Chapter Forty One

The King required a few well placed elbows over the span of the morning. The other crewmen were quick to remind him to not act quite so royally when he would raise up to his full height and start taking on airs.

Violet, rather than spend the entire day, one by one, assuring the people that he gave his true name, took himself off to the prow of the ship once a good many people had arrived. Making his way up to the rail above the maidenhead, Violet swung out wide, holding fast to a rope, his feet firmly planted on the rail. 'Twas the best place he could think of to address the crowd of people who had assembled on the lawn, being that the ship had immediately gained everyone's interest. Nobles and townsfolk alike, all leant an ear, as Violet's strong, friendly voice rang out.

"Ahoy, me hearties! Welcome one, welcome all." Violet hung to the line and bowed as deeply as his precarious position allowed. "I am your host, Violet Petals, former captain of the Saucy Wench."

Vi waited a second for the laughter to commence, then he waited more than a full moment for it to then lessen. "Aye, 'tis truly my name, my own sweet mother gave it to me as a wee babe, and the Saucy Wench be the fine craft I sailed for the las' ten years." More signs of amusement issued forth from the men as they realized this was a part of the entertainment. Most of the women were smitten, sighing in romantic pleasure.

"I suggest ye be wary of yer purses, my fine guests, whilst ye enjoy yer day." Violet grinned, as the women tittered and the men unconsciously patted their pockets to assure their security.

"An' yer wenches," Violet paused, scanning the crowd while wiggling his brows, "as thar be pirates about, ye may want ta mind those, too." Violet heard Betsy's musical laugh mingling in with the amused crowd from where she stood behind them on the landing. Standing between the good reverend and her great grandfather, Betsy watched, greatly amused, as her husband addressed the people.

Violet swept his arm out, his digits all pointing Betsy's way, before he slowly turned his head towards her, giving her a lecherous grin, "The wench on yon landing is mine."

Betsy gave him a saucy smirk in return. 'Twas not all that was his standing here proudly. Her eyes began glowing with her secret, her face revealing her love for this man, while she simply could not wait to share her discovery with him. She flamboyantly bowed towards Violet as he continued grinning down upon her. The guest's heads swung back and forth to look between the two. Instantly branded a love match, thought by most to be an adorable couple, the people warmed quickly to the new occupants of Shelly Hall.

"My wife," Violet smiled possessively, "quartermaster, and your hostess, Mistress Elizabeth Petals." Violet informed them proudly as Betsy straightened from her bow. Lowering her gaze humbly at first, then lifting her eyes slowly, Betsy took in the friendly sea of unfamiliar faces around her smiling a little shyly in return.

"I invite ye all to enjoy the festivities," Violet swung his arm out to encompass the stables and fields, "'tis very pleased we are to have ye here, each and every one." Violet grew serious, "Whilst I encourage ye to enjoy yerselves, I also ask that ye keep the wee ones in mind." Violet spoke from his heart, losing a bit of his act, he prayed the people would hear his words well. "This land is now a refuge, a safe harbor for those in need. I beg of ye, please, come to us for help before sending your babes off to the factories, 'tis no life for them, an' a worry ye do not need."

Violet hit the people where it hurt. This was why he had broadened the affair. The nobles could bring them funds, and assistance, that much was true. But the townsfolk, they could bring him children, they knew of the babes in the streets, hell, they gave their own children over to taskmasters who ran the factories when they could not afford to feed them. Thinking their own babes were better off with a bed and food in their bellies, their very own children were being thrown to the lions. Violet and Marcus had discussed expanding the herds, they had plans to till part of the meadow over the hill where the large orphanage would reside. Growing as many fresh foods as they could, the men had discussed a food pantry, hoping to help the poor so they would not have to sell their children's souls.

