Territory unknown

[cgraven]

OOC

Read along and enjoy this thread at present is closed yet as time goes on it will open up to more characters we will let you know when.


IC

CPO Ed Jones

Jones of course was not his real name. He had joined up when it looked like the States would be going to War with Spain over Cuba. He had followed the reports in the Hurst papers with avid interest, and left Halifax for Boston to join up on a whim.

He had been on the "Oregon" at Santiago. What a fight that had been, and came around with her to Japan and the China Station. There was something about the Far East that called to him. May be it was the people, sights and sounds. They where so different than his Maritime home of Cap Breton Island and the Brass d'Ord.

He had stayed on and joined the Asiatic Squadron where promotion could be fast as a night's liberty along the Bond in old Shanghai. But now things had turned deadly serious. There was a movement afoot in the country. The "Societies of Fists", the boxers to the Westerners. A people uprising backed by the Empress.

Chief Petty Officer Jones was considered a steady hand by all. He ordered to command an international landing party to relive the Mission station at Lu Tai. The "FOI DE CATHAY" Would give what support she could.

"HOLD UNTIL RELIVED" is what his orders read.

That had been two years ago, and the memory of that fight and what he had lost still haunted him. Again there where rumors of war not in China this time but in Europe, the Kaiser and the Emperor of all the Russians where making threading noises, and the storm clouds were once again gathering. But that was none of his business as he strolled down the bond of old Shanghai, Liberty was the only thing on his mind. Lost in thought he ran right smack dab into her, knocking her to the ground.

“ Mam I’m sorry didn’t see you.”

His hand extended to assist her he found himself looking into the deepest clear brown eyes he could ever remember seeing

 

[Silk Parlor]

IC
Pearl Grace
AKA Silky
29 years old
Governess
5'8 130
Dark browns eye,
Dark brown hair.

Glaring at my reflection threw the mirror, the old tattered dress I had wore from home. "Saying to my self this will not do." I look in my trunk to see what might be appropriate in these settings. See that almost everything I had was worn and old. I decide 'tis time to replace them all. Putting the best one I that I could find. I make my way threw the house and to the court yard.
Walking across the court yard to the stables. I gather my riding saddle, Blanket, and the rest I shall need for Prince. Taking a few moments to cress, brush, and talk to him. He nudges my side, as if asking me for the treat I always have hid in my pocket. Reaching in I pull out a hand for of barley and oats placing them up to his mouth. I finish putting on his gear for the ride to Town then we were off.

After about and Hour ride I reach Shanghai. I ride prince to the local stables then dismount. After having few word with the stable hand I patted prince and said "I shall return in a while my Lovely prince." Scratching his nose right between his eyes as he had always liked it. I head out of the stables.

Walking about looking in different shops, gathering things I shall need to make my new dresses. I happened across a silk shop. I had always admired silk, I entered the shop looking around at the fabric. I picked up a dozen or so, different shades, colors, and designs on them. After paying for the bundle I head out to the street.

Carrying my bundle in my arms I walk a slow paces enjoying the view of the old Shanghai. When I drift in to thought:


" 'Tis been only a few days arriving in Shanghai, after being on a ship and the ocean for several weeks. Leaving the home land behind. Looking for a Governess position to help pass the time and ease the pain I left behind"

I carry along threw the bonds. Deep in thought I paying no heed to where I am going. When I find myself looking up into a strangers eye's. I had ran in too falling to the ground, my bundle flying every where... Speaking as he spoke...

Oh please do Pardon my carelessness, I am truly sorry M'lord.

Noticing his hand, placing mine in his. Slowly looking up into his eyes, our eyes meet. Standing with our eyes still in contact.

 

[cgraven]

Oh please do Pardon my carelessness, I am truly sorry M'lord.


Our eyes hold each other, her dress, of quality, but worn. Her packages lay scattered about, her accent, soft and pleasing to the ear

I help this lady of mystery to her feet, Pushing back my chief’s hat and smile.

“Hardly a belted Lord Mam, just a rough old “China hand” sailor.”

I find my hand still rests in hers, I feel shy and awkward, in the presence of this dark eyed beauty, I know I should be on my way yet I terry, not wanting this moment to end. Then I blurt out with out thinking.

