Why is it so hard to try and finish this????

as Uncle Chris said this there was a loud sound from below decks.

Everyone stood still to listen for a moment. There was a loud, and indistinguishable roaring sound
and then some loud screams of the few crew mates who were below decks.
"What in the dickens could that be?" Uncle Chris asked. No one answered him but looked at the stairway that led to the lower deck. A sort of evil had settled over the ship and everyone seemed to be holding their breath in anticipation of something great and terrible to happen. Suddenly one of the crew mates burst through.
"He's gone wild. He's gone completely wild."
"I would have to say that this man has gone completely wild." Sassy Novice Jane muttered to Chris, looking at the long messy hair and deranged eyes.

"Who are you talking about?" Pepper called to the sailor.
"Samuel Manchester. I've seen nothing like it before." The man walked in circles, seeming scared of every crew mate or guest that his eyes landed on.
"What's going on down there?" Miranda asked stepping forward. The man's eyes grew wide and wild, he shook his head slightly and then ran over to the edge of the ship, dove head forward into the waves.
"I'd give that a score of 6 out of 10." Byron muttered to James. Miranda glanced at Byron, Pepper, and then Chris and Jane before quickly heading down the stairs to the lower deck.
"Careful down there, girl." Pepper called before heading down right behind her.
Miranda emerged into the gloom of the lower deck and slowly made her way into the corner where she knew Samuel was being kept. She was taken aback when she saw him, not sitting in an orderly fashion, no he was writhing on the floor, head thrown back, sweat beading his forehead. He looked up as Miranda came forward, her eye's met his though instead of being the light brown that had peered into her's so many times, she was frightened to see them as a solid black. Darker than night, though conducting emotions in a horrible way.

 Miranda's hand flew to her mouth, covering a scream.
"Ah yes, girl. See me for what I am." Samuel said, though in a voice not quite his own.
"And what is that?" Pepper shouted from behind Miranda.
"What do you see?"
"A creature not of this world." Uncle Chris said. He and Sassy Novice Jane had followed Pepper and Byron had come down after.
"No Chris, he is of this world." Jane said quietly and, surprisingly, not sassy.
"The small woman is right. My brothers and I are always lurking nearby. Extracting our revenge. On anyone innocent nearby."
"Innocent? Are you talking about Samuel Manchester?" Miranda quietly asked, fear clearly etched on her face. The creature gave a frightening smile that left a shudder run through the room.
"Miranda, I want you to step back. And stop talking. I know how to deal with this. *PLOT TWIST* Chris, I would like your help with this. Everyone else must do exactly as I say." Jane's voice was low, and serious.
"I don't know what you think you can do to me, you'll never win. I've come aboard this vessel just as planned, and everything is going just swimmingly."
"Than why are we here? We were called here for a purpose, and this is it." Uncle Chris said and Samuel's smile faltered...

(I'm sorry I couldn't finish it. I have a plan and a way to finish it, I just don't have energy. I don't know if I'm still tired from the huge meal yesterday (!!!!), or the fact that we just watched the 6th episode of Pride and Prejudice (!!!!!), or that I might be coming down with a cold (.......) Either way, I'm sorry but I hope that maybe next week we can bring a close to this, though very fantastic, sorta long story. <3 G) 

I procrastinated so freaking much while writing this post.

THANKSGIVING IS TOMORROW AND I'M SO FREAKING EXCITED OH MY GOODNESS...anyway on to the story.

The Sassy Novice gave him one look then said....

"Well you're pathetic." And flicked her head sassily and sassed away. The Sassy Novice returned to the upper deck, and said, "Christopher, there does not appear to be any imminent danger aboard this vessel, so I believe we can return to a time were people practice regular hygiene routines."
"Okay. I hope we get back in time for our dinner reservations, Uncle Chris is hangry." Said Uncle Chris. The Sassy Novice waved goodbye to the crew and got behind the wheel of the Jitterbug.
"I'm so sorry we couldn't be more help." Said Uncle Chris flashing the crew a heart-melting smile. 

The Jitterbug started, Uncle Chris waved out the window. The Jitterbug's engine sputtered, and stopped. The Sassy Novice started it again, and it wheezed like me after a run, and then stopped. The Sassy Novice tried again, and again, and again, but the Jitterbug simply wouldn't start. The Sassy Novice got out of the car and kicked it viciously. Uncle Chris got out of the car and said, "Jane, dearest be nice to the car, she has feelings."
"No she doesn't! SHE'S A CAR! A STUPID USELESS CAR THAT HAS GOTTEN ME STUCK ON THIS STUPID BOAT IN THIS STUPID TIME AND STUPID STUPID STUPID!" Screamed the Novice.
"Jane, calm down." Said Chris. The novice took a deep breath.
"You're right, I need to calm down." So she said, however she continued to glare at the car and mutter stupid under her breath.
"There must be some logical explanation for why we're still here, right?" Said Chris. The Novice nodded, still muttering.
"Maybe these people aren't in mortal peril right now, but they could be any time now, right?" Said Chris. The Novice nodded again.
"Okay," Said Chris, addressing the crew, "It looks like Jane and I are going to be staying with you for the time being, because our car-"
"Excuse, me, sir, what is a car?" Asked James, voicing what everyone was thinking.
"It's, uh...um..."
"It's like a boat, except it sails on land, rather than water. And this one in particular can also fly. And travel in time and relative dimension and space." Said the Sassy Novice after taking a breath. There was a chorus of understanding from the crew.
"Please, continue you beautiful man." Said James.
"Anyway, we believe something terrible is going to occur to you in the near or distant future and we are going to-" Just as Uncle Chris said this there was a loud sound from below decks.

Mercy was way too tired when she wrote this so she decided to make it way overly descriptive oops.

