Disclaimer: I do NOT own Phantom of the opera, Titanic, Peter Pan, POTC, or any other pirate/sea movie or book this makes you think of so back off people...sheesh...LOL!
Author's notes: Some have noticed the difference in Erik's style of speaking. This is indeed intentional. Although Erik takes on the role of a dreaded pirate captain, he is a well educated and brilliant man which you will continue to see as his cahracter grows. When speaking with the crew, Erik will assume the role of pirate therefore speaking in the regular pirate language. However, in private thoughts or when wooing a maid he will speak eliquently and the true character we all know and love.
This chapter has the same content as when originally submitted. However, I have gone back because it was brought to my attention the wording was inconstant. I wish to apologize now for any agony, confusion and frustration this may have brought my readers. I hope that it is now correct. Although, I am confident that you will let me know, if it is not. I want to thank zeeksmom for her reviews and suggestions.
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Love Upon the Sea
Chapter 4: Old friends
The bright sun shines on the water as the Phantom and her crew sails in the Caribbean Sea. The strong wind blows them toward their destination. Brags and Will look forty feet down into the ocean at the ship's black hull. Brags sees two dolphins appear, under the water, running fast breaching the bow wave of the ship. They seemed to be racing for the pure joy of it. The two pirates chuckled to themselves as they watch the mammals jumping and crisscrossing in front of the mighty Phantom.
From the crow's nest high above, a peg leg pirate named Raven, calls down "Land ho, land ho, it be Tortuga off the port bow."
Naider looks up at the black sails and calls "All hands, get ready to port."
Erik's mind is elsewhere as paces the floor of his dark cabin. The lantern's flame flickers each time he passes. The scarred pirate walks over to a mahogany desk, where on the top, lay a single, long stem, red rose hugged by a black satin ribbon. The man, lost in thought, picks it up with a sigh his hands delicately feeling the soft petals and ribbon. He admires its beauty and vibrant color.
So full of life but alas, only a flower, beauty that will one day wilt and wither. Will I have the same fate?
Moments later, he places it back down on the wooden desk and frustratingly ran his fingers through his ebony hair. Resuming the pattern previous, he continues walking back and forth. The bewildered man begins to analyze the situation.
AH! Forget the rose! Too much desperation and I will lose her. But I must speak with her, for I have not written a decent composition, in the many months since we parted ways, after the last armada fights. How could I let her go? She inspired me with a dance so beautiful, so captivating...alas was something missing? But now… nothing. Why can I not compose? Why have the stars and the sea been silent these last few months? Am I to fade like that flower? Will my mind wither and die returning to the dust? How can these happen? WHY?
As Erik sits down at his desk continuing to ponder these issues, a faint meow fills his ears. Looking to the floor Erik greets his pet, "Ayesha, my devilish feline."
"Meow." responds the short hair Siamese as she jumps in his lap and bites his hand for attention.
Erik smiles as the feline walks around and around making herself comfortable in his lap, "You may sit but only for the moment. I am to go ashore soon. I am going to see Meg, you remember her."
The feline growls at the thought of seeing the dancer once again.
Erik chuckles, "Ah yes, I am sure she has not yet forgotten you either."
Her blue eyes began to close with the gentle touch of the masked man. The pirate's mind calmed while petting his companion's soft pelt. He hadn't noticed that his shipmate, Naider was standing behind him. "Cap'n?"
Ayesha hisses and swats at Naider causing him to flinch.
"Now, girl, is that any way to treat a dear old friend?" Erik smirks at his cat's reaction and loyalty.
He turned slightly, revealing the left side of his face and stares at the nervous man.
"What do you want?" He asks, his voice stern as if his mind were on more important matters.
"Sir, she is about to dock at Tortuga. Shall I ready the men?" He says, standing with the door in front of him.
"I'll be out." The captain replies not yet wanting to leave his furry friend.
Naider pulls the door closed his eyes never leaving the Siamese's glare. Erik moves suddenly causing the cat to jump to the floor and begin to groom herself. The 6'2'' owner stood, stretching his long muscular thighs as he reaches for the top desk drawer. A half smile crosses his face as he felt the Punjab Lasso in his hands. Smirking, he tucks it into the safety of his jacket and turns to blow out the lantern.
