We missed the wedding by two days, two days. But Vapein said it was not to worry that he was just glad to see us all. Yes and I am glad tos ee him and Eirien happy married. Henry and Etory as well.

Lote has changes, wagors to carriages, and ruches upon the little sea side shore line. The old Bakery is still there but now it is the back side of the new one, which Vaepin and Eirien run. Henry found his nitch here, selling things to sailors,seems like old times again. The whole crew is here

save a few who went home...

Eirien ,Salaie,Amari ,Ainnir, Arad ,Saka,Eidersc?il ,Muir?n ,Riley, Rismund ,Mic ,Cal, Pip,Zakie,Etory ,Vaepin,Will, Henry and my love Vince

Will gave me Zach;s hat hes had it all these years, and now it is mine art to Eirien, it has served me well but now she eneds it a mother to be. The Black velvet may never sail again under me.Though no one knows it yet I have plan to stay here a long while. The crew most of which I picke dup along the way seems happy here.

Vince and I have steeled in to our own little cottage like the rest of the crew Vapein and Henry helped put us all up, we ran across few riches and most will take jobs in town here before the weeks end. I may ind myself speakign elven and making that old elven bread once more.

But I have missed dry land, though the sea called to me for a long time after Zach Died. And still calls to me, to see things I have not seen, I have mo desire to return to Rhydin, it is far behind me now.

Pip is happy ehre, happy resting where he need not worry about storm or me leaving him as well. It taxed the poor dear when Zach died, so long ago. The poor thing.

Vince would understand if I never wished to leave here, least I hope. The sea may be in me now, but I was always a towns girl, long before the sea came to me.

Henry is happy to have me back, his hair is grey but he looks so youthful. Etory brings it out in him. I have missed this, my old friends, the old crew, so much has happened and so much we need th share our own little stroies inter mixed, and now at last at land we can sit and talk of all things that passed.

Lote was filled with new sights and sounds as well as the old. Old places that she recalled from her days there so long ago. Jaji was where the Black Velvet rested at port, the only port close to Lote. worry about the ship, Henry swore he had his men on it. The ship would be protected and cleaned and tended to.

She enjoyed this time away from all the worries that ahd plagued her all those years,the sea had been her way to get a way and now she was back. "Would it be so bad?" When he whispered that she wanted to stay, it was true it would be nice to stay, everyone else was staying everyone else had settled in. Even old time lovers of the sea like Cal and Mic had found them selves at home in Lote finding simple jobs,or biding their time walking in the town and forest that was on the outskirts.

"I know, its not what you signed on for, the sea, yes it has been my home since I left DeClaire. But it was always a way to find a new place,I long ago should have stayed here in Lote,but then so much wouldnt have happened." She would never have met Henry or Zach or the great crew of the Stranger. Or int he end come to Rhydin and met Vincent. In all the time on the Velvet had been grand,even if the time on the Stanger had been tinted with sadness. "We could awlays sail again, the Velvet will be cared for,Henry has seen to that. I wouldnt ask you to stay with me.. but you can if you like."

Kat looked on as he tyed with her, he was such the rouge. "You can chose wich ever way you like." He paced and toyed with her and she nearly kicked him in he rump before he tugged her off towards Henry and Etory's place. "What does Henry have to do with this?" She followed, "Henry will say to follow your heart." She had no diea what Henry had to do with this. But she followed.

Henry had a nice little manor with Etory,he and Vaepin had done well, they both ahd fine homes.Henry a man of many riches his house was a bit bigger, but it didnt make him snooty, he did all his own work, he even helpped build the manor. "Theres my favored capt." He grinned and Pip who had been staying with Henry flew to perch on Vinces head. "Etory, Kat and Vince are here, bring out that tea will you?" He was smiling eyes full of love, " so, what doI owe the pleasure?"

Henry nodded. "I can do that." he smiled to Etory who came out witht he tea, "I'll be back as soon as I can,the crew is needed."He left then rounding up his best horse to go ridding in to town to find the crew

Kat sat there on the long wide porch and took a tea cup in hand. She would nto try to stop him if he wished to leave.She love dhim, but he was his own man. Etory sat beside Kat and looked at Vince then to Pipen who flew over and landed on Kats lap.

It wouled likely take soem time for all the crew to round up as Henry found some they started heading for the manor. The first to show up was Ris with Zakie and Pipen was all tied up playing but Etory served as keeping Kat busy with talk. About Henry and their wedding and all else that had yet to be told. Finally the crew stood outside the manor house.


Eirien ,Salaie,Amari ,Ainnir, Arad ,Saka,Eidersc?il ,Muir?n ,Riley, Rismund ,Mic ,Cal, Pip,Zakie,Etory ,Vaepin,Will and Henry . Though Vaepin wasnt a crew member he was Kats friend. They all stood talking in hushed tones as Kat looked on,the crew was there now. Vince could make his choice.

The crew sat and stood around waiting to hear what was what. Most joked and laughed till thier attetionw as brought to Vince. Listening. Kat shifted in ehr chair next to Etory the lovely elf patted her hand as Vince spoke.

"Choose the sea!" Ris called playfully. " She a fine mate for any man!" A few yelled in agreement with that.

"Nay choose Kat!" Henry called back, " shes just as untamed but a far better company in the bedroom than the cold sea." More of the women agrred, and a few of the men aggred lightly,so not to get punche din the face.Henry could get a way with it. Mostly for Etory smacked his arm.

Kat blushed and shook her head at her crew. The women of the crew drew a hard breath when he knealed before her. And Kat lost hers.

There was a wide cheer and high fives all around and her best of friends smiled. Vaepin let out a shout Eirien smield so wide. Eotry kissed Henrys cheek as he yelled and hollared. There was a ring in that box, a lovely ring just for her. Kat didnt breathe she should ahve for the moemnt she was about to give him ehr answer she fainted.

