The short trip between Tortuga and Port Royale flew by in a flash, and
before either of the two captains knew it they were pulling into the harbor
of the beautiful town. Somewhere in the fort, a knocking was heard on the
door to Commodore Norrington's office.
"Excuse me Commodore", a soldier poked his head in the door timidly.
"Yes what is it?" the Commodore inquired without looking up from his parchment.
"Well sir, it's just that, umm."
"Come now soldier", Norrington said looking directly at the man. "Out with it already."
"Umm yes sir, the Black Pearl has just pulled into the harbor."
"What!"
"Yes, it's a most peculiar thing too, it seems to be flying under a flag of truce."
This news was almost too much for the Commodore to take in all at once. Immediately he rose from his desk and crossed to the window which over looked the harbor. As the soldier had said, there was the Pearl slowly pulling in to dock. Slightly shaken, Norrington cleared his throat and turned back to the young man. "Thank you for informing me. You may report back to your post." As soon as the soldier had left, Norrington grabbed his overcoat, sword, and pistol, and ran from the fort calling guards to him as he went.
The Pearl came to a rest just before touching the dock. Jack jumped off and quickly tied the ship up while Julianne strung up the sails. Almost as soon as his feet touched the wooden planks of the dock, Jack saw the Commodore and a group of his men rushing towards him. Not exactly sure what Julianne had in mind for such a confrontation, he continued about his business pretending as though he hadn't seen them approaching. Out of the corner of his eye though, he saw the uniformed soldiers getting closer and closer, and he began to grow more tense which each step they took forward. When there was only about ten feet left between he and they, he heard Norrington call out to him.
"You there, Sparrow, what do you think you're doing here? Have you forgotten that you are still a wanted man who is owed a trip to the gallows? What business do you have here?"
Jack raised himself up, trying to think of something clever to retort, but Julianne came to his rescue just in time.
"Now, now John. I don't think that's anyway to treat a visitor to your dear town. What kind of impression do you want to give people of Port Royale if they are harassed after sailing in on a ship clearly marked as meaning no harm? We're only here on a personal visit after all."
For a split second, the look on Norrington's face was one of pure shock and color rushed to his cheeks. He quickly regained his wits and began his reply, regarding her with a coy smile. "Madam, as an officer in the Royal Navy, I must insist that you regard me as Commodore or Officer Norrington. As a formality of course." He paused for a reaction, but continued upon receiving none. "Well then, if you would be so kind as to state your purpose in Port Royale, Julianne."
Now it was Captain Amaris' turn to smile cockily. "Well COMMODORE, since you seem to hold such a concern for formality, then I must insist that you refer to me as CAPTAIN Amaris. And as I have already told you, Captain Sparrow and myself are not here on business."
"Then what exactly are you here for."
"Personal matters. I want to visit my relations and get some of my affairs in order."
"You don't have any relations here, Captain."
"That's odd, because I thought I was talking with one right now, cousin. Oh, I'm so sorry, shouldn't I have mentioned that? After all, it must be dreadfully embarrassing for people to know that their dear Commodore is related to a pirate."
At this Norrington's lips drew together in a tight line, and he drew in a deep breath. "Very well", he began, struggling to maintain his composure, "If you agree that while you are here you will insight no malcontempt then you are free to go about as you please. However, in the event that you should break your word, I will not hesitate to send you both to the noose."
"I give you my word Commodore, you won't even know we're 'ere." Satisfied, and desperately wanting to escape his current situation, John nodded, turned on his heel, and walked off the dock, men in tow.
Alone again on the dock, with the exception of the toll man who was now harassing someone at the other end, Jack's mouth practically hung to the floor. "You never told me you were related to that bint."
"Oh, musta slipped me mind", she replied coolly with a grin.
"SLIPPED YOUR MIND! Seems like an important detail to me to just go and forget about."
"Now Jack. You 'ave your little secrets, and I have mine. They come in handy once in awhile."