(I can't believe it's almost Thanksgiving! I can't wait to stuff myself till I burst- and I can't wait to see my little nephews and the rest of my family and such.. I hope you all have a wonderful day of thanks! xxx) 

---

"Here is The Snarfing Charlie, which is a renowned pirate ship, formally owned by the infamous Samuel Manchester, but now belongs to Miss Miranda Summers, since she won it. " Bryon pipped up like a little mouse looking for cheese. "And we honestly don't know why you're here, either." he added with a slight shrug that rolled his chiseled shoulders like the great mountains of South East Asia.

"Well aren't you such a helpful creature," The sassy novice remarked in a barkish tone with a roll of her eyes, "You aren't in any dire need of service, or you aren't faced with any danger whatsoever?" she asks in an exasperated tone.

"Well.... now that you mention it," Scurvy Steve Dreadbeard said in an undertone.

"Yes?" Sassy Novice said, leaning forward slightly, her brown hair making a curtain around her heart-shaped face.

"I mean, we do have a notorious pirate as a captor below deck, who got loose previously and threatened the whole crew, and we don't know what we're going to do with him.." he muttered like a child that was scared to admit that he stole the last cookie to his mother.

"Well, lets do something about it then!" Sassy Novice said, then gave a quick and determined glare towards Chris, indicating him to follow, before walking towards Scurvy Steve Dreadbeard, "Take us to this Samuel Whosiewhatsie guy," she demanded.

"I will," Miranda stepped forward, pushing her hair back, "Follow me,"

And with that, Miranda marched off towards the lower decks, her hair flowing behind her in the salt-flavored wind.

Sassy Novice followed, quick in tow, muttering under her breath.

They went below deck to where Samuel was locked up in his rusted shackles, and Miranda presented Sassy Novice to him.

"So, Mister," Sassy Novice said to Samuel, glaring down at his, as he was sitting on the floor, and she was standing above him, "I hear you're some evil lord of the seas or something?" she asked.

"Or so they say," Samuel replied, sighing in boredom.

"And why were you threatening the crew?" she asked, raising her eyebrows.

"Because, I want my ship back and I plan on taking it back as soon as I can, because I hate everyone who's roaming my beautiful vessel and I plan on murdering them all as soon as I get the chance," Samuel said in the most casual voice one man could muster.

The Sassy Novice gave him one look then said....

okay i have to go... I'm sorry this is terrible! I wrote this while watching the finale of Dancing With The Stars, so yeah.... Rosie, I trust you <3 

xoxo, 
Mercy

Last Year's Round Story Makes a Comeback

(Gurls, in approximately 19 hours I will be home, safe and sound and hopefully eating whatever delicious meal my mother cooks for dinner tomorrow. I am so excited and ready to go home and get some rest and spend quality time with the family and friends. I only wish the Foursome could get together this week, then my life would truly be complete...
    ...But alas, I must be content with writing letters to my three favorite girlies on this here blog of ours.
    At least I get to see Rosie. Tomorrow night we're watching Supernatural the Musical. My weak fangirl heart longs to see it, to witness the Single Man Tear...
    ...but anyway. Back to business)

    The tiny brunette woman smoothed her skirts and surveyed the deck of the Snarfing Charley, her eyes darting to and fro over the shocked faces of everyone crowded around her and her vehicle.
    "Well?" She said in a voice that emanated sass like a snarky razor, "What are all you scruffy vagabonds gawking at?"
    The scruffy vagabonds continued to gawk at the Sassy Novice.
    Sassy Novice sighed sassily.

obligatory sassy Beyonce gif

     "Moving right along," she huffed, her tone akin to that of an exasperated elementary school teacher, "It appears that my car is out of gas. Do you happen to have any?"
    "What's...gas?" Byron said incredulously. His question was never answered, however, because at that moment an incredibly dashing, well-dressed man stepped out of the steaming vehicle -with an ethereal elegance, especially for someone getting out of a car accident- and said in a smooth, throaty voice that brought women -and even a few men- to their knees, "Gas would be the least of the problems with the Jittermobile, Jane dearest-"

    "DEAREST? CHRISTOPHER, I AM NOT YOUR DEAREST." The Sassy Novice turned to the shipmates. "We aren't seeing each other. As you can see, I'm a nun." She gestured to her habit with a slight, pure sense of pride.
    "Yet," Chris emphasized, looking at the Novice with a gaze as lovely and devoted as the sunset kissing a mountain peak, "We've talked about this, Jane, and you said-"
    "Now is neither the time nor the place for such a conversation, Chris," Jane barked, "But since we're on the subject, we shan't go any further unless the big man upstairs gives me the green light." She directed her gaze towards the clear blue heavens with sure reverence.
    "Ah, yes," Chris muttered (and even when he muttered his voice melted like fresh butter over hot toast) "The other Man."
    "Excuse me? But I would pick the other Man over you any day of the week-"
    "I thought we weren't having this conversation," Chris said abruptly, suddenly realizing that the entire crew of the boat were staring at him and Jane, hanging on their every word. "Now, how in the Sam heck did we get here?"
    Jane furrowed her brow. "it can't be..."
    "What can't be?" Chris asked.
   "Sister Eunice once told me that the Jittermobile could travel in time, but it would only do so when we were needed in a certain time or place," Jane replied, "So, just now, as we were driving along Cottage Drive, doing our weekend shopping, we were called here -wherever here is- in order to come to their aid."
    "But," Chris said in a tone sweeter and more golden than organic honey, "Where is here, and why were we needed?"

Tom (Chris) says "to be continued"

Mercy, I'm sorry, but this is all I have at 11:47 PM. We shall hear from you tomorrow!
--Laura :)

Some old friends come to visit

Byron leapt at Samuel to knock him over but Pepper got there first. Miranda gasped in surprise. She'd never been close to death before, especially not by a fearsome sword swishing pirate. "How dare you?!" She screamed at Samuel. "I put enough faith and trust in you to let you go where you please and this is how you repay me?" Samuel didn't say anything. Pepper had him on his knees with his hands behind his back. 

