Entry 3

Miranda

"I hope you like it. It was made specifically for you for this day, Elizabeth. And very special one it is. Not every day does my daughter get to take her place in the society…"

I spied thro' th' door openin' as Governor Swann handed Lizzy a large box, one that definitely contained another work o' divine creation ordered straight from Paris or London invariably, lik' all those previous birthdays 'n' other days o' celebration she'd been bestowed ever since she'd turned twelve years old. Except that th'day wasn't 'er birthday, but a day much mair remarkable in a young woman's life. Th' day she would mak' 'er official debut to th' society, set to join all those other young maidens o' Port Royal in their first official outin' at th' lavish ball that was to be held that same evening at Count Rochester's manor. Me sighin' dreamily at th' thought as waited for Elizabeth to unfasten th' ribbons aroond th' parcel impatiently, giddy to see 'er freish dress that had to be unlik' anythin' she'd ever worn afore, as it was seemly in these kind o' elegant affairs that usually opened th' ball season wi' th' grandest party o' all 'n' welcomed th' youngest daughters o' th' nobility to th' higher circles. Me nae helpin' but hold me breath at th' sight o' th' masterful embroidery as wi' an excited yelp Elizabeth hoisted th' gown oot o' its box. Th' layers 'n' layers o' th' finest silk mesmerizin' me wi' their vibrant, stylized colors 'n' forms that created th' imposing trail. First o' its kind oot o' 'er so far dresses,'n' wi' th' unlimited amount o' complimentary details sown intae th' garment was to bring a freish kind o' grace 'n' poise to Lizzy who was from that day oan to be regarded as a child awo longer. But a woman o' high society.

Me smile widened as I witnessed Elizabeth's joy, th' frock ootdoin' everythin' we'd imagined th' dress to be for many weeks prior 'n' thus caused 'er eyes to shine for anticipation for th' upcomin' evening. Th' parcel accidentally fallin' oan th' floor as she danced aroond th' parlor (which we'd juist a moment ago occupied durin' oor readin' session I'd secretly attended oan th' detriment o' me work) th' beautiful garment lifted high above 'er heid so that th' sunlight streamin' inside from th' large windows reflected from th' small jewels decoratin' th' gown's intircate, lace adorned bodice 'n' waistline. 'Er father stairtin' to laugh at his daughter's ever so delighted reaction to his newest gift that was but given, me openin' th' door o' th' dinin' room a bit mair to see Lizzy stop in middle o' a large twirl to stand by a mirror that th' Governor had ordered th' maids to fetch from 'er room. Elizabeth marvelin' th' wey th' soft fabric draped towards th' floors so elegantly, smilin' at th' wey its rosy color went wi' 'er fair complexion 'n' golden hair, highlightin' 'er natural beauty, tryin' th' gown for a size. 'N' naturally, it was perfect for 'er. She would undoubtedly be th' maist enchantin' oot o' all th' debudants present at th' ball…

"Oh, father thank you! It's simply exquisite to look at!"

"And so shall yoube once you wear it tonight. Only best for my dearest girl."

This time I released a slightly despondent sigh, keekin' doon at me ain plain dress o' dull cotton, leanin' me heid against th' door frame as for one fleeting moment I tried to imagine meself takin' part o' one o' those glorious parties. Wearin' th' maist luxorious dress that all th' shops o' Port Royal could offer, surrounded by highly esteemed members o' society 'n' dancin' till th' last breath o' th' vivacious gathering…But wance I opened me eyes again 'n' felt th' poor material against me skin I remembered wi' a pinin' freish sigh that I was ne'er to experience somethin' so wonderful. Long gone were th' days o' childhood when I'd been able to attend th' many celebrations held at Swann manor, me gey young self racin' efter Elizabeth among th' guests juist lik' children do, havin' th' time o' me life wi' me friend. When naw one had found a reason to alienate me from Elizabeth wi' whom I'd shared close to everythin'since birth till that much anticipated day o' 'er debut. Although I was maist happy for 'er, still feeling th' sting o' envy deep within me as I watched 'er frolickin' aboot th' room in joy that debonair gown in 'er hauns. Wi' a firm shake o' me heid then remindin' meself that in th' end we lead highly separate lives that gave me naw room to yearn for somethin' that was ne'er to be mine, me nevertheless nae bein' able to deter a twinge o' disappointment as instead o' callin' me name 'n' hurryin' ower to th' dining-room to showcase 'er present to me as I expected efter kissin' 'er father oan th' cheek she immediately dashed oot o' th' room 'n' ran thro' th' foyer to go try oan th' gown in 'er room. Me takin' a baffled step backwards as keeked efter Lizzy, nae gainin' a single glance back as she was oot o' sight in a flash, me makin' a curt frown as Governor Swann then saw me at th' door 'n' called me inside juist afore I got th' chance to shout efter 'er.

"Could you please dispose of the parcel and go prepare Elizabeth's dress for tonight, Miranda, once she's done trying it on?"

His order had surprised me, but nevertheless I'd entered th' room 'n' curtseyed in compliance. Bowin' me heid as Governor Swann was shakin' his heid at me spyin' at 'em by th' door.

"Right awa', sir."

"Good girl."

Soon efter Governor Swann had left maw had arrived to th' parlor, findin' me standin' there admirin' th' as well beautiful casin' in which Elizabeth's dress had been delivered efter I'd gathered th' books we'd left oanto th' couch. Me fingers smoothin' th' beautiful patterns 'n' ribbons, me nae even realizin' to have turned somewhat sad then 'til felt maw's comfortin' haun to grasp mine 'n' she turned me aroond. Meetin' me gaze 'n' cheerin' me up wi' 'er angelic smile, sweepin' me cheek.

"I ken yer life isn't what ye'd wish it to be 'n' nae even close as luxorious as Miss. Elizabeth's", she'd said, keekin' a bit apologetic afore 'er face brightened wi' another, gentler smile. Me watchin' 'er to reveal a parcel from behind 'er back as weel, wrapped intae much simpler waxed paper wi' a simple rope tied aroond it, 'er then handin' it to me. "But it is yer life, 'n' ye should treasure it 'n' mak' maist o' it naw matter what fate has given ye to mak' o' it. So although it is nae a frock for th' debudant ball that I'm holdin', it's somethin' equally important that will also designate th' fact o' ye becomin' a woman. Somethin' I've been very excited to give ye noo that ye're all grown up 'n' ready to face th' world oan yer ain."

Me lips spread intae a warm, amused smile as I opened th' loosely tied package to unveil a brand freish maid's uniform. Fetched straight from th' tailor to whom I then realized maw to have secretly placed an order to finally get me me ain uniform, me allowin' th' red dress to fall to its full length in front o' me for me to examine it. It nae bein' anythin' similar compared to th' gown Elizabeth had been given, but still equally wonderful in me eyes 'n' wi' a single glance I could tell it to fit me lik' a glove. Simply it bein' a gift from maw makin' it superior to any silky work o' art I'd many times daydreamed to wear, juist because o' that reason me neist whiskin' awa' such pointless reveries afore treadin' th' cottony uniform 'n' th' apron ontae me forearm, proceedin' to hug maw.

