[b][i][color=fff200]City of Free Sail Shepherd's Island New World Colonies, Antillean Archipelago Late Spring, Year 1621 A.A. (Anno Aeternus)[/color][/i][/b] [hider=Images of Dona Sofia’s home. AI generated] [url=https://ibb.co/mrFR94MX][img]https://i.ibb.co/V0pLgTPQ/Moreda-Home.jpg[/img][/url] Dona Sofia de Moreda y Cartagena's Home. [url=https://ibb.co/k2yLkLSk][img]https://i.ibb.co/d4cN1N51/Dona-Sofia-4.jpg[/img][/url] Dona Sofia de Moreda y Cartagena in her office. [/hider] Sofia closed the business ledger she had been reviewing. She kept a close watch over her businesses and managers. Now that she had caught up on what had to be taken care of she could indulge herself. She was itching to return to the sea. Sofia had been born into wealth and privilege. The only child of a minor noble that had married into more wealth. She had lived a life of ease and comfort until her life seemed to come to a cruel and brutal stop. Rarely did a day go by that she didn’t wake from nightmares of flame and smoke. The images of her dead and terrified children’s faces haunted her. The ghost and memories of her beloved husband were felt wherever she looked even though she had to rebuild their home. The anger and desire for revenge burned deep within her and consumed her thoughts. The practicalities of everyday life were most insistent though. Her stomach rumbled as she had forgotten to eat again. Sofia sighed as she stood and stretched. She was about to go to the kitchen when her butler, Kingsley Chapman knocked once and then opened the door to her office. [color=39b54a]Kingsley: “Pardon the interruption madam but there is a Monsieur Leblanc here to see you. He presented a letter of introduction from the president of the Exchange.”[/color] Kingsley handed over the letter in question. [color=39b54a]“I put him in the sitting room. What would you like me to tell him?” [/color] Sofia resisted the urge to roll her eyes and sigh again. She had no idea who Monsieur Leblanc was but she suspected why he was here. She had been inundated with men offering their business expertise or to court her. Sofia was no fool and knew they just wanted access to her assets and money. They all sought to “help her in her time of need”. She read over the letter and examined the wax seal. The letter appeared to be genuine. Mr. Leblanc had taken a route for an introduction that she could not politely refuse. She nodded to Kingsley before deciding what to tell him. [color=ed145b]Sofia: “That will do Kingsley. I will see what he wants and send him on his way.” [/color] Sofia left her office with Kingsley leading the way. She was perfectly capable of navigating her own home but Kingsley was a stickler for formalities. He was kind hearted and loyal. His formality often helped her keep others at bay. She hid a smile as Kingsley opened the doors into the sitting room with a flourish and stepped to one side and bowed as he announced her to her guest. Kingsley’s formal tones tried to impress the importance of his employer on her visitor. Sofia couldn’t have cared less. But Kingsley’s ways always amused her. [color=39b54a]Kingsley: “Dona Sofia Ines de Moreda y Cartagena.”[/color] A handsome gentleman close to her age rose to his feet to greet her. He was dressed in rich red and gold toned damask. He smiled at Sofia and gave her a courtly bow as he bowed with his large foppish hat in a grand gesture. Sofia hid her instant dislike of the foppish fellow. He was wearing the latest fashion and had an excellent tailor. However she could tell his suit had been tailored to enhance his weak and thin frame. His suit jacket had been padded along the shoulders to give the appearance of a stronger fitter man. His mustache was oiled and waxed into a curvy shape that looked like it wouldn’t budge in Noah’s flood. His eyes were cold and calculating even as his expression appeared warm and inviting. His smile sent a shiver down her spine. He came towards her looking to close the distance between them. Sofia stiffened even as Kingsley stepped between them. Kingsley's voice was stiff and strong with displeasure: [color=39b54a]“You will retain a proper distance Monsieur or you will be escorted from the premises.” [/color] [color=6ecff6]Leblanc: “Non. How silly of me. I was just so surprised by Dona De Moreda’s beauty. I have heard of the lady surely but rumors rarely prove to be true. Pardon my slip.” [/color]He gave another stately bow in apology. Sofia’s eyes narrowed as she watched the man. [color=ed145b]“Please state your business Monsieur Leblanc.” [/color] [color=6ecff6]Leblanc: “Of course. Pardon my rudeness. My name is Monsieur Michael Leblanc and I represent Leblanc family business interests here in the Antillean. I represent the local family branch of Leblanc Shipping. Perhaps you have heard of us?”