"Are you alright?" Byron asked. 

"No I'm not! Come with me to my cabin." She said quietly. She led the way to a small cabin on the upper deck. The cabin that would be reserved for the captain wife but since Miranda was the only female on board, it was rightfully hers. Away from any other cabins, beds, or lurking men. 

Miranda sunk down onto her bed. "Byron." She stared at him in disbelief. Things were strange on this ship but she didn't think they could get quite /that/ strange. 

"Miranda." He replied going towards her. 

"What are you doing here? Why did you leave? And without even telling me." 

"I- I had to get away. But I didn't want you to worry. Or make me stay. Or put you in danger with you coming with me. I thought maybe not being with anyone would be better than with a man I hate while the man I love is half a mile up the road." She choked back a sob. 

"Miranda. I thought you'd been married. I thought you'd left me for someone richer and better."

"Oh shut up you idiot." Miranda said fiercely. "How could I have ever left you for a different man?" She stood up from the bed and walked towards him. 

AND THEN IT GOT SICKLY SWEET AND CUTE SO MUCH THAT GRACE DIDNT WANT TO WRITE ABOUT IT. BUT JUST BECAUSE THEYRE IN HER ROOM DOESNT MEAN IT GOT OUT OF CONTROL. THIS STORY IS RATED PG. GET YOUR MINDS OUT OF THE GUTTER. 

Miranda and Byron eventually left her cabin, slightly breathless, clothes a bit rumpled, but happy and holding hands. 

"I have to go sort things with Samuel." She said to Byron. 

"Let me come with you. Incase he almost chops your lovely little head off again." Miranda smiled at Byron. He truly was perfect. Miranda took the stairs down to the lower deck to find Samuel back in chains. She gave him one look and then led Byron back up the stairs. They went to the bow of the ship, looking out over the open ocean in front of them. 

"How could he do that?" She muttered. 

"M, he's a pirate. A bloodthirsty criminal with the blood of probably hundreds of innocent people on his hands." Byron put his hands around her waist and placed his chin on her head. "Don't worry about it. Unless you're going to worry about what you're planning to do with him when we reach land." Miranda shook her head in agreement. 

"You're right. I'm not gonna worry about him anymore. He doesn't deserve my worry." Just then they noticed something flying towards them, it was a contraption they'd never beheld before. It looked like a carriage though made of some sort of metal. There were screams coming from inside where they could see multiple people squished together in the small contraption. "Novice!" They heard being screamed from the vehicle. "That's a ship! Wake up. Help!" The.... thing... crashed over Miranda and Byron and onto the ship deck, sending pirates scrambling for cover. The thing sat quietly smoking for a second before a small brunette woman climbed out. 

"Hm. Not my best landing, but better than some of the other times I did it while asleep." 

(So since next Thursday is the infamous Turkey Day, I'm gonna push my post back until Friday if that's okay with y'all. It better be okay cause I'm gonna do it anyway <3 G) 

This is probably going to be short as well.

MERCY I'M LISTENING TO FOUR AND HOLY CRAP I AM IN LOVE AND HOLY CRAP! Anyway, onto the most awesome round story of all time.

"Am I?" she said, pricking her sword slightly harder into Samuels chin.....

"Well, Mr. Manchester, I would love to fight you however, I'm afraid your pride must still be wounded from our last duel, and I'd hate to have an unfair advantage." Said Miranda. 
"I can handle myself, girl." Said Samuel.
"Well, if your sure, James, give Mr. Manchester your sword." Commanded Miranda. Wordlessly James handed Samuel his sword. 
There have been many great duels in history. In my opinion these duels can be narrowed to top three. The duel Mrs. Weasley has with Bellatrix Lastrange in the 7th Harry Potter, 

the sword fight Wesley and Inigo Montoya have in the princess bride,

and this one. The duel was far more evenly matched this time because Samuel Manchester's pride had been wounded. 
The crew merely at on the sidelines and watched the whole thing play out. Later, when asked for the details of the battle, they were unable to provide any useful information. As Scurvy Steve said, "I couldn't tell you what the swords were doing, 'cause they were moving so fast, I just spent the whole time watching the hair." And can I just say that between Miranda and Samuel, there was a crap ton of hair, and it was all flowing about in a glorious manner.
The duel was just reaching it' climax. Samuel and Miranda were standing in front of the stairs, jabbing and dodging, when Byron/Jesse came rushing up the stairs. He had just awoken from being knocked out, and he had a large purple bruise forming on his beautiful face. He was coming to tell Miranda that Samuel had escaped, which I think is safe to say, she already knew.
Miranda, noticed Byron just as she disarmed Samuel and had him on his knees.
"Byron?" She exclaimed, dropping her sword in surprise.
"Byron? I think you mean Jesse." Said James.
"What are you doing here?" Miranda asked.
"I...uh...um..." He said.
"How did you get here?"
"I....uh....Miranda look out!" Said Byron. While Miranda had been distracted by Byron, Samuel had stolen her sword, and was about to behead Miranda with it.

this is probably gonna be short.

Miranda had just been polishing her sword when she heard shouts, screams and rigorous yells from out on the ship deck. Spinning around to face her cabin door quickly, she jolted her head to the side slightly, trying to hear what the people seemed to be yelling.

Finally, she heard it- "WHO LET HIM OUT OF HIS CHAINS?!"

And then Miranda knew- Samuel had gotten lose. 

Taking a quick and firm grip on her sword, Miranda shot towards the cabin door and pulled it open, her heard beating wildly with adrenaline. 

