Recruiting (open for anyone!)

[rebellioustory]

Elizabeth pulled the old cocked hat further over her brow and did a small hop as she pulled up the breeches that were obviously too large for her before lugging the bag of all the worldly possessions she could carry out of her new home in Bristol that was now Rebel property. It was no easy feat to grab some personal items of hers and her husband's before the Rebels found her with a small pocket knife in her hand challenging them to come closer. She shook her head recalling her rash actions and her undignified exit from her property as her young pupils with their shocked parents looked on. She had written to her Rebel family asking for them to purchase the property from the regiment but they haven't responded to her pleas yet. She couldn't help but smirk when she recalled the well aimed gob of spit she sent right into the Rebel officer's eye as they unceremoniously threw her off her property yet the smirk was short lived when a song verse popped into her mind, The Tories with their brats and wives are fleeing for their wretched lives!. Fleeing for her wretched life was exactly what she was doing but she had a plan and it was just about to get rolling as she approached a crowd of men and boys. She elbowed her way past a few of the men to get to the center where where the recruiting sergeant was giving his usual promises of good wages, good food, and glory. She was not phased by the sergeant's promises since she knew real army life wasn't that glamorous yet she had to swallow any pride and enlist if she wanted to eventually be transferred to her Loyalist regiment, so she stood still and listened.[/size][/color][/font]

[Chørd]

`James

The crowd was, for the most part, buying everything the recruiting sergeant was promising them. They'd gathered around, drawn in by the mention of riches, glory, and unlimited food, soft pillows, and they were now ensnared as the sergeant continued to spin his tales of how glorious life as a British soldier was. There was no mention of the back-breaking hardwork, some of the injuries sustained during battle, the poor pay, the scams you got dragged into, nor the fact that you'd be lucky to get even a half-decent pillow to rest your head on at night.

The drummer boy and teenage private at the sergeant's side had to struggle to keep a straight face. They knew most of it was lies - if not all of it.

Private James Scott stared at the faces in the crowd; they were all male, predominantly in their mid-twenties to thirties - he couldn't see many adolescents such as himself.
He raised an eyebrow as he saw a figure pushing their way through the crowd to get to the centre where the sergeant and his two companions stood spouting their promises.
James watched the seemingly eager new comer with growing curiosity; something about him was different to the others, though he couldn't quite put his finger on what - exactly - that difference was.

Seeing an opportunity to help the recruiting sergeant out with his efforts, James approached the newcomer.
"Lookin' to join?" He grinned. "Can't beat the twenty-thirds. Best regiment there is."
He wondered how he'd wound up with this job, since the rest of his light infantry company were back at camp, but he supposed that he'd rather be here in the local town attempting to recruit some Loyalist Americans than back with his fellow soldiers performing same-old mundane chores.

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[rebellioustory]

"Oy! You little brat! Watch where you throw those elbows!" one man said as Elizabeth nudged him out of the way to get to the front, "I'm sorry." she replied still focusing on the recruiting sergeant's usual speech. She shook her head slightly unable to believe what these people were falling for; she had to pry countless bullets out of men and boys. She could have cared less about the wages or the food or the dangers, she needed an escape and this was the best option she could find if she wanted to eventually be reunited with Taylor so she listened wondering where their campaign would take them.

When the private approached her asking if she was looking to join, she snapped out of her planning and nodded, "Aye. I am! Me father said I needed to fight for my country but I do not think this is what he had in mind!" Hmmm, light company, eh? Her old regiment was heavy infantry so her plan might be slightly delayed but it was a step nonetheless. A few snickered at her comment and she gave a shrug, "I'll be willing to take His Majesty's shilling"

[Chørd]

`James

James felt a smirk growing on his face when the young stranger answered him. One already? That was easy. No persuasion need, either!
"Ah, well," he laughed, "these here Colonies aint an ind'pendent country yet, are they? So I figures he'll forgive you for joining the best and brightest soldiers out there."

Perhaps 'best and brightest' wasn't exactly the best way to sum up the ranks, but oh well.

