The Cerimony

Saturday came and the bid day had arrived. It was almost noon the time of the cerimony and a large crowd was gathered at the church where those with invatations were the only ones let inside. Still there were other things for those without to keep them ocupied for now. Street performers had small groups around them along with a few food vendors around.

Manny and me had just arived and after greeting the crowd had headed inside. I was eager to see if Emile had managed to make it or if other dutys had kept him away. I must admit there was a bit of a fear of doing something stupid infront of this gathering that haunted me. The only thing I was certain of was I was doing exactly what I wanted. Marring the woman of my hearts desire.

As the doors to the church were closed the bells begain to ring shutting out the sounds from outdoors and signalling the start of the wedding. The next thing I remember was seeing Amber and her father comming down the isle. I knew there was something being said but I can honestly say I don't even recall what was said until I heard.

"If there is anyone that knows why these two should not be married....."

Suddly the doors to the church are foced open and a small group of men enter inside.

"Excuse the interuption but I just couldn't leave without at least saying something to my old friend. Barnical you sure this is what you want?"
He said looking directly at me.

"Ralph, it is good to see you and all but this isn't really the time or place for this." I said then added "But am I sure? I can say that of this marrage I have no doubt."

At that point a group of Soliders comes in and surrounds the other men. "Sir this is a closed gathering and as such I am here to escort you out'

"I have just a few things to say and we will be on our way." Ralph tells the officer at the same time putting his hand on the handle of the gun in his belt.

"Wait a moment I am sure this won't take a moment we can even go outside if necessary." I asured the Soilders.

"Just wanted to let you know that despite anything you might hear otherwise, I always liked you because you never looked down at me or treated me different than anyone else. " Ralph told me as he turned to Amber. "You take care of my boy here. I have kept my eye on you for some time and I must say I don't think he deserves you. If he every gives you a problem just post a note in the gazzete." he said with a smile. Turning once more to me he added "And don't think for one moment I wouldn't came back here if only to knock some sense into you."

Then as he turned around to leave he added "If there is one thing I learned from Emile its never accept payment for something you already plan to do or never intend to do." as he pulled out a small bag he had tucked into his belt. he turned to one of the sisters standing next to the door he handed it to her. "Here I am sure you can find use for this. All I ask is that it goes to help the Orphans. " he said as he brushed the hair of the girl by the sisters side. "Since I won't be around to help them myself."

Just then I heard a cannon fire from what sounded like the docks. "Well looks like Jacko has the ship ready." Ralph says. "Namo may our paths cross again some time until then enjoy what you have for it is soon gone. Let Emile know that my wishes are that our paths never cross. And to the rest of you people if you every see me again be sure to hang on to your possions....come on boys the Caribbean is awaitin" as they headed toward the docks. "Good by France you have seen the last of Captain Ralphal LaFoot."

The rest of the cerimony went without incident.

We were all gathered outside near the church enterence and altho it had only been 30 min since I had married the woman of my dreams I was about to break the first promise I had made to her. I looked at Amber standing near my father as I turned to Amber's Mother. "May I have the honor of this dance?" I asked as I reached out my hand giving a small bow.

And so the afternoon party had begun. Soon after we started to dance, Amber and my Father joined us and soon several others in the crowd did as well.

As the first song ended Amber's father had replaced me with my partner, My father was back talking to some of the other Businessmen, and I was back with my wife. "I didn't know if my father had already informed you but he has our new home ready for us." I told her.

"Well no I haven't been told. So has he mapped out the rest of your life then? " She said as she looked to see my reaction.

The thought of what she said began to to build from deep inside of me and I must have griped Amber's hand a bit harder as she said. "It's ok my love. I am sure it is a lovely home. You really need to lighten up some, after all he did make the arrangement that brought us together."

Some how that did comfort me a bit. "Well then you will be happy to know he has also arranged for some employment for me. My ship leaves in a week." I said to her seeing what her reaction would be.

She pulled even closer to me and wispered in my ear. "Then perhaps we should leave this party soon before we are parted for a time, but not yet we don't want to spoil our guests attendance."

And so we danced on stopping from time to time to talk with those who had come....

"You really are a crazy woman, you know that?" Emeline's rescuer from the previous night chuckled softly. "Rushing the guards like that... what were you thinking?"