Who had let him out of his shackles? Damn that fool! Somebody must have done it, for there were no weapons or any other means in which Samuel could've gotten lose by. 

Someone must have teamed up with the low-life pirate and set him free! Blasted men. They were never to be trusted.

Miranda hurried to above deck and looked around quickly- the sight before made her catch her breath.

Samuel was standing in the middle of the deck, wielding a sword, and surrounded by what looked like the entire crew- staring dumbfounded and shocked at the master swordsman (and pancake maker.)

Miranda took a deep breath, steeling herself, before she marched straight up to Samuel, pushing past the stark-still men staring at the pirate.

"Ah, look who has finally joined the party! Good to see your beautiful face again," Sam said with a flash of a charming smile, winking at Miranda.

Miranda gritted her teeth as she thrust her sword up and under Samuel's chin, "I told you when I let above deck that you were only allowed to wander around freely if you were not threatening us- you seem to be rather bad at following that rule."

Samuel smirked, "Ah, well, guess it slipped my mind. I really am truly sorry- guess I got carried away when that little cabin boy set me free...."

Miranda narrowed her eyes- Jesse? He didn't seem the type to do something like that.

"I don't believe you." she muttered.

Samuel shrugged, "I can't change that-  I just needed a stretch I suppose. Are you up for a duel?"

Miranda raised her eyebrows, "Am I?" she said, pricking her sword slightly harder into Samuels chin.....

have to go! Rosie, I trust you.

xoxo,

Mercy.

The Sexy Pirate's Middle Name is Walfred?

(I am so excited because the next time I post will be the day before I go home for thanksgiving break. And I need a break. I need mom's homemade dinners and strong, black coffee and the strangely comforting howl of the autumn winds shuddering around our old house at night. I can't believe I have seven semesters and one month of college left, it feels like I've been here for years. And although I've been having the time of my life here at SHU, I crave winter break and the solace and leisure that will come with it. 
    But anyhow. Back to the greatest round story ever written by all of mankind):

the sexiest grump on planet earth

    Samuel Manchester was not amused. He stood over the fire in the kitchen of the Snarfing Charlie, flipping pancakes and wishing he were back in the brig where people didn't bother him- or worse, try to talk to him. Ew. People. Samuel hated people, which was why he had spent his life trying to vanquish them. "And now," he muttered darkly to himself as he greased the pancake skillet, "I have the opportunity to take over this godforsaken poop-vessel. Just as soon as I seduce that land-rat, Miranda, and convince her to let me take control, everything should go as planned." He chuckled darkly to himself as he poured the pale pancake batter onto the skillet in perfect circles.
    "And just who do you think you are?" the voice of Jesse (alias Byron) caused Samuel to jump, making the shackle that bound him to a nearby column clank unbearably.
    Samuel decided to be a sarcastic sardine of bitterness and sass. "I am Samuel Dauntless Ignatius McAfee Walfred Manchester the third," he declared, "sailor of the high seas, defeater of countless kingdoms, seducer of women. And," he waved his spatula in the air, "cooker of fantastic pancakes."
    Jesse (Byron) waved the sexy pirate off. "I know who you are," he said harshly, "I just want to know why you think you're going to get away with any of this."
    "Any of...what?" (like any classic villain, Samuel was completely unaware of his tendency to talk out loud about his evil plans).
    Jesse (Byron) rolled his lovely blue eyes. "I overheard your entire rant, you large bumbling idiot! How dare you think you can seduce my Miranda!"
   "Oho!" the dashing pirate cried, "your Miranda? You think you claim ownership over that impish little piece of scum?"
    "Excuse me," Jesse (Byron) cried, "But she is a lady. and she doesn't need a lousy piece of scum like you to defile her!"
    "Oh! So would you fight for your woman's honor, then?"
    "Indeed I would!" Jesse (Byron) unsheathed the sword in his belt.
    "Now, it wouldn't be fair to fight me while I'm in chains..." said Samuel cunningly, moving his shackled leg so the chain jangled.
    "Right!" Jesse (Byron) cried heatedly, and without thinking he used his blade to cut Samuel free in one fell swoop.
    "AHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHAAAA!" Samuel Manchester thrust the burning hot pancake skillet into Jesse's (Byron's) chest and knocked the smaller man to the floor. Still cackling horribly, he took the blade from Jesse's (Byron's) unconscious hand and flew up the stairs in a mad fury, hoping to raise hell and wreak havoc on the unsuspecting ship and its passengers.

*anxiety intensifies*

That's all the Laura has for today! Mercy, I can't wait to hear from you tomorrow :)
--Laura :)

Soz it's short. actually... not really

"Anyway, Samuel, I have a proposition for you." Said Miranda...

"Join our crew." 
"... .... ...join... your crew?"
"Yes."
"You'd give up being a captain to let an enemy take over? Ha! You're handing yourself a death sentence. But if you insist, pass over the captains hat, give me the keys to the hull and I'm all yours." He gave a sly smile. 
"Do you think I'm stupid?" Miranda quizzically asked. 
"Hm?"
"Do you really think I'm a complete idiot?"
"Well, if you think that, I won't argue with you." 
"Why would I just hand over the captains hat? It's not even mine to give! No you stupid, I was wondering about your pancake making skills. *PLOT TWIST* (Samuel is excellent in the art of making pancakes) I've heard from your crew that your pancakes are impeccable. If you make us breakfast, we'll give you some freedom to hangout around the ship rather than just skulking in this corner. *PLOT TWIST* (maybe Miranda is stupid..?) 
"How can you ask me, the most feared sword fighter on the seven seas, to be demoted to a simple chef?" 
"I think you're forgetting that you are no longer the most feared sword fighter on the seven seas. Someone beat you." Byron said smiling proudly at his gurlfrand. Both Miranda and Samuel whipped around. They had both forgotten that he was standing there. Samuel gave Byron a snarl. "I just really want pancakes. Yours especially. I hate eating fish for every meal." Byron mumbled. 
"Well.... if you insist!" Samuel clapped his hands, stood up, and thrust his handcuffed wrists towards Miranda imploringly. 
"Have mercy." Byron sighed with a smile on his face. "This is the best day we've had on this blasted ship." He really had hated being there and wasn't sure why he ran away in the first place. 
"Okay. Now, I'm trusting you. Something every fiber in my being is telling me not to do. But I have to agree with Jesse here. I just really want pancakes." Miranda pulled some keys off her belt and unlocked Samuel. "I'm sure Jesse here will show you to the kitchen. I'm going to alert the rest of the crew to the changes being made. Oh and Mr. Manchester? You will be spending the nights right here handcuffed to the wall like always. So don't be getting any ideas into the head of yours." She turned, flipping her hair in the faces. 

