Binding Loyalties

[Rogue of Night]

Blake nodded with understanding.
"Is there somewhere we can all sit to discuss this?" Charlie asked then. "I don't think Blake should be standing around for too long. Not at this stage."

[C H E Y E N N E]

Elizabeth thought for a moment. "The kitchen might work."

[Rogue of Night]

Blake sighed with mild relief as her feet had begun to hurt from moving so much. The medic had told her to keep it to a minimum, but of course, she was stubborn and rarely paid much heed to it. She glanced at Ashley, meaning for him to lead the way, as she wouldn't have as much as a clue as to where to go.
"The kitchen will do fine," Charlie stated, voicing Blake's agreement.

[C H E Y E N N E]

Ashley smiled softly at her. "It's this way," he said, moving passed Elizabeth, who bit her lip and quickly turned away to look at Antonio and the others inquiringly... almost pleadingly.
"I'll come with," Antonio said nonchalantly. "Jean, Mina, Christian - stay here and watch for outside activity, yeah?"

[Rogue of Night]

Blake followed Ashley, thanking him gently, and mentioning how she honestly should've listened to the doctor by limiting her movements.

Charlie noticed Elizabeth's expression, frowning a little out of sympathy.

[C H E Y E N N E]

Ashley inquired as to why she had not, arriving in a medium-sized room with a table in the center and an old wood stove in the corner.

Elizabeth waited for a moment as they settled down before adjusting her dress and walking into the room, Antonio following behind.

[Rogue of Night]

"A pirate can't exactly limit what they can and can't do, Ashley," Blake responded gently. She took the nearest chair, sighing with content when she could slouch down against the back. "This is much better. Thank-you." She turned to watch the others filter in then, stroking her stomach lovingly.
Charlie followed as well, though leaned against the door frame gently.
"So what are we going to do then?" Blake asked, in regards to the prior conversation.
"You will do nothing," Charlie reprimanded, shooting her a glare. "In fact, I don't think I want you moving from that spot until we're definitely ready to leave."
Blake scowled. "Charlie."
"Blake."
Knowing she was beaten, Blake looked away childishly.

[C H E Y E N N E]

Elizabeth hid a smile behind her hands, while Ashley's eyes danced with amusement. Antonio just grinned.
"I don't know what we're going to do about the pirates," Elizabeth spoke then. "I've talked to some of the cavern girls. One of them just had a baby a few days ago. Premature... it lived, thank God," the brunette mumbled. "So did she. Said the pirates were getting rougher - more forceful. They pull women off the street in broad daylight. Hell, I would have been counted among them, were it not for Ivan."
"From the apothecary?"
Elizabeth nodded. "Not even the pirates mess with the Alekseev siblings. They're the only business still flourishing, really, besides the taverns and hotels. No one dares cheat them. Niki's a smooth talker, and Ivan's... Ivan. He can intimidate men just by smiling at them. And even if someone made the mistake of trying something, that crazy Natalia girl would be at their throats faster than you could count to three."

[Rogue of Night]

Charlie scowled. "I remember them all too well."
Blake laughed a little. "So do I. That was a rather amusing visit."

"That the place?"
Foriden nodded. "That's where they went in."
"You want us to just waltz up there and break down the door?" Merrina demanded, folding her arms.
Foriden shook his head. "We'll be...civil." A crooked grin formed on his face then, though it was hidden behind his jacket collar as he started for the door. The others followed, and as soon as they approached, LaBeau knocked.

[C H E Y E N N E]

Elizabeth had smiled and was just about to say something when Jean marched into the room.
"I do not mean to alarm you," he murmured, "but zere eez someone at ze door. Pirates, by the looks of zem."
Elizabeth paled. Antonio face became slightly murderous. Ashley reached over to grip Blake's arm.
Elizabeth shook. "I-I'll get it," she mumbled, standing to walk out of the room. Christian was s kneeling next to the door, his pistol drawn.
Ashley turned to Blake and Charlie. "We need to get Blake upstairs - there's a small servants stairway right over there," he said, pointing to the right end of the kitchen, where a small door was located.

[Rogue of Night]

Charlie nodded with agreement, and ever so carefully, he helped his sister out of the chair. He nodded to Ashley then, and, following the directions, started over swiftly.
For once, Blake didn't protest.

Foriden adjusted his hat a moment, waiting silently for the door to open.

[C H E Y E N N E]

Elizabeth opened the door, schooling her features into a tight mask, as the tavern girls had taught her to do when they found out she was now living alone.
"Can I help you, sir?" she asked, trying to stop herself from fiddling with the end of her clean white apron. Still crouched down beside the door so they couldn't see, Christian held his weapon steadily.

Ashley opened the door, turning to Antonio, his eyes pleading.
"Old friend, I know you carry a weapon - please watch Blake. Charlie and I will stay here - if they attempt to come this way, we will try and stop them, and you will have to get her out of the house and back to the docks - or to the apothecary. She will have a better chance of escaping if you are there to protect her."
Antonio stared at Ashley for a moment before nodding mutely and opening the door.
Jean hissed from where he was was standing at the kitchen entrance, his eyes narrowing as he watched through a crack in the door.

[Rogue of Night]

"A group of pirates has been said to have come this way," LaBeau spoke for the group. "It is rumoured that they have set foot in your house, and have not yet returned. We would...like to speak with them. Matters of importance."

Blake blinked. "Wait, you're not coming with us?" cried the brunette, staring at Ashley with terror burning in her eyes.
"Blake, we have no time," Charlie snapped, pushing her gently through the door.
"But--"
"Go, Blake!"
The brunette fell silent, clenching her teeth as old memories surfaced, their current situation becoming entirely too reminiscent of Jack's death.

[C H E Y E N N E]

Elizabeth stiffened her spine. "No, I don't believe you have any business in my house," she told them, trying to keep her voice from wavering. "In fact, I'd like to request that you leave now."

"Blake, I promise you that I'll be fine - I promise," Ashley said, his tone desperate as he heard the pirate's voice - and he knew that the three of them recognized it. "LeBeau is right at the door, and I doubt Foriden is far behind. Please Blake. I love you; I don't want to lose you," he whispered, leaning forward to kiss her once. "Antonio!"
Antonio nodded. "Follow me," he told Blake, opening the door and starting to walk up the stairs.
"Quickly!" Jean hissed again.

[Rogue of Night]

Foriden frowned, his eyes displaying the displeasure with her answer.
"We will not harm anyone inside; we would just like a word with the other pirates," LaBeau tried again.
"Get out of the way before we force you," Merrina put in.

Blake nodded, returning the words of adoration back to Ashley before following Antonio.
Charlie gave a quick nod before turning, starting for his post.
"Uh...Charlie...."
The blonde froze at his sister's voice, and he returned to the stairwell. "What's--" He felt like his heart had stopped. She stood there, frozen and shaking lightly, the floor beneath her coated in wetness. "No. Not right now..." he breathed.
Blake just stood there. "Oh, dear God, I'm going to have my baby...."