Disclaimer: *squeals and runs out of the door, Captain Jack Sparrow's hat on her head* Can't catch me! *sprints down the hall*
*the aforementioned Captain stumbles out the door, then spots his hat and hurries after* Hey! Come back here! Scurvy cur!
Authors Note: Thanks for the reviews! Which are now moved to the end! (Plus…I think most of the French is correct…I'm still getting Ursula to help me with it…)
Four-Sided Eyes
(a.k.a. Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the fangirl)
Chapter 10: Mistranslations
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(Jack's POV…)
A very successful morning, I must say.
Taking a ship with no casualties on our side. I may have had to watch Pierre's back, but such was the life of a pirate. The lad hadn't even thanked me. Oh well, probably too surprised by the close call on his life.
Or had that been agitation in his gaze?
Probably not.
Either way, having Pierre in my crew had proven most helpful. No more having to talk to French crews and not have a clue what they were saying. The loot that my men were showing to me in passing looked fairly valuable. Plenty of supplies too. All the better, as I wondered if Pierre would eat up our stores in a week.
Now what was this?
A woman…
Squinting and leaning on the helm, I spotted Pierre holding her at gunpoint, having the pale beauty come my way.
Good Pierre.
Very good.
My grin broadened. "What have we here, Pierre?"
"A bit off irritation, I'd say. But you told us to bring any prisoners to you. So here she is."
The two walked up the stairs and the woman paled even more as she got nearer.
"Hello, lass," I put on my most charming grin.
She looked nervously - why should she be nervous? - over her shoulder and at me.
Well, her ship had been commandeered by a band of pirates…that could definitely have something to do with it.
Perhaps quite a bit to do with it.
"Pierre, put your pistol away. She can't do any harm now, nor do I see her doing much previously either."
His eyes narrowed, but he put it away.
"Thank ye lad. Now, lass, tell me your name."
The woman looked between us again, and only seemed more perplexed.
"Pierre?"
"Aye, Cap'n?"
"Does she only speak French?"
"It would seem so, Cap'n."
Great. Pierre doesn't seem too fond of her, and is the only one who can talk to her.
"Pierre, please ask her for her name."
He nodded and spit out something in French.
She looked defiantly at him for a moment, but he only put his hand to his cutlass handle, and she finally spoke.
"Je suis Janette Graton."
So was it Je suis…or was it Janette?
Pierre looked over at me, "May I introduce Mademoiselle Janette Graton."
"It's a pleasure to meet you, love."
Janette looked to Pierre, but his gaze was staring out at the ocean.
"Pierre?"
"Oh, sorry Cap'n." Pierre turned slightly. "C'est un plaisir pour faire votre connaissance."
She really was quite beautiful…not in the way of most Tortuga ladies, but…more towards the elegance of Elizabeth. Her tightly fitting dress gave hints of quite attractive curves…
And her dark brown hair? The curls seemed to be perfectly shaped…she must have styled them that morning, as they were starting to wilt. I had no qualms whatsoever about her face…and her eyes? I could look into those beautiful azure orbs for quite some time. But now, they emanated fear and anxiety. Can't have a pretty woman terrified when Captain Jack Sparrow's around.
Though Scarlet and Giselle weren't too happy with me recently…
But that's besides the point.
The woman was by now looking around and her anxiety was only growing. Pierre would be the only person who could convey any kind of comforting words to her.
I guess that settles things.
"Pierre, I have another favor to ask of you."
"Aye, Cap'n?"
"Escort our lovely guest to my cabin and wait there with her. I'll be over shortly."
He started a bit. "Guest? But, Cap'n…she's a-"
"Remember who's captain, Pierre."
For a moment Pierre left his mouth open, a bit of contempt in his eyes, then he closed it. "I remember."
"And you'll take her to my cabin, savvy?"
"Savvy, Cap'n."
"Good lad."
Pierre nodded and quickly jabbered off something to the girl. She looked back in surprise, then let out a little gasp as Pierre grabbed her wrist and pulled her along.
A smirk found its way back onto my lips and I scanned over the French vessel. Everything is in order, and I will have a beautiful woman in my cabin.
How much better could life get?
Well, rum.
But I have plenty of that. Made sure of that in Grenada. Really must remember to thank Pierre for all of his assistance.
He bartered quite well…even when half drunk.
I keep discovering more and more potential in that lad every time I see him. Must be a full blooded pirate.
Now wait just a moment…
Why was I thinking so much about Pierre?
Okay, he is an enigma…but it's not right for me to think about a cabin boy so much.