"I shall return luv." He said, winking at his furry companion as he heads for the door.
Naider hurries out to the main deck. "All hands look lively, the Cap'ns coming out."
As Erik steps on to main deck, the men eagerly await their permission to leave the Phantom.
""Men, ye hast earned yer rest for the months at sea. Now, 'ave some rum, and I be looking for what word there is on treasures about."
With a turn of his back, the men hollered loudly, as the captain and his trusted friend left in search of a certain blonde pirate...
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It has been three torturous days since Christine's episode. Dr. Covent has made her remain in her room with limited activity. She looks around at her very small prison and wishes to be free from it. As the sun was shining in her window, she knew it was about midday. Carlotta enters, once again, to check if she needs tea. Christine looks up at her and sighs deeply, tired of being fussed over.
Raoul has come to call everyday. He has sent dozens of flowers and caring messages. Governor Kesslar would not allow her to be seen but appreciated the concern from the young man. Alana is very pleased and hoped it would continue to blossom as her daughter recovers. Christine's expression showed what a bleak prospect that is for her.
Do I wish my life to continue in this manner? Why can't I be free...hearing the sound of seagulls out her window, she adds...like the birds? No one tells them where to sleep or whom to marry? Why can't an angel come and fly me away from here?
She recalls the only time she feels truly free is when she is singing. Music is her solitude getting lost in Couperin and Bach, melodies with such empathy and feeling soothes her soul.
"Carlotta, I am tired of this room. Tell my mother, I am fine. I want a player in my conservatory in a few minutes."
"Miss?" The maid questions.
"Right now, I wish to sing." She replies, growing impatient with the maid, her eyes widening. The servant leaves the room and tends to the orders of her mistress.
Christine begins to get ready, delighted to finally leave her room. As she is trying to decide which gown to wear, her mother storms into the room with Carlotta following closely behind.
"Christine Elizabeth Kesslar, what on earth are you doing?"
"Mother! I am fine." The brunette professes giving her best smile.
"Dr. Covent will be the judge of that." Turning to Carlotta, she orders, "Fetch the Doctor at once."
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As the older man examined the young girl, Alana patiently waits for confirmation.
Doctor Covent sighs while closing his black bag. "You may resume normal activity, my dear. But, I want you to promise me that you will not exert yourself." The physician explained, beginning to take his leave.
However, he suddenly remembered the strain that brought him here to begin with. He turns to the young girl and her mother, looking over the rim of his spectacles, becoming very specific.
"Teatime, reading, and your singing may resume. You may entertain limited visitors but no more than two or three turns of the hourglass and no outings as of yet. I will see you in a day or so."
Christine smiles as her mother took the doctor in hall to speak privately with him. The curly brunette is excited to resume a normal routine. Most importantly, she wants her singing to progress, for she had not done so in what seemed an eternity. The girl worries that her voice may have become weak in the past few days.
Christine cheerfully got up from her bed and pulls back the comforter. She walks to her dressing room. Carlotta was holding up two choices of gown.
"The red one Carlotta." She said, smiling at how the snug waist would show off her curves to her expected visitor.
The maid tightened the corset noticing the change in her size from just a few days ago. Christine had become thinner.
"Miss, you are skin and bones. Shall I have the cook get you some food?" The servant responds with concern.
Christine frowns, "No, no. I will do my eating later. Now, I wish to sing."
As the girl finishes getting ready, Andre, the butler, enters. "Miss Christine, it is The Vicomte de Changy to see you. I told him to wait in the parlor."
"Thank you, Andre. I shant be long." Christine states and applies the finishing touch of rouge to her pale cheeks.
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In the parlor, Raoul is again pacing the floor. He had been worried over the condition of his friend for many days.
The Vicomte couldn't keep his eyes off of Christine as she enters the room; her body encased in a cocoon of red fabric that shows off her curves elegantly. Raoul felt his heart leap upon seeing her smile at him shyly as if she doesn't know her own beauty.
