After a long journey full of danger and adventure, the last days of their
trip passed smoothly for the Black Pearl and the Renegade. The crews were
happy, Will and Elizabeth were happy, and most importantly Jack and
Julianne were happy. Half way to Port Royale, Jack had allowed Ana to take
the Pearl to Tortuga along with any of either crew who wished to join her
to save them a pointless trip. In the end, it was only the four who had
originally started the journey that sailed on and a few of the younger
crewmen who had not had the pleasure of visiting Port Royale before.
It was about noon when the charming little town became visible out on the horizon. Julianne was at the helm of the ship and Jack bustled around below helping the Turner's get all of their things together.
"RUN UP THE WHITES MATES!" Julianne called down to everyone standing down on the main deck. Immediately the ship's white flag of truce was hoisted and it flapped lazily in the light breeze. Half an hour later the Renegade glided smoothly into the town's main harbor and docked.
"Hmm no Norrington this time", Jack said thoughtfully. "How'd you manage that?" he asked Julianne.
All he got for an answer was a smug grin.
After tying up the ship, the captain's turned their crews loose to explore the town.
"Now watch yerselves", Jack warned. "Port Royale ain't friendly to pirates, and it's only by chance of good fortune that we're welcome 'ere at all. We're 'eaded back to Tortuga first thing in the mornin'. Anyone not on the ship then is stayin 'ere."
"Anyone who falls behind is left behind", Will chuckled amusedly under his breath.
"What", Elizabeth demanded.
"Oh, nothing luv."
"Excuse me?"
"What? Oh sorry. I mean nothing dear."
"Actually, it sounded kind of nice", she laughed back.
Jumping off the deck, Julianne paid the harbor master then grabbed a nearby dock boy.
"You there boy", she called to him. "Go on and find me a cart."
The boy nodded, looking a little afraid, but returned minutes later pulling a rickety cart behind him.
"Thank ye luv", Julianne said taking hold of it from him and giving him a small cloth bag full of coins. "I'll give ye another if you run into town in a bit and pick up for me." The boy's eye grew wide as he shook the little bag.
"Alright!" he yelled excitedly before going to help someone else.
Loading up the carts with the Turners' loot, it wasn't long before the foursome was making their way through town towards the blacksmith's shop. Dropping what he was carrying, Will dug around in his pockets a bit before pulling out the key. Unlocking the house, they all stepped inside bringing the chests in along with. After getting everything settled inside Julianne stepped back out onto the front porch just in time to see the little boy from the harbor running down the street with all his might. Tossing him another bag Julianne smiled at his excitement as he grabbed the cart and took off again.
"Thanks!" he yelled back over his shoulder from half way down the street.
"Don't spend it all in one place", she called after him laughing.
Heading back inside the hallway was empty, but Julianne followed her nose to the kitchen where she found Jack sprawled in his usual style in a kitchen chair, Will checking on his shop, and Elizabeth brewing a pot of tea that smelled vaguely familiar.
"Is that rum I smell", Julianne asked curiously with cocked eyebrows.
"It seems Will and I may have taken on a few you and Jack's lesser qualities over the course of our little adventure", Elizabeth answered with a smile.
Julianne's mouth dropped open to the point where her jaw might have hit the floor had it not been attached. "Well, maybe there's something to be said for piracy after all", she quoted Elizabeth's earlier comment.
"Bloody hell", a voice cried out as Will stepped through the door from the shop.
"You best be thinkin' about losing some o them qualities before too long", Jack advised at his language.
Will gave him a skeptical look but smiled. "Look at all these orders Lizzie, I'll be right busy for the next 3 weeks straight through. If I had known I'd be getting all this business before, we'd have been taken vacations all the time", he exclaimed happily.
"Cept for that now ye don't need the business", Jack reminded him.
"Yes but it's still nice to know", Will replied.
Sitting down at the table, teapot in hand, Elizabeth poured four drinks and passed them out. "So, you two staying here tonight?"
Julianne and Jack both nodded.
"Alright, I'll get your room ready in a bit."
"Room?" Julianne asked.
"Well you shared one the whole trip, no sense in messing two tonight when your just going to end up in the same one anyway", she snickered in response.
