2024-11-24 - Ballads, Sea Shanties, & Tavern Songs : Karaoke

Lennox turns up to Sea Shanty night in a makeshift pirate getup of his own. It's definitely not a costume from one of the shows or venues. It's basically just him in leather pants, a pair of pirate boots he likely borrowed off a friend, and a white laced pirate shirt with poofy sleeves and a fantastically red-plumed black pirate's hat perched upon his head. He's rocking the Captain Jack guyliner around his eyes and has a few gold rings around his fingers. Why did he dress up like this? Why not? He's off duty. It's fun. Judge if you like, he cares not.

Saint's sitting on the stage on a tall stool with a microphone, greeting people as they come in, waving. There's a karaoke setup with lyrics, but just in case there's stuff that's not in the sing along registry of songs, there's also a backup band of minstrels to accompany singers.

The host of tonight's event is wearing a classic pirate ensemble snatched, begged, or bribed off Fabricadabra's tailor, Dante. It's really just a couple items from her closet styled with a few changes, complete with a stacked bucked leather corset belt. (Thanks, Dante!)

"Lennox! Looking fine." Yeah, she says it foiiiine. It's the caffeine. "Scan the QR code if you're feelin' brave, me hearties." She flashes the sign of the horns, then consults her phone for the list so far. There's a wave for each person she spots in the crowd who looks like a cast member, chose to dress up, or just happens to be looking her way while present.

Ashley arrives in the clothes of a hardened fisherman - boots, jeans, patched-up sweater, beanie, corncob pipe between her lips - so basically her 'casual' dress. At least she hasn't gone with an eyepatch. She takes in Lennox's version of a sea-going pirate and smirks to herself. They've very much got the fantasy version down pat. "Love the look" she whispers to them before moving to sign up for the singing. She has to use her phone? What happened to quill and ink? Her song choice has already been selected so now there is nothing to do but wait for the call.

Well, maybe some eating and drinking.

Harper pushes her way through the door easily enough. The clean embroidered blouse and vest combination may look suspiciously similar to her working uniform, but it's lack of dirt or plant matter, is a solid indication that this is actually something from her day to day wardrobe. The boots and suede leggings, however? They have the look of something that might have come out of the performer's wardrobes. It's when her gaze lands on the fantastically plumed hat a top Lennox's head that her face immediately drops. "That, is a very fine hat." She murmurs covetously as she makes her way to the bar to scan the code and order a mule and a ginger beer chaser. "It's a very big hat." Hat envy. It's real.

The beauty of working Hospitality is that you often get to wander the park because you could be sent anywhere (Unless your shift has you tied to a desk, which sometimes happens), so this gives Enzo the freedom to attend his friends' karaoke event at Bootlegger's this evening. Of course, he informed his supervisor where in the park he could be found, in case of emergencies, and he does have his walkie-talkie on him to let him know that he has an angry tourist to tend to somewhere... With all the drinking happening here, maybe he'll be in the right place, at the right time!

He's dressed professionally in his navy company blazer and slacks over a white buttoned down. A dark blue tie and shiny black oxfords complete the look. That and the nametag, of course. He carries himself around as a PR agent on duty would, for the most part, though once inside the restaurant, his posture relaxes into a slouch and his gait slows into a sort of bored swagger as he trails behind a few patrons as they enter. In one hand, he holds a large gift bag, something which he sets aside behind the employee register counter, before taking some sort of rather lax position, his hands clasped at rest before him when his eyes scan the venue. Seeing the familiar faces of his friends, a the very least, brings out a genuine smile from him, especially when he notes Saint's Pirate attire... something which he's used to seeing Angelo in.

Alas, he was on duty tonight, which meant no alcohol. How terribly sad.

Fin walks into Bootlegger's and seems to have been inspired by the theme of the night, at least in part. She's wearing an emerald green broomstick skirt with one side pulled up to reveal another skirt, black, underneath. Her top is an off-the-shoulder peasant-ish style with puffy sleeves gathered at the wrist with ribbon ties and a wide, black, waist cincher at her, well, waist... where else would you wear a waist cincher? Her black leather, chunky soled, high-heeled booties are on her feet.

"I am absolutely not feeling brave tonight. I came to applaud and have a drink or two," is her reply to Saint's announcement as she searches for a table that will give her a good view of everything. Once seated, she waves to those she knows and lets out a series of "hey", "hi", "oh, you made it!" and "arrrrrr ye singin'?" as people walk by.

Elijah didn't quite have time to change out of his work clothes before popping into the karaoke night, meaning that when he shows up it's in the guyliner, eyepatch, and impressive pirate costume he wears when he's in persona as the Dread Pirate Blackwood. Fortunately, this is the perfect venue for it and he does have his guitar for when he's out barking for his show. Walking with a swagger that's lacking when he's in his wranglers and boots, he makes his way in and heads to the sign up, doffing his tricorn hat with the embarrassingly ostentatious ostrich plumage in red, blue, and gold. The contest signed up for, he heads to the bar to collect himself a drink.

Slipping through the door with the rest of the crowd and just pushing right on past the QR code sign-ups. Strolling near the bar, Avery squints a minute at the options of special drinks for the night, wrinkling her nose briefly before leaning over the bar and asking if she can just get a simple white wine.

Dressed in black leggings, a black workout tank that seemed to match perfectly with the pants, a gray hoodie left unzipped for the moment, black walk shoes, and long dark hair left down. Thick black winged eyeliner on her eyes, lip gloss, and silver rings on every finger are her only real added adornments.

Angelo shows up though he's always dressed as a pirate as piracy is his 9-9 job; be pirate, flash abs. Winter will be a change for the Californian, but given the good spirits the guy is in Angelo doesn't mind this at all. A bright grin is given to Fin in return, "Aye, lass, we arrrrre. Ye joinin us?"

Sauntering up with his usual swagger, all bravado in boots, he hip bumps his sister and finds ye un-olde device to scan yon QRrrr code with. Bwip. "We need be fillin' this out then?" There's a toothy grin to Enzo. "Shaaaaaarp. Workin still?"

Hospitality is definitely one role that affords you the ability to wander the park, but Security is another. Or at least, it can be, depending on your assignmen. Since his arrival to the park, Blake's assignment has been mostly as a 'floater', which means he can generally move freely around the park in civilian attire, as long as he's got his radio on him.

Given the Karaoke night happening, Blake decided to head over to Bootleggers and stand menacingly against the wall by edge of the bar, as close to the door as he can without being in the way. He's not working the door, he's just backup, if backup were necessary. Also he wants to watch people sing and judge them quietly.

Before actually standing menacingly, Blake pulled a Patrick Swayze and got a coffee from the bar so he could watch whatever goes down with a hot, caffeine filled beverage in his hand.

Miranda arrived a little early to Bootlegger's to find a good seat. Since she doesn't have any intention of singing, finding the right place to sit is paramount. She's not exactly dressed to theme, but since she's not planning on getting on stage and is more here to cheer and sing along to the rowdy shanties, it doesn't matter quite as much. Dressed in what might be considered her 'tour guide' sort of outfit, she's wearing a cream colored sweater along with a skirt of bright yellow with embroidered with flowers, butterflies and moths, paired with sensible shoes. Her hair is in its naturally curly form, though pulled into two ponytails at the nape of her neck right below her ears.

Finding a good seat by the bar so she can happily get food as well drinks, she settles in and orders a specialty drink. She's not on duty tonight, as plants rarely have night emergencies.

Ty shuffles in right off a shift, which means unfortunately he's NOT dressed as a pirate...but as a medieval bard. This just means an ornate purple and navy brocade outfit with real big poofy sleeves, poofy pantaloons, tights, knee high boots and a feathered cap. It's a whole thing that doesn't exactly match the vibe but he's here for the spirit of it with his violin case should anyone need back up services.

He heads for the bar where most people seem to have gathered and gets in line to order.

"Harper! You're looking great" Ashley greets with a grin. "Going to try that Disney Princess vibe tonight? Awesome. I look forward to proving you wrong about your singing ability...and proving me right about mine. Damn...I love those boots. Shame there a sure way to fall off a boat" she laughs. "Can I grab you a drink?" A beat. "Don't steal the hat. Not with so many witnesses. We can take it later." A wink of understanding before she heads off to the bar.

"Yo ho no," Fin shakes her head to Angelo. "To do so would risk the black spot on my hand. My hearties would curse me to the depths! I'm not aimin' to be shark bait!" She peaks the tongue of a pirate as well as anyone else who absolutely does not know enough pirate slang to pull it off well. But she is trying!

"I do have my camera though, so if ye don't want your soul captured, speak now, ye scallywags!"

You know... At this moment, Enzo was damn jealous that he didn't get to dress like a pirate like everyone else. He's pretty sure he'd make a damned good looking pirate to boot. Seeing all of these lined eyes, pirate hats, poet blouses, cool looking boots, you name it, there's some pirate envy going on in Team Hospitality's corner right about now.

As people trickle in, he offers a few smiles when he feels the need to, but someone catches his eye, "Hey Ice Queen!" He calls out to Avery. "Are you singing tonight?" It's then that Angelo catches his attention and he rolls his eyes with dramatic exaggeration, lifts his arm as if to point out his watch and then nods with the most displeased expression one can wear on their faces as he shakes his head. That is until he's forced to smile again as one of the guests passes by.

A glance is then thrown over in Blake's direction now, wondering if Security would mind if he had a little drink at some point during the evening... Either way, he looks from Blake, back to Angelo, then back to Blake as if that's a signal for something.

Thankful to have passed the line of those signing up for a song via QR code, Avery was able to get to the bar and order her glass of wine before it got too packed up there. The glass slid over to her before the bartender got busy with other patrons that were coming in and ordering off the specials menu, while others still were waiting in line to order.

Taking one of the seats at the bar the woman pulled her glass closer to her and people watched as they came trickling in with an array of outfits and work attire from around the park. A small smirk lifted one side of her face as she surveyed them all. Noting Enzo, she lifts her face to be seen then cheers him with her glass of wine, even if he does not have anything to cheer her back with. "Not tonight!" calling back to him, "I don't think I know anything that I can pull off in this theme." Mild amusement showed on her face at the nickname of "ice queen". She didn't hate it.

The large man near the bar who ordered a coffee gets a look, her eyebrows raise, looked over, and then back to the room.

Saint waves to Harper, blows a kiss to Enzo with a grin, and calls out, "What is performance without a generous audience?" Ostensibly to Fin's passing through the crowd pumping people up with her themely greetings. "Welcome to Bootlegger's tonight. Drinks on special include the Slippery Mermaid, a fruity favorite refreshing in any weather." She points to Angelo and calls, "Avast!"

Ty the medieval bard gets a wave, because all minstrels and minstrel adjacents welcome here. (As are audience, lurkers, and good hearty tippers.) "Tip your grog providers," she says, before shuffling through her phone and rising. "I'm Saint, I'll be your host for tonight. Drink deep, listen well, and if you get brave enough, sign up to sing!"

She gives the wireless mic a little wiggle and looks out at the crowd. "You may remember our first performer as the mysterious, goth-leaning bartender from out favorite Victorian spookeasy. Give it up for Lennox!" Saint's ready to hand the mic off just as soon as Nox hits the stage.