Jack was not at all sufficed with this response but thought better of pushing the matter further. His grievances were soon forgotten though as Julianne hooked her arm through his and led him off the dock and into the town.
"So, where to?" Julianne inquired.
"What?"
"Well you're the one who knows where you're going."
"Oh right", Jack caught on, "this way then", he added steering the two of them toward the town. "It's just in town, right off the square."
And Jack was right, the blacksmith's shop and the Turner's beautiful adjoining house wasn't far at all. Within minutes the two pirates stood underneath a large wooden sign that had recently been replaced, reading "Blacksmith: W. R. Turner".
"'ere we are", Jack announced and pushed open the heavy door to the shop. "Hello. Anybody 'ome?" he called out.
"I'll be with you in just a minute", a young man's voice called out from a back room somewhere.
Julianne shot Jack an amused look, but said nothing as they waited. Scanning the room, she was amazed to see several beautifully crafted swords on display throughout the shop. Making her way around the room she examined each one.
"Talented kid eh?" Jack asked proudly.
"I'll say."
"Sorry about the wait. What can I do for you, umm, Miss?" Shocked at being addressed as Miss, Julianne turned around swiftly only to be even more surprised. Will, who had apparently not yet seen Jack, was looking quite confused as he found himself under the scrupulous eye of a very unladylike woman.
"Will my dear boy", Jack finally broke the tension. "How'v ya been?"
"Jack!", the young man exclaimed, his eyes and smile lighting up as he rushed towards the pirate. "What are you doing here?" he asked giving his friend a hug.
"What? Can't an old sea dog stop in and pay his dear friend a visit?"
"Of course he can", Will laughed. "It's just that I wasn't at all expecting you. I mean being that you aren't exactly a welcome man here in Port Royale."
"I was 'ere for the wedding wasn't I?"
"Aye, but I think that was a special exception on account of the occasion."
"Well no matter lad, I'm here now and not without the help of me lovely associate", Jack said moving toward Julianne and putting an arm around her shoulder. "Will Turner, I'd like you to meet Captain Julianne Amaris."
"Pleased to meet you Captain Amaris", Will greeted her politely with a handshake and a curious glance at Jack.
"Please, just Juli is fine." Will nodded turning his attention back to her.
"So, what brings the two of you here?"
"To see you o' course, why else", Jack answered him pulling a sword from where it hung and swinging it around.
"Well, in that case, Elizabeth should be getting lunch ready about now, so why don't we just head inside."
"Sounds dovey mate", Jack agreed.
"Alright then, let's head on in", Will said directing them toward the house.
"Actually, Will. As long as we're 'ere, I thought I might place an order with you" Julianne cut in before he could make it too far.
"An order?"
"Yes, an order, you do take them don't you?"
"Oh yes of course."
"Right then, I've been thinking it's about time I gave the crew a bit of an upgrade, if you will. I'll take13 o' these 'ere, 1 o' these, and umm 1 o' these for me", she finished, pointing to a particularly elaborate sword hanging by itself.
"15 swords? Are you serious?"
"Quite serious luv. Why, is that a problem? I mean if you can't.."
"NO NO! It's fine. It's just that 15 swords, especially the ones you've chosen, well, they are going to be a bit pricey."
"Oh, well naturally."
"Well then, if you're sure."
"Of course I'm sure."
"Very well, 15 swords it is."
"Actually", Julianne paused a minute. "What about you luv?" she asked Jack, "I think it's about time you be gettin' yourself a new one."
Jack shrugged and gave a quick nod.
"Alright then", Julianne continued turning back to Will, "make it 16, add another one like that last one there."
Will's eyes looked as though they were about to completely pop of his head. In fact, he seemed unable to get himself together at all until Jack brought his attention back.
"Well you 'eard her mate, she wants 16 swords. Now then, how bout that lunch."
"What?" Will asked shaking his head. "Oh right, lunch. Well come on then."