eheheh

Both Samuel and Byron/Jesse watched her walk away. Byron let out a deep sigh. "Kitchen?" He suddenly said, turning to Samuel. 

"No." Samuel strode off after Miranda while Byron watched helplessly. He wasn't about to chase down a deadly pirate, and tell him he's doing the wrong thing. 

******

"ALRIGHT LADS LISTEN UP!" Miranda roared from the deck where she stood, hair flying around her face, making her appear very pirate like. "There's been a change here on board the Snarfing Charley. A change in menu." A loud cheer went up from crew at those words. "And a change in cook. Samuel Manchester, our feared captive, will be allowed to wander the ship during the day, in exchange for his pancake making skills." The crew looked at her dumbfounded. 

"She's possessed." Someone finally shouted. "Get back lads. There's a curse goin' over the ship." 

"THERE'S NO CURSE." Scurvy Steve Dreadbeared shouted from his perch behind the wheel. "Have you tasted that man's pancakes?" 

"Have you?" Miranda asked turning around. 

"Well.... that woul' be a diff'rent story for a diff'rent time." He awkwardly turned away. 

"ORDER!" Miranda shouted again to the crew who were becoming rather rowdy and angry. "We will treat Mr. Manchester with dignity and care, and I'm sure he will do the same to us. Thank you for your cooperation on this matter. BACK TO YOUR BUSINESS." Samuel stood in the shadows but emerged to gasps from the crew. Ignoring these he walked up to Miranda. 

"I want to thank you." He said quietly to her. 

"What for?" She took a step back. 

"For trusting me." He took a step towards her. "It makes me want to live up to the trust." He brushed her hair back from her face. Miranda slapped his hand away. 

"Yeah right." She turned swiftly and walked away. Samuel smiled after her. A smile that sent a chill up the spines of the nearby crew. 

Can't wait to read what comes next <3 G

Hopefully I didn't change anyone's plans too drastically...if I did then sorry...

Sam opened his mouth to reply and said...

"Why thank you kind lad." Flashing Jesse a winning smile.

"Of course sir. Anything for you, sir." Said Jesse, returning Sam's smile. At this, Sam was struck with a curious idea.

"Well sir, if that's all you'll be needing me for then I'll be leaving, sir." Said Jesse.

"Jesse, I need one more thing."

"Yes sir. Anything, sir." 

"Well, Jesse my boy, are you familiar the young lass Miranda? Do you know who she is?"

Jesse knew quite well who Miranda was, because *PLOT TWIST* Jesse wasn't actually Jesse, he was Byron the blacksmith. When Miranda had told Byron of her intention to marry, Byron had been heart broken. It was in the midst of his misery he hatched a plan. He would go to the shipyard, the day before Miranda's wedding and beg the first captain, of the first ship he found to allow him to be a kitchen boy. And, as fate would have it, that ship just so happened to be The Snarfing Charley. And that's how Byron McCarthy, beautiful, timeless, blacksmith, became, lowly, stupid, kitchen boy Jesse Took. When Byron first heard the story of the runaway bride who had beaten the fiercest pirate on the 7 seas in sword fighting, he knew it had to be Miranda. He was filled with joy for the first time in weeks. He was about to go and find Miranda, when his extremely over-active imagination stopped him. "Why didn't Miranda tell me she was leaving?" He thought to himself. "Perhaps it was not only that terrible marriage Miranda was trying to escape, perhaps she was trying to escape me as well!" So Byron thought himself into a frenzy, until he was utterly convinced that Miranda couldn't stand him. So Byron, who was miserable yet again, spent the next week going out of his way to avoid her. All this to say, Jesse, or rather Byron, did know Miranda, however he was not about to tell Samuel that.
"Uh, no, sorry sir, I don't know the lady. I've heard the stories, but I've not actually uh met her, uh sir." Said Byron awkwardly. He was a terrible liar.
"Oh that's okay. Do you think you could get to know her?" Asked Samuel hopefully.
"Uh, I don't think that would be a very good idea..." 
"Oh sure it would. It was my idea, and my ideas are always good."
"Well, if you say so, sir, but I don't really think I can-"
"Yes you can, boy! You need to have more faith in yourself."
"I, really don't think-" Byron began to protest, but he was interrupted by someone who was coming down the stairs.

"Samuel, I've come with a bargain for you." Said Miranda. Byron quickly looked around the room, his gaze fell upon a big barrel of gun powder, he sprung upon it, took a large handful, and rubbed it on his face, just as Miranda entered the room. Upon seeing her, Byron froze. Miranda noticed him and said,
"Oh, I'm sorry, I don't believe we've met. I'm Miranda." Byron nodded. "And you are....?" Asked Miranda when Byron didn't reply. 
"I uh, I'm um, uh...uhm...." Stuttered Byron.
"This is Jesse Took." Said Samuel.
Byron nodded again. Miranda laughed and offered Byron her hand. Byron held up his, which was covered in gun powder. 
"You seem to have some soot on your hand."
"Actually, it's gun powder." Said Samuel.
"Oh, be careful not to go near a fire, then." Byron silently agreed.

