So the whole format of this story is in memories. Just a note though to
help with any confusion, this first chapter sort of has a memory within a
memory. It makes sense to me so hopefully it will for you too. And just
to clarify, squiggles ~~~ denote flashbacks, and asterisks *** are just
dividers so everything doesn't run all together. I also used [ these
things ] just in this chapter to clear up that whole double flashback
thing. Sorry if this has confused you even more, I still haven't figured
out how to format on this frickin site.
******************************************************************
Elizabeth climbed the stairs to the quarter deck where Julianne sat on the railing looking out over the dark waters, bottle of rum in hand. It had been four days since the pair of pirate ships had left Santa Croix, and having allowed Anamaria to take the Pearl to Tortuga, only the Renegade continued on to Port Royale to drop off the Turners with a handful of sailors from both ships, and of.
Elizabeth strode over to where Julianne was perched and sat down next to her. She looked out at what the other woman was looking at, the water was beautiful no doubt, going on forever in every direction to no point or purpose. Glancing over at Julianne, she finally seemed to understand the look of contentment in the other woman's eyes.
"What's on yer mind luv?" the captain finally spoke, taking notice of Elizabeth's thoughtful silence.
"Oh, nothing in particular. I can't believe we're almost home though."
"Aye, adventure's over. Time for everyone to go back to work", Julianne laughed.
"I guess", Elizabeth sighed.
"What? Ye sayin ye want to stay aboard?"
"No, I don't know", she paused for a minute. "Last year, when I was marooned with Jack on that island, he tried to explain to me what it was all about. He said that the Black Pearl was freedom, his freedom. I didn't really understand what he meant at the time, but now I do. Don't get me wrong, there are still aspects of this lifestyle that I don't think I'll ever really take to, with the killing and all, but it really is an amazing feeling to just pick up and go, whenever and wherever. It really is freedom."
"Aye tis", Julianne remarked thoughtfully.
"How did you become a pirate", Elizabeth asked after another few moments of silence. Julianne looked at her questioningly.
"You don't have to answer if you don't want, I was just curious."
"Why wouldn't I answer?"
"I don't know, I was just saying that if."
Here Julianne raised a hand to silence her and began. "Quite simple really, me dad was a pirate, raised me after me mum died, was either piracy or prostitution and I much preferred the first."
~~~
The Renegade came to a slow stop and one of the crewmen jumped off and began tying the large ship to the dock. Back on deck, men scrambled to put up the sails and hurried about getting everything done so they could make their way to their favorite places in Tortuga.
Back up in the hills that rose behind the town, Julianne Amaris flew to the kitchen window of her house and peered out. It had been the familiar sound of a horn blowing that had distracted her from her spot on the living room floor where she sat surrounded by toys. Looking down into the harbor, she hopes were confirmed upon seeing the Renegade.
"Daddy", the little girl cried excitedly running back through the house. "DADDY!" she called again stepping into the back yard.
"What tis it luv", her father asked with a knowing grin.
"THEY'RE HERE, THEY'RE BACK", she cried with joy as she ran to him and grabbed his hand. "Come on, let's go."
Scooping his daughter up Ash Amaris laughed and planted a kiss on her forehead. "Alright my dear, let's go", he agreed with her. He was delighted at his daughter's joy, although not at all surprised. He had received word from his closest friend Captain Mendoza over a week ago saying that the Renegade would be in Tortuga within the week. Walking down the steep slope with the squirming little blonde girl in his arms, Ash could not help but remember his own days on the ship. It had been 4 years since he had last sailed as the Renegade's first mate. The captain and crew had been not only his friends, but his family. The memories came rushing back.
[ It had been on a day very much like this one that the ship came to Tortuga, and Ash had quickly left the ship and made his way down the familiar streets of the town, making for the brothel which stood a block down from the Faithful Bride. Going inside, he ignored the hoard of hopeful women advancing towards him, climbed the stairs to the second floor, and came to a stop in front of room 206. He put his ear to the door for a second to make sure he wasn't interrupting anything then knocked loudly. Waiting a minute for an answer, he knocked again when none came.
"'Ello Ash", a voice greeted him from behind. Turning around, he recognized another of the women who worked in the brothel.
"Justina", he regarded her with mild interest then turned his attention back to the door.
"If yer lookin for Marcella, you ain't gonna find 'er", the woman continued.