"I had to warn them," Emeline protested weakly.

"But how did you know he was going to do that?" he asked.

"I'm... not sure," Emeline admitted.

The man shook his head. "That took guts... acting on sheer impulse. It's too bad it didn't help. Bastard got into that church anyway, though I guess he didn't hurt anyone."

"I'm relieved to hear it... By the way, how did you know where I was? Did you follow me?"

"You weren't exactly quiet with your exit." He motioned toward the door. "Door creaks. I got curious as to why you took out of here in such a hurry. Good thing I did. You're absolutely hapless. Suppose I could have guessed that considering last night."

Emeline shifted on the bed uncomfortably. "What...did exactly happen last night?"

"You don't remember? That's a shame, because we had a good time. Talked about you, me, everything. Then we laughed and danced - whole tavern was lively. You couldn't handle your liquor, though, so I took you up here and laid you down. Nothing indecent! Lord have mercy if I'd touch a former almost-member of the sisterhood before having taken the marriage sacrament," the man added quickly after she gave him a worried look.

"No, I don't remember any of that. I don't even remember your name," Emeline admitted.

"Now that... that makes me sad. It's Ronan."

"Ronan? That's an odd name."

"You said the same thing yesterday. And I'll say the same back - my father was Irish." He smiled. "My mother wanted something more traditional, but he insisted on it, at least for his firstborn. Said it would do the old family heritage proud. Good man, God rest his soul." Ronan looked far away for a moment. "Anyway, that's not important. Are you feeling better now?"

Emeline rubbed the knot on her head. "I suppose so."

"Good. We ought to get back out there then. Wouldn't want to miss everything after all you've been through, would we?"

"But... I really should be trying to get back to the estate..." Chantilly protested.

Ronan gave her a look. "Now see here. You're telling me that your parents kept you locked away from the world, are never around, then mysteriously drop you off at a convent instead of arranging for you to be married or finding you a job or something all proper-like - and then when the convent kicks you out for being a touch curious, you want to go back to the estate?"

"Well..."

"Whatever would you do that for? They're clearly crazy, and they've turned you crazy. And while I'm becoming rather fond of crazy..." Ronan chuckled. "You're not really going to repay me saving your crazy butt twice by running off without at least accompanying me during the festivities?"

Emeline thought about it for a second, then nodded. "I suppose... you have a point..." she acquiesced.

"Then let's go, shall we?" Ronan helped her get to her feet, and off they went.

Despite her aching head and sense of abandoned responsibility, Emeline could not help but be excited to finally be down at the party itself. Her first glimpse of the bride and groom took her breath clear away. To see them glide along the dance floor felt like her imagination had come to life.

Ronan laughed good-naturedly, watching Emeline more than the festivities. "I've never seen a smile like that over a stranger's happiness before," he remarked. "You don't know them, do you?"

"Non," Emeline admitted. "I've never met either one, or their families."

"So why the obsession to see all of this, then?"

Emeline shrugged. "I don't know. I just... felt I should be here. That it might be important." Truly, she didn't know why herself. Her potent curiosity had gotten her into all this mess, but she couldn't even begin to guess her subconscious motivation.

"More intuition." Ronan shook his head. "Have you always been like this?"

"Perhaps, but I never really noticed until recently." Emeline looked up at Ronan. "Is that bad?"

"Hasn't worked out so bad for me yet... but you?" Ronan pondered. "Couldn't say, though my own 'intuition' says things are looking up for you too."

"I appreciate the faith." Emeline settled her gaze back on the happy couple, who had exited the dancing area and started to make the rounds, meeting and greeting with important people. Suddenly she grabbed Ronan's hand and started darting through the crowd briskly.

"What the hell - " Ronan started.

"I want to greet them too," Emeline replied, not slowing down.

"You want to what? But..." Ronan's words were completely lost as Emeline single-mindedly dragged them both close to the nobles.

Namo and his bride were just finishing up pleasantries with another couple and parting ways. Emeline stopped right in front of them as they were turning to move on to the next, and grinned widely. "Félicitations pour votre mariage," she congratulated them.