"I luv it, maw."

"It's nae a creation o' exquisite brocade, but it'll have to do for noo. It was time for ye to have one o' yer ain to use."

"It's all I need. Thank ye."

"Wear it weel. 'N' as proudly as if it were yer debudant gown."

"Ye can be sure o' that, maw."

"Happy birthday me darlin' lass."

Ye didn't ken o' comfort 'til ye had hot water poured ower yer strained muscles, spreadin' th' sensation o' ease all ower as ye rake thro' yer cluttered hair 'n' feel yer fingers comb thro' th' knots. Th' warm steam caressin' yer dry, weathered skin 'n' bit by bit reminded ye how it wance used to be soft 'n' uncalloused, juist as ye are marvelin' ower th' fact how a simple bath could feel so heavenly, even for th' past several weeks ye've been nothin' but surrounded by ne'er endin' water to make yer sick to yer stomach o' anythin' that was wet 'n' as vast... Weel for stairters I was thrilled to have th' caked filth washed aff o' meself (although me caretakers had taken th' initiative to wipe awa' th' majority o' it when I was unconscious). But rags 'n' a bowl o' occasional water only took ye as far, 'n' I actually enjoyed th' sensation o' havin' me skin deeply abraded by th' somewhat hard sponges that Tia Dalma had provided for me 'n' Elizabeth to use along wi' some soaps 'n' unfamiliar oils to treat oor (I suppose) hair wi'. Efter I'd dedicated notable amount o' time in scrubbin' every bit o' me clean I allowed meself to relax in th' dominant heat o' th' improvised bathroom, nae even th' boilin' conditions o' th' Cuban climate impedin' me from takin' th' maist o' th' time spend in th' toaty wooden tub both me 'n' Elizabeth each had th' privilege to soak in instead o' sharin' one. Efter I'd applied some o' th' peculiar substance to me untangled locks 'n' rinsed it wi' a pitcher o' water I eventually rose from th' still hot water, dryin' meself aff wi' care 'n' time. Pamperin' meself wi' th' tardy touch, slowly rubbin' me arms 'n' other sore spots o' me body wi' th' coarse , thin cottony towel afore sat doon to a wee stool that had been placed in front o' a cracked, large mirror. Thinkin' aboot th' memory that had aburptly popped up in me heid while layin' in th' chest deep water, me eyes travelin' from me reflection to Elizabeth who was leanin' against 'er tub's edge. Facin' th' wall, 'er back mostly turned to me, fallen intae 'er private musings that somewhat crestfallen face oan 'er flushed coupon (that still didn't drive awa' 'er feeble mien).

Aye. She 'n' I were gey different. Th' day she'd been given that gorgeous gown 'n' wi' it th' chance to join 'er peers as th' unquestioned woman o' high class, I'd stayed behind. Presented wi' that maid's uniform 'n' me inevitable future that differed greatly from 'ers, me noo realizin' it to have been th' foremaist definin' moment that had set us oan different paths 'n' distanced us from one another. 'N' there was naw one to blame for it really, it was juist th' wey things were lik' maw had told me. Elizabeth was a daughter o' an aristocrat where I was a daughter o' a disowned maid. So it had been but expected that instead o' rememberin' what we'd used to had, that we'd wance been seen as inseperable as sisters, she'd ran straight to 'er room to embrace th' thrilling future o' 'er ain that had awaited 'er at that ball. One that was completely different from mine 'n' which didn't involve me as nothin' mair signifcant than a servant, juist as I had also voluntarily given up oor friendship mair by each passing year upoan focusin' oan findin' me ain place in th' society 'n' rememberin' that it initally was beneath Elizabeth's. That it wasn't further proper for us to pursue th' fancies o' childhood 'n' share a bond stronger than what common courtesy permitted…'N' efter th' things that had further affected th' remnants o' oor relationship 'n' caused it to maistly disappear further intae th' rift in oor social classes, wance I noo examined meself from that mirror I stairted to realize how different we in fact really had become. How much I'd changed from that person I'd used to be, that girl who'd wance been friends wi' th' woman noo sittin' behind me.

A single glance at me reflection proved th' Caribbean sun to be responsible o' turnin' me close to unrecognizable, tannin' me skin from that ivory pale to shockingly bronze, th' relentless rays scortchin' me non stop for th' past months to have also caused me hair to have turned lighter from ashen to actual blonde for me amazement (only advocatin' th' great power o th' sun). Th' close to platinum, rapidly overgrown wisps hangin' doon me back 'n' reachin' far longer than I normally allowed 'em to grow. Creatin' th' odd contrast wi' me drastically changed skin tone, but for me surprise me discoverin' these maist notable differences to have done some guid to me. Th' windburns I'd been plagued wi' as weel as a couple o' real sunburns to have also pretty much faded by then, 'n' I'd been left wi' mostly flawless skin (except those cuts 'n' other bruises gotten in th' tumult o' th' so called adventure). 'N' naturally th' lashmarks were still there, but which had turned from infected 'n' doonright loathsome to keek at intae a few wizened streaks that surprisingly didn't appear as terrible as I'd feared, due to Tia Dalma's care 'n' th' perhaps nasty but yet effective leeches only memory o' those horrid wounds left when I turned aroond to take a keek at h' damage 'n' observed th' lashmarks to have vanished close to oblivion. 'N' I didn't ken how she'd done it, taken how savagely me back had been shred open, but I was noo mair than ever afore grateful to th' woman for 'er healing skills. Should I'd been forced to put up wi' those grotesque, hardened scars I'd feared to remain, I think I ne'er would've been able to fully put behind th' emotional trauma associated wi' 'em. Owerall th' woman noo goupin' back at me from th' mirror keekin' different in mair weys than one, but in a highly positive wey. When I raised me hauns 'n' let 'em search me suddenly so unfamiliar seeming features, me studyin' th' woe ridden but yet somehow much stronger keekin' self, realizin' th' time spent at sea to have indeed grown oan me. Shapin' me closer to someone I'd wished to become for years while livin' me mundane, safe life wi'oot a possibility to become anythin' from what I'd awready been.

As I stretched me cheeks upward to discover cheekbones I hadn't kenned to own till then 'n' examined me slimmer body mair closely wi' a few mair turns performed in front o' th' mirror, one glance at Elizabeth later I fathomed that there actually was wee similarity atween us anymair. Nae many things to compare atween us, th' weight loss I'd gone thro' 'n' th' other outer changes that had brought oot th' unique physical traits in me distancin' me from 'er even further. Finally for th' first time ever in me life, makin' me mair lik' me ain person. Me feelin' lik' me ain person, as if th' journey I'd taken would've groomed me 'n' made me mair who I was supposed to be. 'N' since that was a rather comfortin' notion, although I didn't feel quite meself internally I still let oot a content sigh, smilin' at meself. As a conclusion to me encounter wi' th' newly established woman I'd found from within meself takin' hold o' a pair o' scissors I'd earlier come upoan in me ol' bedroom. Efter one final glance at me long locks inclinin' me heid sideweys 'n' allowin' 'em to hang freely towards th' water covered floor, decidedly cuttin' one third o' 'em aff. Nae lamentin' th' tufts that amassed below wi' every cut, soon me endin' up wi' shortest fashion o' hair I'd ever had. Th' light wisps noo reachin' a bit ower me shoulders.

