A/N: Hope you all like this chapter. It's more on fluff and a little inside
peek on the adventure to come. No, actually, A LOT of it focuses on fluff!
I just realized. It has got to be my longest chapter yet. It's quite a
shameless bit of fluff in fact, and I can't help it. For those of you who
think that it's too much, please inform me immediately and I shall do
something about it. And the love grass thingy? It truly wasn't necessary
but I JUST HAD TO add it in.I couldn't resist mate! *hehe* For now, I want
your opinion. But I hope that even though it's a lot of fluff to deal with,
it sounds sincere, fitting, is tolerable and is not too sappy. You know
what I mean right?
And this I really want to know: How many of you guys out there really, actually want Orlando and Keira (the real ppl themselves) to get together and be a couple? And how many who say yes think that they have a chance? I have to know this!!! As a matter of fact, I, for one REALLY want them to be a couple and think they are SO compatible!!! If you DON"T agree, don't reply!! I swear, I am going to get SO mad!!!! *smoke coming out of ears* Ok, just was interested cause I was just thinking about something and I so happened to want this bit of info.
And this stuff happens on the same day that Barbossa arrived in Tortuga. So it's on Thursday, 2 days to the ball.
Now, read on!!!
WAIT!!!! One last thing.there are some parts, throughout the whole story, when suddenly the words just halt on one full stop and sound weird..in those parts, that one full stop is supposed to be many, but then I don't know why each time when I get it one fanfiction, it turns out that way..
Ok, go on..
Chapter 10:
Butterflies hovered and floated on the scented breezes, gliding gracefully on the gentle waves of wind, their bright colours shimmering at odd angles. They stood out elegantly against the lush green background of grasses and trees, wild flowers dancing to the tune of the playful winds. The aqua marine sea glinted brilliantly in the sun, an intricate pattern of light branching out from its source, glimmering like diamonds, commanding attention with its silent power of mystification.
The only thing that disrupted its perfection and unity were two, hardly visible shoe imprints.
The footprints were small and dainty-like, as were made by the revere treading of Elizabeth.
Her encounter with the place was nothing short of a stumble and a few directional mistakes. What had started out as an innocent walk turned out to be a slight little discovery when she had come across a forgotten path. Due to sheer curiosity and a fascination with adventures, she had unearthed it. Here was a hidden paradise, one where all her wildest dreams and fantasies took flight.
Lost in the seductive sounds of the whistling breezes, the natural whirring of life pushing out other distractions, Elizabeth was left with her own thoughts.
The first thing that occupied her mind was of course, the blacksmith.
William.
William Turner.
Will.
All the, strictly speaking, "forbidden" thoughts came to place and all sorts of girlish whims and fancies took form. She giggled and beamed widely as all sorts of pleasant, perhaps even too pleasant musings came to realistic formation and hugged herself tightly, swaying ever so slightly like the persistent wild blooms.
Soon, her long slender arms fell back to her side. The sudden burst of energy and enthusiasm had retreated back into its home, waiting for another opportunity.
Elizabeth winced and crinkled her nose, grimacing, as her arms brushed against a sore spot.
Bending down in one flowing action, swooping low to a symmetrical "U", she hitched up her skirts and looked at her knee. A large mass of purplish blue had appeared at the area where she had knocked it against a boulder.
She looked around to see if there were any unwelcome visitors, being it not entirely proper for a dignified lady like herself to hitch up her skirts in view of the public eye and least so rub her knee.
Fortunately for her, "paradise" was situated snugly on the other side of Port Royal, where there were nearly no inhabitants. Sitting on a plateau with a slight cliff, the endless sea was its constant playmate, calling to it ever so often.
As Elizabeth began the painful task of rubbing the bruise, memories from her wild and mischievous childhood took over her mind and old forgotten laughter rang out in the field.
A particular incident involving Will resurfaced, and she remembered how Will's living quarters had held a special curiosity towards her. Rain or shine, never was it the case that she would go, or rather, be allowed to go to Will's living quarters to play. Things that seemed a mystery, things that seemed far from grasp, would only increase their attractiveness to Elizabeth and it allured her.
So one fine morning, knowing that Will was due to arrive in an hours' time, she had snuck out of the house and scurried to the smithy, fully brimming with excitement.
Within ten minutes of her journey she had managed to rip her dress and cut her arm. By the time she reached the smithy, she was bruised, messy, sweating and panting and her hair was tangled in knots.
Elizabeth's laugh grew louder as she thought back on Will's shocked expression. It had been so funny, twisted with surprise and delight. What happened next was all a big blur. All she knew was that Mrs. Brown invited her in, and barely five minutes into sitting down, the door had been flung recklessly open and in had stormed a black-faced Governor and an extremely anxious and angry Commodore.