“The least I can do is buy you a cup of tea

 

[Silk Parlor]

"The least I can do is buy you a cup of tea"

Our hand still entwined after him helping me up. Unable to break eye contact, Feeling my face flush a crimson red. There something about the man eyes I find delightful.

After a while of starring onto his eyes, I blindly pull myself away, bending to gather my packages that were scattered about me. When I heard him offer a cup of tea....

Glancing my eye at him as I finish gathering my last package, I try to find the intent be hind the invitation. I figured no harm could come from a cup of tea.

A cup of Ginseng does sound good Sir. As I stands with my bundle, I notice his watching my every move. Looking dowered at my tattered clothing knowing it will have to do till I finish my dress making.
Standing before him I look up in to His mystic eyes, So close yet so far.

 

[cgraven]

I stoop and help this dark haired beauty gather her parcels.

What are you doing I think to myself, she is European, not for you, you know that.

Yet those eyes their cool dark depths call me on like the Siren’s song. They search mine, trying to discern something of my motives. Suddenly I feel like a boy again on the Brass d'Ord. I feel the kiss of a blush color my cheeks.

A cup of Ginseng does sound good Sir.

I smile at her unexpected answer.

“ I’m Ed Jones and I am pleased to meet you Mam.”

My accent decidedly Canadian from the Martines, with a hint of a French flare, yet my uniform decidedly that of a Chief Petty Officer of the U.S. Navy.

 

[Silk Parlor]

Breaking eye contact seeing his cheek's turn slightly crimson when I answer.Turning slightly on my toes. My eye glancing about him up and down seeing his presence for the first time. All I could really see was the out line of a uniform filled with a muscular build.

Not knowing what to answer I finally decide. Looking back to his eyes, smiling slightly.....
Mam I am not, Please Sir call me Silky 'tis the name I been given..... It is nice to meet you Mr. Jones

Extending my hand out.....

 

[cgraven]

I watch as her eyes demurely lower, as my cheeks color, her eyes then take me in as if seeing me for the first time. The moment is awkward as are all meets, even those that are not quite as dramatic or bruising.

Mam I am not, Please Sir call me Silky 'tis the name I been given..... It is nice to meet you Mr. Jones


A grin splits my face and my eyes smile at Silky’s formality.

“Silky I may be many things but a “Sir” I am not. That illustrious title is revered for commissioned officers.”

I pause to see if I have given offence, and then continue.

”Mr. Jones sounds so formal………..Please call me Ed, or if you prefer Chief Jones.”

We started to walk along the Bond the heart of Shanghai’s European community. A sea of activity, Chinese servants on their masters earns, Governess and Nannies with their charges in tow. Posh European salons, Gentlemen’s clubs, the exotic smells of the orient. A visual and sensual delight spread out before Silky.

Yet there was other things not so pleasant, the stren disapproving looks of matrons, businessmen, and shop keepers. Barely heard whispers, whispers just load enough to carry to sting.

Enlisted trash……….doesn’t he know his place……..he should be back on the docks where he belongs…………..She must be a tart to be with his kind.”

I stop, whirling about, my eyes boring into the Russian shop keeper.

“Excuse me Sir I believe you owe the Lady an apology”

Ther was a danger, hard and cold burning in my eyes, my hands tightened into fists. There is fear in the Russians eyes. He mumbles and apology.

I turn to Silky my face scarlet.


“Silky maybe you might want to reconsider having tea with me”

What a fool I was to think a decent woman would be seen with me

 

[Silk Parlor]

“Sir” I am not.

As he spoke, with the slights grin, and his eyes gleaming. “Sir” I am not. That illustrious title is revered for commissioned officers, I nod to him, awaiting him to finish. Giggling to myself....

'Tis only respect for one with a slight age difference Sir. I beg your pardon Mr. Chief Jones.

Looking down, unable to look toward him. Not wanting to offend him in any way though the proper way to greet and man is in all due respect. After only knowing them such a short time....

My apologies Mr. Chief Jones, 'tis only polite to say this with respect with only knowing you such a short time....

Placing my hand about his forearm we walk, Letting him Guide me to where we were going for tea...My eyes looking around seeing all the new things I had yet to see.

Watching the people scurry about getting there business's done.....As we walked I heard such fowl language, ignoring most of what I heard. Yet hearing one comment I feel the anger tensing his arm...Look up to his face seeing the blood flew in an instance. The comment repeats in my mind. "She must be a tart to be with his kind."

