Disclaimer: Yet again, I don't own nor am I making any money off of this fanfic. I will try to refrain from anymore insulting of lawyers. I get most of the ideas and names from the wonderful castmembers at Disney.

A/N: The hitchhiking ghosts… I have to continue thinking about them. Sorry this has taken so long! I was writing it but I hated it, so now I've rethought this chapter and here it is.

------------------------------

Chapter 6: Pirates and Plantation Men

------------------------------

A cat scurried along the cobble stone, struggling to make its way into the safety of a nook or cranny in the dark alley. The audacious, raven haired 10-year old that spooked the cat moments before strolled carefree throughout the streets, not even acknowledging the fact that it was after midnight and pirates have a tendency to attend the bars at that time. There was a skip in her step.

Although it was darker than a moonless night, she weaved in and out of the maze-like alleys with ease.

It wasn't long before she came across a small tavern hidden into the corner of an alley. The small wooden sign above the door had a ship engraved underneath the words 'Blue Bayou'. She didn't even hesitate before entering the grungy pub. Inside were droves of men and wenches; some drinking while uneasily shifting their eyes, some merrily gulping down their ale, and some so plastered they didn't even notice the small girl.

It was the barmaid who finally noticed the child looking curiously around. A puzzled look crossed her face, gaining the girl's attention.

"What are you doin' in these parts, young one?"

"Came to get meself some rum!" The girl gave a large grin.

"You best be gettin' along now. You're too young for ale of any sort, anyhows!" The barmaid lowered her voice as she continued, "Pirates lurk these coves, young maid, jus' waitin' to snatch pretty girls like you. You're mama wouldn't want that, now would she?"

"No, I suppose she wouldn't. But I'm looking for salty ol' pirates, I'll have you know. And I'll need a rum for that, now wouldn't I ma'am?" The barmaid looked at the girl for a moment before deciding that the girl could handle herself among the drunkards and pirates that habited the bar. A grin came across the girl's face as the barmaid handed her a large mug of beer. The girl gave a curt "Thanks."

She made her way towards an imposing man with a sultry redhead on his right. He was only taking sips from his mug while the redhead swigged hers down gaily. She whispered sweet nothings into his ears. The girl, without caution, sat down at the table. The pirate just looked at her with squinted and questioning eyes.

"'Allo, cap'n!" The pirate squinted even more.

"Proceed at your own risk, young maid, for these will be the last friendly words ye'll hear if you continue on to refer to me in that way. Aye?" The girl put on a solemn face and nodded. The redhead barely noticed the girl sitting there.

"Why hello! Aren't you just a pretty little pet? What's your name?"

"Just call me… Little Leota. Sir." The emphasis on sir didn't go unnoticed on the pirate. He gave a grisly grin. It wasn't long before the Captain and Little Leota had a conversation going, the Captain a bit tipsy and the redhead more sloshed than ever.

"Men," the Captain announced, "we have here a new friend in this port! And her name be Little Leota!" Cheers erupted from all around. "Drinks all around!" Even louder cheers were given. A chantey then was starting to be sung. Everyone soon joined in, much to the delight of Little Lenora Leota. She quickly caught on to the lyrics.

"Yo Ho, Yo Ho, A pirate's life for me...!"

After the singing died down, Lenora found herself talking to a young man by the name of Jamie Padgett. He was the 16 year old son of a wealthy plantation owner, and soon to be the wealthy plantation owner due to his father's declining health. Lenora, even at the tender age of 10 couldn't help but notice the way his brown hair swept over his icy blue eyes. Almost immediately Lenora found herself enraptured. The young man spoke of how he didn't want to own the plantation, preferring to seek out adventure for himself.

A long conversation later, Lenora and Jamie went for a stroll in the streets, since most in the bar had retired for the night or was passed out on the floor. It was nearing dawn. They walked slowly down the mazes of streets that made up the city.

"Jamie, where are you going to go when the sun rises?" He hesitated for a moment before answering.

"Away. Maybe west. That's where everyone is going now-a-days."

"Yeah… when will you be back?" Lenora had a small amount of sadness in her voice.

"In a few years, when my father dies most likely. Why do you ask?" She looked into his icy blue eyes one more time before landing a peck on his lips. She then turned and bolted out of the alley. As she ran away into the night Jamie yelled, "Lenora?"

"I'll see you in a few years!" she yelled back, barely heard. Jamie stood for a few moments longer until he turned and made his way to the train station.

----------------------

Word count: 827

A/N: Okay, that was a bit odd for me to do, but I wanted to give someone for Lenora to converse with…. You'll soon see who he is. R/R please!