"Such a waste. I've always envied you for how long and thick your hair used to grow in such a rapid pace when mine did not."

I turned towards Elizabeth in surprise o' 'er voice efter measurin' th' ends o' me tresses for a moment, meetin' 'er eyes 'n' managin' to se th' fleetin' smile o' 'ers 'til it died 'n' Elizabeth reverted back to 'er dejected self. Me tiltin' me heid at 'er in ponders as put awa' th' scissors efter one mair keek at th' cut aff cluster o' hair, watchin' 'er stairt to draw patterns oan th' surface o' th' steamin' water as she placed 'er heid to rest oan 'er left arm. Lazily shiftin' a wee awa' from me, as if she wouldn't have wanted to move from that spot ever again. 'N' as afore I could guess what was it that ailed 'er so, what caused 'er pirits to go even lower than mine…Since in a wey I'd wance been in an exact same position, feelin' what she felt noo. But nae as deeply as she obviously did….'n' for totally different reasons. Althought aware o' this me then decidin' nae to address it 'til later…when she practically provoked me to speak o' it.

"What happened?" Elizabeth asked then, takin' me aback again 'n' I eyed at 'er quizzically 'til saw 'er gaze at th' scars oan me back. Me instead glancin' ower to 'er flawless, blemish free skin afore keeked awa' 'n' let oot a sigh. Takin' th' towel to proceed to rub me scalp while dryin' me noo much shorter hair.

"Th' crew o' th' Duthman didn't quite appreciate to find a woman disguised as a man aboard their ship…" I answered simply, lettin' oot an effortful laugh as turned sideweys oan th' stool to avoid seein' 'er cast a surprised keek at me ('n' to hide th' scars from 'er). 'Er voice however mair stunned than horrified when she replied rather stupefied.

"You mean you were aboard the Flying Dutchman with Will?"

"Aye, I was. Edward 'n' I wound up there entirely by accident efter Will found us from th' wreckage o' Edward's ship…Didn't Will tell ye?"

Th' silence was oppressive for th' few minutes we spent eyein' at one another, Elizabeth's deadpan face eventually crackin' as she made a quick heidshake. As weel turnin' awa'. "No."

I couldn't think o', nor did I have anythin' to say efter that. Me this time takin' a brush given by Tia Dalma 'n' worked thro' me wance mair tangled hair, as th' silent minutes passed Elizabeth eventually focusin' oan observin' me movements. 'Er countenance this time somewhat streenge, one that I couldn't read nor did I ken what was exactly goin' thro' 'er heid then, only kennin' that 'er goup stairted to turn me uncomfortable efter some time 'n' I aspired to break free from it by handin' 'er th' basket that hold th' bars o' soap.

"Ye should get crackin' afore th' water turns cold or ye faint."

Wi' a slight smile 'n' a surprised glance doon at th' soaps Elizabeth accepted 'em, however nae proceedin' to use 'em but placed th' soaps oanto th' floor, close to another stool left in th' corner o' th' room oan which th' second pitcher o' hot water waited.

"Do they hurt?...The scars?" Elizabeth queried efter a wee break, th' quirk o' 'er eyebrows however tellin' me she had equally difficult time to keep th' conversation goin' 'n' that was th' best she could say although th' answer would be but obvious. Me shakin' me heid in turn as discovered some soap to have splashed oan me shins, takin' me pitcher 'n' daunerin' ower to th' buckets that had been used to carry th' hot water inside. Fillin' th' jug halfwey afore poured it ower me legs, me skin burnin' for th' scaldin' water that was kept hot by th' lid crafted oan top o'th buckets.

"Nae at all. Tia Dalma did weel in healin' th' infected gashes, so noo all that's left are th' scars."

"Oh…good then. That puts his mind at ease…"

I keeked up to Elizabeth questionably, th' odd tone in 'er voice lurin' me eyes to peer upward 'n' take in 'er yet another peculiar face afore she hid it behind a mask o' guarded calm. 'Er eyes however speakin' volumes, mair than she led oan, 'er noo inclinin' 'er heid remarkably as smiled at me. Explainin' 'erself.

"Your brother's. He never left your bedside the time you were sick."

"Aye…me brother's."

I couldn't hold back th' unspoken uneasiness, th' hunch I got from 'er behavior causin' me to face th' wall in turn as I bit back th' words formin' oan me tongue, me keekin' other wey entirely wi' a twinge o' frustration as 'er voice soon spoke up again. Askin' me to aid 'er rub in th' soap to 'er back efter she'd finally stairted to wash 'erself, me reachin' doon to snatch a bit worn oot bath brush 'n' extended it for 'er ower 'er shoulder. 'Er eventually decidin' to abandon it by th' stool 'n' reachin' behind 'er back to use one o' th' sponges, givin' me time to think 'n' I soon relieved th' tension by breakin' th' silence.

"I'm sorry aboot Jack."

Even if she would've wished to deny it, me remark caused Elizabeth to gasp rather strongly, 'er jumpin' lik' a string 'n' straightenin' so swiftly that th' soapy water in 'er tub splashed oan th' floor. Almost drenchin' 'er freish spare claes, 'er face suddenly but adamant as she faced me again. Keekin' incredulous 'n' supposedly doilt, even I wance again could see how she really felt deep within 'er eyes. I kenned 'er weel enough efter all to realize when she was lyin'. 'N' 'er lyin' upoan respondin' was obvious to anyone who would've heard 'er speak that moment.

"Why? There's no need", she said curtly, feignin' amusement, but I kenned better than to let 'er assumed indifference to fool me. Me simply eyein' at 'er seriously, 'til let me mien to soften for compassion. Efter all nae bein' able to deny that I truly symphatized wi' 'er emotions.

"Ye miss 'im, don't ye? 'N' are distressed by th' wey he passed awa'."

"Of course not. Why would I be? Jack sacrificed himself to save us, so I can only admire him for his courage to face the Kraken all by himself…That's all…He was a good man."

She shouldn't have said that. Because th' minute I heard th' sound o' 'er voice 'n' th' hardly covered crack in it 'n' saw th' unavioded quiver o' 'er lip th' moment she said his name, I kenned I was right. 'N' that she was completely distarught inside, deeply so. For this reason partly pityin' (but also somewhat indignant that she wouldn't come to terms wi' th' truth 'n' insisted oan lyin' aboot somethin' that was clear to everyone aroond 'er) me sighin' at 'er response, facin' 'er fully as matched 'er goup. Noo me eyes but resolute, me liftin' me jaw a wee as signaled 'er any mair pretense to be but a wasted effort.