James glanced over his shoulder at the civilian's next words, winking to the recruiting sergeant. "We've got ourselves a new recruit, sarge!"
He took the shilling given to him by the sergeant, and held it out to the 'new recruit', nodding encouragingly. "S'yours to take."
He could get used to this; the lying about the glory, luxury and liberties of the army, the snaring others into the trap. It sure beat whatever his alternative duties would have been.
"You got a name?" James asked. May as well make them feel welcome, he figured, since unless they knew the reality of life in the ranks, they'd have a hell of a shock coming to them when they'd find out that things weren't all they seemed, and the shilling offered to them would have to buy them their neccesaries.

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[rebellioustory]

The shilling was placed in her hands and she looked at it. Well, there was no looking back here, she just hoped it wasn't a permanent service and if it were, she would conveniently let herself get "discovered" and pray her sob story would keep her from getting shot or hanged. She hoped even more she wouldn't have to resort to that.

"My name?" she hadn't thought gotten to this part of the plan quite yet, "My name's Bob!" Bob? What kind of ridiculous name was Bob? She'd kick herself later for it but she had to go with the name, "Bob Doolittle! Call me Bee, though!" she went with her nickname from her old regiment. She looked up at the private then at the sergeant with their friendly faces and took it all in before she had to go to the ranks... Maybe they weren't so bad- no. This was the British army, not the Loyalist provincials. She looked around at the crowd and noticed others looking at her and looking at the shilling in her hand and couldn't help but smirk seeing that she was the first one there. She then looked at the shilling and began wondering how this piece was going to get her all her supplies. No turning back now...

[Chørd]

`James

Bob. Hmm. A pretty commonplace name, James supposed. Probably short for Robert or something like that. The nickname was a little strange, but he'd heard weirder.

"Scott," James introduced himself. "Private James Scott, twenty-third's light bob comp'ny."
He hoped the new lad was in his company - up close, he didn't look that much older than James, as he still had slightly rounded features, was a few inches shorter than the private, and had a relatively high pitched voice for a male.

Deciding he liked the new fellow already, James smiled slightly at this "Bee", then turned back to his sergeant again.
"I reckon he'd be alright in the light company. Fast and nimble," he offered. "We could do with some more in our ranks, sarge. And you can't have too many light bobs, can you?"
The recruiting sergeant stared down at the adolescent's face, frowned, then waved a hand dismissively. "Leave the officers to deal with that. T'ain't our problem. We just reel them in and take them back with us."

James shrugged and went back to Bee again, deciding it was best to stick around him just in case he decided to up and run with the King's Shilling in his pocket.
"We'll see to it that you're in the light infantry," he motioned to the other man with his hand, "we could do with more little'uns like you."
He smiled to show he meant the remark to be a compliment, and rocked back and forth on his heels, hoping to keep up a conversation with Bee so that he wouldn't have the opportunity to sneak away.

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[rebellioustory]

"Nice to meet you, Private Scott." Elizabeth replied pocketing the shilling. She looked up at him offering her hand to shake. She hoped she could stick with this kid maybe learn a few things she hasn't learned yet and really hoped he could help her keep out of the trouble she always seems to find herself in or at least get around it. Should she mention she had some surgical experience? Nah, not yet! She had a feeling she'd be all right in this regiment as long as she didn't do anything too stupid or get hurt before she could find her way to wherever her old regiment was. (which was Maryland according to Taylor's last letter) She listened to James and the sergeant talk about her being a light bob and couldn't help but chuckle at her choice of name and its irony and for once, she didn't mind being referred to as "little" since it meant she could be somewhat useful.

She looked back then back at the sergeant ready to start this new life, "I'll do my best, sergeant!" well, obviously she was going to do her best! She'd be flogged otherwise and there are absolutely no room for error on her account or anyone else's. She turned to James, "So how long have you been in the service?"

[Chørd]

`James

James found it strange to be offered a handshake in greeting, used to a clap on the back or a gentle nudge, but he still returned the shake out of awkward politeness.

