#my great uncle gave me a bunch of her jewelry a few years ago trying to get rid of it

[corvidaedream]

visibly mending the lining of my completely ridiculous 1960s faux fur coat that belonged to my great grandmother. i inherited it when I was about 13 and wore it until the lining was in unwearable tatters, and it spent the last couple winters sitting around waiting to be mended.

I have no idea exactly what im doing, im 90% self taught wrt mending and most sewing really. I want to embroider some of it for a little decorative pizzazz before I sew the pieces back together.

[chesshawkins]

intro ! ☼

⌠ KAWENNÁHERE DEVERY JACOBS, 22, CISFEMALE, SHE/HER ⌡ welcome back to gallagher academy, FRANCESCA ‘CHESS’ HAWKINS! according to their records, they’re a FIRST year, specializing in UNDECIDED; and they DID NOT go to a spy prep high school. when i see them walking around in the halls, i usually see a flash of ( worn leather jackets, dusty roads leading into the distance, bruised knuckles and a split lip, busy streets at night ). when it’s the ( taurus )’s birthday on 05/06/1998, they always request FRIED GREEN TOMATOES from the school’s chefs. looks like they’re well on their way to graduation. ⌿ lily, 19, she/her, gmt ⍀ ( @gallagherintro​ ) 

☼ CONNECTIONS PAGE ☼ PINTEREST ☼ ABOUT ☼ STATS ☼ BIOGRAPHY ☼

      here she is! after a long wait, i finally bring to u chess, my spunky runaway bisexual disaster with a healthy serving of abandonment and anger issues! she’s kind of baby, but also not at all, and i adore her. 

      here is her google doc, which explains her past in much more depth (and i highly recommend giving it a read!!), but for a more abbreviated version, read below!

character.

&. basics

full name: Francesca ‘Chess’ Hawkins

nicknames: Frankie (reserved for her mother and super close friends) 

age: 22

orientation: bisexual

relationship status: single

date of birth: may 6th, 1998

hometown: komatke/phoenix, arizona / richmond, va

gender: cisfemale

language(s) spoken: English, O’odham, Spanish

accent: general american

&. personality

mbti: INTJ

temperament: melancholic

star sign: taurus

element: earth

enneagram type: type 5, the investigator

five positive traits: resilient, self-sufficient, daring

five negative traits: reserved, untrusting, tactless

likes: vintage records, travel, spicy food, the smell of desert air, alcohol, the rush of adrenaline, getting high, chunky jewelry, cacti.

dislikes: hospitals, the police, mushrooms, authority, the color pink, the rain, people who chew gum, running, bugs.

bad habits: biting her nails, being too blunt, getting high/drunk too often, pushing herself too hard.

hobbies: making playlists, playing video games, film photography, boxing, riding her motorcycle.

fears: abandonment, hospitals, bugs.

story.

childhood:

chess grew up in her native community outside of arizona.

when she was eleven, her aunt, uncle, and cousin moved away after getting promoted, and chess’ parents followed suit and moved to phoenix to try and make it.

unfortunately, after only a year, they lost their jobs and were forced to trade their small apartment for a caravan in a trailer park outside the city.

chess was mocked and bullied at school for this, as well as the fact that she had an incredible memory and was able to outshine most of her classmates

when she turned fourteen, her parents simply gave up, and turned to drugs and alcohol, constantly ignoring and dismissing chess

one day in november, chess returned home to an entirely empty trailer, with a note on the fridge simply reading ‘there’s food in the freezer, back soon.’ 

they never came back.