Eyeing the cad man with a shear evil look, as Chief Jones whirled about to defend my honor. Seeing the fear with in his eye, as he spoke in a soft reluctant voice his apologies.

Smiling up to Chief...

'Tis only word these people speak, they know not what they speak of. 'Tis my decision to whom I accompany not there's. If they don't like it they need not look.....

Pulling at his arm where I had placed it when we first started walk

Come let us be on our way Ed. Looking up to him, eyes wide and bright wearing a pleased look upon my face...

 

[cgraven]

'Tis only word these people speak, they know not what they speak of. 'Tis my decision to whom I accompany not there's. If they don't like it they need not look................ Come let us be on our way Ed.


Silky’s eyes where bright, her smile warmed me. I had not seen such a smile in over two years the last time………..The Mission station at Lu Tai……..Her smile when she saw him and the landing party….…. That was along time ago.

I lead Silky along the Bond to the edge of the European quarter and the Chinese district.

The “Jade Dradon” was a small tea house acceptable for the more daring of the European community, quite respectable, Yet Sailors where know to frequent it to.

“Lou Chin a table for two please”

My Chinese halting yet understandable.

 

[Silk Parlor]

As Ed leads me to the “Jade Dragon” I Look at him as he is deep withen thought. A gleaming look uon his face.. As we enter the Jade hes speaks. Not understanding a word of it...

With a confused look in my eye, I move close to Ed...

 

[cgraven]

Lou Chin greets me in a flood of Chinese.

Silky move closer to my side. Lou then slows as he see the look of confusion in Silky’s eyes.

Chief Jones it has been to long. Miss I am Lou Chin the humble owner of this measurable teahouse. But please let me serve you.

Before anyone can say a word Lou leads us through the teahouse to a back garden reserved for special friends.

The Garden show a splendor unsuspected from the outside. It is everyone’s dream of the perfect intimate Oriental garden

We are seated in a small gazebo with a dragon motif. Two dragons for one is a sing of ill fortune.

What is Madame’s pleasure.

Lou speaks with a polished oxford accent.

 

[Silk Parlor]

As we walk threw I'm constantly looking around. When we arrive to where we were seated, It was a lovely place, romantic, the smell of fresh flower, and the gazebo. A very nice setting all around. Hearing Lou ask what I would be having I look toward him.

A cup of Ginseng Please.

Turning to look at Ed, I smile sweetly...
This is a lovely place. Thank you for bring me...

 

[cgraven]

A cup of Ginseng Please.

Silky’s voice soft, gentle like the tingling of temple bells. He smile warm and genuine.

This is a lovely place. Thank you for bring me...

“My pleasure Silky……………. Lou green tea for me please.”

Lou chin brings the tea setting a small Chinese cup in front of us both and with a small cast iron pot for each. His normally inscrutable face a blank but there is a teasing merry merriment in his eyes.

I pour Silky her tea and then prepare mine, sipping the tangy mixture., I stop. setting my cup down.



“Silky I’m sorry would you like cream & sugar, perhaps lemon. Afraid I have developed a taste for tea in the Chinese manner.”

Lou sets a small tiered platter of Chinese pastries down. Then withdraws leaving us alone in the garden.

 

[Silk Parlor]

Watching Lou as he approaches with our tea's. Look over to Ed as he begins to speak.

No Thank you, I prefer my tea natural thanks. So Mr. Chief Jones. Please tell me about yourself....

Thinking I been wanting to ask since I bumped in to him...

Eyeing the Chinese pastries, I see one to my liking. I pick it up pinching small pieces off, then placing them in my mouth...Watching as Lou leaves the Garden.

Looking in to Ed's eyes, smiling softly toward him....
Before he could answer I blurted out thoughts going through my head....

I had arrived here not three day past, I live about an hour from here in the country. My dwelling over looks the sea. I have my Horse his name is Prince. He is a black Mustang, I brought from my home land. I came to town to purchase some fabric from the shops here in Shanghai, so I may make my dresses. Then I had ran in to you.

Look away toward the garden enjoying the sweet smell of the flower and Ed's company. I drift in to thought.

 

[cgraven]

I listen as Silky speaks her eyes lively animated then a could seems to pass over her
words slow and trail off as she speaks of a home far away.

