Disclaimer: I own nothing, yada, yada, yada. Well, ok, I might have some say over the plot, considering it is from my brain. So in that sense I own the plot, not the characters or even the pretense.
Author's Note: My first Pirate's story. I am a dedicated fan, love the whole trilogy and what not. Decided to just do a little dribble and such. I must say you all have some wonderful stories. Anyway, this is set after POTC 3, and is mainly Elizabeth/child/Jack. The basis of the story is Jack coming to ask Elizabeth for help on retrieving his ship back from Barbossa. It's the first chapter, there will be a little tweak and little twerk, I'm sure through out the story. But, oh well, Author. I hope you enjoy it, give it a chance, and it should be an interesting development.
Pirate Smile
--But oh how it feels so real
Lying here with no one near
Only you and you can hear me
When I say softly slowly
Hold me closer--
"Mama?"
She turned away from the ocean, where she had been sitting since he had gone to bed. The sky was black and the breeze blew salt into the air. His voice had broken the silence that surrounded her. Her only escape each night.
"William? What are you doing out of bed?" She looked at him, questions pouring into her brain. He was only three, how did he manage to find her so far from their home.
"I went into your room, and you weren't there." He started crying. She jumped up and grabbed him close to her body. She closed her eyes tightly as he clung to her legs.
"Oh baby. I'm so sorry. I couldn't sleep, I needed some fresh air." Her voice was above a whisper, soothing the hysterical child at her legs.
"Don't leave me mama." Her heart broke with each word and each sob that escaped her child. She knelt down and looked at him. Brown crashed with teary brown, as she gently patted his hair.
"I will never leave you." Her voice was even and strong. "Ever."
He looked at her, his eyes big and bright, his blonde hair blowing in the breeze. Just as she thought he had calm down, his face scrunched up, he threw his tiny arms around his mother's neck and he began crying harder into her shoulder.
She sighed. Her own long hair dancing with the salty breeze. She scooped him up and began the small hike to their home.
With each step she remembered the night Will had left. How she was finally home in Port Royal. There was a large inheritance given to her from her father's death, along with several heirlooms the new governor saw as valuable. There was enough to buy the small house that over looked the ocean, and more then enough to comfortably live off of.
Being Pirate King did not hurt, the other members on the Brethren Court were more then happy to send trinkets and gifts to her. She assumed as good faith gifts.
Though it didn't matter.
She had finally made it to the front door and smiled slightly as a frantic house maid opened the door.
"My deepest apologies mum." The short and plump woman moved to the side as Elizabeth and her child walked in. The woman shut the door, wringing her hands as she looked at her employer.
"It's ok Anna." Elizabeth smiled. "He had a bad dream, so I think I'll keep in in my room for the night. I think he's getting too much sun in the afternoon."
"Yes mum. I'll have a hat brought up to help the young sir stay in the shade." Anna nodded her head, mentally taking note.
"No, no, I haven't been to town in almost a week. I would like to take a trip, but not with my little William." Elizabeth smiled as she gently kissed her son's head.
"I'll take care of everything." Anna smiled. "I think you should be off to bed. I don't want you spent before you even get into town."
"Thank you Anna, sleep well."
"And the same to you mum."
Elizabeth walked up the stairs that led to her and William's rooms. She carefully opened the door to her bedroom and gently put her one and only on the bed.
"Sleep well my baby." She kissed his head as he snuggled into her covers.
The room was big, with a balcony that had a perfect view of the ocean. Even with the black sky she could still see the ripples of waves moving towards the shore. Shaking her head she moved behind the screen and changed into her night dress.
The bed was quite big, but she couldn't help it, it was nicer to have then a small bed. She still had a taste for expensive things. Her only wish was that there was someone to share it with.
She slipped into the bed and stared at the ceiling. A little more then six years.
That was it.
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The sun slipped through her curtains, allowing light to touch her delicate morning eyes. She mumbled as she rolled over, trying to feel for the other occupant of the bed. It wasn't until she felt nothing that her eyes sprung open, stinging from the light.
"William?" She sat up and looked around, but there was still no sign of her ever lively child.
She got up and slipped her robe over her night clothes, making her way out into the hall.
"Anna? Have you seen William?" Her voice had a nervous edge to it.