Both Jack and Julianne followed Will as he made his way from the shop to the house.
"Elizabeth. Elizabeth we have visitors", Will called to his wife from the small back room they had just entered.
"What's that Will?" came a woman's voice from the kitchen.
"I said we have visitors", he repeated, stepping into the kitchen where she could see him and planting a kiss on her cheek.
"Oh Jack. I mean Captain Sparrow" Elizabeth laughed and greeted Jack.
"Lovely to see you again Elizabeth", Jack said taking her hand and kissing it.
"And who is your friend?"
"Ah, this Mrs. Turner, is one of my oldest and dearest friends, Captain Julianne Amaris."
Julianne rolled her eyes at Jack's over drawn introduction and told Elizabeth the same as she had told Will earlier. "Just Juli is fine."
"Amaris?" Elizabeth asked eyes wide. "As in Captain J. Amaris of the Renegade?"
"The very same", Julianne answered.
"You'll find that Elizabeth is quite a pirate buff", Jack explained to Julianne. "Prolly knows more than the two o' us put together."
"Oh come now Jack, I think you're exaggerating just a bit", Elizabeth retorted slightly embarrassed. "Anyway, lunch will be ready in just a bit if you want to sit down and wait."
Fifteen minutes later the four of them sat at the kitchen table with full plates in front of each of them.
"So", Elizabeth began again, "what brings the two of you to Port Royale?"
"Apparently they're here to see us", Will cut in before either captain could answer.
"Actually mate, it might be a little bit more involved that that", Jack informed him.
"I KNEW IT! I knew you weren't just here on a visit. So what's going on then?"
Jack opened his mouth to answer but was silenced when Julianne put her hand on his arm. Across the table, Elizabeth took note of this but kept her thoughts to herself.
"Now, don't get us wrong", Julianne began her story, "we are here to see you. But, there's something specifically that we wanted to see you about."
"Go on", Elizabeth ordered.
"Will", Julianne continued looking at the young man. "As you recently discovered, your father was o' course a pirate."
Will nodded his head seriously in agreement.
"Right then, well. I knew your father, being friends with Jack and all, the Pearl and the Renegade have always done a lot o' work together. The two ships 'ave gone way back as a matter o' fact, even before Jack and I were captains. Anyway, like I said, I knew your father, considered him quite a good friend actually. You, of course, have already 'eard the story of Barbossa's mutiny and 'ow yer dad wasn't too keen on the idea. Well, just before it occurred, both Jack and I 'ad our ships at the same place and your father came to me and asked me to do him a favor. Apparently over the years he spent at sea he had saved up quite a treasure and was keeping it hidden in one spot. Fearful that things weren't going to be going so well on the Pearl, he asked me to go to where he was hidin' it all and move it to where the Renegade makes berth and we keep all our own loot. Giving him my word that I would, he further asked that should anything happen to him that I see to it that it all be passed on to you. So, in light of 'im being gone, and the fact that I've found you, or rather Jack has, it's time you got it." Here Julianne stopped and gave both the Turners a chance to absorb all that had just been thrown at them. Always quick to think, Elizabeth was the first to speak.
"So you're telling us, that on some island out in the Caribbean is a big pile of treasure with Will's name on it."
"That's exactly what I'm telling you Mrs. Turner."
Elizabeth's mouth now dropped open so wide her chin could have touched the table. She did not speak again, and neither did Will.
"The thing is mate", Jack added, "Jules and I could just go and get the treasure for you, but I thought maybe the two of you might like a bit of a vacation of sorts."
Slowly Will turned and looked at Jack skeptically. "You thought? MY GOD, OF COURSE WE'D LIKE TO GO! How soon do we leave?"
"Well", Julianne answered, "there are some things Jack and I would like to take care of while we're 'ere so we won't be leavin' for a few days."
"I'd say, we'll be ready to go by the time you get those swords done Will", Jack added with a smile.