There was a brief pause as the stunned couple assessed Emeline's odd mannerisms and dress. "Merci, mademoiselle," Namo finally answered.

"Do you know them, Namo?" Amber gave an awkward yet gracious smile at Emeline and Ronan.

"I don't believe we've... Is she all right?" Namo stopped short, looking at Emeline, who had gone pale, her expression blank and her wide eyes fixated on some distant point.

Emeline, caught in dual visions, struggled to make sense of each one separately... At first it was Namo, who was crying, nearly sobbing uncontrollably, holding a limp, lifeless woman in his arms. Then suddenly Emeline saw Amber, sitting on the docks here in Marseilles with a sad, longing expression, her hand resting uncomfortably on her burgeoning belly as she watched the horizon. Then back to Namo again - Emeline gasped in shock, realizing the woman in his arms was not Amber; Amber's hair was light brown, but this dead woman's was the color of fire.

The shock made Emeline blink and come back to reality, focusing again on the couple in front of her, their worried expressions coming into view. Ronan had placed his hands on Emeline's shoulders to steady her, as if afraid she might faint.

"Emeline?" Ronan asked tentatively, a hint of hopefulness in his voice.

"You... will have to be strong..." Emeline said in a low voice, looking straight at the couple. Namo and Amber exchanged confused expressions.

Ronan turned Emeline away from them and started to usher her away. "Je suis vraiment désolé - she is not well. Please do not let us spoil your day. Excuse us," Ronan apologized, then directed Emeline back through the crowd and out of Namo and Amber's sight.

"I do hope she is alright." Amber said to me.

"I am sure she is perhaps too much wine. She does seem to have someone with her to look out for her." I said.

"Well non the less I hope she gets better, and I wonder what she means by being stong." Amber says while looking in the direction of where the other coupld departed.

"I am sure she speaks of our Love being strong. Her wish for a good life for both of us I am certain." I continue. "It is getting late perhaps the crowd will understand if we depart. After all the day we shared with them but tonight belongs to us." I said to my new wife as I gently kissed her hand.

We headed off toward our new home as we waved to a few more well wishers. Once inside our home Amber asked once more. "Namo please do check on the young woman if you can. I would feel much better if I know her to be alright."

"Ok my love. " As I swept her into my arms. "But now it is our time." carring her into the bedroom for the night.

The next morning came and as I looked out onto the streets it looked more like I had missed most of the morning. "So my love, now that we are both rested would you do for me the promise you made last night?" Amber asked.

"Promise?" I said.

"Yes to check on the young lady." Amber asked.

"I don't know where to start but I will." I said as I headed out the door.

I proceded down the streets towards the docks as that looked to be the dirrection I saw the couple head to from what I could remeber. As I was crossing the street I saw what looked like the Man I had seen the woman with from yesterday. "You a moment!" I yeld out.

"Well I didn't expect to see you for aleast a couple of days." I heard comming from behind me. I turned to see my Father comming toward me.

"When you get a chance Namo I would like to talk with you about the job ahead. I know you might not have time right now but stop by the office when you get a chance." My father said as he continued on down the street.

I once more looked in the direction to see if the young man was still there..

"You, a moment!" Ronan heard a voice coming from up the street. He turned to look and much to his surprise, saw Namo Larkin as the source of the shout.

His mind raced. Oh no, he's angry for the way Emeline acted at his wedding, he thought. He checked himself for weapons - none. He'd left them in the room above the tavern. Not the safest place to leave a nice sword and pistol, but lacking a permanent residence in Marseille, it was sufficing for the week's long stay. He'd completely forgotten to retrieve them after delivering Emeline to her new job early that morning. No matter. His fists would have to do if necessary.

Namo started toward him, but stopped to be interrupted by the elder Larkin, who coincidentally happened to be nearby. Ronan debated making a run for it. After all, Emeline's outburst hadn't been his fault, why should he have to take a punch for it? But Ronan decided against slinking away, if only for honor's sake. Not really his own, but Emeline's. He couldn't help it, really - he liked the girl, odd as she might be. He felt drawn to her somehow. The whole experience had caught him completely off-guard. Regardless, running away from a fight didn't somehow square with the idea of being worthy of her, so he waited still until the Larkins finished their conversation, and Namo had refocused his attention.

