Disclaimer: Nope, I don't own Pirates of the Caribbean or Jack in any way. Claimer: I do own Marie; don't take 'er. =3
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Marie looked down the dark, musty-smelling hallway. She allowed her eyes to adjust to the gloom, and then walked out of the room. To her left were other cabins, to the right was a stairwell. She walked to the stairs and climbed them to the deck, looking around curiously. She blinked as she stepped out on deck as the bright sunlight from overhead hit her eyes. The pungent smell of the sea filled her nose, and a breeze teased her blonde hair.
She turned sharply as she heard a shout behind her, and she saw members of the pirate crew scurrying about, carrying out their various tasks. Marie sat quickly on a coil of rope, feeling slightly queasy for the first time. She'd never experienced the rocking motion of a ship before. She watched a group climb in the sails for a moment, then turned her gaze to the others on deck. She was just beginning to wonder if she would be able to jump off the ship and swim away when she noticed that one of the pirates was coming towards her.
"'Ey you! Get up a moment. What's yer name, lass?" Marie stood to face the newcomer. His hair was graying and he was a bit overweight, but he looked friendly.
"Marie Stillwater," she replied humbly.
He looked her over for a moment before he took her hand and shook it, "I'm Gibbs. Welcome aboard, Miss Stillwater. I hope Jack hasn't scared ye out of yer wits yet. He's a good man. I'll see to it that ye're treated properly while ye're aboard this ship. Just come see me if any of the crew mates're givin' ye trouble." He winked and smiled at her. Marie smiled slightly, though she remained silent. Gibbs proceded to point out the various members of Jack's crew, and told Marie a bit about each of them.
"Well, ye might as well explore the ship. 'T won't do ye much good to sit around 'n do nothin'. If ye see anythin' of interest, feel free t' come 'n ask me. I'll be seein' ye, Miss Stillwater." He tipped his hat, and left her alone once more.
Marie got up and walked across the deck. It was midday, and the sky was clear and cloudless. The sea was a light shade of blue, and she could see for miles around. She grabbed the side railing and searched the horizon. She had no idea where they were or where they were going. Marie decided that she would find Jack and ask him of their whereabouts.
She walked along the rail of the ship, unconsciously running a hand over the smooth, polished wood until she reached the bow. There she found Jack. He was at the helm, carefully guiding the ship. Without turning to face her, he spoke, "Getting bored, love? Thought you'd ask some questions?"
Marie walked around to face him, startled. How could he have heard her approach over the sound of the wind whipping the sails and the odd shouts from the crew? "As a matter of fact, I did. Where are we going? And what happens when we get there?" She surprised herself, her voice sounded a bit more determined and forceful than she had expected.
Jack looked at her and grinned, "We're headed south. You'll find out when I decide to tell you."
Marie frowned, "You kidnap me, and then you ask me to trust you! What am I supposed to think? I need to know something!" She had to struggle to keep from stomping her foot on the deck in a very childlike fashion.
He was silent for a few moments, and his voice softened, "Your father disappeared a few years back, didn't he, love?"
Marie's eyes instantly snapped up to meet his, "How did you know that?"
He shrugged, turning back to the wheel and eyeing his compass, "I've heard of him."
"He's alive?" She tugged Jack's sleeve, getting him to face her once more. She searched his dark brown eyes, hoping that he wasn't playing a cruel joke on her.
"Indeed, he is, mate. Mark Stillwater. His merchant ship was taken by pirates three years ago and he was the only one left alive."
"But why? Why only him?"
"Because he knew a very important bit of information, and trusted what he knew to the wrong group of friends. Lucky he didn't reveal the exact location, though," he murmured, talking more to himself than Marie.
Marie fell silent, having consumed too much at one time. Her father was alive! He must've been held hostage by that group of pirates all these years. Poor father, he must have been through so much. She suddenly felt overwhelmed by her emotions. She didn't know whether to laugh or cry. She'd been kidnapped by pirates, had no idea where they were going, and on top of all that, her father was alive!
"You know how to cook, love?"
Marie was startled out of her musings, "Excuse me?"
"Can you cook? Y'know, get out the skillet, put it on a stove, and tip the food in?"
"Yes. Why?"
"Go down to the galley and help Gibbs out with dinner. It's been ages since the crew's had a good meal."
Marie groaned, "Men! No matter who they are, pirates or respectable businessmen, they're all alike!" She left Jack to find the galley, making a mental note to get this crew in order before her captivity was over.
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