Turning back around slowly, Ash studied the woman a minute before speaking. "What do you mean?"
"She's dead Ash. Was killed a coupla weeks ago in a bar fight down at the Bride."
"What?" he said in shock.
"She had gone down to meet one of 'er regulars when some nut off the Proscenium came barging in lookin for 'er. Big brawl broke out between the two o' em over who she was doin business with that night and she got caught up in the middle."
Ash took a second to let it sink in, he was saddened a bit over the news but it was hardly his first concern. "And my daughter? Where's Julianne?"
"Not to worry luv, she's fine. I've been takin care o' her since. Give me a minute and I'll go get 'er for you", Justina offered.
Ash nodded and watched her go with an overwhelming feeling of relief. It was not long before the woman was back, holding a little blonde girl by the hand leading her along.
"DADDY!", the little girl screamed and threw herself at him.
"Ello luv", he said picking her up and tossing her in the air. "How is my little girl?"
"I'm very good daddy. I've been staying with Justina since mummy died", she answered without any sign of being bothered by her mother's death.
"Well that's good to hear", he answered examining her with a smile. It was a rare and amazing occurrence that a child born in Tortuga ever knew who their father was. Julianne could have ended up in just the same situation except for one saving grace; her eyes. A shocking, bright blue color that seemed to bore straight into a person's soul, both Ash and his daughter shared. As the years went on, other striking similarities became apparent, but it was because of the eyes that he had first known she was his.
"Thank you for taking care of her Justina", he said nodding to the woman.
"No trouble at all luv", she answered. "But Ash, I can't keep her ye know."
He nodded again seriously. "Well me dear", he said turning his attention back to Julianne. "What d'ye say we two 'ead up 'ome?"
"Ok Daddy", she agreed, and he carried out of the brothel and up to his house which stood in the hills above the town.
Later that evening, the captain had come up to the house to visit Julianne as well. His best friend's daughter, he doted upon her like any real uncle would do. When he got there, Julianne was playing happily in the living while her father sat at the kitchen table drinking a bottle of rum watching her sadly. He crossed the room and gave the little girl a hug, as well as all the fun things he had brought for her, then took a seat next to Ash at the table.
"What's got you", he asked his friend.
"Marcella's dead", Ash answered solemnly. "Killed a coupla weeks ago in a fight. Juli's been staying with a friend of her's."
Mendoza's face grew equally serious.
"I've been doin a lot o' thinkin since I picked 'er up. A pirate ship's no place for a child, Ciro" he continued, clearly torn up.
The captain nodded in understanding. And that had been the end of it. With enough loot to survive another three lifetimes, Ash Amaris, first mate of the Renegade, retired from piracy that day to raise his daughter. Well, almost retired]
Reaching the water front at last Ash was torn from his reminiscing. Setting the now seven year-old Julianne down on the dock, she promptly took off running. Reaching the plank of the Renegade, she shot up it in a flash and was met by hugs and hello's from several pirates. Behind her, her father received the same treatment, although much more serious and sympathetic.
"Whose that I hear?" the captain's voice sounded as Mendoza stepped out of his quarters. "Oh no", he cried, "it is her, the most feared pirate in the Spanish Main", he laughed picking her up in a hug.
"Someday I will be uncle Ciro, but not just the Spanish Main, someday I'll be the most fiercest pirate in the entire ocean", she laughed.
***
Eight years had passed since then, and it was another sunny day in Tortuga. Julianne, now 15 and almost grown, was out in the back yard practicing her sword fighting with her best friend Eric. Concentrating hard and sweating profusely, her train of thought was interrupted by the sound of a horn blowing in the distance. She lowered her sword without thinking, and Eric immediately took advantage of the situation.
"Do you yield Miss Amaris", he asked with twinkling eyes.
"Oh you bloody oaf", she said with a laugh pushing his sword away. "You wouldn't 'ave won if I'ad been paying attention.
"A victory is a victory", he replied with a grin. "I 'ave to take what I can get when it comes to you", he added.
"I think you get quite a bit more than you deserve actually" she replied smiling mischievously and tapping him under the chin with her forefinger, but again the sounding of a horn caught her attention. "Come on", she said grabbing his hand and pulling him along behind her as she took off running.
The Renegade stayed in Tortuga for a week, and in that time Julianne spent every waking moment on the ship or among the crew. Having grown, her days of going on week long adventures with them were long gone. Generous and loving as he was, her father had allowed her to go on some of the longer ones as long as he went too, but never by herself. However, this was all about to change.