"Well in that case, I better get to work", Will responded, getting up from his finished lunch.
The rest of the day passed quickly for the little motley crew. Jack for the most part stayed in the shop with Will while he worked, offering his assistance here and there, although not being much of a help considering his limited knowledge on the subject. Julianne decided to spend the rest of her afternoon walking about the town, enjoying the familiarity of where she grew up. She spent most of her time browsing around the sailing district down by the harbor, looking for the things she wanted for her ship. Oddly enough, Elizabeth had opted to join her, failing miserably to conceal her apparent interest in Julianne's lifestyle. It was pretty known that she had always had a strong interest in pirates, and her adventure with the Black Pearl the year before had been one of the high points of her life, but with Julianne she had hit a goldmine; not only a pirate captain, but a woman. After spending their first hour together making small talk, mostly about growing up in Port Royale since it was the one thing they had in common, Elizabeth could no longer contain her curiosity.
"So what's it like?" she blurted out in between shops.
Julianne gave her a questioning look. "What's what like?"
"You know, being a pirate. Being a captain."
"Haven't you learned enough about all that from Jack?"
"I mean being a woman captain."
"Oh, I see", Julianne replied in an odd tone of voice.
"What?" Elizabeth questioned.
"I just don't get you people."
"What do you mean? Who's us people."
"You, Will, and everyone else in this smarmy little town, that's who. Well, maybe not Will since it's in his blood, but the rest of you anyway. You all walk around with this "holier than thou" air about yerselves, condemning us pirates for our lifestyles, but secretly, deep down, you're all curious, and you all wonder what it would be like to be out there yerselves.you all WANT to be pirates. And if that's not bad enough, then I have to deal with silly little girls who think that if I can do it, than surely they can. I just don't get it, it's quite hypocritical if you ask me", Julianne finished matter-of-factly.
"That's not entirely true!" Elizabeth shot back. "I have never once condemned piracy!"
"Ok, so maybe you're the one exception. But either way, you still find it fascinating, you still dream about being out there. Why? And if you do think it's so great, why don't you just go and do it yerself?"
Elizabeth stared silently at Juli for a second or two, trying to come up with an answer, but eventually turned and looked ahead as they continued walking. After thinking to herself, she stopped and turned back to the other woman. "Because it's different. People always fantasize over what they don't have and don't do, but that doesn't mean their going to actually go through with it."
"I don't fantasize about living here in Port Royale."
"But that's just it, you don't think about it because it's what's normal. Nobody dreams of being normal, people dream about what it's like to be abnormal. To live exciting lives, to go on exciting adventures, nobody dreams about going to the market for eggs or doing laundry."
Julianne pondered this for a minute then nodded. "Yeah, I guess you're right. Although it's not all it's cracked up to be."
Conversation ended, the two women continued on their "shopping trip", and Elizabeth listened intently to some of Juli's stories about life on the sea periodically throughout the day.
Later that evening, Julianne and Elizabeth returned to the Turner's home to find Jack and Will sitting in the laughing room laughing and talking. After recounting the day's events, leaving out the argument they had, Julianne stood and began putting on her jacket.
"Well mates, its gettin' late, I think its time to be headin' back to the ship" she said, as Jack also stood.
"Wait, you aren't staying here?" Will interjected.
"Weren't sure 'ow you felt on the whole matter really", Jack answered.
"Oh, please stay, by all means", Will answered.
"Yes, we'd be happy to have you", Elizabeth added.
Jack looked to Juli for an answer. "Well I have to head back anyway to meet the delivery boys who are dropping off everything I bought today, but you can go ahead and stay Jack."
Looking pensive, Jack looked from her to the Turners. "We'll be 'ere for a few days", he began, addressing Will, "we'll be sure to stay 'ere for a night or two, but not tonight", he finished.
"Alright", Will nodded disappointed. "We'll see you tomorrow then."
"Yeah, tomorrow."