Lennox gets up and heads up to the stage, taking hold of the microphone, he begins to sing in that low quiet tone that is smooth and deep, the words of the song falling from his lips as he looks out across those gathered, a song about love and loss upon the sea. Instead of the usual guitar accompaniment, he has the sound of Ty's violin backing him up, the rich sound of the strings creating an even more mournful melody.

> In the hull of this ship there's a home that we've built
> Myself and each soul of this crew
> And most every night by the oil lamp light I still think of you
> Calm quiet weather, it held us together, the skies soon changed their hue
> In the black of the night you vanished and I was still in love with you

> Steady as she goes
> There are those that stay with us through each ebb and flow
> They are the ones we call home
> Steady as she goes

> You drifted away on tumultuous waves
> Your heart upon each new wind blows
> I'll never forget in your wake what you left
> Steady as she goes

> A piece of a man who could not understand what would make you go
> While others who came through the same storm remained
> All that you left were your clothes

He sways a little bit in time with the music, one foot tapping out the beat as he lifts his pirate hat from his head and holds it against his chest over his heart.

Dante's draped into a seat in a table near the stage -- close enough that perhaps it's where Saint'll sit during other people's performances. If she doesn't just stay on stage to add fabulous scenery. His position suggests he may just be here as fabulous scenery today, unless he signed up early. (He probably didn't sign up early.)

He's dressed for the occasion, or at least presumably that's why he's in almost knee-high boots over closely fit black leather pants, with a buttoned black-and-silver brocade vest from which spills an aggressively ruffled black silk jabot around the neck of a white linen shirt. Less pirate, perhaps, and more privateer. Said boots are kicked up on another chair and crossed at the ankle, while he sips from a mug of probably-ale and watches everyone assemble.

A few people get a little lift of the chin and smile in greeting; Enzo gets a little mock toast with the mug, and Angelo briefly gets an outright grin. "And who wouldn't want a Slippery Mermaid?" he asks no one in particular, a touch dryly, when Saint plugs the drink. He settles in to watch Lennox, then, taking a sip of his not-mermaid.

Before hopping onto the stage with Lennox, Ty looks over at Saint and gives her a hearty wave right back. His Slippery Mermaid will have to wait cause he's on VIOLIN DUTY.

It's all Lennox though. Ty's just here to enhance the ambiance as his slender fingers draw his bow back and forth across the strings.

Saint hops down off the stage. She sways a little with the song as Lennox's voice clearly carries across the piratical pub. She grins and drops into a seat next to Dante, indeed thanks to his locating a table close to the stage. She shoulder-bumps her brother and drops her arms on the table, watching Nox perform. She joins for a little bit, singing too softly to carry far, so it doesn't interrupt the song. "Steady as she goes~"

Blake is not dressed like a pirate. Or anything nautical. He's dressed like...well, he is dressed like a plain clothes cop from basically any show on NBC, TNT, CBS...pick your station. Every detective dresses the same. Blake takes a sip of coffe and taps his foot idly to the music while people sing.

Enzo's look gets a quirked brow. And then a look. And then the other brow quirks, so both brows are quirked. That could also be called a questioning look. Blake clears his throat, and looks down at his coffee, then pushes off the wall and walks over to Enzo. "Evenin'." he offers to the other guy on duty. He nods his head at the bar one time and then looks at the stage, "Lively crowd out here..."

Elijah nods in time with the music, sipping from the drink he acquired. Rather than one of the many themed drinks, he went relatively simple: Kraken rum and Dr. Pepper, with a twist of lime. He's got his guitar slung across his back, listening to Lennox and Ty with an appreciative gleam in his blue eyes as he tries to memorize the lyrics. Obviously he's decided to use the event as an opportunity to collect some songs to use when out and about playing guitar to bark for the pirate show.

Fin awaits the delivery of her drink then when the special is declared, she finds Enzo and looks at him with a smile. "No slipper mermaid for you tonight?"

Before he can answer, however, she turns her attention to the stage, where Lennox and Ty are about to perform. When he begins singing, she murmurs to those around her, "wow. His voice is kind of mesmerizing, isn't it?" She hadn't had the opportunity to hear him sing before. Before she knows it, she is swaying in time to the words and Ty's violin.

Lennox continues on in his faux pirate garb cobbled together from pieces that definitely aren't part of any show in the park. Accompanied by Ty in his minstrel attire on the violin, the song filling Bootlegger's.

> There comes a time in all of our lives when we find out of what we are made
> In a sea of lost causes and all of these flaws
> Is there anything worth being saved?
> Some stars shine bright may not shed guiding light, but delay us from courses outlaid
> But there are those, there are those, compasses that have remained

> Steady as she goes
> There are those that stay with us through each ebb and flow
> They are the ones we call home
> Steady as she goes

His voice drops to a quiet and almost mournful crooning as he drops to one knee and holds his hat out in front of him, imploring the sea to bring back what has been lost. The sound of Ty's violin takes on a quieter, tone, picking back up again on the chorus. Sure, it's karaoke, but he can't help to put on the theatrics to go along with the song.

> I remember you
> You couldn't hold on, you drifted away
> Well, I've done the same to a few
> Oh, I remember you
> There was no one to blame but the wind and rain
> There was nothing we could do
> And we'll find our own way home

Motioning to the crowd. he encourages them to all join in on the last chorus.

> Steady as she goes
> There are those that stay with us through each ebb and flow
> They are the ones we call home
> Steady as she goes
> Steady as she goes

And as the last quiet words dwindle, he gives a little bow of thanks to Ty for the accompaniment then hops back down, wandering over to Harper and her covetous hat glances and drops it right on top of her head with a wink.

Catching sight of the mock toast given him by Dante, Enzo's lips purse and he just has to shake his head because this was not funny. He will note, however, at how fabulous Dante looked over there, but that was no excuse.

At least there singing and music going on to drown out his sorrows, or annoyance for that matter. The singing was good as was the music, so there was that.

The next thing Enzo knows, however, is that the Security guy, Blake decides to take up post riiiight next to him. "Evenin', Officer." He says all too chipper. "Incredibly spirited. It's just cool to see a lot of folks in costume, you know. Often times they just come here wearing what they wear regularly." He then asides, "Are you as upset as I am that you don't get to dress like a pirate too?" Half-turning he looks the security guy over. "Or could you, if you wanted?"

Fin's friendly and cheerful arrival only reminds him of what's he's missing out on, even if he laughs it off. Haha ha ha... "Nono. I'm working. Maybe later." Hopefully.

Wes is late. Why is he late? Because a small child climbed up on the back of his dragon suit and had to be coaxed down, and had the sort of tenacity that suggested the child should be recruited by G.I. Joe to teach their recruits what a real Kung Fu Grip was like. Then he had to go home, shower, get changed, and get to Bootlegger's.

Not that anyone was specifically expecting him, at least. Would've been worse if he'd had a date lined up.

A white poet's shirt with frilly sleeves and a plunging half-laced neckline, leather pants, and an hat with an altogether far too dramatic ostrich feather swept behind him suggests that he's been shopping where he works in the Village lately, walking over to the signup station and pulling out his phone - lifting his voice cheerfully to join in the chorus for Lennox's singing.

Ashely gets a wide grin, "I'd love another mule if you don't mind. The ginger beer they use here is the absolute best. Also." She holds up a finger. "These are my normal clothes. Save the boots. And the leggings." She admits with a laugh,

"The hat plan is a go, but remind me to go ask Dante where he got that vest, I have to admit I'm damn jealous of all these performers and their fancy clothes sometimes." Grinning as she watches Lennox on stage. "That's also the nice thing about Karaoke in a place like this, there are freaking talented people." She joins in at the chorus happily when encouraged. The hat landing attop her head however sets her to grinning like a damned Cheshire cat. "Lennox, Your drinks are on me tonight." Tipping the brim and fiddling with the feather. It's the little things in life.

Miranda will glance about the bar as it fills up with coworkers, giving a friendly wave to Harper - as they are both grounds crew on Starlight Island. She doesn't down her drink, but instead keeps it close by with sips. As Lennox starts his song, she'll twist in her seat in order to listen to him and Ty perform. At the end of the chorus, she'll happily join in and then cheer.

Leonora Millison is not in costume, but instead in her street clothes as she pops into Bootlegger's. She scopes the scene, her hazel eyes flashing across the crowd before she bravely steps further in, in comfortable joggers and a lightweight jacket despite the chill outside. Trundling in behind her is the scarred, mack-truck frame of a raccoon who all the guests assume is an adorable trained animal despite the fact that Melvin is Evil Incarnate. He waits until Leon is a few steps inside before rapidly scaling her frame and perching on her shoulder, dead-eyeing the room with his one-eyed stare.

As the last chorus is joined in by many, Avery looks around with a grin and by the end of the performance, she sets her drink aside so that she can raise her hands in and applaud, cheering at the performance that has just been had.

Ty finishes off the song and gives Lennox a little bow in return, then salutes the crowd with his bow.

When Lennox plops the hat on Harper's head, he barks out a laugh and looks over at the other man. "I hope that wasn't a rental!" But for now it's off to the bar to acquire a Slippery Mermaid and grin back at all the very nice coworkers in attendance.

The pursed lips and headshake Dante gets from Enzo only seems to amuse him, hiding most of a fleeting smile behind the mug as he takes another sip. The smile widens when his sister shoulder-bumps him, and he lightly bumps back, joining her equally softly in harmony when she joins in on the song. It's a little louder when Lennox invites them all to join in, and when the song finishes he lifts his glass in tribute to the singer (and violinist, probably).

Rising to her feet, Fin continues to sway, singing along with Lennox after he encourages them to join in. However, she does not sing loudly, just quiet enough to make it difficult to pick her voice out from all the others.

"Steady as she goes..."

And as he bows, she begins to applaud. "Shiver me timbers, that was good!" Settling in her seat again, her drink makes its arrival and she pays the 'deckhand' with a nice tip. Lifting the glass towards Enzo, she nods and reminds, "don't forget the important questions if you do!" Ask the drink questions? Surely she must be talking about something else.

Ashley has been enjoying the song while waiting for her drinks, nodding along to the 'beat'. It's actually quite cruel when she thinks about it. Putting a proper singer on before everyone else so now she will sound extra terrible when it's her turn. Oh well, suffering is good for the soul. "They're not bad" she asides to Miranda before offering her hand. "Ashley. Ashley Weathers. Boats." But not the time to start a conversation with all heads turned towards Lennox. And drinks to deliver.

Drinks finally in hand, Ashley makes her way back to Harper and hands over one of the tankards. "Your ass...sorry...mule. Oh, you stole their hat already. Nice." A sip of her drink as she looks towards the stage and who Saint will lower her axe onto next.

Saint fans herself, all dramatic-like, at the close of the song, and waits till the last cords fade before she's hopping up on stage just as Nox hops down, almost like they choreographed it. "Damn love lost. Starting us off right, Nox, thank you. I think I may have to go read some love letters I sent in a past life after that." She hops up to take a seat on the stool, but it's only briefly, because she's soon to call out the next performer to take the stage. "Seriously, man. I'm a little in my feelings."