It resulted in an awful reprimanding for the both of them and they had to put off their play for a week.
Her gay laughter dying down to a wistful smile, she recalled the mixed emotions and cold realizations after seeing the startling difference between their lifestyles.
Elizabeth sighed as she got up, her bruise still very much the same grotesque colour. A sudden gust of wind brushed by, the impact hard against her piles of curls and buns. As one tendril of hair came loose, more followed and the beautiful hair ornaments fell silently to the ground.
"Eliza." Will stopped short. Mesmerized by the vision ahead of him, he paused in his tracks and closed his mouth, letting his brown eyes absorb the scene.
Amidst all the moving scenery, basking in the warm yellow sunlight was Elizabeth. Her back was to him, but she was facing the ocean breeze. It blew about her, swishing her skirts, making the pale, wispy green fabric billow behind her. The bottom of her dress was hidden beneath swirling blossoms and her hair of spun gold and honey was down.
With her skirts twirling and trailing gloriously like the clouds and her hair tickled by breaths of air, the sight of it all was ethereal. An elegant, statuesque figure of poise, she seemed to create magic in the place.
Will breathed in. The fresh intake of air snapped him out of his daze and he was sharply reminded his purpose here. A calm wave of relief washed over him.
Frightened out of his wits when the old Governor had rushed in the smithy, frantically telling him that Elizabeth was missing after failing to arrive home past her due time, he didn't think he could ever forget that heart- wrenching feeling that shook him cold. For an instant he almost fell prey to the idea that she had been kidnapped again by pirates but remembered that no pirate ships had been docked near or elsewhere. Commodore Norrington had just reported the news last night at dinner.
For some reason, ever since Elizabeth had been captured and broken his heart, he had taken his role of eliminating every single pirate ship in the Caribbean more seriously than what could be described as necessary.
For Will, it was always a sigh of relief when there was no news about the Black Pearl and it's eccentric Captain. It meant that Norrington, as usual, had not gotten the slightest bit closer to them and probably never would. Captain Jack Sparrow's love for his ship was something that would forever prevent it from being taken away. There was no doubt about that for Will, for he understood the daft man well.
Understanding that the Governor would most definitely appreciate it if he took Elizabeth back to him at once, he walked towards her, his feet crunching on the new grass.
Hearing distinct footsteps behind her and not liking them at all, Elizabeth spun around swiftly and lashed out at her "attacker". Only when she recognized her "attacker", did her eyes widen and she gasped out in apology. By then though, she had knocked Will to the ground, who pulling on her hand for support, had pulled her along with him.
Rolling down the uneven surface, they finally came to a halt with Will landing on Elizabeth.
The close distance between them was far by the nearest ever and their breaths were blowing on their flushed faces. Will's mind was a complete blank for the strangest reason, but he could hear a nagging voice telling him to get off at once. They were treading on dangerous ground, and should anyone stumble upon them, grave trouble would befall.
Nevertheless, he ignored the voice, falling deeper into her eyes and she into his.
Elizabeth could feel the warmth of his body on hers and she blushed furiously. All the same, she never left his gaze. She liked this close proximity, it made her feel liberated. Slowly and unsteadily, she clasped her hands around his neck, gingerly fingering his hair. He ran a calloused thumb over the edge of her cheek and face line. They were so close and it was nearly torturous to fight the temptations.
She could hear his ragged breathing so clearly, his pounding heart against hers, and there were feelings inside which were indescribable.
Scandalous and betraying even.
Time seemed to stop for that bit of eternity and there was only the both of them. At the very last second in which Elizabeth felt she would indeed burst from all the welled up feelings, Will lowered his head and.
"Miss Swann! Miss Swann! Are you here Miss Swann? Miss Swann!"
A most undesirable voice came from the little hollow in the woods nearby and gave them the shock of their lives.
Springing up from Elizabeth, Will brushed himself off, reaching down for Elizabeth with a panicked expression. She picked off the grass and soil grains on her skirts and deftly plaited her hair.
There wasn't enough time to bun it; no sooner had she finished did the Commodore Norrington and his faithful follower, Gillette, appear out of the shrouding greenery.
"Ah, there you are Miss Swann, the Governor has been most worried about you. He feared you might be missing. Gillette, alert the Governor at once and call off the search."
The Commodore ordered curtly, nodding at Gillette.
"Yes Sir."
Running off the pathway instantly, his figure almost like that of a puppy dog.