"Point taken", Jack remarked happily and took a drink. "Mmm, very good", he commented approvingly. "Almost as good as yers", he added looking at Julianne's. Looking at him out of the corner of her eye, she raised an eyebrow.
"I said almost", he repeated, and received a smile.
They sat there together, recounting the high points of their journey until Julianne drained the last of her drink and stood up.
"Well, I've got to go take care of one last thing in town before we leave tomorrow. Might not be in Port Royale for awhile ye know."
"Where d'ye have to go?" Jack asked a little surprised.
"Come along and ye'll find out", she answered.
"Alright, we'll be back I guess", Jack said.
"See you later", Will called as they walked out the front door.
"You want to tell me where we're goin?" Jack asked.
"I just want to pick somethin up is all", was her short reply, implying that he wasn't going to get any further information on the matter. Waltzing merrily through the town hand in hand, Julianne brought them to a stop in front of the jewelers. Jack shot her a questioning look. Stepping inside, the pair were greeted by the owner.
"Ah, Captain Amaris, lovely to see you again", he said warmly.
"Ello Quentin, you 'ave me order ready?"
"Aye, for awhile now. I was expecting you a lot sooner."
"Yes, we 'ad a few hang ups", she replied allusively.
"Well, here you are", the jeweler said handing her two boxes.
Opening the first one, she examined its contents, then snapped it shut and did the same with the second. She was glad Jack was otherwise preoccupied with browsing and didn't see what she had.
"Perfect", Julianne stated with a smile. "How much do I owe you. Oh nevermind, 'ere", she continued plopping a large bag of gold onto the counter. "I'm feeling generous today, just take it all", she finished.
"Why thank you Captain. Your business is always appreciated."
With a nod and a smile, Julianne left the store with Jack behind her.
"So, feelin generous are we?" Jack began with a grin. "I hope that applies in other areas as well."
"It just might", she answered with an equally mischevious grin. "Guess you'll 'ave to wait an see."
"What 'ave you got in there anyway."
"There for Will and Elizabeth. From us. You'll like it", she answered pulling out one of the boxes and opening it for him.
"Ooh, very clever luv. You never cease to amaze with your brilliant idea. They'll love them."
After wandering around admiring the town and stopping in a few of their favorite places, the two captains made their way back to the house. Inside, Will and Elizabeth were both sitting in the living room talking to one another.
"Well kiddies, unlike yerselves our journey is not quite yet over so the two o use are headin to bed. See you in the morning", Jack announced.
"Night", both Turners chimed in response.
"You're in the room Jack had before", Elizabeth added as they made their way up the stairs. Heading down the hall to the room, Jack opened the door and stepped aside like a true gentleman, allowing Julianne to enter first then following her in. Shutting the door behind him, he turned around to find Julianne standing directly in front of him, smiling slyly. Leaning against him, she removed his hat with her left hand while she locked the door with her right.
"So we are feelin generous eh?" he said very happily pushing her hat back as well and letting it fall to the floor and pulling her close and kissing her lightly.
"Well, its not every day we find ourselves in quite so lovely a bedroom as this, best take advantage of it while we can" she answered between kisses.
"You weren't sayin that last time we were 'ere."
"Last time was a little different. Didn't want to scare the youngens, give em a bad impression ye know."
"As opposed to the one they've got now", he said sliding her jacket off and letting it fall to the floor as well.
"You want to argue", she asked pulling back slightly, threatening him just enough to shut him up.
"Of course not", he replied pulling her back to him and then scooping her up in his arms, walking to the bed, and falling down on top of her on it.
"You know luv", Jack managed to get between kisses and breathes, "I think we've got this down to an art form."
"Mmm", Julianne agreed throwing off his jacket and rolling them both over so that she was on top of him.
***
"Busy night?" Will asked cocking an eyebrow as two very disheveled captains stumbled into the kitchen.
Attempting to surpress a snicker, Elizabeth surveyed the two of them in amusement. Juli's hair was an absolute mess underneath her blue bandana, her jacket not on, and her normally pristine captain appearance was nowhere near its usual standards. Jack was even worse off, his shirt on all wrong under his jacket, bare foot, and generally just looking a mess.
