A/N: Yessums… It's official… My chapters on average are not any shorter than 4-5 pages, which this one is… But it's a good 4-5 pages! :P I hope y'all enjoy! My next chappie should be up on schedule, too, as midyears will be (more or less) over by then!
A/N2: Ok, a point I've been nervous on… How'd I do with Liz's personality, guys? I'm thinking I got it bloody near perfect, but then again, doubt it nagging at me. If it's even a TAD bit off, tell moi, and I'll fix! I'm countin' on y'all for this! Anyone who tells me how I did with said personality (whether it be good or ill) receives… RUM!!!! And not just any rum, no, but rum from that cache. Liz missed some, but Jack has actually layed eyes on it and touched it! So come on! Review and tell! :P
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Elizabeth and Leah Swann had been the ideal pair of sisters. There had been no sibling rivalry between the two, no grudges. Really, being not even two years apart in age, the two got along splendidly. As Leah's mind calmed somewhat while she sat curled in the corner of the cell, her thoughts focused on this, her past with her sister.
As young children, the two were very much alike in manner and personality, but as they matured, differences became more and more apparent, at least to (fairly) detached onlookers. To those who knew the both of them, the two could not have been more alike in major aspects of persona, independent, passionate intelligent, willful… But to those who merely saw the two in passing, or knew one and not the other (most likely Elizabeth), the two could not have been any less similar. Here was Elizabeth, a smart noblewoman of remarkable bearing who knew just how to behave in regards to her social status and etiquette… and then there was Leah, the controversial loud one who spoke back to her father, the apparently fiercely passionate of the two, far too much so, the one everyone tended to avoid.
Who was right? Leah herself was no longer certain. She'd always thought her sister and herself were so very similar, though Elizabeth did tend to act a tad more docile in public… But one particular incident stuck out sharply in Leah's mind, and in her inner turmoil, she was forced to relive it, relive that entire day.
How long ago had it been? Just over a month. It seemed longer than that, with all that had happened, but then again, the memory was still so vivid, so crystal clear in her mind. Perhaps it was just yesterday?
It had been a routine social gathering, the type Leah absolutely loathed, in which a few young women had come over to the governor's mansion for some tea and sweets, a gathering by which they could talk and, naturally, gossip. Leah and Elizabeth were both waiting in the parlor when these fine ladies began to arrive, the former in a dress of pale green with interwoven flowers, the latter in her own ensemble of blue with embroidery of an even more translucent cerulean throughout, especially on the neckline and other edges of the cloth. First came Julia and Caroline Ethers, Julia with her blonde curls and soft lips, all done up exquisitely, of course, in flowing red, and Caroline in her own soft pink gown, one which perfectly accentuated her rosy cheeks. Her sapphire eyes and chestnut locks simply glistened. Next came Evelyn Randough, raven hair contrasting sharply with her pale canary dress, lightly tanned flesh, and sharp emerald green eyes. Lastly was Lauren Fortunay, a tall beauty with pale skin, mahogany hair done up in an intricate style. Her own clothing consisted of a dress of deep jade, embroidered just as heavily as Elizabeth's. It was a quaint sort of well to do "tea party".
Personally, Leah would much rather have been in her room, reading a book. Or in the deepest depths of the ocean, drowning.
It was the typical, utterly insipid gathering (at least in Leah's eyes). Gossip was exchanged, individuals addressing either the group as a whole or certain friends sitting right by them. Although Elizabeth spoke with them, actually enjoyed herself, Leah did what she always did during such occasions… sat somewhat removed from the others, somewhere beside Elizabeth. She was the silent onlooker, not speaking a word, quietly sipping her tea and watching them all with a placid expression on her face.
As the young women spoke, Captain Norrington's promotion came up a few times, though it only registered slightly in Leah's ears. She wasn't paying all too much attention to the varying topics of conversation, really. She didn't even notice that Elizabeth seemed to be a particular favorite for this specific subject.
Next came the weather, carriages, the poor, books, recent events (not in any sort of relatively deep or intuitive manner), and so on and so forth. Leah felt that she was being given a taste of her own special hell, just to show her what would happen when she would invariably die. This was torture!
"Oh, wouldn't it be simply splendid to meet a rogue?" Caroline exclaimed, simply glowing with excitement as she sat on the couch beside her sister, Julia. For that was the subject they were on… rogues and countrymen and the like they'd read about in certain novels, or infamous ones they had heard about.
