WOW! You're all so sweet!
I would like to start by thanking the 12 out of 106 people that reviewed on my last chapter.
I know I haven't updated in like, forever, but I had the misguided idea to introduce my niece to Brach's mallowcream pumpkins. Not following? Ok. Imagine this; hyperactive 18 month child. Got it? Ok, now add a sugar high, scary, no?
This chapter is dedicated to:
Captain Ella Raven
Thank you for the rave review! You really read all of it in one sitting?! How long does that take?
Chicaga: Thank you! I can't believe the great reviews I'm getting!
angelwingz21: thanks! Gruff, outside exterior, doting grandfatherly interior! And our miniature leading lady just brings it out ;)
Sarah: hey sweetie! I haven't heard for you in like, forever. How's class going? And I take your jealousy as a compliment, but then we are all blessed in different areas.
Twadrummer: that she does, I don't doubt that if I met her, I'd be the same! And yes his whole name is Christopher, but we will know him as Kipp, cause I like the name.
Drink-Up-Me-Hearties-Yo-Ho: thank you, um, french pirate, got it… I think…
ButWhyIsAllTheRumGone: I know, I do try, but I rarely have the time lately.
AKAfredandgeorge: brilliant wicked and peachy, righto then
AKAFredandGeorge: well, what would you prefer? Scandalous low neck, or pants? I'd opt for the pants myself…oh, and I don't rmember what chapter it was in, but I totally used a song before, hey I constantly listen to music while on the comp, and couldn't think of a movie line, therefore the following result…
Sarah-K-O-M: yes! Decent clothing is always good, though George believes that pants are scandalous for a young woman of the era, in which she is most likely correct, but she is not writing the fic, is she? And yes, Sera is adorable, wish I was…
Blackfuzzdevil: YES the cuteness will prevail! Eh-hem, excuse me, let's pretend that never happened…
LittleCountryDragon: yeah, that sounds sooo good right now, really it does, you have no idea…
--
Huntress
Katrina stepped into the tropically bright sunlight, blinking to adjust to the change of light. Taking a deep breath she moved to the railing and leaned her elbows on it. Closing her eyes, Katrina simply allowed the sea breeze to caress her face and hair while she enjoyed the freedom of fresh air and sunlight.
She was thus occupied when arms wrapped about her waist and she was suddenly spinning in the air.
--
Kipp stood behind his desk, going over their present course and figuring their speed and estimated time of arrival to the island., his first mate, Taidhgan, sitting in a chair opposite him with his feet propped on the desk.
"You're sure, Kipp?" he asked.
"For the last time, Taidhgan, yes." Kipp answered not looking up from the maps on his desk. "She holds absolutely no threat to me or the crew."
"But what about the crew towards her?" Kipp raised an eyebrow. "You might want to address that before anything happens."
"The men know my rules." Kipp replied unconcerned.
"Kipp, being frank, you have no rules that relate to this situation…"
A scream cut him off and Kipp shared a glance with Taidhgan, then they both ran out onto the deck.
--
With a startled scream Katrina twisted trying to get a good look at who it was that was holding her. Her scream turned into a squeal at the sight of familiar green eyes. And her ears filled with a wonderfully familiar laugh.
"Well, if it isn't our young Kitty." Green eyes twinkled.
"Link!" Katrina shrieked "Put me down this instant!" She swatted at the arms still holding her feet off the deck.
"No." was the simple answer before another circle or two startled a squeak out of Katrina. "Now I'll put you down." Link's eyes positively danced with mirth.
The moment Katrina was back on deck she threw her arms around Link, pulling into a hug. "I'm so glad to see you, I missed you so much." She told him.
Link hugged her back briefly then pulled away, giving her a brotherly kiss on the forehead. "It is good to see you too. But what are you doing here? Why aren't you safe back at Bridgewood? And Sera," Link grabbed her shoulders looking intently into her eyes "Kitty, where is she?"
"Oh, Link," Katrina's eyes brimmed with tears. "you never heard. Edmond is now master at Bridgewood." She hung hear head, continuing when Link didn't respond. "the whole manor is changed, Millie was fired, everything is changed." She looked back up at him. "One night, I couldn't sleep, so I decided to scrub some pots in the kitchen. Edmond came up behind me, he was drunk, and he tried to, and, well, I hit him with the pan. I left that night, I didn't know what he might do to me or Sera for that matter. And oh! Sera! I'm not allowed to see her! He said she is on another ship!" spying Kipp on deck she pointed at him. "I can't see her till we get to some island or another." Katrina crossed her arms and pouted slightly, her brow puckered in worry. "Wait, what are you doing on this ship?"
"I was sitting in a tavern at port, trying to figure out what to do, when this man asked for crew members, I've never been to sea, though I've always wanted to, and there was my chance. So I jumped at it, it's more work than I thought. Though my work with horses has given me strength, so it's not so hard as it has been with the other new crew members."
"Oh, I am glad." Katrina flashed a smile at him.
--
Kipp stopped when he saw the woman in one of his new crew member's arms.
"I told ye, Kipp." Taidhgan said beside him.
Kipp was about to step forward to order his new man to put their "guest" down, when the man did just that, only to have the girl happily exclaim and throw her arms around him.
"But then, I have been known to be wrong from time to time." Taidhgan added to his earlier statement, gaining a scowl from Kipp. But then he turned back to the two people, watching their exchange. He was surprised by the vehement look that crossed her face when she pointed straight at him, obviously explaining something to the crew member in front of her. Frowning, Kipp wondered what he did to make her mad at him. Walking up to the pair, he took Katrina's upper arm, intent on steering her away.
"Excuse me… Link, was it?" Kipp paused allowing Link to nod, Kipp was insistent on knowing all his man by name. "I need to borrow our young guest for a moment."
"I'll talk to you later, Kitty." Link nodded.
"But…" Katrina started, but then inclined her head gracefully to Kipp, allowing the young captain to lead her to the quarter deck.
"So, shall I call you Katrina or Kitty?" Kipp began.
"You may call me Katrina, though I don't know why it should matter to a pirate such as yourself."
Kipp just smirked and raised his hands, calling out "All right lads! Listen up!" gaining the attention of all crew on deck. "We have a guest on board for the rest of the trip. This is Miss Katrina, I expect you all to be on your best behavior and if any of you feel inclined to bother her, well, lets just say the cat will cure your loneliness. Is that understood?" (If you wanted to know, the cat, actually the cat-o-nine-tails, is a very nasty, nine corded whip.)
A chorus of 'ayes' confirmed that the crew read him loud and clear.
--
Black Pearl
Sera sat cross-legged on the deck, staring at the setting sun a large pout gracing her face.
"What's the matter, lass?" Gibbs said, crouching down next to Sera.
"Where Kitty?" she lifted inquisitive eyes to Gibbs.
"Well, I suppose tha' if Kipp found it, your cat would be on his boat."
"Ship." Sera said automatically. Gibbs smiled, amused, Jack was rubbing off on her. "Kipp?" she asked.
"Aye, the Captain's nephew. Right clever lad he is too."
"Want Kitty." Sera pouted again, crossing her arms.
"We'll see when we stop at the island tomorrow, k? how 'bout I take you to yer cabin?" he said seeing her yawn.
Sera nodded tiredly. "Story?" she asked, holding up her arms for Gibbs to pick her up.
"I'm not sure I know any for a tender lass's ears, but I'll se what I can do." Gibbs replied, scooping up the child.
--
Do any of you think it is possible to favorite yourself? Not that I would, but it's just a thought that popped into my head, and I was like "hey I wonder if I could do that". hmmm. I shall have to experiment…