"What happened to whoever wasn't on the ship first thing in the morning was left behind?" she inquired once she had gotten her giggling under control.
"Well mate, lucky for us, that rule doesn't apply to captains."
"Yeah", Julianne cut in with agreement, "we make the rules, and we can break em too."
"Ah I see", Will replied, amusement in his eyes.
"Eat up you two", Elizabeth ordered setting a plate of breakfast in front of them. They all shared an enjoyable breakfast together, and afterward Jack and Julianne ran back upstairs to gather their things and straighten themselves out.
"Well, I guess this is it", Will said trying to hide the obvious sadness in his voice as the four of them stood at the front door of the house.
"Now don't go gettin all tear-eyed on me mate", Jack said clapping him on the shoulder. "You just spent the last few weeks workin off that whole eunuch image and here we are back to where we started." Jack's comment produced the effect he was looking for, a laugh. "Besides, you'll see us again before too long", he added more seriously.
"Oh", Julianne exclaimed suddenly remembering something. "I've just remembered, there's something Jack and I want to give the two of you."
"Oh Juli, you really didn't have to.?" Elizabeth asked.
"Hush up now", she older woman silenced her, pulling something out of her pocket. Producing the two wooden boxes she had picked up the previous day and handed one to each other the Turners. They both opened at the same time, Elizabeth gasping and Will gaping.
"They're beautiful", Elizabeth said catching in her breath. Carefully, she lifted the gold chain out of the box and held it in front of her. Hanging from the chain was a delicate and intricately designed P that matched those that Jack and Julianne bore on their forearms, and exact replica of a pirate brand.
"They really are amazing", Will said aloud.
"Consider it a replacement for that medallion ye 'ad to give up", Julianne said with a smile.
"Thank you", the young man replied.
"Yes, thank you both so much", Elizabeth added, grabbing both pirates in a hug.
A little surprised at first, both returned her hug, followed by Will.
"I hate to see you go", Elizabeth said quietly to Julianne giving her another hug. She was sorely disappointed to lose this woman who had become such a good friend to her. Beside them, Julianne took no notice of the box that Will inconspicuously handed to Jack.
"If ever you need us, we'll be around", Julianne reassured her with a squeeze of the hand.
"Well my luv", Jack said turning to Julianne dramatically, his hand outstretched. "I do believe it's time for us to be makin' our way 'ome."
With an eye-roll and a smile at Elizabeth, Julianne turned around to Jack. "I do believe yer right Captain", she agreed.
"Goodbye mates", Jack said to the Turners, "now be good and keep yerselves out o trouble, at least til we see you again", he finished with a crooked grin.
"Goodbye luvs", Julianne added more seriously then he. "See you again soon."
"My lady", Jack said addressing Julianne as before, holding out his hand for her to take. She obliged, and putting her hand in his, the two pirates made their way down the street for the docks. Back on their front step, Will and Elizabeth watched them go, both feeling a mixture of wonder, awe, sadness, happiness, and friendship.
***
The Renegade set sail much later than the previous day had called for, but no one minded. Standard procedure meant that half of the crew wouldn't return until much later then directed regardless of their orders, and it was rare anyone was left behind in those cases. Standing at the helm guiding the great ship through the calm Caribbean waters, Julianne gazed out over her the length of her ship and the surrounding waters and inhaled contently. This was how it was supposed to be.
Absorbed in her own thoughts, she was mildly aware of Jack ascending up the stairs and coming to stand behind her. Without saying a word, he pulled out the box Will had given him earlier, opened it, and removed its contents. Unclasping the hook, he lifted the gold chain over her head, hung it around her necked and re-closed it, sliding his hands down to rest on her waist. Looking down, Juli stared in disbelief. There hanging on the chain and encased in gold netting, was one of the rarest jewels in existence; a black pearl.
Turning around to face him, Julianne looked into his eyes and tried to speak. "Jack. Where did you...I mean, how did.it's beautiful Jack", she managed to finish.
He kissed her gently on the top of her forehead. "You're mine you know. All mine, and only mine", he said with a small smile.
