like he was just looking down to inspect his nails. It was an acknowledgement that he'd seen her sign, rather than that he'd understood it; she wanted him to go to the bar, that much was certain, but whether it would only serve to further disprove any connection between him and Kisha, or whether the bartender had some information for him and him alone, he wasn't sure. At any rate, he'd have to check it out. This all seemed to have gone well, and he was getting excited in spite of himself. After using his teeth to get an imaginary bit of dirt from under his nails, Jack got up and walked towards the bar. The bartender was still looking at Kisha's disappearing figure, staring after her like a school boy; Jack had to clear his throat to get the man's attention, smiling ever so briefly in an exaggeratedly friendly fashion when he finally did. "Rum." The barkeep looked at him suspiciously, but served him nonetheless, only letting go of the mug he placed on the bar when Jack put some coins next to it. The bartender remained silent, and Jack was uncertain how to proceed now; he could hardly ask after the same man Kisha had just asked after if the bartender didn't have anything he wanted to share with him. He looked instinctively at the door Kisha had just disappeared through, and decided that she was a good opening; if she'd just paved the way for him to receive some information, the barkeep would know that he was the one meant to receive it, and if Kisha had only meant for him to hang around a while, women were a nice and neutral subject. "Comely lass, that was."



Brendan	5 Apr 2007, 10:42 PM Post #20
A Legend. In regimentals. Pwn. Posts: 425 Group: Gopher Goddess Member #2 Joined: 7 December 2006	Originally posted by Kisha Boswell. ((Gar. My writing lately seems to have a "cold" as it were. Hopefully it will get better lol )) "Comely lass, that was." �Aye, n �ere she�s worth every penny.� He smirked, wiping a bit of moisture from the bartop. �She�s only �ere time ta time� though I can�t say I�ve seen you �ere before stranger.� Pat eyed him a bit. He didn�t mind conversation but the man might as well know- this was a small place and strangers were recognized. If he was up to no good he was onto him. Though as Kisha left it seemed less like he was involved in whatever business she was. Meh, women�s business. It was usually better not to ask- even if it was concerning a young and seemingly harmless one like Kisha. This man was likely better off if he wasn�t part of it. True Pat had told her what he knew, and likely would let her in on anything else if there was news and she was around. But what was a bit of gossip? Especially if it earned him a few 'favors' in return. Outside Kisha was only a few steps from the door, perched on some empty crates. She caught Jack going to the bar out of the corner of her eye as she left so she was glad to see him take the hint. Hopefully he wouldn�t blow it or be too long. She sighed, pulling her talisman from between her breasts and fiddled with it. There wasn't anything left to do at the moment but wait.



Brendan	5 Apr 2007, 10:43 PM Post #21
A Legend. In regimentals. Pwn. Posts: 425 Group: Gopher Goddess Member #2 Joined: 7 December 2006	Originally posted by Jack. ((Psh... My writing's dead or dying most of the time. Don't worry about it. I think it's more your perception than reality anyway. And besides, Kisha's right; there wasn't much to do. Except to get them in trouble, of course... but I can't seem to do it. Jack's generally too smart to mess up. Unless of course bad guy and his friends should show up looking for him and Kisha... or someone could recognise Jack from his near-hanging and cause trouble... but it all seems a bit forced. (I know; I'm overthinking. I always am.) shrugs sigh I don't know; maybe we should just drop it. (Yeah, I'm having a lazy moment.) Well, I'll vaguely set something up, and you can decide whether we use it. Anything's fine by me.)) �She�s only �ere time ta time� though I can�t say I�ve seen you �ere before stranger.� "Well, I'm only passing through. Must be back aboard ship soon; you know how it is." Whether Pat did or didn't know how it was, that was a good enough excuse for Jack to leave quickly. He finished his rum and placed the tankard on the bar, giving a small nod to Pat before making for the door. The night air was refreshing, and somehow seemed to add to Jack's excitement. He didn't want to put so much hope in this one interview (even if was the best hope he had by far), but he couldn't help it. He felt strangely as if he'd just come up with a plan for a brilliant new venture, except that this time the venture was not just an option but a necessity, the only alternative being a fate worse - much worse - than death. For all the danger, Jack, now that he had at least some hope again, couldn't help but see it as an interesting challenge. Looking around, Jack spotted Kisha sitting on some crates, and sauntered over. "Well? Did he -" Jack fell silent as someone left the tavern. The man gave the suspicious-looking couple an odd look, at which Jack stared back, unblinkingly, until the man finally walked away. In the distance, there was some noise as drunken men went home after their night at the tavern, and suddenly Jack felt watched, in spite of the fact that whatever information Kisha had, nobody but himself was probably interested in. This excitement of his was getting a bit annoying... Jack leaned down towards Kisha and half-whispered: "Did he know anything?"