[/color] The man raised an eyebrow in the query. When she didn’t reply he continued. [color=6ecff6]Leblanc: “Non? How unusual. We are one of the largest shipping companies based in Vallé D'Or. Our clients are the wealthiest and most powerful in the region. They demand discretion and a quick turn around. We understand that your husband is dead and you are running his business interests now. We would like to take that burden off your hands. We would like to buy your husband’s company and ships.”[/color] His tone implied that she should be grateful that they were willing to do her this favor. He reached into an inner coat pocket and pulled out a heavy sealed packet that bore some Vallé D'Or noble house seal. He handed it to Kingsley. [color=6ecff6]Leblanc: “The details of our offer are included in the packet of information. I will be in Free Sail for a month. I am staying at the Golden Cove Hotel. I can be reached there. I look forward to hearing from you after having reviewed our very generous offer. Would Mademoiselle be interested in having dinner with me?” [/color] Sofia frowned and barely contained the sigh and scowl that she wanted to use. She inclined her head regally in his general direction. She managed to keep her tone civil but it was cold. [color=ed145b]Sofia: "Monsieur Leblanc, You should know that I am not looking to sell my late husband’s company at this time. I have plans indefinitely. You will not be hearing from me. Now please leave my estate. Don’t come back.”[/color] She gave him a polite smile and waved towards the door to indicate he should leave. Leblanc looked perplexed and stunned at her answer. Anger threaded through his voice and hatred filled his eyes as he regarded Sofia. He gave her another beseeching smile and look as his tone seemed to be conciliatory. [color=6ecff6]Leblanc: “Madam, you have not even read the offer yet. I was assured by the Exchange President that you would be interested in my offer. I am sure you must be lonely now that your husband and children are dead. Tis not seemly that a woman of your station lower herself to run a business. You should rewed and live such matters to your husband.” [/color] Sofia’s eyes spat fire and her anger would no longer be contained. [color=ed145b]“The President of the Exchange, while an important figure in the area, has no power over my choices. My business does very well. I have no need or desire to sell my late husband’s company. How dare you imply that you know what I need or feel. Get out of my home. Don’t come back.” [/color] Leblanc looked angry and took a step towards her threateningly. Kingsley once more stepped between them. His tone was firm. [color=39b54a]“Monsieur Leblanc, you have outstayed your welcome. Madam has asked you to leave.”[/color] Kingsley took a threatening step towards the man. Leblanc scowled and stormed off in a twirl of rich damask cloth. His heeled shoes made tapping noises on the tile as he left. The man was carrying on in his native tongue as he left. He was openly angry now. Kingsley followed the man to ensure he left the property. He climbed into his waiting carriage still ranting in his native tongue. [hr] [hider= Scallywags Den Tavern - AI generated] [url=https://ibb.co/zTd74xN0][img]https://i.ibb.co/YFgyLQbq/Tavern-3.jpg[/img][/url] [url=https://ibb.co/b5r9xTQk][img]https://i.ibb.co/7tGmHPjq/Crew-2.jpg[/img][/url] Inside the Scallywags Den [/hider] It was some time later before she managed to slip away unnoticed. She was dressed in dark clothes, pants, leather boots, and had her mask pulled over her face. The light cloak had a deep hood that threw her face into shadows. Her sword and dagger hung from her hip, swallowed by the folds of cloth. The cloak billowed in the soft breeze from shore as she made her way to the tavern she had bought, the Scallywags Den. It was staffed by people completely loyal to her. When she began looking for who had killed her family, she ran into others who needed help along the way. She had rescued some from slavery and worse. Others, she simply offered them a job with decent wages. In a place like Free Sails, the opportunities favored the wealthy or able bodied. Those without resources or able bodied lived hard lives, eking out a living however they could. She paid them well to keep their ears open. Her best informant was an old one eyed sailor with a peg leg named Salty Pete. He was old and had a stooped back. He couldn’t work on sailing ships anymore. He had been tossed aside as worthless and was forced to beg in the streets. He had been sick and dying when she had come across him lying in a gutter near Scallywags. She nursed him back to health and offered him a job. He continued to beg in the streets and nurse a tankard of ale at Scallywags. He put his ears to work for her. She made sure he had a safe place to sleep and at least one meal a day. He stayed at Scallywags and helped provide security to Maggie. The tavern