Chapter 19: Booze





It wasn't until nightfall that Lily came out from her cabin, still a little tender around the edges. She looked fine, but underneath her vest were some rather nasty bruises where she'd slid into some of the supplies and the edge of the grating. Positioning her arm carefully in the sling created by the leather belt and the dagger at her hip, she made sure that it looked natural and how she always carried herself. Closing the door to her cabin, she silently walked out onto the deck, staying in the darkness that was near the stairs as she watched what was going on.

They'd overturned some barrels and buckets for chairs, and were using little crates for makeshift tables. Although gambling wasn't really permitted on most ships as it caused rifts between crew members and started fights and arguments, Blackheart had no problem with his boys having a game of cards or dice. Near the entrance to his cabin some musicians were playing their instruments, and the deck was lit up with lamplights. It appeared that they'd broken out the rum too, and some men were already passed out where they were. While others were rowdy and boisterously singing sea shanties. Stealing a half empty mug from a passed out sailor, Lily downed the light brown liquid in a gulp. Hopefully that'd take the edge off the pain in her elbow.

Meandering about the ship, Lily observed some of the games being played. She kept her distance though, and decided not to join any just yet. Until she saw a rather odd game being played by Marty over in the corner as he attempted to teach a couple of the pirates how to play Canasta.

"This don't make no sense." one grumbled, scratching his head.

"That's because you're an idjit."

"Aye, would ye both just shut up and play the darn game? It's not that bloody hard." an Irish hand grumbled, taking another swig of his rum.

"Yeah, you're just sore because you're losing." Marty taunted, winning a couple more of the coins.

"Whatever, brat. I'm done. Let's play dice." he grumbled, folding the cards down. "You're too good at this."

"Alright, alright. I'll fold. You guys can play dice." he grinned, gathering up the cards and putting them back into the pack. Leaving it on the table, he got up and dusted off his backside. Stepping away from the lamplight game area, he then noticed Lily watching them all. Though she'd stopped paying attention and was now just staring at the floor near to where his feet were with a blank expression on her face.

"Good to see you're up and about." he commented, which caused her to snap out of it and look up.

"Why wouldn't I be?" she muttered, shifting her sore arm a little.

"Well, you did sort of fall off a mast..."

"Whatever." she tossed the wooden mug towards him. "Go fill that up with some rum." there was no way she was going to attempt it herself. She needed two hands for that job. One involved holding the cup, and the other involved squeezing the stiff tap on the keg. Both of which she doubted she'd be able to do. Damn that hurt. Maybe there was more damage than meets the eye.

Catching it, he went to do as she said and soon brought back the alcohol to the first mate, who was now perched upon a barrel and was leaning back against the wall that lead up to the quarterdeck. Taking the outstretched cup, she immediately drank some down, the familiar burn welcomed by the sea farer. She then held it out towards him, gulping down the last bit that caused her cheeks to bulge out a little.

"Want some?"

Marty wrinkled his nose a little bit, but took the cup hesitantly, looking down at his reflection in the liquid. Tyler had never let him drink any alcohol at the parties that he'd had when their parents weren't home, so this was quite a different experience for him. Sniffing it a little and then reeling backwards, he shook his head and attempted to give it back.

"Oh, go on. Have a sip. It's not going to kill you. Take the edge off that whipping though." she grinned, leaning forward a bit.

He eyed her for a moment and then brought the strong liquid closer to his body once more. Now or never, he supposed. No harm in trying new things. It smelled a little strong though. He raised it to his lips and took a little bit into his mouth.

Oh god. It was horrible.

Gulping it down quickly, he coughed and spluttered, much to the amusement of the female watching him as she took the cup back. Laughing at him as he tried to wipe the bitter, acrid rum off his tongue, Lily drank some more down.

"Ah, you'll never be a pirate until you can down one of these things in under 10 seconds." she held up the wooden tankard, shaking it a little.

"Ugh. Why would you want to? That stuff is horrible." pulling a disgusted face as he wheezed out his response around the burning in his throat, Marty shook his head. Vile. Yuck. And now his breath smelled bad.

"Why do you think we sailors drink so much? With all the punishments we get, and with the filth we live with for months on end, I'd rather be drunk than sober. When you get blown down, this stuff is most excellent for numbing the pain and forgetting what happened." with that said and done, Lily tipped her head back and sculled the rest as fast as she could. When she was done, she tipped the tankard over and slammed it down on the barrel next to her before wiping her lips with the back of her hand. "And that," she grinned, "Is how you drink like a pirate." It'd take a little while for the alcohol to kick in and numb her arm and her senses, so she'd just have to wait. "Hey, remind me to lock my door when I eventually decide to go to bed, since you'll be the only sober one here." she pointed at him. Marty just gave a quiet nod of understanding as to why she'd want him to remind her of such a thing. Pirates couldn't be trusted, even if they were your own crew.

"Now. You're going to tell me all you've learned about pirating, and what you discussed with that churlish varlet you call a brother and those two strumpets that seem to follow him everywhere." she wiggled her fingers in such a fashion that it looked like they were walking. It was simply a gesture to get him to hurry up and get his mouth moving.

Marty stayed silent a moment as he watched her. How long would it take for her to get completely off her face? She didn't seem to angry at him for letting Tyler go, even though it was obvious that he'd been the one to do it. Maybe that was just the alcohol talking. Then again, perhaps she didn't care that he'd gone. After all, they had a bunch of map pieces, AND he'd spat on her. Sighing, he decided to start with what he had been taught about sailing. Perhaps he'd fill up her tankard a few more times and she'd pass out before he had to say anything about his brother.

Who was he kidding?



She was a pirate.

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