Brendan	5 Apr 2007, 10:43 PM Post #22
A Legend. In regimentals. Pwn. Posts: 425 Group: Gopher Goddess Member #2 Joined: 7 December 2006	Originally posted by Kisha Boswell. ((We can roll with whatever trouble you like dear. I'd like to see if we can get it somewhere with a real stop- such as him heading off to take care of this business. Hopefully we can throw some things at them along the way.)) Jack leaned down towards Kisha and half-whispered: "Did he know anything?" Her eyes caught the man who seemed to be watching them, and how uncomfortable it made Jack. It made her worry to say the least. Oh what had he gotten himself into? She decided to make this look more like a business proposition. She brought her arms up on Jack�s shoulders, her mouth next to his ear as it faked a flirting smile. �He said he went to Nassau. No next of kin for us to ask but he said if he hears anything new he�d let me know. I�m sorry if its not what you were looking for Jack.� The words were whispered, lest anyone else hear it. She pulled back, the disappointment clear in her eyes. She did want to help, and she felt largely like she�d let him down. Granted getting that far was something, but it was still not a real result. Since there was nothing else really here business wise Kisha figured Jack would be off again. Likely after this Smith in Nassau, whoever he was. She still felt burning curiosity about the whole thing. Part of her wished Jack would hang around the rest of the night and fill her in. But she knew that was a far cry from reality. Most likely he�d go back to wherever he was staying, or creep back off the island. Still maybe there was something more she could do. Ask someone else or pull out her cards and read for him. A little more direction besides �Nassau� would make her feel less like she was sending him off on a wild goose chase.



Brendan	5 Apr 2007, 10:44 PM Post #23
A Legend. In regimentals. Pwn. Posts: 425 Group: Gopher Goddess Member #2 Joined: 7 December 2006	Originally posted by Jack. �He said he went to Nassau. No next of kin for us to ask but he said if he hears anything new he�d let me know. I�m sorry if its not what you were looking for Jack.� He could see she wasn't very pleased with the results, so he smiled to make her feel better. He would have preferred it if the elusive Smith had lived just around the corner, of course - but a lead was a lead, and Nassau was a definite enough location. Also, the last time he went to Nassau for business should be long enough ago by now for him to be reasonably safe there. No, not bad news at all. "Well then, to Nassau I will go. Should you hear anything more, see if you can send word to the Faithful Bride tavern in Tortuga. I'll go there again sooner or later." Staring into her eyes, his smile faded. Whether it would be appreciated or not, he needed to do it; his right hand cupped her face, and he kissed her. "Thank you."



Brendan	5 Apr 2007, 10:44 PM Post #24
A Legend. In regimentals. Pwn. Posts: 425 Group: Gopher Goddess Member #2 Joined: 7 December 2006	Originally posted by Kisha Boswell. ((I'm SO sorry I've been slow!! Between going home and homework I've been swamped! This is a bit short but I may have come up with an idea that helps this move a bit more. )) "Well then, to Nassau I will go. Should you hear anything more, see if you can send word to the Faithful Bride tavern in Tortuga. I'll go there again sooner or later." �Will do Jack. I don�t know how much I�ll hear if he is in Nassau, but if there�s wind of anything I�ll send it along.� Staring into her eyes, his smile faded. Whether it would be appreciated or not, he needed to do it; his right hand cupped her face, and he kissed her. "Thank you." The gesture returned- but appreciated and understood. It went along with the thank you. She�d let Jack pull away and then smile. �You don�t have to thank me Jack. Not yet anyway.� The mischevious glint always behind her eyes rose to the surface. Kisha decided to follow through on her previous thought. She would read for Jack. How much help that would be she wasn�t sure, but only the cards knew how much they were willing to give. �Before you head off would you come back with me? There may be something more I can do for you.� Of course, given profession, that statement might be misunderstood. But Kisha hadn�t been watching her words all that carefully. She was more concerned with why in heaven�s name she was going to do this. Kisha figured that Jack would figure out what she was after this. Still, for some reason that didn�t seem like such a bad thing.



Brendan	5 Apr 2007, 10:44 PM Post #25
A Legend. In regimentals. Pwn. Posts: 425 Group: Gopher Goddess Member #2 Joined: 7 December 2006	Originally posted by Jack. �You don�t have to thank me Jack. Not yet anyway.� Jack raised his eyebrows, politely requesting an explanation. The mischief in her eyes tickled his curiosity, and one corner of his mouth involuntarily curled up, as if wanting to share her state of mind. �Before you head off would you come back with me? There may be something more I can do for you.� Logic dictated that it was a business proposition, especially as it followed immediately on his kiss. But that wasn't the feeling he was getting, and it didn't seem like Kisha to put things in such a veiled manner... Well, whatever it was, it wouldn't be bad; he trusted her that much. And he wasn't in such a hurry; it was very unlikely that he'd make it back to the Pearl before the morning tide anyway. "Really? Well then... After you." Following Kisha through the backstreets of Port Royal, Jack felt his troubles beginning to bubble to the surface of his conscious again, but he quickly pushed them back. He had a way now; a real chance to solve his problems. Making random conversation that he was only half aware of himself, he put an arm around Kisha and wondered what she had in store for him.