"I saw ye kiss 'im, Elizabeth", I stated, for 'er greatest horror 'n' 'er eyes did widen as she heard me revelation. Stupefied. "So there's mair need for condolences than ye let oan. Ye were utterly grief stricken oan oor first night 'ere, right efter it happened, juist lik' I was. But it wasn't th' death o' Peter that upset ye so as I assumed at first, but th' loss o' Jack. His death that keeps oan tormentin' ye still."

"Well you saw wrong", Elizabeth retorted, startled 'n' in loss o' brief words, despite o' 'er frank soundin' answer refucin' to keek me in th' eye. Th' hertfelt pain in 'er eyes betrayin' 'er yet again. "I'm not at all bothered by his death. I was…It was only the loss of Peter that had me so shaken that night."

"Oh please, Elizabeth", I huffed in disagreement, shakin' me heid wi' a incredulous frown. Me voice neist conveyin' but sincerity 'n' provin' that I saw right thro' 'er paltry excuses, eventually turnin' softer from mere declarative. "I ken what true affection feels'n' keeks lik'. Ye don't fool me intae believein' that Jack's demise didn't mak' ye feel anythin'."

"You know nothing, the least about me!" Elizabeth exclaimed quietly, suddenly much mair defensive 'n' rose to 'er knees as cast an earnest keek to me wey, narrowin' 'er eyes in irritation. Nae bein' able to mask 'er hurt that was turnin' mair evident by each word that slipped her lips in th' growin' surge o' emotions that th' unexpected change in topic set loose within 'er. Addin' to 'er…guilt? That's what I saw written all ower 'er visage at times as she kept oan denyin' it. "I don't have the faintest idea what you're implying, Miranda. There's nothing between me and Jack!"

"Stop tryin' to convince me otherwise, Elizabeth! Yer false reassurances aren't enough to change what I saw that night, what there is atween ye, 'n' how ye act every time Jack is mentioned. How miserable ye've been ever since th' day o' losin' 'im…Perhaps ye would feel better if ye juist admitted th' truth to yerself."

There had been a hint o' accusation in me previous remark, but I hold me tongue 'n' simply assumed a serene exterior. Pushin' any thought o' William 'n' how this currently addressed matter involved 'im awa', as tried to urge Elizabeth to hear th' sense in me words that I efter all had said as a means to help 'er get past 'er ain grief. As she continued to be stubborn 'n' 'er coupon remained skeptical, I let oot a deep breath. In th' end a significant tone takin' ower me voice 'n' I got straight to th' point that maist mattered to me in this matter. One that she needed to consider as weel as 'er conflicted feelings towards th' deceased pirate Captain.

"For William's sake too…Nothing is resolved with self-betrayal, Elizabeth."

Elizabeth's eyes flashed afore she keeked doon intae th' bathwater, a series o' feelings takin' turns oan 'er coupon afore disappearin' 'n' always leavin' behind that same saddened, hertbroken woman who was ridden wi' guilt 'n'self-loathing. But always afore I had enough time to point oot how right I was wi' remarkable keeks leveled at 'er, Elizabeth hold 'erself together. Calmin' doon a tad, hidin' behind a freish veil o' ignorance 'n' refused to address th' issue, 'er sharp 'n' even a wee cold eyes drillin' intae me. Clearly tellin' me nae to stick me nose intae 'er business, causin' me to turn far mair riled up than I intended to let meself become due to 'er unforseen truculence.

"You couldn't be more wrong. I have no feelings for Jack, and you are the last person to lecture me about Will and how I should feel!" she pointed oot bristled, 'er narrowed eyes fillin' wi' momentary contempt. Utterly stunned me goupin' back at 'er for a while 'til me ain rage flared, nae to have meant to let meself turn angry while bringin' up th' premonitions that I'd grown to have ever since wakin' a day prior 'n' seein' th' cooled terms atween 'er 'n' William, but I efter all couldn't be th' better person 'ere lik' I'd encouraged Edward to be in his feud wi' William. Me springin' up to me feet in a surge o' indignation, causin' Elizabeth to flinch wi' me hurt, vexed response that didn't take long to soothe 'er heated will to counter me claims wi' 'er ain unspoken ones.

"I gave William up for ye! So th' least thing ye could do to repay is to make things up wi' 'im 'n' ask his forgiveness for betrayin' his trust in ye."

"You are unbelievable", Elizabeth huffed, dumbfounded. Takin' a break afore continued, wance mair irritated as keeked intae me eyes. "Just leave me alone, since the problems between me and Will aren't after all none of your business!"

"I'm simply askin' ye to ascertain yer ain feelings to yerself! If ye truly luv William, then stay true to yer words 'n' concentrate oan fixin' things wi' 'im…'N' keep in mind what yer continued indecisiveness atween 'im 'n' Jack might be doin' to 'im."

Elizabeth was stupefied by me latest remark, 'er still simply keekin' awa' 'n' settlin' intae th' bath again. Ignorin' me, me lettin' oot another sigh as regretted to have bolted in such wey, remindin' meself that I had naw reason to turn exasperated ower th' situation even if Elizabeth's behavior frustrated me. Forgettin' th' bitter sidenotes that appeared in me heid 'n' went by th' window where me ain spare claes were waitin', coolin' doon as gazed oot th' window 'n' examined th' jungle scenery. Pinpointin' th' small shacks o' th' villagers livin' at this large swamp wi' Tia Dalma (whom I'd learned 'em to regard as their healer o' some sorts, always seekin' help from 'er 'n' 'er powers whether someone needed a prediction aboot th' future or a simple remedy for an illness). Findin' th' borrowed dress substitutin' me torn 'n' clatty (dirty) claes to fit quite nicely, listenin' to Elizabeth washin' 'er hair in silence. As I tightened th' corset o' th' dress' bodice hearin' water to cascade intae th' tub as she was flushin' 'er ain locks a couple o' times, me thinkin' o' somethin' I didn't feel this time proper to be left unsaid.

"Ye might be right aboot what ye said earlier…I feel lik' I don't ken ye at all anymair. Yet alone what ye're thinkin' or doin'. It's been a long time since I truthfully kenned anythin' that is goin' oan wi' ye."

Elizabeth didn't reply, but I heard th' pitcher to fall intae th' water. Us sharin' another silence 'til I turned aroond, beholdin' 'er to lean against th' tub 'n' goup at 'erself from th' mirror wi' a stern face oan 'er coupon even I could tell 'er to be somewhat wistful. Nae even wance keekin' at me, me neist only sighin' 'n' headin' for th' door. Elizabeth however preventin' me from excitin' as 'er voice spoke up unexpectedly, 'er voice normal type o' friendly wi' naw sigh o' any o' that previous friction that had arisen durin' oor conversation.