"Well, you gotta take what you can eh?" she replied with a shrug and a grin, giving him a quick kiss on the lips before turning back around and grabbing the wheel again.
"Aye, take what you can", he said in agreement, still holding her around the waist, and gazing out over the waters.
It was about noon when the charming little town became visible out on the horizon. Julianne was at the helm of the ship and Jack bustled around below helping the Turner's get all of their things together.
"RUN UP THE WHITES MATES!" Julianne called down to everyone standing down on the main deck. Immediately the ship's white flag of truce was hoisted and it flapped lazily in the light breeze. Half an hour later the Renegade glided smoothly into the town's main harbor and docked.
"Hmm no Norrington this time", Jack said thoughtfully. "How'd you manage that?" he asked Julianne.
All he got for an answer was a smug grin.
After tying up the ship, the captain's turned their crews loose to explore the town.
"Now watch yerselves", Jack warned. "Port Royale ain't friendly to pirates, and it's only by chance of good fortune that we're welcome 'ere at all. We're 'eaded back to Tortuga first thing in the mornin'. Anyone not on the ship then is stayin 'ere."
"Anyone who falls behind is left behind", Will chuckled amusedly under his breath.
"What", Elizabeth demanded.
"Oh, nothing luv."
"Excuse me?"
"What? Oh sorry. I mean nothing dear."
"Actually, it sounded kind of nice", she laughed back.
Jumping off the deck, Julianne paid the harbor master then grabbed a nearby dock boy.
"You there boy", she called to him. "Go on and find me a cart."
The boy nodded, looking a little afraid, but returned minutes later pulling a rickety cart behind him.
"Thank ye luv", Julianne said taking hold of it from him and giving him a small cloth bag full of coins. "I'll give ye another if you run into town in a bit and pick up for me." The boy's eye grew wide as he shook the little bag.
"Alright!" he yelled excitedly before going to help someone else.
Loading up the carts with the Turners' loot, it wasn't long before the foursome was making their way through town towards the blacksmith's shop. Dropping what he was carrying, Will dug around in his pockets a bit before pulling out the key. Unlocking the house, they all stepped inside bringing the chests in along with. After getting everything settled inside Julianne stepped back out onto the front porch just in time to see the little boy from the harbor running down the street with all his might. Tossing him another bag Julianne smiled at his excitement as he grabbed the cart and took off again.
"Thanks!" he yelled back over his shoulder from half way down the street.
"Don't spend it all in one place", she called after him laughing.
Heading back inside the hallway was empty, but Julianne followed her nose to the kitchen where she found Jack sprawled in his usual style in a kitchen chair, Will checking on his shop, and Elizabeth brewing a pot of tea that smelled vaguely familiar.
"Is that rum I smell", Julianne asked curiously with cocked eyebrows.
"It seems Will and I may have taken on a few you and Jack's lesser qualities over the course of our little adventure", Elizabeth answered with a smile.
Julianne's mouth dropped open to the point where her jaw might have hit the floor had it not been attached. "Well, maybe there's something to be said for piracy after all", she quoted Elizabeth's earlier comment.
"Bloody hell", a voice cried out as Will stepped through the door from the shop.
"You best be thinkin' about losing some o them qualities before too long", Jack advised at his language.
Will gave him a skeptical look but smiled. "Look at all these orders Lizzie, I'll be right busy for the next 3 weeks straight through. If I had known I'd be getting all this business before, we'd have been taken vacations all the time", he exclaimed happily.
"Cept for that now ye don't need the business", Jack reminded him.
"Yes but it's still nice to know", Will replied.
Sitting down at the table, teapot in hand, Elizabeth poured four drinks and passed them out. "So, you two staying here tonight?"
Julianne and Jack both nodded.
"Alright, I'll get your room ready in a bit."
"Room?" Julianne asked.
"Well you shared one the whole trip, no sense in messing two tonight when your just going to end up in the same one anyway", she snickered in response.
"Point taken", Jack remarked happily and took a drink. "Mmm, very good", he commented approvingly. "Almost as good as yers", he added looking at Julianne's. Looking at him out of the corner of her eye, she raised an eyebrow.
