Pirate Chronicles

Puma, Wabi, Laurel, Tibet, and Fifer felt at home right away with the gypsies. They were dancing, singing, and laughing with the gypsy musicians after they were introduced. I was walking behind Jacob and Monika with Paco beside me. The rest of the crew that were with us joined in the gypsies merriment.

I nearly bumped into Jacob's back because I could not help but admire the colors and the music around us so I was not looking where I was going. But he turned around to catch me so I sunk in his chest instead.

I heard him chuckle before he spoke, "You're quite distracted today. Are you alright?" He held my face with both of his palms to see if I was fine.

I nodded and smiled. His touch brought me glee. I was about to say something but Monika took hold of his elbow and turned him to her.

"Jacob, I would like you to meet one of our women leaders," she said.

I let out a soft groan as I felt Jacob's touch vanish from my face. I narrowed my eyes at Monika who was already introducing Jacob to the woman leader she was talking about.

"This is Hannahbelle. She is the leader of our dancing troupe. Hannahbelle, this is Captain Jacob. He was the one who rescued me from the human smugglers," Monika introduced.

I looked at the mysterious woman that was called Hannahbelle. She was wearing an orchid colored off shoulder dress with a crinkled skirt decorated with black and golden curlycue trimmings at the hem. She was wearing a beaded mask that was attached to her veil. She took it off right away after recognizing Jacob.

"Well, would you look at that? You saved one of us again, Captain," Hannahbelle said.

Monika and I looked at her with eyes filled with questions as we both asked at the same time, "Again?"

Hannahbelle eyed Jacob from foot to head. "Back then you were a man in uniform. Do you remember me?" she said and held out her hand.

Jacob smiled and took her hand to plant a quick kiss of respect, "Of course Hannahbelle. You did assist us to fulfill our mission that time."

Hannahbelle smiled as she took her hand back, "You know us gypsies, we repay our debts and are loyal to our friends. I'm glad Monika met you. You see, she is our former king's daughter. But, Monika here is quite adventurous so she often finds herself in deep trouble."

Monika chuckled, "Oh Hannahbelle, I miss you too."

Hannahbelle laughed in response, "Go ahead and introduce the Captain to everyone important."

"Oh, that I will," Monika giggled. She pulled and dragged Jacob away and I was left with Hannahbelle and Paco.

For a moment we were in awkward silence. Paco cleared his throat and introduced us. "I am Paco, quartermaster of Labyrinth and this is Miss Darling," he said.

Hannahbelle smiled at us politely. "Nice to meet you. Please do enjoy the gypsies' revelry and excuse the drunkenness," she said and directed us to a group who would show us hospitality. They were seated on colorful cushions around a circular mat filled with food, drinks, and two candelabras.

After she saw that we were taken care of, she walked away and joined Monika to present Jacob around. I frowned. I kept Jacob under my watch while pretending to listen to the conversation that was going on, nodding my head from time to time and smiling.

Before long, the dancing troupe performed as a celebration of Monika's return. The troupe danced gracefully. Their dance depicted freedom, energy, and passion. I was speechless and enamored by their performance. I found myself captivated. However, I saw Monika smirked at me so I scanned the audience for Jacob and saw him raise his glass to the performers in appreciation.

"It'll help with the tightening here," he said and rubbed his chest.

I took a deep breath and asked for another glass full. He gave me half-full. "But not too much or else Jacob will kill me," he said.

I rolled my eyes and gulped the bitter tasting liquid again. Instantly, my chest felt warm. I felt like I'm breathing normally again! I giggled and then I chuckled. I looked at Paco, "It worked. Give me more."

Paco shook his head. I groaned and searched for Jacob again. He was looking at me and gave me a faint smile. I narrowed my eyes as I stared back. He chuckled. Oh! I hated that! So as a response, I stuck my tongue at him. He gaped in surprise. I was shocked as well. My actions were brave but quite boorish. Still, I turned my head away from him snootily, nose in the air!

I heard him laugh and before I knew it, he crossed the distance between us and sat beside me. He immediately took my glass and smelled it. Then, he glared at Paco.

"You gave her rum?!" he said.

I turned to him angrily. "Why are you raising your voice at Paco? He was helping me out. The rum soothed me here," I said and rubbed my chest. I did not know where I was getting this bizarre bravery. I felt like a different person… free but different.

"Why would you need soothing?" Jacob looked at me curiously but it was obvious that he was humoring me.

"Because… because I'm irritated, AGAIN! Why are you irritating me, huh? What did I do to you to make me feel this way?" There it was again. I was blurting out words that I wouldn't want to say but they were coming out of my mouth unstoppable, like vomit.

Instead of responding to me, he looked at Paco. "How many glasses did you give her?"

Paco chuckled, "She gulped one glass and a half."

"We should go back," Jacob held my elbow and pulled me up. Paco stood up too. "No, you stay with them," he said, motioning to the other pirates.

"Why can't he come with us?" I asked. "You want me to be alone with you?" I giggled. I could feel my speech was beginning to slur and when I stood up, it looked like the place was turning a bit and I tumbled a bit. Jacob supported me right away.

He quickly put a cloak on me and guided me to the buggy. Once seated, he gave me water. "Drink this, it will help you sober up.. I hope…"

I obeyed him and he drove. "I'm shtill uphseth with you!" I blurted out. He chuckled.