"It's a relief to see you safe Miss Swann. The Governor will be most pleased, but I daresay he'll want a good explanation."
Elizabeth furrowed her brow and gritted her teeth, trying as hard not to show her internal fit of pique. The Commodore had no right to treat her like an innocent foolish girl.
"I had every intention of doing so. I think my father will be wanting to hear my excuse, which I can assure you is a good one." she replied indignantly.
"Very well. And Mr. Turner, did you not have it in your head the sense to alert the Governor or myself of the news? Did you expect to get all the credit with a grand show?"
Vicious words dripping with spite and distaste flew from the Commodore's mouth and he curled his lips in a mean snarl.
Instantaneously, Will's face turned a deeper shade of red and he clenched his fists tightly, seething through his teeth. But he dared not take a stand, for the Commodore would surely use his reaction to tarnish his reputation for the Governor.
Furthermore, he wanted to prove for and to Elizabeth and others that he was educated and mannered, every way worthy of courting her.
Elizabeth, hurt and angry at the outright insults at Will, could barely contain her wrath. The old familiar energy rose up within her, her hand itching to lay that well deserved stinging slap on the pompous arrogant official.
If it weren't for the old Governor's timely appearance, an abusive verbal fight would have raged on.
He rushed towards his gusty daughter and checked on her well being, hastily demanding an explanation.
Suddenly rather tired after the happenings, Elizabeth related monotonously that she had only embarked on another one of her discoveries and adventures, nothing else of the sort.
The Governor, satisfied with that bit of information, did not question further and the tension between Will and Commodore Norrington remained, an ominous aura hanging about them.
Will escorted the weary Elizabeth back home, and made back to the smithy, a heavy sinking dread settling in the pit of his stomach, remembering that he had a whole new batch of swords for the Commodore to be completed today. It was likely he would have to work through the night again.
Resting peacefully in her room, Elizabeth's maids helped her undress. When the last piece of her dress gave way, something prickly and sharp pressed against her leg.
Glancing down, she picked up a small grain-like plant, in the shape of an elongated water drop, it color of that of a deep true shade of red rose. Inspecting it closely, she noticed that the head, which reminded her of a wheat head, had little curved hooks pointing outwards in a fragile but steadfast pattern.
It intrigued her and she turned it over.
" Estelle, what's this? I've never seen it before."
"Oh that, Missy. 'Hat's 'alled 'ove grass. Sticks on 'em 'tockings n' cloth."
"Love grass."
Elizabeth repeated the name quietly to herself when Estelle had gone out of her room.
Love grass. She liked it.
Back on the stolen ship, the " Britannica Escapade", the crew was in a rowdy discussion. Torrents of vulgar language and swearing was hurled everywhere, at everything and bottles of rum could be heard clashing wildly against their brittle surfaces. Most of the crew was in a brawl, so drunk that they practically bowled over with each step they managed to take. The rare few sober ones were busy trying on their plunder of rich jewel- encrusted swords, made of gold and precious metal. On their heads were the lavishly decorated crowns and chains of gold, diamonds and pearls strung on their filthy necks. Eyes gleaming with greed and want, fingers habitually crooked to a grabbing position, it was a nauseating sight to behold.
Something so good, pure and fine on something so sinful, evil and ruthless, only made obvious the faulting of the pirates and their inhuman black hearts.
A tall familiar shadow fell upon the men, the light from the setting sun blocked by the burly man in the doorway. One step into the dining hall revealed the man's identity. It was none other than Captain Barbossa, along with the two miscreants.
There was a nearly deafening silence as the brawl broke up and the pieces of plunder slipped off from its thieves.
"Men, I've got a proposition 'er ya'. Yeh see 'ere, Sparrow's been missin' for two months 'ow. Was 'sid his crew member was 'njured by the navy."
"Whot' do we do now, Capt'n? 'E's 'one."
"Don't 'nterrupt when I'm talkin' mate!"
"Aye sir."
"I figured we check and kill 'avery doctor on this shore! 'Umber of 'em's few but we'll 'ave some fun, 'eh!"
A loud shout of obvious pleasure and impatience rose from the crew.
"Then, we sail to Port Royal. The little 'astard might be a visitin' his dear old friend. You remember, William Turner? An' his lass?"
Another tremendous roar told Barbossa the answer and he smirked, continuing.
"We'll have some fun with them. Now, get movin' ! Gentlemen, take a walk!"
As the sun set, huge dark shapes could be seen swarming on the streets of Tortuga like the plague. The crowed streets of whorehouses and rum bars parted like the Red Sea as they moved through it like a rushing river of destruction, grabbing every sober man they could find, demanding brusquely where the doctors were. Most of them were either too frightened or drunk to give a reply that satisfied Barbossa and his bloodthirsty crew and ended up with multiple wounds and bleeding.