"Yes, and to be stolen away by him into danger and adventure," Julia added, and the two burst into giggles.
"Oh please," Evelyn said crossly, rolling her eyes, "you two know perfectly well that such a thing would be horrendous. Really, you might as well run off with a pirate!"
"Not that there are many of those even left," Elizabeth pointed out.
"True…"
"Well everyone needs a dream, I suppose," Lauren mused. "But to be spirited away by rogues? Really, Caroline."
"Oh, don't ruin my fun!" Caroline whined, crossing her arms.
"Yes, you have to admit," Julia began, "it would be exciting! Imagine it… one of those famous rogues we always hear about! Such as…"
"Such as Jack Sparrow! You all remember reading about him, don't you?"
"Ugh, I've heard about so many pirates named Jack, it's a travesty," Evelyn commented, her smooth brow crinkling in her disgust. "Who can tell one from the other?"
"No, I've heard of this one. He's supposed to be dreadful, " Lauren interjected, "He absolutely sacked Nassau port, and not a single shot was fired. Amazing."
"Well we know that," Julia scoffed, "or I wouldn't have brought the man up in the first place."
Cocking an eyebrow, Lauren took another sip of tea.
"Despicable man, to be sure," Evelyn commented. "If I were to ever meet a pirate, I would give him just what he deserved… a swift trip to the gallows. And that goes for any criminal whatsoever. Laws are in place for a reason. I do not care under which circumstances you break them."
"Yes, and female pirates…" Julia said, shuddering. "Those are simply a crime against nature."
"All criminals, bloody scoundrels, are."
"Oh, you two just take all the romance out of it," Caroline pouted.
Now it was Elizabeth's turn to speak up. "Exactly. So why are we discussing the knaves? I'm sure there are much more interesting topics out there."
"Why do we never speak of anything of importance?" Leah asked suddenly, unable to take it anymore.
"Leah-" her sister began, but she was cut off.
"Why whatever do you mean?" Lauren asked.
"What I mean is that we could presently be at war, or people we care about could be off in ships or in battles, and you all would be discussing romance novels."
Laughing nervously, it was Caroline's turn to speak. "Well, what else is there to talk about right now?"
"How about why we never make any of the decisions and only listen to what the men want to do, then gossip about that, and how they never pass out as a direct result of wearing this stifling attire?" As Julia and Caroline exchanged glances, smiling nervously, Evelyn watched Leah incredulously yet coldly, and Lauren merely took another sip of tea, thoughtful. "Don't any of you get absolutely sick and tired of living in this cage society has locked us in?"
A fake smile plastered on hr lips, Elizabeth stood, taking hold of Leah by the arm. "I'm afraid you'll have to forgive her. Leah hasn't been feeling too well lately," she said in excuse, and then, turning, she left the room, Leah in tow. Behind their retreating backs, Julia and Caroline laughed uncertainly, exchanging glances once again. Lauren smiled softly, her hand to her mouth, and Evelyn… Evelyn's smile was icy, cruel almost. Leah Swann was "ill" more often than not.
"What do you think you're doing?" Elizabeth demanded from Leah the moment they were out of earshot of the ladies and servants.
"Liz, I was just-"
"Leah, don't you realize that Father is going to send you away again if you start this up anew?"
"Elizabeth!" Leah said, her eyes beseeching, "you can't blame me for this! You simply cannot tell me you are any fonder of this life than I am. We can do absolutely nothing."
"Leah, you must learn to live under the circumstances," Elizabeth began, the anger gone from her voice. "There is nothing we can do, and you learn to enjoy what is easily obtained. You would be surprised at how many freedoms you can attain if you obey Father at times, and stop making such scenes. It is not overly difficult."
"So-so you pretend? Is that what you do, Liz?"
"Not quite. Mellow down your temper and your comments, your behavior, and you'll be surprised. Once people get used to you, Leah, you can get away with a great deal more."
And that was the key difference between Leah and Elizabeth, one Leah only truly found out that day. Whereas Leah would constantly kick and scream and struggle and fight, trying desperately to destroy the bars of her cage, Elizabeth would stay fairly calm and docile so that the keeper's guard would go down. Thinking her tame, Elizabeth would be released from her prison, and would consequently be able to act in whatsoever way she pleased, as long as she appeared conforming at certain key moments. Leah could not do this, could not pretend. So where Elizabeth's "quirks" were overlooked, Leah's… were not. And the younger Swann could never have it any other way, could never pretend, and that was something Elizabeth never could quite understand about her sister…
For the rest of the day, Leah brooded over this. Could she act happy and well behaved? Could she fool them all into thinking that she did not abhor her existence with every fiber of her being?