"Could you please fill the pitcher for me? I'm out of water and there's till some soap in my hair."

Wi' a hold back eyeroll I went by th' water buckets, ignorin' th' pitcher Elizabeth was holdin' oot for me as weel as th' familiarity o' th' settin' that brought back some other memories from such a time ago that it noo felt unreal to have ever happened taken th' place we currently were stayin' at, far from that time I wouldn't have been able to question th' wey Elizabeth made 'er request. 'Er tone noo only causin' me to lift nonchalant eyebrows as claimed one o' th' buckets 'n' hoisted it ower to 'er tub, instead o' grabbin' ontae th' offered pitcher me placin' th' water within 'er reach 'n' smilin' at 'er. Efter takin' in 'er surprised goup bein' quick to leave th' room, as I stepped ootside me inner frustration vanishin' 'n' turnin' intae another untruthfully sweet smile as I discovered a familiar pair crouchin' by th' entrance. Pintel holdin' a dagger he'd used to try to gouge th' wood to create a hole for 'im 'n' Ragetti to spy thro', th' pair o' men flashin' me a nervous simpers back as I placed me hauns oan me hips. Inclinin' me heid.

"Oot o' money, are ye? Or simply tired o' losin' in dice, so that ye had to come try yer luck elsewhere?"

"No…no, no we were…were lo-looking for B-Bertha", Ragetti offered as an excuse, me liftin' me eyerbows. Kennin' that as a lie, as was aware that Tia Dalma had offered to prepare th' chicken for today's dinner 'n' which was currently in th' scullery plucked, waitin' to be cooked.

"Were ye? Then perhaps I should find 'er meself 'n' let 'er claw yer too curious eyes oot if I ever see ye behind this door again."

It wasn't a real treat obviously, but th' remains o' me previous vexation were still audible in me voice. Both o' th' pirates stiffenin' due to th' sound o' it, standin' up, me hard, irritated eyes causin' 'em to send one smirk each to me direction while they were compelled to flee th' scene by me relentless goup. Me sighin' n' shakin' me heid at Pintel who gave me an apologetic wave juist afore disappearin' behind th' corner, meself continuin' me wey towards th' scullery. Certain that Tia Dalma was in need o' assistance wi' th' food preparations while she concentated oan 'th' voodo practices o' 'er work. Th' murmur o' three voices 'n' th' sound o' thick Jamaican accents comin' from th' floor above tellin' me 'er to be wi' customers.

We spent a total o' four weeks at Tia Dalma's hoose. Jack's crew currently led by Barbossa (wi' William offerin' an occasional lug to th' conversation in his ain struggle to come to terms wi' th' current situation) spendin' th' passin' weeks in conductin' th' best 'n' safest plan o' action to save Sparrow noo that East India Trading Company had become a force to be reckoned wi' throughoot th' Caribbean 'n' their spies had nested to every port within th' area. Th' threat me uncle's actions had bestowed upoan their mission makin' it hard for 'em to act openly 'n' pressin' th' need for mair descreet actions if they wished to succeed. Apparently efter Barbossa had been brougt back to life by Tia Dalma's machinations he'd returned much mair enlightened, stressin' th' immediate need to claim Sparrow back from death 'n' claimin' to ken a man who hold th' solution to th' greatest problem concernin' th' rescue mission…Barbossa relatin' this man, who apparently was one o' th' Pirate Lords o' th' Brethren Court (nae that I would've kenned any mair who this certain pirate or that Brethren Court were), to hold a certain kind o' map that would lead 'em to Davy Jones' Locker 'n' eventually to Jack (who's presence in th' world o' th' living was much mair important than had been previously considered). As th' East India's power grew wi' th' possession o' th' Flyin' Dutchman 'n' showed naw signs o' stoppin' but only growin' by each victory, secret call was made to all th' free pirates o' th' world 'n' a councel o' several pirate Captains was needed to gather at this place called Shipwreck Cove to form an answer to me uncle's Company's aspirations to put a stop to all piracy. 'N' since Jack seemed to hold a position as one o' these highly regargded Pirate Lords th' urgency to save 'im from Davy Jones' Locker increased, th' men spendin' weeks in careful craftin' a plan that wouldn't put 'em at risk o' bein' discovered by uncle Cutler, who wi'oot a doubt had sent word all ower th' Caribbean to arrest th' remainin' members o' Jack's crew upoan sight. Barbossa eventually resolvin' th' situation by decidin' it to be best for 'em to lay low for a couple o' mair week afore takin' aff to meet Sao Feng, this renowned Chinese pirate o' his acquiaintance. As their only objective to steal th' Charts from 'im.

Instead o' botherin' wi' attendin' these meetings 'n' contributin' me thoughts in tryin' to choose th' correct wey to get to Singapore undetected, I committed me unlimited free time to help Tia Dalma wi' 'er work as a compensation for th' trouble she'd went thro' by helpin' me to recover. To stop bein' but helpless bystander 'n' be o' some actual use to someone… Th' peculiar woman acceptin' me aid gladly, nae shyin' awa' from fulfillin' 'er promise by puttin' me to hard work immediately efter makin' me 'er assistant, me nevertheless findin' th' time to pass rather pleasantly in different tasks that ultimately were gey much lik' th' work I'd been raised to perform all me life. Th' jobs she bestowed upoan me from simple potion makin' to actual care o' ailin' villagers in their health issues as weel as curing Jack's crewmen from their minor ailments o' mere mosquito bites to greater ones (helpin' me to develop better terms wi' th' men, to me greatest surprise), it all creatin' me daily routine that also consisted o' hoose calls, ventures to th' surroundin' swamp in search o' ingredients to th' draughts 'n' tonics needed for daily consumption 'n' other hoosework in equal measure. It all givin' me th' needed leave from grievin' ower Peter's death. Me guickly findin' meself thinkin' much o' other things than all that which had gnawed at me for weeks, enjoyin' me time spent at th' soothsayer's home 'n' wee by wee stairtin' to feel lik' there was some sense in me life again. Edward also takin' it upoan 'imself to put 'imself to better use than loiterin' aboot wance th' amount o' people visitin' Tia Dalma doubled by th' end o' oor second week, stairtin' to offer mair profound medical treatment to th' people comin' to 'er shack day by day sufferin' from simple fevers to mair serious injuries that only a needle 'n' a thred could cure. Us havin' wee time to concentrate upoan other matters aside helpin' these people wi' their health issues, th' simple employment th' voodoo woman had provided me wi' eventually offerin' me a freish purpose. One that had been lost long since, 'n' it only helped me to review who I was as a person 'n' what I enjoyed doin' wi' me time. Me soon realizin' that helpin' others to help meself was th' fastest remedy to get past th' sorrows lurkin' at th' back o' me skull... But during th' times I took a break from all th' extra work, I deliberately avoided interaction wi' both William 'n' Elizabeth, wi' whom I couldn't say to be at ease to be alone wi'. In fact only praisin' th' serenity that came wi' livin' when I wasn't aroond 'em 'n' was simply glad aboot th' lack o' unnecessary drama, atween 'em th' couple in question havin' enough problems to solve wi'oot me exposin' meself to their disagreements lik' I wance would've done in an attempt to help... To be a guid friend. But I had decided to be past that, done takin' th' role o' a consiliator to support people who didn't need me assistance…unlik' th' villagers. Therefore me solely focusin' oan 'em 'n' leavin' th' quarrelin' pair to fend for 'emselves…who nevertheless didn't go thro' much progress by sulkin' by 'emselves, in addition to maistly avoidin' one another engagin' but intae arbitrary fall oots. Kinds that hadn't led to anythin' 'n' ended to either o' 'em stormin' aff wi' nothin' truly meaningful addressed during those emotionally charged exchanges. But as said, I had me ain life to worry ower... 'n' was done wastin' energy in takin' special interest in theirs.