A kiss to wake a fainted beauty. Kat blinked up at him and smiled. And bretahe dout after that kiss. "Yes, " She ksised him againa nd the crew hooted and hollared.


Most were staying there in Lote. One very big extended family. Herny cleared his thoat at the engaged couple. "Okay okay get a room..." Pipen on the other hand came to Kats side and sat on her head after she pulled from the kiss. He titled his head at Vince.

Kat snickered. " hope you know youve just openly adobted this little dragon too." The reached up and gave Pip a pet.

Kat snickered a little. "Leave me here huh?" She sat up a touch and gave Pip A pet ebefore the little dragon flew to sit on Vince's head. " What would you do with out me though?"

The whole crew chuckled at the remark that Kat coudlnt keep her hands off her man on the ship.Henry chuckled most off all. "Shes always been a spunky lass." Etory elbowed him for that. "No more spunky than you dear."

Kat shook her head at Pip so easily swayed for food. "Traitor." The Dagron chriped and sat on Vinces ehad munching that piece of jerky.

"Your welcome to sleep beside Pip then. He may be cute, and snuggly, but he snores." She rose to her feet slowly.

"If ye dont want her mate." Ris said over Kats shoudler now. "I'll be happy to take her off yer hands."

"Aye me too!" Cal called. Kat snickered to her men, "Sorry lads, even if he didnt want me, he'd be stuck with me.Not that i don't love ye all."

Kat blushed beet red and something a pillow hit Vince on the back of his head and Etory grinned like the devil and Henry snickered. "She always did snore and talk in her sleep." Now he got a poke to the arm and he grinned.

"I do not snore." Kat said. "And yes your stuck with me. You were stuck with me from the first moment you got on my ship."

Ris chuckled and slid his arm around Kats shoulder. "I could take her off your hands mate."Smirking to Vincent. "I am sure she doesnt snore as loud as Pip or Zakie." And he got elbowed by Kat. "But she is a rough one." Coughing.

Ris chuckled and gave a fist pump, " theres hope for me yet then." He chuckled with Cal and Mic as they tried to slip off with out getting the wrath of their former capt.

Kat sighed, " ye are all pirates." She tossed soemthing at the three fleeing and they sickered and ran around the side of the house. "Hide your selves boys!" Mic called, " its the fury of Kat!" The other men joined in laughing.

"Look whos talkin." Etory mused and snickered. " Ye better keep her,Vince ye will have lots of pirates awaiting to take her away if ye dont.And shes never behaved, not as long as any of us have known her."

Kat blushed and rose to her feet. "If were all done embrassing me now ."

Henry chuckled, "Oh ome on lass, he had to find a way to surpise you, what better way?" Kat glared at him, then looked to Vince, "I'll get ye back later for all this."

The crew burst in to laughter as Kat valuted over the railing and chased after him. " You'd better run faster than that Vince!" Etory called and Pip stayed there witht he crew, since there was food and drink to be had.

"Come back here you pirate!" Kat called after him mid chase. "I'll make you walk the bloody plank!"

The others all settled in at Henrys for drinks and food while Kat chased Vince even Pip stayed there witht he crew happily purring as he was pet .

She was out of breath and so she stopped watching him far ahead of her, she could still hear her crew , or former crew laughing back at Henrys house. He slipped out a window, then started to move up behind her.. Or that was his plan, to sneak up behind her and tackle her.

She had lost sight of him pirate.. muttered, as she tooka few more deep breaths


And he grabbed her from behind. It's all your fault, dear. Whispering in her ear. Letting me pop you with a whip.. she nearly screamed at him scaring her then smacked his arm at his words Shh she turned to face him You were bad long bewfore we ever met, I just brought it out in you.


He chuckled softly Didn't scare you did I? Smiling sweetly at her. And I was not bad.. I was a good and innocent. She grinned at him, and fixed her hair and gave his nose a poke aye ye scared me, and you were never innocent. Now she started back to the house I was to innocent.. Moving to walk beside her.. I just met a shameless female pirate.

She eyed him on that I am not shameless.. Uh huh.. Hip nudging her as he moved in front of her, walking backwards. Keeping me locked up in your cabin..never letting me out. She grinned at him you were free to leave at any time , and you never complained then.



I tried to leave..you always blocked my path. Wiggling his brows at her. Always wanting me to tie you up.. Looking over his shoulder..Oops...They were back at the front of the house again.
She smirked to him, forgetting evetyone else as they allw atched from inside, the crew had all gone in to enjoy some food,drink,talk and dancing. Pip was there sleeping, fat and happy. Hmm well, you always came back,besides.. she kissed him you love me

He kissed her back, Aye..that I do.. Now scooping her up into his arms. Even if you can be a pest. He turned to carry her into the house. She snickered I am not a pest she crossed her arms, but allowed him to carry her



Fine..you are a wench. Said just as he carried her inside, Catching the others..Looking away..grinning. The crew looked away, back to their talk and card cames. Ris chuckled though as did Henry.Even the women gave a smirk to Kat. I'll show you wench.. she wiggled in his arms.

He chuckled softly. Tough talk for someone being carried. Now moving towads the stairs, even as she started to squirm.

She poked his chest and giggled Your a bad bad pirate. But she waved to the other who hooted and hollared he smirked. And you are a shameless pirate. Grinning as he carried her upstairs. Where's my room? With me. she smiled down the hall to the left, Henry said we can stay here till our place is ready And he bolted downt he hall way to the door.

She ran after him catching the door. Dont you dare, you leave me out here I'll go find someone else to cuddle with He grinned to that. You do that and I'll go cuddle with your female friends.. They have been looking me over. Still playfully fighting with her.