A life that was left behind a some great cost to her. She toys with the pastry in her fingers a crumbs clings to the corner of her mouth a silence settles in.

Then my voice low, in its deep tones lost some where between baritone and base, I tell her of my life in the Martins of Cap Breton Island and the Brass d'Ord. My love for the sea. I do not tell her of the fight at Mission station at Lu Tai.

Again I feel the icy fingers of loss cruel around my heart and my own words trail off as that last fate full day plays again in my mind.

 

[Silk Parlor]

Wiping the crumb from my lips, I look toward Ed. Listening as he speaks, noticing the changing tones deep in his voice. The changing expression upon his face, looking sadden of what. Knowing the look from seeing it many times before. 'Tis a look of loss. That much is for sure I thought to myself. A loss of what I need not say. Moving my hand I place it to the side of his face, filling a little prickly. I look deep with in his eyes, with a smile upon my face...

Tis all right Mr. Chief Jones, you needn't say more. Please come walk with me around the garden.

I smile at him sweetly as if trying to help him take his mind off of what has saddened him. Standing from my seat, walking toward the flowers. Glancing over my shoulder to watch Ed's movements.

 

[cgraven]

The soft velvet touch of Silky’s hand, her touch so tender on my cheek bring me slowly back form the fire, death and loss of that night.

Tis all right Mr. Chief Jones, you needn't say more. Please come walk with me around the garden.

My eyes meet Silky’s, they beckon me to follow her, and there is a hint of understanding in their deep, moist, dark brown depth. Silky graceful rises to her feet her movement, smooth, and fluid. She is by a small patch of jasmine, their small delicate flowers, closed to the day’s light, Silky glances over her shoulder and her eyes call to me.

I am by her side, a breath away from her. I stoop my hand delicately cups the blossoms.

“ Jasmine, so delicate and shy only blooming in the moon's light, to shy for the glaring sun, its soft subtle fragrance leading you to their beauty in the moon’s light”


Again My eyes rise to meet hers as I search their sad mysterious depths.

 

[Silk Parlor]

Watching him as he stoops beside me, his intoxicating smell tickling my nose. Feeling excitement within my spin. Watching him inattentively as his musical hands genitally cupping the Jasmine. Hearing his soft spoken words flowing threw the air, as our eyes meet. I look away back to the Jasmine's.

This is so peaceful, refreshing and relaxing. 'Tis been a while since I been so relaxed.

Feelings depth with in yearning, wanting, needing from a man that yet has been explored. Placing my hand on his forearm I push my self to stand. Walking threw the garden fighting feelings of what I do not know. I glance back to where I left Him stoop.

My mind racing with unsure thoughts. My body want to betray my heart, it yearns for more each time we touch. Frightened by the feeling, not will to let go. In a voice low.


Excuse me please. I need to check on Prince's.

Saying anything to get away from the feeling with in me. Glancing toward Ed, then just as quick looking away in fear of his reading my desires. As my heart ponds beneath my cheat, the blood racing threw my veins, My face flushes as the fighting with in me goes on... I pause...

 

[cgraven]

The touch of her hand on my forearm is like a fiery brand, as silky steadies herself and stands. She is strolling through the garden , pensive, a bit on edge, how well I know those feelings.. She turns Our eyes meet and I am drawn towards her slowly standing I take a step towards Silky.

Excuse me please. I need to check on Prince's.


Silky’s voice now a low throaty whisper, her face flushed, as she quickly glances away.

“Of course Silky”

I take her arm before she can bolt. My hand rest on hers.

“Which stables did you use the one a Way Ling court?”

 

[Silk Parlor]

Feeling him catch my arm before I could run, heart steadily beating against my chest, feeling my self tremble beneath his touch. Looking unto him, in a softly low voice.

Yes, that is where he is Way Ling court.
Is all I could manage to say

I try to smile only a half hearted grin appears.
My hand exceed me as it reaches up and cress's his face as I make eye contact again. Shock as my body begins to betray me. I move in closer, slowly unsure of what I am doing. Brushing my lips against his cheeks, to his lips grazing them with mine. Feel my self weakening, I grab a hold in order to keep from falling. I loss the contact with his lips. Flush and faint I speak...
I need to sit please.
Making my way to a bench I sit looking up at him...