"Good Afternoon, Vicomte." Christine greets him with a curtsey.
After a moment, Raoul noticed that the beauty is indeed talking to him and he smiles, slightly embarrassed. "Erm, Good Afternoon, Miss Kesslar."
Christine smiles and looks down at his hands, which held a small package. "What is that?" She inquires, her curiosity taking over.
"Oh. I brought this for you." He said handing it to her, a smile on his face.
Christine opens the package and her eyes well with tears of joy as she reads the title of her favorite writer, Satires and Epistles by Nicolas Boileau-Despreaux.
"Raoul...a book of satires. Thank you! This means so much to me." She hugs the book close and sits down in the divan.
Raoul sits beside her and places his hand on top of hers over the title of the book. The girl began to tremble as she felt his warm touch and soft skin, and glances up in astonishment as no man had touched her hand before.
"I remembered how much you enjoyed riddles and poetry when we were young." Raoul grins as their eyes meet causing a flush to run across her neck and chest.
Christine now embarrassed lowers her eyes stating; "Sometimes I wonder what it would have been like had we stayed in Paris. I am sure everything is different now."
Raoul begins to tell her of stories from Paris. Listening intently, she longs to return there one day. The friends were lost in memories enjoying each other's company. They continued their conversations thru several turns of the hourglass.
Governor Kesslar enters the parlor. "Good evening. I am sorry to interrupt my dear. Dr. Covent ordered only limited visits. You will have to leave now, Raoul."
Raoul taking her hands once again turning to look deeply into Christine's amber eyes. "May I call on you tomorrow?" The young man asked with anticipation.
The girl looks behind Raoul for her father's nod of approval. "I would like that." Christine smiles sweetly.
"Until tomorrow, then. Good evening, Miss Kesslar." Raoul bowed then turns to leave the room.
Christine giggles and she hugs the book once more before going to the conservatory for her music lesson.
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The Phantom's crew retired at the Dragon's Liar, an inn known for its appeal to the rough-hewn pirates of the seven seas. The masked man in black sits alone at a table in the back. He had sent Naider on an errand to discover the whereabouts of young Meg. The captain enjoys to view of the inn as his men are indulging in various activities. Some men are gambling and other pirates brawling. Brags is past out in the corner from his consumption of rum. A harlot is leading Will up the stairs for some comfort. Raven sits in a corner booth, having two wenches at his side, smiles and raises his glass to his captain from across the room.
Erik smiles with approval and raises his glass in acknowledgement of his watchman. The dark pirate takes another swig from his bottle of rum and suddenly feels the cold, sharp edge of a blade at his throat.
"Meg! So nice of you to join me in a drink." Erik states with a devilish grin. "But really, is that any way to greet an old friend?"
"Friend?" The woman retorted and bending down to whisper, allowing her flirtatious red lips to tickle his ear. "Since when does the dreaded Captain Erik Sebella have friends?"
With the blade still at his throat, she makes her way around to the front of the pirate. She slowly removes the blade from his neck but keeps the sword pointed at him. Erik stares at her strong but petite figure. The puffy white shirt laced up to her round bosom and tight black pants that show her slender legs and curvy hips. Erik smiles smugly, recalling how ironic it is that he taught her how to use the sword, which is now pointing at him.
"So, I see you have not forgiven me since our last encounter." Erik said in jest.
"You scalawag!" Meg snaps, sitting beside him and taking a swig of rum direct from the bottle. Pounding it back on the table, she continues, "I was your distraction for the armada and you allowed me to be captured."
Erik laughs at her, "I taught you to take care of yourself and I see you are still in one piece."
"Yes, with no thanks to you. The Pearl came after me and allowed me to escape." The blonde becoming more irritated at the mockery of Captain Sebella.
Looking down at his rum, Erik answers back changing the subject, "How is dear old Jack?"
"Very good! A much better man than you." Meg replies hoping to arouse jealousy. She kicks her legs up in the air; playfully placing them slowly on top the table, crossing her black boots at the ankles.
Erik gave a half smile, grasps his rum and decides not to gratify her with a retort. Naider saw the blonde from across the room sitting with his captain and approaches them.