But no one knew the true identity of the powerful Captain and his crew. Barbossa's enormous hat shielded him from the prying eyes of the people and his crew had been given strict orders not to reveal their names. No one would be foolish enough amongst them to try and defy Barbossa's wishes. They were just going to be courting their own deaths; it was a journey straight to the lion's den.
Finally, after scouring all the streets in Tortuga, they rambled upon a relatively quiet and peaceful stretch. Of course there were still many drunkards and indecent whores lolling about the place, but compared to the other more "commercial" streets, there was a distinct difference about this one.
They pounded through the street and alleyways, till at last, partially hidden under a whole mound of grime and fuzzy green mould, Barbossa caught the words "Doctors" engraved on a rotting wooden sign hanging above a door.
Lifting up a strong hand, he motioned for them to stop, pointing menacingly to the old sign. All the murmurs and mumblings of threats ceased and their lips contorted into sinister smiles.
On Barbossa's lead, they barged down the door and charged inside. Slashing the throats of the woman and three children that met them, ignoring their tortured screams and pleas, they stormed into the last room left.
The elderly feeble eyes of the two doctors flew open and one tried to grab a rusty old sword. Barbossa reached them first, placing the cold steel blades on their wrinkled necks, cutting a tear.
"Which one of yeh' treated a man named Gibbs? Which one? Answer me!"
There was no reply, only a struggled and petrified sound that had escaped from one of their throats. Both shook their heads, making matters worse, deepening the tear into a full-fledged gash, the thick red bodily fluid streaming down profusely.
With a put-on sigh of resignation, Barbossa single-handedly swiped the blade across their thin throats, killing them in seconds. Walking on out, past the writhing bodies of the woman and children, they made their way back to the ship, not one in Tortuga objecting, for it was rare that there came to be such a pirate by which all were in awe or rather, in fear of.
Grinning evilly, Barbossa swung the wheel around, sending it spinning violently. Knowing exactly where to steer the ship to, he picked up his drink and took a long swig, only to spray everything out in the black depthless sea.
Captain Jack Sparrow kneeled down below the outer edge of the Pearl, every now and then popping up cautiously to check on the guards patrolling with his telescope. The sun had set hours ago and the pale illumine moonlight shone bleakly on the area.
After nearly 1 month or so of sailing the seas, they had finally reached the British Navy Headquarters. Gibbs had done his best in holding on for the journey and it was now up to him to do his best to save him.
Jack and his crew had docked the Pearl on a nearby island just off sight to the navy. For them, it was possible to spy on the activities taking place, a big help in getting to the medicine without being caught.
The Pearl was situated at an angle and it was not as easy for the navy to catch a glimpse of it. Furthermore, they had collected large piles of brush and ferns and made a sort of canopy for the ship, blending it in with the lush plant growth on that inhabited island.
Operating only in the night, where risks were low, a lot of time was wasted in the day. Jack knew that Gibbs could only hold on for so long, he needed the medicine urgently. Even after spending two futile nights noting down the significant changes in activities and posts, he still hadn't come up with a plan.
The crew's morale was dragging and Jack needed to keep a cheerful and strong face to hold them all together. But inside, he was a mess.
Failure griped him with its cold slimy hands and played around with his confidence and esteem. Fear took hold of his mind with its invisible chills and strangling emotions. Helplessness shook him alone and wrangled with his abilities and emphasized his shortcomings and faults.
He was Captain Jack Sparrow, the one and only, the legend of the seas, why wasn't he doing anything? How come his mind could never seem to keep still and think? Why was his heart and mind in contradiction all the time?
Jack Sparrow sighed remorsefully and gulped down the rest of his rum. He wiped his mouth on his shirt and reached out for another one, trying desperately to drown his sorrows. But unfortunately, his body had become so accustomed to the effects and characteristics of rum and drink that they no longer had any painful toll on him.
They no longer held the key to that happy home of joy and no burden, where all solace and problems could disappear into the night and leave him free of the humanly feelings and thoughts which weighed down heavily.
As a final resort for the night, he looked through the telescope once more, his heart telling him that all would be the same. Nothing would change and that Gibbs would die. It plummeted right down to the depths of his stomach and the fears of death and loss hit him hard.
Just as he was about to give up all hope of Gibbs ever recovering, or at least for the night, he saw something that made his heart leap. The candle of hope gave out a flicker once more and with each clear view he took in, it soon began to burn brightly.
