The Ghost Lights

[Mr. Handy]

"Very well," says Reverend Trask, "but stay well back, Miss Winters. This is no place for a young lady."

[VictoriaSilverwolf]

The clientele of the Archangel being largely unchurched, the admonishments of a clergyman go unnoticed, save for harsh laughter from the slatternly woman who appears to be the object of contention between the most ill-mannered of the sailors and his rival, a fellow whose bare arms and countenance bear many old scars. The two face each other across a chaos of broken bottles and shattered furniture, as other patrons place bets upon the fate of one of the other.

[Mr. Handy]

"Gentlemen," says Reverend Trask, "cease your fighting. What captain will hire you if you persist in brawling?"

[Mr. Handy]

"You have experience commanding sailors," Victoria says to Nathan Forbes. "You should be able to get them in line."

[SunlessNick]

Finally back. I'm sorry.

Drawing on his history as a Naval officer, Nathan snaps "Cease your brawling immediately! Our business here is not to compete over a tavern wench. And you should heed the words of my colleague: captains demand solid, reliable sailors for their vessels, not undisciplined rabble."

Charisma is 11, given the +2 for Libertine - 11 is also what I rolled.

His assumption of authority is doubtless at odds with his bedraggled appearance.

[SunlessNick]

Josette wants to meet with the sailor who saved her - she presumes it is he who has left the tokens of affection - though she knows they are from very different worlds. He does however seem to be a man superior to the opportunities his station has afforded him. She replaces the knotted cords where they were, pulled together into a loose knot, but not a tight one, which she hopes will demonstrate a willingness to go further, but not too precipitously.

She chooses to go walking on the grounds of the estate close to when it seems he leaves or collects the tokens, remaining out in the open so that he will stand a good chance of seeing her.

[VictoriaSilverwolf]

Spoiler:

Since Nathan's attempt at persuasion was borderline . . .

An unexpected and somewhat disquieting silence fills the formerly noisy establishment, in response to the admonishment of Nathan Forbes, who knows something about commanding men. Perhaps not quite enough, however, because rather than immediately ceasing their quarrel, the two man simply snarl at each other indecisively.

The woman who lies at the heart of the battle -- unlikely Helen, to cause such contention! -- jumps up out of the chair where she was observing the fight, dances a clumsy jig in front of Nathan, and addresses him, to the accompaniment of breath scented with gin.

"Right, then, love. Let he who delays the fun be he who begins it again. All against all, what say you, lads?"

There is raucous cheering at this proposal, and various shouts as witnesses place bets for or against the newcomer. The two quarreling men approach Nathan with fists ready.

[VictoriaSilverwolf]

Josette wants to meet with the sailor who saved her - she presumes it is he who has left the tokens of affection - though she knows they are from very different worlds. He does however seem to be a man superior to the opportunities his station has afforded him. She replaces the knotted cords where they were, pulled together into a loose knot, but not a tight one, which she hopes will demonstrate a willingness to go further, but not too precipitously.

She chooses to go walking on the grounds of the estate close to when it seems he leaves or collects the tokens, remaining out in the open so that he will stand a good chance of seeing her.

This subtle stratagem produces the desired effect. Josette witnesses the man retrieve the cords, his brow furrowed as he struggles to interpret its message. Looking up, he catches a glimpse of Josette. In a manner combining both boldness and caution, he does not avert his gaze, but meets hers directly, without drawing nearer, much in the manner of a beast caught between wildness and domestication, uncertain whether to flee or approach.

[Mr. Handy]

"There is no reason for anyone to fight," says Victoria from the rear, trying to calm them down. "You'll only get yourselves hurt, win or lose, and for what? You gain nothing from it."

[Mr. Handy]

"Indeed, we are all Americans here," says Reverend Trask. "If we fight each other for no good reason, we only weaken ourselves. A house divided against itself cannot stand. If we fight each other, we only leave ourselves vulnerable to the British, should they decide once again to test our mettle."

[SunlessNick]

"Miss Winters, you should leave quickly," says Nathan. "See to her safety, Reverend." (Is it just the two men approaching, or more of the tavern's patrons?).

[SunlessNick]

Josette slowly approaches the man, letting him see that he has not affrighted her. "Your gift was beautiful," she begins. "And I had hoped to speak with you again, at a time when danger was not pressing upon us." Gesturing to the knot, she says, "When we met before, it was a... difficult situation, in which you showed strength, valour, and gentleness alike. But I thought it wise that we take the impression of each other in calmer circumstances. Would you be willing to walk with me a while?"

[Mr. Handy]

If the sailors are not dissuaded, Reverend Trask ushers Victoria outside.

[VictoriaSilverwolf]

d6Reason and appeal to their (hypothetical) better natures having produced no discernable effect upon the patrons -- indeed, Reverend Trask's remark concerning all being Americans having, if anything, made matters more uneasy, not all persons present being citizens of that new nation -- it is the wisest course for that gentleman and Miss Winters to withdraw.

Content merely to observe the three-way battles, the others in the room merely watch the approaching battle with cries of encouragement to one combatant or another. The two contenders begin the conflict.

Spoiler:

Let's have them both select targets first. Even numbers Nathan, odd the other. OK, one each, although I messed up where the results should be seen. Two DEX rolls, 1st directed at Nathan.2d20

Whether it be due to strong drink, or the chaos of trinary combat, both of the men fail to strike their targets. In fact, because one threw a fist at his opponent while that person was simultaneously aiming at Nathan, they wound up simply flailing at the empty air. The crowd shouts insults at them.

[VictoriaSilverwolf]

"I would be much honored, Miss." During their brief stroll, the fellow says little, confining his remarks to mere expressions of admiration for the gardens at Collinwood. Only after some time is even an exchange of names made, his proving to be Amos Stewart. The excursion is a pleasant one, until it is interrupted by a shrill cry coming from an upper window, proving to be that of Abigail Collins. "Shame! Shame! I'll not have a scarlet woman in my home!"

[SunlessNick]

Sensing that the crowd will not allow him to leave if he tries to follow the others (and, it must be admitted, with both libertine and soldierly natures inflaming his blood), Nathan sees no choice but to participate in the fight forced upon him. He does however aim his initial attack at the other sailor, with whom he has not sailed.

Dexterity 9.

Rolled 1D20: 10

However, the blow goes wide.

[SunlessNick]

Josette flushes such that she is near the selfsame colour as was referenced in the accusation. Unwilling to resort to a shouted conversation to justify herself, she hurries out of view of the window. Once this is accomplished, she says, "I must apologise for that unpleasantness Mr Stewart. I will endeavour to set Mrs Collins right on the matter, but for now perhaps it is better if you depart. I would welcome seeing you again, if you are willing, however."

[Mr. Handy]

Reverend Trask stands by outside, watching the entrance to make sure that the fight does not spill through the door.

[Mr. Handy]

Victoria waits outside until after the fight is over so that she can treat anyone who is hurt, though she hopes it won't be necessary.

[VictoriaSilverwolf]

The onlookers, seeing that all combatants have failed to provide the desired entertainment, shout remarkably creative and blasphemous insults at them, followed by the hurling of empty pewter mugs and the like. The increased noise has, at last, drawn the attention of the local constabulary, embodied by a single man.

"What's all this?" the officer inquires of Miss Winters and Reverend Trask. He enters the place, blows his whistle, producing a most unmusical screeching noise, and addresses the three men who are clearly involved in an altercation.

"Right, then. You three, with me. You can settle your differences in gaol."