Ronan stiffly walked up to meet Namo halfway, half-prepared for battle. "Sir, once again, I am very sorry about yesterday. If we ruined your day at all, please, tell me how I should make up for that," Ronan said, pre-empting any pretense of introduction.

"No, do not worry about that," Namo said quickly, cutting Ronan off. "My lady simply wished for me to check on the girl you were accompanying yesterday. Is she well?"

Ronan laughed in relief. "Well? I don't know about that, sir, but Emeline hasn't had any more spells like the two from yesterday, at least that I know about."

"Two spells?" Namo asked.

"The one that she had in your presence, sir, and one more prior to that. Seems she sensed the man who broke his way into the church during to your wedding was there to do harm, and she tried to warn the guards." Ronan shrugged. "Don't exactly know the 'why' of it. She just seems to act largely on some instinct. Maybe just the effects of stress."

"So she wasn't drunk?" Namo wondered.

"Not at all," Ronan replied. "Trust me, she acted much more sane with wine in her than she did soberly yesterday."

Namo seemed to ponder on these new revelations for a moment. "Is the girl still with you?"

"Not at the present, sir. If you want to see her, you can head up to the Arluin Lasseux residence. Found her some maid's work for the lady of the house. I imagine you know the place, being business rivals of your father's and all." Ronan pointed down the road in the direction of the Lasseux home. "Just don't stress her too much. She's been through a bit of an ordeal last few days."

"I won't. Thank you for the information."

"At your service, sir." Ronan made a polite tip of his hat. "I have to beg your pardon for the moment, though, as I'm needed down at the docks. Ship won't load itself."

"Thank you for that information. I'm sorry if I forgot but what was your name again?" I asked.

"Everyone calls me Ronan, but I really do have to run." he said.

"Ok another time then." I said as I watched him head down toward the docks.

I headed toward Arluin Lasseux's residence. I arived and knocked on the door. Madame Lasseux opened the door and stated. "Hello Namo, good to see you again. I hope all is well with you and your new bride."

"Very well Madame. This might sound a bit odd but do you have a young woman by the name of Emeline working for you?" I asked.

"I do belive that is her name, but why do you ask?" she said.

"Well yesterday at the celebration she came up to us and .....well the best way I can describe it is ,,,she seemed a bit ill. Amber asked me to check and make sure she was all right." I assured her.

"Well we are having some dinner guest tonight and she doesn't have time to talk right now." Madame Lasseux informed me.

"That is ok I don't want to disturb her or you with it. If you could give her this note and let her know I would like to talk with her when she has time." I said as I pulled a small card out of a pocket and scribbled out my address on it along with my name.

"If she isn't sure where it is or can't read I am certain her friend Ronan can. Tell her the 2 of them can come see us tonight or in the morning."
I said as I turned to leave.

After leaving the Lasseux's, I headed down to my fathers office next to the docks. I went inside and my fathers was busy writting on one list as he notated another. He looked up as I came in and for a momrnt set down his pen. "I see you made it son."

"Yes well you said you wanted to talk with me." I responded.

Handing me the paper he was writing on he added. "Here is the manifest for the upcomming job you will be running. You might as well finish going over it as well as double checking the warehouse to make sure we have the items in stock."

I took the list with what must have looked like little enthusiasm because just as I did my father said. "Shape up Namo Francis Larkin. If you don't even look like you take this job serious you can't expect those under you to as well.."

"But really Father I am just the quartermaster on this one. You gave Gustave the job of Captain." I reminded my father.

"So you think the Captain is the top job on a merchant ship do you." My father started. "I will admit most do think so but to be honest his only resposibility is to get the ship from one port to the next. As quartermaster let me list your responibiities."
"1. Making a listing of all cargo to be shiped."
"2. Planing out order of ports and cargo both dropping off and picking up so that the limit of ship is not overloaded or under utilized."
"3. Accounting of all funds for the route both in terms of crew compentsation, ship repairs, cargo, dock taxes and other emergancys"
"4. Handeling the tradding of goods at each port and all that goes with it."
"5. Making payment to the Captain and crew when necessasry. You might run into unforseen situations out there."