"Welcome to performers, hospitality, out friends in security—don't worry, I have it on good authority no one's gonna harsh the vibe—" Saint looks right at Blake, but doesn't call him out by name, instead grins cheekily and goes on, "And if you need to self-soothe between performances, try the coconut shrimp. Delicioso. And they sop up some of the alcohol so you can make it home safe and sound, which is what we're all gonna do tonight after our party." She nods like this'll make it so, and then stands. "Our next performer you may better know as Dread Pirate Blackwood, who won't pillage anything other than the coconut shrimp tonight, am I right? Best behavior, Dready." It's possible the bartender bribed her to push the shrimp.

"Please welcome Elijah to the stage!"

Upon taking the stage, Elijah taps the mic to make sure it's working still, and then speaks up, not bothering to hide his thick Texan accent. "Well, reckon' it ain't gunna be easy t' follow that up." He says, nodding respectfully towards Lennox and Ty, "An' I ain't gunna try. So y'all'll have t' forgive me f' the whiplash, but recknon we could use some levity t' go with t' shrimp." Beat. "This ain't t' traditional style song, but if y' know it, sing along." He then begins to play a jaunty song on his guitar, before raising his voice to sing in a low, rich voice:

>"Well, there's many a strange impulse out on the plains of West Texas,
>There's many a young boy who feels things he can't comprehend,
>And a small town don't like it when somebody falls between sexes,
>No, a small town don't like it when a cowboy has feelings for men."

Elijah continues to play, but goes silent to let the utter ridiculousness of the song to hit. The rather droll tone plays up the comedy of it all, giving time for people to laugh.

>"And I believe to my soul that inside every man, there's the feminine,
>And inside every lady, there's a deep manly voice loud and clear.
>Well, a cowboy may brag about things that he's done with his women,
>But the ones who brag loudest are the ones that are most likely queer."

It isn't a sea shanty, per se, but... The beat's steady, and as he continues to the next chorus, he begins to set up the call-and-response that's characteristic of sea shanties and tavern songs. No surprise the proud Texan would go more cowboy than pirate, especially considering he spends most of his day singing traditional sea shanties and tavern songs. As he sings the chorus, he pauses after each word, setting up the call and response characteristic of the genre.

>"Cowboys are frequently secretly fond of each other"
>"Say, what do you think all them saddles and boots was about?
>"And there's many a cowboy who don't understand the way that he feels for his brother."
>"And inside every cowboy, there's a lady that'd love to slip out..."

He then begins to play a small bridge, setting up the next verse.

Angelo looks to see what his brother's got in his glass. Looking up to Enzo the eyebrow lifts, then the other one until he just makes it look as if the eyebrows are trying to fly away for a brief moment before looking at their favourite PR guy confused. Looking to Lennox there's a grin as he orders his drink up to listen to he, and Ty's violin with a hearty clap and a shrill whistle.

He's about to take a drink when he sees Wesley and Leon waveing them over. He leans back to say something to the bartender and then points to the pair with a wry grin. "Elijaaaaaaaaaah, do us proud, mate." He finds a seat to leans back in and enjoy the show and being inside for a bit. "Saint, it's not even our birthday and you pirated the whole place. Nicely done. Cheers to you."

Sign up completed, Wesley meanders along over towards the bar; bellying up to it and ordering a Slippery Mermaid, because why not grab the house special? As that cowboy-esque song starts, he glances over in bemusement - but then he grins, shaking his head as he recognizes the tune. Fingers tap along on the bar's counter with the rhythm.

Mr. Not Harshing the Vibe, aka Officer Blake Ward, gives a quick shrug to Enzo, "Can I dress up?" He humms at that and sets his coffee down in a small open spot at the bar. It was probably less open before he shoves his arm between people to set his coffee down. Blake then fishes in the pocket of his long coat and pulls out a cheap plastic eye patch, which he puts on.

Blake looks at Enzo and deadpans, "Yo ho ho, matey."

Pirate cop, totally not harshing the vibe. Blake then retrieves his coffee and takes a sip from it. "See, now I fit in like I'm just on of the regulars. Totally incognito." There is no way he can be serious, right?

"Oh shit, I forgot to get a picture." Fin lifts her camera now as Elijah takes the stage, waiting for him to get settled and begin his performance before she begins snapping photos. The shutter sound can be heard by those nearby. As it sinks in that the song is about cowboys and not sea-faring folk like pirates, she pulls the camera away to look with her real eyes. She shrugs then and starts swaying again slightly. She doesn't know the song, but certain parts of it make her lips curl into a smile.

With the wicked Melvin on her shoulder, Leon maneuvers through the crowds of the venue toward the bar—stopping off along the way to sign up for a song. She casts a glance over her shoulder, and Melvin casts a similar glance with far more vehement air than his human who is all smiles and bubbles as she sidles up to the counter. The raccoon sinks down off her shoulder to claim an open stool, and stands on the seat so his four-fingered hands rest on the bar expectantly. He narrows his eyes—one a baleful brown, the other a scarred white. Leonora is oblivious to her little evil familiar, giving his ears a loving ruffle. "Vodka over ice," she says with a brightness in her words.

Oh, hey, free drink! As the bartender serves it up along with the mention that it's been paid for, Wesley looks across the bar - catching sight of Angelo there and raising the vodka-and-everything concoction in a salute towards the other man in thanks, grinning. He turns back, and then pauses as he realizes there's a raccoon perched on the stool beside him. He looks at his glass. He looks at the raccoon.

"-- I haven't even started drinking yet."

Saint sends off a couple texts with her phone out as Elijah strums his song. She doesn't know this one, so she enjoys it without singing along. There's a slow sway to the music, the blonde pirate-for-a-night enjoying the musical stylings and murmur of conversation in the crowd.

"Go big or go home," she says to Angelo, of pirating the whole bar.

Ty's got his hands on a bright blue drink now and happily sips along as he bops his head to Elijah's performance. "This song slaps." He subsequently needs to do a double take when he spots the raccoon. That had not been on his bingo card for tonight. An apologetic look goes over to Wes who also seems to be having a similar moment.

"Maybe it had a long day?"

When Saint gives a warm welcome to everyone including Hospitality, Enzo feels like he has to straighten up and look presentable for that, though once Security is mentioned, his attention is drawn towards Blake as well now too. That is until this Dread Pirate Blackwood is mentioned and seeing that that's Angelo's pirate buddy, his gaze returns to the stage momentarily.

That is until Blake pulls out an actual eye patch and wears it. All that Enzo can do is blink, before murmuring, "Well, I'm definitely in the wrong line of work. That's pretty bad ass. His chin lifts as he peers at the coffee curiously, before turning back to the crowd, "Planning on staying up or the coffee helping you relax?'

Leon beams at Wesley. "Oh, nevermind him, he's harmless." He is not harmless. "He just wants a glass of cherries." If they are drenched in the blood of the nonbelievers, that would be okay, too. Melvin might even be leaning in, waiting to get the bartender's attention while Leon is busy enjoying her drink while waiting her turn at the microphone.

As Ashley gives the aside that they're not bad, Miranda will grin and quickly nod her head in agreement. After the cheering dies down, she'll say in a softer voice that still carries over the crowd, she'll offer her own hand for a quick introduction. "Miranda Teagues. I work in the gardens." There can be time later to catch up.

When Blake elbows his way to the bar, it's nearby Miranda's chosen area, so it's hard for her not to hear and then chime in. There's a raised eyebrow and something of a well meaning snicker at the eye patch mixed with his cop attire. "Is there a series about a one eyed pirate detective? I'd watch that one. By day he solves crimes, by night he steals from wealthy merchants." Taking a sip of her drink, she'll turn her attention back to the stage as Elijah starts his song. Being a Northeastern girl, she doesn't know many country songs, so she can't exactly sing along, but she will certainly listen and enjoy.

Lennox grins at Ty's comment about the hat and shakes his head. Not a rental. Will he get it back? Who knows? Does he seem concerned? Not particularly. He takes up a seat at the bar and orders himself one of the fancy drinks on special before swiveling around so that he can sprawl comfortably and listen to Elijah play. He taps one foot along to the song. He doesn't know it, but after a couple of repeats of the chorus, he's singing along with it quietly.

The Texan glances across the crowd, fighting back a grimace until he spots Wesley's grin and headshake as someone recognizes the song. It's the problem with filking like this, of shifting a song's genre from cowboy country to a tavern song. But he spends so much of his time singing actual pirate songs that he doesn't have to prove to the people gathered he knows the genre and can have fun.

He leans forward back into the mic to finish up, voice taking more confidence as he lets go and gets into the song.

>"And there's always somebody who says what the others just whisper
>And mostly that someone's the first one to get shot down dead
>So when you talk to a cowboy, don't treat him like he was a sister
>You can't fuck with a lady that's sleepin' in each cowboy's head..."

He falters when he catches Fin's reaction, and the confusion from other people. But he's committed, and it's not like he can just change songs entirely. So he shrugs and finishes off with one last chorus, leaving room for people to call-and-respond as he repeats:

>"Cowboys are frequently secretly fond of each other
>What do you think all them saddles and boots was about?
>And there's many a cowboy who don't understand the way that he feels for his brother
>And inside every lady, there's a cowboy that wants to come out
>And inside every cowboy, there's a lady that'd love to slip out."

He finishes with a flourish, heartened by how people do seem to get into the song after the initial confusion, before nodding towards the MC Saint and giving a short tip of the rim of his pirate hat to the gathered before hopping off the stage and heading towards the bar, slinging the guitar across his back as he goes to claim another Kraken and Dr. Pepper. The raccoon is eyed, and when his drink is delivered he makes sure to slide it to the side away from the coon. Considering his roommate has a chameleon he lets roam, the unusual sight doesn't seem to bother him.

That or it's hidden by good ol' Texan stoicism.

Oh, good, says Wesley's expression as he looks to Ty, I'm not hallucinating.

The reassurance from Leon isn't very reassuring, and he points at the raccoon. "Uh uh. I have a rule, I don't trust anything sneakier than I am, and the worst raccoon is sneakier than I am. I'm not losing my wallet to a trash panda today," he declares, taking his drink and making his way to find a table that still has a chair free at it.

"'Go home' was an option?" Dante asks Saint, sounding almost betrayed, though the upward creep at the corner of his mouth afterward undercuts the effect. "How're you planning to get all this loot back to the apartment, anyway?"

He watches Elijah sing and play, with a very soft snort as the main gist of the song comes clear. "Well, I dunno about every..." The chorus turns out to be pretty hummable, and he cooperates with the desired call and response part. Elijah gets a lift of the mug as well, though from the look Dante gives it after the next sip, it's rudely become empty. He drums his fingers on the table a moment, then looks over to his brother, upright and much closer to the bar. "Hey, Gelly, grab me a new drink?"

There's a quick and mild grin offered to Enzo by Blake, "It has its moments, I guess. Being able to dress how I want is definitely a perk." Within reason at least. "I don't think I'd be able to walk around in a uniform anymore." A beat pause and he adds, "Matey." Because Pirates.

Blake sips from the coffee again and nods, "It's gettin' late and I'm still getting used to being on duty some nights." Blake glances down at the cup and then offers quietly, "Plus it's easy to Irish up some coffee." Is he DRINKING? Or is he setting up a trap like a sneaky cop?? The mysteries never end!

There's a quick laugh at Miranda's comment, "I'd probably watch a show about a one eyed pirate detective too. He sounds pretty awesome."

"Not for you, my dear," Saint replies to Dante.