Will nodded again. "Night then."
The four exchanged their goodnights and Jack and Julianne headed out the door and made their way back down to the docks.
"Excuse me Commodore", a soldier poked his head in the door timidly.
"Yes what is it?" the Commodore inquired without looking up from his parchment.
"Well sir, it's just that, umm."
"Come now soldier", Norrington said looking directly at the man. "Out with it already."
"Umm yes sir, the Black Pearl has just pulled into the harbor."
"What!"
"Yes, it's a most peculiar thing too, it seems to be flying under a flag of truce."
This news was almost too much for the Commodore to take in all at once. Immediately he rose from his desk and crossed to the window which over looked the harbor. As the soldier had said, there was the Pearl slowly pulling in to dock. Slightly shaken, Norrington cleared his throat and turned back to the young man. "Thank you for informing me. You may report back to your post." As soon as the soldier had left, Norrington grabbed his overcoat, sword, and pistol, and ran from the fort calling guards to him as he went.
The Pearl came to a rest just before touching the dock. Jack jumped off and quickly tied the ship up while Julianne strung up the sails. Almost as soon as his feet touched the wooden planks of the dock, Jack saw the Commodore and a group of his men rushing towards him. Not exactly sure what Julianne had in mind for such a confrontation, he continued about his business pretending as though he hadn't seen them approaching. Out of the corner of his eye though, he saw the uniformed soldiers getting closer and closer, and he began to grow more tense which each step they took forward. When there was only about ten feet left between he and they, he heard Norrington call out to him.
"You there, Sparrow, what do you think you're doing here? Have you forgotten that you are still a wanted man who is owed a trip to the gallows? What business do you have here?"
Jack raised himself up, trying to think of something clever to retort, but Julianne came to his rescue just in time.
"Now, now John. I don't think that's anyway to treat a visitor to your dear town. What kind of impression do you want to give people of Port Royale if they are harassed after sailing in on a ship clearly marked as meaning no harm? We're only here on a personal visit after all."
For a split second, the look on Norrington's face was one of pure shock and color rushed to his cheeks. He quickly regained his wits and began his reply, regarding her with a coy smile. "Madam, as an officer in the Royal Navy, I must insist that you regard me as Commodore or Officer Norrington. As a formality of course." He paused for a reaction, but continued upon receiving none. "Well then, if you would be so kind as to state your purpose in Port Royale, Julianne."
Now it was Captain Amaris' turn to smile cockily. "Well COMMODORE, since you seem to hold such a concern for formality, then I must insist that you refer to me as CAPTAIN Amaris. And as I have already told you, Captain Sparrow and myself are not here on business."
"Then what exactly are you here for."
"Personal matters. I want to visit my relations and get some of my affairs in order."
"You don't have any relations here, Captain."
"That's odd, because I thought I was talking with one right now, cousin. Oh, I'm so sorry, shouldn't I have mentioned that? After all, it must be dreadfully embarrassing for people to know that their dear Commodore is related to a pirate."
At this Norrington's lips drew together in a tight line, and he drew in a deep breath. "Very well", he began, struggling to maintain his composure, "If you agree that while you are here you will insight no malcontempt then you are free to go about as you please. However, in the event that you should break your word, I will not hesitate to send you both to the noose."
"I give you my word Commodore, you won't even know we're 'ere." Satisfied, and desperately wanting to escape his current situation, John nodded, turned on his heel, and walked off the dock, men in tow.
Alone again on the dock, with the exception of the toll man who was now harassing someone at the other end, Jack's mouth practically hung to the floor. "You never told me you were related to that bint."
"Oh, musta slipped me mind", she replied coolly with a grin.
"SLIPPED YOUR MIND! Seems like an important detail to me to just go and forget about."
"Now Jack. You 'ave your little secrets, and I have mine. They come in handy once in awhile."
Jack was not at all sufficed with this response but thought better of pushing the matter further. His grievances were soon forgotten though as Julianne hooked her arm through his and led him off the dock and into the town.