Jack Sparrow spent a few more minutes at the telescope before closing it with a firm hand and a heart full of renewed determination.
"Anamaria! Crew! Assemble at once!"
So how did you like it? Too fluffly? Nice? Reviews pls!!! They make my day!!! Thanks to all my reviewers by the way, love ya all!!! Muacks!
And this I really want to know: How many of you guys out there really, actually want Orlando and Keira (the real ppl themselves) to get together and be a couple? And how many who say yes think that they have a chance? I have to know this!!! As a matter of fact, I, for one REALLY want them to be a couple and think they are SO compatible!!! If you DON"T agree, don't reply!! I swear, I am going to get SO mad!!!! *smoke coming out of ears* Ok, just was interested cause I was just thinking about something and I so happened to want this bit of info.
And this stuff happens on the same day that Barbossa arrived in Tortuga. So it's on Thursday, 2 days to the ball.
Now, read on!!!
WAIT!!!! One last thing.there are some parts, throughout the whole story, when suddenly the words just halt on one full stop and sound weird..in those parts, that one full stop is supposed to be many, but then I don't know why each time when I get it one fanfiction, it turns out that way..
Ok, go on..
Chapter 10:
Butterflies hovered and floated on the scented breezes, gliding gracefully on the gentle waves of wind, their bright colours shimmering at odd angles. They stood out elegantly against the lush green background of grasses and trees, wild flowers dancing to the tune of the playful winds. The aqua marine sea glinted brilliantly in the sun, an intricate pattern of light branching out from its source, glimmering like diamonds, commanding attention with its silent power of mystification.
The only thing that disrupted its perfection and unity were two, hardly visible shoe imprints.
The footprints were small and dainty-like, as were made by the revere treading of Elizabeth.
Her encounter with the place was nothing short of a stumble and a few directional mistakes. What had started out as an innocent walk turned out to be a slight little discovery when she had come across a forgotten path. Due to sheer curiosity and a fascination with adventures, she had unearthed it. Here was a hidden paradise, one where all her wildest dreams and fantasies took flight.
Lost in the seductive sounds of the whistling breezes, the natural whirring of life pushing out other distractions, Elizabeth was left with her own thoughts.
The first thing that occupied her mind was of course, the blacksmith.
William.
William Turner.
Will.
All the, strictly speaking, "forbidden" thoughts came to place and all sorts of girlish whims and fancies took form. She giggled and beamed widely as all sorts of pleasant, perhaps even too pleasant musings came to realistic formation and hugged herself tightly, swaying ever so slightly like the persistent wild blooms.
Soon, her long slender arms fell back to her side. The sudden burst of energy and enthusiasm had retreated back into its home, waiting for another opportunity.
Elizabeth winced and crinkled her nose, grimacing, as her arms brushed against a sore spot.
Bending down in one flowing action, swooping low to a symmetrical "U", she hitched up her skirts and looked at her knee. A large mass of purplish blue had appeared at the area where she had knocked it against a boulder.
She looked around to see if there were any unwelcome visitors, being it not entirely proper for a dignified lady like herself to hitch up her skirts in view of the public eye and least so rub her knee.
Fortunately for her, "paradise" was situated snugly on the other side of Port Royal, where there were nearly no inhabitants. Sitting on a plateau with a slight cliff, the endless sea was its constant playmate, calling to it ever so often.
As Elizabeth began the painful task of rubbing the bruise, memories from her wild and mischievous childhood took over her mind and old forgotten laughter rang out in the field.
A particular incident involving Will resurfaced, and she remembered how Will's living quarters had held a special curiosity towards her. Rain or shine, never was it the case that she would go, or rather, be allowed to go to Will's living quarters to play. Things that seemed a mystery, things that seemed far from grasp, would only increase their attractiveness to Elizabeth and it allured her.
So one fine morning, knowing that Will was due to arrive in an hours' time, she had snuck out of the house and scurried to the smithy, fully brimming with excitement.
Within ten minutes of her journey she had managed to rip her dress and cut her arm. By the time she reached the smithy, she was bruised, messy, sweating and panting and her hair was tangled in knots.
Elizabeth's laugh grew louder as she thought back on Will's shocked expression. It had been so funny, twisted with surprise and delight. What happened next was all a big blur. All she knew was that Mrs. Brown invited her in, and barely five minutes into sitting down, the door had been flung recklessly open and in had stormed a black-faced Governor and an extremely anxious and angry Commodore.
It resulted in an awful reprimanding for the both of them and they had to put off their play for a week.
Her gay laughter dying down to a wistful smile, she recalled the mixed emotions and cold realizations after seeing the startling difference between their lifestyles.
