Disclaimer: Of course I do not own any of Ms. Pierce's lovely characters. Nor did I create the world in which they dwell. I did however create Hannah and the other characters you do not recognize, so be kind. They're mine. This is my first fic of this genre, so rate accordingly and make sure you give lots of feedback! Enjoy!
~R.. Dottsworth
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So this is what being on a ship feels like' thought Hannah as she looked out over the cresting waves. She took a deep breath of the fresh salty air, and gagged.
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Later that evening, Hannah was feeling much better. She climbed the stairs and emerged out on deck. Her stomach grumbled. She looked around and patted her aching belly. If she didn't eat something soon, her stomach might implode! Thirty feet away she spotted a group of sailors hunched over a table. They were laughing about something.
called Hannah. The scruffy men turned their heads and squinted into the dusk.
Whose that? called one man. Hannah walked over, silently thanking her sister for the light travel dress she wore.
Honestly Petey. If I didn't know ya better meself, I might think you were losin' your sight.
No, no lass. I ain't losin' me sight jus yet replied the man. His lack of dental hygiene was much more noticeable this close. Hannah dragged a barrel over as some of the men scooted over to make room for her at the table. Hannah glanced at the table, which was covered with cards and small wooden coins.
Red Baron again then boys? Hannah shook her head. It seems like they played the same game every night. Honestly, it seems like all you do is play an' bet an' play again! Where's the fun in that?
Oh posh, said Petey, Its plenty of fun lass. Besides this way we don't have no arguments, and ev'ry boy breaks dead even! He slapped his knee and laughed in a way that made Hannah think he might be having trouble breathing.
Then I'm sure ya wouldn't mind if I liven things up a bit? Hannah eyed the men coyly. They looked around the table.
Sure, why not? said Petey. The other men murmured their agreement.
Right then. I don't have any more coins, I spent them all on...well, on something Hannah didn't want to admit that she had had to see a healer for a seasickness remedy. She'd never live it up! How about if I play the first round broke, and see where it gets me? Most of the men shook their heads. Well, someone could spot me a coin or two, and I could pay em back for it later? Hannah looked down slightly and fluttered her lashes. The youngest sailor, who sat across the table took her offer.
Right then. I'll spot you two and a half. But, If for some reason, you can't pay me back, what will you do for me? He smiled crookedly and winked his eye-the one that wasn't covered my a patch. Hannah leaned across the table and put her hand on his chest.
Tell you what I'll do she said. If for any reason I can't pay you back, I'll just have to do you a big big favor to get you to like me again won't I? She looked into his eyes as she smiled wickedly and ran her thumb in circles at his collarbone. He looked like he was close to caving in. Hannah bit her bottom lip and fluttered her eyelashes a little more.
Sounds good to me he said. He handed her two large coins and one smaller one.
Hannah took the coins and sat down. Sailors, she thought, were so predictable.
Two hands later, Hannah was down double. She liked to keep things exciting, but this was cutting it a little close. She needed money for when she got to Corus. That was why she was here after all. Another man named Jarvey interrupted her thoughts.
So lass, are you gonna play another round or stop now and give Winks here his special favor? He elbowed Winks in the ribs and the men guffawed. Hannah tried not to look too worried. Cards were never her strong point. She'd have to ask her uncle to show her a few tricks of the trade. Hannah decided to try something else.
I think I'll have to retire for tonight she said, feigning a yawn. I'd love to play again tomorrow. She stood slowly, stretching her arms lazily. Now Winky dear, how about that favor I promised you? Winks jumped up from the table so fast, he almost knocked it over. Hannah had to laugh to herself. She smoothed out her dress and headed for the stairs with Winks on her heels and the old sailors laughing behind them.