Tia Dalma as a person was indeed a peculiar character wi' equally odd personality, 'er unique demeanor from 'er rather unkempt exterior to 'er distinctive wey to dress only playin' intae th' perception o' a kooky voodoo woman. Th' villagers, althought often seekin' help 'n' guidance from 'er due to 'er reputation as a woman wi' exeptional talents 'n' affiliations to supernatural, fearin' 'er mysterious powers 'n' she seemed to hold an unlikely status amongst th' villagers. Th' people comin' to 'er shack to fetch a potion for lumbago or to simply have their future read to 'em treatin' 'er wi' uttermaist respect mixed in wi' hertfelt dread at times... As if she were a god lik' being whom was nae to be angered wi' a surly word spoken against 'er, who had th' ability to move heaven 'n' earth should anyone get to 'er bad side in any wey.

I didn't ken aboot th' true extend o' 'er skills or rather wasn't sure did I fully believe in 'em altogether, but it was true that despite o' 'er perhaps somewhat unnervin' appearance she was a kind, generous woman wi' a carin' soul who didn't turn anyone awa' from 'er door at any time, were it day or night. Helpin' anyone who arrived wi' a troubled mind to 'er doostep 'n' offered peace o' mind in th' required form, dependin' oan what th' visitor was efter by comin' to 'er. Regardless o' 'er quirks 'n' number o' every day peculiarities me findin' meself gey comfortable in 'er company, makin' it easy to trust 'er when she seemed to possess a third eye that saw what others didn't 'n' drove 'er to offer advice in situations when ye hadn't necessarily asked for any. Tia Dalma's ne'er endin' kindness towards me causin' me to feel certain kind o' fellowship towards th' voodoo woman, as different as we were, 'n' although I'd been there but a few short weeks 'n' hardly kenned 'er. Tia always findin' weys to surprise me juist as I figured to have learned to ken somethin' aboot o' 'er... But I had to admit that whenever she was doin' 'er thing, when I observed 'er prophesizin' from crab bones or holdin' a ceremony for preservation o' many times miscarried woman's fertility, 'er presence became much mair formidable, 'n' during those times I could've believed 'er to be somethin' she was nae. Especially efter th' clients claimed their maladies to have miraculosuly disappeared by th' single castin' o' a spell or a bottleful o' certain potion.

'N' in such fashion those weeks passed wi'oot much change. As th' men o' th' hoose were wance mair busy discussin' ower th' final details o' their plan that was to be executed in th' following days, th' every day mair pressin' knowledge o' William maist likely joinin' th' rescue mission 'n' leavin' distractin' me train o' thought at times but nae resultin' intae greater conflict within me other than expected sense o' longing. Me however nae stoppin' to ponder aboot it as things had been hectic ever since it was widely known Tia Dalma to house an actual doctor at 'er shack, mair 'n' air villagers arrivin' to be checked by Edward, occasional few requirin' mair prominent care 'n' Tia 'n' I had set up a temporary infirmary to one o' th' spare rooms in case Edward saw best to keep some o' his patients in for surveillance afore sendin' 'em home. At th' moment nae one person occupyin' th' space however, in that particular mornin' efter runnin' a few errands for Tia at th' local market (which was but a riverbend engulfed wi' several vendors from neighboring islands twice a week, who sold their products from fruits to actual animals straight from rowboats) me bein' all alone in th' so called "reception room" as Eward had come to call it jokingly. While Tia was awa' doin' some hoose calls to some o' th' oldest inhabitants o' th' village who couldn't leave their homes me tryin' to figure oot a transcript o' a formula to a medicine which I'd been asked to prepare till 'er return. Th' oldest o' ol' parchment nae enablin' me to read it properly as th' handwritin' (that was obscure to decipher from th' stairt) had faded 'n' pieces were missin' from th' paper it had been written oan wance upoan a time. These facts nae botherin' Tia all that much probably since she undoubtedly could recite th' receipt even in 'er sleep, but to me it brought undeeded headache. Me eventally managin' to gather aboot a half o' th' listed components, but th' rest remained a mystery. Wi' a sigh me givin' in for noo 'n' proceedin' to prep th' herbs that I'd managed to read oot, as I was mixin' sage wi' boiled 'n' twice grinded sandalwood bark th' door openin' 'n' Tia daunered inside. 'Er eyes instantly focusin' to me as she observed me to scortch th' ginger wi' venus sachet powder afore mixin' it wi' patchouli oil.

"How are we lookin' with da task I gave you, qyal?" she inquired, me simply sighin' 'n' stirrin' th' potion together, levelin' 'er an apologetic keek.

"I couldn't make oot all th' ingredients. Half o' 'em are 'ere, but th' rest are missin'."

I stepped aside as Tia abandoned 'er basket oan one o' th' side tables 'n' waltzed ower to me, mumblin' to 'erself as she took th' formula from me 'n' proceeded to read. 'Er tattooeed fingers twitchin' in th' air as 'er eyes were cast ower th' bowl I'd used to combine th' ingredients, efter takin' a whiff o' it 'n' dippin' a forefinger intae th' mixture to taste it it becomin' needless for me to inform 'er which ones I'd been fortunate enough to find. Efter immediately recognizin' th' awready mixed herbs 'n' oils Tia twirlin' aroond 'n' goin' ower to th' jars she'd placed to hang by th' side window, me follown' 'er to amble aboot th' room, rummagin' thro' th' amassed bottles, boxes 'n' other jars coverin' all th' worktops 'n' surfaces all th' wey to chairs afore she found what she was searchin' for. Efter placin' all th' remainin' components by th' bowl 'er lastly givin' th' greatly dwindled jar o' john th' conqueror root a browliftin'.

"Hmmm, we're almost out o' da delight bringer…Ye must go ta Mama Odile an' collect some more as payment for da pain remedy I delivered 'er today."

"Very weel."

"But first, finish what ye started, child. Dat's for another client who expects it shortly."