He smiled at Bee's voiced enthusiasm to do his best. He didn't really have a choice in it; it was work hard for your living, or suffer the 'cat' - and he doubted any soldier would pick the latter of the two.

He shrugged indifferently when asked how long he'd been in the service.
"I was born in the ranks," he answered monotonely, considering the subject boring. "Me Pa was a soldier like myself, and he met me Ma, they married, and I was born someplace whilst the army was on a campaign. Probably here in the Colonies, since it was during the French and Indian War." He hesitated for a moment, lost in thought, then shrugged again, a smile growing on his face. "That's what my parents always told me anyway."

He frowned at Bee slightly. "Where've you come from then? I'm guessing your family sympathises with the Rebels, since you mentioned this probably wasn't what your father had planned for you."

He couldn't blame the father, really. Even families back in England weren't overly keen on their friends and relatives joining the ranks, knowing it was a lifelong commitment - or sentence, more like, since many didn't join willingly if they knew what waited for them.

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[rebellioustory]

Elizabeth put her hands behind her back realizing the bit of awkwardness then her eyes widened when he said he had been in the ranks for practically his entire life... Hmmm... this could be useful considering she'd need all the help she could get memorizing the Manual of Arms without having the sergeant barking in her ears, Your entire life, eh?Woah! she remembered her uncle telling her his war stories from the French and Indian War as she helped him shelve books in his book shop in Virginia which made her interested in soldiering even if she was a woman-not that it mattered nowI'm from New Jersey, born and raised. Yes, I come from a family of "Patriots" They want change, which is good, I suppose, but I just don't know why. I loved my life before this war and I do not know why it has to change so I'm doing my best to help it stay the way it is." she shrugged, "Neither mum or dad are ready to disown me as far as I know, even if I am here." she wasn't telling the complete story, but it was close enough for now.

[Chørd]

`James

James smiled at Bee's reaction to his answer. It didn't seem such a big deal to him really, since he didn't know any lifestyle other than this one - and he didn't plan on changing that any time soon, if he was honest with himself.
Still, looking the new recruit over, he decided that this Bee man would likely need help settling into army life - and James was happy to provide that help if it was necessary. He wasn't overly sure how they'd train the recruits, since they'd all be needed ASAP. With luck, they'd have to learn on the job and from their peers and drill sergeants.

He pulled a face when he heard that the recruit's family were 'Patriots'. He just hoped, for the Bee's sake, that none were in the Continental army or militia; as much as he'd gladly shoot one of his own if he saw himself gaining something from it, he doubted he'd be able to stand in a line and fire at the enemy with the knowledge that somewhere in the opposition's ranks a family member could be stood.
"Well you picked the right side," James grinned, breaking out of his daydream, and clapped Bee playfully on the back. "Change is good so long as it's for the best. No matter who's in control of a place, the damn politicians and aristocrats will always get the better of us commonfolk."
He almost laughed at himself for saying the words. Well wasn't he getting all philosophical?
Still, he liked this Bee fellow. There was something about them that just made them easy to get on with.

James glanced over his shoulder when he heard the recruiting sergeant announcing to the crowd that he'd be in the tavern in the town and that anyone interested should come along for a "free" drink.
He smirked. Good tactic - if the crowd was growing dubious, throw alcohol into the mix, get them drunk, slip a shilling in their tankards and you had yourself a recruit - an unwilling one, sure, but a recruit all the same.
James turned back to Bee. "S'time to get some lads drunk, I reckon," he grinned devilishly then started making his way to the tavern, indicating for Bee to follow him. They'd start heading back to camp after this little session, most likely.

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[rebellioustory]

She chuckled at the soldier's sudden burst of philosophy and folded her arms, "I'm rebelling against this rebellion. We're all gonna be controlled by politicians, anyway, so why not go for the politicians who know what they're doing?" she said with a shrug, At least I'm fighting in an army that knows what's it's doing." She was becoming less worried about this whole venture as she continued talking to James. She now probably has a file-mate or at least someone to pull her along during marches and remind her that the musket is made for right handed people.