"Anyway, Samuel, I have a proposition for you." Said Miranda...

Grace, I trust you will come up with something fantastic tomorrow! -Rose

Samuel Manchester was supposed to be names James but okay....

(I need to clear a few things up- we've been getting all the characters confused so I'm just gonna list who's who:

Samuel Manchester: Jarpad/HotVillain Guy.

First Mate Pepper: old guy with cockney accent who looks like Teddy Roosevelt. NOT NEVILLE LONGBOTTOM. 

James: skinny 17 year old who probably looks like Neville Longbottom. 

Scurvy Steve Dreadbeard: pretty sure he's the same guy as the chubby sailor from my first chapter???

Miranda: Miranda.

Byron: Miranda's bf who looks like Logan Lerman apparently. 

Okay...  I think that's it. All these names are so confusing! Anyway. Onto the story.) 

------

Samuel Manchester stared down at the toes of his once cleaned, polished boots that were now scuffed and muddy.

Such a shame that his best pair of pirate boots had to go to waste- but alas! It was all for.... his plan.

The first steps to his master plan were complete-

- Track down and find the insufferable girl.
- Get "captured" by the enemy.
- Pretend to be broody and infuriated when really analyzing his plan and celebrating on his success thus far.

Samuel nodded in satisfaction, then brought his mind to more pressing matters- the rest of his plan.

His crew mates were still aboard the ship, locked away in the lower decks, being held hostage just as he was- but a few of them had slipped away in the ruckus of the attack and we disguised as the "good crew", pretending to be on Miranda and Scurvy Steve Dreadbeard's side.

Now, the ship was sailing to East Italy, were the crew was doing trade with their cargo- however, Samuel was supposed to be delivering the "lovely" Miranda to Señor Edoardo Enrico, the Prince of Spain, who would be awaiting them there, on a business trip with the Duke of Italy. 

Señor Edoardo Enrico had met Miranda during a banquet in her hometown, when the Real Life Queen Of England had come for a visit! The Queen had only been in town for a few days on business matters but there had been a fancy and enormous banquet that the whole town had been invited to. Señor Edoardo Enrico had been traveling with the Queen and when he met Miranda at the banquet, he'd been taken by her charm and beauty. Miranda had thought nothing of Señor Edoardo Enrico and probably didn't remember him at all now. 

Samuel was mystified by Señor Edoardo Enrico's feelings for Miranda. Sure she was beautiful, and she was certainly good at maintaining a rowdy crew and ship, and her sense of humor was impeccable... But besides that, she was annoying, conceited and overall just... Annoying.

The only part of the plan Samuel hadn't figured out was how to get off the ship without being seen when they reached Italy, and get Miranda away from the ship long enough to bring her to Señor Edoardo Enrico. 

Just as Samuel was letting out a humph of frustration, he heard footsteps from the stairs and he looked up to see young Jesse Took, bringing him a tray of what he guessed was his dinner. 

Sam sighed but didn't show as much annoyance as he would with anyone else. The kid wasn't so bad- he was actually probably the only person he could put up with on the vessel. 

Jesse smiled crookedly at Sam as he set the tray down at his feet, "For you, sir," he says, looking up.

Sam opened his mouth to reply and said......

To be continued. Sorry to Grace for hogging your phone. Thanks for letting me use it. 

Rosie, I trust you.

xoxo

Mercy 

Samuel Manchester is a hot villain.

(I make no promises about this post because it's been a long Monday and my anatomy grade is slipping and John Green Kid is delightfully getting on my nerves and I'm exhausted. So here goes:)

    Miranda spent the next few days exploring the vast pirate ship, falling in love with the seemingly neverending vessel and all of its unexpected nooks and crannies. Even some of the pirate prisoners were lovely people- Alastor Pinochle, an ancient pegleg with a knack for cooking (which they allowed him out of his cell for); Jimsie Michaelson the Fourth, a large, roly-poly, Jaquan-esque *crosses self* fellow; Debonair Firkins, a handsome, saucy Spainard with a devilish smoulder and a charm that even bewitched the level-headed Miranda on occasion.

    Miranda found herself becoming the leading lady of the ship. Even the biggest and burliest passengers seemed to heed her every wish and whim, following her port to starboard like ducklings after their mummy. 

    "Is it because I'm the only female for miles?" Miranda asked Pepper anxiously one night, as they sat in hammocks suspended from the masts of the ship under the endless expanse of skyline.

    "Maybe." Pepper replied, blowing a smoke ring out of his pipe. "You're also a born leader. I don't know what it is, but your commands are like siren's calls and the sailors fall for you every time." He shifted his gaze to Miranda and back to the skyline. "You're also a right pretty lady." He muttered, "And I'm not just saying that because you're the first female I've come in contact with in eight months."

   Both Miranda and Pepper blushed. Miranda thought back on how Byron used to compliment her, saying her hair glowed like the sun and her mouth was a perfect rosebud. And it made her miss his warm embrace and their late-night adventures across the city. She began to wonder if she was cut out for life on the high seas, after all.

My idea of Pepper

and my idea of Byron.

    Meanwhile, in the brig, Samuel Manchester broodingly plotted his revenge...

how he manages to be sexy while brooding never ceases to amaze me. #DailyDoseOfJarPad

(Gurls, I would love to continue this, but I have to go meet up with the Becca Monster. We both had messy Mondays. Mercy, I cannot wait to hear from you tomorrow!)

--Laura :)

Scurvy Steve Dreadbeard

...but you are indeed a fine lady." Miranda, who was sick of compliments from men found her voice and replied...

