Epilogue
It had been close to a fortnight since their departure from the Black Rock Island, after those two weeks of hurried travel according to Jack now not but a few days' sail separating them from the shores of England, and it was then when finally at the behest of the crew the captain had decided to do something about their prisoners. Despite of the buccaneers' urge to be rid of the captured Spaniards as soon as possible Jack however deciding against simply throwing them overboard the moment they'd set sail and instead had kept them imprisoned in the brig as long as enough time had passed for Salazar to recover…As well as his ship's surgeon to have the required days to administer treatment onto the gypsy lad, whose condition had bettered to the point of him not being at the risk of dying, but still remained weak. So much so that should they have not made such headway in their journey he surely wouldn't have lasted for another week of sea voyage…But the Pearl wasn't known as the fastest ship of the Caribbean for nothing.
The Silent Mary had been brought along by towing it aft the Pearl, very much like the prisoners Jack to have refused to simply sink her, and the purpose for it was revealed to his confounded crew members and passengers alike once he made a sudden visit belowdecks about half a week before they finally arrived to their destination. Jack trailing the steps of Gibbs who along with another pirate was escorting the surgeon back to the cell he shared with the rest of the Mary's crew, bringing him back from his final check up onto the gypsy lad, and taking this opportunity to have a look at his old enemy Jack stilled a couple of cells away as Officer Sánchez was ushered inside his own. The infamous el Matador del Mar sitting in the middle of the tiny pen, surrounded by his other officers and crewmen alike in all of his poise, if not for his givenly disheveled appearance after two weeks of imprisonment. However looking tremendously better from the last time despite of his own wounds, informing Jack the gypsy to have apparently not been the only one who'd prevailed against his injury, and in the light of this the pirate cast a curious look at the dark haired Spaniard who overall seemed so much different now while back in his mortal form. Jack now remembering him crystal clear, as well as the single day he'd briefly crossed paths with him, a meeting which however had come to greatly define the course of his life as fleeting as it had been…Be that fate or whatever trick of destiny that had brought him there Jack now coming eye to eye with the consequences of his back then gained captainship, as Gibbs locked the cell and soon exited with the other miscreant. Salazar soon enough spotting the sole man left standing a small distance away, watching him attentively. Not liking the meaningful look in his eyes the Spaniard leveling a half scowl at him, angling his jaw at the sight of Jack abandoning his vantage point and instead of simply peering at him through the bars coming to stand in front of the cell. Tipping equally remarkable head at him as eyed at the man, gesturing to his current abode.
"I will take this as yer surrender…Meaning that I shall continue to let ye live, so don't go on claiming a scoundrel like me never did anything for ye", Jack announced. Soon enough earning a scoff back from the man who wasn't much moved by his benevolent manner even his words did ring a bell, bringing back a memory of a moment long since past but definitely not forgotten. Hence Salazar only glaring back at him due to the ironic nature of them, refusing to adhere to his mockery.
"I'd rather succumb to the vilest form of torture than have my life owed to a pirate."
"But unfortunately as the Turner lad informed ye, things didn't turn out quite so favorable to ye in that aspect, now did they?…Seeing as ye do owe me yer life, which would make such an act of brutality rather unnecessary on me part after so kindly sparing it", Jack mused, intentionally aggravating the Spaniard further with his words upon knowing their validity to rub him the wrong way. So upon not being able to deny it Salazar only straightened his back, still keeping his arms propped onto his crossed legs as matched Jack's gaze, his own grim once he then studied the pirate in turn.
"What have you come here for, Sparrow? To gloat? Surely it pleases you to witness my humiliation…as evidence of your most recent victory."
"I simply came to settle things with ye. And in me great benevolence be the more honorable out of the two of us and grant you that which ye have never shown the likes of me…" Jack elaborated. Perhaps tweaking the Spaniard's interest ever so slightly by saying so, but naturally after a moment of thought Salazar only narrowed his eyes at him. Spitting out his following response through gritted teeth as leered at Jack scornfully, only appalled by his apparent attempt of cordiality once the true meaning of his previous remark dawned on him.
"Save your mercy. I have no need of it. Do with me as you please, pirate…For you have won. Once more."
At that Jack smiled somewhat dangerously himself, glancing at the men lounging around Salazar, who instead were giving him wondering looks upon overhearing his and their captain's exchange. "Ye may not…But now that ye're no longer bound by the yoke of the curse and hence kept from the flair of death, in given lack of any similar hex to bewitch ye with I wonder what yer crew thinks of me such gracious intent of fairness?"
With that statement Jack gave Salazar more cause for thought. The man considering his reply for a brief moment as locked gazes with him, and after turning to give his men significant, wondering glances and in so doing deigning to Jack's made point the Spaniard soon faced the pirate again…But this time honestly quizzical, despite of his earnest demeanor clearly curious as to why would Jack be willing to let them go after everything that had come to pass between them, making his mistrust clear in his ensuing question.
"Why did you spare me?"
Jack tilted his head again, flashing the man a smile, which however was more dismal than his usual type of playsome. His features hardening somewhat as he eyed back at the equally stone faced Spaniard, despite of his stern tone his delivery nevertheless having a meaningful nuance to it like once before.
"I already told ye. To be the better person…and prove there is some honor even amongst the most heartless and callous of brigands like meself."
Salazar shot a rather pensive look at Jack at the sound of that, but although everything about him then signaled him not to wish to agree with that he said nothing. However mutual understanding forming between the pair of men then and there as in accordance to the formed truce Jack soon faced away from the locked up Spaniards. Starting to stroll past the row of cells to get to the stairs upon speaking up for the final time.
"So as a good captain worth of these gentlemen's evident reverence I would suggest ye to put aside wasted pride and act as is best for your men that have come this far through death and doom remaining loyal to ye…For since the breaking of yer curse I find me debt to ye paid in full and wish to have no further business with yer kind after this day."
Salazar let out a somber chuckle at that. "At last pirate, something we can agree on."
Not long after Salazar and his crew were escorted to the main deck by the order of Jack, to be tied and then walked over to the Silent Mary that had been steered beside the Pearl. For the outrage of some of the pirates, especially those from Barbossa's crew who didn't know Jack aside from the things their captain had mentioned about him at times and who'd laid witness to the brutality of Salazar themselves, Jack commanding them to simply dump the Spaniards aboard their own vessel. The fact of them remaining in their bonds not calming them, as they all knew the feared butcher of the seas by reputation if not from personal experience, deeming it highly unwise to leave a fearsome pirate hunter at large…Free to go after them despite of Jack's shown clemency. But believing in the unvoiced accord he'd arrived with the man Jack paid no heed to the complaints and simply told the buccaneers to transfer the prisoners aboard the Mary, along with those who remained of Calabar's men. Leaving the younger Salazar's crewmen to his brother's care, for the man to do away with them as he wished, ordering his crew members to lock Esteban and his comrades into the brig where Salazar and his men were bound to the masts of the galleon. As an apparent precaution to quell the majority of the unrest the freeing of Salazar awoke amongst the miscreants, for them to gain enough time to sail away until the Spaniards would have freed themselves from the masts.