"Do I need to go on... I do have one more thing to add. Remeber the Captain must maintain a certain amount of athority to keep the crew in liine. If you have dissagrement with him try and handle it privatly in the Captains chambers. However the decesion of dumping cargo is yours not his." My father stoped for a bit to let me gather my thoughts.

"Well ok I see here you have given me a liting of cargo with port listings with an O or L after them. I would supose due to the orangement that the O is off loading and L is loading at the ports listed. along with price listings. This part I think I follow. I guess I need to know what crew arrangements are mad if any." I asked.

"Well I did leave the crew up to Captain D'Alembert however the arrangement was to compensate as follows Captain gets 5 shares. he has 2 experts he is bringing a Carpenter and a Sailmaster each gets 2 shares, he has a crew of 120 men each with one share and a cabin boy who gets one half share. The size of the share will be up to you to determine based on sucess of the route. " he added.

"And me what do I get." I asked.

"Well normally the quartermaster would get a Captains share but in your case you are my representitive so I would recomend a split of the profits. Course since I have made alot of the arrangements this time how about you retain 20% and I get the remainder." He added.

"ok if that is what you say." I added.

My father took the walking stick he had at his side and tapped me on the top of my head. "Do you not have any backbone, or did Emile drive all of that out of you?" my father said with much anger and then continued. "You should get at least half boy. Try and remember that when dealing with others. More if you think they are week. Anyway try and be here early Saturday so we can get the ship loaded. I would like to see it sail at dawn next Sunday."

"I ruined the man's wedding!" Emeline wailed to Ronan, protesting the requested visit to the Larkin residence.

"Oh, come on now, he didn't seem a bit upset over that. Besides, you barely even caused a scene." Ronan reasoned with her.

"Then why does he still want to see me? You told him I was fine, did you not?"

"Something to that extent." Ronan squeezed Emeline's hand. "It will be all right. He seems like an upstanding young man, and his father has a lot of influence in my line of work. Never know when he might be offering better pay than the Lasseux ships are just now. You wouldn't want to go and stand up Namo Larkin, maybe ruin my chances of getting on a ship like that someday, would you? Please, Emeline?"

"All right, all right... least I could do after everything you've done for me," Emeline relented.

"Don't make it sound like an obligation. I took care of you at first because it was the honorable thing to do, to keep a lady from looking so sad. And later, I took care of you because I liked you." Ronan grinned. "You don't owe me for either of those reasons."

Emeline smiled back. "I am rather fond of your company as well," she admitted softly.

"Well, that makes things easy then... how about we get married?"

"What?" The comment caught Emeline completely off-guard, so much so that she nearly tripped over her own feet. "We barely know each other."

Ronan grinned. "There you go, hurting my feelings again," he teased. "But I can't argue with your logic."

Emeline smiled, but said nothing, still a touch stunned.

"You don't believe I'm serious, do you?" Ronan looked at Emeline, cocking his head to the side ever so slightly.

"Would you, if you were in my position? I've caused more trouble than I'm worth these past two days. Besides, I doubt either of us has the kind of money for that," Emeline sighed.

"I'm not exactly poor - maybe a lot of sailors squander their wages on ale and cheap women, but I'm not that kind of sailor. As I said before..." Ronan smiled and took a ridiculously low bow. "I am a gentleman." He righted himself again after hearing the satisfying sound of Emeline's giggle. "Another voyage or two, perhaps a touch of luck at cards, I think I could put together the kind of funds to get us a place for you to grow fat and make babies in."

"You're such a charmer." Emeline shook her head in mock disbelief.

"Aren't I?"

"You can't possibly want to marry a girl you picked up off the street last weekend," Emeline protested.

Ronan, suddenly serious, took Emeline's hand in his own. "And why wouldn't I? You're beautiful, kind-hearted - crazy, sure, but wonderful. Damn near the most interesting person I've ever met. And that's saying something considering I've been up and down this coast half a dozen times."

Emeline flushed, embarrassed. "I don't know what to say. I'm a little overwhelmed by all of this."

"Tell you what, Emeline. I know it's unfair to ask now, all of the sudden, just as I'm about to go out to sea again. But promise me you'll think about it while I'm gone. When I get back, you can tell me your answer." Ronan kissed her lightly on the cheek. "For now, you better get up to the Larkin residence."