She smirked at him, it was true the leven women ahd looked at him, but those left woudlnt dare, Etory was happy with Henry and Eirien with Vaepin. And she wouldnt let anyone else close to him, she pushed the door back and got in to the room, and locked the door behind her They cant have you

That so? Smirking at her as he started to back up from her. Thats so she smiled as he backed up, they had the guest room, it was a good size, two large windows, a big bed, their own bath room, Henry was loaded after all. And thick walls, good. Your mine.. she wiggled her fingers at him

Prove it. Coming to a stop as he bumped into the bed. And looked over his shoulder, then to her..Before looking to the window. She looked tot he windows, was he planning on jumping?He could make it to the ground it was only one floor up. But she was willing to prove it. Well you did ask me to marry you yes? crossing towards him,pieces of clothing going was she walked, boots,belt first



He grinned to that, as he turned to face her. Pulling her in close before she could undres fully. You have nothing to prove.. She smiled and looked in to his eyesI know. She wrapped her arms around him I just like to see you squirm He smirked and kissed her brow. I know you do.

Kat was still sleeping in. But Pip had followed Vince out and chriped at him as he flew to catch up. The little dragon landed on his head and chriped again.

"Aye I agree with Pip there." It was Henrys voice. " She seems very happy now. I have not seen Kat so happy since Zach. "He said the name softly, "she had not been willing to fall in love again. She had wnated to die with him for a long time, she sought it out on the sea, her crew,a run about lot they are, they kept her alive. The new crew and the old. I never thought I'd see her settle down." He grinned, " but you cant stay on the sea forever, I learned that much. When I saved her and set he rout on the Velvet, I never thought I'd see her again. You brought ehr back, along with a bunch of crew men that will now likely either settle down here or close by. Kats rubbed off on us all." Pip chripped to that.


"Now all we need is to make Zakie a dragon so pip has a female of his own breed."Pip skrewed Henry with his golden eyes.Henry chuckled. "So, Vince. I have something to show ye." He grinned, "follow me."

He turned down the street and walked towards the line of nice homes. "Years of being a pirate, and a good soild merchant left me with a good amount of gold and I love Kat, mind yyoudaughter or sister perhaps. Now. " he stopped in front of a home, it was two stories tall, it needed a good paint job. "Here we are." Henry took out a golden key and unlocked the lovely set of double wooden doors and stepped inside. "It needs some painting, furniture and all but its yours, you and Kats and Pipens that is." He grinned,t he first floor looked to be all wood save for the kitchen that was tile and fully furnished with the best of the best. There was a large fire place and one chair in the lounge area. The chair was covered witha white sheet. "I picked out the chair, Kat saw it many many moons ago when she was still on my ship, I brought it here for her. The rest is up for her to furnish. " He looked tot he swords criss crossed above the fireplace, " those were her fathers, I found them ata auction a year after Kat left with Zach. I kept them. Now they should be hers. Up stairs theres a full bath, I had it filled with her favored bath salts and bubbles and all the things she wont admit to liking. The bed rom had only a set of old dressers in it, it will need a bed and the other rooms will have to be filled, but I leave that to her and you. She has always been the type to wat to do it all herself. Everything will be my treat ,let Kat save the huge nest egg she made over the years. As for the Velvet,I will talk to Kat about the ship."

He grinned. Pip flew about the large open space chirpping, "Pip even could have his own room, theres enough room for a few people in this house. I can only imagine who might come to say hello.Kay can never turn anyone away and one day, there may be little pirates to fill all the rooms." He smirked. "So what do you think?"

Henry chuckled and left Vince to his devising and walked back in to town. He wasnt about to wake Kat up no.First he do his errands. Pip went with him. "They deserve eachother Pipen ol boy, they briong out the very best and very worst in each other. Both are teases and will give us all years of good ol cheer. Now."He stroked his chin and walked off in to the street.

Back at Henrys house Kat was up and helping Etory around the house. Cleaning up after the crew, most fo whow ere still knocked out. Vaepin and Eirien headed out to the bakery. Ris stayed to helpped clean up . Kat wondered where her pirate had gone off to. Cal and Mic said theyd go look for him. But both were passed out on the floor.

She smirked at him. "A pirate maid eh?" She walked towards him and fluffed the duster at him. "Id need the outfit. " She looked to him then to the place that they were to call their own, she had asked him to give it all up hadnt she, the sea the adventure that notion of freedom for her. She may sail one day again, that was why she handt asked Henry to sell her beloved BlackVelvet.

"And you have missed out on your calling. "She kissed his cheek. " As a rouge bachelor." She fluffed the duster at him again. The house was set save for the furniture. She could see them sitting there by the fireside,she could see their future all panned out before her.

She smirked and eyed the duster stuck down her shirt. "I might just go get one of those outfits and chase you around in it. " She whipped the duster out and chased after him. Pip opened his eyes from his plac eont eh hearth and blew a little puff of smoke in to the air.



Kat giggled as she chased Vince upstairs there was no funiture no where to hide. "I'll get ye you bad pirate."

She already knew she had made him more of a rogue than hed ever been.

She leaned on the other side of the door. "I should trap you in there thats what now. But I think I'll go looking for that outfit."She wasnt bluffing downt the hall she went slwoly. "I may need some manly help though, hmm Pipens off with Henry.. maybe I'll go find Ris.. he was always one for naughty maids..." She headed down stairs smirking to herself.


"Hi ho hi ho, its off to town I go." he was at the front door now and pushing through it. She wondered how long it would take him to get down stairs. "Maybe I'll look for something in all black." She mused with ehr hair then headed out the door. She was seriously going to go look.

She snickered as she took his arma nd headed in to town. "Hmm,"she eyed him. "Only you." She gave his rump a smack back. "And you wouldnt dare,I am the ebst thing that ever happened to you."

She smirked at him and wiggled ehr brows then looked aorund. They were heading in to the market area of Lote. "Well, theres lots of lovely women around."She smiled softly watching them pass by, "But,they can't have you." She batted her eyes at him. "Of coarse you love me."She kissed his cheek. "I am a sexy vixen."