And so after disposing themselves of the more unwanted passengers, without indeed having to endure any attempt of capturing them as it had become quickly evident Salazar to be in no interest of tracking them down, about three days later the Pearl finally arrived near the coast of the cove that edged the home of Henry, Carmen and Elizabeth…After months spent away Henry finding unexpected solace at the sight of the town bathing in the midday sun, to have not realized until now how much he'd actually missed the place…Even if during his many days spent onto those shores he'd often craved for an adventure such as the one he'd just been on…But after all the faced exhausting ordeals and danger it was truly good to be back.
"Well Jack, once again we owe much to that good streak of yours…as notorious as it has become over the years along with you", Will mused, next casting his eyes to the deck pensively, hint of stature to his voice. "Although I did have my doubts and told him not to, I'm glad Henry came looking for you…For I wouldn't be here if he hadn't…So as much my life all those years ago, I now also owe you my freedom."
"Aye. But let us just not make a habit of it, eh? Crossing paths with ye Turners always brings me nothing but trouble. Tiring business it is, keeping ye as confederates", Jack mused, earning a concurring look back from Will who was however mostly amused by his following notion. "Let us just say that yer debt to me is now paid, mate…with an interest of reminding me of some of the good ol' days, as tiresome as they might've been."
"It was you who caused us to be chased by ghosts!" Carina cut in in disbelief, outraged, although her expression wasn't as indignant as was her voice. Jack beckoning a significant hand towards the lad by her side while pretty much ignored her accusatory tone.
"And yet it was dear Henry here who lured the other murderous Spaniard all the way across the Atlantic to further imperil us!"
Carina shook her head at his reply, Henry holding back an eye-roll, but after all simply sighed. Both Will and Elizabeth chuckling slightly, taking each other by the arm as exchanged one more look with their old friend upon halting beside the gunwale, ready to clamber down to the boat that would take them to shore. Elizabeth now leveling a grateful look at Jack, placing her hand on his arm briefly as held his gaze.
"Thank you…For taking care of our son."
"As I see it the young whelp cared much more for me than I did him", Jack replied jovially, his smirk turning more lopsided as his eyes settled onto Henry who now came over to them along with Carina. Soon joined by Barbossa, who for the surprise of everyone had agreed to join the Turners and his daughter on land, to spend some time with her, his crew naturally set to follow him although yet remained in the dark about their captain's true motives of leaving the ship he still saw rightfully his. Henry returning the man's smile as Jack eyed at him remarkably. "After all if it weren't for his daring sense of selfinterst that greatly contributed into this whole affair, I wouldn't have gotten me Pearl back…nor me benevolence to help out ye poor lot. Rather a repetitive development if I don't say so meself."
Elizabeth laughed quietly, raising her eyebrows at him skeptically, as had gotten enough practice throughout the times of her own adventure with him to see through the display of aloofness he so often opted to put on to withhold his true sentiments. Therefore remembering then something he'd once told her during a moment of parting, her own smile morphing into tantalising as decided to use his own words against him to get her point across. "Keep telling yourself that Jack."
Jack's grin widened for a bit as he then nodded at Elizabeth, setting his knuckles on her palm until Will now came forth. Taking Jack's hand into a firm shake until tapped him on the shoulder once comradely, next giving room for his son whose turn was to face the pirate. Jack's gaze riveting to the young man for much longer as he studied the lad, in the end after a long consideration and thinking back to the preceding weeks finding several things to differ about him from his father. As similar as they might've been, however thinking Henry to possess something that Will quite didn't in equal measure…Certain type of grit much owed to Elizabeth, which caused a new kind of smile to adorn the pirate's lips as he now in turn placed his heavily ringed hand on Henry's shoulder, while Gibbs arrived to his captain's side. To say his own farewells to the couple, bowing to Elizabeth before took his turn in shaking hands with Will.
"Take care lad. Look me up if ye ever need an escape from yer humble orderly life…And if ye're anything like yer mum at all ye will."
Elizabeth softly scowled at that comment, Jack's offer clearly not sitting quite well with her as a concerned parent, but Henry only let out a chuckle of his own. Giving the pirate a sideways glance.
"Don't count on it…For I've gotten quite a good grasp what sailing with you is like and am not sure is it my kind of venture now that I know the stories about you to be all true….More or less."
Jack spread his arms, dismissively upon flashing a grin at the lad. "Can't say I didn't try…For ye wouldn't be the first Turner whose company I've actually gotten a real liking to."
Henry's eyes then strayed from the man in front of him, to notice the way Will raised his eyebrows at Jack's sarcastic remark, until his gaze shifted to Carmen who was standing by the gunwale as well a little farther away. Supporting Pedro as he took the few laborious steps over to the railing until was handed to Gibbs who'd gone over to help her, the men next starting to lower the gypsy lad into the second longboat. Jack noticing the shift in Henry's mood the moment his eyes set upon the gypsy girl and he tipped his head, casting but a cursory glance to her way until his attention moved over to Carina briefly.
"Then better make sure there's something worth to keep ye here…Be it the witch or the donkey breeder horologist that'll come to float yer fancy, tickle yer boat, whichever becomes of ye."
Henry cleared his throat lightly as his parents now leveled an addled look at the pair of them, the lad casting a swift look of his own at first Carmen and then Carina to make sure neither of them had heard him, but flushed once he realized Carina to have been standing right behind him after being briefly immersed into a discussion with Barbossa. Henry earning a baffled stare back from her, but he then only ignored her confused gaze demanding for an explanation. Looking into Jack's eyes in turn dismissively.
"That all depends on whether or not you were right…"
"About what?"
Henry's eyes once more looked up, at Carmen who by then had risen to the edge of the ship. Visibly eager to leave the vessel behind and get back to land, to get away from the pirates and everything that had been her life for the past months…Upon turning once Gibbs rose onto the steps to aid her down her spotting his gaze, returning his stare with then noticably sad eyes. Saddest he'd ever seen Henry discovered as he replied to Jack's question, glumly. "The unscratchable itch."
Carmen hesitated as she halted amidst her attempt to clamber over the side of the ship, instant pain and sorrow taking over her as suddenly that mere act felt extremely conflicting now that she was caught unawares by Henry's gaze. Now once confronted with his direct stare the harrowing sentiments she'd struggled with the closer to home they'd gotten resurfacing and she couldn't help but look back at him with a heavy heart, however as hard as it then was to take the defining step down to the ladder to escape the lad's eyes it now caused some of her misery to lessen. As she continued to return Henry's wistful stare her coming to think that perhaps she didn't have to abide by what her reason and Pedro's prompts told her to…That maybe she could just do what her heart that was so torn by whether or not staying aboard that ship told her to, that maybe there was no choice to be made, for she already knew what she desired the moment her eyes remained locked with his…But at the same time she then was once more reminded what surrendering to the allure of his gaze meant, what she would be relinquishing should she now go back now. The agonized moan that then came from below her bringing her back to reality, giving her the little clarity she needed to tear her eyes away from Henry and with a despondent frown she climbed down. Joining Pedro who'd been placed at the bow of the boat.
