Note: Forgive me as I'm constantly reediting this story - I'm lengthening the chapters and fixing a lot of grammatical/spacing errors that occurred when I uploaded Word documents. Hopefully this will be a little more enjoyable to read...


Introduction -

It had been a dark, dreary night the evening that Rhiannah had awoken to the deafening booms of firefight and crashes of thunder in the background. She was residing in the north corner in her family's commodious living quarters, although recently had been given in hand to a respectable man of the South Bay community and had a grand wedding in arrangement.

The roar of cannons shook the walls of her room and she pulled the covers over her head, trembling in the darkness.  As the building groaned in agony as ammunition ripped through the walls, her father burst though the doors.


"RHIANNAH, COME, immediately!"


Her foot caught the sheets and entangled them around her ankles as he dragged her from bed by the wrist, allowing her no time to protest. "You must seek shelter at the governors', as our house is too close to the harbor..." he trailed off, eyes darting around as they trampled down the stairs.


Rhiannah winced as she slid down the cold, wooden stairs until she regained her balance. Complete and utter confusion droned through her head as she attempted to form words. "But what...why..."
Her father's grasp tightened around her wrist as they burst through the front doors of the mansion, leaving marks against her bare skin in the frigid air.  She shivered uncontrollably, frantically looking around at the chaos around her.  A group of men hurried up to her father, announcing their presence and dramatically expressing their intent on retaliation.  Taking the incentive, he stepped forward in false bravo and offered himself in service.


Turning to her before leaving, his voice dropped sternly.  "Rhiannah, there will be a governor's coach arriving for you at the far corner there," he motioned.  "I need to you stay there and do not leave under any terms."  He revealed a gun from his coat and thrust it in her hands while embracing her for a hug.  "Do not let this be seen," he said softly before departing.
--
Rhiannah stood at the corner submissively, carefully avoiding the glances shot by curious acquaintances as they fled their homes. Her eyes wandered to the horizon, overlooking the cliff and into the harbor which lit periodically in a furious array of flashing lights accompanied by the loud blasts of artillary.

Although she knew she would not be taken by whomever her father had in mind, she had not expected the hysteria surrounding her.
 
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Rhiannah slept lightly but peacefully until the smooth rocking of the ship gently woke her, remaining slightly closed until the abrupt feeling of panic rose from her chest, realizing that this rocking was not called for in an ordinary circumstance.


Her eyes flew open and upon meeting the glance of an unfamiliar man, she let out a surprised screech.  Her hand had started to move to her mouth in the proper state of awe that she resumed, but the man's swift swipe took it into his own and he gently pulled her into a sitting position, nodding sharply and kissing it in his own state of gratitude.
"'Allo, m'lady," he said, jumping from the bed and opening the curtains at once, allowing the bright morning light to flood into the cabin. "Lovely mornin' after a rough eve, aye?"
Rhiannah sat, speechless...slightly entranced by the stranger's confident aire before realizing who was.
She suddenly became aware of her evening apparel and swept the covers in front of her at once, blushing softly while attempting to maintain dignity. "Indeed now, I don't suppose you could tell me where to find some dress and we can discuss this...situation...further upon my, ah...readiness," she muttered, defeated.


Jack grinned mischievously, swinging closer to her on the bedpost and lifting her chin with one finger.  "Aye, m'dear.  I 'don't suppose' ye couldn't just rid yourself of just that single gown, and me of...perhaps, all gowns...and we'll get straight down to business," he murmured, eyes gleaming as he batted away her taut grip of the sheets.
Rhiannah pulled her face back in offence and arose from the bed, wrapping herself fully in covers.  "I will have none of this smartness, and I demand at least full apparel in the midst of this...this madness." she continued, looking around wearily.


"Ahh, yes, indeed, a lady must have her 'apparel'. That closet o'er there is fit for a queen, you see, now ye search through there but don't fret, you needn't wear a thing for my crew and I," he said, swinging back to the front of the bed before tipping his hat and spinning awkwardly on his heel to stagger out. "When you're through, do find me again now, savvy?"  He winked, amused, and swung the door shut.


Rhiannah dropped the sheets, slightly miffed, and began searching through the closet.