Jack smiled unconsciously down at his sleeping wife, her arms about his - their daughter. But the smile, and the joy that caused it, were tainted by grief, grief at the loss of one of his oldest friends, and the suffering her husband now faced without her. He glanced at Will, sitting by the bed, his blank expression almost frightening to a man who had never seen him not in the grip of some powerful emotion. This blankness was more alarming than Jack would care to admit. He gripped his friend's shoulder, forcing the younger man to look up at him.
'Are you sure you want to stay here, Will?' he asked. 'It's no trouble to fetch another to watch them.'
A flicker of determination lit up Will's eyes for a moment as he looked up at his friend.
'No, Jack, I'll stay,' he said firmly. 'I want to stay, don't you see?'
Jack did see, nodding in defeat as he loosed his hold on the other captain and moved to leave the room. Will was coping far better than they would have suspected. He had gone to the meadow to spit on Redman's body, and helped to make the coffin they would carry Elizabeth home in, less than an hour after they had discovered her body. Now he was insisting on guarding Marin and the child, refusing to leave them unless Jack was the one who took his place. He did not want his wife to have died in vain. The only thing they had not been able to convince him to do was go aboard the Dragon to see his son. That was the only thing he could not face, not yet.
Jack shut the door quietly, moving to join the men who had stayed with them beside the fire they had built to ward off the coolness of the night. Gibbs rose, forcing his captain to sit as a meal was brought to him. The crew knew that it was times such as these that could break their captain. In the space of one day, he had almost lost both his wife and daughter, and seen one of his best friends killed in defence of them. If he dwelt too long on that, he would never be the same man again.
'When will we return to Port Royale, sir?' Gibbs asked him, watching closely as Jack ate the stew they had given him.
'Not for another few days yet,' Jack told them. 'Marin's not strong enough, and I'm not risking her again.'
'Nor should you, cap'n,' Solomon piped up. 'We'll wait. Gives us a chance to make revenge for what that bastard's put her through again.'
Both crews made sounds of agreement, for they had all insisted on seeing Jack's wife before leaving them in peace, and they had all seen the grief in her eyes, the pain that Elias' death had awakened within her, and Elizabeth's murder had rekindled. But on top of all that, they had also seen the haunting loss that coloured Will's expression, the terrible darkness that had descended upon him following the afternoon, and they knew they would give anything to take it all away, to make things right again.
'There'll be no revenge here,' Jack said firmly, over their grumbles. 'Young Dugan saw to that, and well done it was, too.'
He nodded to the boy kneeling nearby.
'I owe you a great deal, mate.'
Dugan shrugged.
'Marin's my friend,' he said simply. 'I'd die a'fore I'd see her hurt agin.'
Beside him, Hopkins rested a hand on his shoulder, hearing the anger simmering beneath the surface in the boy's voice. Dugan would never forgive himself for letting Redman get so far in his plan, for not being as close as he thought he should have been, and already the guilt had hardened him. Nothing could persuade him of his innocence, and nothing would remove the stain he had awarded himself for his lack of vigilance.
'Well, with any luck, it won't come to that, mate,' Jack told him, offering a smile to the guilt-stricken lad.
'How's Will?' someone asked softly, so hidden in shadow it was impossible to say who had spoken.
Jack's face froze for a moment, before he sighed deeply.
'His wife's just been murdered, how do you think he is?' he said acerbically, holding up his hands to forestall any outraged defence of the question. 'I know, you're all worried about him. I am, too, whether you believe me or not. He needs watching, lads, keeping from doing anything stupid. And young Matthew needs his father, so we've got to help Will snap out of this.'
They sat in silence for long moments, each man with something to say, and yet no courage with which to say it. But, sitting around the captain and knowing he himself must be bursting to speak of it, the someone who found himself possessed of the courage was young Harry. He leant forward eagerly, ignoring Dugan's hiss for him to keep quiet, and spoke.
'What's it like to be a father then, cap'n?' he asked, receiving a thump about his shoulders for his trouble.
It was worth it, though, for the look that crossed Jack's face. It was filled with joy and excitement and love, all for the woman who had borne him a child, and the child herself.
'It's indescribable, mate,' he said softly. 'She's so small and perfect . . . I don't know how I could deserve such a beautiful child. But I suppose I've got a matching set now - beautiful wife, beautiful daughter, eh?'