Henry sighed as Carmen disappeared from sight. With conflicted thoughts of his own him simply letting her go, for even if Pedro hadn't clearly told him so also he knew what was now coming to pass…That she would go back to her tribe now that Calabar was no longer here to threaten her, that she would have to go back and forget all that had happened during their adventure…Forget him. It couldn't have become more obvious to Henry who hadn't as much as exchanged a single word with her during their sail home…And that look she'd just given him alone signaled his any hopes of mendings his terms with the gypsy girl to have been for naught…For just as he'd already learned a long while ago back at Lía's house before their brief visit to the gypsy camp at St. Martin, outsiders and their kind would never be allowed to be together.
"Shall we?" Barbossa asked then suddenly. The breaking of his continued silence taking the others aback until they next watched him limp over to the gunwale, to hoist himself down into the same boat with Carmen and Pedro. Reminding them of the moment that indeed was of goodbyes, therefore Henry flashing one more smile at Jack until took off to the direction of the rail. Climbing down to the second boat that was reserved for the reunited family, Jack then beckoning with his hands for his parents to follow suite while leveled a significant look at Will, shooing them off.
"Go on then! Don't want to keep the happy married life waiting. Where I certainly don't want any further part in it...at least aboard me own ship."
Naturally like many others also he had behold the joy of the couple brought together during their return journey and Elizabeth couldn't help but laugh at the mordant undertone of his voice even if he was just teasing them, where Will simply narrowed his eyes good-humoredly at the man once his wife spoke, earning a lazy salute from the pirate.
"Goodbye, Jack."
"So long Lizzie."
The group then gasped as suddenly something swooped through the air, followed by a shrill screeching sound known by many of them that however was explained to the rest once they turned their gazes to Barbossa who was still standing by the rail, to have apparently waited for his pet who just had jumped from somewhere high up from the rigging…Grasping Jack's hat in his paws. Elizabeth and Will both muffling their laughter when they saw the expression that took over Jack's features, the pirate leveling a murderous scowl at the monkey perched on top of Barbossa's shoulder where the animal just tipped his fluffy at him. Flashing his fangs.
"And to think I almost had the joy of knowing what an irksome critter like ye tasted like", Jack sneered, however after getting a reasonable amount of scratches from his master the monkey leaping from Barbossa's arm as the elderly pirate tilted his head to Jack's direction. Causing the said man then to flinch once monkey Jack was with him with a couple of jumps, scampering up his torso until for his dismay shot up to stand on his shoulders. Screeching as wrapped his tail around Jack's neck, handing the hat back to him.
"He likes you Jack", Will bantered, remembering well the pirate's foul terms with the animal as eyed at the aged monkey in amusement. "One more for your able-bodied crew."
Jack ignored Will's comment that conjured up a few chuckles from here and there, Barbossa then turning and climbing down the ship's side after directing a spiteful smile of his own at outraged Jack. Leaving the monkey behind, where Gibbs came close to sharing his fellow pirates' mirth if it weren't for the glare Jack now leveled at the man…The first mate instantly assuming a straight face, where Jack next glowered at the monkey currently teetering on his left shoulder, until after a moment finally took off running and went after Barbossa. Jack sure hoping to have had his pistol with him in order to put an end to the irritating creature once and for all. Grumbling from under his breath as stopped fumbling for the weapon that after all wasn't at its usual spot in his belt.
"Filthy beast."
After ten minutes the boats reached the shore, Henry and Barbossa pulling them to the shoals for the others to get off, despite of the time of day them seeing no one at the beach that sided the small harbor. Carmen struggling to carry Pedro who although much better compared to his earlier self was still haggard and weak, unable to walk on his own, and as the gypsy girl managed to get him to step out of the boat the misstep he took almost caused them both to crash into the wet ground. Carmen's balance however holding up as she wrapped sturdy arms around Pedro, the gypsy man's draped around her shoulders as he let out a strained breath, raising his gaze to see the port and the town looming behind it. Frowning in tardy understanding.
"Are we home?"
Carmen sighed, also casting her eyes over to the town, until she then began their slow walk across the thin strip of sand. Feeling the ends of her shredded skirts to get pulled back by the incoming waves. "Soon."
Will rose from his own seat, about to exit the dinghy, however hesitating suddenly amidst his intent of joining Elizabeth and Henry on land. Halting as at first dropped his gaze to the waves licking the surface of the shore until his eyes traveled farther…Upward to take in the beach and the rocky slope that preceded the steep hills rising high above the sea not far from them, until also his attention went to the signs of settlement a little further inland. Abrupt sense of dread prevented him from leaving the boat, as even he knew his curse to have been transferred to his father and that he was now free to set foot on land unlike he'd been for over the past one and a half decade, he still couldn't help but feel reserved of doing so…Perhaps even scared of it. But his doubts were quickly whisked away as he then saw his son to approach, aware of his concerns as came over to the longboat with an encouraging smile. Extending his hand to him.
"Come father. Let's go."
Will returned Henry's gesture as Elizabeth then walked forth to take his other hand, with now a more gentle smile leveled at his wife Will accepting his son's palm and sighed. Leaving the boat, and the minute the waves splashed against the heels of his boots once he'd taken the first few careful steps onward immense relief washed over him. Soon mere joy causing a happy sigh to leave his lips as his eyes once more scoured their vicinity, in final understanding of him at last standing there as a free man him then turning around to face Henry. Joyous, heartfelt laughter erupting from the bottom of his chest as he swooped in to embrace his dear son, Elizabeth watching them with a beaming smile of her own as the lad was quick to join his father's laughter. Squeezing him back, at the sound of their merrymaking Carmen coming to a sudden halt. Turning around to watch Henry in his father's loving embrace, instantly wistful of the sight that then brought her feet to a standstill. Like back at the Pearl finding herself unable to move, to look away…this time out of pure elation she felt for the lad, and which made her hope that she could join them…The weight of Pedro's body pressed against her however begging to differ.
"I'm home", Will stated, to himself as let the glee of the idea to sink in for awhile. His eyes next peering at the sea in curt disbelief of to have indeed been cut off from it, until brought his son to at arms length, simply gazing at him in new rush of doubt. Unable to believe this moment to have come, for him to stand on this shore with his grown up son and wife, his hand now finding its way at the base of Henry's neck while Elizabeth joined them. Will's free arm pulling her against him while his lingering, proud gaze eventually moved over to her, Elizabeth leaning in as he pressed the side of his head against hers with this time but a blissful sigh. "I'm home."