She looked behind James to see that the sergeant was bringing the potential recruits into the tavern then eyed the sergeant suspiciously. She knew that they'd sometimes put things like black stap into someone's drink to knock them out or put the shilling in the bottom of the tankard to get them to enlist but the fact that she stepped up first got her off that hook. The other problem she had was drinking for she was a lightweight and she didn't want to let her gender accidentally slip up in conversationGood tactic for the less than willing." she said following him trying not to look cautious.

[Chørd]

`James

If all the Colonists thought like this one did, there'd be no war, James figured. They'd accept that no matter what you do, someone would have to be in charge, and that person would need money, and those money would come from taxes. It wasn't something difficult to get your head around.

They headed down the road towards the tavern that the sergeant had picked for his recruiting. James turned and grinned at Bee's words.
"Aye, it is," he nodded, scuffing a stone in the road with the toe of his boot. "Good for us soldiers, too, since the sarge pays for all drinks. And who'd turn down a free chance to get tipsy, eh?"
He smirked to himself at the thought of free alcohol. The only time he got free alcohol was with his rations, and even then it was never enough for him.
He looked over his shoulder at Bee again. "You drink at all?" He asked, though didn't wait for an answer. "Course you do. Stupid question to ask really." He shook his head, then his eyes widened. "Some people just join the army for the free alcohol we get with our rations. Funny world, innit?"
Still, he couldn't blame them. Again - who in their right mind would turn down free alcohol?

They entered the tavern, and James helped himself to a seat at the table the sergeant was sat down at, and patted the chair next to him in a request for Bee to sit down too. A fair number of men had followed him there, though not all of the crowd from earlier had decided to wonder on in. Perhaps they knew of the army's tricks to get men to enlist, and wanted to stay out of all that?
"Who wants gin?" The sergeant shouted to the crowd, and they all grinned and nodded enthusiastically in response - James included.

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[rebellioustory]

"All our drinks or just the recruiting one?" Elizabeth asked following him pulling the tin whistle out of her bag and twirling it in her left hand figuring that maybe dancing in this situation wouldn't be the best idea if she wanted to at least try to pretend to be slightly masculine. She didn't want to get drunk, getting drunk would probably end in a death sentence to her ruse and plans but perhaps just one cider wouldn't hurt, maybe two if said cider was good. She began recalling various tunes figuring playing a tune could never hurt.

"I am only thirteen! I've never drank be-" Well, too late for that, looks like she would be having a drink or two. She couldn't help but chuckle at James' question and response then shrugged, Ah well, you only live once and said life tends to be cut a bit short if you're in the army!" she said doffing her hat as they entered the tavern then plopped herself down next to him. She looked around at the other recruits, "So which ones do you think will come willingly after a drink or two and which ones do you think will need a bit or persuasion?" She asked placing the tin whistle on the table in front of her. The place reeked of alcohol as did its patrons and the scent of tobacco filled the pungent air but she did her best to ignore it. A young server brought a wooden bowl of peanuts to which she helped herself collecting the peanut shells into a small pile in the corner, So will our campaign bring us to colonies other than New Jersey?I am bloody tired of this colony and I want to see more of these colonies!"

[Chørd]

`James

James shrugged at the question. It probably would be just drink for the recruits, as the sergeant was borrowing money from the regiment's officers. But what harm could it do if he was generous and allowed James and the first recruit of the day to have a drink after all?

He shot Bee a strange look though when he said about being only thirteen. Sure, he had that soft, feminine look about him that most young teenagers had, but thirteen...?
"Ye never mentioned being thirteen, lad," he frowned. Not that it would matter, he doubted. "It's just...normally soldiers under the age of sixteen become drummer boys until they're old enough to fire a gun at the enemy."

He brushed the worry aside though. The sarge didn't know that piece of information yet, and if Bee wanted to fight, then why not lie about his age? The officers probably wouldn't bother to chase the matter up anyway - they had better things to fret over.