"Meg, ye be a sight for a lonely sailor." He greets her and takes his place beside his captain.
"I missed you too, Naider." The beautiful pirate responds with a wink.
Turning her attention back to Erik, "So what brings the mighty Phantom to the Dragon's Lair?"
Naider turns to Erik, "You mean you haven't told her."
The shipmate turns back to Meg revealing the reason; "We were lookin for ya. The Cap'n wanted a word, seemed important we find ya."
Surprise came across her face, as she declares, "You haven't heard that I am with Jack and the Pearl's crew now."
"I hear everything, my dear, but" Erik pauses to clear his throat changing his tone. "I need you." His deep blue eyes grew ever more cryptic as he tries to explain.
"I have come here, hardly knowing the reason why. Nothing is the same since you left the Phantom. I can not rest or compose. I can not clarify it anymore. I do not understand it myself."
Meg looks into the sincere eyes of the masked man.
"Poor Erik, only thinking for yourself." Her heart turns cold and growing angry she asks, "What did you think? When I saw you that I would just forget the past, drop everything and return with you?"
The black pirate is speechless to the logic of his former shipmate. She continues, "I am your muse no longer! I have more important obligations with Jack and the Pearl."
Erik stares at Meg not blaming her for feeling as she did. He needs her dancing desperately but what could he do. The masked man lowers his eyes sadly and hoping she would change her mind.
"Actually…" Meg said, starting to conjure up a plan. Erik looks up eagerly awaiting her answer. "You need something from me and I need your help."
"Go on." the masked man listens intently to the blonde pirate.
"Jack is being held at the prison in Port Kesslar. We went to retrieve a map. But the French army ambushed us. Jack fought so that I could escape but was captured. The Vicomte there is upholding hanging for any pirate caught in their waters. If you help me to rescue Jack, I will help inspire your next masterpiece."
Confused about the plan, the captain questions, "What map was Jack after, exactly?"
"No more details, Erik. Do we have a deal or not?" Meg responds, patiently awaiting his response.
"Anything you require, luv." The dark pirate responds with a wink.
"I have your word. I do not wish to be hornswoggled again." She confirms.
"Likewise, my muse." Erik replies with a glimmer in his eye.
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Dedication: I did not want to dedicate this chapter to anyone since well you can see why...so before I am taken out behind the chemical sheds and shot by a squad of six men I just want to say...Thank you to all of my reviewers and loyal readers. You make this story grow and blossom every time you review. I take all of your thoughts to heart.
Now having said that and before you pull the trigger, I must apologize for the R/C but it had to happen to further the drama of this story. I promise not to make it too nauseating.
Now on the favorite part...REVIEWS!
superphan: Hope you continue to enjoy Erik Sebella. He is a fabulous character to play with...nothing creepy LOL!
Anges Radieux: Yes E/C will enter later. I hope to please everyone with their performance.
Cherrylips232, Amita and LonesomeGurlAngelofDeath: I hope you enjoy Erik's growing character. He will change adding to his charms. He will change adding to his charms.
jtbwriter: You always make me smile. I love how you always keep me on my toes asking "now what?" The fop will continue to be intertwinded I hope I have captured his true character. I do hope you will continue to read I promise that you will not be disappointed.
phantomlver and Me: Thanks for your review. Yes, the face to face of E/C is longed for my this writer too. I plan on furthering that in the coming chapters leading to E/C. Keep reading and enjoying.
the mouse in the opera house: DUN DUN DUN more fop as you hold your catsgut punjab lasso to strangle me...more Erik to come.
WanderingChild2007 and 'ello 'all: Yes M/E but nothing to serious happened as you can see it was more her than him. Jack will help her ease her pain. I hope the clarification in the beginning helps you see Erik better. AGAIN sorry about the fop fluff.
Angelof musicxo: Thank you so much for the props I hope you keep reading and enjoying. Don't forget to review.
LAST BUT NOT LEAST...LysiMarie: I could never do this without you. You are indeed my inspiration. Please continue to critique me just not after 11 pm. LOL! HUGS AND KISSES 4 Lys!