in the three months of waiting for them and fending for herself, she began pickpocketing in central phoenix to make money

she discovered a talent for it, and in turn, a love for the adrenaline rush it brought her

this escalated to the point of snatching watches and jewelry

this unfortunately brought attention to her, and combined with the fact the trailer park manager hadn’t seen her parents in months, the police showed up at her doorstep

this forced her to go on the run and live on the streets of phoenix as a 16yr old girl

at some point, she got too cocky, and landed herself a two month stint in juvie when she broke the nose of the cop who tried to arrest her

when she was released, she ran again, this time to sedona

while there, she met aspen ( @aspenpalmer​ ) and it was seemingly love at first sight

the two of them travelled the country together, eventually ending up in new york

new york:

they ran into a gang of grifters and through them joined an underground fight club

she loved it, loved the thrill of it, and was happy with her life and her friends and her girlfriend

unfortunately, this is when things went south -

one night when chess was practicing alone, the police raided the place

chess was able to alert the others and they got away on time

when they brought chess in for questioning, she was offered a lighter sentence in exchange for the others’ names

chess, used to fending for herself and only having herself to rely on, gave them up to avoid a heavy sentence

once released from her month long sentence, she found another fight club from her old contacts and rejoined

this time, she pushed herself too hard, guilty for giving up her friends, and ending up seriously injuring herself

enter chess’ aunt, who managed to track her down when she was admitted to a hospital - her aunt turned out to be a successful ny lawyer, and also part time spy recruiter for agencies 

she brought chess back to her home in richmond and trained her alongside her cousin to get into gallagher

now:

at 22, chess’ aunt pulls some strings and gets chess enrolled at gallagher.

she’s not incredibly happy about it - hates the idea of it all, the uniforms, the end goal of working for the government, the classes, but she does it for her aunt

and it’s also her only prospect for the future

she also, unfortunately, will come face to face with aspen for the first time since the betrayal, so that’ll mess stuff up for her a little.

she’s a very abrasive person - she’s blunt, standoffish, and generally rather aggressive

this is a result of her fending for herself since she was 14

if you’re nice to her, she’ll def try to figure out what you want from her

she has an insanely accurate memory, and excels in recollection-based classes, but in other things she’s not so great

she’s a skilled fighter from her days in the ring, so be warned if you piss her off

she has undiagnosed ADHD so she struggles with focusing in classes

she really likes vintage things, like film photography and records, but that’s a recent discovery since living with her aunt

her style could be described as an edgier stevie nicks? think dark florals, ripped jeans, lots of chunky jewelry ( most of which is stolen, lbr ) and heavy boots

loves her music and her playlists, and if ur super close to her she’ll make u one :)

wanted connections.

family friend ― this person would have ties with chess’ aunt, and would have been asked to help chess integrate with the school and figure out her classes. could be excited to help her or angry about being saddled with a babysitting job, we can figure it out!

ray of sunshine ― since chess is a very quiet/reserved person, i can imagine someone trying to befriend and get to know her - chess is probably uncomfortable, but doesn’t want to hurt their feelings, so she tolerates them. possibly make chess open up to them over time?

instant dislike ― something happens where they just instantly don’t like each other. maybe your character is a bit of a snob and not happy that a thief/runaway is being trained at gallagher, maybe they got into a fight with her in the first few weeks.

misery loves company ― chess doesn’t want to be here, and can often be found sulking somewhere about it. maybe your character doesn’t either, or simply has their own issues and likes having someone to be grumpy with.

tutor ― chess needs help in her classes. while she’s generally really smart and has a great memory, she’s pretty undisciplined and needs help training. this connection could also help her figure out what major she wants to be.

ex’s friend ― so chess majorly betrayed aspen by giving her up to the cops, and if your character is close with aspen, they probably know what chess did and hate her for it. give me angst!

new york connections ― in a world of thieves and spies, there are bound to be a few crossed wires, so if your character was in new york (and potentially a criminal) roughly three/four years ago and would have known chess, lemme know!

arizona connections ― less likely, but if your character grew up/spent time in phoenix/sedona growing up/as a teenager, let me know!!

anything and everything ― i just want a bunch of connections so if you have any ideas, please let me know!

please hit me up to plot ! i want all sorts of connections !