All three of them now turned towards the sea, to see the Black Pearl for the final time as she prepared to cast off. Will's right arm now securing onto Henry's shoulders as they behold the famed pirate ship in all her beauty, the glimmer of her dark hull competing with the shimmer of the ocean. Her colors flying proudly in the wind that puffed out her torn sails, soon after them beholding how the breeze began to carry her across the waves in such speed that came as no surprise to them. Nostalgia sweetening memories that had arisen from the back of both Will and Elizabeth's minds, them vividly recalling the first time they'd seen her sail away like this so many years ago, it all now feeling like a distant dream.
"She surely is as beautiful as I remember."
Will nodded at Elizabeth's remark, smirking slightly as peered at the disappearing vessel, barely making out the silhouette of her captain at the helm. "Aye. That she is."
As they now turned their sights away from the sea, saying their final farewells in their hearts, Henry's attention was instantly caught by Carmen whom he then realized to have stilled some distance away. Gazing at them, that same sorrowful look on her face which didn't disappear once he returned her stare and which then caused a knot to form at the pit of his stomach as he gazed back at her, until he then followed how Pedro shifted in the gypsy girl's hold. With a quick look of annoyance cast to his way the gypsy lad tightened his hold of her, bringing her around with a swift jerk of his arm that took support from Carmen's shoulders. Henry frowning as he could see Carmen's dithering expression as she met Pedro's gaze curtly before turning to level one more look at him. Like before her however simply silently staring back at him for a brief instant more until resumed her walk, Henry following the pair with his eyes as they began to make their way up the bank and headed for the forest that sided the town.
"Henry?" Elizabeth's voice then called out, snapping him out of his ponders as she arrived by his side, also gazing after Carmen shortly before looking at her son in pity…Also aware the two of them to have not come to improve their rather estranged relationship during the return journey, much thanks to the presence of the other young man seemingly close to Carmen's heart. "Are you alright with her just leaving?"
Henry let out a gloomy laugh, indeed not knowing how he was exactly. "I don't know what to answer to that…But she is now free to go home and I have no right to stop her."
Truthfully that was a lie. Henry felt to have every right to stop her from going, and yet he didn't. For despite of his feelings he'd become more aware than ever after thinking back the times they'd gone through together, he knew how hard the choice of leaving had been for Carmen, and taken everything he'd come to learn about her and where she came from he understood her reasons…even if it truly hurt him. For he would never ask her to choose him over her family, her blood, as this whole venture of rescuing his father from the Dutchman's curse had taught him the very importance of it...Now when his own was once more complete the least he could do was to let her to join with hers…Even if it meant to never see her again, as he then came to fear deep within him. Unsure would he be able to just go on with his life as if he'd never hurled that apple that once had brought them together.
Henry yawned as he jogged down the stairs of the house, upon arriving to the landing the sight of his parents standing by the front door fully dressed taking him aback and after a baffled squint he tipped his head lower to peer at the kitchen window. For his further surprise discovering the light filtering through the panels to signify the late hour it was rather than the morning he had assumed it to be. Him to have knowingly slept in after staying up late talking with his father, but to have not imagined either him or his mother to have let him sleep the whole day away. In dismay of this the lad sauntering the last of the steps down, arching his eyebrows at his parents as gave his neck an embarrassed rub.
"Why didn't you wake me? It's almost sunset…"
"We thought to let you sleep. You've had it quite rough for the past weeks after all…But I was just about to send Will up to awaken you", Elizabeth said, motioning towards the table where Henry could see the prepared setting for that day's dinner. "You must be hungry. Your father and I postponed our dinner as we hoped to have you join us."
"It's fine, I've been back for a few days already. I've had plenty of sleep", Henry replied, walking over to the table to have a peek of the covered eatables until waltzed over to the hearth lazily, looking inside the pot that had been left there. "You still shouldn't have let me sleep so late."
"Your mother is right. You were tired. It's best to rest now while you can", Will agreed, earning a skeptical look back from his son who however then yawned for the second time. In fact feeling himself still rather sleepy even he'd just snoozed twice the usual amount…And then he supposed they were right. It had been tough to recuperate from the strains of his venture, so why wouldn't he ease into his normal daily routine?
"Why don't you eat something and go back to bed? You don't look any more rested than you did yesterday", Elizabeth suggested, Henry however shaking his head.
"No. I should at least get some fresh air now that I'm up."
"I'm sure…I happened to find what was left of your last night's soirée", Elizabeth mused then, her voice now taking upon a slightly scolding tone as she went over to one of the counter tops, revealing the empty bottles of wine Henry had fetched from the cellar the previous evening and which the father and son had drank through up until the late hours of the night. With a yet lingering ache in his head Henry surely now regretting it as he did admit part of the reason for his tiredness solely to lie on the abnormal drinking. Elizabeth lastly casting a rebuking look at her husband who smiled at her a bit sheepishly, but did then only turn to gaze at Henry remarkably at the sound of her following remark. Her setting the bottles onto the table as waved her hand at them, her gaze boring into Henry. "I suppose these have nothing to do with your sudden urge to catnap?"
"Elizabeth, he's no longer a boy", Will told her, drawing her closer to raise his eyebrows at her. "Let him loosen up a bit."
"I can't believe the first thing you assume as responsible parenting is teaching our son how to drink…Sounds like something Jack would do", Elizabeth said, feigning shock as met her husband's gaze, although both of the males could hear the amusement in her voice. Will and Henry exchanging a smirk as Elizabeth then sighed, letting the matter go once Will pressed a fleeting kiss to her temple. Them to have simply spent some much needed time together, so how could she be mad about that?
"Then if you're not too under the weather would you like to come with us to the seaside? I was planning on showing your father around now that he's had time to settle here", Elizabeth asked from Henry. Brief smile of concur gracing Henry's lips as he then pushed his shirt into his trousers, brushing back his locks with his fingers to look at least a little bit more presentable, tying them down with a strip of leather he came upon while digging through his pockets before snatched his jacket from one of the chairs he'd carelessly tossed it the previous day.
"Now that sounds like my kind of venture!"
Henry was stopped by his mother just as he reached the door, the woman turning him around and walking him back to the table where he seated the lad down. After a passing baffled glance received from him Elizabeth pushing one of the clean plates in front of him until placed a couple of pieces of bread on it…For the lad to have at least a little something to eat.
"Eat these. Then we leave."
Henry and Elizabeth began their tour with an overview of the town, not showing the place in entirety but simply walking Will through the area. Familiarizing him with the overall layout of the town and its shops along with other key places until their walk took them past the local Fort to the harbor and further. After taking a turn in the area and admiring the few navy ships docked there them ending up following the trails that lead along the shoreline until they ventured more inland, over to the vast hills that spread far and wide outside of town. Precisely around sundown their stroll ending near the old, long since abandoned lighthouse built on top of one of the highest hills nearing the shore…A place that Henry had used as his personal hideout and where he'd gathered all his clues and lore concerning Poseidon's Trident ever since his early childhood after it had become inhabited once a new lighthouse had been built at the other side of the cove, and which he had offered to Carina and Barbossa to sleep in. Instead of going inside the lad then following after Will and Elizabeth as after a moment of taking in the beautiful scenery opening in front of them they continued their walk down the hill. The idyllic setting looking like taken straight out of one of those English landscapes, everything from the soft tufts of clouds littering the sky to the grass frolicking in the wind seeming as if created out of an artist's hand, and in joined ease of their surroundings they kept on walking, closer to the sea. The picked up breeze tugging at their clothes and hair gently but at times more viciously as they ambled down the hill, as long as a voice called out to them and Henry turned to see Carina exit the lighthouse.