Ash was getting older, and as much as he dearly missed his time aboard the ship full time, he had been gone from the lifestyle for far too long to get back into it now. Besides, he was happy with the way things were. Living on Tortuga with a daughter he loved dearly, and still having the opportunity to go on occasional adventures with his old friends. There was only one thing that put a damper on this happiness, and it came and went with the ship. Every time the Renegade pulled out of the harbor, Ash knew it was only a matter of time until Julianne went with it. She was born a pirate, through and through, and he could not deny her that. And even though it pained his heart to lose her, and to such a dangerous lifestyle, he supposed it was better than her other option, prostitution.
It was the Renegade's final night in Tortuga and both Ash and Julianne sat in the tavern drinking with most of the rest of the crew. Walking home that night, Julianne turned to her father with a serious look on her face.
"Daddy", she said quietly.
"Yes luv?"
"There's something I want to talk to you about."
"What's that my darling?" he asked, although he already knew the answer.
"When they leave tomorrow, I want to go with them."
"Ah Julianne", he said putting an arm around her shoulder, and trying to avoid the truth. "But we we're just out with them not too long ago. Ready for another adventure so soon?"
"I don't mean on an adventure, I mean for good."
Ash sighed. *So the day 'as finally come* he thought to himself sadly. "I see", he said.
Julianne waited in silence for him to continue.
"Are you sure this is what you want?"
Dropping her shoulders and cocking her head she looked at him skeptically. "Honestly daddy", she with rolled eyes.
"I know, I know. Of course it is, it just pains me to see you go. But, I've been expecting this for some time, tomorrow when the Renegade sets sail, so shall you my dear."
Julianne grabbed her father in a hug.
~~~
"So that's it? You just waltzed right out and hopped on the ship?"
"Pretty much."
"Wow, I always thought there was a bit more to it than that", Elizabeth said in wonder.
"Nope not for me", Julianne answered matter-of-factly. "That's not to say there isn't for other people though. Take Jack for example, his story is much more involved."
"What story?" Will asked, walking up to the two of them.
"Juli was just telling me how she became a pirate dear."
"Oh, exciting story?"
"Not really", Julianne answered.
"But apparently Jack's is", Elizabeth offered.
"Oh yeah", Will raised an eyebrow to Julianne who proceeded to shout, "JACK!"
******************************************************************
Elizabeth climbed the stairs to the quarter deck where Julianne sat on the railing looking out over the dark waters, bottle of rum in hand. It had been four days since the pair of pirate ships had left Santa Croix, and having allowed Anamaria to take the Pearl to Tortuga, only the Renegade continued on to Port Royale to drop off the Turners with a handful of sailors from both ships, and of.
Elizabeth strode over to where Julianne was perched and sat down next to her. She looked out at what the other woman was looking at, the water was beautiful no doubt, going on forever in every direction to no point or purpose. Glancing over at Julianne, she finally seemed to understand the look of contentment in the other woman's eyes.
"What's on yer mind luv?" the captain finally spoke, taking notice of Elizabeth's thoughtful silence.
"Oh, nothing in particular. I can't believe we're almost home though."
"Aye, adventure's over. Time for everyone to go back to work", Julianne laughed.
"I guess", Elizabeth sighed.
"What? Ye sayin ye want to stay aboard?"
"No, I don't know", she paused for a minute. "Last year, when I was marooned with Jack on that island, he tried to explain to me what it was all about. He said that the Black Pearl was freedom, his freedom. I didn't really understand what he meant at the time, but now I do. Don't get me wrong, there are still aspects of this lifestyle that I don't think I'll ever really take to, with the killing and all, but it really is an amazing feeling to just pick up and go, whenever and wherever. It really is freedom."
"Aye tis", Julianne remarked thoughtfully.
"How did you become a pirate", Elizabeth asked after another few moments of silence. Julianne looked at her questioningly.
"You don't have to answer if you don't want, I was just curious."
"Why wouldn't I answer?"
"I don't know, I was just saying that if."
Here Julianne raised a hand to silence her and began. "Quite simple really, me dad was a pirate, raised me after me mum died, was either piracy or prostitution and I much preferred the first."
~~~
The Renegade came to a slow stop and one of the crewmen jumped off and began tying the large ship to the dock. Back on deck, men scrambled to put up the sails and hurried about getting everything done so they could make their way to their favorite places in Tortuga.