"You aren't coming along?" Emeline looked disappointed.

"I can't. We're going to head out to sea early tomorrow morning, and we're still not done prepping the ship. I'll probably get a tongue-lashing for taking a break to come check on you at all." Ronan kissed Emeline one more time. "I'll see you tomorrow morning, down at the docks. Just before dawn. Don't forget."

"I won't. Couldn't."

---------------------------------

Emeline approached the street of the Larkin residence tentatively. Every step closer and closer seemed to heighten her unease, but she willed herself forward. The place was larger than the Lasseux's and seemed to tower over her, covering her in the shadows of the sun falling below the horizon. Another step forward and -

Her mind took her captive again. The same vision, bolder this time. The woman's red hair limp against the ground, a young Namo cradling her body, crying unabashedly, like a child, the tears relentlessly falling. Then another time, another place - Namo again, but with his brunette bride Amber, on a balcony, the air with a slight crispness and the sounds of celebration nearby, him kissing her with passion and sincerity. And back again. The dead woman. Red hair. Striking.

And then Emeline was back again, on the street in from the Larkin estate. She gasped for breath and stumbled over her own feet, disoriented. What was wrong with these people? Why... She slowly breathed, calming herself, then turned away and ran back up the block. She couldn't do it, no matter what she'd promised Ronan. Something about the Larkins was a palpable tragedy hiding just beyond the veil of time.

Emeline was used to this. Her parents had always done the same thing, entering her life just to leave again, so that goodbyes were not even really painful events for her anymore. Still, despite her natural predisposition towards detachment, watching Ronan's ship sail away with the morning dawn left a small stone in the pit of her stomach. They'd exchanged a farewell that much reflected the summation of their time together - short, yet sweet, and a little strange.

She sighed, seeing the ship's silhouette getting farther and farther away. Tears began to form in the corner of her eyes before she roughly jerked herself away from the thought of missing him. It was fruitless to cry. Maybe he'd come back in a few months as he promised. Maybe she'd have an answer for his proposal when he did. Or maybe he'd be lost during rough seas, or murdered by Barbary pirates, and she'd never see him again. Such was the way of things.

There was no way to tell if the past few days had been at all meaningful in the big picture of things. But somehow, looking out at the horizon as he faded away, she had the feeling she'd already fallen down the precipice and that nothing would ever be the same again.

((This is probably the end of Emeline's story involvement for this particular time frame. She and Ronan both might make an appearance in a time frame of six months to one year later should anything be written about then, but otherwise they've exited stage left for the purposes of this thread.))

I returned home once more still thinking of the conversation I had with my father when Amber asked. "Well did you find her?"

"oh, Yes well no I mean. Yes I found where she was and left a message to come here, but I didn't actually see her." I responded.

I looked at the look on Ambers face and assured her. "I talked with Ronan, the man she was with and he assured me she was doing ok. He had dropped her off at the Lasseux's residence to do some maid work." A small smile come over Ambers face as she then said. "I am glad to hear that. "

Not really trying to dwell on the girl. "Well I also ran into my father. Got all the particulars on the job ahead." I told her. "Looks like I leave in a week."

"Well then we need to spend a little more time together while we can." She said as she took my hand and lead me into the bedroom.

The rest of the week went all to quickly for me and altho I didn't want to leave her the job layed ahead. I made my way down to the docks to make sure the inventory was being loaded. I saw Captain D'Alembert looking at the ship along with 3 other men. "Good morning Captain D'Alembert." I said.

"Ahh Monsieur Larkin, just the man I needed to talk to. " He continued. "There is a slight change in personal on this voyage. I heard of some possible Pirate attacks on ships where we are headed so I have attained the services of a skilled combatant. Let me introduce you to Jean Leuix. Monsieur Leuix this is our quartermaster Namo Larkin."

I greeted Leuix then turned to Captian D'Alembert but before I could ask he said. "You will need to make a note for the ledger. I have 5 less crew comming and the cost of M. Leuix is only 3 shares. Now if you don't mind I only have one more day here and I have a few other matters to attend to. I will see you dawn tomorrow." Then he left with the other men with him leaving me to look after the loading of the ship.

Continued on in The Job.