"Good day, sir", she greeted him, circling him as at last came to stand in front of him with a snarky smile. Henry countering it with a derisive bow.
"And what pray tell brings the fearsome witch out of her lair?"
"Amusing", Carina scoffed, her smile however never wearing off as she narrowed her eyes at the lad briefly. Her then spotting his parents who'd come to a stop a small distance away, giving the youth some privacy after noticing the young woman's arrival. "Things seem to be going well at home."
"They are. We're just glad to have him back", Henry answered, casting a sideways glance at Will until faced Carina again.
"I can imagine…Your mother definitely seems over the moon for it."
"She is."
There was a slight pause as they exchanged a slight smile, until Henry next nodded to the direction of the lighthouse.
"How is it going with your father?"
"Well I suppose…But I'm not sure that neither of us are yet prepared to call him that", Carina stated, also looking towards their borrowed abode. "We've been talking things through the past few days…But although I can see he is content with being able to spend time with me, I can tell that he doesn't want to stay."
Henry frowned. "He's leaving?"
"He's a pirate. And by what he's told me I figure he hasn't spent much time on land for decades, so staying here could be too stifling for him after a lifetime at sea."
"And you? Are you planning on staying?"
Carina thought a moment, soon leveling a much more keen look at Henry until her eyes were cast down and she broke into a enigmatic smile. Her voice however unsure as she finally spoke. "I don't know. I imagine it depends on various things…"
"Such as?"
"This is your home, not mine. I think I might need a reason to stay…And when my father leaves I'm not sure will I find one that would keep me grounded enough to remain."
Carina was now looking into Henry's eyes, her gaze sincere and her words had been now far from enigmatic, but although the lad did pick up the significance of them he brushed their supposed true meaning off with a polite smile.
"You can always make this your home…Only if you can settle for a live devoid of Krakens and mermaids and other supernatural gibberish unsupported by science..."
Henry's leveled a widen-eyed look at the young woman as at the sound of his response she suddenly slapped him, the stunned lad blinking before giving his cheek an addled rub, gauging at Carina in dismay which was but amusing to her by the look of the jovial smirk that then rose to her lips. "Why did you do that for?"
"Just checking it's truly you…That you're not still a ghost spouting such nonsense."
"It's me", Henry replied, letting out a half a sigh before paused for a moment as surprisingly Carina's fingers brushed past his jaw lightly. Her gaze lowering as she tipped her head humbly, looking apologetic.
"Then I was…"
"Wrong", Henry cut in. Filled in for her as now flashed her a sarcastic smile, shifting his gaze to the grass that was flattened by the passing wind behind her. "I told you the truth about Salazar and my father's curse but you declared me mad…How the rational have fallen."
"Slightly an error. Although…"
Carina paused in middle of her sentence, noticing that the lad was suddenly no longer paying attention to her, to anything she said nor taken notice of her hand that had made an attempt of grasping his, instead staring at something behind her with awestruck eyes. As she turned her instantly realizing what had caught his attention, as her eyes traveled across the hill her soon spotting Carmen who was lounging by the hillside. Sitting in the grass in a dark red dress, surrounded by multitude of harebells pushing from the ground all around her as they did across the hole area she'd settled to. Beside her a basket filled with same flowers she'd apparently been picking before taking a seat on the grass bed, her own focus riveted to the ocean view so that she wasn't alerted to the Turners' arrival until later. Her loose hair practically pillowing to her face in masse as she gazed at the sea in fair wind, only to petrify Henry to his spot with her mere presence. Carina taking notice of the delight that however instantly had lit up his features at the sight of her, was he aware of it or not, and therefore she then simply sighed. Looking up to Henry while tried not to sound too defeated, threading her fingers with his in a try to clear things out…To see whether or not she was a just fool to do so.
"Anyway…I'm sorry. For taking you for a madman when we first met", she said, it taking awhile for the lad to lock gazes with her, but once he did Henry offered her a friendly smile to her. His attention however swiftly returning back to Carmen as he deftly drew his hand free from Carina's. By the look he then gave her Carina realizing not to dwell on it too much for the lad's sentiments were then downright obvious, her smile turning a tad more dejected as she considered this once he answered.
"Apology accepted."
Elizabeth and Will now came over to them, Elizabeth instantly taking her son by the arm and nudged him forward, urging him to go to Carmen.
"What are you waiting for?"
"What?" Henry asked, confused as gained another shove from Elizabeth. The woman sighing.
"Just go. Talk to her."
Suddenly suspicious Henry shot a perusing look at first at his father until riveted his gaze to Elizabeth, the truth not dawning to him until his mother replied. "What is the meaning of this? Don't tell me…?"
"You've been pining over for a chance to speak with her for days! So as she happened to come by this morning when you were sleeping I told her to meet you here at dusk…And here we are!"
So his mother had arranged this all to ambush him…He should've suspected something to be going on by that at times downright beaming look that had graced her face ever since he'd agreed on joining her and his father on this outing…Only that it had been set up not for his father but for him to have a rendezvous with a girl that granted he had longed to see…but now that she was right there for him to talk to the very idea daunting him. In his sudden elation to have learned the gypsy girl to have come looking for him however brushing aside such fears for a moment as he now frowned at Elizabeth, indignant once her revelation had dawned on him.
"Wait…She came over to the house?"
"Yes, Henry, she did."
"Then why didn't you wake me?"
"Enough of that, she's right there! Go talk to her!" Elizabeth exclaimed. "I bet she has waited a great deal for you to show up since it was you who insisted on a detour on our way here!"
Henry released a deep sigh as he was once more pushed forward by the woman, him soon enough however giving both her and Carina cause for mirth as after a brief moment of hesitation the lad's hands rose to smooth out some wrinkles from his altogether quite sloppily put on attire before his fingers swept some stray strands behind his ears, only for them to fall back into his eyes right after. However recognizing his behavior as ridiculous him then simply tipping an irritated head at his snickering mother until took off. Starting to walk to the direction of Carmen who was still yet to notice him, despite of his joy and resolve his courage lessening with each step as the gypsy girl drew closer.