 

[cgraven]

Yes, that is where he is Way Ling court.

Silly’ vice s sot her words trail off to a husky whisper as a slight shiver passes trough her and in that moment am lost. This lady of mystery holds my heart her delicate hands without even knowing it.

Silky’s soft hand caresses my face. Our eyes make contact again. She moves closer, her lips slowly brushing weathered cheeks, her sweet moistness now graze my lips. Our lips reluctantly part . Silky’s cheeks crimson her voice faint whisper....

I need to sit please.

She moves to a teak wood bench in a secluded portion of the garden, I sit by her side and my lips taste hers. As I draw Silky to me.

 

[Silk Parlor]

As we sit in the Teak wood bench out of site, he leans over softly kissing my lips. Feeling him pulling me ever so close, closing my eyes getting lost with in this kiss. My body goes numb my mind drawls a blank, my heart races, feeling a pain in my lower extremities a yearning like no other. Wrapping my arm around Ed's neck slowly I began to kiss him back. Parting my mouth slightly, as I trace his lips with my tongue, then pulling his lower lip in my mouth softly sucking. Moaning faintly as I suck on, moving to his upper lip again I suck softly. placing my lips to his, I dart my tongue in his mouth searching seeking want his taste. Our tongue's begin a seductive dance, softly, swiftly, creasing one another. Running my fingers threw that nap of his neck. Feeling my body trying to melt with in him. The warmth of him so close to me.
Hearing a sound from behind me I sit straight up.
This isn't proper for a Lady!

Glancing At Ed as I raise up and head out of the garden, threw the building and to the street. My face still flush, the pain in my lower extremities less yielding. I look franticly around to gather my bearings.

 

[cgraven]

This isn't proper for a Lady!

Silky rushes from the Garden, I sit there stunned for a moment. Lou Chin stands there his eyes full of questions.

My friend the past died two years ago at Lu Tai

Lou’s hand is on my shoulder

Go after her

I rush from the garden and out the front door. Franticly I look right and left yet there is no sign of Silky my heart sinks as I turn on my heel. Then a thought, a desperate hope springs to mind………….. “I need to check on Prince's”……….. Yes, that is where he is Way Ling court.”

I head for Way Ling court cutting through the Chinese quarter, where no decent European would be seen, but then I was a old China hand a “Gunboat” sailor.

A compact little black mustang is stabled at Way Ling court his coat shines with the signs of loving care. I recede into the shadows and wait, turning the small forgotten bundle in my calloused hands.

 

[Silk Parlor]

Gathering my bearings. I turn to the stables where my Prince's wait my arrival. Walking along the bonds, I remember back to the Jade Dragon. The softness of his touch the sweet genital kisses, the feeling with in consumed me. Telling my self, "I must be a proper lady" Oh but the way he looked at me, how he makes me feel, Blessed be these feeling of mine.
As I approach Way Ling Court. I mutter, Drates I forgotten my packages, Oh well I will return another day to retrieve them.

I just want to get Prince and return home. The hour was getting late and it would be a 1 hour ride back to the estate's, I just couldn't get the feeling in me to subside, or my mind to stop thinking about Chief Ed Jones.....

Reaching the stables where prince is, entering the door....

Hi Prince, Did they take care oh my baby? Happy to see him I walk to his stall. Prince the only friend I had in the world at this time...
Walking up to him. I began stroking his mane, scratching behind his ears the way he like. I began to talk to him releasing my feeling with in...
"Oh Prince 'tis so awful what I feel right now, I meet someone and then I hastily retreat when my feeling over came me. 'Tis like so many time before. I be nothing but a coward when it comes to the opposite sex."
Reaching up wrapping my arms around Prince's long neck, tears in my eyes flowing freely now....

 

[cgraven]

“Silky I do not think you a coward.”

I step from the shadows as she whispers her confessions to the little mustang.

“I think you are a lady, a lady that perhaps has seen to much, felt too much………………”

My voice soft and husky as it trails off . My eyes seek the clear depths of hers in the fading afternoon light. An awkward silence hangs in the stable only broken by the Prince as he paws the ground happy to see his mistress.

‘Silky you forgot this when you left the Jade Dragon.”

I pass the small brown paper wrapped package to her and our hands brush.

Why does this fair lady of mystery move me so?