[acrouge-walkintwoworlds]

Walk in Two Worlds: An AC Rogue fic Chapter #11

Chapter 11

New York, New York April 1757

The markets were filled with patrons as the warm April air warmed the earth. Trees were fully budded with small green leaves, and flowers filled patches of grasses in front of each building. Shay had just traded a wolf’s hide he’d hunted and skinned for an assortment of bullets, gunpowder and pellets. He also restocked on other necessities for the cabin of the Morrigan to last for months on the next assignment from Monro. He’d tried to remain oblivious from the assassin’s spies in this particular district, since he know’s Hope is more likely to be here among one of them. So today he’d just worn a long trench coat and a tanned shirt to look as a common sailor as wheat. And the real fact was that his robes were a little battered up and were in desperate need of a wash. He wasn’t always skilled with the needle when it comes to tattered uniforms, even when he was privatizing with his father.  

“Shay!” Barry Finnegan bellowed as he took his hand and both pulled Shay into an embrace catching Shay off guard. “Mr. Finnegan, it’s…it’s a pleasure to see you again.” Shay felt a blush coming on for being caught off guard. If he was a scout, I would of been killed on the spot. “Ah, just call be Barry! Everyone but Monro does. Cassidy has been wondering where you’ve been, Katie mentions a lot about your commissions with the  Colonial. And as a captain of all things.” Shay nodded his head, he looked down at the limped goose in Barry’s hand. “What’s the occasion?” He asked gesturing a gloved hand to the poultry. Barry lifted the goose with pride, “Ah. This here drake is for celebration of the birth of the two most important women in my life.” Shay blinked with surprise. “Katie’s birthday is soon?” Shay felt stupid for not asking about Cassidy’s as well. “Aye, Katie’s was yesterday, but she had to things for Pierce and had to go to Philadelphia. Cassidy insisted we get the goose while it’s still eligible. Your welcome to join us as soon as she get’s back.” Shay thought about excepting Barry’s offer, but Shay had to graciously decline due to preparation of destroying more gang locations. Still Shay wanted to find something for his dearest friend. “Mr. Finnegan…Barry…May I ask what does Katie generally like in terms of gifts?” Barry raised an eyebrow in surprise. Scratching is white beard, he’d gave a thought. “Well…to be honest, Katie was never the type for gifts. Everything Cassidy and I would ask every Christmas, birthday, or Easter, she would just say, “Just surprise me, for there is nothing I want more then another healthy year in me age.”. Bloody hell that lass is harder to find a thing for.” Shay smiled to himself. That’s my lassie girl. “Sir, I…I never fully repaired your kindness. If there is a way I can…” “Ah, no need Shay. Unless if you find a bunch of fabric grander then what these mills offer, then you make that wife of mine happy in more ways.” Barry chuckled and gave a wink, causing Shay to give a smile, understanding what he meant. “I’m…no tailor… but I can see to that. My thanks.” Shay shook Barry’s hand and both men attended to their own matters. “Oh, and Shay!” Barry leaned in closer to whisper, “Not a word. I want this to a birthday to remember for my Cassy.” All Shay could do was smile and give a short nod. “I owe you Shay!” Shay extended his hand to Mr. Finnegan, “Consider this even for all you and your women did for me Barry.” The two men shook hands and parted their ways.