Far too nervous than he would've liked to be Henry eventually slowed his steps, in sudden awe of her appearance that differed from the worn out, worry ridden girl from a few days past. Her hair once more clean and unbound, blowing in the breeze untamed, her clothes while added to the notable amount of jewelry she wore truly matching the image of what Henry assumed her to have looked before her coerced seclusion to the nunnery. Despite of the similar change of attire she'd already went through back at that gypsy village as more accustomed to her much plainer semblance the lad not helping but be mesmerized by her, just like he'd been taken with all those other gypsies of her clan he'd seen dancing at that market place…Like them back then Henry finding himself admiring this new her in a whole new way, her true self, which was was now presented to him fully for the first time. Those golden trinkets in her ears and wide, layered skirts spread around her making her truly look like one of her own, while her very bearing emitted the same kind of joy of living distinctive to her kind that once had infatuated the lad about them, and which upon now encountering it from her made her even more enticing to him. Henry not knowing what was it that then revealed him, for during his enthralled examination over her much changed exterior she soon gasped and turned around. To lock astonished gazes with him, where he was only further drawn in by her the minute he laid his eyes on her face, his footsteps quickening again. To have not realized until then how much he'd missed her, had it been but a few days since he'd seen her last, looking so sweet while surrounded by those blue, bell like flowers in her dark crimson, black tinted gown. Some white of her underdress peeking out of her low cut sleeves and from under her hem, the lad realizing to have not been this anxious even during the first time he'd talked to her, and yet he practically rushed over to her once she was also quick to stand. To welcome him with a smile that instantly took possession of his heart, causing it to swell at the joy of simply seeing it. Seeing her.
"You came", she spoke, softly, although she had sounded somewhat taken aback by the fact that he had. "I'm glad."
"And you're here", Henry stated in return, truthfully surprised now as eyed at the gypsy girl quizzically, frowning then. "I thought you went back."
Carmen blinked at his remark, dropping her gaze until made a new, more blue smile. Locking gazes with Henry again. "Yes…But I needed to speak with you."
A warmer smile now rose to Henry's lips, after but a curt hesitation him stretching out a hand and letting it slide over Carmen's forearm lightly, his fingers halting at her wrist… "And I with you."
They exchanged a look. One that spoke volumes to each of them, but of things which either of them couldn't bring themselves to say just yet. For this reason Henry being the first to steer clear of that which he really had been wishing to talk with Carmen about, instead focusing on something else that had concerned him nonetheless.
"How are you?" he asked, and wasn't quite referring to her current situation in life. Carmen realizing this from the way he was now studying her, in true worry, but which also confused her.
"What do you mean?" she asked, Henry letting out an undetected sigh as his eyes were cast down to the dark cloth that was tied around her injured palm, until he next slid his fingers all the way to the back of her hand and turned it over. To touch the fabric concealing the symbol of the Sacred Eye she'd carved into her skin before his other hand rose to press against the wound on her chest lightly…An injury he could remember to have inflicted himself, even if under the influence of Salazar's spirit which had left his overall recollections of that time somewhat blurry. Him not remembering exactly everything that had happened, but he did recall Carmen to have tried to invoke him while under Salazar's control…Leaving her wounded once the pirate hunter had used him to cut her with that sword.
"I'm sorry. I didn't…" he said, remorsefully as held the gypsy girl's gaze, running out of words however as frankly there was nothing he could've said to make him feel better about hurting Carmen…Should she have not interfered and driven Salazar out of his body at the time to have perhaps come close of killing her even, Carmen taking hold of his hand in turn that still hovered over her concealed injury.
"It wasn't you, Henry."
"And yet it was", the lad argued, somberly. "Even if not in control of my body it was still me who swung that blade at you."
"Salazar possessed you…There's nothing you could've done."
"You were able to control him…So I should've been able to do as much instead of letting him hurt you by my hand", Henry replied, but despite of his dour words Carmen then only smiling at him reassuredly. Pulling her hand free from his to touch her cut palm with her own fingers.
"I'm alright Henry. Lía's remedies are effective, and she promised the wound wouldn't even leave much of a scar."
Henry was confused, him looking up to Carmen quizzically at the mention of the gypsy woman. "Lía's?"
It was Carmen's turn to drop her gaze, sudden sadness making an appearance on her mien then as she spent a brief moment in silence until smiled again…But it was an even more woeful smile, despite of her eyes that were then brightened by clear joy at the same time, which continued to addle the young man even further once she spoke. "I left home."
Henry was stunned, him eyeing at Carmen in utter bafflement as needed a moment to process what she just said. "You…what?"
"After everything that happened…I couldn't stay there…So I left. I'm staying with Lía and Adriana until I find myself another place to live", Carmen elaborated, her smile gaining a bit more dismal tint until her eyes softened as they were cast up to Henry. Even if the lad should've been able to make his assumptions from her previous statement him still not helping but finding these news more puzzling than enlightening. Him leveling a pensive look at the gypsy girl as studied her, skeptical of what she'd just told him, even his worries from a few days past were starting to dissolve bit by bit because of it. In the end unable to fathom her to have walked away from her tribe, just like that.
"You…left your family?" he asked, stupefied where Carmen just returned his astounded stare sincerely. Nodding, Henry not even noticing either now as it was her who threaded her fingers amongst his. Squeezing them while her eyes never looked away from his.
"Yes."
"But…are you sure? Because if you leave you…may perhaps never be able to go back to them again."
"I know...But it had to be done."
"Why?"
Carmen next shot him somewhat annoyed look, to have thought to have been more than plain with her words for the lad to understand her sentiments without her having to spell it out for him, her cheeks gaining a reddish tint to them at the thought of that as she faced him. Drawing her hand back from his as eyed at him, in disbelief. "Are you even listening to what I'm saying?"
Henry raised his eyebrows, still more perplexed than privy of her words. "Yes, but I don't understand what you're implying."
"For god's sake", Carmen breathed, hesitating then as Henry next saw her to flush completely after gauging at him, until she seemed to get over her abashment…Enough to then close the distance between them until for his utmost surprise she cupped his face with her hands and kissed him. Her lips however not lingering longer than it took for the lad to indeed think further into her previous comments as she parted from him. This time leveling but a serious look at him, where he could only stare back blankly, to have not expected it to be her who would be the first one to address the most prominent issue between them…Which were the very feelings that took over him then. Sealing his tongue, eating away his fortitude, leaving but an overwhelming sense of joy that single gesture of hers had brought out in him.
"Because of this! Because of you and what I feel when I'm around you…even I wasn't suppose to", Carmen explained, her severity however swiftly melting away and giving room to mere emotion as she tried to explain herself to him. To explain the conflict she had been plagued with during their return journey and which hadn't been cleared until her return home, until it had dawned on her what was it that truly had made her want to turn back that day…To not leave.
"I know I shouldn't have come here. I know what I'm doing is wrong, that what Pedro said about me never being able to be with someone like you is supposed to be true…But it's not. He was wrong. I can't do that. So even my whole family and my tribe will see it as me betraying them and everything I am…I have no choice. Because more than their approval I want to stay with you…And get to know you better. For if I had turned my back to you, it would've stopped me from becoming the person I longed to be ever since that night you first told me you love me…And I don't want that pain of regret for forsaking it, Henry. But you."