There was scattered laughter among them, a release of anxiety for many who had worried over Marin and her child since they had been reunited earlier. Gibbs grinned to see his captain so awe-struck, lifting his bottle high.
'A toast,' he offered. 'To the captain's daughter - what's her name?'
Jack's face softened, his eyes darkening for just a moment as he glanced back at the little hut.
'Elizabeth,' he said softly.
The silence that fell on them was reflective, sorrowful, since there could be no doubt of who the child had been named for, and no one could think of a more fitting tribute to the woman who had brought them all together, through her own misfortune and bravery. There was a rustle of cloth, and all heads turned to Michael, the lad who had so narrowly missed being hung that morning. He had been welcomed back with open arms by his crew, and there could be no doubt of his attachment to the young girl who had come to fetch them. Even now, young Savy stood close to him, rising to stand beside him as he raised his cup.
'To Elizabeth,' Michael said quietly, his voice carrying clearly across the gathering. 'To the woman she was, and the woman she'll become.'
Slowly, each man rose from his seat, touched in his own way by this quiet reminder of what had been lost and gained today. They had all known the woman Elizabeth Turner was, and all looked forward to the future, to the woman Elizabeth Sparrow would become. Jack was among the last to rise, his thoughts caught up in his friend's grief and his own joy, and was struck by how much his life was not his own anymore. Anything that affected him affected his crew, and through him, Will and his crew. The Pearl and the Dragon were inexorably linked by bonds of blood, friendship, and love, bonds that could not be broken.
Raising his cup, he looked around at them, his crew, Will's crew, the men who had bound themselves to him and his friend, and had stayed with them through the trials and strife that had come their way over the past year, culminating perhaps in this bittersweet day. Life and death had come together, and he hoped to God that they would not clash again in his lifetime. Nothing could be more terrible than feeling joy when another is suffering in grief.
He sighed softly, placing his hand on Dugan's shoulder and seeing the boy echo his sigh.
'To Elizabeth,' he said, and the words were spoken by all present, spoken, felt, and remembered.
Watching them from the little hut, Will let the tears fall down his cheeks, sobbing in silence for the woman who had made his life so complete for so short a time. He closed the shutters quietly, turning away from the scene in which his dear wife was being remembered so fondly by those who could not have known her as he did, and yet remembered her with as much feeling. His eyes fell on Marin and her daughter where they slept, and a smile crept onto his face. He felt no resentment, nor anger that it was not Marin who had died, as some had thought he might, but just a fierce determination that Jack would not suffer the same loss he had. No one deserved to feel the biting cold of loss as he had.
And as long as he lived, Elizabeth Sparrow would live in safety, to ensure that her namesake was not forgotten.
*~*~*
Ildera: Why do I get the impression that most of you aren't happy with me? It took me a long time to work up the courage to post Chapter 16, you know. Do you think I enjoyed killing her off? The story demanded it, and most of you should know how plotlines get if you ignore them.
Jack: *waving bottle around* Love, can we get on with it?
Ildera: Aw, bless. He wants to get back to his daughter. *picks up reviews* Alright, captain, lets have a crack at this lot.
Jack: PhilosopherCat, who isn't jaded after what 'dera did to us in Doubloon? And I agree, love, Dugan did do us proud.
Ildera: *catches Oreo* Thank you, Lucy. I'll just wait patiently hear until the speechlessness has worn off, shall I?
Jack: I seem to recall a review or two from you, Elentari II. *raises bottle in a toast* Here's to you catching up with us soon!
Ildera: You know, Angel of the Night Watchers, I'm not sure which of those it was myself. But hey, I'm stuck with it now. And I can promise heartache, but there are no more deaths in the pipeline as far as I can see.
Jack: *turns around to catch a snowball full in the face* Phhhpt!
Ildera: *laughing* I see you got the snowing thunderstorm too, Ariandir.
Jack: *wiping face* Bloody hell, love, that's cold!
Ildera: Oh, don't be such a baby, it's just snow. *back to review* Oh, Arian, I'm sorry I can't bring her back. You'll see what I mean later when I say now that she doesn't fit anymore. Okay?
Jack: Unexpected but good, Storm13 says . . . good characterisation . . . emotional impact . . .
Ildera: Jack, you're supposed to answer to the review, not summarise it.
Jack: *glances up at her* Ah. Well, I'm sure 'dera will be pleased to hear that not everyone hates her for what she's done . . .