"He's down here, eating breakfast." Anna poked her head from around the wall, looking up to the hall way. "Good morning Mum."
"Good morning Anna." Elizabeth smiled and made her descent downstairs.
A smile brightened her face as she saw him sitting at the table, trying to stuff a pancake into his mouth.
"Smaller bites my love." She said, ruffling his hair.
"This is how pirates eat mama!" He laughed as pieces fell from his lips, onto the table.
"I know many a pirate that ate much more proper then that." Elizabeth chuckled, wiping the boy's face with a cloth.
"How many pirates do you know mama?" She smiled as she pretended to count off her fingers.
"More then anyone in the whole town."
"Really?" Excitement spread over his body.
"I'm sure of it." She laughed as he jumped up in his seat.
"Anna's taking me to the shore today. We're going to pick sea shells for my treasure box." Elizabeth looked over and smiled at the ever helpful woman.
"Is she now? You must pick out the biggest and shiniest seashells."
William smiled, leaning closer towards his mother. "We're going to find real treasure!"
"Brilliant!" Elizabeth kissed her son's cheek and stood up. "Nothing for me Anna, I'm going to get dressed. I have quite a walk ahead of me."
"Of course." Anna smiled and winked at Elizabeth. "We'll be back with some wonderful treasure for you Mrs. Turner."
"Good," Elizabeth walked towards the main hall. "I'll be looking forward to a good treasure."
-----------------------------
It had been well into the afternoon when Elizabeth returned from town. Parcels littered at her feet; two hats for William, as well as some new pants. She had also picked up two dresses that were going to be delivered later in the week. A most amazing trip to town if she said so.
The night had fallen quickly over the shore. She watched as William played in front of the fire, pretending to be a pirate looking for treasure. He and Anna had formed a treasure map before dinner, and he was still coming up with details to the ever changing treasure hunt.
It was still surprising how, even at his tiny age, he could still have so much pirate blood in him. The stage had started recently, a little before he had even turned three. Every second was dedicated to stories and treasures and sword fights. In the beginning it was hard to deal with it; but soon Elizabeth just went along for the ride. It was her only child and it was well into his blood.
She sat in her bedroom, mending one of William's night tunics. That boy and furniture was such a bad combination. She had tried to fall asleep, but for some reason it just wasn't coming to her.
"Mrs. Turner?" Elizabeth looked up to the panicked eyes of her maid.
"What's wrong?" Her voice dropped a few decimals.
"There's a horse on it's way towards the house. It's well into the night, who would dare make a visit?" Elizabeth couldn't fathom, and her heart raced.
"I want you to stay in William's room, make sure not to wake him and lock the door." Elizabeth jumped up and went into her closet, coming back out with a pistol. "I'll answer the door. No matter what happens, keep William safe."
Elizabeth tightened her robe and walked past Anna.
"Mum, please."
"I'll handle it." She looked at her closet confidant. "Trust me."
Anna nodded and hurried to William's room.
Elizabeth sighed and walked down the stairs, her eyes adjusting to the candle filled hall. It was very well into the night. Nothing could be good if traveling by night. A lesson learned by the young mistress too early in life. She sighed as she heard the horse draw up to the front porch of her house. She ready the pistol as footsteps sounded at her door.
She swung open the door and pointed the pistol at the man standing, his fist positioned to knock.
"Is that any way to greet a guest, love?"
-----------------------------
"Bloody hell Jack." Elizabeth was a calm, delicate sort of woman. At least this is what she portrayed to the towns people of Port Royal. Now, now in the company of one of the known pirate lords, and one of her most insane companions, Elizabeth was beyond anger.
"If dear Will could hear that mouth of ours." Jack t'sked, and shook his head. "What type of woman did he marry?"
"The kind that is going to shoot you."
Jack smiled and relaxed into the kitchen chair that Elizabeth had shown him too. He looked no different then he did almost four years ago. His voice was still the same scheming tone it always was, and his eyes were still a soft blue.
"You'd never shoot me love." He looked around at the stunning kitchen. "I see you are doing well without the whelp."
"I had an inheritance." Elizabeth relaxed in her chair, the pistol was safely in her lap. Shooting him was still an idealistic notion. "Jack, what do you want?"