Back up in the hills that rose behind the town, Julianne Amaris flew to the kitchen window of her house and peered out. It had been the familiar sound of a horn blowing that had distracted her from her spot on the living room floor where she sat surrounded by toys. Looking down into the harbor, she hopes were confirmed upon seeing the Renegade.
"Daddy", the little girl cried excitedly running back through the house. "DADDY!" she called again stepping into the back yard.
"What tis it luv", her father asked with a knowing grin.
"THEY'RE HERE, THEY'RE BACK", she cried with joy as she ran to him and grabbed his hand. "Come on, let's go."
Scooping his daughter up Ash Amaris laughed and planted a kiss on her forehead. "Alright my dear, let's go", he agreed with her. He was delighted at his daughter's joy, although not at all surprised. He had received word from his closest friend Captain Mendoza over a week ago saying that the Renegade would be in Tortuga within the week. Walking down the steep slope with the squirming little blonde girl in his arms, Ash could not help but remember his own days on the ship. It had been 4 years since he had last sailed as the Renegade's first mate. The captain and crew had been not only his friends, but his family. The memories came rushing back.
[ It had been on a day very much like this one that the ship came to Tortuga, and Ash had quickly left the ship and made his way down the familiar streets of the town, making for the brothel which stood a block down from the Faithful Bride. Going inside, he ignored the hoard of hopeful women advancing towards him, climbed the stairs to the second floor, and came to a stop in front of room 206. He put his ear to the door for a second to make sure he wasn't interrupting anything then knocked loudly. Waiting a minute for an answer, he knocked again when none came.
"'Ello Ash", a voice greeted him from behind. Turning around, he recognized another of the women who worked in the brothel.
"Justina", he regarded her with mild interest then turned his attention back to the door.
"If yer lookin for Marcella, you ain't gonna find 'er", the woman continued.
Turning back around slowly, Ash studied the woman a minute before speaking. "What do you mean?"
"She's dead Ash. Was killed a coupla weeks ago in a bar fight down at the Bride."
"What?" he said in shock.
"She had gone down to meet one of 'er regulars when some nut off the Proscenium came barging in lookin for 'er. Big brawl broke out between the two o' em over who she was doin business with that night and she got caught up in the middle."
Ash took a second to let it sink in, he was saddened a bit over the news but it was hardly his first concern. "And my daughter? Where's Julianne?"
"Not to worry luv, she's fine. I've been takin care o' her since. Give me a minute and I'll go get 'er for you", Justina offered.
Ash nodded and watched her go with an overwhelming feeling of relief. It was not long before the woman was back, holding a little blonde girl by the hand leading her along.
"DADDY!", the little girl screamed and threw herself at him.
"Ello luv", he said picking her up and tossing her in the air. "How is my little girl?"
"I'm very good daddy. I've been staying with Justina since mummy died", she answered without any sign of being bothered by her mother's death.
"Well that's good to hear", he answered examining her with a smile. It was a rare and amazing occurrence that a child born in Tortuga ever knew who their father was. Julianne could have ended up in just the same situation except for one saving grace; her eyes. A shocking, bright blue color that seemed to bore straight into a person's soul, both Ash and his daughter shared. As the years went on, other striking similarities became apparent, but it was because of the eyes that he had first known she was his.
"Thank you for taking care of her Justina", he said nodding to the woman.
"No trouble at all luv", she answered. "But Ash, I can't keep her ye know."
He nodded again seriously. "Well me dear", he said turning his attention back to Julianne. "What d'ye say we two 'ead up 'ome?"
"Ok Daddy", she agreed, and he carried out of the brothel and up to his house which stood in the hills above the town.
Later that evening, the captain had come up to the house to visit Julianne as well. His best friend's daughter, he doted upon her like any real uncle would do. When he got there, Julianne was playing happily in the living while her father sat at the kitchen table drinking a bottle of rum watching her sadly. He crossed the room and gave the little girl a hug, as well as all the fun things he had brought for her, then took a seat next to Ash at the table.
"What's got you", he asked his friend.
"Marcella's dead", Ash answered solemnly. "Killed a coupla weeks ago in a fight. Juli's been staying with a friend of her's."
Mendoza's face grew equally serious.