Elizabeth sighed as she got up, her bruise still very much the same grotesque colour. A sudden gust of wind brushed by, the impact hard against her piles of curls and buns. As one tendril of hair came loose, more followed and the beautiful hair ornaments fell silently to the ground.
"Eliza." Will stopped short. Mesmerized by the vision ahead of him, he paused in his tracks and closed his mouth, letting his brown eyes absorb the scene.
Amidst all the moving scenery, basking in the warm yellow sunlight was Elizabeth. Her back was to him, but she was facing the ocean breeze. It blew about her, swishing her skirts, making the pale, wispy green fabric billow behind her. The bottom of her dress was hidden beneath swirling blossoms and her hair of spun gold and honey was down.
With her skirts twirling and trailing gloriously like the clouds and her hair tickled by breaths of air, the sight of it all was ethereal. An elegant, statuesque figure of poise, she seemed to create magic in the place.
Will breathed in. The fresh intake of air snapped him out of his daze and he was sharply reminded his purpose here. A calm wave of relief washed over him.
Frightened out of his wits when the old Governor had rushed in the smithy, frantically telling him that Elizabeth was missing after failing to arrive home past her due time, he didn't think he could ever forget that heart- wrenching feeling that shook him cold. For an instant he almost fell prey to the idea that she had been kidnapped again by pirates but remembered that no pirate ships had been docked near or elsewhere. Commodore Norrington had just reported the news last night at dinner.
For some reason, ever since Elizabeth had been captured and broken his heart, he had taken his role of eliminating every single pirate ship in the Caribbean more seriously than what could be described as necessary.
For Will, it was always a sigh of relief when there was no news about the Black Pearl and it's eccentric Captain. It meant that Norrington, as usual, had not gotten the slightest bit closer to them and probably never would. Captain Jack Sparrow's love for his ship was something that would forever prevent it from being taken away. There was no doubt about that for Will, for he understood the daft man well.
Understanding that the Governor would most definitely appreciate it if he took Elizabeth back to him at once, he walked towards her, his feet crunching on the new grass.
Hearing distinct footsteps behind her and not liking them at all, Elizabeth spun around swiftly and lashed out at her "attacker". Only when she recognized her "attacker", did her eyes widen and she gasped out in apology. By then though, she had knocked Will to the ground, who pulling on her hand for support, had pulled her along with him.
Rolling down the uneven surface, they finally came to a halt with Will landing on Elizabeth.
The close distance between them was far by the nearest ever and their breaths were blowing on their flushed faces. Will's mind was a complete blank for the strangest reason, but he could hear a nagging voice telling him to get off at once. They were treading on dangerous ground, and should anyone stumble upon them, grave trouble would befall.
Nevertheless, he ignored the voice, falling deeper into her eyes and she into his.
Elizabeth could feel the warmth of his body on hers and she blushed furiously. All the same, she never left his gaze. She liked this close proximity, it made her feel liberated. Slowly and unsteadily, she clasped her hands around his neck, gingerly fingering his hair. He ran a calloused thumb over the edge of her cheek and face line. They were so close and it was nearly torturous to fight the temptations.
She could hear his ragged breathing so clearly, his pounding heart against hers, and there were feelings inside which were indescribable.
Scandalous and betraying even.
Time seemed to stop for that bit of eternity and there was only the both of them. At the very last second in which Elizabeth felt she would indeed burst from all the welled up feelings, Will lowered his head and.
"Miss Swann! Miss Swann! Are you here Miss Swann? Miss Swann!"
A most undesirable voice came from the little hollow in the woods nearby and gave them the shock of their lives.
Springing up from Elizabeth, Will brushed himself off, reaching down for Elizabeth with a panicked expression. She picked off the grass and soil grains on her skirts and deftly plaited her hair.
There wasn't enough time to bun it; no sooner had she finished did the Commodore Norrington and his faithful follower, Gillette, appear out of the shrouding greenery.
"Ah, there you are Miss Swann, the Governor has been most worried about you. He feared you might be missing. Gillette, alert the Governor at once and call off the search."
The Commodore ordered curtly, nodding at Gillette.
"Yes Sir."
Running off the pathway instantly, his figure almost like that of a puppy dog.
"It's a relief to see you safe Miss Swann. The Governor will be most pleased, but I daresay he'll want a good explanation."
Elizabeth furrowed her brow and gritted her teeth, trying as hard not to show her internal fit of pique. The Commodore had no right to treat her like an innocent foolish girl.
"I had every intention of doing so. I think my father will be wanting to hear my excuse, which I can assure you is a good one." she replied indignantly.