All the afternoon, Shay was looking at the contents of the crates recovered from the ships that the Morrigan had taken down recently. Teas. Weapons. drenched paperworks with the assassin’s seal. By far there were very few items that Shay would give to Katie. Shay was entering the fifth crate when Gist entered the cabin .He whistled as he saw the scattered contents all over the cabin. “Captain, I hope the crew isn't aware of you hoarding all these goods for yourself.” Gist said, picking up a silver plate. “No, I… I am looking for…” Shay couldn’t give an answer. He sighed heavily. Running a hand through his hair, Shay’s frustration was clearly shown upon his face to Gist “I managed to find many contacts related to the French allying with a renegade and destroying many gang headquarters; yet I can’t find a bloody gift to give to Katie for her birthday.” Gist gave a smile, rubbing his bearded chin as he gave thought. “Ah.That is a daunting task indeed. For women maybe the most difficult thing to look for in terms of gifts, especially for a lass like Katie Shepherd. May I suggest looking underneath the straws underneath the tea sacks.” Gist kneeled down and dug into the straw paddings. “Most merchants would hide any illegal goods or valuable stuff underneath the padding. Most of the gangs would smuggle weapons and deadly poisons. Or…” He then pulled out a wooden jewelry box and a wine bottle, Shay hoisted himself us and looked inside the opened box. The box contained few priceless jewelry, he picked up a golden ring band twisting it around seeing the light reflected from the precious metal. “My thanks friend.” Shay said. “Lets see if we can find more treasures underneath.” “Perhaps some of these goods maybe of use in selling or trade to upgrade the Morrigan.” “My thoughts exactly.” Shay and Gist managed to find dozens of illegal weapons, including the silent rifle like the one Shay discovered years back, ammunition, hidden money papers, spiced wine, strong liquors, and expensive chocolates. Gist insisted that they should have a toast of wine for the discoveries beyond. Shay also managed to find another crate full of women’s clothing with fine fabrics and edging, even though most of them were too big for Katie’s body. That body. Shay shook his head away from his fantasies. At the bottom was a crate full of fabric materials. Perhaps Cassidy could use the fabric to make new clothes for both herself and her niece. A blank leather bond journal with a tie was wrapped around a dark green skirt. Shay picked the journal up and smiled to himself. I make my own luck. He took a break with Gist, as they drank the sweetest wine Shay had ever tasted, to victory of the discovered items.

Shay that evening went to the Finnegan’s home to deliver the items, but As he was about knock the door, he’d paused and looked up to the large tom cat, Leo pawing upon a window he’d guessed was to Kate’s room. He’d then smiled, tied the sack around one of his belts and started to climb along the building from the other side. When he’d reached the window, the orange tom gave a demanding meow. Shay shushed the cat by stroking the fire colored fur. He’d pushed the window opened and both the man and cat stepped into a small bedroom. The bedroom was smaller then the room Shay occupied. He assumed this was the guest chamber originally when young Katie moved in with the Finnegan’s. He noticed a few books on the desk next to her bed with herbs drying upside down in one post of the bed, giving the room a rich smell. Shay went to the bed and pulled the contents from his sack. As he’d finished, he could hear a door opening from downstairs, the sound of greetings and cheer. Katie must be home. Shay placed an sealed envelope and he helped himself out the window. Into the darkness

***

Katie was back at the Finnegan’s home three days after she left Devonport. She was welcomed home with a great embarrass from her aunt and uncle, and as if it were a gift from above, Cassidy had the goose on the spick since earlier that morning. The meal was served that evening with roasted potatoes, stewed carrots, and for dessert Cassidy’s famous Apple peach pie. Over the course of the dinner, Cassidy talked about the improvements of the number of people returning to the church, the new fabrics that Barry gave her for her birthday, and the news she received from her family back in Ireland. “Your cousin, Duncan has finally went forward to become a priest.”

Incoming Message

Hold on…

Duncan Little….

Of course. He was one of Connor Kenway’s assassin recruits. Didn’t know the assassin’s bloodline is scattered. Who am I kidding. Katie and Little have the same red hair. So I guess that makes them…second cousins I guess.

I’ll let you get back to the memories.

End of Message.

