greenjacketed | SHARPE'S AMMO ⚔ VOICE

[ despite muddy vowels and yorkshire drawls, sharpe's voice is remarkably calm when it bursts across the journals in the morning. he needs something to take his mind off other aspects of his life. and so -- this is the major speaking, not just the man: ]

Good day to you -- to the New Feathers and the old alike. My name is Sharpe. And as I understand it, ammunition is scarce in this place. For any in need of bullets, I'll have a pretty pile of cartridges as soon as I'm done rolling'em. I don't much mind sharing. [ a pause. ] They're 0.61 inch lead balls with a greased patch. But if that won't do, missions are a fine way to requisition more shot. The points are worth spending. A soldier can hoard his ammunition if he likes, but all the bullets in the bloody world can't improve a piss-poor shot. For that? Practice is what's needed. [ and practice is what he wanted.

oh and he might as well ask: ] Any soul got an axe I can make use of? Only for the day.

[ after bungling his way through any on-book communication, he'll get to work; with certain social turmoils still troubling his soul, he certainly needs the distraction. first, he'll be keeping busy behind the barracks. stripped down to his braces and cavalry trousers, he clears excess brush from the treeline and puts to good use some of the trees that were downed by the recent storm. moran mentioned a firing range and sharpe wants to see this dream realized.

the afternoon brings a small change of scenery. he will later be sitting by the fountain, rolling cartridge shot. the powder can get messy; as such, it's a job he prefers to do outdoors. the added ability to people-watch doesn't hurt, either.

hell. if you're lucky? you might even catch him humming. ]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Less than some, and more than most. Side effect of being a butcher, as you call me.

[It's a tired half smile that's offered in return.]

I see you've taken the word to heart. [ butcher. even if she's smiling as she says it, he does begin to regret ever calling her so. ]

[She shrugs.] I have been called worse things, and it's not entirely inaccurate. My cuts may be cleaner- but I must make them all the same.

You know, lass, I don't mean to offend...

Were that your intent I wouldn't continue to speak with you, Richard.

Is that all it takes, eh?

Good to know, Adele. Good to know.

There's no reason to keep about company that's deliberately insulting- unless they are a friend. In which case you've probably earned the insult.

[She laughs, soft and sweet. A thought occurs to her, and after a moment she asks.]

I'm arranging a...party? Gathering. On the beach in a few days. Nothing large or fancy, just pleasant company, scenery, and ale. You're welcome to come if you wish.

A...party.

[ simply looking for something to occupy his hands, he mops again at his brow. ] How much pleasant company, eh?

[ the last time he was invited out -- by archie kennedy -- it had wound up being a more formal get together than he had anticipated. ]

Myself and my housemates, a handful of our associates, and whoever happens to wander along the beach at the time. More than five, less than ten at the moment. More might wander in, and some might leave before it's over.

[It's a gathering on a beach, there's nothing formal about it.]

I should warn you, lass. I'm not the partying sort.

You are under no obligation to attend if you do not wish to do so, Richard. I just...wanted you to know that you were welcome,and that I would be glad for your company.

What does one do at a party at the beach, anyway?

Swim, fish, roast what you catch, drink, dance, heckle those attempting to fish and caching nothing, draw inappropriate pictures in the sand, toss other people into the water when they are not dressed for it- it is much the same as any other gathering, simply with a great deal more opportunity for things to go awry. Which is part of the appeal, to be honest.

Sounds...[ like things that ought to interest him but simply don't -- for whatever reason. barring the company of his men, he wasn't often one for large social gatherings. too much pressure. ]

I'm certain all will have a fine time, miss. Without me.

[She's not entirely surprised by this. She'd hoped he would want to attend but will not begrudge Richard his comfort. The offer had been made, and that was worth something.]

Bereft of your company I don't know how I shall bear the rest. [Teasing, really.] I suppose I shall have to manage.

You'll have a wondrous time, miss. Perhaps you can simply tell me about it. Later.

I shall write you of the festivities once I return home when they are over. I promise.

[One she won't keep, but she's no way of knowing that.]

I await your report, ma'am.

If you don't receive it in the evening afterward, or first thing in the morning, assume I had too much to drink and am hungover- or that I've been kidnapped. Though the former is far more likely.

SHARPE'S AMMO ⚔ VOICE | ACTION

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