"So, where to?" Julianne inquired.
"What?"
"Well you're the one who knows where you're going."
"Oh right", Jack caught on, "this way then", he added steering the two of them toward the town. "It's just in town, right off the square."
And Jack was right, the blacksmith's shop and the Turner's beautiful adjoining house wasn't far at all. Within minutes the two pirates stood underneath a large wooden sign that had recently been replaced, reading "Blacksmith: W. R. Turner".
"'ere we are", Jack announced and pushed open the heavy door to the shop. "Hello. Anybody 'ome?" he called out.
"I'll be with you in just a minute", a young man's voice called out from a back room somewhere.
Julianne shot Jack an amused look, but said nothing as they waited. Scanning the room, she was amazed to see several beautifully crafted swords on display throughout the shop. Making her way around the room she examined each one.
"Talented kid eh?" Jack asked proudly.
"I'll say."
"Sorry about the wait. What can I do for you, umm, Miss?" Shocked at being addressed as Miss, Julianne turned around swiftly only to be even more surprised. Will, who had apparently not yet seen Jack, was looking quite confused as he found himself under the scrupulous eye of a very unladylike woman.
"Will my dear boy", Jack finally broke the tension. "How'v ya been?"
"Jack!", the young man exclaimed, his eyes and smile lighting up as he rushed towards the pirate. "What are you doing here?" he asked giving his friend a hug.
"What? Can't an old sea dog stop in and pay his dear friend a visit?"
"Of course he can", Will laughed. "It's just that I wasn't at all expecting you. I mean being that you aren't exactly a welcome man here in Port Royale."
"I was 'ere for the wedding wasn't I?"
"Aye, but I think that was a special exception on account of the occasion."
"Well no matter lad, I'm here now and not without the help of me lovely associate", Jack said moving toward Julianne and putting an arm around her shoulder. "Will Turner, I'd like you to meet Captain Julianne Amaris."
"Pleased to meet you Captain Amaris", Will greeted her politely with a handshake and a curious glance at Jack.
"Please, just Juli is fine." Will nodded turning his attention back to her.
"So, what brings the two of you here?"
"To see you o' course, why else", Jack answered him pulling a sword from where it hung and swinging it around.
"Well, in that case, Elizabeth should be getting lunch ready about now, so why don't we just head inside."
"Sounds dovey mate", Jack agreed.
"Alright then, let's head on in", Will said directing them toward the house.
"Actually, Will. As long as we're 'ere, I thought I might place an order with you" Julianne cut in before he could make it too far.
"An order?"
"Yes, an order, you do take them don't you?"
"Oh yes of course."
"Right then, I've been thinking it's about time I gave the crew a bit of an upgrade, if you will. I'll take13 o' these 'ere, 1 o' these, and umm 1 o' these for me", she finished, pointing to a particularly elaborate sword hanging by itself.
"15 swords? Are you serious?"
"Quite serious luv. Why, is that a problem? I mean if you can't.."
"NO NO! It's fine. It's just that 15 swords, especially the ones you've chosen, well, they are going to be a bit pricey."
"Oh, well naturally."
"Well then, if you're sure."
"Of course I'm sure."
"Very well, 15 swords it is."
"Actually", Julianne paused a minute. "What about you luv?" she asked Jack, "I think it's about time you be gettin' yourself a new one."
Jack shrugged and gave a quick nod.
"Alright then", Julianne continued turning back to Will, "make it 16, add another one like that last one there."
Will's eyes looked as though they were about to completely pop of his head. In fact, he seemed unable to get himself together at all until Jack brought his attention back.
"Well you 'eard her mate, she wants 16 swords. Now then, how bout that lunch."
"What?" Will asked shaking his head. "Oh right, lunch. Well come on then."
Both Jack and Julianne followed Will as he made his way from the shop to the house.