James stared around at the crowd gathered around the sergeant, analysing their faces.
"The ones closest to sarge will likely wind up so drunk they won't know what's hit them when they sober up again - the sergeant'll make sure of that," he smiled to himself. "The others...I suppose it depends on what the pros and cons are for them, really. Hardly likely to take one step forward, two steps back, are they? Unless we manage to get them so hammered they'll go along with anything."
If they were lucky, everyone who'd followed them to the tavern would end up in the ranks.

A serving girl headed over to the crowd, smiling brightly at the sergeant when he asked for a round of drinks. She returned shortly with drinks enough for the whole crowd - Bee and James included - and the young private took his and the new recruit's tankards before they could be snatched away.
"First bloody alcohol I've had in a few days," he grumbled, clutching his own tankard close to him and pushing Bee's towards them. "About time."
He swirled the alcohol in his flask absent-mindedly, trying to work out whether it was cider, ale or gin before he drank it, then nodded at Bee. "We'll be moving around alright. Marching wherever we're needed. Been in a few battles already, us Goat Boys have, and likely will be in several more 'fore this war is over."
He paused for a moment, thinking, before smiling at his companion. "We've been in Massachusetts and New York for battles so far, but we'll probably go to the other Colonies at some point too, depending on where forces are needed of course."
He glanced at the pile of peanut shells in the corner next to Bee and smirked, before drinking back the alcohol in his tankard in one go.

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[rebellioustory]

"Well, that's how old I thought I was," one of her friends told her she could easily pass as a thirteen or fourteen year old, "I do not really know how old I am." she could look about fifteen ,she really didn't know. All she knew was that she was a twenty year old trying to pass as a boy. She looked up at James"I'd rather not be a drummer boy. I can keep a rhythm n' all, but I'd much rather be out there fighting! Me mates back home picked on me because I was a bit small and laughed when I said I was gonna join the army. I want to fight!" in reality, she had some musket training but she was far from perfect and in all honesty she was terrified of getting picked off for being a key part of the army.

She listened to him explain who was going to get drunk the first and who would be more likely to join when it finally hit her... How was one shilling going to cover everything and will she have everything in time? What would the uniform do for her image? She was a small woman but she was also thin and gangly looking, could a uniform really hide everything? She figured that when in doubt, she could use tricks such as socks to compensate for certain things. She took the cider, thanked him for it, then took a sip, then took a few more realizing how dainty she might have looked. She really didn't want to look suspicious so she would have to pay close attention to James.

It was at some point in her overthinking when she realized she looked nervous, Sounds like we'll be going everywhere! From Massachusetts to New York, huh? Sounds exciting!" she watched James down his tankard and she repeated his motions then belched. Belching was one unladylike thing she was good at and it might just be her saving masculine grace.

[Chørd]

`James

James wrinkled his nose at Bee's enthusiasm to fight. It was a little worrying that someone as young as they said they were was so eager to fight. Sure, he was fifteen and wouldn't bother leaving the army unless it was for another military-based career, but that's because this life was all he'd known.
"I can't promise anything," he smiled at the new recruit, trying not to dash their enthusiasm. "But being a drummer boy ain't so bad. S'how I started. And you might get a chance to beat the enemy with yer drumsticks," he chuckled slightly to himself at his own little joke, then ran his finger around the rim of his tankard, frowning to himself.

"I hope we aren't going everywhere," his eyes widened at Bee's comment. "You're bloody feet end up aching by the end of it all." He checked himself, realising he probably wasn't helping the new recruit settle in by scaring them with army truths. "But you needn't worry about that. I'm guessing we'll be hanging around this area for a while longer. At least until trouble stirs up elsewhere an' they need reinforcements."

He smirked at the belch and gave Bee a gentle nudge. "Lightweight," he grinned. "You should join me and the lads for a drinking contest one night. We ain't supposed to get drunk, but the officers can't find the alcohol we own half the time."
He glanced at the sergeant who was busy spinning his tales, then looked back to Bee again. He hoped they'd last in the ranks. They seemed to know went to keep their mouth shut, and seemed eager to please. Still, he was convinced that with his help, nothing could go wrong.
"I'll help you settle in when we get back to camp," he promised his companion, his attention partially on the sergeant as he watched him slip a few shillings in to some of the tankards, their half-drunk owners oblivious to the tricks. "And we'll be going soon I'm guessing. The crowd's either drunk or bored. The drunks are as good as ours, and the bored'uns are a lost cause. Ain't worth wasting time on them."