Saint has procured a second microphone, so this time, instead of hopping back onto the stage to resume her seat, she just sits on the edge, off to one side, so as not to steal the spotlight, sipping on a rum and coke. At the wrap of Elijah's song, she claps one handed, slapping a hand to her thigh since she has a mic in one hand. "Thank you, Elijah, for sharing you pirate pipes." She picks up her drink and takes a big sip, leaving some silent space after she says that.

"Cowboys are frequently secretly fond of each other is gonna be stuck in my head for the rest of my life." She sounds amused, for sure, and turns to the crowd after touching the brim of an imaginary hat to the departing cowboy. "Spellbound is a place where everyone's welcome, regardless of glitter content. Maybe especially because of it. Snaps for the pixies, fairies, and elfin creatures." She snap-snaps with her free hand.

"Speaking of the ephemeral and lovely, please welcome Harper to the stage!"

Harper takes a deep breath when her name is called. Smoothing her vest, with only slightly shaky hands. "Watch my drink, yeah?" She tosses to Ashley before making her way up, grinning at Miranda with a nod on her way up.

Her boots click softly against the polished wood, glancing out at the expectant faces before her, then straightened her posture with a small, determined smile. With a final inhale, she stepped up onto the stage, talking the microphone in hand. "Man, some hard acts to follow tonight. I won't be able to break your heart Like Nox or get you to chuckle like Elijah did, but I'll try not to need a bucket to carry the tune." Harpy announces cheerily, her nerves showing just a bit. "This one goes out to my fellow crewmates on the Grounds team. Sing along if you know it." She adjusts her new prize with a huge grin, and gestures to Ty for the music to start.

> Of all the trees that grow so fair, old England to adorn
> Greater are none beneath the sun than Oak, and Ash, and Thorn
> Sing Oak, and Ash, and Thorn, good sirs
> All on a midsummer's morn
> Surely we'll sing of no little thing
> In Oak, and Ash, and Thorn

Her boots tap along with the beat, True it's no shanty, but it has that familiar rhythm of most tavern and folk songs.

> Yew that is old, in churchyard mould, he breedeth a mighty bow
> Alder for shoes do wise men choose, and Beech for cups also
> But when you have killed And your bowl it is filled,
> and your shoes are clean outworn
> Back you must speed for all that you need to Oak, and Ash, and Thorn

She points out to Miranda with a grin, and the crowd at large to join in at the chorus.

> Sing Oak, and Ash, and Thorn, good sirs
> All on a midsummer's morn
> Surely we'll sing of no little thing
> In Oak, and Ash, and Thorn

Lennox lets out a whistle as Elijah finishes the song and lifts his hands to applaud in a steady clap before reaching over to take up his fancy drink and take a sip. He may be without his hat but he hasn't lost his flourish for the dramatic -- at least when it comes to accessories. He then applauds Harper as she gets up to perform.

Melvin turns his gaze slowly toward Wesley like he understood every word, and he chitters low and sinister. He reaches out slowly with his five-fingered hand, and tries to slide Leon's glass toward him. Without looking, Leon casually stops the raccoon from taking her vodka. No one wants that!

For Leon's part, she laughs and waves both hands innocently. "He's a real sweetheart. Just ignore his rough exterior." With her hand cupping the side of her mouth, she confesses, "He was attacked by a dog a few years ago," who started it is still up for debate, "but he's really a sweetheart." This girl is delusional. She turns toward the stage, applauding for Elijah before Harper takes the stage.

Ty's up again to provide accompaniment for Harper's performance. The bard outfit sure doesn't match but at least he fulfills his duty as a troubadour seriously.

His rhythm matches hers, embellishing her voice but not overpowering.

Fin lowers her camera so that she can clap for Elijah, giving him a big smile. "That was great! Surprising at first, but great! I can see how it is sea-shanty adjacent!" She giggles a little as Saint says the song will be stuck in her head. "You and me both... matey." She occasionally remembers to toss in a pirate word. She snaps as well, when Saint does.

"Hey Harper!" Up comes the camera again. Click. Click. Click Her toe begins to tap and her head gives small, subtle nods to the beat.

Angelo leans over to Wesley and says with a wry grin, "If it helps you're not hallucinating the raccoon. Heeeeeeey buddy." Of course he greets the raccoon like an old pal. When Elijah finishes Angelo offers his fellow pirate a handshake on the way back. "Great show. Mean it." He is nothing if not a cheerleader for his castmates.

"Leon," he asks curiously, "What's our lil crumbgrabber friend's name now?" Rolling a look to Dante he answers, "Steal a carriage. Dig a tunnel. Float a boat. Use the inter island free shipping? Take your pick." Using the little app though he signals another drink for his brother with a murmured, "I got you. ooooohwe don't know this one. Gooo Harper!"

"'Inside every lady there's a cowboy who wants to come out'" Ashley repeats slowly. "Shouldn't have been inside her in the first place" she smirks before applauding Elijah as best she can with one hand. There may be some whoops and cheers to help.

And then it's Harper's turn and Ashley gives an even louder cheer. "Not only will I watch your drink, I won't even drink it." There's friendship at its finest. She doesn't know the song but since it mentions Ash(ley), it is obviously awesome. And, despite Harper's concerns, the prospective Disney Princess is passing the singing test with flying colors.

Whether Blake is drinking or not, Enzo isn't falling for that trap. He knows that he could possibly check, maybe... but he's new to those abilities and he's not quite sure of the best ways to utilizes them as of yet. He will quirk his brow though, eyes still on Blake's cup for a moment longer. When applause breaks out, he claps as well. As for the supposed doctoring of coffee, however, he simply states, "Very true." Not implicating himself in anything.

"Now if you will excuse me, I have a delivery to make."

And with that, Enzo reaches behind the register counter where he stashed that bag from earlier and makes his way to where the Kerekes are situated and he drops the bounty into Dante's lap. "I got you guys sample of soaps and candles from that event tonight. You better appreciate."

Saint grins when Fin snaps props for the fae folk and sips from her drink, turning to watch Harper perform while she listens too. After the lines go by a couple times, she's singing along with the chorus, of course.

At Enzo's timely arrival with some kinda swag. "Oh my god, who let you in," she asks, and for a second it seems offendedly real. But then she rolls her eyes and hops off the stage to slide a hug in while Enzo's distracted with Dante's gifting. She clearly saw him before, when she called out hospitality. Theatre kids. Whatcha gonna do? "It's good to see you, Lorenzo," she says very quietly. And then she releases him to go back to her duties as emcee.

"Thank youuu," Dante replies to Angelo as the drink gets in progress, "And I'm thinking boat or free shipping, unless we've got seahorses or someone else to dig the tunnel."

He nods to the remark about not knowing this song, head slightly tilted as he watches Harper get started, and then suddenly there's a bag dropping into his lap. He blinks, looking up from it to Enzo, and arches a brow at the declaration. "As long as you got us good ones," he replies, and dips fingers down to open the bag and investigate what exactly Enzo hath bestowed upon them. "I was helping Saint; how was the event?"

Elm, she hates mankind and waits, 'til every gust be laid
> To drop a limb on the head of him that anyway trusts her shade
> But whether a lad be sober or sad, or mellow with ale from the horn
> He'll take no wrong when he lyeth along 'neath Oak, and Ash, and Thorn

That tap is a stomp now, in time with the song, and while she is by no means a professional singer, her voice is suited to the folksy vibe.

> Sing Oak, and Ash, and Thorn, good sirs
> All on a midsummer's morn
> Surely we'll sing of no little thing
> In Oak, and Ash, and Thorn

> Oh, do not tell the priest our plight
> For he would call it a sin

She winks at the crowd, giving a huge grin as she emphasizes the next few lines.

> But we've been out in the woods all night, a-conjuring summer in
> We bring you good news by word of mouth, good news for cattle and corn
> Sure as the sun come up from the south, by Oak, and Ash, and Thorn

> Sing Oak, and Ash, and Thorn, good sirs
> All on a midsummer's morn
> Surely we'll sing of no little thing
> In Oak, and Ash, and Thorn

When the final chorus dies out, Harpy doffs the hat and gives a flourished bow, and promptly hops her happy ass off stage with a grin and a thank you to Ty as she resettles the very fine hat atop her head again. Then it's a B line toward the racoon, maybe eventually her drink.

Once Elijah's song finishes, Miranda will give a loud cheer and applause. As Enzo makes his leave from nearby, she'll give the hospitality guy a quick nod. While Enzo isn't going to take the bait, Miranda will fall on that sword. Leaning forward, she won't put her nose in Blake's mug or anything, but she'll try and see if she can smell any alcohol along with the coffee with a grin. Why not, after all? "If you're truly a pirate cop, there would be rum in that." As for her drink? It's obviously alcoholic and bright blue.

When Harper takes the stage, her applause and cheer will be just a bit louder, happy to cheer on another grounds crew member.

Wesley - having found somewhere to sit - has kicked back with drink in hand, and as the chorus dies down he sets down the drink and brings his hands together in enthusiastic applause, whistling in encouragement to go along with it. Gotta make some noise for the performers!

Melvin stands on his stool, hands bracing his lean as Angelo greets him. He actually turns his head briefly toward Leon when she's asked the question, and the Villainess beams at Angelo. "Melvin. Melvin, you remember Angelo?" She asks the raccoon, who looks scornfully at Leon before he drops back heavily on his bottom on the stool beside the woman's—like he needs to be reminded who ANGELO is.

Leon shakes her head, sighing. "Ignore him." She smiles over at Angelo, like this is the most ordinary thing in the world. "He's had a bad day."

Harper's performance is done, which means cherries are incoming for one Melvin the Raccoon.

Lennox lets out another whistle for Harper from where he lounges, legs stretched out in front of him with his ridiculous pirate booted ankles crossed, fancy drink in hand. He lofts it in her direction as she finishes her song. He seems to be enjoying the fact that, having gone first, he can just kick back and enjoy the show from here.

Elijah is also content to sit back and enjoy the show, letting the brim of his leather pirate hat shade his eyes and face as he watches and sips on his drink from the dark corner of the bar.

Ty grins at Harper once the song is done and mouths out great job under the applause. The crowd gets another salute of his bow and off he scoots to return to the bar next to Lennox.

"Tequila shot time? Feels like tequila shot time."

Ashley can stomp in time at least, so her boots are getting quite the workout with Harper's song. And when she is done, there is obnoxiously loud cheering and whistling in appreciation. Is it her turn yet? She may have finished her own drink but she is still tending Harper's, so probably can't go up on stage yet.

"To drop a limb on the head of him that anyway trusts her shade..." Saint grins as Harper finishes her song and adds, "Do not piss of the forest, people." She pauses, than makes a note in her phone. "February's theme sorted." She clears her throat off-mic and then brings it up again to say, "The many faces of love, friends. If you need a refill, hold up a hand. Sellie's got a pitcher of Slippery Mermaids ready to go!"

"Our next performer is known for his tumbling, his flair, his abs, and his glorious curly hair," Saint says, rhyming with painful intention, "Angelo Kerekes! No, I won't give out his number." She pauses, then asides, "The abs thing is because he loses his shirts all over the park and he's usually covered in glitter."