Brendan	5 Apr 2007, 10:45 PM Post #26
A Legend. In regimentals. Pwn. Posts: 425 Group: Gopher Goddess Member #2 Joined: 7 December 2006	Originally posted by Kisha Boswell. Kisha led Jack back to her room, and indeed to anyone else it might have looked like little but business as usual. A close eye, however, would show that it wasn�t. Kisha�s smile wasn�t flirty right now, it was something else that didn�t quiet seem to have a name. She partook in Jack�s �random conversation�, knowing well enough that he was using it to distract from the affair he was worried about. Perhaps it only distracted Jack though. Kisha was distracted enough on her own. Mostly with her mind reeling with the term �you�re crazy� for what she was about to do. As they entered she shut and locked the door, still nothing out of the ordinary. The room was perhaps much as he remembered it from more professional visits- small but comfortable. The bed took up most of the space, and there was little else there but an old wardrobe, a mid sized chest, a long mirror and a small bedside table. It was a warm place, with bits of fabrics strung to make it feel more as her own. It was a place to get dressed, apply her paint, and work. But it was also a place that she took care of- after all if she was not comfortable there how could her customers be? She sighed, speaking her mind as she moved to light candles. �I�m not sure why I�m trusting you with this Jack, aside from the fact that I�m hoping it�ll help. Just promise me you won�t speak of it elsewhere. I practice the same courtesy on my professional calls, and this could well cost me my life.� Kisha�s words were well formed and honest. She waited a moment, making sure he understood. She wasn�t completely comfortable with this, but she was going to do it anyway. When it seemed they were on the same page she moved to her wardrobe, pulling a small drawstring bag from beneath the clothing that was kept there. Her slender fingers moved to untie it and brought out the contents- cards. These were not playing cards, but rather tarot cards. It was one more of a few prized possessions. She could very well do this with playing cards, however she trusted her cards better. She sat on the bed, fanning them out a little so he could see them- they were worn and old looking, but the pictures were still beautiful and somewhat frightening. �Have you ever seen a set of these before Jack?� She was asking him to know if she would have to explain them, and herself for that matter. She knew of no other people that practiced fortune telling, at least not in this way, save the Romani. Kisha knew a few ways when you got down to it, as her mother and Aunt had always been very talented at it. Kisha had learned it well, just as any of the other family trades. This practice, and the superstitions that went with such �magic� were part of who she was and the closest thing to faith that Kisha had.



Brendan	5 Apr 2007, 10:45 PM Post #27
A Legend. In regimentals. Pwn. Posts: 425 Group: Gopher Goddess Member #2 Joined: 7 December 2006	Originally posted by Jack. As Kisha locked the door and started lighting candles, Jack sat down on the bed, out of habit and because it was the only place to sit in the small room. He'd always liked Kisha's room; it felt like she fit in there somehow - as if the room and her had the same personality, as it were. Presumably that was simply what happened to a room if the same person had lived in there long enough, but it still didn't seem so striking in the rooms of other people, or at least not in the rooms of other prostitutes. But perhaps they didn't have as much personality as Kisha. �I�m not sure why I�m trusting you with this Jack, aside from the fact that I�m hoping it�ll help. Just promise me you won�t speak of it elsewhere. I practice the same courtesy on my professional calls, and this could well cost me my life.� Jack looked at Kisha, struck by the seriousness of what she'd said. Curious as he was, he was reluctant to ask what she meant - after all, he'd not done very well at sharing secrets himself today. And since she was about to reveal whatever-it-was soon anyway, Jack merely said: "I won't tell a soul." He was oddly surprised by the sincerity in his voice - but he meant what he said. At this, Kisha got what turned out to be a pack of cards from her wardrobe, and laid them on the bed. �Have you ever seen a set of these before Jack?� "No..." Jack ran mobile fingers along the cards, slowly, almost gently, moving some aside a bit to get a better view of others. The pictures intrigued him because of their beauty, but what intrigued him even more about the cards was that it almost seemed like he could feel them - feel a sort energy that they all contained. He pulled back his hand again and looked at Kisha. "But I take it we're not about to play Hearts."