Henry was stupefied, too shy at the face of her so honest feelings that he couldn't bring himself to respond for awhile, although back at the time he had no qualms about professing his love for her. Thinking back to the night outside the abbey gates that had caused his own feelings for her to solidify and which had set everything between them in motion, the recollection of their first kiss causing him then to clear his throat as he did then escape Carmen's gaze that was still riveted to him. To see his reaction which lack there of then caused her to frown at him.
"Say something", she stated, even more mortified by the silence that had followed her confession. In sudden rush of overbearing embarrassment the gypsy girl now hiding her face from the lad as he only continued to eye at her in bemusement, although deep within he couldn't have been happier to hear what she'd just said. In fact too overjoyed himself to actually make anything of his resurfaced feelings that had flooded him or as much as work them into a sensible sentence. Everything he'd wanted to say to her slipping his mind that could only circle around what this girl had just told him, in fact for the first time in a long while Henry feeling an actual blush to color his own cheeks as he returned the gypsy girl's gaze, realizing Jack to have been after all right…About the opportune moment which he wasn't this time going to let pass by.
"I…had ton load to say…But now I'm just…relieved. And glad that the day we met you threw those pears. Because if you hadn't I wouldn't have gotten my father back…or gotten to know you", Henry responded, his mien softening then by affection he this time around didn't made an attempt of hiding, just like before their entanglement into the whole affair with Calabar and the Trident that had become the biggest hindrance in their relationship, almost ruining it along with their joined immature antics...But no more. Henry now clasping both of Carmen's hands into his, bringing her closer, where it was now his eyes that didn't look away from hers. Riveting her gaze to him as continued.
"Carmen, I want you in my life. So maybe I'm just selfish and not worthy of your choice, but…I'm happy you said that. Because what happened back at that gypsy camp I already thought you to have made up your mind about us then. And even I didn't like it…I agreed it best for you and me to part ways once the Trident had been found and we'd both go back to our lives…For you not to be hurt. But I can't do it either. Stay away like I should."
Carmen smiled at that, brushing the back of her fingers across Henry's still a bit sunburnt cheek. "Then don't."
They exchanged a long, keen stare. Both in given loss of words over their made concord until a wide smile spread on Henry's lips and he then seized Carmen, kissing her in turn. Unlike her however not drawing away right away, and neither did she let him as she leant closer to him, Will who was spying on them with Elizabeth giving his son now but a surprised look until simply looked at them with a knowing expression, to have realized there to be something between the two of them first back at Poseidon's sanctum and later aboard the Pearl, but to see his son to show his feelings towards the gypsy girl so openly sure explained great deal of things…Along with his wife's eagerness to get Henry to join them on their trip to the lighthouse after that girl's earlier visit to the house.
"Definitely more than a friend", he mused, raising significant eyebrows at the pair until exchanged an amused look with Elizabeth, who then rolled her eyes gently. Wearing but a bright smile however as her husband's eyes shifted back to Henry and Carmen.
"If you only knew."
Henry relunctantly pulled away from Carmen, after a while of wallowing in the bliss of her lips on his making a slight, crooked smile. Opening his eyes to discover her to be casting wondering glances at him, her own smile equally fond to his as her hands then took support from his elbows. Correcting the pose of his coat.
"What now?"
"You're asking me?" Henry asked, sarcastically, but did then look into the gypsy girl's eyes softly. Brushing a hand of his own past the side of her face until took a step back, surprising Carmen as after a curt moment of thought he next pushed his hand under the collar of his shirt and pulled out his necklace. Joining her trademark lockets with one more once he then placed it around her neck.
"This is not exactly like that engagement ring you had, but could you indulge me just this once as this is all I have on me?" Henry, sarcastic, calling back to the time aboard the Monarch, but although she knew the lad to be teasing her by reminding her of his lie of the time she still smacked him slightly to his shoulder before only smiled at him sweetly, for she knew how important that necklace was to him…For it had once been his father's, and the fact that he was even wiling to give it to her told her that the lad had indeed been listening to her…hanging onto her every word like the lovesick dullard Jack had called him.
"Is this your idea of dalliance?" she asked, her fingers curtly fiddling with the number of trinkets until she tilted a teasing head at the lad who quirked thoughtful eyebrows at her.
"Unless you would like me to resort to more poetry? Although I know no other verses aside for the one I already told you."
"And which you had to look up to beguile me?" Carmen teased, seeing the lad to cast a sideways glance to the direction of the sea as a sign of concur, which caused her to laugh. Henry tipping a playful head at her as looked down at the gypsy amulet resting on her bosom next to his.
"I had to try something. After all I'm not a witch…Perhaps you could teach me?"
"Just promise me that I don't have to run off with you to another pirate ship ever again", Carmen said, sighing before shaking her head as let out a slight laughter in the end at the thought of his one time reciting Shakespeare to her.
"As long as there'll be no other supernatural artifacts to come upon this island…I promise. But speaking of dalliance…Jack did tell me something back at the Dying Gull", Henry told her. Now but suspicious Carmen frowned lightly, skeptical of what possibly could the pirate have said that would relate to this particular moment, although she was wearing an intrigued smile.
"I wonder what?"
"He said that while courting a brunette I should never fall for her sister", Henry revealed, this notion seeming to amuse Carmen who tilted a pensive head at him in turn, quirking an eyebrow at him once he brushed his fingers through her hair briefly after preventing the wisps from blowing to her face.
"Really? Then you better be careful", she mused. Henry picking up the tantalizing undertone of her voice and grinned blithely.
"I was afraid of that…How many do you have?"
"Three still unmarried…But I would never forgive you if you did something to my brother."
At the sound of that Henry turned rather uncomfortable, casting an awkward look at the gypsy girl as realized her to be not so clueless to his exchange with Jack as he'd at the time assumed. Smiling now sheepishly. "You heard what he said?"
"Yes...And think it definitely wasn't an advice worthy of five silver pieces. You better to have not paid him."
They laughed at that notion, now more courageous with his actions Henry taking his hand and placed it against the side of Carmen's jaw for a bit until she leaned away from his touch, to level a significant look at him at the sound of his response. "Agreed, taken that it wasn't even directed to the right person...How many brothers do you have then?"
"Only one. But my mother is a frightening woman so you'd better not bestow such a fate to her first born."
"This isn't exactly amusing anymore, now is it?" Henry mused, Carmen laughing at his current expression that perhaps even held some terror to it as the lad mulled over her words, naturally coming to imagine what kind of a woman Carmen's mother would be and deciding quickly it to be for the best if he never found out…Especially now when he was responsible of taking her daughter from her, with a glum smile right then the lad realizing that indeed Carmen's mother would rather see him drop dead than allow her daughter to be with him…A fact which however he didn't need to concern himself over, as Carmen had left her and the rest of her siblings and father behind…only to be with him.
It was then when Carmen suddenly spotted Elizabeth and Will, whom had remained unnoticed to the gypsy girl upon standing so far away near the lighthouse. However once the lad wasn't anymore obstructing her view Carmen realizing them to be standing there, watching them attentively, instant blush coloring her cheeks at the thought of them to have laid witness to everything that had happened. After receiving a wave from Elizabeth and a nod from Will Carmen blinking, distraught, hiding behind Henry.