She smirked back at him. "Tame?"She mocked shock. "I am the brave and bold Captain Manchester.Ruler of the high seas." A pose. Then a hip nudge back.

She smirked to him as they walked. She was no longer Captain. No longerw as the Vlevet hers she knew that todays hed be saying goodbye to it for a while. She knew the men. Cal and Mic had tried to keep things under tone, but she knew. Rismund would be taking the palce of captin thsoe she had known for a logn time ebfore she was Capt were going with him thsoe from The Dangerous Stranger. Henry and Etory. Vaepenand Eirien would all stay close by in Lote. The rest were leaving. Kat did not feel dispair. She was ready to grow roots. Like Henry had.She was ready for her adventures to begin again on land.

Come morning, Vincent would carefully slip from a still sleeping Kat. Letting her rest as they had spent the night in the cabin of the Black Velvet. He'd let her sleep in as he moved to move the last of the furniture into the house, before heading off to help Ris and the tohers.


Shed wake to a snorting Pipen. The litte dragon in her ear. She peered at him. "Your not the face I wanted to wake up to Pip."She ksised his nose and rose form bed. She smiit as she got dressed. The Velvet was still hers,well theirs.Hers and Vincets.She knew where he would be down the dock with the boys.

That he was, making sure they got the best lumber for a good price. As well as whipping up the designs for their ship. To make it fast and light.

She came downt he dock to find them Pip on ehr shoudler.Cal and Mic holalred down at her, and Ris tipped his brand new hat towards her. She waved at them all and peered up over Vinces shoulder.

He was to busy to notice that she was peering over his shoulder. Then a blink as a shadow was cast over the papers, and turned to face the lovely captain. " Well.. look who's up. " Smiling at her.

She grinend at him and tapped his nose. "Yes indeed tis me." She smirked and backed away leaving Pipen on his head. "I had to come and see what kind of ship Ris is buildng, its looking godo captain." She nodded to Ris.

He chuckled softly. " He told me a few days ago what he wanted. " Turning to show her the drawing and every thing. With a pet to Pip. It was just slightly different than the Black Velvet.

"Tis nice, likely be faster than the velvet.Eh Ris we might have to race."The man shook his head as he was giving orders to the men on where to put things. "Id be a fool to race ye, the Velvet is the faset ship around. Your man here has a way with designs though Henry could have used him long ago. " Kat chuckled tot hata nd looked to t he plans. "Indeed"


He smiled to that as he shook his head lightly. " Actually.. I did add a few changes when we repaired her last time. " Which Kat would kow as they did work on it together.

She nodded, "yes I know. emans when Henry first had the Velvet made.But he ahdnt made it with me as captin in mind.He was hoping for old ghosts tor ise."She looked over the lumber the men working on the new ship. "Shes coming along, have ye named ehe yet Ris?" He shook his head, " not as yet Captain,thought he boys were thinking something like a kin to a woman we all know."


hat got him to smirk. " Hell Raiser.." Said as he moved to grab something to eat. " Or how about The Tamed Kitten. " Looking to Kat on that as he was picking on her name.

: She starred after him the follwoed the men behind all laughing Ris noting each name on to a massive list. The dock tavern was the closest. She walked on after him gorlwing, shed show him tame.

He chuckled to hearing the men laughing behind him, as he was already sitting at a table. Two plates of food, and a drink a piece.

She sat down across from him peering at him.Pipen flew around the tavern twice then sat upon the table and nibbled at the second plate. She didnt saya word only snatched fsome food for herself before one little dragon could eat it.


He smiled sweetly and softly to her, as he nudged the third plate to Pipen. He knew the hatchling would be hungry. " Yes?"

She shook her head and ate some food while wtaching Pip eatting. He tore at his food. Kat snickered softly. "I am not tame."muttered before she took a drink.

He took a sip. " Yes you are." Winking across the table at her. " They told me how foul mouth you used to be.. Getting into brawls.. Now you are a tamed little lady. " Shaking his fork at her

She snickered. "I ahve grown up from my days of bar room brawls and words only raggid pirates speak. "


He shook his head. " You couldn't beat me in a brawl. You are to girly now. " Smirking at her. " The once tough captain of the Black Velvet. " He was so begging her to prove him wrong

She stared at him hard across the table. " I am stis nails."She pushed her meal and drink aside "Would you like to challange me?"


He pushed his drink and plate away as he rose to stand. " Fine..deck of the Black Velvet..in one hour. "

She nodded. She liked this diea.She would meet him there after she and Pip finished their meal.


He nodded as he turned to head out of the tavern, before headig to the ship. Smirking as he'd wait for her.

She came on time an hour later.Pip flew in first and right to his bed on the ship.Hed wait this out lieka good little dragon. "All right ye sea dog."She smirked to Vince. "I am here."

He was leaning against the wall of the cabin, acting as if he had fallen asleep while waitting for her.

She looked at him and gave his arma smack. "Wake up."

He openned his eyes and looked to her. " So the tamed kitten finally showed up. "

"I am on time exactly."She sneered at him. "And I am not tame, now get your butt on deck."

He smirked to that. " You are hot when you sneer. " Moving by her with a smack to her rear, then slipped out onto the deck.

She went after him. "So is this a duel of swords, wit or bare fists?And what be the wager?"She used to always fight with her crew men, it proves she was as tough as they were. And a heafty bet was always placed.

He pondered that. " The loser has to walk around the ship nude for a week, doing what ever the winner wants. " Smirking as he turned to face her.

Her brows rose at him. "Deal., and what are we dueling with?" She looked him over oh how she loved him when he was like this.

" Everything. " Smirking as he drew his sword slowly, as he flexed his other hand.

She nodded and drew her fine sword with one hand. "Very well."She took her stance. "May the ebst pirate win."

" I will. " Motioning her to make the first move as he waved his sword from side to side.