Brendan	5 Apr 2007, 10:46 PM Post #28
A Legend. In regimentals. Pwn. Posts: 425 Group: Gopher Goddess Member #2 Joined: 7 December 2006	Originally posted by Kisha Boswell. Kisha let Jack take a look at them. She was both surprised and pleased to see his reaction to them. Even though he said he had never seen them before he appeared to understand that they were more than simple cards. At the very least he recognized their importance to her. "But I take it we're not about to play Hearts." She smiled a bit �No, not exactly.� She gathered the deck into her small but dexterous hands, shuffling them with almost loving light touches. �These cards are a little more practical than those for games. At least me and my vitsa have always felt so. They help to see the Romaniya...� she paused for a moment, trying to think of a more English term to translate it to �fate I suppose you could call it. When you know what it is, you can influence it to your advantage.� The way she moved them showed more than a little practice- as though it was a second nature to her or that she�d always done it. In truth she had for as long as she could remember. Where the Roma men were skilled in crafts, trading, and animal training the women�s true art was this- fortune telling. It was a powerful position, to be the drabardi within a community of Roma- the teller, the healer, and she who could curse. Milisha and her sister had held that position together, and as the only daughter of either Kisha was taught with exceptional care. �I want you to cut the deck for me Jack, shuffle it as many times as it feels right. I�ll do the rest.� She held out the cards for him, an assuring look to her expression. While Jack shuffled she picked up a scarf and laid it on the floor, sitting indian style in front of it, and across from Jack, her hands in her lap as she waited. For the first time in a long time she felt right again- more like the Rom she was. It felt good to use the language aloud with someone to hear it, and to share her talents. It felt almost like being home. That isn't to say she wasn't worried still... beause she was very much so. If Jack was in half as much trouble as she thought the cards would verify it. Hopefully they would not focus more on the larger problems and guide more in the direction that Jack needed to go. A sign to lead to his Smith would be the greatest help, and Kisha found herself praying for it.



Brendan	5 Apr 2007, 10:47 PM Post #29
A Legend. In regimentals. Pwn. Posts: 425 Group: Gopher Goddess Member #2 Joined: 7 December 2006	Originally posted by Jack. �These cards are a little more practical than those for games. At least me and my vitsa have always felt so. They help to see the Romaniya...fate I suppose you could call it. When you know what it is, you can influence it to your advantage.� So, she was an authentic fortuneteller? Having spent most of his life on the seas, Jack had never before met any gypsies, as far as he knew. He'd heard stories, of course; all sorts of wild tales, most likely all untrue. The only aspects of those stories that Jack believed were that gypsies were their own people, and that they travelled around rather than staying in the same place forever. It was a mentality he could relate to; not quite so free as one was on the sea, of course, but he respected that part of the gypsy lifestyle all the same. Kisha a gypsy... She hadn't been joking when she said her life would be in danger if he told anyone about this; she might as well be a witch. But all that her being a gypsy meant to Jack was that he now had another piece of the puzzle that was Kisha, and it was an important piece; he felt he understood who she was as a person, and why she was the way she was, much better now. �I want you to cut the deck for me Jack, shuffle it as many times as it feels right. I�ll do the rest.� After a brief hesitant glance at the cards, he accepted them and started shuffling in the same way as he would shuffle a deck of cards when playing some game or other in the backroom of a Tortuga tavern. First he shuffled slowly, feeling kind of awkward about this unexpected turn of events, but soon he started shuffling faster. A sudden pang of fear as he considered what the cards might say, followed by a quick denial that these cards could possibly tell him anything real - but he'd personally seen that there was more to the world than meets the eye, and he grudgingly confessed to himself that he was only denying the cards' power because of his fear as to what their reading would tell him. After getting his reservations out of his system, Jack shuffled the cards once more, then stopped. He stared at the top of the deck for a second, as if he was trying to see every single card through the back of the one lying on top. Then he held them out for Kisha to take, the motion just a little too fast, as if he was pushing them away. It wasn't quite like that, but he was certainly glad to leave the rest of this up to Kisha.