She scrolls the info on her phone. "He has answered the optional karaoke signup questions, and would like you to know the most unusual thing he's ever eaten is saguero pasta. I invite you to buy him a drink sometime to discuss." Introduction thus unnecessarily detailed (he's her brother ok), she hops off the stage this time to lean in and say something to Dante (who is her brother too).

Angelo takes a rogue cashew and hands it to Melvin. "Melvin I like you. I hope this isn't getting us in trouble." He grins to Leon, "Cannot help being an enabler, sorry. Speaaaaking of which-" he looks up to follow Enzo and the loot going into Dante's lap. He looks up at Enzo, the loot lap, and then Enzo. "You know bribery is my love language, man. What'chu need? Snacks on shift? we got you. That's amazing though we have no cool soap in the new apartment. Or we do and it's packed." he pauses, "Very somewhere i do not know of." And then his sister is selling his secrets on mic. "Bee-arr-bee."

He steps over with the guitar in hand tucked away by Saint's little podium of things. Tho he's not dressed up as the pirate Cap'n Cashew the pirate part never really leaves the lad. He takes the mic with a wry grin, "First a shoutout to all ye who have gotten up here performing tonight. Well done. Another to the pub staff who are doing a fine job out here. Please remember to show them some kindness in your bill o' sale there." A small two finger salute swings from his brow to the crowd with a wink.

"We be stealin this one from Cap'n Dan and the Scurvey Crew and thought we'd slow it down acoustic for ye. It... well it pretty much accounts for what we do most of the week, don't it Elijah? We do it to protect Miranda's plants over there. Respect yer gardens, eat the monsters." There's the wry, toothy grin. He starts with a beat thumped out on the guitar so people can get their clappin' a going.

>" You hear stories, of monsters in the waters
Endless counts of horrific mad slaughters
Sailors tells tales of beasts on the sea
What they don't tell ya, is that the worst one is me
>What we gonna do with sea monsters?
What we gonna do with sea monsters?
We're gonna kill em an grill em
We be the nautical mobsters

>I'm a smackin' the kracken
And on his flesh we be snackin'
The pepper we packin's
Enough to burn up and blacken
The sea monsters be
A meal I agree
Chum in the breeze
Just fills me with glee
We hunt off the keys
Harpoons off the beam
We live off the stream"

Enzo was only semi-distracted by Dante, he turned to look back on the stage every so often or else it would be rude because there's a show going on! However, just as Saint rolls her eyes, Enzo sort of does the same when she calls him out right before she hops off the stage to give him a hug and to that he turns to greet her with a smile. "Love you too, Sain--" He then hears the whisper and his smile tightens, just a touch, but it's fine. It's okay if she calls him that. "Oh, samples from that thing I didn't see any of you at. Candles. Soaps."

When Dante hopes he got them the good ones, all that Enzo has to say about that is, "For your sake, I hope so too."

He snap points at Angelo just as the man's about to do his thing on stage, before his hand idly slips into pants pocket.

Blake probably shouldn't have made that into a trap, even if it was for fun. He nods to Enzo as he needs to make a delivery and steps out of the way to keep there from being any interference on his end. That step makes it easier for Miranda to smell his coffee, which smells like coffee, not booze. "If I were a pirate cop, I suppose I would have rum in there. I'm more of a beer guy though." Mmm....coffee beer. Coffbeer. Coffeer.

Blake tips his cup at Miranda and nods to her, "I'm on duty though, so this is just coffee."

Saint fully chokes on her drink at the phrase 'smackin' the kraken' and spends the next half a minute (quietly) coughing trying to clear her lungs.

The Slippery Mermaid in Wes's position is only half finished, so he doesn't need a refill just yet. As Angelo starts to sing, his head starts to bob along with the hip-hop sea shanty stylings of He Of The Glitter-Dusted Abs (at least according to Saint), the gigantic feather bobbing and swaying with it and potentially smacking into anyone nearby.

As the song goes on, he grins, shaking his head."Half of this sounds like innuendo," he murmurs as he takes a sip of the drink.

Eddie slips into Bootleggers and almost immediately looks to be questioning his decisions as the noise and jubilance of the place washes over him. Still, he gives a little sigh, closes the door, and steps on in for real. He's clearly well off-shift, since he's out of his park uniform, instead sporting a long-sleeved shirt with the buttons at the neck undone, a battered brown field jacket, blue jeans, and Docs. He looks up to the stage, nodding slowly to himself, and intentionally pushes away from the wall by the door, wending his way through the crowd to the bar. He spots the malicious ball of fluff and thievery on a stool and leans forward, reaching across the bar to snag a maraschino cherry while the bartender is distracted and leaving it on the bar in front of Melvin's stool.

Harper reclaims her drink from Ashley and grins, at Saint's comment. "Indeed. You are never alone if you are surrounded by Trees." Which is ... cryptic. She does however grin and make her way over to the bar near Lennox and Leon, "Aye. Bartender. A cup of cherries for the racoon, and... do you want another drink Nox?" Pausing to start chuckling at the song choice, only to burst into laughter as Angelo continues on.

Oh. Eddie, Eddie. Melvin casts a baleful look up at the photographer as he arrives at his stool, and when the cherry is deposited in front of the malicious furball, the raccoon snags it before it can be stolen back. He immediately stuff its in his cheeks before his glass arrives, and he swiftly snags it to tuck it in his lap so no one will dare still his delightful treasures as he meticulously eats the enormous collection of cherries he's scored. Leon grins over at Harper in thanks for spoiling the raccoon who does not deserve a single ounce of positive attention after what he did to the crows yesterday, but no one will suspect him—no one would dare.

Leon then looks up over at Eddie. "Hey Lightner," she says with the jubilance of someone who hasn't spent the last eight hours dressed as a Wicked Witch. "You singing tonight?" Her brows arch hopefully over her hazel eyes.

Dante will accept being semi-distracting. There's a show going on, after all. He's semi-distracted himself, especially when Saint hops up to announce Angelo's next. His brother's settling in up there's greeted with a surprisingly sharp whistle, and a little tilt of his head as his sister whispers to him. He turns his head to scan the overall assemblage in the bar, then whispers something back to her.

"Well, I'm the one who'll suffer if they aren't," he continues midly to Enzo, and starts plucking things out of the bag and lining them up neatly on the table, several getting sniffed along the way. Which means when smackin' the kraken comes up, he ends up laughing into one of the candles. Probably better that than the soap, anyway. "...not bad," is the overall verdict by the time he's done investigating, and he flashes Enzo a smile, "Thank you. Knew you had taste. And we do like being thought of."

Click. Click. Click

Fin takes more photos, now of Angelo as he takes the stage then shouts a "here! Here!" when he gives a shoutout to all of the performers. Her toes start tapping on the floor again. "Smackin' the kracken," she giggles again then sees that Saint also found amusement in the line.

Click. Click. Click. More photos as he performs. With her face covered by her camera, she asks towards Wesley, "just half?"

Through her lens she spots Eddie. She lowers the camera again and waves to her coworker. "Hey! Nice to see you out!"

Ashley hands over the untouched drink to Harper before watching her head to the bar to chat with friends and workmates. The old sailor will stay where she is for now, watching Angelo singing a shanty designed to get past censors but shine bright flashing lights at the audience. A smile on the captain's face. "Surprised no one has sung 'Friggin' in the Riggin'' yet" she mutters to herself. Though there's still time!

Lennox looks at the drink in his hand, at Ty, and then at Harper and says, "Sure. Shots time. Harper, you buying shots?" He nods toward Ty and says, "Remember to tip your accompaniment." Did he just volunteer her to buy a round of shots? Maaaaybe. He finishes off his fancy drink with a very long swallow and potential brain freeze before setting the glass down on the bar next to him. Angelo's choice of song, of course, gets an encouraging whistle from Lennox as well.

It is a bit of an awkward moment for Miranda to be sniffing at Blake's coffee only to her hear name up on stage. She quickly turns, face completely innocent while her is brain catching up to what Angelo is saying and why she was mentioned. However, then she starts to laugh as it all comes together and she gives a slightly belated 'whoop!' at respecting the gardens to eat the monsters.

Turning slightly back to Blake as she claps along to Angelo's song, she grins. "I respect that. Though, there is quite a lot of series about detectives that drink on duty. Not that I'm saying you're one of them! Sorry. Coffee is also a stimulant, so it is something of a drug, so still piratey?"

Eddie gives Melvin a nod as the first cherry is snatched up -- and then a whole glass of them is delivered. He chuckles dryly, and mutters, "Mooch," under the sound of singing and music. Licking off his fingers and thumb, he eyes the raccoon for a moment, "At least don't eat the stems, dude."

Only then does the photographer direct his attention to the beaming beam of sunshine that is the raccoon's human companion, "Leon," Eddie greets her with pleasantly-spoken understatement. "Got a great pic of you scaring that little boy that he'll love in about seven years." He wasn't that scared. But there was a question there, and he considers it for a moment, tilting his head from side to side as he does. "Was just figuring on listening." But there's hesitation there, not shutting down the idea at all. Fin's greeting gets an upnod, "Fin. Hey." A pause, and then an amused, "You planning to get paid not to share the pics from the end of the night?"

Seeing and hearing Angelo singing up there brings a wide grin to Enzo's lips. The song itself gets a laugh and at points he even sings along, but not as enthusiastically as if he were off the clock and wasted.

There's just a slight furrowing of his brow when Dante starts to line the table with good smelling samples of things he brought them. "Did you?" He asks now about taste just as he slumps into the space next to Dante. Nevermind that Enzo is still in uniform, who is keeping track? And he's not drinking! "Sometimes I'm left questioning my own taste."

Angelo continues on with the clap along beat and the easy strum on the guitar biting into all the arrrgs like fun storytelling has. The adventure boisterously and boastfully continues of turning krakens to calamari kicking ass and snacking names for fun and foods.

>"Giant squid calamari
Leviathan chowder and monster crab cakes
Our guns filled with powder
Go up serpent steaks
Scurvy mates be the bait
There will be no debate
Throw them over with weights
And then the bites we await
They always be yearnin'
For fresh meat submergin'
Great whites never put up a great fight
They might if me crew hadn't taken a bite by the night
That's right!

>I've made giant squid an endangered species
Scylla please, I killed her with ease
Sea monsters freeze
When they see me on the seas
When it comes to slayin' them I've got the expertise
I'm the greatest terror in all the ocean
Move over Tiamat, this is your demotion

>You hear stories, of monsters in the waters
Endless counts of horrific mad slaughters
Sailors tells tales of beasts on the sea
What they don't tell ya, is that the worst one is me
What we gonna do with sea monsters?
What we gonna do with sea monsters?
We're gonna kill em an grill em
We be the nautical mobsters!"

Hopping to a triumphant pose with that last strum he sweeps into a bow like most of them do loving his work. "Thanks it be good to cut loose." He makes sure the mic is fixed before hopping down off stage to stash his guitar and order up another drink because an abandoned glass does not survive a Kerekes table.

Saint straightens up after a minor bit of choking, a tough cookie when it comes to battling a little inhalation, even if it's rum and coke. She clears her throat a few times, mic shut off, so there's no distracting form the glorious pirate rap performance. It's not long before she's back to enjoying it with a little dancing stage-side. The energy is up after that performance, so when it finishes, she resumes her seat on the stage. "Give it up for Angelo's performance! You can see him daily here at the Pirate Cove over on the big ship."

