Summary: Ben Hornigold considers his new life.
Julien du Casse, Woodes Rogers and Ben Hornigold – gen, hints of slash, AU.
***Please be aware there are spoilers for ACIV ahead by dint of the fact it is an AU!*** – Ben's POV
A Conversation between Three Templars
On the Third Day of Christmas my true love sent to me…
…threeFrench Hens
Ben sighed and put his feet up on the low table, glancing around at his surroundings. The Manor grounds were extensive and lush, well-trimmed and the view of the bay was superb.
A tankard was placed down beside his boot and Ben grabbed it. The taste of the beer was refreshing, holding it appeared the promise of the future.
He turned to his companion. "So, how did you manage to keep this hideout from Edward? He's a dangerous bastard and I can't hold many men living once he's decided to kill them."
Julien du Casse laughed and took a swig, "The Father of Understanding must have been looking out for me."
Ben snorted, "The day I met Rogers I thought the Templars had something about them, but I didn't realise your creed also protected you from murdering bastards."
Julien smiled, his black hat low on his head, casting a shadow over his face. "Our Order is a realisation that the world requires order and that ultimately chaos leads to ruin. You saw that truth and turned your life from the black path of the pirate, now you shall be part of our new order. Edward…well, even though he had an opportunity to see our purpose, he lusted too much for gold and couldn't lay aside a life of self-want, foolish dog."
Ben shrugged, "Edward was a bird who couldn't be tamed. Like the eagle he flew from harbour to harbour. You could never capture him, shame though. He was a clever bird."
"Indeed."
Ben and Julien sprang to their feet, Woodes had joined them. He waved and they all sat down. A breeze ruffled the feathers in Julien's hat and Ben watched as Julien leaned back to catch some of that cooler air, his shirt showing the sweat on his bared muscled chest.
"Edward wasn't able to see that we wished to wield power for the betterment of mankind. Freedom without rules is chaos, the assassins don't realise this and Edward, rushing around like their wild animal, was a perpetrator of this disease."
"I guess Woodes," commented Ben. He looked again at his surroundings; it was beautiful and strange not to have to rush about on the high seas, hoping for plunder. The men he conversed with were educated and fervent in their cause, before he had only known men – been one of them – whose only devotion was to gold and rum.
It was relaxing and a huge relief. Already adhering to order and bettering the lives of others was changing him. Ben was…peaceful. He wasn't looking to fill his empty life through a succession of bars and riches, which through their temporary nature satisfaction always eluded him.
These Templars though? They had offered him salvation. Now he was a Templar and their cause was worth fighting for and offered a fulfilment Ben could taste all the way to his belly, warm and full as it was.
Smiling at his companions Ben raised his tankard, "To peace brothers. Thank you for showing me the errors of my ways."
Julien laughed and held up his flask, Woodes looking amused followed suit.
"Welcome Ben, may the Father guide you in your new life."
Woodes spoke with passion, "And we are glad you have repented, we need men of calibre like yours."
Beer was spilt as they clanked glasses. Chuckling, all three men drank. Julien was the first to lower his and set it on the glossy table, his smile predatory.
He spoke low and seductive, "And I think we will have much fun as well, if my eyes do not deceive me?"
Ben's belly was on fire and licking the tankard rim, he smirked as he saw Julien's eyes trace the path with interest, even Woodes, dashing as he was with that scar was paying close attention.
"The man who escaped Edward is surely not deceived," reaching out Ben ran his hand over the edge of Julien's shirt, refusing to touch that muscly expanse…just yet, "I wonder how Templar fire compares to pirate passion? It would be…ah, interesting to compare."
Julien grinned, but was interrupted by Woodes who stood and strolled around to them. He rested one hand on Ben's shoulder, "I assure you that Templar conviction – ardour – can outstrip pirate passion. Ours lasts, a pirate's desire wanes as quickly as it is roused, or as long the rum endures."
Ben roared with laughter, "Then we have nothing to fear. To adventure and-"
"Bed," finished Julien, who closed the gap and kissed him.
Yes, thought Ben as he dragged Woodes down to join in, I can get used to this life.