"I said almost", he repeated, and received a smile.
They sat there together, recounting the high points of their journey until Julianne drained the last of her drink and stood up.
"Well, I've got to go take care of one last thing in town before we leave tomorrow. Might not be in Port Royale for awhile ye know."
"Where d'ye have to go?" Jack asked a little surprised.
"Come along and ye'll find out", she answered.
"Alright, we'll be back I guess", Jack said.
"See you later", Will called as they walked out the front door.
"You want to tell me where we're goin?" Jack asked.
"I just want to pick somethin up is all", was her short reply, implying that he wasn't going to get any further information on the matter. Waltzing merrily through the town hand in hand, Julianne brought them to a stop in front of the jewelers. Jack shot her a questioning look. Stepping inside, the pair were greeted by the owner.
"Ah, Captain Amaris, lovely to see you again", he said warmly.
"Ello Quentin, you 'ave me order ready?"
"Aye, for awhile now. I was expecting you a lot sooner."
"Yes, we 'ad a few hang ups", she replied allusively.
"Well, here you are", the jeweler said handing her two boxes.
Opening the first one, she examined its contents, then snapped it shut and did the same with the second. She was glad Jack was otherwise preoccupied with browsing and didn't see what she had.
"Perfect", Julianne stated with a smile. "How much do I owe you. Oh nevermind, 'ere", she continued plopping a large bag of gold onto the counter. "I'm feeling generous today, just take it all", she finished.
"Why thank you Captain. Your business is always appreciated."
With a nod and a smile, Julianne left the store with Jack behind her.
"So, feelin generous are we?" Jack began with a grin. "I hope that applies in other areas as well."
"It just might", she answered with an equally mischevious grin. "Guess you'll 'ave to wait an see."
"What 'ave you got in there anyway."
"There for Will and Elizabeth. From us. You'll like it", she answered pulling out one of the boxes and opening it for him.
"Ooh, very clever luv. You never cease to amaze with your brilliant idea. They'll love them."
After wandering around admiring the town and stopping in a few of their favorite places, the two captains made their way back to the house. Inside, Will and Elizabeth were both sitting in the living room talking to one another.
"Well kiddies, unlike yerselves our journey is not quite yet over so the two o use are headin to bed. See you in the morning", Jack announced.
"Night", both Turners chimed in response.
"You're in the room Jack had before", Elizabeth added as they made their way up the stairs. Heading down the hall to the room, Jack opened the door and stepped aside like a true gentleman, allowing Julianne to enter first then following her in. Shutting the door behind him, he turned around to find Julianne standing directly in front of him, smiling slyly. Leaning against him, she removed his hat with her left hand while she locked the door with her right.
"So we are feelin generous eh?" he said very happily pushing her hat back as well and letting it fall to the floor and pulling her close and kissing her lightly.
"Well, its not every day we find ourselves in quite so lovely a bedroom as this, best take advantage of it while we can" she answered between kisses.
"You weren't sayin that last time we were 'ere."
"Last time was a little different. Didn't want to scare the youngens, give em a bad impression ye know."
"As opposed to the one they've got now", he said sliding her jacket off and letting it fall to the floor as well.
"You want to argue", she asked pulling back slightly, threatening him just enough to shut him up.
"Of course not", he replied pulling her back to him and then scooping her up in his arms, walking to the bed, and falling down on top of her on it.
"You know luv", Jack managed to get between kisses and breathes, "I think we've got this down to an art form."
"Mmm", Julianne agreed throwing off his jacket and rolling them both over so that she was on top of him.
***
"Busy night?" Will asked cocking an eyebrow as two very disheveled captains stumbled into the kitchen.
Attempting to surpress a snicker, Elizabeth surveyed the two of them in amusement. Juli's hair was an absolute mess underneath her blue bandana, her jacket not on, and her normally pristine captain appearance was nowhere near its usual standards. Jack was even worse off, his shirt on all wrong under his jacket, bare foot, and generally just looking a mess.
"What happened to whoever wasn't on the ship first thing in the morning was left behind?" she inquired once she had gotten her giggling under control.
"Well mate, lucky for us, that rule doesn't apply to captains."