"Every story has a dark heart, has a goblin, devil, snake, or nasty. A creeping, scheming villain. A big bad wolf, the monster of the swamp, dastardly, ruthless, and calculating. Without the dark, how would we know where the light ends? If you ask me, every wood needs a witch." She smiles and says, "Please welcome to the stage Leon. You may have seen her cackling across the park today as the wicked witch. Don't worry kids, she's off duty. Give us that ol' black magic, L."

Meanwhile, Saint's trying to figure out if she has Fin saved in her phone so she can ask for a copy of all the pics from the night.

"I was being generous," Wesley calls out at Fin's comment, raising his glass and a grin in a salute-toast her way. Then he's tilting it back to drain the contents, eyes closing as he lets the music wash over him and the liquor go down and warm his belly - and nerves. As if he ever had any nerves about performing, when it's his turn. But the Slippery Mermaid can't hurt.

Setting the glass back down, he raises his hand and starts counting on his fingers. "One... two... three, four... uh, five. Six. Six innuendos so far--" Then the song's over, and he calls towards the stage, "No kraken smackin' in the bar!"

Leon has disappeared from the bar before Saint can even finish her introduction, leaving Melvin with Eddie, Harper, and Angelo, and by the time the woman mounts the stage, the bubbly demeanor has dissolved for something more silken, darker; a strange silhouette slides around her. She steps up to the microphone, her hand sliding around it as she leans in, and a dark folksy voice wonders,

> "Are you, are you... coming to the tree?
> "They strung up a man, they say who murdered three,"

Leon holds up three solitary fingers.

> "Strange things did happen here, no stranger would it be,
> "If we met at midnight in the hanging tree,
> "Are you, are you... coming to the tree?
> "Where dead man called out... for his love to flee,
> "Strange things did happen here, no stranger would it be,
> "If we met at midnight in the hanging tree,"

This is how Leon starts her song as she steps up to the microphone at the stage of the Bootlegger's. While she is dressed in simple street clothes of joggers and a comfortable long-sleeved shirt, there is an air of her that gives off some strange air of a woman in grief. Her hands grip the microphone together, and she sways slightly until the music picks up its pace a bit.

> "Are you, are you... coming to the tree?
> "Where I told you to run, so we'd both be free,
> "Strange things did happen here, no stranger would it be,
> "If we met at midnight in the hanging tree..."

Ty turns to Harper with big brown puppy dog eyes when Lennox tags her in on buying a round of shots. "I will accept tequila as a tip, 100%, definitely." Is this working? Look at this face. This face wants a tequila shot.

"Or a cupful of cherries instead. I guess if it works for the raccoon it works for me too?"

Saint sings along with Leon's song word for word, though softly, mic off. It's clear she knows and loves this song. "Strange things did happen here, no stranger would it be~" The blonde looks over the crowd, periodically checking her phone for new signups, but never stops singing along with Leon's song, softly, mouthing the words. "I told you to run, so we'd both be free~"

"Sounds like you've got yours picked out then." Harper laughs, grinning as she watches the Racoon go to town on the cherries. Hey if the crows didn't complain to her she can't be faulted for knowing what an evil little monster he truly is.

Nox gets a laugh, "You're lucky it's a very nice hat. " And maybe a new favorite treasure as she tips it, and orders a round of tequila shots, and another cup of cherries, this time for Ty. "I don't even want to think about what my tab is going to look like in the morning." Humming along as Leon starts up the Hanging tree.

Sadly, right now Dante is not drinking either. Still awaiting that drink. But the gifts are a good distraction, not to mention Angelo's performance. Enzo gets a sidelong look at his profession of taste insecurity. "Why? I have faith in you." As though he didn't check the gifts. Trust but verify? "This one's meant for Angelo. This one's Saint," he notes, packing a couple of the soaps back into the bag first, then following them with the others, and the candles. There's a bit of care taken in the repacking.

Not having a drink means his hands are free when Angelo gets to the end of his song, so he can properly clap for him. "...I should've brought a lighter," he murmurs, consideringly.

Applause for Angelo and then it's spooky time as Leon sings a song that proves Harper was right about how dangerous trees can be. Not really something to cheer along, so she watches the theater at play. And then realises she doesn't have a drink anymore. She makes her way over the bar to signal for another. Larger than the last one please. Is that a raccoon? Can't be. The animatronics in the park are quite amazing.

Angelo swings by Lennox and Ty to congratulate the former and bother the latter while he's waiting for that drink to get made. "Lennox, when you performin on the Boo'dwalk next? I haven't been able to catch you in a minute. That was a treat man." A grin warms to Ty, "Can we steal you for a spot at the fountain sometime? I got an idea and if you're interested we can lunch on it later." He pauses as someone walks up to him with his drink that he's not paid for but the genuine thanks is real. "Awww, you are a gem." When Leon starts her song he sways from one side to teh other enjoying that now-free bevvy.

If it matters to Sully that he's late, it doesn't show, as he comes ambling in, bypassing the singing sign-ups and heading instead to the bar. He's known to be a bit of a whiskey snob, so it might be something of a surprise when he decides when in Rome and orders the blue sparkly mermaid concoction instead. That in hand, he turns to scan the crowd, before making his way to find a seat near Ty and those Ty sits near.

"Did River try to show up and sing an Averil Lavigne song yet?" he asks of the other man n a low rumble between the verses so as not to interrupt too much the act on stage.

While new people are heading up to sing, Blake is at the bar, getting a coffee in a to go cup. Things seem to be pretty under control here, and no need for extra security. So Blake makes his way out once he's got that to go cup.

Leon's hands slide off the microphone as she starts to lift her arms slowly, long fingers out stretched as she lets the song build through her, filling her with an unearthly energy as she continues to sing, with perfect melacholy.

> "Are you, are you... coming to the tree?
> "Wear a necklace of hope, side by side with me,
> "Strange things did happen here, no stranger would it be,
> "If we met at midnight in the hanging tree?"

Leon's voice builds behind the lyrics even if the music remains soft until it elevates toward haunting. She lifts her hands, encouraging others to join her, turning the song into a quiet chant for the ghosts. Twice more she repeats the chorus until she brings the song to a close with a cutting gesture of her hands, the music behind her stopping, leaving her voice alone:

> "Are you, are you... coming to the tree,
> "Where dead man called out for his love to flee?
> "Strange things did happen here, no stranger would it be,
> "If we met at midnight in the hanging tree?

For his part, Melvin has stuffed all his cherries in his mouth, sweet red liquid smeared around his mouth. He darts his one-eyed glance around the others gathered around him before he brings his hands together three times in what might be a clap, but nah... raccoons do not clap for music performances. Nope. That makes no sense. Leon has bowed in a sweeping dip, and then begins to hop down off the stage.

"Hey. I warned everyone ahead of time. They had the opportunity to tell me they didn't want their souls captured, and no one spoke up, so, they are all fair game." Fin defends herself to Eddie but then gets a bit of a twinkle in her eyes and an impish grin. "But if after the fact they want to pay me to 'lose the photos', I mean, who can't use a few extra bucks?" A laugh follows, then she pulls the camera up to take his picture too.

Angelo has her attention again though, and she sneaks off a few more shutter clicks while she cheers for him. "That was great! Or however a pirate would say that!" And then she's cheering for Leon and preparing to take photos of her as well.

And if Saint doesn't have Fin saved in her phone, that is a problem that can easily be remedied.

As she's snapping, Sully walks in her field of vision and gets a photo snapped too. Another soul for her collection.

"Oh, I know this one," Wesley sways a bit as the song begins, smile widening a touch as he sings along, "Are you, are you, coming to the tree..."

His hand on the table, fingers tapping steadily along with the beat as he watches Leon on the stage, singing along quietly from his seat and his table.

Saint looks to Dante as she hears her name, and notes it's Dante doing gifty things with the stuff Enzo brought tot he party. "Oh, me too?" Chuffed, she flashes another of those toothy grins. "Bet." That means a plan just sprung into action mentally, but may take a while to unfurl. She's busy doing the emcee thing rn.

"Leon, girl. That was gorgeous. Between you and Lennox, the tragic loves." She flourishes a bow as the heartfelt singer leaves the stage and then straightens up to address the crowd.

"Next up is gizmo the Flyn—no wait, sorry. Wesley, better known as some of you as Wes, even if he's kind of a dragon in the morning."

She scrolls the info on her phone. "Wes has also answered the optional karaoke signup questions. Strangest thing he's ever eaten, he says, is grilled watermelon with soy sauce." She thinks on that and shrugs before saying, "I'd try it." She scoots to the side and resumes her seat, so the stage is free for the next song.

Ty wiggles in his seat excitedly, jaunty feathered cap bouncing as he does. "Your patronage is greatly appreciated," he tells Harper with a grin as the shots (and cherries) are ordered. "Look, next time we all get drinks it'll be on me. Fair exchange."

The glass of cherries gets handed over first before the bartender sets off to get the shots ready. He tips it towards Lennox and Harper, offering some of the bounty. It's just about when Angelo arrives. "Oh hell yeah, sign me up! For both. Lunch and ideas, I'm in."

And here comes Sully! "Heeeeeeeeey." Maybe he's not as quiet as the other man but Ty's not overtly loud. "No she didn't but I dunno if that's allowed on account of the sea shanties." He gestures to his violin case sitting on the bar, where they belong obviously. "If you sing though, I'll back you up?" Big grin.

Enzo is paying attention to the stage when Dante starts to give him this heart-to-heart and this earns the other a side-eye to start, before he turns slowly in his direction. He looks as if he's about to say something, then stops and simply listens. If anything, there's a look of guilt that might be seen on his features, but his gaze is drawn back to Angelo and when the audience claps, so does he.

After all that Dante has said, however, he will add, a small smile on his lips, "In truth... I picked out what everyone else seemed to like and, what I found interesting and threw them into the package without all much thought. Now doesn't that sound more like me?" He says that with a tilt of his head, before planting his palms onto his lap as he begins to rise. "I still have, oh, another hour or so left. I'm sure I can grin and bear it a while longer."

"There are some things we just don't look at -- our bar tab is one of them," Lennox says sagely as he receives his shot from Harper. Yeah, he's not getting that hat back. Angelo gets a grin and a loft of his shot glass. "Not sure. Mostly tending bar and doing tarot readings lately. Will have to see what's coming up in December. Pretty sure they'll have me doing holiday stuff. I'll let you know."

He cheers on Leon as she goes and gets up to sing. THe shots get raised one more time and he tips it back, drinking it down before he says to Sully, "Does Avril have any sea shanties? Or at least a tavern song of some kind?"

Eddie chuckles dryly at Fin's response, nodding a little wryly as he looks up to the stage to catch the song of the happiest wicked witch ever. He knows there's a camera on him, but... well, protest would be more work than its worth in this case. But he doesn't look at it while the pic is being taken, providing a good profile instead. He claps at the performance as Leon finishes, and then chuckles to himself and pulls out his phone, snagging the QR code and starting to type in. Evidently he's been convinced. Didn't take that much.