"Very well. And Mr. Turner, did you not have it in your head the sense to alert the Governor or myself of the news? Did you expect to get all the credit with a grand show?"
Vicious words dripping with spite and distaste flew from the Commodore's mouth and he curled his lips in a mean snarl.
Instantaneously, Will's face turned a deeper shade of red and he clenched his fists tightly, seething through his teeth. But he dared not take a stand, for the Commodore would surely use his reaction to tarnish his reputation for the Governor.
Furthermore, he wanted to prove for and to Elizabeth and others that he was educated and mannered, every way worthy of courting her.
Elizabeth, hurt and angry at the outright insults at Will, could barely contain her wrath. The old familiar energy rose up within her, her hand itching to lay that well deserved stinging slap on the pompous arrogant official.
If it weren't for the old Governor's timely appearance, an abusive verbal fight would have raged on.
He rushed towards his gusty daughter and checked on her well being, hastily demanding an explanation.
Suddenly rather tired after the happenings, Elizabeth related monotonously that she had only embarked on another one of her discoveries and adventures, nothing else of the sort.
The Governor, satisfied with that bit of information, did not question further and the tension between Will and Commodore Norrington remained, an ominous aura hanging about them.
Will escorted the weary Elizabeth back home, and made back to the smithy, a heavy sinking dread settling in the pit of his stomach, remembering that he had a whole new batch of swords for the Commodore to be completed today. It was likely he would have to work through the night again.
Resting peacefully in her room, Elizabeth's maids helped her undress. When the last piece of her dress gave way, something prickly and sharp pressed against her leg.
Glancing down, she picked up a small grain-like plant, in the shape of an elongated water drop, it color of that of a deep true shade of red rose. Inspecting it closely, she noticed that the head, which reminded her of a wheat head, had little curved hooks pointing outwards in a fragile but steadfast pattern.
It intrigued her and she turned it over.
" Estelle, what's this? I've never seen it before."
"Oh that, Missy. 'Hat's 'alled 'ove grass. Sticks on 'em 'tockings n' cloth."
"Love grass."
Elizabeth repeated the name quietly to herself when Estelle had gone out of her room.
Love grass. She liked it.
Back on the stolen ship, the " Britannica Escapade", the crew was in a rowdy discussion. Torrents of vulgar language and swearing was hurled everywhere, at everything and bottles of rum could be heard clashing wildly against their brittle surfaces. Most of the crew was in a brawl, so drunk that they practically bowled over with each step they managed to take. The rare few sober ones were busy trying on their plunder of rich jewel- encrusted swords, made of gold and precious metal. On their heads were the lavishly decorated crowns and chains of gold, diamonds and pearls strung on their filthy necks. Eyes gleaming with greed and want, fingers habitually crooked to a grabbing position, it was a nauseating sight to behold.
Something so good, pure and fine on something so sinful, evil and ruthless, only made obvious the faulting of the pirates and their inhuman black hearts.
A tall familiar shadow fell upon the men, the light from the setting sun blocked by the burly man in the doorway. One step into the dining hall revealed the man's identity. It was none other than Captain Barbossa, along with the two miscreants.
There was a nearly deafening silence as the brawl broke up and the pieces of plunder slipped off from its thieves.
"Men, I've got a proposition 'er ya'. Yeh see 'ere, Sparrow's been missin' for two months 'ow. Was 'sid his crew member was 'njured by the navy."
"Whot' do we do now, Capt'n? 'E's 'one."
"Don't 'nterrupt when I'm talkin' mate!"
"Aye sir."
"I figured we check and kill 'avery doctor on this shore! 'Umber of 'em's few but we'll 'ave some fun, 'eh!"
A loud shout of obvious pleasure and impatience rose from the crew.
"Then, we sail to Port Royal. The little 'astard might be a visitin' his dear old friend. You remember, William Turner? An' his lass?"
Another tremendous roar told Barbossa the answer and he smirked, continuing.
"We'll have some fun with them. Now, get movin' ! Gentlemen, take a walk!"
As the sun set, huge dark shapes could be seen swarming on the streets of Tortuga like the plague. The crowed streets of whorehouses and rum bars parted like the Red Sea as they moved through it like a rushing river of destruction, grabbing every sober man they could find, demanding brusquely where the doctors were. Most of them were either too frightened or drunk to give a reply that satisfied Barbossa and his bloodthirsty crew and ended up with multiple wounds and bleeding.
