Theodosia Devyne
I was born to a family of average means in the providence of Nova Scotia. At a very young age, unbeknownst to me, I was promised in marriage to the owner of the local mercantile, and when I reached my 18th birthday, I was introduced to the then ancient man and told of our impending union. While life with him would have afforded me a life of great comfort, I knew that marriage to him would be intolerable. I managed to hold the nuptials at bay for many years, but when the whispers of the townsfolk began referring to me as an “old maid”, my father began pressuring me to wed the decrepit old man. I decided that being gone and alone would be a much better fate.
Setting out on a lone journey, to create distance between myself and what was my threatened destiny, I headed out to sea dressed as a cabin boy. After a horrible storm that sank the ship I was on, I happened to wash up on the shore of a bustling seaside island community. I stood in awe, quite still and taking in all of my surroundings. But I knew immediately that this was where I wanted to stay. I was soon pulled from my stunned revere by the loud and constant bellowing of “Step and FETCH!” Slowly, I began walking through the noisy harbor. I must have looked lost, or at least extremely out of place, for I was quickly approached by a most helpful dockworker and escorted to the local Harbor Master, Kaushann. After a lengthy discussion, which oddly seemed more like an interview, the Harbor Master said I could stay with him and his crew until a decision could be made as to where I might best fit in and be most comfortable.
One very sunny day in mid-June, I was sitting on one of the more quiet docks, daydreaming and watching ships coming and going, mesmerized by the colorful banners as well as the colorful crews upon each vessel. I looked down the dock, and saw the Harbor Master approaching, accompanied by a woman I didn’t recognize. Kaushann introduced her to me as Madam Cricket, the proprietor of the local hostel. He explained to me that life within the House upon the lovely Isle of Lost Grace was rumored to be very comfortable (not to mention fun and quite prosperous for those who chose to live and work there).
After a short meeting with the Madam, it was decided that I would move into the House immediately. Taking a small, but quite luxurious, carriage from the Harbor to the house up the hill, she and I drank wine and discussed the business at hand.
My reception at the House was very warm and welcoming. After a few short months working with Madam Cricket and Pirate Princess, I knew I had found my home. I worked hard with the other members of the House, and enjoyed my special times with all the customers who frequented the House. And it was indeed prosperous, as the Harbor Master had suggested. It didn’t take long for Madam Cricket to realize that I was definitely right-hand material, and she asked me to step up as the Mistress of the House, which is where I remain, very happy with my station.