"Elizabeth. Elizabeth we have visitors", Will called to his wife from the small back room they had just entered.
"What's that Will?" came a woman's voice from the kitchen.
"I said we have visitors", he repeated, stepping into the kitchen where she could see him and planting a kiss on her cheek.
"Oh Jack. I mean Captain Sparrow" Elizabeth laughed and greeted Jack.
"Lovely to see you again Elizabeth", Jack said taking her hand and kissing it.
"And who is your friend?"
"Ah, this Mrs. Turner, is one of my oldest and dearest friends, Captain Julianne Amaris."
Julianne rolled her eyes at Jack's over drawn introduction and told Elizabeth the same as she had told Will earlier. "Just Juli is fine."
"Amaris?" Elizabeth asked eyes wide. "As in Captain J. Amaris of the Renegade?"
"The very same", Julianne answered.
"You'll find that Elizabeth is quite a pirate buff", Jack explained to Julianne. "Prolly knows more than the two o' us put together."
"Oh come now Jack, I think you're exaggerating just a bit", Elizabeth retorted slightly embarrassed. "Anyway, lunch will be ready in just a bit if you want to sit down and wait."
Fifteen minutes later the four of them sat at the kitchen table with full plates in front of each of them.
"So", Elizabeth began again, "what brings the two of you to Port Royale?"
"Apparently they're here to see us", Will cut in before either captain could answer.
"Actually mate, it might be a little bit more involved that that", Jack informed him.
"I KNEW IT! I knew you weren't just here on a visit. So what's going on then?"
Jack opened his mouth to answer but was silenced when Julianne put her hand on his arm. Across the table, Elizabeth took note of this but kept her thoughts to herself.
"Now, don't get us wrong", Julianne began her story, "we are here to see you. But, there's something specifically that we wanted to see you about."
"Go on", Elizabeth ordered.
"Will", Julianne continued looking at the young man. "As you recently discovered, your father was o' course a pirate."
Will nodded his head seriously in agreement.
"Right then, well. I knew your father, being friends with Jack and all, the Pearl and the Renegade have always done a lot o' work together. The two ships 'ave gone way back as a matter o' fact, even before Jack and I were captains. Anyway, like I said, I knew your father, considered him quite a good friend actually. You, of course, have already 'eard the story of Barbossa's mutiny and 'ow yer dad wasn't too keen on the idea. Well, just before it occurred, both Jack and I 'ad our ships at the same place and your father came to me and asked me to do him a favor. Apparently over the years he spent at sea he had saved up quite a treasure and was keeping it hidden in one spot. Fearful that things weren't going to be going so well on the Pearl, he asked me to go to where he was hidin' it all and move it to where the Renegade makes berth and we keep all our own loot. Giving him my word that I would, he further asked that should anything happen to him that I see to it that it all be passed on to you. So, in light of 'im being gone, and the fact that I've found you, or rather Jack has, it's time you got it." Here Julianne stopped and gave both the Turners a chance to absorb all that had just been thrown at them. Always quick to think, Elizabeth was the first to speak.
"So you're telling us, that on some island out in the Caribbean is a big pile of treasure with Will's name on it."
"That's exactly what I'm telling you Mrs. Turner."
Elizabeth's mouth now dropped open so wide her chin could have touched the table. She did not speak again, and neither did Will.
"The thing is mate", Jack added, "Jules and I could just go and get the treasure for you, but I thought maybe the two of you might like a bit of a vacation of sorts."
Slowly Will turned and looked at Jack skeptically. "You thought? MY GOD, OF COURSE WE'D LIKE TO GO! How soon do we leave?"
"Well", Julianne answered, "there are some things Jack and I would like to take care of while we're 'ere so we won't be leavin' for a few days."
"I'd say, we'll be ready to go by the time you get those swords done Will", Jack added with a smile.
"Well in that case, I better get to work", Will responded, getting up from his finished lunch.