Brendan	5 Apr 2007, 10:47 PM Post #30
A Legend. In regimentals. Pwn. Posts: 425 Group: Gopher Goddess Member #2 Joined: 7 December 2006	Originally posted by Kisha Boswell. ((FINALLY back! Sorry it took me so long Jack. My computer and life haven't been cooperating lately.)) Kisha accepted the cards back with a soft smile. She trusted these cards and it felt good to be using them. The expression might be compared to a loving one honestly- love for her heritage that it gave her this ability. Kisha was determined to help Jack and if this was the way to do it, so be it. Her slender hands spread the cards out in front of her evenly, passing over them with the tips of her fingers just shy of brushing along their surface. As she did this she would occasionally stop in one place, draw a card, and then lay I out in front of Jack. She did this from Jack�s right to left- four cards in a row, one below them, and one above. It was all rather fast, as though she needed to see the whole thing before she could explain it. Or else that she needed concentration to select the cards. Kisha gazed at them- temperance, the hanged man, the star, knight of swords, death, and the wheel of fortune. As they sat in front of her she grew quiet for a moment then she looked to Jack. She pointed to the first one she drew, �This card represents your physical reality Jack, as it is now.� The card depicted a woman pouring water from one pitcher to another. She looks serene, but Kisha did not. Her expression was nothing but concern. �It�s called Temperance. In relation to all this I�d have to say that time isn�t on your side. Whatever you�re doing and wherever it is you have to go- you should do it quickly.� Her hand moved to point to the second card, which showed a man hanging upside-down. �The hanged man is your emotional state. In other words you have choices to deal with or to make. Whatever they are though you�re having trouble making up your mind. I�m going to advise you think on this one rather than avoid it.� �For intellect it�s the star. You have power here- inspiration and a lot of confidence. Keep it a strong point� If you use it well it can get you out of a lot of trouble. But be careful. If you let self doubt in here, or are swayed by wrong choices hinted at in this card� she tapped the hanged man �then you�re going to be in trouble. It makes an inability to deal with, accept or strategize changes. When in the positive this card suggests you can do that very well and you�re going to need it.� Her hand moved to where the knight of swards sat, explaining further �This one integrates the previous three cards. Helps give them direction. Here it�s representing you I�d have to say. It�s a knight rather than page or king� suggesting a quest and changes. The Knight of Swords is a warrior and at his best in a troubling situation. A very good thing for you that this should show you here given the rest of the reading. But the knight does have his negative points- deceitful and the sort of person to not finish things until they don�t have a choice anymore. The difficulty that you�re going into you might have brought onto yourself, but that doesn�t mean you can�t handle it.� Her hand came down to the bottom card, pointing to it. It was a frightening card perhaps for those not acquainted with the depth of its meaning. �Motivation is here Jack, and its death. Its not death in the literal sense, at least not usually, and it means changes. They are likely big ones, maybe a part of your life that has served its purpose that is coming to a close or even just circumstances. Whatever they are, it�s going to be abrupt and complete and it connects to past events and actions.� The last card she picked up, looking at it herself and then letting Jack hold onto it for a moment. �This one is the future. More long range than short. It�s the end of those changes from the death card. But the luck here can be good or bad. I think largely it will have to do with how you deal with the first few cards. Move quickly, keep your head on straight, and sort your heart out. If you can do that this should all turn out alright. If not�� she shrugged. �Then you�re going to need a lot more than cards to get out of it in one piece.� She could read more, and she felt the urge to. Jack would need more direction related to his �quest�, and that would be best found by asking the deck questions directly. Kisha had gone this far with it so she figured she might as well finish it all the way. Still, she didn�t want to just dive into it. There was a lot to absorb for Jack, maybe more so than what there was for Kisha. So for the moment Kisha simply sat with her hands in her lap, waiting to hear what Jack had to say about all of this.