She would come in quickly.Still nible even after all this time away from sword play,slashing at him.


He snapped his sword up to block the slash, and so stole a hot little kiss from her, before twitsing away from her.

She peered at him and snickered coming back in with sword and fist.hed get his.A slap on hsi rear with the flat of her blade and a good hlaf hit on his arm with her free hand.

He smirked to that, as he spun to face her. Free hand coming up, as there was a sudden chilling blast of cold air sent her way. With him following behind it with quick flicks of his wrist. Different angled slashes of the sword.

She blocked the firstf ew slashes but that cld blast had her off pace and a few landed a score on her arms. She came back at him slashing.


He smirked as he parried her slashes, before spinning by her again. This time popping her across the rump with the flat of his sword. Using it to use his magic to send a blast of wind up the back of her shirt.

She shivered and sneered at him.he always ahd the upper ahnd with magic.But she did not losoe ground this time she came at him arching high but with her other hand she gave his arm a good punch.

He returned fire this time as he send a punch to her sword arm, while thrusting the sword forward. " Give up yet?"

She winced and shook her ehad slashing at him ocne more. "Never." She scored a small hit on his arm w ith ehr sword as she danced around him

He smirked. " You cut my shirt.. You gave this to me. " Grinning as he reached behind his back. Pulling out a dagger. Now attacking her with both weapons. One high the other low.

She shrugged. "I'll buy you a new one."She ducked rolled and drew her own dagger. " You fight well."Blocking him as she tried to score a hit.

He blocked ehr as well. " I used to help bring people like you in. " Teasing her as it seemed they were evenly matched.

She smirked at him. "I bet,"theyw ere both very good.She scored another hit tearing his pants. She danced around him her foto work was always on par.


He smirked and he countered and cut her shirt across her shoulder, causing part of it to fall. " Hey.. no flashing me. " Winking at her, as they continued to trade points.

She smirked. "You cut it."She looked down and shrugged it wasnt anything he hadnt seen before so s he kept fighting.

He chuckled as he seemed to lower his guard. " Just trying to help you to be nude.. "


She grinned at him and her toe shirt. "We will either have to both forfit or we will be out her all night,and myd awn both have hardly anything on."She parried and thrusted and scored another ht tearing his already torn shirt.

He smirked to that. " True, but I'm not about to give up and listen to you brag about beating me. " A growl to the score, as he parried another thrust to move by her. Scoring one on her rump with the flat of his blade again.

She yipped lightly and danced about to the left. "I would never brag."Flashing a smile. "It would be a draw."Her brows went up. "Not that I mind undressing you this way."


" A draw huh? Neither one of us would win or lose. " Waving his sword at her. " And I'm sure if the other women were here..They would be cheering you on to win. "

She snickered to that and nodded. "Oh yes they would.But were all alone. The men would only hoot and hollar more, they've seen it all."She stood there every blocking. " A draw indeed, no winner no looser. But I would expect one thing of you."

" And that is? " Blocking her attacks, while trying to counter with his own. " That I strut around anyways? "
She gave a giggle and his rear got a good smack with the flat of her blade. "No though you may if you like.I was just going to ask for a kiss."She blocked his atatcks while only launtching feins of her own.

" Hey.. stop smacking my rear. " Playfull growl at her as he twisted to bring his sword in an arch to send her own flying from her hand. " I'll think about that kiss. "

His sword sent a clang through hers before her lovely sword slid along the deck to the port side. Nos word now she rolled along the deck andpulled ehr dagger from her boot. "Think all you like."


He smirked as he disarmed her, before moving quickly to putting himself between her and her sword. " Still willing to fight on? "

She waved her dagger at him. "Sword or no sword I cans till fight.I am fine witha dagger and have a wicked right cross."She smirked.

" On your feet then. " Waiting for her to do so, before he started to press his attack. Faking a swipe high, only to got towards her middle.

She was on her feet and ducking his movements only to see that he was feining right ebfore he went for ther middle she blocked with that dagger and her arm.He scored a hit there. "A fine move." She pushed back against him hoping to send his sword flying to join her own.


That it did, but with his now free hand. He made a grab for her wrist, to spin her around to trap that arm with the dagger to her chest. Where he'd aim to shot his other around around to press his own dagger to her neck.

He had her. His sword was gone but her own dagger was pointed towards her he had her ina hard lock. His own dagger to her neck. But shed been in worse spots before.She stammped her booted heel down on to his foot with much force.

He growled in her ear, but didn't break his hold. " Give up.. I'd hate to cut your pretty little neck. " Murmured in her ear, as he tried to get her to tilt her head back to his shoulder.

She wiggled a bit. "To have yo brag for days that you won.Never."She stomped her heel down again harder this time.


This time he moved his feet when she tried to stomp them. " I won't brag, if you turn your head towards mine. " Murmured in her ear.

She sighed and slowly turned her head towards his own. "Fine you win, this time."She whispered.


" Good..now to claim my prize. " And he would kiss her softly on the lips. Keeping the dagger to her neck for a few moments. He then slowly pulled away from her.


She smirked to that kiss then as he pulled away she starred him down. "Done like a true pirate."She crossed the deck and gathred ehr sword sheathing it and her dagger.


He smirked as he sheathed his dagger. then moved to get his own sword. " You were the one that taught me. " Winking at her as he picked his sword up and sheathed it, then moved down the gang plank. " Wait till the others here..that the great Kathryn Manchester..got her butt whipped in a duel. " Over his shoulder with a sweet smile.

She knew he would say that and likely go tell Ris and all the others of his win.She emrely glared after him. "If you tell them I am going to find myself a new mate."She shouted back at him then called lightly to Pipen.She o stay on the ship but headed away downt he gang plank for their normal home.

He chuckled softly, as she'd find him just around the corner from the ship. He'd snake his arm around her. " I promised that I wouldn't say a word.." A kiss to her cheek, as he moved along side of her towards their home.