---

OOC: Argh, sorry, not exactly brilliant, but t'was all I could work up for now. D;

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[rebellioustory]

She realized she needed to calm down a bit seeming all too eager to join the ranks,"If that's how it goes, then a drummer boy I'll be!" darnit! This was as tall as she was going to get for the rest of her life. Private Bumblebee might have to remain a drummer for the rest of "his" life which made her a little disappointed but if it meant getting closer to her old regiment, she'd do it without complaint. She chuckled at James' joke, I certainly hope they don't get thatclose!" she said biting down on another peanut shell cracking it open. She tried not to look nervous but perhaps she was trying a bit too hard and looking too eager.

She merely listened when he told her about the woes of marching for several miles. She had only walked behind the wagons with the other camp followers and occasionally snuck a ride on the back in spite of it being against the rules and recalled giving up wearing shoes at some points and going barefoot. It was difficult for her as a camp follower but it might be even more difficult for her as a soldier since she'd be carrying equipment and would NOT have the option of sneaking a ride on the back of the wagons that's when it hit her, Are you in need of a fife player? I play the tin whistle." she said lifting the small instrument up a little. If he said yes, that could mean not lugging around a drum and perhaps she could use whatever bit of medical skill she had when she had to drag the wounded out of the sun in battle.

She chuckled when he called her a lightweight then suggested she should join him and his friends for drinking contests, "I do not think I would last too long, James." she said with a sheepish smile. She was easily able to imagine the hiding spots this boy would come up for the alcohol but was unable to imagine its effects on her!

"Thanks so much." she said after he offered to help her settle in, "I don't know if I want to ask it now, but is a shilling really gonna help me get all I need?" she darn well knew the answer was a no, but perhaps she could figure out how exactly she could get everything she needed and would not mind accepting hand-me-downs from some of the smaller soldiers.

[Chørd]

`James

He tapped his finger to his lips at the question about needing a fife player. Possibly. He never really paid attention to whether or not the bandsmen were getting picked off, so there may well be a vacancy.
"Your best bet I reckon is to just tell that to the officers back at camp," he shrugged dismissively. "Tell them you're thirteen an' can play the fife an' they'll probably happily allocate you as bandsmen and medic."

He looked genuinely disappointed at the gentle turn down of his invite to join in the drinking contests. "Oh. Well maybe you can just watch, yeah? I'll have your ration of alcohol if you won't be needin' it."
James smiled smugly to himself at the thought. He didn't mind his new ally missing out on the slurred celebrations and alcoholic contests if it meant he could get more ale, wine and brandy into his system.

He waved a hand dismissively at the thanks. He'd gladly help any new recruit settle into the army life - it was a hard one, after all - and of course, that little 'duty' wasn't without its rewards. He'd anyday take a wineskin over a penny though, which was just as well - shillings weren't exactly easy to come by in camp.
He glanced at Bee when he was asked how a shilling was meant to buy all their necessaries. "It ain't. And that's the trick. They get you in their debt, then you're snared. They deduct it off your pay, usually. I think. I ain't sure, I was born into the army so it was either follow in me Pa's footsteps or bugger off, and I can't read nor write or do any specialist trade...so I'm better of here, really. But don't you worry, they'll look after you well enough." He paused, glancing around as one of the bored members of the crowd pushed their half-empty tankard away then stood and left. James waited until no one was looking then grabbed the tankard for himself, sloshing the alcohol round in the bottom of the mug before downing it in one go. He wiped his mouth with the back of his hand and grinned impishly at Bee. "They've got to look after us to some extent, ain't they? Can't fight a war if all your soldiers are dead or screaming mutiny."

He smirked when he noticed one of the more drunk potential recruits drinking the rest of his alcohol then squint at the penny at the bottom, before tipping it up into his palm.
"Well that's one snared," James shrugged, turning his attention back to Bee again. "The rest'll follow."

