"Women Can't Be Pirates"

The barmaid had been watching her since she first walked in. Women in this town were usually whore's, and those who aren't, were accompanied by men. This woman sat alone, as if to tempt an male patron to touch her, and have their arm broken in three places. Her style of dress also confused her, dressed as a man, except she wore a corset as a shirt of a deep black color. On top she wore a captains jacket (obviously french) in a striking sage color, along with brown skintight pants, with over-the-knee boots which were black as her eyes. She also wore large gold hoop earrings with a simple pendant of a dragonfly set in gold, which set off her olive complexion very well. Her hat sat atop of black hair that cascaded down the full length of her back in wavy curls, with deep black eyes that seemed to strike fear into the heart of any patron who thought of laying a finger on her.

How is it a woman can command so much respect in a place like this and get it?

The barmaid stood and watched as this mystery woman looked up from her drink to look directly into her gaze, as if she knew what she was thinking.

"Pardon misses, but we usually don't see the likes of your type 'round 'ere" the barmaid bluntly put it. The mystery woman seemed amused, not at the statement, but the fact that a woman instead of a man said it.

"Well, there are not many women like me in the world." the woman said as she broke into a smile.

The woman scoffed,"Never 'eard a tru'er statement than that! Where the likes' of you from?" said the maid as she slid into the seat next to her.

She replied as she lowered her mug from her lips,"Name's Nadine. Pirate of course."

"Pirate! Don't see any fe-male pirates! Women can't be pirates! If you are, you's the first I've seen." Said the maid as she broke into an inviting smile, as if to entice Nadine into telling her story. After no avail, she replied, "So, what bring you 'ere? Miss Nadine? Captain?"

"Ha! Captain!" The topic set off the spark within her. "Lord knows I deserve it. No, I am not a captain due to the likes of another pirate. As a woman, you know males will always reap the rewards a female worked so hard for." Nadine took a long drink as the barmaid inquired further.

"Which pirate may I ask luv? I may know the likes of 'him." said the barmaid, as she lowered her voice "spit in his drink if you like!"

"He's of no importance, or I should say he should not be. Inferior pirates." said Nadine as she took another drink.

"Right you are there misses, never met a truer pirate that was worth 'his gold. All of 'em 'cept Jack Sparrow." The barmaid instantly knew she spoke the wrong words to Nadine as she slammed down her mug of rum, spilling the remnants all about the table.

Slowly Nadine turned her body towards the maid and said though clenched teeth, "Jack Sparrow is nothing but a fake. Make sure you remember that. Got it?" The maid simply nodded her head, noting the expression on Nadine's face, and the glare in her eyes.

She was now furious at the simple thought of him. She looked down at her now spilled mug of rum and mumbled under her breath "...Jack Sparrow."