Brendan	5 Apr 2007, 10:48 PM Post #31
A Legend. In regimentals. Pwn. Posts: 425 Group: Gopher Goddess Member #2 Joined: 7 December 2006	Originally posted by Jack. ((I'm sorry, my writing is really exceedingly crappy lately. Too much thinking about who I am :rolleyes:; difficult to be Jack.)) Kisha picked certain cards from between the others seemingly at random, laying them out in a strange pattern that undoubtedly had some meaning that Jack didn't understand. Wondering about what the cards would tell Kisha, he scanned along the pictures on them as she put them down, but she was so fast that he didn't have any time to think what they might mean. Then she laid down one underneath the row of four she'd just finished, and Jack stared at it, forgetting to look at the final card. A skeleton. That couldn't be good. Jack didn't like the way the card lay apart from the row of four either; that just made it seem more important. He really hoped that the meaning of the cards was not as obvious as that one suggested. Kisha's finger intruded into his field of vision, distracting him from his thoughts. She pointed at the first card. At least that one looked better than the skeleton... �It�s called Temperance. In relation to all this I�d have to say that time isn�t on your side. Whatever you�re doing and wherever it is you have to go- you should do it quickly.� Jack nodded; that much he knew. He was hoping he'd get more time than he expected, but it wasn't much of a hope. Kisha moved on to the next card, and Jack grinned in spite of everything. A man hanged - but by the foot instead of by the neck. He liked it; it had a lovely surreal quality. �The hanged man is your emotional state. In other words you have choices to deal with or to make. Whatever they are though you�re having trouble making up your mind. I�m going to advise you think on this one rather than avoid it.� That was uncomfortably personal... He was pretty sure that Kisha didn't know more than she said, but even that she knew this much felt invasive. But Jack didn't mind it as much as he'd thought he would have. He'd known what he was getting into, and really, if anyone had to know, he'd prefer it to be Kisha. Jack listened to Kisha's explanation of the next two cards, paying close attention, but still with the previous card on his mind. Think on it, she'd said. As if he wasn't doing that enough already. Well, truthfully, most of the energy went towards trying not to think about it. Jack had to confess that that was probably not what Kisha had meant. �Motivation is here Jack, and its death. Its not death in the literal sense, at least not usually," Well, that was nice and reassuring... Or not. "and it means changes. They are likely big ones, maybe a part of your life that has served its purpose that is coming to a close or even just circumstances. Whatever they are, it�s going to be abrupt and complete and it connects to past events and actions.� Jack struggled to find some positive interpretation of what Kisha had just said, but it wasn't easy. Change was not good; his life was fine with the exception of this one problem. Unless... His emotion dilemma could turn out all right, he supposed. But there was a good reason why it was a dilemma. Kisha picked up the last card, looking at it before she gave it to Jack. It sort of looked like a compass rose, and Jack found himself hoping, not without a hint of sarcasm, that this card would give him more direction than his compass had been doing recently. �This one is the future. More long range than short. It�s the end of those changes from the death card. But the luck here can be good or bad. I think largely it will have to do with how you deal with the first few cards. Move quickly, keep your head on straight, and sort your heart out. If you can do that this should all turn out alright. If not�� she shrugged. �Then you�re going to need a lot more than cards to get out of it in one piece.� There was silence for a while as Jack thought about everything that Kisha had said. It didn't tell him anything he didn't know, and it didn't really give him any advice on what to do that he hadn't already known he needed to do. Still, somehow it helped. Even the knowledge that the entire mass of his interrelated problems could be discussed in so little time was comforting; it made it seem manageable. Not that Jack had ever lost control over it, he quickly assured himself. Jack wondered if he should tell Kisha more, not only because she might then help him further, but also because she'd probably earned the right to know, having helped him as far as she had already. He trusted her well enough, which he was very much aware was dangerous, but he couldn't help it. Still, it was one thing to trust a person, and another to tell them stories about sea devils and the like. If she didn't believe those strange tales (and who in their right mind would?), she might get upset and insulted, thinking that he was lying to her after everything she'd done. And if that happened, he could no longer trust her. There were few enough people that he could trust even the slightest bit already; he really didn't need to lose one. Then again, if she couldn't help him with his problems, there was a chance that he'd lose a lot more. "I'm in trouble," he finally declared, staring at Kisha earnestly. It was surprising how smoothly and quickly the explanation followed, almost automatically, while Jack simply let it come, trying only to steer it on a nice course between telling the truth, making it concise, and keeping things on an earthly plane as much as possible. "Twelve and a half years ago, my ship was sunk. It was raised for me - for a price, to be paid after thirteen years. The price in question is... not of a monetary nature. It is far more serious than that, and I do not want to pay it." It sounded pathetic when he put it like that. Still, he hoped Kisha would understand that this was no petty swindle he was attempting. "To ensure that I don't have to pay it, there is an object I must find, that will persuade the ship-raiser in question to forget about our agreement and let me go my merry way. That Smith - he may know where said object can be found." There, it was out - most of it, anyway. It felt so strange to have told anyone about it, and it was probably a strange story to hear. Jack was a good judge of character, but he had no idea how Kisha would react.