I hold back an urge to throw an empty jar at th' accursed monkey o' Barbossa's (that thro' some equally unbeliavable miracle had found its wey to Tia Dalma's cabin) as it startled me by scurryin' past th' table oo' o' blue efter abruptly jumpin' inside from one o' th' opened windows. Instead settlin' for a deep sigh o' frustration 'n' lettin' go o' th' jars th' animal had almost knocked ower 'n' caused to fall to th' floor. Me sendin' a slight scowl efter th' irritatin' thing as th' monkey instead hopped oanto Tia's shoulder, th' woman flashin' 'er blackened teeth as smiled at 'im, sctratchin' th' bottom o' his jaw 'til efter gently yankin' th' medallion aroond Tia's neck a couple o' times as if intentin' o' stealin it (which wouldn't be anythin' new for such a thievin', connivin' wee beast) th' monkey grabbed ontae th' vines that grew thro' th' cracks in th' ceiling. Swingin' 'imself across th' room afore jumped to th' floor 'n' skittered awa'. By which time I'd awready ignored th' animal 'n' added some mair ginger to th' potion by th' urge o' Tia, 'er explainin' it to increase th' elixir's efficiency.

Efter Tia had also concentrated oan 'er daily activities, th' prevailin' silence was suddenly upset by th' sound o' draggin' steps acsendin' th' stairs leadin' to th' higest floor o' Tia's shack. Both o' us liftin' oor eyes from oor work to th' door in wait for th' friesh customer, but I was simply stunned when inside charged a number o' three people. Two men 'n' one woman, all pantin' 'n' havin' rather frightened faces oan their coupons as Tia was swift to hurry to receive 'em. Me leavin' th' potion to its ain devices as went closer to th' group standin' by th' doorwey, watchin' how th' taller o' th' two men set th' quite derilious one to sit doon to a nearby chair. Th' evident patient hardly stayin' oan his feet as th' villager's wife faced Tia 'n' stairted to recount what had happened to 'er husband. Wrappin' both arms aroond 'er swollen mid torso anxiously, panic lacin' 'er shaky voice as Tia took th' presumably injured man's arm to inspect it, replyin' wi' a serious voice that caused th' woman to release a distraught wail. Th' second man comin' to 'er side, comfortin' 'er as Tia lifted th' eyelids o' th' man. To discover his pupils to have withdrawn sligthly, although I hadn't naturally understood a single word from their previous exchange spoken in th' native language used in th' area, me however understandin' th' arrived man to be in bad shape. His left haun squeezin' his right forearm as he was tryin' to say somethin', me eyes examinin' th' notably swollen spot juist below th' man's elbow as Tia noo instructed th' accompanied man to tak' th' man's wife to rest. Tia then turnin' to me 'n' beckonin' me to join 'er in haste.

"Come 'ere, child. We're in a hurry."

"What happened to 'im?" I asked, scourin' th' room for th' herbs Tia had previously ordered me to find as she was makin' th' necessary preparations.

"Snake bite, gyal. An' dangerous one at dat."

Me hert made a jolt at th' sound o' Tia's grim response, it signalin' me us nae to have much time to help th' man, us thus nae wastin' any time in dawdlin' while prepared th' needed remedy to fight th' snake's venom in th' villager's system. In th' end us provin' to be too late, nae any potions, inscenses or Tia's spells workin' oan th' man or improvin' his state. Me exchangin' a keek wi' Tia 'n' frownin' in chagrin as she placed th' man back doon ontae th' bed his brother (as had been revealed a moment afore) had lifted 'im oan. Th' man's sweatin' gettin' oot o' control 'n' his body stairted to convulse, th' venom causin' 'im to turn paler by th' every passin' minute while it spread 'n' he was slippin' in 'n' oot o' consciousness by th' time Edward (who'd vanished somewhere for several hours but noo luckily returned) arrived.

"What's going on?" he queried, half runnin' ower to us by th' sight o' th' judderin' patient he'd discovered from th' infirmary efter wanderin' deeper intae th' room, me givin' 'im room as Tia wance mair took hold o' th' villager's arm 'n' showed Edward th' bite mark. Th' blood gatherin' under it causin' th' poor man's skin to tighten, me bein' only able to imagine th' torment he must've been in by th' keek o' his pain consumed features.

"He was bit by a snake", I informed 'im, observin' Edward to make a deep frown afore he proceeded to take hold o' th' injured arm carefully, th' man groanin' in agony as Edward's fingers felt th' skin aroond th' bite mark.

"When?"

"An hour ago", Tia elaborated, Edward thinkin' a moment efter performin' a superficial examination for th' man, th' villager's wife noo rushin' ower to 'im 'n' stairtin' to rave hysterically. Tears in 'er eyes as she grabbed Edward's hauns, beggin' 'im to save 'er husband, me castin' a compassionate glance ower to 'er 'n' th' slowly dyin' man layin' oan th' cot. Although they didn't share a language Edward tryin' too soothe th' woman wi' a few reassurin' words 'n' a quellin' goup, efter a fleetin' squeeze o' th' wife's palms his returnin' to press 'n' search th' bloated arm o' th' ailed man.

"Did ye give him something before I arrived?" Edward asked, as weel checkin' th' man's pupils afore tryin' to feel his pulse. It causin' 'im to frown again.

"Not any o' me potions worked on him", Tia explained, glancin' at me. "Yer sister an' I did our best but da man is fading. Death will claim him."

In some wey th' wife o' th' injured could understand what exatly Tia had said, 'er coupon contortin' for woe as 'er brother-in-law had to prevent 'er from fallin' oan 'er knees in desperation. Hertbroken sobs fillin' th' room as Edward examined th' man wance mair, hesitatin' whether he should act or allow th' man to die 'n' leave his family 'n' th' yet unborn child his wife was oan th' eve o' givin' birth, me sad eyes also fallin' to gaze at th' dyin' man. Thinkin' that such a pitiful death must've been one o' th' maist miserable ends there could be for a person, th' wife's howlin' greet however then suddenly gettin' cut by a moan o' another type o' pain slippin' thro' 'er lips. All o' us turnin' to face th' woman whose visage was noo filled wi' disbelief afore she made a grimace, friesh moan escapin' 'er geggy as 'er hauns pressed against 'er enormous stomach. One mair agonized wail later us realizin' th' stress ower 'er husband's life to have caused 'er to have go intae labor, me forgettin' me brief dimsay ower th' sudden turn in th' events as Edward neist straightened his back. Determined, risin' to his feet.

"Not if I have some say in it. Miranda, ye come with me to assist me, Tia will see to the wife's delivery. We can still save this man and have him reunited with his newborn child", Edward said, surprisin' me as I turned aroond to watch 'im race ower to th' infirmary. For me bafflement coverin' th' table set in middle o' th' room wi' a cloth 'n' gathered some equipment 'n' towels together afore beckoned to th' patient's brother to carry th' man ower to 'im wi'a couple o' urgin' words learned from Tia. Me obeyin' blindly as then saw 'im nod towards th' apron that I'd left hangin' by th' wall as he locked gazes wi' me, me followin' 'im to wear one 'imself afore tied his hair. Me followin' his example as leveled a quizzical keek at 'im.