Ildera: And your sanity's safe with me!
Jack: Kai-Sparrow . . . you'd be new, would you? I agree, 'dera does have an evil streak, but it doesn't get aired very often. And you don't talk too much, trust me. We like rambling reviews. *grin*
Ildera: *rushes towards emma436, ready to slap her on the back* Are you alright there? Oh, just shock then. Thank you for the lovely compliment, it made me feel all warm inside. And was this soon enough for you? *hug*
Jack: *draws cutlass and stands protectively in front of 'dera* Sparrow's Pearl, you put that down right now. 'Dera's been more than kind to you lot, and this is how you repay her, with threats and intimidation? It wasn't easy for her to do it, you know.
Ildera: Jack, it's alright. SP's plank and I go way back.
Jack: Sure, love?
Ildera: Positive. *hands him review* Answer this one for me, would you?
Jack: *bows* With pleasure, love. Dell-Doo, my dear, how are you? I see the medication still isn't having any effect . . . I don't believe a pirate with the name Marvin Harvey would last long enough to get to the Caribbean, let alone survive one of 'dera's plotbunnies long enough to let himself be killed.
Ildera: Dryandra - well, yes. And to the other question, yes, I did. I was wondering how many people would notice, and it was only you! *hands over virtual Black Pearl* Be careful with it, it's one of only four that I've given out.
Jack: *sigh* I've found another plank, 'dera.
Ildera: *glances up* Oh, hello, Savy.
Jack: Nothing to worry about then. She died with honour, love, that's all. And I will be sure to pass your congratulations on to my wife, thank you.
Ildera: *cowers behind table while Lady Quinn rants* Elizabeth was one of my favourites too! And Will is more than capable of looking after his own son, thank God.
Jack: Druidan54, why would you want to manage your anger? I personally channel it into getting drunk and that seems to work just fine, don't you think?
Ildera: Oh, so our mysterious 'The Lady' has revealed herself. Welcome on board once more, Lady Skywalker. You're right, the chapter was a bit choppy, but it was bloody difficult to write. And you're not angry with me! *falls down and kisses Lady Skywalker's feet*
Jack: *ahem* Moving swiftly onwards . . . last but not least, MarsMoonStar. Many thanks from all. *glances at where 'dera's still hanging onto LS's boots* I think I should take her away before she does herself damage. Drink up, me hearties!
'Are you sure you want to stay here, Will?' he asked. 'It's no trouble to fetch another to watch them.'
A flicker of determination lit up Will's eyes for a moment as he looked up at his friend.
'No, Jack, I'll stay,' he said firmly. 'I want to stay, don't you see?'
Jack did see, nodding in defeat as he loosed his hold on the other captain and moved to leave the room. Will was coping far better than they would have suspected. He had gone to the meadow to spit on Redman's body, and helped to make the coffin they would carry Elizabeth home in, less than an hour after they had discovered her body. Now he was insisting on guarding Marin and the child, refusing to leave them unless Jack was the one who took his place. He did not want his wife to have died in vain. The only thing they had not been able to convince him to do was go aboard the Dragon to see his son. That was the only thing he could not face, not yet.
Jack shut the door quietly, moving to join the men who had stayed with them beside the fire they had built to ward off the coolness of the night. Gibbs rose, forcing his captain to sit as a meal was brought to him. The crew knew that it was times such as these that could break their captain. In the space of one day, he had almost lost both his wife and daughter, and seen one of his best friends killed in defence of them. If he dwelt too long on that, he would never be the same man again.
'When will we return to Port Royale, sir?' Gibbs asked him, watching closely as Jack ate the stew they had given him.
'Not for another few days yet,' Jack told them. 'Marin's not strong enough, and I'm not risking her again.'
'Nor should you, cap'n,' Solomon piped up. 'We'll wait. Gives us a chance to make revenge for what that bastard's put her through again.'
Both crews made sounds of agreement, for they had all insisted on seeing Jack's wife before leaving them in peace, and they had all seen the grief in her eyes, the pain that Elias' death had awakened within her, and Elizabeth's murder had rekindled. But on top of all that, they had also seen the haunting loss that coloured Will's expression, the terrible darkness that had descended upon him following the afternoon, and they knew they would give anything to take it all away, to make things right again.