Brendan	5 Apr 2007, 10:48 PM Post #32
A Legend. In regimentals. Pwn. Posts: 425 Group: Gopher Goddess Member #2 Joined: 7 December 2006	Originally posted by Kisha Boswell. Kisha sighed, not really knowing what to say about all of it. She couldn�t say she didn�t believe him, after all he was terrified. Truthfully she was relieved that he took some confidence in her- especially given the secrets she herself was sharing. Who was the gypsy fortune teller to say magic didn�t exist? Even enough to raise a ship from the sea. She believed him, even if she knew he was leaving out details. Likely they were ones that were strange and that Kisha could with enough thinking might be able to get a glimpse at. �Depts of that kind are hard to skirt around Jack. I just hope you know what you�ve gotten yourself into because I�d also like to see you get out of it.� She offered a sincere but slight smile, showing that she meant what she said. Jack was a decent man, pirate or not, and it�d be a shame to loose one of the few people she considered a friend. �Let me see what else the cards will say on it.� Kisha let her hands on the cards again and pulled a new one, laying it on top of the others. �Five of wands. You can�t avoid the conflict, but I�m guessing you already knew that. At the same time though this card is reminding you that if you try you can pull this off. So don�t let despair sink in and cut off your mental abilities.� She pulled another card and laid it on top of that one. It showed a woman bound and eight swords. �Your Smith is in some trouble. This is a card of jealousy as well as forced isolation and illness. My guess is that somebody had a quarrel with him and sold him out. It doesn�t speak well for him so I�d check the lesser areas, maybe even prisons.� Kisha chose another card and once more laid it on top. It was the fool. �I think you�re going to find him, but it�s only going to be the start of your journey Jack. You�re going to have a lot of important decisions to make and likely a lot of sea to go through before you finish this.� She looked at him with what could only be described as sincere concern. �I don�t know how much more I can help to be honest. You can ask the cards questions if you like, or me for that matter.� Kisha was willing to offer more of her divination talents as asked for. Surely he realized what she was by now and if Jack knew anything on gypsies it was that this was likely only one of more �magical� dabblings. Palm reading, curses, and charms lined up the rest. Besides, it occurred to her that this might be the last time she saw Jack for a long time and it seemed ridiculous not to offer everything she could to see to it that it didn�t turn into the last time she saw him altogether.



Brendan	5 Apr 2007, 10:49 PM Post #33
A Legend. In regimentals. Pwn. Posts: 425 Group: Gopher Goddess Member #2 Joined: 7 December 2006	Originally posted by Jack. ((Meh for trying to get back into things... The PM system seems to be down, but I'll get back to you on the Tortuga stuff when I can. I'm not sure Jack will have any useful career advice to offer Kisha... but I'll try to think of some. :P)) �Depts of that kind are hard to skirt around Jack. I just hope you know what you�ve gotten yourself into because I�d also like to see you get out of it.� Of course he knew what he'd gotten himself into! It had seemed a perfectly fine plan at the time - and, he quickly reassured himself, it was still a fine plan. What else should he have done? What could he have done? He was a little annoyed that Kisha would question his judgement, but not nearly as much as he would have thought to be. She meant well, and he knew it. And, more important than that, he felt it. Jack listened intently as Kisha drew cards again, explaining them carefully; Jack couldn't help feeling a sort of admiration, or respect, for the cards and their reader alike. It was an interesting method of divination. The advice to look for Smith in places like prisons was an unexpected but deeply appreciated detail. �I think you�re going to find him, but it�s only going to be the start of your journey Jack. You�re going to have a lot of important decisions to make and likely a lot of sea to go through before you finish this.� Jack wasn't sure what to say to that. Having to go great distances to get this problem solved was not something he objected to, and Kisha had certainly left the possibility that he would succeed wide open. But still there was always an undercurrent of possible failure; the idea that while Jack could succeed, he might well trip over some unexpected or disregarded obstacle and lose it all, even when he was almost there. Jack tried to ignore it as he did most problems, but in the face of Kisha and the cards, who knew the truth, he couldn't. �I don�t know how much more I can help to be honest. You can ask the cards questions if you like, or me for that matter.� He thought about that for a while. While there was one issue he might use some help with... that was really not remotely as important as everything he had just heard, and he didn't want to be distracted. He would settle things with Davy Jones first; the rest could wait. "No, I think you have helped me enough." Jack looked up from the cards, into Kisha's eyes. "Thank you." A slightly uncomfortable smile played on his lips; he was not very used to thanking people - at least not sincerely, and not for things so important as this. The debt he felt he owed Kisha for the help she'd given didn't sit well with him; he'd almost forgotten the instance earlier that evening, when he'd helped her deal with a dangerous customer, already, and in any case he wouldn't have considered that something that she needed to repay him for. And even if he had, his problem was more important than hers had been - more important than anything, his very existence depending on it - and that she had helped him with it made him very grateful but extremely uncomfortable - embarrassed, almost, and afraid of what this might say about them, about their friendship; afraid that she would now expect things from him that he couldn't - wouldn't - promise to anyone. He got up, almost all blitheness again; this had been far too serious, and his involvement had been too much. "Well, I guess I should go then. If our Smith could be found in a prison, he may not be going anywhere, but he may not be there for long all the same."