"Yeah", Julianne cut in with agreement, "we make the rules, and we can break em too."
"Ah I see", Will replied, amusement in his eyes.
"Eat up you two", Elizabeth ordered setting a plate of breakfast in front of them. They all shared an enjoyable breakfast together, and afterward Jack and Julianne ran back upstairs to gather their things and straighten themselves out.
"Well, I guess this is it", Will said trying to hide the obvious sadness in his voice as the four of them stood at the front door of the house.
"Now don't go gettin all tear-eyed on me mate", Jack said clapping him on the shoulder. "You just spent the last few weeks workin off that whole eunuch image and here we are back to where we started." Jack's comment produced the effect he was looking for, a laugh. "Besides, you'll see us again before too long", he added more seriously.
"Oh", Julianne exclaimed suddenly remembering something. "I've just remembered, there's something Jack and I want to give the two of you."
"Oh Juli, you really didn't have to.?" Elizabeth asked.
"Hush up now", she older woman silenced her, pulling something out of her pocket. Producing the two wooden boxes she had picked up the previous day and handed one to each other the Turners. They both opened at the same time, Elizabeth gasping and Will gaping.
"They're beautiful", Elizabeth said catching in her breath. Carefully, she lifted the gold chain out of the box and held it in front of her. Hanging from the chain was a delicate and intricately designed P that matched those that Jack and Julianne bore on their forearms, and exact replica of a pirate brand.
"They really are amazing", Will said aloud.
"Consider it a replacement for that medallion ye 'ad to give up", Julianne said with a smile.
"Thank you", the young man replied.
"Yes, thank you both so much", Elizabeth added, grabbing both pirates in a hug.
A little surprised at first, both returned her hug, followed by Will.
"I hate to see you go", Elizabeth said quietly to Julianne giving her another hug. She was sorely disappointed to lose this woman who had become such a good friend to her. Beside them, Julianne took no notice of the box that Will inconspicuously handed to Jack.
"If ever you need us, we'll be around", Julianne reassured her with a squeeze of the hand.
"Well my luv", Jack said turning to Julianne dramatically, his hand outstretched. "I do believe it's time for us to be makin' our way 'ome."
With an eye-roll and a smile at Elizabeth, Julianne turned around to Jack. "I do believe yer right Captain", she agreed.
"Goodbye mates", Jack said to the Turners, "now be good and keep yerselves out o trouble, at least til we see you again", he finished with a crooked grin.
"Goodbye luvs", Julianne added more seriously then he. "See you again soon."
"My lady", Jack said addressing Julianne as before, holding out his hand for her to take. She obliged, and putting her hand in his, the two pirates made their way down the street for the docks. Back on their front step, Will and Elizabeth watched them go, both feeling a mixture of wonder, awe, sadness, happiness, and friendship.
***
The Renegade set sail much later than the previous day had called for, but no one minded. Standard procedure meant that half of the crew wouldn't return until much later then directed regardless of their orders, and it was rare anyone was left behind in those cases. Standing at the helm guiding the great ship through the calm Caribbean waters, Julianne gazed out over her the length of her ship and the surrounding waters and inhaled contently. This was how it was supposed to be.
Absorbed in her own thoughts, she was mildly aware of Jack ascending up the stairs and coming to stand behind her. Without saying a word, he pulled out the box Will had given him earlier, opened it, and removed its contents. Unclasping the hook, he lifted the gold chain over her head, hung it around her necked and re-closed it, sliding his hands down to rest on her waist. Looking down, Juli stared in disbelief. There hanging on the chain and encased in gold netting, was one of the rarest jewels in existence; a black pearl.
Turning around to face him, Julianne looked into his eyes and tried to speak. "Jack. Where did you...I mean, how did.it's beautiful Jack", she managed to finish.
He kissed her gently on the top of her forehead. "You're mine you know. All mine, and only mine", he said with a small smile.
"Well, you gotta take what you can eh?" she replied with a shrug and a grin, giving him a quick kiss on the lips before turning back around and grabbing the wheel again.
"Aye, take what you can", he said in agreement, still holding her around the waist, and gazing out over the waters.