Barry’s eyes raised an eyebrow. “Not surprised. With what happened to his Uncle Mako at the opera house or whatever the hell it is called, I’d be running to the church doors as well.” “Who’s Mako?” Katie asked, cutting a piece of the breast into pieces. Cassidy looked at Katie, almost unsure. “You never heard of Mako? Didn’t I ever mentioned him ya?” The young woman shook her head. “Nope all I heard was Duncan and grandpa Shepherd’s news.” Barry was cutting and mashing a potato with his fork, “Aye, Mako was a well kept British fellow, not sure how you cousin Meredith landed in such a rich style Cass.” “How did he die? Did he had health problems?” “No. He was murdered.” Katie’s head rode to look at her uncle. There were rumors about an assassin being murdured at the opera house. How could Mako…rubbish, it’s not as if I have assassins in my family as well. “What? But when did this happened? Why wasn’t I told this before?” “This happened years ago. I’m surprised that your aunt here didn’t tell you sooner Katie.” “Barry!” Cassidy snapped at her husband. “Maybe it’s just because Katie has been working the souls of her shoes off working on healing the sick and delivering herbs in a time of war. It seems absurd to let a young woman travel alone.” “I can get along just fine Aunt Cassidy. Besides I travel mostly by the ship Pierce owns and commissions. So I’m perfectly safe regardless of the men all around.” Katie was cutting a thick piece of goose, the juice drained from the piercing holes from the fork. Barry took a drink from his mug and said, “Well regardless of how you work lass, I am mighty proud of you. And if any man try to sweep you off your feet, he’ll have to answer to me.” Cassidy smirked and chuckled. “What?” Katie asked the old woman. “Oh nothing dear. I was just figuring that if any man had his eyes on you, he’ll have to get past Shay first. He does have an eye for you Katie girl.” Katie almost choked on the piece of goose. She took a mug of water and drank it down. Barry lifted his eyes towards his wife. “Believe it or not lassies, I saw the devil at the market this morning. He was looking battered, but strong as any Irish man. He’d asked about you Katie.” “He did?” Katie asked casually. “Aye lass. Come to think of it, it has been too long since he’d been here for supper or something. Mark me words though, if this war ever ends, perhaps he should settle down here.” Katie shook her head, “Marrying me off already uncle?”

Katie entered into her room, only to be surprised with a bouquet of wild flowers on her pillow with a wrapped parcel next to it. Katie picked up the flowers, knowing it wasn't Barry who would place these on her pillow. She took a deep breath, allowing the perfumes to make her head light and comfortable. She placed them on her vanity and opened the note on the parcel.

Happy Birthday lassie girl, thank you for all you had done for me.

Shay Cormac

Shay?! As far as Katie could tell, Barry and Cassidy had no knowledge that Shay climbed into their home at the dead of night only to place gifts for their niece. Or else they knew and just pretended not to know. Knowing Shay’s background, he could be stealthy enough to kill anyone or steal anything. The thought and fear of Shay knowing Katie’s allegiance made her shiver; nevertheless she was also flattered for the gesture, with addition of shutting the window on his way out. Still, she knew that Shay would of never hurt her. That was proven at the cemetery back in February. The moments when he held her in his arms, something changed in Katie, she now saw Shay as something more then just a man she’d rose from the grave. He became her best friend. A person she could turn to for a laugh or an ear. And usually it’s the other way around.  

Katie opened the parcel and the contents of the box had her mouth drop. Inside was a variety of elegant and rare items Katie could not come to grips with. A copy of “The Adventures of Ferdinand Count Fathom” by Tobias Smollett, a pair of gold stud earrings, a packet of strong tea leaves that would be worth more then her wages, and a small silver locket with a newly edged image of a familiar wolf’s head. Katie looked at the letter again, wondering if there were other men with these letters. It wasn't until she noticed a fine print at the bottom of the page,

“Meet me at the Morrigan when you get back.”

Katie turned to the window looking into the darkness, a smile went across her face. The day may of been long, full of weary travels, but this had been a good day. She placed all her gifts on top of the vanity, placed the flowers in a water pitcher and blew out the candle before falling asleep with Leo curled next to her head.