"And you'd be a fine man if you could learn to respect women for other things than their looks." 
"Ah we have a feisty one, lads." Samuel said with a smirk.
"A feisty one who know's how to hold her own." Miranda whipped the fainted captains sword out of its scabbard and held it out in front of her towards Samuel. 
"I wouldn't do that if I were you." Samuel said, looking Miranda right in the eye. 
"And why not?" 
"Because he is the most feared of all the sword wielders on the seven seas." Pepper said gravely as Samuel smirked again. 
"We'll see about that!" Miranda lunged forward attacking Samuel with all the force and knowledge she possessed. Her one love Byron, a blacksmith, knew how to fight with the weapons he created, and in their times together, he had showed Miranda a decent amount of fighting and now Miranda had a chance to put those skills to the test. 
As the sword fighting intensified (Samuel was as good with the sword as he was good in looks) Miranda concentrated with all her might. She imagined herself practicing with Byron on all those evenings she had sneaked (because apparently 'snuck' is not a real word.) out of her busy house, and down to the Byron's smith. As she thought about those nights back at home, she remembered a technique that Byron had been teaching her before her dreaded wedding day.
"I admit you're good." Samuel said in a relaxed voice. "Who was your teacher? Surely not one of these lousy so called pirates aboard this ship."  
"I should say not!" Miranda exclaimed. 
"Don't get too proud yet, girl." Samuel easily parried her blow and swung his own. 
"Don't call me 'girl' in that condescending tone." Miranda said as she ducked his swing and came up with her own, nicking his sleeve and bringing forth blood. Samuel hesitated for a split second to look down at his now red shirt sleeve. It gave Miranda just enough time and space to step forward harshly, knocking Samuel off balance. She swung around and aimed her sword right at the handle of his, knocking it out of his hand and damaging that arm as well. A cry went up from James and Pepper as Samuel's sword went skittering across the deck. Miranda backed Samuel up against the railing of the ship. "Now who's the most feared of all the sword wielders on the seven seas?" Miranda hissed. 

A cry of triumph went up from the surrounding crew and Miranda looked over at them. "WELL DON'T BE STANDING AROUND DOING NOTHING!" She called. "WE HAVE A PIRATE SHIP TO CAPTURE." Another cry went up from the crew as they gathered their excitement and flung themselves on to the neighboring ship. 

*******

After a most splendid capture of the enemy ship that Grace is too lazy to write about, Miranda found herself below deck, sitting at a table with many rowdy, excited, and, let's just admit it, drunk sailor-pirates. Miranda didn't want to consider herself on a pirate ship but these men didn't match up to the young, dignified sailors she had known back at home. 

"THREE CHEERS FOR OUR LITTLE LADY!" one particularly drunk man called out for the 4th time. The crew gave some half hearted cheers but when the same thing happens 4 times in a row, it gets a little old. "SHE WON US A NEW SHIP! LET ME HEAR SOME EXCITEMENT" He roared out at his fellow men, pushing a beer mug in Pepper's face. Miranda blushed. 

"I wouldn't say that." She said.

"I woul'n't say it either." Pepper replied pushing drunk mans mug back. 

"WELL I DIDN'T SEE YOU FENCING MAMUEL SAMCHESTER... err... Samuel Sam... WHATEVER HE LIKES TO BE CALLED." 

"Well ye know I coul've done it."

"HAVEN'T DONE IT BEFORE NOW! WHAT DO YOU HAVE AGAINST OUR LITTLE LADY, ANYWAY?" 

"She.... is a stowaway! Somethin' the Cap'in wouln't be allowin, and ye know that, Scurvy Steve Dreadbeard." Pepper mumbled into his drink. 

"A STOWAWAY THAT JUST BEAT UP ON..... EH... HIM!" Scurvy Steve Dreadbeard said pointing over into the corner where Samuel Manchester was tied up. 

"Excuse me?" Miranda interjected. "What did he say your name was?" 

"Scurvy Steve Dreadbeard." Scurvy Steve Dreadbeard answered. 

"Scurvy Steve Dreadbeard? Okay... well Steve, I'm-"

"NOPE! Scurvy Steve Dreadbeard." 

"Every time?"

"EVERY TIME!"

"Don't question it." Pepper interjected. 

"Okay. Well, Scurvy Steve Dreadbeard. Pepper. I'm going to go get some air." Miranda quickly left her seat and made her way up the ladder onto the outer deck, without a look at Samuel who was giving her a death glare from where he sat. 

"I'll get you girl. If it's the last thing I do, I swear. I will win back my ship." *threatening music starts*

(I hope this is as much fun to read as it was to write and that it lives up to the other awesome posts this week. I freaking love this story. <3 G) 

Writing a cockney accent is hard okay?

(It's hump day!)

...when a large cannonball sallied past her head, and landed with a splash in the water on the other side of the boat. The chubby little sailor, that Miranda had been talking to, let out a high pitch scream and fainted dead away. Upon hearing the thud of the little man hitting the deck, a large man with a spectacular mustache came running.

His stache was very similar to that of Teddy Roosevelt's.