"I can't stop by and see an old friend?" He looked hurt by her words. "I was in the area and I thought, I haven't seen the young bride in almost four years, I wonder how she is holding up." He shook his head. "Well, thank you for such an inviting welcome."
Elizabeth looked at him, trying to decipher between his words and his intentions.
"Jack Sparrow." Her voice had an edge. "What the bloody hell do you want?"
His eyes grew slightly bigger as his mouth shut tightly. Damn women.
"I don't want anything. However," He cleared his throat and leaned closer over the table. "I do have a proposition."
"What kind of proposition?" Elizabeth did not make a move, she had to stay as distance as possible.
"As you may, or may not, have heard, Barbossa has my ship."
"I have heard. Barbossa sent me a beautiful porcelain tea set as a wedding present." Jack's eyes were un-amused. "Which reminds me. As a pirate lord, don't you owe your king a wedding present?"
"I hardly think this is the time or the place." Jack straightened himself up and looked at the amused woman. "I need your influence."
"My influence?" Elizabeth stood up, the pistol safely in her pocket, and started a fire for her tea. "My influence as what?"
"The late governor's daughter and proper lady for England, and as the Pirate King for Barbossa." Jack watched her careful. She had to be carefully observed.
"You do not need me." She stood at the stove, staring at her companion. "It's going on four years, what makes you think you'll get the Pearl after so long?"
"Because I'll have you. It's not like I'm chasing after Barbossa with my lil' dinghy and an mind full of rum." Jack shook his head, stretching his arms up and putting them behind his head. "I have a proper ship, a loyal crew, and enough supplies to keep us at sea comfortably. Don't tell me you've forgot your sea legs?" He cocked his eyebrow.
Elizabeth opened her mouth, as Anna walked in, gasping and putting her hand over her mouth.
"A pirate! You, you scoundrel!" She moved against the wall, staring at Jack.
"Anna--"
"Don't say anything mum. I don't want him to black mail you." The frightened maid put her hand up to stop Elizabeth from saying anything. "You scum! This is a proper household with a married woman. You need to leave!"
Jack rolled his eyes and stared at the plump woman.
"Anna, this is Jack Sparrow." Elizabeth took her tea cup, pouring the hot water. "He's an old friend. I have him to thank for rescuing my husband."
Anna looked from Jack to Elizabeth. "He rescued Mr. Turner?" She looked back at Jack. "But he's a pirate."
"Yes." Elizabeth concentrated on her tea. She had told very little to Anna when she had hired her. The woman knew that there were thin ties from Elizabeth to some of the more recognizable pirates, especially because of her capture so any years ago. However, Elizabeth doubted the woman would ever expect to see a pirate sitting comfortably in her mistress' home.
"Then your husband, he was a--"
"A good man." Jack cut her off, his relax position never faltering. "As am I, savvy? If you please, I'm trying to have a discussion."
Anna looked at Elizabeth, her mouth hanging ajar.
"Anna, it's ok. You should return to bed." Elizabeth nodded to the woman, who seemed conflicted with the situation.
Wordlessly, and with an air of snobbery, she turned and walked down the hall to her bedroom.
"It's always so hard to find good help." Jack sighed and looked at Elizabeth. "Look love. I need you with me you were given immunity after the murder of your father. If I'm with you, then I have immunity. So in case there are any problems with England's finest, I'll have you to keep them at bay. As well, if you are onboard my ship Barbossa, nor any of the other pirate lords can shoot at me." He smiled smugly, his hands now resting over his chest. "Not shooting at me is always an appreciated notion on my part."
"Jack." Elizabeth looked at him. "I can't go with you. I have responsibilities."
"You do not. I want my ship back, it has taken four bloody years to turn up a good crew, a good ship, and a good mind to get you, and I want my ship." Jack stood up and walked over to her. "I saved young William, he owes me his life, as you owe me for saving your love. I need you."
Elizabeth stared at him, placing down her cup and sighing. "Follow me Jack."
He looked taken aback as Elizabeth moved from him and began walking from the kitchen. They walked up the stair cases and came to stand in front of a door.
"Try to be quiet." Elizabeth whispered as she opened the door.
The pair walked in to the medium sized room. Off to the corner was a small bed, the sheets rising up and down. Scattered amongst the floor were various toys and clothing. A pair of wooden swords near the bed. Elizabeth stopped at the foot of the bed as Jack looked to see a tiny child.