"Why didn't you tell me your parents were here?!" she accosted, glancing up to the lad in outrage until buried her face into his shoulder briefly before glanced over it at Henry's parents. Laughter in Henry's voice as he replied, amused by her reaction as simply wrapped his arms around her.
"Would it have made this any less embarrassing if I had?"
"No. But you could've warned me!" Carmen stated, dropping her eyes in abashment after frowning at the lad, who however then only flashed her a small, jovial smile. Angling her head upward and before she could say a word more pressed his lips on hers again, to quell any further displeasure of hers, and succeeded as Carmen eventually found herself relaxing in his hold. Sudden call of Henry's name however causing the lad to break free of their kiss and turn around, to see his parents to have began to move towards them across the hill, waving at them to come over. Henry not seeing Carina with them, assuming her to have gone back inside the lighthouse.
"Come on", Henry urged, clasping Carmen's hand and then instantly took off walking, leading her forward until she came into a brief, nervous halt. One encouraging look and a sweet smile of Henry's however being able to do away with her hesitation and lured by his coaxing smile she followed after him, after a while them meeting up with Elizabeth and Will. Elizabeth offering a warm smile to Carmen which she returned, until found herself face to face with Will who now came forth. His eyes studying her curiously until they dropped down to stare at his former necklace that now hung around her neck, softening notably as he then locked gazes with the gypsy girl. Carmen dropping into a curtsey, which however came to an end as for the surprise of the lad and the gypsy girl Will now pulled Carmen upright, his overall demeanor so amiable that is stunned the gypsy girl who hadn't ever been properly introduced to Henry's father before this moment. This man however treating her as if he'd known her more than those few weeks of sailing during which they hadn't shared a single word, and yet Carmen felt herself instantly welcomed by that affable smile of his that then reminded her so much of Henry…That fact causing her heart then to swell as she returned Will's stare, him never letting go of her hand as next addressed her.
"Would you like to join us for late supper? None of us have eaten yet and we could get better acquainted over dinner."
"I do not wish to intrude", Carmen began, casting now a bit coy look at Henry until her attention went back to his father. Elizabeth however coming to stand by Will's side with a dismissive wave of her hand, taking him by the arm shortly as flashed the gypsy girl a smile.
"You're not. It's alright, please come. At least for a cup of tea. After all you did your part in finding the Trident and bringing us together…as a family", she said, to support his mother's words Henry then taking Carmen's hand and closed it into his own. Them sharing a smile.
"Come along. Mother's roasted chicken is to die for", Henry mused, however earning a new smack on his arm due to his sarcastic tone from Elizabeth who shot him a warning look. The least amused about the lad's jab at her at times passable cooking skills that however had kept him alive for all these years, but Carmen only broke into a wide smile at his banter. Nodding, until Will took the gypsy girl aback by taking her other hand while his lips were adorned by a warm, this time a hint of a playful smile that also reminded the two women much of Henry. For the surprise of the lad Will next pulling Carmen free of his hold and claimed her for himself, taking her by the arm as turned around, bowing his head at her.
"Then it's settled."
Stunned Henry then watched how his father began to lead Carmen up the hill, his mother coming to stand by his side as they both now followed their walk along the hill, where after a moment of silence Will shifted his gaze to the young woman by his side.
"So since my son has been more than mysterious when it comes to you…" he started, casting a remarkable look at Henry over his shoulder until burst into an amused laugh at the sigh of his jaded expression at his inquiry, until his focus went back to Carmen. As a just recently appointed father of his much aged son indeed wishing to know everything there was to know about the girl who seemed to have captured his heart. "How did you meet him?"
"Shouldn't you feel threatened by someone else claiming your just returned husband from you?" Henry questioned from his mother, leveling an amused look at her that was only received with mere indifference. The woman casting a cautionary look back.
"Shouldn't you? Your father is still a very handsome man, not to mention less reckless and stubborn, so I would imagine Carmen to soon find him far more agreeable than you if you leave them alone like that."
Henry narrowed his eyes at his mother's retort good-humoredly as she then took hold of his arm, them also starting to walk across the hill after the lad had gone back to pick up Carmen's basket from where she had left it. Following in tow as Will and Carmen made their way across the grassy field, the wind soon carrying the sound of his laughter to the ears of the mother and son as they soon heard bits and pieces of the exchange between him and the gypsy girl, who was in middle of relating the events that had led to her and Henry's meeting…Giving cause for Henry to smile as it was then apparent his father to have been instantly as taken with the girl as he was. After another gale of heartfelt laughter soon filled the air and it was joined by Carmen's amused giggle, Henry then however leaving his mother's side and jogged over to the pair. Bringing them to a halt as captured Carmen's free arm, taking her back from his father.
"Go on ahead. We'll catch up", he told him, flashing Will a fleeting smile until locked gazes with addled Carmen until brought her around, starting to race down the hill so quickly that he almost caused the gypsy girl to lose her footing once she tripped to her skirts that had draped around her feet. Not explaining himself until they were once more standing at the edge of the hill, facing the ocean, Henry taking a seat on the grass before nodded towards the setting sun.
"We came here for the sunset. Might as well not let it go to waste", he said, Carmen giving the lad an astounded look until glanced over to his parents. To see them to have continued walking and were slowly reducing to the distance, Carmen sighing until broke into a soft smile once Henry's hand then rose. To pull her next to him, and after a moment of gazing at the horizon set ablaze by the setting golden orb sinking into the arms of the sea the lad casting a humorous look at Carmen while after seating she was straightening her skirts, unaware of the now openly flirtatious smile that was playing on his lips.
"What do you say of this manner of dalliance?"
Carmen leveled a cursory glance at Henry in response, tilting her head until came closer to him. Taking hold of his arm before set her head to lean on his shoulder, directing her own attention to the marvel that was the sunset.
"I say that if you wish to entice me you need to learn a thing or two from your father."
Henry let out an amused breath, not believing her to be taking the same course of teasing him as his mother, but then only rested his own head against hers. For the first time since coming back being able to forget all about curses and Tridents, and simply revel in the moment. In the joy of Carmen's presence, which was now everything he needed to feel invigorated. As he then closed his hand around hers once more thinking back to Lía's read of his fortune, and unlike before realized her to have been more right than wrong…Even he hadn't quite believed it at the time.
A/N:
So, we finally have come to an end of this horizon….For now.
I just can't believe how long it took me to fnish this story, which I'm so sorry about! But I thank you who have stuck with this fic all this time, and hope you have enjoyed reading this story as much I have enjoyed writing it.
On that note, please leave a review and share me your thoughts now that the final chapter is out! Some feedback, constructive or otherwise, is greatly welcomed and appreciated…in light of me trying to evolve into a better writer. But I simply would like to know what you guys think ;)
Thank you all who have favorited and reviewed this story, or as much as followed or read it throughout these years. You are the best!