Shelly Hall's foreman, Jordy, already had begun this process, encouraging breeding among the cattle, nesting among the hens. The men had begun the tilling process also, in spring there would be a ten acre garden and a forty acre wheat field. Violet smiled wistfully, thinking of all the bread his mother could then bake. Hoping to help ease the burden among the poor, they hoped by supplying adequate nutrition, more people could keep their children at home where they belonged. "We hope to add to your pantries if you have the need, and I would help those who are unemployed to find good, honest work if ye be willing." Violet turned to gesture towards Brutus. "This be Brutus Marks, a good, honest pirate." Violet spoke over the self conscious laughter, as some of the people were still thinking of their own young ones that had been put to labor. "Brutus shall continue ta sail the seas, as we 'ave for the last decade, searching for any young souls that be needing rescuing." Violet chose to not elaborate as there were children present, he did not want to speak of things that would frighten them. "Some stolen, some left orphaned on the docks. Those that search through refuse in the alleyways jus' ta survive. They have a new savior, one who will wield the sword of righteousness an' steal their souls right from out of the evil one's grasp." Violet paused, his gaze swept the townsfolk's faces, he smiled, an indication that his concerns had been voiced and he would now continue the ruse for their entertainment. "I, however, am now captain of this fine ship." Violet swept his arm wide behind him, as the people admired his grounded craft. "She has yet ta be named, an' I be takin' any suggestions, before makins me final decision."

Violet saw the people's eyes light up with interest, as the first contest had just begun.

"The Elizabeth."

Violet heard the King's input, softly, come from behind him. Violet smiled widely, holding up his hand for silence, as names began being suggested. "Just be bringin' yer suggestions ta me, and I shall weigh and measure each one, careful like." Violet gave them a mockingly serious mien, as if it were a weighty decision, requiring much consideration. "I shall no' hold ye here any longer, the children grow restless and I would see them set free. The crew'll watch 'em, let 'em play!" Violet swept his arm out, as older children broke from their parents, running for the ship or the lake, another group of them running towards the meadow fence to watch the lambs who happened to be kicking up their heels at all the excitement.

Violet bowed again, then swung down from his perch as the people began speaking to one another. All appeared pleased with their warm welcome. Some were hopeful that Violet spoke true, that they, one day soon, mayhap, could bring their own children home from the factories.

As Violet made his way down the deck, the King stopped him with a hand upon his arm. Violet smiled somewhat sadly at the King. "Did you see their faces, my liege?"

The King nodded gravely, " I did, we shall do all that we can."

Violet knew if he was speaking to anyone who could help, 'twas this man beside him. "I surely pray we can make a difference, Sire." Saddened by all the faces that had dropped when he had mentioned the factories, Violet knew that they had their work cut out for them. But maybe, with help from their King and from men such as his Uncle Damien, and James Ferguson, mayhap, just mayhap, they could make a difference. Violet vowed that if it took a hundred years, if it took lighting a fire in his own children's souls to carry on this work, he, in his lifetime may not see an end to child labor, but he would damn well put up a fight against it as long as he drew breath into his body.

"You are a good man, Pirate Petals, I consider it an honor to be amongst your crew." The King inclined his head, paying homage to a man he was growing to love, a man he most definitely had come to respect.

"And I, on yours." Violet gave the King the deepest, most heartfelt bow he had ever executed. When Violet again stood upright, the King actually took him into a big, bear like, man hug. Violet smiled as tears came to his eyes and they both patted each other's backs soundly. His heart had filled with conviction, his soul had filled with hope, and his life overflowed with love.

When the King released him, Violet looked over his shoulder to see Betsy looking up at him as she stood next to her great grandfather. "God has been very good to us both, has he not, my liege?"

"Indeed He has pirate Petals, indeed He has. Now go, I need to practice me pirate talk on these wee ones who do not know any better." The King wondered if Elizabeth would tell Violet about his new blessing right away, though he had a feeling he would not have to wait long for the answer.

Violet chuckled, "It does take some practice, Sire." Vi then saw something he had missed earlier, "My, Lord, is that a tattoo?"

The King grinned widely, "It be a good one, eh?"

This made Violet laugh heartily, "Mother?" His brow raised as he shook his head, knowing who was responsible.

The King looked down at his inking, his lips drawing downward as he tried to see it better, "I like it."

Violet chuckled, imagining Elizabeth penning it there. Violet continued chortling as he walked down the children's slide.

The King stood there chuckling for a moment, before smiling endearingly, speaking aloud to the man who had left him. "I do believe you shall find that God has been very, very good to you, Pirate Petals." The King then grinned as Violet made a beeline straight to their Elizabeth.

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For your pleasure, loveys!