But no one knew the true identity of the powerful Captain and his crew. Barbossa's enormous hat shielded him from the prying eyes of the people and his crew had been given strict orders not to reveal their names. No one would be foolish enough amongst them to try and defy Barbossa's wishes. They were just going to be courting their own deaths; it was a journey straight to the lion's den.
Finally, after scouring all the streets in Tortuga, they rambled upon a relatively quiet and peaceful stretch. Of course there were still many drunkards and indecent whores lolling about the place, but compared to the other more "commercial" streets, there was a distinct difference about this one.
They pounded through the street and alleyways, till at last, partially hidden under a whole mound of grime and fuzzy green mould, Barbossa caught the words "Doctors" engraved on a rotting wooden sign hanging above a door.
Lifting up a strong hand, he motioned for them to stop, pointing menacingly to the old sign. All the murmurs and mumblings of threats ceased and their lips contorted into sinister smiles.
On Barbossa's lead, they barged down the door and charged inside. Slashing the throats of the woman and three children that met them, ignoring their tortured screams and pleas, they stormed into the last room left.
The elderly feeble eyes of the two doctors flew open and one tried to grab a rusty old sword. Barbossa reached them first, placing the cold steel blades on their wrinkled necks, cutting a tear.
"Which one of yeh' treated a man named Gibbs? Which one? Answer me!"
There was no reply, only a struggled and petrified sound that had escaped from one of their throats. Both shook their heads, making matters worse, deepening the tear into a full-fledged gash, the thick red bodily fluid streaming down profusely.
With a put-on sigh of resignation, Barbossa single-handedly swiped the blade across their thin throats, killing them in seconds. Walking on out, past the writhing bodies of the woman and children, they made their way back to the ship, not one in Tortuga objecting, for it was rare that there came to be such a pirate by which all were in awe or rather, in fear of.
Grinning evilly, Barbossa swung the wheel around, sending it spinning violently. Knowing exactly where to steer the ship to, he picked up his drink and took a long swig, only to spray everything out in the black depthless sea.
Captain Jack Sparrow kneeled down below the outer edge of the Pearl, every now and then popping up cautiously to check on the guards patrolling with his telescope. The sun had set hours ago and the pale illumine moonlight shone bleakly on the area.
After nearly 1 month or so of sailing the seas, they had finally reached the British Navy Headquarters. Gibbs had done his best in holding on for the journey and it was now up to him to do his best to save him.
Jack and his crew had docked the Pearl on a nearby island just off sight to the navy. For them, it was possible to spy on the activities taking place, a big help in getting to the medicine without being caught.
The Pearl was situated at an angle and it was not as easy for the navy to catch a glimpse of it. Furthermore, they had collected large piles of brush and ferns and made a sort of canopy for the ship, blending it in with the lush plant growth on that inhabited island.
Operating only in the night, where risks were low, a lot of time was wasted in the day. Jack knew that Gibbs could only hold on for so long, he needed the medicine urgently. Even after spending two futile nights noting down the significant changes in activities and posts, he still hadn't come up with a plan.
The crew's morale was dragging and Jack needed to keep a cheerful and strong face to hold them all together. But inside, he was a mess.
Failure griped him with its cold slimy hands and played around with his confidence and esteem. Fear took hold of his mind with its invisible chills and strangling emotions. Helplessness shook him alone and wrangled with his abilities and emphasized his shortcomings and faults.
He was Captain Jack Sparrow, the one and only, the legend of the seas, why wasn't he doing anything? How come his mind could never seem to keep still and think? Why was his heart and mind in contradiction all the time?
Jack Sparrow sighed remorsefully and gulped down the rest of his rum. He wiped his mouth on his shirt and reached out for another one, trying desperately to drown his sorrows. But unfortunately, his body had become so accustomed to the effects and characteristics of rum and drink that they no longer had any painful toll on him.
They no longer held the key to that happy home of joy and no burden, where all solace and problems could disappear into the night and leave him free of the humanly feelings and thoughts which weighed down heavily.
As a final resort for the night, he looked through the telescope once more, his heart telling him that all would be the same. Nothing would change and that Gibbs would die. It plummeted right down to the depths of his stomach and the fears of death and loss hit him hard.
Just as he was about to give up all hope of Gibbs ever recovering, or at least for the night, he saw something that made his heart leap. The candle of hope gave out a flicker once more and with each clear view he took in, it soon began to burn brightly.
Jack Sparrow spent a few more minutes at the telescope before closing it with a firm hand and a heart full of renewed determination.
"Anamaria! Crew! Assemble at once!"
So how did you like it? Too fluffly? Nice? Reviews pls!!! They make my day!!! Thanks to all my reviewers by the way, love ya all!!! Muacks!