Outside, from a rooftop across the street, Shay smiled down, for he had another victory for today. Exterminating the factory of gases, and finding the perfect gifts for this young woman, and it never costed him any shilling required. I make my own luck.  

The next day, after Katie finished with runs with Pierce, she made her way to the Morrigan. She had her hair half way pulled with a small braid on each side. She wasn’t sure why she wanted to look a little more…clean…after all, all the sailors wouldn’t care how a woman looked as long as there are breasts upon her chest. Still, she felt insured that Shay wouldn't allow his crew to take advantage of her.

As Katie arrived at the Fort’s docks, she noticed the Morrigan was in the process of being repaired, for the crew was focused on repairing the sidings of the ship. As Katie was getting ready to board the ramp to the ship, a crew member yelled from the side swing, “Captain is expecting ya lass, and step with the right will ya.” As Katie was about to thank the sailor, the man interupted, “The Morrigan already has been through enough damaged thanks toy your last presence, we don’t want bad luck on our end.” “Keep talking to a lady like that and the only horrible luck you’ll have is being baited for the sharks by me!” The sound of Shay’s voice gave a booming command from above the sailor. As Katie, with right foot first, made her way up the ramp, Shay extended a hand to her’s as he assisted her onto the deck. Katie noticed that Shay was wearing a simple tunic with a dark trench coat. His dark hair looking half dapped as if it was drying from a bath. “You know he wasn’t really harassing me Shay.” Katie commented, placing a hand on her hip. Shay gave a hard look towards where the sailor was. “I know, still you are as Gist would all you, the queen of the Morrigan and you should be treated like one.” Katie raised a brow, “Even if a woman on the ship brings misfortune?” Shay smirked a laugh. “I make my own luck, Katie.” Katie blinked as she suddenly remembered why she was here. “I wanted to thank you for the lovely gifts.” “It’s no trouble at all. Anything for you lassie girl.” Shay placed a hand on her shoulder, turns her to the cabin and went inside. This was the first time Katie had ever stepped into Shay’s cabin. The center of the deck had a desk where papers and maps littered the top surface. A bed was hidden near one of the corners underneath the large window. But Katie’s mind was turned to the robe, Daniel’s robe, handing upon a mannequin. Katie noticed a few scratch marks upon the leather and a tear on the left side. She touched the torn leather, thinking of what battle did Shay partook in.

“I’m still in the process of repairing it. Never got the hang of mending leather.” Shay explained with an embarrassed tone. Katie gave a smile. “Daniel was never good neither, so Cass and I always ended up mending it for him when he is…was home.” Katie’s eyes lowered again to the robes, touching the black leather. Shay could sense that she was missing her cousin. He then took Katie’s hand, “Come to the table lass, let’s discuss the mending matter for pay and celebrate your birth with wine!” He lead her to the desk. He pulled up the chair behind the desk for her to sit. He pulled a drawer and pulled a bottle of wine out. “You do drink wine, do you lassie girl?” Shay asked. Katie gave a smile. “Only on special occasions and when communion comes along.” Shay then grabbed there glasses from a chest and poured the red liquid into two of them. “Three cups?” Katie was puzzled. “Anyone else coming?” Shay gave a shrug. “No, but I imagine that Hist would barge in after he smells the excellent smell of this wine.” Granting a smile, he chuckled, “That man has the nose of a hound when it comes to a drink.” As Shay finished filling the cups, he handed one to Katie and they both claimed their glasses together. “Happy Birthday lassie girl.” He said before both drank in unison. The wine was the most rich and spiced that she’d ever tasted. As they placed the glasses on the desk, Katie commented, “This wine is the best I’ve ever tasted, where did you come across it? Must of costed a king ransom!” “Nah, it was real a booty from a pirate’s raid that the Morrigan fought off from. Gist and I we just try to keep the crew from consuming in this too much of the richness of it.” “Is that so, well I suspected that Geist might be the bigger threat to the wine if he has the nose of a hound.” Katie twisted a curl with her right index finger.