'There'll be no revenge here,' Jack said firmly, over their grumbles. 'Young Dugan saw to that, and well done it was, too.'
He nodded to the boy kneeling nearby.
'I owe you a great deal, mate.'
Dugan shrugged.
'Marin's my friend,' he said simply. 'I'd die a'fore I'd see her hurt agin.'
Beside him, Hopkins rested a hand on his shoulder, hearing the anger simmering beneath the surface in the boy's voice. Dugan would never forgive himself for letting Redman get so far in his plan, for not being as close as he thought he should have been, and already the guilt had hardened him. Nothing could persuade him of his innocence, and nothing would remove the stain he had awarded himself for his lack of vigilance.
'Well, with any luck, it won't come to that, mate,' Jack told him, offering a smile to the guilt-stricken lad.
'How's Will?' someone asked softly, so hidden in shadow it was impossible to say who had spoken.
Jack's face froze for a moment, before he sighed deeply.
'His wife's just been murdered, how do you think he is?' he said acerbically, holding up his hands to forestall any outraged defence of the question. 'I know, you're all worried about him. I am, too, whether you believe me or not. He needs watching, lads, keeping from doing anything stupid. And young Matthew needs his father, so we've got to help Will snap out of this.'
They sat in silence for long moments, each man with something to say, and yet no courage with which to say it. But, sitting around the captain and knowing he himself must be bursting to speak of it, the someone who found himself possessed of the courage was young Harry. He leant forward eagerly, ignoring Dugan's hiss for him to keep quiet, and spoke.
'What's it like to be a father then, cap'n?' he asked, receiving a thump about his shoulders for his trouble.
It was worth it, though, for the look that crossed Jack's face. It was filled with joy and excitement and love, all for the woman who had borne him a child, and the child herself.
'It's indescribable, mate,' he said softly. 'She's so small and perfect . . . I don't know how I could deserve such a beautiful child. But I suppose I've got a matching set now - beautiful wife, beautiful daughter, eh?'
There was scattered laughter among them, a release of anxiety for many who had worried over Marin and her child since they had been reunited earlier. Gibbs grinned to see his captain so awe-struck, lifting his bottle high.
'A toast,' he offered. 'To the captain's daughter - what's her name?'
Jack's face softened, his eyes darkening for just a moment as he glanced back at the little hut.
'Elizabeth,' he said softly.
The silence that fell on them was reflective, sorrowful, since there could be no doubt of who the child had been named for, and no one could think of a more fitting tribute to the woman who had brought them all together, through her own misfortune and bravery. There was a rustle of cloth, and all heads turned to Michael, the lad who had so narrowly missed being hung that morning. He had been welcomed back with open arms by his crew, and there could be no doubt of his attachment to the young girl who had come to fetch them. Even now, young Savy stood close to him, rising to stand beside him as he raised his cup.
'To Elizabeth,' Michael said quietly, his voice carrying clearly across the gathering. 'To the woman she was, and the woman she'll become.'
Slowly, each man rose from his seat, touched in his own way by this quiet reminder of what had been lost and gained today. They had all known the woman Elizabeth Turner was, and all looked forward to the future, to the woman Elizabeth Sparrow would become. Jack was among the last to rise, his thoughts caught up in his friend's grief and his own joy, and was struck by how much his life was not his own anymore. Anything that affected him affected his crew, and through him, Will and his crew. The Pearl and the Dragon were inexorably linked by bonds of blood, friendship, and love, bonds that could not be broken.
Raising his cup, he looked around at them, his crew, Will's crew, the men who had bound themselves to him and his friend, and had stayed with them through the trials and strife that had come their way over the past year, culminating perhaps in this bittersweet day. Life and death had come together, and he hoped to God that they would not clash again in his lifetime. Nothing could be more terrible than feeling joy when another is suffering in grief.
He sighed softly, placing his hand on Dugan's shoulder and seeing the boy echo his sigh.
'To Elizabeth,' he said, and the words were spoken by all present, spoken, felt, and remembered.
Watching them from the little hut, Will let the tears fall down his cheeks, sobbing in silence for the woman who had made his life so complete for so short a time. He closed the shutters quietly, turning away from the scene in which his dear wife was being remembered so fondly by those who could not have known her as he did, and yet remembered her with as much feeling. His eyes fell on Marin and her daughter where they slept, and a smile crept onto his face. He felt no resentment, nor anger that it was not Marin who had died, as some had thought he might, but just a fierce determination that Jack would not suffer the same loss he had. No one deserved to feel the biting cold of loss as he had.