The rest of the day passed quickly for the little motley crew. Jack for the most part stayed in the shop with Will while he worked, offering his assistance here and there, although not being much of a help considering his limited knowledge on the subject. Julianne decided to spend the rest of her afternoon walking about the town, enjoying the familiarity of where she grew up. She spent most of her time browsing around the sailing district down by the harbor, looking for the things she wanted for her ship. Oddly enough, Elizabeth had opted to join her, failing miserably to conceal her apparent interest in Julianne's lifestyle. It was pretty known that she had always had a strong interest in pirates, and her adventure with the Black Pearl the year before had been one of the high points of her life, but with Julianne she had hit a goldmine; not only a pirate captain, but a woman. After spending their first hour together making small talk, mostly about growing up in Port Royale since it was the one thing they had in common, Elizabeth could no longer contain her curiosity.
"So what's it like?" she blurted out in between shops.
Julianne gave her a questioning look. "What's what like?"
"You know, being a pirate. Being a captain."
"Haven't you learned enough about all that from Jack?"
"I mean being a woman captain."
"Oh, I see", Julianne replied in an odd tone of voice.
"What?" Elizabeth questioned.
"I just don't get you people."
"What do you mean? Who's us people."
"You, Will, and everyone else in this smarmy little town, that's who. Well, maybe not Will since it's in his blood, but the rest of you anyway. You all walk around with this "holier than thou" air about yerselves, condemning us pirates for our lifestyles, but secretly, deep down, you're all curious, and you all wonder what it would be like to be out there yerselves.you all WANT to be pirates. And if that's not bad enough, then I have to deal with silly little girls who think that if I can do it, than surely they can. I just don't get it, it's quite hypocritical if you ask me", Julianne finished matter-of-factly.
"That's not entirely true!" Elizabeth shot back. "I have never once condemned piracy!"
"Ok, so maybe you're the one exception. But either way, you still find it fascinating, you still dream about being out there. Why? And if you do think it's so great, why don't you just go and do it yerself?"
Elizabeth stared silently at Juli for a second or two, trying to come up with an answer, but eventually turned and looked ahead as they continued walking. After thinking to herself, she stopped and turned back to the other woman. "Because it's different. People always fantasize over what they don't have and don't do, but that doesn't mean their going to actually go through with it."
"I don't fantasize about living here in Port Royale."
"But that's just it, you don't think about it because it's what's normal. Nobody dreams of being normal, people dream about what it's like to be abnormal. To live exciting lives, to go on exciting adventures, nobody dreams about going to the market for eggs or doing laundry."
Julianne pondered this for a minute then nodded. "Yeah, I guess you're right. Although it's not all it's cracked up to be."
Conversation ended, the two women continued on their "shopping trip", and Elizabeth listened intently to some of Juli's stories about life on the sea periodically throughout the day.
Later that evening, Julianne and Elizabeth returned to the Turner's home to find Jack and Will sitting in the laughing room laughing and talking. After recounting the day's events, leaving out the argument they had, Julianne stood and began putting on her jacket.
"Well mates, its gettin' late, I think its time to be headin' back to the ship" she said, as Jack also stood.
"Wait, you aren't staying here?" Will interjected.
"Weren't sure 'ow you felt on the whole matter really", Jack answered.
"Oh, please stay, by all means", Will answered.
"Yes, we'd be happy to have you", Elizabeth added.
Jack looked to Juli for an answer. "Well I have to head back anyway to meet the delivery boys who are dropping off everything I bought today, but you can go ahead and stay Jack."
Looking pensive, Jack looked from her to the Turners. "We'll be 'ere for a few days", he began, addressing Will, "we'll be sure to stay 'ere for a night or two, but not tonight", he finished.
"Alright", Will nodded disappointed. "We'll see you tomorrow then."
"Yeah, tomorrow."
Will nodded again. "Night then."
The four exchanged their goodnights and Jack and Julianne headed out the door and made their way back down to the docks.