She snickered to him. "Pirates never keep their word." She winked at him and leaned in to him.


" I have always kept mine when it comes to you. " Smirking at her, as he lead her..Right to Ris and company.. Who were at Henry's home.

She eyed him all the way. "I had no intent of coming to Henrys tonight."Ris and his crew were smirking gambling and drinking.It must have been anyday but sunday. The laides were all inside enjoying a game of civilzed cards. Kat snickered when Pip flew in going right for the food.

"There they be.Look at them.ot in toa fight did ya."Ris called. Bets went around the table of who won.


He smirked as he looked to Kat for a moment, then lead her onto the porch. " Just a small little spat." He'd let them place their bets.

: She snickered to Vince then gave each of ehr former crew mena whack on the head before heading inside to see the ladies.

Ris rubbed his head softly, "She won."Smirking. "Better get to amrrying her fast man,or else some shark might try to keep the good capt." The men at the card table laughed and chuckled yet nodded.


" Please.. She surrendered to me after I got her from behind. " Smirking at the men as he led Kat inside, with a look over his shoulder to see there reaction.

There was shock and disbelife on all their faces,money was handed this way and that way. Kat snickered softly. "I won."She declared and again the men traded off coins. No one was sure whod won.

He chuckled. " We both won..It was a draw. " Just to throw them off again, as they slipped inside.

She was giggling as they stpped inside the ladies got a smile and wave and her cloest friends got a hug. All the ladies gave Vicne a wink.

"I think I'll make out like a badit tonight."Henry stated as he wanded in. "Ahh lok the happy couple.Bloody, and in torn clothing hmmm.Who ahd whos way with whom?"

He chuckled to the winks, before looking to Henry. " Kat getting a little to frisky again. " Smacking Kat on the rump as he moved to get himself a drink.

She smirked and watched him go. "It was all him.He likes to bite." She told henry whom rolled his eyes.

"You like to bite. "He ruffled her hair then set off before she could whack him good.


She like it better when I bite her in certain areas. " Vince smirked as he sipped his drink, well out of her range for the moment.

She glared at them both as she fixed her hair and sat down beside Etory and Eirien.

Henry smirked as he snagged a drink. "They be plotting against us you know." Looking at the women.


Sip of his drink as he plucked the card out of the air. " Do tell. " Grinning as he looked to Henry.

henry looked back after sipping on his beer. "Well once you get apst ehr wicked skills.Which she does have and her filrting all one has to do is corner her. So I bet you disamred ehr and charmed her witht he end of a sword or dagger."

He smirked slowly as he looked back to Kat " Disarmed her, then she disarmed me.. Only for me to trap her in my arms, with my dagger to her pretty little neck.. I think she was turned on by it.."

Henry laughed and ndoded. "Sounds like her. Good on you though. The first time I fought with her she gave me this scar."Showing his arm and that old car. "And smashed my foot with her shoes, and broke my nose." Drinking now.

" I'll probably have a few. " Chuckling softly. " I'll make her take care of me later.. while she struts around in the ." Kat might want to shtu Vincent up.

Kat was wtahcing them, they were just out of ehr range of eharing but that why Eirien was there.The elfess could hear both Vince and Henry. And she told Kat very word. Kat didnt mind that Vince told Henry. The man knew everything any how.


Perhaps. " In the nude..It was our bet. She tried to weasel her way out of it by getting us both to call it a draw. "

Eirien whispered that to Kat and she was up and crossing the room.

"Oh no."Henry ducked , and spuna round the table to his left as the good captain came.


" What? " He looked to Henry, before turning to see Kat stalking his way. " Hi honey. " Smiling oh so innocently and sweetly.

She glared at him. "Henry could I abrrow him and one of your rooms?" Henry nodded. "Aye Lass."He smirked and snickered. Then Kat took Vince by the hshirt and tugged him along with her.


" Hey..You are being rude. " Trying to work out of his shirt to get away from a pissed off captain Kat.

She wasnt pissed off. "I asked Henry nicely ."She was pulling him up stairs.She didnt seem pissed off.

He peered at Henry. " Traitor. " In joking as he followed Kat to one of the rooms upstairs.

She took him in tot hat room and locked the door bhind them. "Your teling Henry about the duel."She mock sneered at him. "You know I would have won."

Henry snickered he wasnt going up against her he ahd his own fiery woman to handle


He sipped his drink, as he slowly smirked at her. " You had one of your friends spying on me " Giving her chest a little poke. " You lost fair and square. "

She smirked. "Thats why I keep good elven friends.I dont have that kind of eharing.And its my right to spy on you.And yes I did loose. " She stole his drink and took a sip then sat it down.

Now crossing his arms when she took his drink. " You are just mad that I proved you wrong.. You can't fight. " So begging for her to tackle him

She glared at that "I can fight, and I can fight very well."She poked his chest. "You won this time.And thus you should get some of your reward now.Unless youd rather I go challange Ris or one of the other men. But they will likely bet me far more than a nude walk a round."


He smirked to that. " You can't offer them more than money..love. Your hot pirate rump belongs to me. " Moving towards ehr to trap her to the door.

She smirked at him. " Hmm does it now."She looked at him as he trapped ehr there she didnt fight him now. "Just me rump?"She was undoing her shirt. "Or all of me?"

His hands caught her's " All of you.. and not here. " Moving her arms around his neck, before moving his arms her hips. " Home.."

She snickered. "Your the one who came ehre.I was more than willing to go home. "She wrapped ehr arms around him. "Or were you just planning on having them baby sit Pipen."The little dagron wa slikely down stairs in the lap of someone sleeping soundly.

He smiled to that. " You know me so well. " That was his plan as he scooped her up into his arms, Letting her unlock the door before he'd carry her back downstairs.