The answer was obvious. She could not. If she tried, she would surely end up fooling herself. She would become completely hollow inside, a ruined wreck, just going with the motions. She would not even have the option of death available to her any longer, for she would no longer care enough to carry out the deed. Either that, or she would blow up one day, completely lose it. No, for better or worse (the latter being more likely), Leah would continue on as she was.
Sitting in the parlor (the guests had all left hours ago) Leah sighed as she thought it all over and over in her mind, dwelling when she knew she shouldn't. She was just that kind of person, unable to let things go easily. This was why, when her father came in speaking with Mr. Randough-quite a wealthy respectable man actually-and asked her to please leave the room so the two of them could speak in private, Leah refused. Really, it wasn't an inconsiderate request, wasn't anything of importance. A father might ask it of his male children. A mother could. It's the kind of thing one usually does without question, as it is really nothing of importance. But Leah in the mood she was in… she would not have acquiesced to anything asked of her, whether it were reasonable or not.
"Leah," her father laughed, smiling, "I'm not sure you heard me. Mr. Randough and myself require the parlor. Would you please be a dear and vacate the room?"
"No," she said firmly, her eyes fixed on her father's face, her hands calmly folded in her lap.
"Leah…"
"Why must I move, Father? Why can you not go into another room? I was here first, was I not?" It was completely outrageous, pointless, what she was doing. But she couldn't help herself…
Still retaining his pleasant demeanor, Governor Swann turned to face Mr. Randough. "Please step into the hall for a moment, won't you? I'll be with you in a moment." Back straight, hands clasped behind his back, Mr. Randough arched an eyebrow but still nodded obligingly and left.
His pleasantness now having evaporated, Governor Swann turned upon his daughter once more. "Leah, what do you think you are doing?" he demanded, walking towards her.
"I'm sitting," she replied matter of factly.
"I'm quite aware of that," he snapped back, then, taking a final step towards her so that he was only two feet away at most… "All right, Leah Marguerite, I want you up in your room now. I do not want any more rebellion from you. You are being completely unreasonable, and we can discuss this after you've had a chance to think about what you're doing."
"After I've-after I've had a chance to think about what I'm doing?" she asked disbelievingly, staring at him, and then, unable to take it anymore, the stress of her day just compounding into one singular outburst as she jumped to her feet. "I've had plenty an opportunity to think, Father! It's all I do, if you haven't noticed! Do you think I enjoy constantly thinking, not being able to even act like I enjoy my life? Do you think I enjoy being the troublesome one, the one that can never please her father? Do you think I enjoy having killed mother, and knowing that you blame me for it?!"
"Leah-"
No, do you think I bloody enjoy it? I notice how you watch me when I'm not looking, Father! I know you blame me!!!" And so on and so forth it had gone. Leah's father had truly been at a loss, not knowing what to do. But he had still gotten upset with her nonetheless, and as a good portion of the servants had heard her outburst and seen her dashing up in tears to her room, as Evelyn Randough had heard of this little occurrence from her dear father, a good portion of Port Royale knew of it as well. And so, after what had been the absolute worst of the father/daughter arguments between Leah Swann and the Governor, the one parent she had left… Leah was shipped off to yet another set of relatives. She'd managed to actually obey her father for a month in remaining, but after those thirty days, she simply could not take it anymore, and had gone out in the dead of night and taken a carriage back to Port Royale. Her sister, full of unwavering loyalty towards Leah, and feeling guilty over the fact that this was at least partially her fault-she'd heard the rumors and knew just what had been screamed in that room-had agreed to help her and hide her. Sadly enough, the only room available for such a hideaway was the bedroom of Leah's late mother. It had been only three days after her arrival back in Port Royale-and what a splendid and joyful arrival that had been-that Elizabeth was kidnapped and that Leah met Captain Jack Sparrow.
