(Almost a year has passed since I've written a chapter. I almost forgot about this project. I'm so sorry to have kept you all waiting. But, a year older, a year more experienced, and a year more mature. Hopefully I can write semi-regularly once again, and may the content be better than ever. Now, where did I leave off this story... Yes, the merchant. We'll start there. Enjoy.)
I certainly wasn't going to approach him in my current garb, though. First impressions are always a big part of business. Or so they say. I left John at the bar, telling him, "Don't let him leave until I get back. If you have to stall, or buy him some more drinks, do it." I made my way to the tailor's shop, where they had some outfits already made. I didn't have time for any kind of custom order, so I decided I'd have to pick one out. Immediately, one caught my eye. It was a black captain's coat, with red trim. Along with the coat, a matching hat hung on a hook above it. A red feather stuck out of the top. Stereotypical, but still. Examining the coat a little more, a white skull and crossbones were stitched to the back of the coat. This was perfect. Taking them off their rack, I went to find a new pair of boots. Mine were falling apart under the heavy stress a crewman does every day, not to mention the brown color was fading. I found a pair of black boots, similar to the coat. Talk about fashion. Now, just some basic garments to wear under the coat. Those weren't hard to choose, most being plain greys, whites, or blacks. I picked out a few sets of shirts and pants. Taking everything to the counter, I paid for them and left. Now, where was I going to put them on? I went to the back of the store, where it was surrounded by heavy foliage. Might as well do it here. Stripping off my older clothes, I put on the new stuff I had bought, and donned the boots, coat, and hat. "I must look pretty sharp," I thought to myself. Frowning, I realized I didn't have anywhere to put my older clothes. Guess I'm leaving them here. John has a small bag, I'll tell him to carry this other new stuff.
Once back at the tavern, I found John at the same spot I left him. Asleep. Amazingly, the rich man hadn't left. I shook John awake. "Real great job you're doing," I told him.
"Sorry, I must have fallen asleep. That's a real nice outfit you've got there, captain."
"Is it? Am I presentable?"
"Even more so. Maybe even intimidating," he said, overlooking all the details.
"Good." I left my spare clothes with John, and went to sit at the rich man's table.
"Get your scruffy ass out of here, pirate," he said, not even looking up at me. I sat down anyway.
"You haven't even heard what I'm offering. Give me a chance, you'll like it.
(End of chapter 4. I left it this short intentionally, by the way. Get some time for people to see it and get back on the train for more updates. Enjoy. Chapter 5 (much longer, may I add) will be out soon enough.)