She unlocked the door and he would carry her down. No one would stop them the card games were in full swing.Henry noted them leaving and toasted them both with what was left of his drink before he went back to betting.

He nodded to the others. " Taking her home to get my winnings out of her backside.. Don't wait up for her, dad! " Over his shoulder to Henry.

Henry chuckled and sat back right in to his game. Kat snickered and blushed and shook her head. "Ye are bad,"

He smirked down at her. " I could of told them I was taking you home to ravage you all night long in our bedroom.. " Making his voice loud enough that everyone at the house could hear.

She blushed more and hit him softly. "Shhhh"

He chuckled softly as he carried her on home. Hearing a few faint hoots and hollars, from Ris and the men..

After he pulled back from that soft, slow kiss, he lowered his hand before giving her nose a few taps. "Yes he has tried.. and his offer is rather tempting." Smiling sweetly at her, as he moved to clean himself up as best he could. That being with a wet rag, it would have to do till he got to the house.

"He's offering me all the women I can handle or want. But I turned him down, as he said I couldn't bring you aboard and leave you tied to the wheel." Looking to her with a wink, teasing her just a bit. Getting a few hoot and hollars to Kat being tied up and helpless.

After their rag fight they stayed on the Velvet that night in Kats old cabin. Vince had re done it twice now, for her, it fit them both. She lay there beside him under the shets with her legs twinded about him. He smirked at her then kissed her. They had spent a wodnerful night together again. She traced slow lines over his bare chest as his hand rose along her legs and hips. He pulled her closer witht hat hand so that she drapped over him. His smirk made her giggle. "Your fiesty tonight." He nodded up to her and kissed her again.

Though they had been together before, more than once she always enjoyed their long slow nights in the darkness. They played games, and acted like flirting teens. He would tease her and torment her till she begged him to stop,and she did the same to him.

And when sleep finally claimbed her she knew when she woke he would be there awake watching her.

When she woke the next morning came she found him layind beside her his fingers trailing along her body under the covers. "Mmm thats one way to wake me.." He winked at her. "I cant stay you know Ris needs me." She would pout then, "But I need you." He nodded and slid his ahnds through her dark hair. " I'll come back at lunch... I left you something."he kissed her and rose from bed. She sat up and watched him as he dressed. He looked back at her and winked then left for the day of work.

She would rise from bed and dress at last and found he had left her breakfast,and Pipen too. She also found something in the cabin closet. She smirked at the sight. He was such a rogue. She ate breakfast with Pip, dawned her old captain hat and set out to join Etory and Eirien at Henrys house.

Once the boys had headed off, he turned to look at Kat, before a very pirate like grin crossed his lips. " Finally turn you into a proper wench. " Leaning down to steal a kiss from her before she could growl or swear like a sailor at him. With him leaning back with a wink, before he took her hand in his.

"Aye.. I'll miss them too. Waon't be the same without them here to help me tease you to death. NOt that I can't handle that on my own. Just more fun to see you screaming and yelling at them." Wide grin for her now as he turned to lead her back towards their home away from home.

" I want to have the wedding aboard the Black Velvet. It's where we have spent most of our time together. Plus it would be the perfect place." Looking to her as he would wait to see what her feelings were on the matter.

He chuckled softly as they walked towards their inland home, before shaking his head lightly. " They will be here for our wedding. We need someone to hoot and hollar at you while you walk down the isle. " Looking to her as he teased her just as they slipped into the house. It looked almost new now, as they had put long hours into fixing it up.

Vincent looked down to the hatchling and foxling running all over their feet, before grinning like the devil. " Kat..your childern are hungry.." Now a little pat to her butt, as he moved to remove his boots, " Speaking of food. I could use something to eat as well. Try not to burn down the kitchen like you nearly did last time! " He was so asking for a fight.

As the days grew closer and closer to the day that the boys would be back. Vincent would get the help of the others to get the Black Velvet ready for the wedding day, which was fast approching. With him teasing Kat about it, and that she'd have to get married to him in the nude.

Which always got her to smack him across the shoulder. He was currently on the Black Velvet, looking out across the sea. Thinking back to how they first met, and the trip that brought them to this very point.

Vincent looked to Henry for a moment, then back to Kat. " Oh nothing serious. JUst we are going to be getting married in the nude. " Winking at her as he moved to get himself something to drink. Just to torment Kat even more before their wedding day came.

He knew Kat would poke and pester Henry till he told her the truth, as Vince turned and leaned on the wall. Smiling so sweetly over to Kat as he slowly sipped down the wine.

Vince chuckled softly to Kat's words about their pirate friends, but said nothing in return. Knowing that she would do that anyways, as she only wanted him to see her in the nude. So he just smiled as she bolted after poor Henry.

"That is unless the blushing bride wants to run away and elope." Winking back to Etory, before looking up to Pip when the dragon landed on his head. He then looked to Kat with a smirk, and a blown kiss following soon after.

Vince smirked to Kat's words about them going through with the plan to have the wedding with everyone present. He then waved to the boys from his leaning post against the wall. Followed by a sip of the wine he had gotten.

" Yes ma'am. We'll get married in front of everyone like you always dreamed of doing with me. " Winking at Kat now, as he motioned her towards him. Once she did, he would loop an arm around her waist while resting his cheek to the top of her head.

Vince smirked to that, as it did sound like something they would do. " That does sound like it would be fun, but I always love our long nights in your cabin on the ship." Swatting her rear as she was pulled away to get ready for the big day.

He then looked to the boys for a moment. "Don't any of you say a thing about that. " Grinning as he followed the others out, with a parting shot. "You don't have to keep her warmed up. She's got me on her mind all the time, and that keeps her riled up and out of control! " And out he shot to catch up with the others.