A few minutes later another three had also 'miraculously' found the shilling at the bottom of the tankard and, half dazed from the alcohol and having found such a coin, held it up to examine before stuffing it hastily into their pockets. And of course, the sergeant made a note of who had done so, so they wouldn't be walking away with the King's money jingling in their coat pockets.

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[rebellioustory]

The thought of her addressing a group of officers made her a bit nervous, "You do not mind coming with me to do that, do you? she asked twirling the tin whistle then dropping it to the floor. She picked it up the cleaned it off with a dirty sleeve then put it in front of her. She saw James' slightly disappointed face, Ahh, life is short, anyway, I might as well join in one or two!" she couldn't say completely "no" but she would have to be exceptionally careful and NOT let anything slip that could lead her drummed out or worse. Hmm, if she was discovered, she still had medical experience that could prove useful so they would have a reason to keep her around...

She made a slight grimace when she learned she was now in the army's debtOh LORD! What have I gotten myself into?! she leaned on the table with her head in her hand then looked down at the empty cider mug then she perked up when he said he couldn't read, You can't read? I can help you with that! I know I'm gonna need all the help I can get with soldiering so it is the least I can do! The governess in her was kicking in. She didn't exactly know how she felt about this fifteen year old lad drinking heavy but she didn't think it was her place to say anything but perhaps if he could read he could be helped to some ext- NO! She was not this lad's governess nor mother but she would help him read if he accepted it. She was so glad she had grabbed a few books in addition to her sketchbook now! She was so glad she didn't have to give education up to be a soldier.

She nodded to what he had said about not wanting any mutiny then looked around to see the men finding shillings at the bottom of their tankards, I am glad I had the gall to just sign up and not be snared like this. It would be a most unfortunate surprise to wake up in a tent or around a campfire with a gun in your hand and a sergeant shouting at you." she had to fight back any feeling of melancholy when she mentioned the word "sergeant" since she missed hers more than anything. she chuckled a bit, "Out of all the adults, the child is the first to sign up. Does that make me brave or foolish, I wonder." No doubt about it: she was impulsive and foolish and now starting to want to kick herself for making such hasty decisions!

[Chørd]

`James

James couldn't help but laugh slightly when he was asked to go with Bee to speak to the officers. If anything, that might make everything just that much more awkward for them, but he'd go along if that's what his new companion wanted.
"A'ight, I will," he nodded, shrugging dismissively. "But don't expect me to be of much help. The officers don't trust me, like."

He allowed a grin to creep across his face again when Bee agreed to join them for one or two drinks and contests. "It's great fun, you'll see," he answered brightly, then hesitated. "Providin' you can remember what actually happened."

He felt himself flush red with embarassment at Bee's surprise at him be illiterate. He knew hardly anyone who could write, especially among the ranks, so he didn't see anything wrong with it. Still, he felt a stab of pride to stick to his non-writing, non-reading ways, and clasped his empty tankard closed to him.
"I think I'll pass," he mumbled. "Ain't no use in readin' 'n' writin'. Not in the army, anyways, and I ain't ever getting out of this job."

He tried to force the colour out of his cheeks, frowning from the effort of doing so, though his attempts only made it worse. He stared at Bee, head tilted slightly to the side in curiosity. "How come you can read anyways? D'you get educated, did you?"

He chuckled lightly at the question of whether or not it was brave or foolish to sign up, and glanced round at the drunken men the sergeant was pulling to their feet. "I think you're both brave and foolish," he paused to jab his thumb in the direction of the men, who stood swaying without the support of the sergeant. "But you'll likely have the advantage over that lot either way, since yer sober an' all."
He got to his feet, checking all the tankards to ensure they were all fully drained of their contents, then clicked his neck, motioning for Bee to get up to.
"Time to get a-moving, looks like," he muttered to himself, then headed over to the sergeant, who was attempting to keep the other recruits upright and oblivious to the fact they were about to be herded back to the nearest British army camp.

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