"I've been doin a lot o' thinkin since I picked 'er up. A pirate ship's no place for a child, Ciro" he continued, clearly torn up.
The captain nodded in understanding. And that had been the end of it. With enough loot to survive another three lifetimes, Ash Amaris, first mate of the Renegade, retired from piracy that day to raise his daughter. Well, almost retired]
Reaching the water front at last Ash was torn from his reminiscing. Setting the now seven year-old Julianne down on the dock, she promptly took off running. Reaching the plank of the Renegade, she shot up it in a flash and was met by hugs and hello's from several pirates. Behind her, her father received the same treatment, although much more serious and sympathetic.
"Whose that I hear?" the captain's voice sounded as Mendoza stepped out of his quarters. "Oh no", he cried, "it is her, the most feared pirate in the Spanish Main", he laughed picking her up in a hug.
"Someday I will be uncle Ciro, but not just the Spanish Main, someday I'll be the most fiercest pirate in the entire ocean", she laughed.
***
Eight years had passed since then, and it was another sunny day in Tortuga. Julianne, now 15 and almost grown, was out in the back yard practicing her sword fighting with her best friend Eric. Concentrating hard and sweating profusely, her train of thought was interrupted by the sound of a horn blowing in the distance. She lowered her sword without thinking, and Eric immediately took advantage of the situation.
"Do you yield Miss Amaris", he asked with twinkling eyes.
"Oh you bloody oaf", she said with a laugh pushing his sword away. "You wouldn't 'ave won if I'ad been paying attention.
"A victory is a victory", he replied with a grin. "I 'ave to take what I can get when it comes to you", he added.
"I think you get quite a bit more than you deserve actually" she replied smiling mischievously and tapping him under the chin with her forefinger, but again the sounding of a horn caught her attention. "Come on", she said grabbing his hand and pulling him along behind her as she took off running.
The Renegade stayed in Tortuga for a week, and in that time Julianne spent every waking moment on the ship or among the crew. Having grown, her days of going on week long adventures with them were long gone. Generous and loving as he was, her father had allowed her to go on some of the longer ones as long as he went too, but never by herself. However, this was all about to change.
Ash was getting older, and as much as he dearly missed his time aboard the ship full time, he had been gone from the lifestyle for far too long to get back into it now. Besides, he was happy with the way things were. Living on Tortuga with a daughter he loved dearly, and still having the opportunity to go on occasional adventures with his old friends. There was only one thing that put a damper on this happiness, and it came and went with the ship. Every time the Renegade pulled out of the harbor, Ash knew it was only a matter of time until Julianne went with it. She was born a pirate, through and through, and he could not deny her that. And even though it pained his heart to lose her, and to such a dangerous lifestyle, he supposed it was better than her other option, prostitution.
It was the Renegade's final night in Tortuga and both Ash and Julianne sat in the tavern drinking with most of the rest of the crew. Walking home that night, Julianne turned to her father with a serious look on her face.
"Daddy", she said quietly.
"Yes luv?"
"There's something I want to talk to you about."
"What's that my darling?" he asked, although he already knew the answer.
"When they leave tomorrow, I want to go with them."
"Ah Julianne", he said putting an arm around her shoulder, and trying to avoid the truth. "But we we're just out with them not too long ago. Ready for another adventure so soon?"
"I don't mean on an adventure, I mean for good."
Ash sighed. *So the day 'as finally come* he thought to himself sadly. "I see", he said.
Julianne waited in silence for him to continue.
"Are you sure this is what you want?"
Dropping her shoulders and cocking her head she looked at him skeptically. "Honestly daddy", she with rolled eyes.
"I know, I know. Of course it is, it just pains me to see you go. But, I've been expecting this for some time, tomorrow when the Renegade sets sail, so shall you my dear."
Julianne grabbed her father in a hug.
~~~
"So that's it? You just waltzed right out and hopped on the ship?"
"Pretty much."
"Wow, I always thought there was a bit more to it than that", Elizabeth said in wonder.
"Nope not for me", Julianne answered matter-of-factly. "That's not to say there isn't for other people though. Take Jack for example, his story is much more involved."
"What story?" Will asked, walking up to the two of them.
"Juli was just telling me how she became a pirate dear."
"Oh, exciting story?"
"Not really", Julianne answered.
"But apparently Jack's is", Elizabeth offered.
"Oh yeah", Will raised an eyebrow to Julianne who proceeded to shout, "JACK!"