But was he a cabin lass? Or rather, she a cabin lass?
Letting out a sigh, I admitted defeat to the never ending argument. Until I either confronted Pierre about it - unwise and just…strange - or Pierre showed himself to be one sex or the other, I would be left to wonder.
I only hope that I'm right.
But I'm not even sure if he's a boy or a girl…
My smirk returned.
Which means I'm right either way.
Brilliant.
Can't let my admirers forget that I'm Captain Jack Sparrow.
Shouldn't let the crew handle all of the looting. I am a pirate after all.
I quickly spotted Mr. Gibbs with his hands full of a chest. Couldn't have been too heavy, seeing as though he was carrying it, and didn't seem the least bit strained.
"Mr. Gibbs, what have you there?"
"Oh, this Jack, looks like a chest of dresses. Think it's probably the little French lasses…"
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(Kendra's POV…)
I found myself doing the inevitable. Translating for Captain Jack Sparrow and his new bit of French fluff, Miss 'Too-Delicate-To-Be-More-Than-A-Decoration'.
But she was helpful in one aspect, possibly two.
One: being around her reaffirmed my joy at being a pirate, even a measly cabin boy.
Two: She brought this awful situation to pass.
All right, I know that sounded like a negative…but the positive part was that this situation had so many amusing possibilities…
And it had been so long without good entertainment…
"Now, Pierre," Sparrow's voice brought me back to the present, "Sit down. I need your help in having Miss…" he looked between us, holding onto the 's' for a bit too long.
"Graton, Cap'n." I added quickly.
"Yes," he nodded decisively. "You will be translating for Miss Graton and myself. Are ye up for the task?"
"Of course, Cap'n." I flashed a smile. He had no idea what he was setting himself up for. And that was the best part! "Do all I can ta be of service."
Sparrow smiled at the French woman and gestured at the seat directly across the table. "Please, have a seat Miss Graton."
She batted those sad, weepy eyes and looked confused.
Really…how hard is it to understand that gesture? Withholding a sigh, I sat to her left and forced a comforting smile. All the while I concentrated hard on keeping my tone warm and my enunciation impeccable. "Plairiez-vous me faites l'honneur de séance?"
She looked to me for a moment, as if she still didn't comprehend the situation.
Finally a small smile tugged at her mouth and she whispered. "Merci."
This was going to be a long conversation…I could tell that already. "Thank you."
He seemed rather pleased that she was beginning to calm, and started again. "I want to make ye as comfortable as possible during this trip, and want to know of any concerns ye 'ave."
"Le Capitaine veut savoir si vous avez n'importe quelles inquiétudes. Et ajoute qu'il souhaite vous garder confortable sur notre voyage." A small grin came onto my face as I waited for her reaction. Twisting words was so very fun…'The Captain wants to know if you have any concerns. And adds that he wishes to keep you comfortable on our voyage.'
I smiled knowingly, though it was doubtful Sparrow would've caught the glint in my eye as I spoke of his 'comforts'.
The girl seemed caught off guard but didn't go into hysterics again. "Je souhaite retourner la maison, et être indemne."
I repeated her concerns, that she wished to return home and be unharmed, hoping the conversation would perk up soon. It finally did when Sparrow wanted to compliment her.
"Janet, right?"
I nodded. "But it's pronounced 'Zah-net', Cap'n."
"Your…eyes are beautiful, like the ocean."
It took me a moment, but then I remembered that I was supposed to translate. Why had I even paused and started to feel embarrassed? It wasn't like Sparrow was complimenting me… Not that I'd like him to anyway.
But continuing on…
Finally, I can have some more fun! Now…to word it just right…'the Captain says your eyes are similar to the ocean; he would love to see them sinking into the depths.' Yes…that'll do.
The words came off my tongue perfectly…ah, the joy of French. "Janette, le Capitaine dit que vos yeux sont similaires à l'océan; il aimerait les voir couler dans les profondeurs."
The effect was unforgettable. The size of the said beauties increased and I was sure the girl would've cried, had she not run out of tears hours before. "P-p-pourquoi dites-vous cela, le Capitaine?"
I repeated her question: Why do you say that, Captain?
He gave her his usual devilish grin…only adding to her terror. "Well, love, because that's what I see as I look into 'em."
Oh the joy you bring me Jack Sparrow…the pure joy.
"Cela est que le Capitaine envisage comme il dévisage dans vos yeux pendant ces dure des heures."
My poetry surprised even me…what could be more beautiful? 'That is what the Captain envisions as he stares into your eyes during these last hours…' Ah, the beauty.