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TriGem: Yes, it does seem cruel and it does make me seem like an extreme sadist… (or masochist, since she's my char. and consequently my alter ego? O.o) But that was the way it came to me, that she stays on the ship, and that Jack and Liz go all by their onesies to the island! Though I have had really odd imaginings about Jack Sparrow and two women ALONE on an island… Kinda disturbing, savvy? Incest bad… But on another note, don't worry, I doubt ye'll be disappointed with what me mind has cooked up. Fact that this is a self-proclaimed Mary Sue kinda gives away the ending, doesn't it? :P Or does it… *evil laugh*
Riley: Oooh, I like your world! It's very nice! :D And thanks so much for updating again! Really, reviews make me happy-wappy! :P And I enjoy to keep y'all on the ropes… :P And, yes, updated! Thanks for the NO pressure! ;-)
Vagrant: Yes, but also incestual (yes, I know that's not a word), and incestual bad!!!!! Lol Really, though, this was just the way it came to me. I'm glad ye enjoyed it, though! :P
Leah: Yes… M' dear Leah Swann goes to hell and back before she gets her just reward (maybe ;-) ). And as for Will comforting, ye'll see… MUAHAHAHAHAHA!
Pendragon: I'm glad ye like the length! This one should also be to your liking, I should imagine. ;-) What did ya think of this chappie, btw? How's Leah's wonderful history? :P (Yes, that was sarcasm. I do feel bad for her! Really!)
Gwyn: Hey, what a coincidinc! I'd just painted my nails black a day or two 'fore your review, and I haven't worn nail polish in FOREVER! Awesome! And if Johnny did know-which I gather he MUST-he'd probably be in awe or find it all terribly amusing or something. Personally, I don't like HIM as much as Sparrow :P but Johnny is FINE! And if I become an author, I'll make sure to sign all y'all books! Lol Nice having a #1 fan already. ;-) *hugs* So, what'd ya think of this chappie?
Mari: Oooh! Thankees!!!!!!! *Gives nice great reviewer cookies* I'm glad ye like me fic so much! And remember, all good things come to those who wait. ;-)
Suzzie: lol Dontcha worry, I can't spell for the life of me, either. I luvvle spellcheck. *Huggles spellcheck* And yes, Jack Sparrow makes it all better precioussssssssssssssssss….
aquastar: Yikes, I'm sry 'bout me chappie making thy eyes ache! I know exactly what you mean! *Huggles and gives many Jack Sparrow cookies as a token of her apologies* I'm glad the chappie was (relatively ;-) )worth it, though! And yes, different perspective certainly. Because personally… I'm still frightened of what WOULD have happened had Leah been on the island… (Actually, most likely nothing, but one can always imagine…)
Cherish: Yay! Welcome back!!! Woooot!!! And hey hey hey! No bowing whatsoever! My writing is not in any way superior to yours or to anybody's!!! (At least, to anybody relatively serious… For ex., a 5-year old's scratchings are better than what 95% of my school cook up. -_-) Yes, I'd always loved that line. I swear, I feel sorry for Will, BLUSH for the guy, at least 2 or 3 times in the movie… Esp. at the "Ay, avas!" And that wouldn't be such a bad idea… We could make a FORTUNE! As long as we didn't get sued in the process… o.O Hmmm… Well, for thinking the idea up… an extra HOUR in the closet for ya! Enjo-oy. *eyebrows*
AQ: Yay! I'm glad ye like! And yes, I was wondering if it was TOO Eowynish, but I'm glad it's not. :P I'm really bloody ECSTATIC over the fact that you like me fic so much!!! Hopefully, this latest chap. is up to thy expectations.
Jinxd: LOL!!! Yes, sure, go right ahead! *gives hair over freely* You know, I have a plan to find that apple he bit into that Barbossa threw into the ocean and clone him from the spit… Maybe we'll both succeed! :D (Who DOESN'T want 2 Captain Jack Sparrow?) And as for reading thy fic… I'd absolutely love too! But I warn you, I'm horrible at it, and once I start, I'm liable to stop for weeks at a time before I pick it back up again… *Sighs* I need more time in my hectic life… ;) No, really, mesa shall read now. GUESSING u mean the pirates one, eh? ;-)
SparrowNut: Woot! Updated updated! :D And I'm honored you think of me fic as one of the best out there! Wow! Thankees! *Huggles reviewer* But if ne aspect of it is horrible beyond belief or perhaps just slightly bad… feel free to tell moi! ;-) (I want it to be perfect… *insane gleam in eyes…*)
Pirateprincess: Why hey girl! Nice new sn, btw. ;-) As I've told Jinxd, happy to read thy fanfic, but it may take me a while… And yes, I understood that… lol