And as long as he lived, Elizabeth Sparrow would live in safety, to ensure that her namesake was not forgotten.
*~*~*
Ildera: Why do I get the impression that most of you aren't happy with me? It took me a long time to work up the courage to post Chapter 16, you know. Do you think I enjoyed killing her off? The story demanded it, and most of you should know how plotlines get if you ignore them.
Jack: *waving bottle around* Love, can we get on with it?
Ildera: Aw, bless. He wants to get back to his daughter. *picks up reviews* Alright, captain, lets have a crack at this lot.
Jack: PhilosopherCat, who isn't jaded after what 'dera did to us in Doubloon? And I agree, love, Dugan did do us proud.
Ildera: *catches Oreo* Thank you, Lucy. I'll just wait patiently hear until the speechlessness has worn off, shall I?
Jack: I seem to recall a review or two from you, Elentari II. *raises bottle in a toast* Here's to you catching up with us soon!
Ildera: You know, Angel of the Night Watchers, I'm not sure which of those it was myself. But hey, I'm stuck with it now. And I can promise heartache, but there are no more deaths in the pipeline as far as I can see.
Jack: *turns around to catch a snowball full in the face* Phhhpt!
Ildera: *laughing* I see you got the snowing thunderstorm too, Ariandir.
Jack: *wiping face* Bloody hell, love, that's cold!
Ildera: Oh, don't be such a baby, it's just snow. *back to review* Oh, Arian, I'm sorry I can't bring her back. You'll see what I mean later when I say now that she doesn't fit anymore. Okay?
Jack: Unexpected but good, Storm13 says . . . good characterisation . . . emotional impact . . .
Ildera: Jack, you're supposed to answer to the review, not summarise it.
Jack: *glances up at her* Ah. Well, I'm sure 'dera will be pleased to hear that not everyone hates her for what she's done . . .
Ildera: And your sanity's safe with me!
Jack: Kai-Sparrow . . . you'd be new, would you? I agree, 'dera does have an evil streak, but it doesn't get aired very often. And you don't talk too much, trust me. We like rambling reviews. *grin*
Ildera: *rushes towards emma436, ready to slap her on the back* Are you alright there? Oh, just shock then. Thank you for the lovely compliment, it made me feel all warm inside. And was this soon enough for you? *hug*
Jack: *draws cutlass and stands protectively in front of 'dera* Sparrow's Pearl, you put that down right now. 'Dera's been more than kind to you lot, and this is how you repay her, with threats and intimidation? It wasn't easy for her to do it, you know.
Ildera: Jack, it's alright. SP's plank and I go way back.
Jack: Sure, love?
Ildera: Positive. *hands him review* Answer this one for me, would you?
Jack: *bows* With pleasure, love. Dell-Doo, my dear, how are you? I see the medication still isn't having any effect . . . I don't believe a pirate with the name Marvin Harvey would last long enough to get to the Caribbean, let alone survive one of 'dera's plotbunnies long enough to let himself be killed.
Ildera: Dryandra - well, yes. And to the other question, yes, I did. I was wondering how many people would notice, and it was only you! *hands over virtual Black Pearl* Be careful with it, it's one of only four that I've given out.
Jack: *sigh* I've found another plank, 'dera.
Ildera: *glances up* Oh, hello, Savy.
Jack: Nothing to worry about then. She died with honour, love, that's all. And I will be sure to pass your congratulations on to my wife, thank you.
Ildera: *cowers behind table while Lady Quinn rants* Elizabeth was one of my favourites too! And Will is more than capable of looking after his own son, thank God.
Jack: Druidan54, why would you want to manage your anger? I personally channel it into getting drunk and that seems to work just fine, don't you think?
Ildera: Oh, so our mysterious 'The Lady' has revealed herself. Welcome on board once more, Lady Skywalker. You're right, the chapter was a bit choppy, but it was bloody difficult to write. And you're not angry with me! *falls down and kisses Lady Skywalker's feet*
Jack: *ahem* Moving swiftly onwards . . . last but not least, MarsMoonStar. Many thanks from all. *glances at where 'dera's still hanging onto LS's boots* I think I should take her away before she does herself damage. Drink up, me hearties!