"Is it the whelps?" Elizabeth hit him over the shoulder. Jack growled lowly, but continued to study the sleeping child's face. "Is this your problem?"
"He is not a problem." Elizabeth glared, moving slowly away from the bed. Jack followed, looking over his shoulder one last time, before they had exited the room.
"I mean, is he the reason you don't want to come?"
"Jack, I refuse to bring my three year old child on some wild and dangerous goose chase with you." She walked down the stairs, Jack fast on her trail.
"It's not a goose chase." He said. "It's an adventure, one in which every young whelp should experience."
"Jack--"
"Elizabeth." He grabbed her arm, turning her towards him. "I have, time and time again, proven to you, as well as Will, that I am more then capable of taking your life into my hands and taking care of it." His eyes were turning an icy blue. "I need your help if I am to ever get my ship back, and to sail these seas the way I want to sail them. You are the ticket I need to do everything I want. And you owe me."
Elizabeth stared at him, her heart beating fast from his rough hold of her and his pleading words. He let go of her and took a step back.
"You have my word as a pirate that my King and her child will remain safe, under my watch." He looked around the main hallway and shook his head. "I once told your husband that not all treasure was silver and gold. The Pearl is my treasure. It'll make my adventure easier if you and young whelp come with me."
"Jack," She bit her lip, closing her eyes and then opening them. "I don't see it as any use to go after Barbossa."
"It's not your use to see love."
"I can't let anything happen to William."
"Love, he's on an undead ship."
"My son, Jack. William, my son, upstairs."
"Oh."
"I can't--"
"This is a journey not even the scholars would deny." Jack gave her an encouraging smile. "You're the Pirate King and an amazing Captain. You belong at the sea, as does your son." Elizabeth's eyes widened. Jack's smile grew. "But you already knew that."
-----------------------------
"What am I thinking?" Elizabeth stood at the docks, watching as Jack's ship finished the rest of it's loading. William was a few feet from her talking to every single crew member that passed him. She placed her hand over her forehead, shaking her head.
"Mama, do I really get to sail on this boat?"
"It's a ship lad." Jack smiled, coming up to the mother and child and ruffling the boy's hair. "And in deed you do get to sail on this ship."
"The Sea hag," Elizabeth looked at the beautiful ship in front of her. "An interesting name if I do say so myself."
"Aye, it be an insult as well as a compliment." Mr. Gibbs smiled as he came towards the trio. "Mrs. Turner."
"Mr. Gibbs!" Elizabeth smiled, hugging the man. "You look quite well."
"Don't worry." Gibbs smiled. "The sea will change all that."
"Mr. Gibbs, this is William, my son." Elizabeth smiled as she placed her hands over the boy's shoulders.
"Hello Mr. Gibbs." Gibbs smiled and shook William's hand.
"What a fine young sailor. Takes after his father, I'm sure." William smiled brightly.
Jack cleared his throat. "Well, my dear crew. It's time to board our ship. We have an adventure to conquer."
Gibbs smiled and put out his hand. "Would you like a tour of your ship Master William?"
"Mama?" The boy looked eagerly at his mother, his eyes bursting with excitement.
"Of course." Elizabeth smiled as the boy grabbed Gibbs' hand and pulled the old sailor to the ship.
"After you." Jack smiled as Elizabeth began to climb the steps.
"You know Jack," Elizabeth turned, her face very close to his. "If anything happens to William or I, you'll have the whole sea to pay." She smiled and continued her walk up to the ship.
Jack stood and watched her. "Well, that was just uncalled for."
He continued his rising and took a fresh breath of air as his feet touched the deck.
"Alright mateys!" He shouted. The crew turned and watched as their Captain walked to the large mass of the boat. "Let's get this lass' legs to sea!"
Elizabeth smiled as she leaned against the railing, watching Port Royal disappear. Jack leaned his back to the railing and looked at his silent companion.
"He looks every bit like him. He is destined for the sea." Jack's eyes floated from mother, to the ever excited child hanging on to each and every word that fell from Gibbs' lips.
"What makes you say that?" Elizabeth continued to stare at the water that was surrounding them.
"He has your presence, that constant light that you always have to liven a crew." Jack shrugged, unsure if that was a good thing or a bad thing. "And he has Will's smile. A pirate smile."