Oh, that slip earns a look from the direction of Wesley -- but fortunately he's in too good a mood for it to be a legitimately dangerous look. "Dragons eat prin-cesses, Sin," he sing-songs as he gets up to his feet and heads for the stage, "And I've seen the sche-du-le, just say-ing-- "

Then he's up on the stage, sweeping his arms out as he steps up to the microphone. "Hey, everyone! We've heard a lot of amazing songs tonight, but we haven't heard the one that everyone, their mother, and their pet dog knows yet. And since I've never-- " A broad grin, "-- been one to shy away from a cliche, let's go!"

Everyone knows the beat, as he draws in his breath and brings his hands together.

> There once was a ship that put to sea
> The name of the ship was the Billy O' Tea
> The winds blew up, her bow dipped down
> Oh blow, my bully boys, blow - huh!

"Come on, you all know the words," he breaks into his own song briefly before continuing.

> Soon may the Wellerman come
> To bring us sugar and tea and rum
> One day, when the tonguing is done
> We'll take our leave and go!

> She'd not been two weeks from shore
> When down on her a right whale bore
> The captain called all hands and swore
> He'd take that whale in tow - huh!
>
> Soon may the Wellerman come
> To bring us sugar and tea and rum
> One day, when the tonguing is done
> We'll take our leave and go!

Saint says, "Don't threaten me with a good time!" Cackling her way to grabbing another drink at the bar. She makes her way through the crowd to say hi to a couple people she didn't get to before, like Miranda and Sully, who each get a smile and a finger-wave in greeting.

Because the bartender saw her coming, there's no yelling when she scams an xtra pitcher of Slippery Mermaid cocktail off the bar and goes about refilling unsuspecting patron's cups (only the ones clearly already drinking Slippery Mermaids) as she makes a slow and wending path back toward her table. While singing along with Wesley loudly, her mic off and tucked into her belt.

"Soon may the wellerman come to bring us sugar and tea and rum!~"

When the camera is pointed in his direction, Fin winks at Fin and holds up his drink, before taking a careful sip. He manages to only make the slightest of faces, lest any bartenders are watching his hound dog countenance for his reaction.

"Heyyyy," he echoes Ty. "I am not singing, and I don't know that that would stop River if she's had a few drinks." To Lennox he grins, and shakes his head. "Not that I know. Maybe instead of 'skater due' it's 'frigate dude.'

One hand holding the drink, he claps by slapping his hand on his knee when Leon finishes her song and Wesley announces his next. "What's a pirate's favorite letter?"

When Blake finishes his coffee and moves off, Miranda returns her attention back to the stage to enthusiastically clap for Leon and Wesley. Saint's run by is met with a grin and a wave, as well as a thanks for refilling her Slippery Mermaid. As the shanty gets louder, she will sing along with Wesley about the sugar an the tea and the rum.

Of course someone had to sing this song. May as well be Wes. Ashley getting into the spirit of things while trying to enjoy her new drink. More of it may end up on the floor than inside her with all the arm swinging that is going on to match the rhythm of the song. Did that animatronic raccoon clap Leon's performance? That just proves it's fake. Right? Stick to the singing and the drinking, Ash.

Harper laughs watching Ty with his prize. "I will have to remember the magic of Marichino cherries for the future. " Reaching for her own shot of Tequila when it's brought over and knocking it back before chasing it with a cherry. Humming along as Wes's rendition of Wellerman continues on. Lennox's comment on bar tabs earns another laugh, "I do suppose that is the wisdom of a sort. But this is also why they so rarely allow me off Starlight." A pause, "Is the hat a rental?"

"Oh, I know this one!" Fin exclaims, quickly snapping a couple photos of Wesley before letting the camera hang at her side on its strap so she can join in the fun. Again, she makes sure her voice can't well be heard, but she claps along and taps her foot as she sings. "Soon may the Wellerman come to bring us sugar and tea and rum..."

"I guess the question is whether the best ones are the ones you found interesting or the ones everyone else did, then," Dante says idly to Enzo. "You'll have to tell us which was which. Off to problem solve? You'll miss Saint." And we can't have that, right?

Someone comes by to drop off the drink Angelo ordered him earlier -- it turns out to be a Slippery Mermaid, which makes him give a little breath of a laugh before he tries it. Not bad, actually. And not too bad for joining in the shanty-ing Wesley's leading. He's right, everyone knows this one these days.

Ty emphatically nods back at Harper. "I shouldn't be so easily bought but I what can I say? I am a creature of simple wants."

"Yeah okay truuuee," Ty drawls back at Sully as he pops a cherry into his mouth and weirdly chases it with a shot of tequila (don't ask). The current song ends and he's quick to cheer for Leon, then hoot for his friend in raccoon-hallucination, Wesley.

That joke though. He turns a bright expression towards Sully, eager to SHOUT the answer but manages to temper it and whisper, "arrrrrgh!"

Eddie looks up with the song, clapping along with the beat, although he doesn't sing. He orders himself a beer and takes a pull, as if that might help with what he just signed up to do, then sets down the bottle to keep clapping along.

Angelo verifies, "December? Feels like forever away, Lennox. Worth the wait though." it's a week out. it's a long time for him maybe. To Ty he says "Sweet, then we'll haunt ya and set that up." As Sully comes over he lifts the drink to he and Eddie. "Heeey ya made out!" half the gang is all here.

Heading back he sings the chorus as Wes cranks up the shanty feels there and joins in with Fin and Miranda doing the chorus there on the way back to his table. "This is so much better than going to bed at a reasonable hour. Fin, pics gonna be available on the employee portal or we have to bribe you direct?"

A glance to his siblings he points to his drink with all the enthusiasm of 'look it's free!' and then points to Dante's with a curious expression and a thumbs up looking for some verification as he waits for Fin to answer.

Leon beams at Saint, flashing her a wink before she gravitates toward the bar. "Thanks, Saint!" She blows her a kiss before she wends her way back through the crowd, peeking around for Lennox so she can tip her invisible hat toward them, and then re-arrives at her stool, only to find that Melvin has not only finished off all her cherries but the rest of her vodka is suspiciously empty. She narrows her eyes at the raccoon before she slides back into her stool. "You're going to regret it," she says to the furbaby before she looks up toward Eddie. "I'm surprised you're here. You never let me convince you to come out to play most nights."

Soon may the Wellerman come
> To bring us sugar and tea and rum
> One day, when the tonguing is done
> We'll take our leave and go!

The last chorus finishes up, with foot-stomping and clapping to keep the beat, and then Wesley takes a step back - sweeps off his feathered hat - and bows with a flourish, straightening up once more and grinning to the crowd, "Thank you, thank you all. I'm not here every Friday, but I'll probably be here next time we do this anyway. Try the Slippery Mermaids if you haven't yet."

A hop off the stage, and he heads to fetch said drink to tend to his now-dry throat.

Saint makes sure she tops up as many glasses as she can her on her way to drop off the dregs of the pitcher (still about a cup and a half) at the little table secured by Dante. "Arrr!" She calls, which is a blip in the song, but it's under the music. Look, SOMEONE (Sully) asked the question about pirates and letters, ok.

She's had a couple rum and cokes over the evening, and the bartender's a heavy pourer.

When she's pitcherless again, and the music's come to a close, Saint flicks on her mic again and says, "A classic, but popular AF right now and probably forever. Thanks for that rendition, Wes. It'll be stuck on repeat the rest of the night in my brain." Along with that kraken and cowboy combo.

"You've no doubt met our next singer if not been on her boat. Please welcome out favorite sea captain, Ashley. Captain, the stage is yours!"

Lennox squints a little as he tries to transform the lyrics to sk8ter boi into a sea shanty. That takes him a moment, especially after downing that drink and shot in rapid succession without any hydration. Then he laughs to Harper and says, "No, it's not a rental. I actually had it in my closet. Don't ask where I got it. Let's just say that if it were stolen, it would be simply continuing it's fated path through this world." He definitely stole it.

There's an amused smile over at Ty when he talks about being easily bought by cherries. "It's true. For just a shot glass of cherries, you can get an excellent compliment." He glances over at the bartender and lifts a hand and gestures for a second round of shots for himself, Harper, and Ty, and one for Sully too since he's right there.. Angelo? Make that five.

Leon gets a wink in return for her invisible hattip. Then he's singing along the chorus for Wesley's song at the end along with everyone else who joins in and applauds his finale.

"You'd think that, wouldn't you?" Sully says, to Ty and also Saint when they answer the question. He shakes his head slowly. "And some might say the C, but in truth, it's a writ of safe passage from His Majesty King Charles the Second."

He takes another sip of the mermaid and makes another face. "It's not bad for an alcopop but it is still an alcopop. I can feel the blue dye settling in and taking up lodging." Angelo gets a single finger gun in his direction when he calls out his hello, and then as Wes finishes his song, Sully claps one hand against his thigh again. "Great song that. Even if it's cliche. His words, not mine."

When the Angelo ordered drink comes, Enzo can't help but be that much more envious that he isn't dressed like a pirate right now. "The only problem I want to solve is..." He returns to settle down right back next to Dante, scooting in close now. "And right, I plan on being here til the end. Unless my walkie goes off and I have to make the trek to the other side of the island at this late hour to talk down who knows what. Probably drunk too." He then points, "Are you going to drink all of that or can you spare a sip?" Yes, he's pointing to the Slippery Mermaid. Maybe the crowd is already drunk and singing pirate songs that no one will notice.

"We'll see if I'm still glad about that in a little while," Eddie responds to Angelo with a dry half-grin. When Leon returns to the bar, he shakes his head at her, "Who said that you convinced me? Maybe I just wanted to party." That is entirely unlikely. He claps at Wesley's performance, taking another sip of his drink. After a moment, he leans his head sidelong to add, "With the raccoon."

There's a grin for Ty, "There's a beauty to that. Come by Starlight sometime, and I'll sneak you some of the ones we are growing for the fruitbats. Fresh picked and all." her attention drifting over to Leon and the raccoon, albeit briefly as Ashley gets called to the stage. As Nox explains the origin of the hat Harper nods. "To the continuation of a fated path then. And to good music." She adds the second as an afterthought, starting to pinken in the cheeks a bit. Adding another round of cherries for the furball to her order.

"Consider that ear-worm part one of my revenge," Wes calls from the drinks table as he gets a refill, grinning as he heads back towards his table, "Part two to be determined."

He sprawls himself back in his chair, legs stretched out as he awaits the final performance of the night.

"Yesss, text me!" Ty calls out to Angelo as he departs. He turns to Lennox just in time for that comment about cherries in exchange for compliments and coughs out a surprised laugh. "Um. I don't remember actually complementing you?" There's a great deal of playfulness in his voice-- which is quickly trampled when Sully's joke takes a TURN.

"What." But it's so straightforward he can't not laugh. "Ohhhmygod, Sully. That was...I mean that was historically accurate, I'll give you that much. Damn." Another cherry gets tossed into his mouth before he offers the last in the cup to Sully. "What's alcopop? Like...a mocktail? Pretty sure that thing is packing."

He turns his attention to Harper then, grinning right back. "Sure! That sounds rad."

While she waits for Ashley to make an appearance and work her way up to the stage, Saint flicks on her mic again. "I do think that, Sully," Saint says, pausing before she adds: "That joke was so bad it made me shed a single, private tear."

You're damn right she delivers that with a straight face.

Lennox gives Ty a smile that is positively cheshire, all white teeth, as he says, "You didn't have to. The blush said everything it needed to."