was run by Maggie MacDugan. She had rescued Maggie’s daughter from slavers. Maggie had sworn herself to Maria Rose, La Conquistadora. None of them knew her real identity as Dona Sofia Ines de Moreda. None of them had seen her face. Maggie ran Scallywags for her. Maggie collected the rumors and whispers that came through the doors of the tavern. She passed her information they learned as sailors came in to drink. The Scallywags Den had a reputation for good food and drink, a game of chance, and the occasional bar brawl. It was cleaner than you would expect for a dockside bar. The furniture was sturdy and held up well to the occasional brawl. They often attracted a musician passing through which would provide entertainment to the masses. There was always a game of cards or dice to be found inside its walls. The barmaids were nice to look at but you didn’t touch without permission. Maggie didn’t let it get too out of hand. The patrons helped with security as they appreciated the low prices, excellent rum, and Maggie’s excellent cooking. There were always a few of her crew around to help Maggie if she needed a little muscle. The tavern gave her a way to pay for information and collect whispers in the dark. The Scallywags Den paid for information if the tip was good and the street urchins and people who lived in the shanties knew that. So did the sailors who patronized the tavern. Maggie was known to offer up a pint of ale and a meal for a good rumor or two. Sofia slipped down the alleyway behind the tavern. She was pleased to note that while the alleyway smelled of refuse and rotting fish it was empty. She slipped quickly through the back door of the tavern using her key. She stepped into the main floor of the tavern noting that business was steady. She hung back in the shadows of the alcove to the stairs until she caught Maggie’s eye and then quietly went up the stairs towards Maggie’s office and slipped inside. She took a seat in her office and tapped her hand impatiently on the arm of the chair. Maggie slipped inside but a few minutes later. Her brogue accent snapped with amusement and irritation. [color=f7976a]“Good evening Maria. I see you are as patient as always.” [/color] Sofia gave a wry smile because she knew Maggie was right. [color=ed145b]“I don’t have time for patience. Spread the word to the crew. I would like to sail with the tide on the morrow. Any news for me?” [/color] Maggie chuckled and nodded. [color=f7976a]“I heard that another ship came into port from the east. A merchant who was attacked and had their cargo taken at sea by pirates. Several of the crew came in to drown their woes in an ale. They claimed the pirates that attacked them took their ledgers, cargo, and freed some indentured servants but let them go with enough food and water to make it back to shore. They didn’t give the name of the pirate ship or crew though. It was a bit unusual so I thought ye would be interested m’lady.” [/color] Sofia’s interest was piqued and she nodded. [color=ed145b]“That is a new one. I had not heard of a pirate taking the ship’s log and business ledgers. Keep your ears open if anyone can name the ship or pirate crew responsible. I would like to talk to them. Maybe they would have information on the Crimson Demon crew.” [/color] Maggie nodded. [color=f7976a]“Of course. I will get word to the crew that you want to sail with the eventide on the morrow.” [/color] Sofia nodded and tilted her head to the side. She didn’t want to give too much away but she had a suspicion there was more to Leblanc than what he had shown her. She had reviewed their offer after he left. Their offer would have been snapped up by most widows who didn’t understand business. On the surface it looked like a great offer but the devil was in the details. They wanted business contacts, they would own not only the name but all the assets that came with the business including all the ships. Their offer was a joke when one considered the cost of a ship. Their offer was laughable. She would have to give up all rights to the name and all property that belonged to the business. Their contract stipulated all assets would have to be handed over. Most didn’t realize that included the money that kept the business solvent. They wanted to try and claim all her monetary assets by claiming them as business assets. [color=ed145b]Sofia: “I want more information about the President of the Exchange and a businessman staying at the Golden Cove Hotel, Monsieur Micheal Leblanc. Ask Gabriella to approach Mr. Leblanc to learn more about him and why he is here. I believe that she is the best choice for this.” [/color] Maggie nodded. [color=f7976a]“I will let her know that you will be paying for the information.” [/color] Sofia smiled and nodded. [color=ed145b]“Thank you Mags.” [/color] Sofia rose to her feet and slipped back out into the night.