Kat stood in her old captain quarters alone, well not quite alone. Pip lay on the bed starring at her. "I have dreamed of this day Pip.. Its been a long time since was on this ship in this room." She looked about then back in the mirror. She wasnt in her usual wears, no, not today today se was in a long silver dress, white wouldnt fit her, but this tone was perfect, it flowed like the sea over her form,fitting yet not too much. Her hair was down in soft waves,she wore no jewls save for her engament ring. A knock came to the closed door. "Come in Henry."

Henry chuckling came in dressed up in his finest suit. He didnt look one bit a pirate in it. "You look as you did the day we met so man years ago." Henry chuckled, " and you look very different.. no wonder what ye've gone through. But you look lovely.Your mans out there, the crew too. The laides all dressed up yet none as fine as ye.."He winked and walked to her. " Hed be happy for ye.."

"Who?"She turned to look at her oldest of friends. "Zach." She blinked at him then. Henry smiled softly, "Yes I know hes dead, but his spirit.. he would have wanted you to be happy.. and Vince makes you happy. So.."He shrugged and took her arm. "Come on girl, let me walk you to your man."

Kat smiled and blushed looking to her man as Henry took his place. He was after all still a captaina nd could still marry the two. "I get two fine jobs... one to walk the lovely lass out, and second to marry these two before their friends on a lovely ship." He grinned and the boys hollared Etory shhed them. Henry chuckled and looked between Vince and Kat. "Alright lets begin huh.. I'm already hungry." There was a massive amount of food to be had in the galley too.

"We are all gatehred here, on the deck of the lovely Black Velvet to witness the joining of these two." He looked from Kat to Vince then to them both. " They each wrote their own vows though I am sure.. theyd rather have me rattle on about them both.."A joke before looking to Vince.

Henry and the boys were shocked.The ladies amoung them were already crying and trying to hide it like the good saliors and pirates that the lot of them were. Kat stood starring at him.Then at her hand as he slipped on her ring.Then back up in to his eyes. He did have what it took.. she knew that he would make no promise he couldnt keep. She knew his arms were the place she wanted to be.

" Everyone here knows me so well, they know everything that goes in to who I am. I can be tough, I can be tender. I can be strong and I can be weak. But I've found as I am sure anyone can tell that in your arms."She looked to Vince. "I've found my home, I am complete .You bring out the very best..and sometimes the very worst."A smirk to that hed know what she meant. "In me. I have had to face a lot of loss in my life. A lot more than most could handle. But my hearts always been too full of love to let go. And now my heart is content. You understand me so well, everything that I am. You take me, and you don't want to change me. And thats why I love you.. you are the one.. the one who understands me. And is willing to and able to love me fully." She slid his ring on to his finger and there wasnt a dry eye in that moment pon the Black Velvet.

Herny shook his head at them both. He wiped some moisture from his eyes and cleared his throat. "Well ye both done it, ye stole the show." He grinned. "Now then.. As once a high Captain I Henry Valmot . Marry ye. You may kiss."

The hollars broke free as they were firneds, fmaily ture but stilla bunch of pirates. Henry chuckled and scoothed away towards the rows of mugs filled with rum, or ale. Yes there were tall wine glasses with elcen red, and white. He tipped his hat to his lady and they toasted as the happy married two kissed.

Kat returned his kiss with much vigor as he gave. He did know how to steal the show didn't he?

Already plates of food were being passed aroud by Vaepin and Eirien. Pip and Zakie lay together in Pips little deck bed watching the crew, friends, family eat and drink. Btweenthem was a nice cut of steak. Riz snickered and rose his mug to toast the still kissing couple.

"Now when they come up for air agian."He chuckled. The men behind him did as well, the women who were apart of his crew snickered. "I will toast them fine."

She took a deep breath and snickered at him. Etory and Eirien smiled and waved at her making smoochy faces at Vince.


Henry chuckled and lifted his mug.Riz snickered as he had a taost in mind but Henry spoke up first "To the happy couple.Kat, my darlin girl.I have not seen ye blush so nor smile so much in all the years I have known ye.I hope that ye both find much happiness." Riz then butted his head in over Henrys mug. "And he may not say anything about how loud Miss Kathryn is in the bed chamber but we all heard her.."

And he was hit by a roll. Kat's aim was as good as ever. "You shush.."

She smirked at him ,only starring daggers at him a little bit. Her crew, male and female knew her well enough to know he spoke the truth and spoke like a true pirate. She had been happy to move his parents to Lote.This place suited them well. She smiled at Henry and Riz and tossed soemthing at Riz. And he ducked what ever it had been.

She leaned her head on to his shoulder as he sat beside her the crew they drank, sang and ate their fill there on the old ship. It had been docked there, with out sails unfurled for so long. Pip and Zakie ran about the deck under feet, between legs snaching up bits of food. Ris... who had gone to being called Riz after veryone started mispronouncing his shorted name.. and the boys would sail out on Riz's ship soon enough.She could see his ship, a nice looking beast larger than the Velvet. Hed named it Hed named it but nothing offcial, the crew called her the surly wench, the lucky lady, the fiery dame.. all things Riz had said he named it after Kathryn....

She watched them now, her old crew on her old ship forever docked there in Lote, and she was as happy as could be.

Riz smirked and looked to Kat then. "Hes a charmer isnt he. He might be right, lovely one is a fine name, but then again, Rwalaer is a good name too."He winked at Kat then. And she shook her head.

All around their friends enjoyed their food and drinks. Kat leaned her head to Vinces shoulders and grinned at him. "It feels like were back out to sea. With all these old lots about."
"Who is she callin old?" Henry declared, smirking. "Were not old are we Riz?" Riz cuckled, "Nae just well aged like a good bottle of wine.." Etory leaned in to Henry to give him a kiss.

Kat snickered. Her days at sea were done, but she could still feel the wind on her face, the splash of the sea water. The Velvet would sit there rocking in port likely till the hull rotted out. Not that shed ever alow that. She thought of selling it, but there were far to many memories upon that ship, old and new.