My words had only frightened the girl more. "Les dernières heures?"
"You truly see that?" I said to Sparrow, finding it difficult not to imitate her sickeningly sweet soprano. Of course, I ignored her true reply: these last hours?
Sparrow nodded, leaning forward onto the table. No doubt he thought she was wary of his advancements, not his 'threats' of her last hours.
"Q-que me sera-t-il obligé à advenir? Pourquoi il me lancera dans les profondeurs?"
It seemed the French lass had some stomach to her…having the head to continue to talk. Even the nerve to give a reply: 'What is to become of me? Why will he throw me into the depths?' She seemed to be a poet as well…
Sparrow was looking to me and I swallowed. I can't get lost in my thoughts, he's expecting her 'response'. "Why do you shower me with these flatteries? Can you not see that I am undeserving?"
He scoffed. "Undeserving? I'm surprised ye recognize them as compliments! Ye must have men flocking all about ye on shore!"
My mind raced with the possibilities… 'Into the depths? Who says I won't just keelhaul you, or ravage you and then leave you to my men?'
"Dans les profondeurs? Qui dit que j'ai gagné't seulement la quille vous transporte, ou vous ravager et vous part alors à mes hommes?"
The reply was barely off my lips when another impossible thing happened. The already pale woman had lost even more color in her face and appeared to be shaking. "S-s'il vous plaît, s'il vous plaît avoir la pitié sur moi et me permets de va pour étayer ou un autre bateau de marchand. Mon père paiera l'argent de rançon. Seulement m'épargner, s'il vous plaît."
She was getting to be quite desperate…but my fun wouldn't end just yet. Begging for her life and wanting to be left ashore or on a merchant ship? We just raided the ship she was on…what position was she in to bargain? And her father's ransom? We already took all the gold on the ship…how rich could he be? Remembering not to drift into my thoughts again, I composed my words carefully. "Captain, I am flattered. Truly, but I still do not believe you. The…the…"
Before I could stop him, he leaned forward more, and she let out an ear-splitting shriek, jumping to her feet and hurrying in a flurry of skirts to the other side of the cabin.
Sparrow and myself covered our ears, but he recovered sooner than I. Perhaps it was that he was farther from the source of the awful sound… But it must have been that, or else I would've made a wild dash for the door to give him time to cool off.
"What have you been sayin', Pierre?" he growled, now inches from me.
"Nothing you haven't, Cap'n." I quipped instantly.
My expression got slightly worried as I was hauled out of my seat and held up by my shirt collar.
"There is no way my words would've had that effect on her. Now tell me, what did you say to her?"
It was becoming harder to hold back my laughter, but his expression warned of nasty consequences. Month of swabbing? Two months? Hopefully not.
"She's French, Cap'n. Things get lost in translations all the time-"
He jerked me closer and I gasped for air, grabbing his wrist to keep my air supply steady and my shirt uninjured.
"You will tell me exactly what you said to her, scurvy cur!" His tone confirmed all suspicions of his eyes' sincerity and I felt compelled to be a bit more honest.
No need to be so quick to be obedient…he had been the one to bring this all about.
"All right," I mumbled, and then cleared my throat, "Plairiez-vous me faites-"
"Pierre," his growl made me freeze up. "In English."
"All right!" I let out a sigh and went mostly limp in his grip again. "I twisted your words and now she thinks she'll either be ravaged or keel hauled. And that these are her last hours. She started to beg for you to let her go or get a ransom from her father."
His eyes narrowed. "You changed my compliments to threats?"
"Basically put, yes."
Sparrow glanced over at the frightened bit of fluff, obviously contemplating his next course of action. Feeling just a bit giddy still, I dared to speak up.
"I could try translatin' again, Cap'n, if ye'd li-"
His glare shut me up and I merely grinned mischievously.
"I can't trust you not to twist my words again. And she won't trust me now…" his tone got as dark as I'd ever heard it. "Get back on deck, and stay out of my sight."
With that, I was roughly dropped and barely landed on my feet, bowing my head and tipping my hat at the fluff, hurrying out the door..
Talk about a close call…but it was oh so much fun…
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Rythmteck: Hope you don't choke on too much more water…though I do enjoy seeing that people like my humor…I always get afraid it's not funny…
KawaiiRyu: Well, thanks again! I do love my compliments…brighten my day, they do. And I'm glad you caught up. *nods* Can't say how often I'll get chapters up, but I do have 16 pages of later scenes waiting to be reached…*sighs* Curse my awful writing habits…if only I could always write chronologically…I'd have so much more up… *shakes her head*