"What are ye to do?"

"I must operate on him. If the arm isn't cut off, the venom will spread all the way to his heart and most likely kill him long before that, taken how fast it has worsened his condition within a mere hour. It is a matter of choosing between spearing his arm and letting him lose his life, or amputating the arm to save him."

Wi' a nervous jolt o' me hert I observed th' villager to be placed ontae th' table, Edward busyin' 'imself in littin' a large candle he recovered from one o' th' bedsides. Placin' th' few instruments he'd managed to acquire durin' his short time as th' village doctor intae th' flame 'n' allowin' it to lick 'em one by one afore he accepted a bottle o' rum from me I remembered 'im to need from th' couple o' times I watched 'im patch up a minor wound. Such a notable operation however naturally causin' me to turn somewhat jittery as I was naw nurse 'n' had nae real experience in treatin' such serious injuries, although Edward was th' much mair experienced 'n' level-headed o' us at th' moment me also seein' 'im dither a bit again as he was then ready wi' th' instruments. All knives rinsed wi' alcohol 'n' placed ontae a clean towel to wait for th' time to act, Edward's serious eyes risin' from th' man to me as he wance mair measured his pulse to th' rhythm o' his pocket watch.

"Randa, prepare some pain dullin' herbs 'n' a potion to curdle exessive bloodloss. Tia be ready with some boiled water when I call upon ye."

I nodded 'n' turned to find Tia to have emerged to th' door openin', th' screams o' th' woman echoin' from th' other room she'd been escorted in to have some privacy, 'er makin' a slight nod afore instantly headin' for th' scullery.

"Are ye ready for this?" I asked, placin' a haun ower his as his fingers squeezed aroond th' wee knife, Edward closin' his eyes briefly afore he sighed 'n' offered me a smile.

"I have to be. Or this man dies."

I sighed as weel at th' sound o' his at first unsure voice, but efter squeezin' his wrist in encouragement wi'oot further delay I daunered ower to th' proximate room to prepare th' asked herbs. Soon noticin' William to stride up th' stairs leadin' to th' highest floor, his questionable eyes fixatin' ontae me as he came closer. Castin' a doilt glance towards th' door that couldn't stifle th' sounds o' ongoin' childbirth, in fact th' wife's moans to have turned intae wall shakin' cries as I hurried to fetch some water from a wee container 'n' took a moment to pinpoint a mortar.

"What is happening here?" William questioned, baffled, me hardly even keekin' at 'im as moved oan th' speed o' sound. Efter pulverizin' th' berbs in a hurry pourin' 'em intae th' water.

"A man arrived seekin' help for a snake bite, 'n' his wife is in th' neist room givin' birth", I answered curtly, William blinkin' at me words surprised but didn't have time to reply when Edward stormed intae th' room. To check oan me progress, immediately shooin' William back to th' stairs.

"This isn't a place to loiter idly at the moment, Turner. If ye can't be of use here and for example help Tia with carrying the water, I urge ye to leave the premises this minute!"

William cast a irritated keek at Edward's remark but I as weel nodded towards th' stairs, agreein' wi' 'im. This wasn't th' right moment to ask what was goin' oan because we had naw moment to lose or th' man would die.

"Edward speaks th' truth. Please Will, go back doonstairs 'til things have calmed doon up 'ere", I suggested, efter one mair gaze given his wey me takin' th' pain dullin' remedy 'n' runnin' ower to th' infirmary. Findin' th' villager to have woken 'n' Edward was calmin' 'im doon efter th' man had bolted by th' sight o' th' knife that had been placed wi' th' other equipment. Th' man nae understandin' when Edward tried to explain th' situation to 'im, aboot th' required operation to save his life 'n' his wife, luckily Tia returnin' right then 'n' abandonin' th' buckets o' water by th' entrance. Hurryin' ower to us 'n' translated Edward's words to th' frightened patient, efter a series o' teary protests 'n' a moment o' convincin' th' loss o' his arm to be th' best 'n' only solution th' villager agreein' to th' perilous treatment wi' a nod, understandin' th' risks Edward had asked Tia to explain to 'im. That Edward wasn't entirely trained for operatin' people, 'n' he could easily make an error that would result in th' man's death. But th' man, while aware o' th' things Edward had done to help his fellow villagers, placed his trust in 'im. Allowin' me to pour th' herb mixture in his mouth, 'im swallowin' it in wee portions 'n' wi' th' help o' Tia layin' back doon. Aboot to pass oot, sayin' his final words to Edward afore his eyes closed due to th' tiredness o' his body 'n' th' effect o' th' potion. Edward shreddin' a clean sheet which he used to create a tourniquet to stop th' bloodflow to th' arm, lastly liftin' th' knife 'n' resoltely placin' it oan top o' it. His haun however haltin' juist afore cuttin' intae th' man's flesh, his coupoan sayin' it all if nae th' beads o' sweat oan his foreheid.

"It's awright. Ye can do this. Ye're an amazin' doctor even if nae fully trained one", I told 'im, smilin' at 'im as came by th' table expectant. Ignorin' th' feelin' o' fear that was in danger o' precludin' me from actin' under th' ensuin' pressure o' th' operation as Edward's requested assitant. However remindin' meself that if he was brave enough to risk to have this man's daeth oan his conscious to save 'im, I wouldn't be intimidated either. "What ye need me to do?"

Edward hold me gaze for a few seconds 'til he sighed yet again, wi' a gentle half smirk 'im noddin' his heid at me thankfully afore nodded doon to th' man. "Just hold him still the best to yer ability if the potion wears off and he tries to move from here. Keep him sedated and be prepared to hand me some equipment and towels when I proceed to cut through the limb, and ready the boiled water once Tia returns."

"Understood."

Scottish vocabulary:

Pronouns etc:

o'= of, th'= the, 'em= them, oor= our, 'n'= and, intae= into, 'er= her, 'im= him, nae = not

Recurrent & other words:

maw= mum/mother, hoose = house, afore= before, me= my, hert= heart, aye= yes, ne'er= never, wee= small/little, awready= already, ken= know, efter= after, doon= down, as weel= as well, goup= stare, wance again/mair= once again/more, 'til= until, likelie= probably, keek= look, ower= over, claes=clothes, aboot= about, streenge= strange, wey= way, haun= hand, ain= own, oot= out, neist= next, lik'= like, gey/pure= very, stairt= start, heid= head, awa'= away, braw= good or brilliant, wey= way, wi'oot= without, o' coorse= of course, heid= head, dauner= walk, freish= new, wi'= with, juist= just, toaty= tiny, doilt=confused, thro'= through, ne'er= never, geggy= mouth, lugs= ears, naw= no, th'day = today, coupon= face, face= expression, greet= cry, glaikit= stupid, scullery = kitchen, 'ere= here, aff=off, goup=stare, luv= love, atween = between, doilt = confused, clatty = dirty