Brendan	5 Apr 2007, 10:50 PM Post #34
A Legend. In regimentals. Pwn. Posts: 425 Group: Gopher Goddess Member #2 Joined: 7 December 2006	Originally posted by Kisha Boswell. ((Message center working or not I can't seem to log in so it doesn't really matter. Kisha is at a point in the other thread where Jack can step in if you've got the time (once I go post after this anyway). Don't worry about how helpful he may or may not be-she really just needs a friend to pat her on the back and have drink with her lol )) "No, I think you have helped me enough." Jack looked up from the cards, into Kisha's eyes. "Thank you." Kisha smiled just slightly, black eyes looking back to him as her hands gathered the cards. "No need to thank me Jack. You should know that by now." Kisha and had always been very cut and dry. She was returning a favor. Jack had stepped in and protected her, and so she simply had taken a few steps to help Jack protect himself. Not a word of his situation or secrets would go past her lips because she expected the same of Jack. Fair trading and bartering. It was a simple but effective way to live. She liked Jack, but not in the way that most girls might. He was good company, a friend even, but also a customer. She regarded him a warmth that everyone else got- a warmth that was sincere (at least here) but that also never let down a very important detachment. It would be a lie to say she didn't like him better than many of her other 'acquaintances' but that fondness for him was simply because he understood how things worked. The things that Jack would not promise anyone else were likely very similar to the things that Kisha guarded herself. They were professionals, as it were, and they both knew how the game was played. They didn't expect things of each other because they couldn't be given on either end. It made getting along with Jack wonderfully simple because there was no drama or misunderstandings. The details in the fine line didn't have to be discussed. They both simply knew how it went and carried on as though they always had. "Well, I guess I should go then. If our Smith could be found in a prison, he may not be going anywhere, but he may not be there for long all the same." Kisha nodded. Jack would have to go and she realized all at once that she was sad to see him leave. It wasn't so much that he was leaving but that he might in fact not make it out of the ordeal alive. Seeing Jack was always nice, but having him alive in general was a bit more important. She put her cards away only to have something else in the drawer catch her eye. It seemed a little sentimental, but why not? It was the last of what she could do to help this matter and then it was quite literally out of her hands. Kisha picked up the object she'd spotted and laid it in Jack's hand. It was nothing more than a decent sized red bead on a thin chain. it had a good amount of sparkle to it- a trick of the bead's cut but really nothing more. But what it looked like wasn't what was special about it. "Its not worth much in any way but luck honestly. But luck you could use about now. We've always used such things ..." Her fingers pulled on the long chain that dipped between her breasts, showing Jack the charm at the end of it. He'd seen it on her before, without doubt (perhaps most notably when she wore nothing else) but for the first time she explained it. "This one is mine, and I assure you it makes a difference if you let it. This one" she patted his hand "is yours now. Its the last of anything I can do for you in this matter." She paused for a moment and just looked at him. It was a caring expression assuredly- one from one friend to another. Kisha leaned over and kissed his cheek. "Take care of yourself Jack." then the smile twisted with her usual playfulness, the mischievous sparkle in her eye coming back. It would end on a similar note as it always did because she wouldn't have it any other way. "The next time you're around again stop by hmm? Preferably on matters that are a little more... fun." She smiled just a little more, teeth peeking through her lips. Trouble or not things wouldn't change here and Kisha felt Jack should know that. He didn't owe her anything... but he was welcome to come by and accumulate a charge when he had the time. At the very least a mention of next time might help him keep perspective- Kisha had faith in him and so should he. The last thing Jack needed now was to see the glass as half empty.



Brendan	5 Apr 2007, 10:52 PM Post #35
A Legend. In regimentals. Pwn. Posts: 425 Group: Gopher Goddess Member #2 Joined: 7 December 2006	Originally posted by Jack. When Kisha turned back to face him after putting away her cards, she unexpectedly put something in Jack's hand. He glanced up into her eyes before looking properly at the object; a bead. And a nice one too, very much to Jack's taste. "Its not worth much in any way but luck honestly. But luck you could use about now. We've always used such things ... This one is mine, and I assure you it makes a difference if you let it. This one is yours now. Its the last of anything I can do for you in this matter." It was interesting to hear what her own necklace meant; Jack had never thought anything of it. It had been there, and that was it - the same as her hair was there. And perhaps, Jack thought upon reflection, as much a part of her. Jack hesitated a moment; was he supposed to wear the charm around his neck like Kisha did? He avoided wearing things around his neck in general (for practical rather than superstitious reasons, of course), and truth be told he wasn't absolutely sure he could get the necklace over his hair. Having finally made a decision, Jack wrapped the chain around his wrist until it was almost entirely rolled up, then pushed the bead under the strip of cloth that kept his sword glove in place. He would find a more permanent place for it later. "The next time you're around again stop by hmm? Preferably on matters that are a little more... fun." Jack grinned. "Absolutely, love. See you then." He left quickly, cheerfully, no different than any other time he had left her room. When he stepped out of the building, the cold night air refreshed him, clarifying his thoughts regardless of the late hour. They were all on the same topics as usual, but there was hope now, much more than there had been before; a belief that he could do this - why not? He had no doubts, no insecurities, seeing that other problem entirely in perspective. And he truly believed at that wonderful moment that he could keep it that way.



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