As if on quote from a play, the cabin door opened to have Gist enter in. “AH, the queen has finally arrived at her palace.” Gist belowed. Katie rolled her eyes. “I think by rights this is Shay’s castle on a ship.” Gist shook his head while taking a cup that Shay filled for him. “Ah lass, behind every good captain is a strong woman.” He took a swig of the wine down. ”By God if you haven’t been around on this earth at all, Shay would of probably be in Limbo or worse if the Reaper took him. Speaking of which, Captain, I found these in one of the goods the other day and we should light one in Katie’s honor.” Gist pulled out a wooden box that Katie recognized to be a cigar box. Which Gist handed the long roll of tobacco to Shay and saved one for himself. He picked up one of the candles near by and each of the men listed it up by exhaling in and out causing the burning plants to glow embers of red orange. The smell had a strong earthy smell that took Katie back to her childhood in Galloway.

“I never thought of you to be smoking on a cigar Shay.” Katie said surprised. Shay fiddled the long cigar in between his fingers. “I generally don’t, but that doesn't mean I take a rare pleasure of the earthly sense. Why, you don’t hang out with men that smoke?” Katie blinked and shook her head.  “Oh no…it’s just…old memories of the homeland I guess. The scents would take me back to my grandfather, Jonah Shepherd. Whenever after a mass or holiday, my parents and I would often visit him and my grandmama, Samantha. He would always light a cigar with a cup of brandy while talking business to my father.” She twirled a lock of hair with her finger, causing the it to be even more curled. “He sounds like a true gentleman in my book.” Gist said, taking a deep breath into his cigar. Katie nodded. “I suppose he was. Even though he’d never approved my father’s marriage to a Scottish maid, but he loved his granddaughter.” Katie was playing with a red curl as she remembered the old man.  

Shay then extended his cigar to Katie. “Perhaps you should give it a try.” Kati starred at him with concern and tolerance. “Shay, you know it’s not lady like.” “Do you see other people here to judge ya Katie?” Gist asked, spreading his arms outward to acknowledge of the cabin’s emptiness. Katie sighed and shook her head as she took it, and based on memories of her grandfather’s habits, took a slow breath of it, repeating it a few times. The overwhelming burn of smoke made her choke up, yet the strong earthy scent brought her back memories of the motherland as it dried up her mouth. When she removed the cigar from her mouth, she exhaled that ended up her coughing hard. Gist patted her in the back, while Shay handed her a water skin to drink. “Good show Katie, never thought I live to see a woman snuff a smoke from a cigar.” Katie was still coughing lightly, even after drinking talk the water, tears coming from the corners of her eyes. “Well then…” Katie said in between coughs. “I just had the realization that grandfather was right, cigars are not for the faint in heart, and is a man’s luxury that should be treasured.” The two men chuckled looked at each other in agreement. “But Shay, if your to make a habit out of this, a good handmade pipe and tobacco is my personal preference.”

Gist then took his freshly filled wine cup and exclaimed “May I propose a toast then. To the Queen of the Morrigan. Katie! May she live long and glorious for more years to come!” “Here here!” Shay cheered, clanking the wine flasks together. The three friends drank the spiced wine in unison. Following with Shay giving her a kiss on the cheek. Katie’s eyes widened and she could feel her cheeks blushing. Outside, she could hear the found of music playing. “Ah, the crew must be playing for such an occasion too.” Geist said. Katie listened carefully. “This song, it seems so familiar. I haven't heard it since when I was sailing with my parents. The sailors on that ship would play for the passengers.” She then turned to Shay and asked, “Do you know the tune or name of this song?” Shay listened for a moment then answered, “Ye Jacoytes. A classic jig.” Together, the two men and woman sat and listened to the crews playing and singing,   Katie was still astounded that a lamb of an assassin was among a den of wolves and they were not aware of it.