"Oh why did I have to be the first mate of a ship with a cap'n who's 'fraid of 'is own shadow?" Asked mustache man in  a thick cockney accent. "I never wanted to be cap'n, but now I am every time this one faints. Oh God above 'elp me," he said crossing himself. The first mate looked up and saw Miranda, who was staring at his mustache in awe. "Oi, who are you?" He asked, over the sound of the gun fire that was now being exchanged by the two ship's crews.
"I'm, um....I uh.." Stuttered Miranda.
"Why are ye in a weddin' dress?"
"Because I, uh..."
"Ye're a pirate spy, ain't ye?"
"No! I'm um...."
"James! Come 'ere, we got ourselves a pirate spy!" Yelled the first mate. He drew a large cutlass from his scabbard and pointed it directly at Miranda's throat. "I'm 'fraid I'm goin' to 'ave to kill you. I 'ate to do it, 'cause yer a pretty lass, but I don't fink it can be avoided." As he said these words a small, boy of about 17 came running. He was frightfully thin, and painfully awkward looking.
"I'm here first mate Pepper, what do you need?" Said the boy, his voice cracking as he noticed Miranda. Pepper opened his mouth to reply when a man, a pirate actually, came flying onto the deck on a rope, in a Tarzan-like manner. He landed gracefully on the deck, drew his sword with a flourish, and pointed it at Pepper's chin. He was a good looking young man with a long flowing mane of  brown hair. (I'm not saying he's Jared Padelecki).

(But he's Jared Padelecki)

"You're the captain I presume?" Said the pirate. Pepper squeaked in reply and dropped his cutlass. "Please sir, surrender your ship, or I shall have to take it by force." Said the elegant pirate. Pepper found his voice.
"I'm not the cap'n sir, 'e is." He said gesturing to the captain who was still lying motionless on the deck. Jared The pirate laughed in response.
"He's your captain? Then this ship shall be easier to capture then I thought." The pirate noticed Miranda, who was watching the conversation as though it was a tennis match. The pirate gave a sweeping bow.
"I did not realize there was a lady aboard. I bid thee greetings fair maiden. I'm Samuel Manchester." He said with another bow. He paused for a second, and said, "I fear I'm being rather abrupt in saying this, but you are indeed a fine lady." Miranda, who was sick of compliments from men found her voice and replied...

(Grace, I'm looking forward to your continuation of this story tomorrow! -Rose).

Savvy?

Jolting up from her perch, Miranda turned towards the noise and saw--


A vast pirate ship!

.....that is totally not the black pearl what

Miranda stood up quickly, sucking in a quick breath of surprise. She wasn't entirely sure it was a pirate ship, because she herself had never actually seen one in real life, but of all her wildest imaginings, she was positive that that's what a swash-buckling pirates ship would look like. Or at least, should look like. 

Heart thumping wildly in her chest, Miranda leaned over the stern of the ship, her blonde hair being whipped back by the wind. Her brown eyes were scanning the dark pirate ship so intently that she hadn't even noticed the complete hustle and bustle of chaos that was going on around the cargo ship.

"Oi! Who are you?" An irritated voice called, breaking Miranda's hard concentration.

The runaway bride turned quickly, startled out of her trance. A short, roguish man stood several feet away, his chubby face turned down with a frown, his round cheeks covered in gray stubble.

"Oh," Miranda said, panic starting to sink in, "I- um- I'm Miranda." she stammers.

The grumpy man raises an eyebrow, "And are ye part of this crew, Miranda? Why ye wearin' a weddin' dress?"

Miranda shrugs, "They're comfortable," she says.

The old mad nods, "Ah. I wouldn't know. Never worn one."

Miranda raised her eyebrows, "Oh, really? Well, I highly recommend it. They're quiet lovely."  It was happening again. Whenever she got nervous or panicky, she started making jokes and becoming quiet sarcastic.

The old mad started to nod, then stopped, "What're we doing standing around talking about weddin' dresses??! We've got a bloody pirate ship on our tail! Damn Captain James and his bloody crew...."

Miranda opened her mouth to ask something when....

Rosie, I trust you to write something awesome.

xoxo,

Mercy.

NaShoStoWriMo Round 2- part one

(Thank God we're starting the Round Story tonight because my brain is fried and overworked and I can't process anything so I'll just make a bunch of stuff up)
    

Location: The Snarfing Charley, a cargo ship sailing somewhere in the middle of an ocean

    Miranda sat in the bow of the Snarfing Charley, gazing dreamily starboard and thinking bittersweetly back on the life she was leaving on the Mainland.
    There were pros and cons to her current status as a stowaway on the cargo ship. She had left at the altar her odoriferous, pentagenarian fiance, whom she loathed and her parents had chosen for her, customary with the traditions in their inferior caste. Also a boon, she would never return to her job as a waitress at the local pub, whose owner had hired her only for her looks and not at all for her skills at customer service (which were minimal).
    But, alas! In her wake she left her large, boisterous family- a haphazard clan of nine sisters and six brothers (yes, like the Backus-Ege families combined). Her parents had depended on her meager wages to help feed their combined eighteen mouths, so even if she herself wasn't missed -which is possible, when one has fifteen siblings- her grocery-supplying salary would be. She also left behind her best friend and a certain boy- an incandescent, timeless boy, whose age and caste position prevented him from being the man she met at the altar earlier that day.
    Miranda smoothed out her now-tattered wedding dress, which had gotten caught on the wrought-iron gate of the city that she had scaled in order to reach the docks. The lace was covered in mud and rust stains, and Miranda felt a small twinge of guilt, thinking of how many hours her mother and sisters had spent intricately sewing it together, preparing it for the day Miranda had dreamed of for so long. Of course, in her dream it was Byron who awaited her at the church, his messy hair finally smoothed back, his normal Blacksmith attire replaced with a coat and tails.
    "Thank goodness I escaped that nightmare," she whispered to herself, thinking of her fiance's bad breath and wandering hands. She crossed her arms over herself to keep warm, and wished with all her heart that she was locked in Byron's embrace instead.
    The sun sank below the horizon, and just as Miranda closed her eyes in exhaustion (being a runaway bride really knocks you flat on your face) there came a great gunshot from out over the endless expanse of ocean.
    Jolting up from her perch, Miranda turned towards the noise and saw--

Tom Hiddleston (or Uncle Teddy?) says "hush my love, that's enough. To be continued."

Mercy, I can't wait to hear what you have to add on tomorrow!
--Laura :)