It's like facing a Force 10 gale in a canoe but Ashley manages to make her way onto the stage and take a seat before the microphone. "Please, no need to applaud. Oh...you're not" she smirks. "Ironic thing is, that if I was wearing different material pants, I would be the one who most looked like an actual pirate tonight. But that's nowhere near as much fun. I was always told that if you're presenting to a lot of people, you should start with a joke...but I prefer to leave my singing to last. Instead, here are some observations that will make my singing sound better. Why do pirates take so long to learn the alphabet? Because they spend years at 'C'. Wishing for me to sing yet?" A smile for the captive audience. "I'm pretty sure they put me on last to help clear the bar out. Why does a mermaid wear seashells? Because she grew out of her B shells. Okay. I'll start singing now. Please place fruit and vegetables on the front of the stage rather than throwing them at me."

It is a moody piece of music and Ashley, knowing she can't sing without a shower to drown her out, treats it more like an ASMR piece. As much spoken as sung. "What's this song about? Glad you asked..."

It's of a pretty female, as you may understand
Her mind being bent for rambling unto some foreign land
She dressed herself in sailor's clothes, or so it does appear
And she hired with a captain to serve him for a year

Her cheeks they were like roses and her hair rolled in a curl
The sailors often smiled and said he looked just like a girl
But eating of the captain's biscuit her colour did destroy
And the waist did swell of pretty Nell, the handsome cabin boy

It was in the bay of Biscay our gallant ship did plough
One night among the sailors was a fearful flurry and row
They tumbled from their hammocks for their sleep it did destroy
And they swore about the groaning of the handsome cabin boy

"Oh doctor, dear, oh doctor," the cabin boy did cry
"My time has come, I am undone and I will surely die"
The doctor come a-runnin' and a-smilin' at the fun
To think a sailor lad should have a daughter or a son

The sailors when they saw the joke they all did stand and stare
The child belonged to none of them they solemnly did swear
The captain's wife, she says to him, "My dear, I wish you joy
For 'tis either you or me who swelled the handsome cabin boy"

"Thanks, you've been a wonderful audience. I won't be here again, try the veal." Ashley waves to the crowd before alighting from the stage and heading speedily for the exit.

Ty immediately turns to Saint and yells out, "NOT YOU TOO!"

Only to get got by Lennox two seconds later. "I thought we were friends?!" He lightly jabs him with his elbow though pointedly does NOT make eye contact. WHATEVER, LENNOX.

Dante catches Angelo's questioning look and gesture, and lifts the glass slightly, tilting his head, and after a beat half-smiles, making the glass lift more of a toast and nodding once before he takes another sip. That appears to be approval. He also catches the 'hey free drink!' gesture and glances over toward Saint, lifting a brow. That's one, then.

"Is?" he prompts mildly when Enzo leaves off the end of his problem solving remark, but only lets it linger for a beat before glancing at his indicated drink, then up to Ashley as she declares her singing a joke. "I might need it all." And yet, after another sip of his own, he offers the glass over. "It's very blue." The 'b-shells' get the faintest of laughs out of him; the other jokes floating around may have had an effect there too. And since his hands are currently free. Ashley gets a bit of applause as she zooms off.

Saint's retort earns her a wink and a click of the tongue from Sully and he laughs as Ty protests, then laughs again as he eyes Nox teasing him.

"No, the alco part is alcohol. Basically sugary alcohol drinks that people who don't really like alcohol drink," he tells Ty, and lifts the drink he's drinking to indicate what he means. "But it seemed festive. I'll finish it, and hate myself a little, but forgive myself in time. It's cathartic that way."

As Ashley completes her song, he puts his hand to his mouth to whistle.

"Was that... Kate Bush?" Saint asks, clearly dredging up some music history from the depths of her late night youtube crawls. "Very Twelfth Night by sea." She grins and waves to Ty at the reaction to the horrible, horrible jok she told earlier in response to Sully's horrible, horrible joke.

"Last up before we close it off for the night is a man you might recognize, a quiet soul usually with a camera in hand. One of our very own photographers—Eddie!" That intonation of the man's name is suspicious similar to Rocky Horror Picture Show's Columbia. Sorry not sorry.

And there it is, the reason that Eddie might regret this in the morning. He raises a hand as his intro begins, and starts his way up toward the stage. Eddie settles in behind the microphone and gives a nod, then starts singing immediately. His voice is clearly untrained, but it's a simple enough song, with only a slow drum behind the lyrics.

> I was just the age of 16 when I first went on the drive
> after 6 months hard labor at home I did arrive
> I courted with a pretty girl t'was her caused me to roam
> now I'm a river driver and I'm far away from home.

As he moves into the chorus, other voices come in to join his -- they're quite a bit better than his own but he doesn't seem to mind.

> I'll eat when I am hungry and I'll drink when I am dry
> get drunk whenever I'm ready get sober by and by
> and if this river don't drown me this town I'll mean to roam
> for I'm a river driver and I'm far away from home.

There's no artifice to his performance, standing mid-stage and cupping the mic between both hands, the sorrow of the music pouring out despite his lack of training.

"Make sure to get some pics, the photographers never get photographed," Wesley calls over to Fin, leaning back then to listen to the song - his head bobbing a bit, voice lifting haltingly as he remembers the lyrics to join in, smile a bit more bittersweet from the themes of the song.

"I mean, I am open to bribes," Fin answers to Angelo. "But no, yeah, I can post them up for everyone."

When Wesley hops off the stage she applauds and says, "now I want rum cake..." Then Ashley is announced and a cheer goes up. "Woo! Ashley!" The camera follows for a few shots of the ferry captain. And then Eddie is up and he gets the same treatment. Perhaps a slightly louder cheer for her direct coworker. "Of course," she says to Wesley and proceeds to take some snaps.

Saint doesn't sing along with Eddie's song, not at first, but she keep a beat with the song, heel of her hand thumping on the stage to the beat. She joins in on the chorus eventually, once the song's established.

Enzo's been wanting a drink for most of the night now so... Sorry, Dante. A sip is one very long sip, because he knows he'll more than likely not have a chance for another. Leaning forward, he does notice how blue it is and he does take a rather greedy share of a sip as he keeps his profile low. Offering up a whispered, "Thanks." With that, he scoots a health dose back, giving the other more space.

"God, I needed that." He practically breathes out, eyes on the stage once again. He offers up cheers for those who have sang, recognizing several of the faces, though a few are new to him. "Are there often this many takers for karaoke?"

Eddie takes a breath and leans into the next verse of his dirge-like shanty.

> I'll build a lonesome castle upon some mountain high
> where she can sit and view me as I go passing by
> where she can sit and view me as I go marching on
> for I'm a river driver and I'm far away from home.

Again the voices join in with Eddie for the chorus, and then fall away with the last verse, leaving just his voice and the single, solitary drum.

> When I am old and feeble and in my sickness lie
> just wrap me up in a blanket and lay me down to die
> just get a little blue bird to sing for me alone
> for I'm a river driver and I'm far away from home
>
> I'll eat when I am hungry and I'll drink when I am dry
> get drunk whenever I'm ready get sober by and by
> and if this river don't drown me this town I'll mean to roam
> for I'm a river driver and I'm far away from home.

The chorus repeats one more time, and Eddie lets the song trail to its end, dipping his head to the audience and handing the mic off as he leaves the stage without any further ado.

"Look that's all part of life, yeah? Hating yourself, forgiving yourself," Ty tells Sully with a laugh. "Plus brightly colored drinks are fun in that oh lord should I be ingesting this way. Live on the edge, dude!"

More people go up to perform and he enthusiastically cheers for Ashley and Eddie. Both very different vibes but both very entertaining.

Angelo considers this and promises Fin, "I will see what we can hook you up with. between trying to 'steal' people tiaras and stuff for fun I DO like to see what we can get away with for others." And then Lennox is buying next round. There's a small celebration of that, "You're the best." Shame Sanit didn't get someone to take up that bet. As Eddie starts to sing the shirtless swashbuckler starts to dance sipping his drink. "Tonight's the night for drinking."

Sneaking up behind Enzo's shoulder he says "Yooooooooou should join us in a month and find out. See if you broke away to hang out with us more often you'd know these things."

There's a definite flicker of amusement from Dante when Enzo takes that definition-pushing 'sip'. "Careful, you'll owe me a drink." He doesn't try to reclaim the glass until it's handed back, though.

Once he has it, he leans back slightly again to watch Eddie; it's a moving song, and he even puts the glass down a moment (risking potential theft) to applaud when the photographer finishes. "It's a park full of performers," he murmurs, "You can't keep them off a stage."

"Eyyy. Eddie, that was a good one. I didn't know you had that in you. Man, I love hearing something new at an open mic karaoke thing. I'm impressed, mateys, with the variety of song and how everybody just went for it. I hope you'll join me next month for 90s night. And I look forward to it." With that, Saint resumes her seat on the stage's stool, her mic in one hand, a drink in the other. "If you've been here the whole night, here's a drink to you. If you've only been a song or two, or just got here, cheers just the same."

"This place is a place where everyone's welcome, and we hope to see you here again soon. That said, sometimes, as we've heard, love walks out of our lives and the meetings are bittersweet. Tonight we'll close with a classic. Grab a drink and a chair, and sing along if you know it. Minstrels, join me if you'd like." She secures the mic in a stand and picks up a minstrel banjo borrowed from a friend in the cast.

The intro plucking is easy enough to recognize, and it's a familiar tune to anyone who's ever been at Faire.

>Kind friends and companions, come join me in rhyme
>Come lift up your voices in chorus with mine
>Come lift up your voices all grief to refrain
>For we may or might never all meet here again

Saint looks up, playing on as those in the audience who know it are invited to sing. (And drink.)

>Here's a health to the company and one to my lass
Let us drink and be merry all out of one glass
Let us drink and be merry all grief to refrain
For we may or might never all meet here again

Feeling the hand at his shoulder, Enzo turns to glance over at it before peering up at Angelo. "If I still have a job come next month." Even with the on-duty 'drinking' he doesn't look overly worried. Then again, he rarely looks as if he likes his job. "I'll pay you back." That's said to Dante. "I couldn't wait oh, another 45 minutes." He says looking down at his watch. "Not that much is going on at this hour, but I'm still on the mother freakin' clock. How do people work these hours."

He then quiets down when it's Saint's turn to sing and here he rises, adjusting his blazer and tie as he does so. He'll help the crowd out with the singing and swaying, he's in good enough spirits. Now.

Lennox applauds for each song, letting out a loud whistle for Saint as she gets up to sing, with now a couple of shots in him and that very fancy drink, he has the faintest bit of a flush going on with his usual pale complexion and doesn't seem to mind at all the loss of his hat, or the elbow to the ribs that he takes from Ty, flashing him a grin. "We are friends. Imagine how I embarrass the people I DON'T like."

"I don't even want to imagine," Ty snort-laughs at Lennox. But now for Saint's final number!

Ty, hopped up on a cup full of cherries and two whole drinks, stands up off his stool and picks up his violin again. This is one for all the bards out there and he adds a little accompaniment to her banjo.

Up is raised the glass in Wesley's hand as he salutes the song - and Saint, on the stage - and he takes a swallow of it before leaning back once more, his hat's massive feather drooping down behind him.

A good drink, good songs, a good night and good people. What more could a man ask for?