Disclaimer: If I really owned it, I wouldn't have to worry about money for the rest of my life. Put simply: I worry. Thus, I don't own it. ;)
Chapter 12
The last two days had been a whirlwind of activity, it seemed, while the Dauntless was readied for patrol. From his current position on the quarterdeck, James could see the lines of marines and sailors alike moving the remaining goods to the boats that would transfer those supplies to the ship. A few of those men carried belongings and were the last of those who would stay aboard tonight.
They would depart early tomorrow, with the morning tide.
It was refreshing and relaxing to be here, near the mouth of the bay with the familiar breeze unhindered by the obstructions of the town and the gentle rocking of the ship beneath his feet. Not even the sweltering sun baking everything above deck could dampen his spirit at this moment. It was this feeling he had missed most after Commodore McDonald had been killed.
He glanced up as yet another barrel flew over the ship's rail, another boat having arrived with more supplies. "Careful, Men. Easy. Easy," Gillette directed. Seeing that the lieutenant had things well in hand, James returned to his study of the manifest and crew roster. Using the bit of charcoal in his hand, he placed a small mark next to the word rum. All that was left of importance, really, was the water, and it was due to be rowed out soon.
Enjoyable and wonderful as it was to be out in the fresh, open air, the day had been fairly tedious as well. Standing here now was a welcome change after having spent most of yesterday and this morning briefing Roger Teasdale of the Admiralty's most recent dispatches, the findings of the other patrols, as well as any basic matters concerning the fort. Not to mention the last month or so of being cooped up in his office. He wouldn't have traded his current duties for anything.
Or rather he wouldn't have until two weeks ago—when Lily had arrived.
James now found himself in quite the predicament. While he longed to go back out on patrol; to have a change in what calculations ran constantly through his mind, in what he did moment to moment and what matters were of the utmost importance, he wished he could stay here with Lily as well. She was proving to be a very soothing balm for his now often-aching soul.
In the past, the patrols had given him something more tangible in ensuring the safety of the king's subjects under his protection. When he stopped a crew of pirates from attacking another ship, it gave him such an immense feeling of satisfaction. A feeling that he was useful; worth something. He had always left port anticipating that sensation.
But no more—or rather leaving wasn't the same as it once was.
The desire to stay with Lily was nearly overwhelming. Especially after her nightmare not more than four days past. Though they had diminished in comparison to that night, the nightmares were, by no means, back to the mild, nearly non-existent level as before. They now woke her up every night, and he feared for her during his absence. He had spent the last few nights with little sleep.
James glanced back down at the manifest, checking off a few more of the less important items that had just arrived. It appeared that the last boats were on their way and after he finished a few things after, he would be free for one last evening with Lily until he returned in two week's time. He triple-checked the crew roster, familiarizing himself with the names, as several were new; replacing those currently in the infirmary or having been killed in some of the small fights encountered during and since the last patrol.
"The last of the supplies are aboard, Sir," Gillette said as James finished going over the list for the final time.
"Thank you, Lieutenant," he replied, snapping the thin book closed.
"Off home, Sir?"
"Yes, just as soon as I put a few things away and check on everything one last time tonight." He paused, glancing over at the younger man before lowering his voice slightly. "Will you be well enough as officer of the watch after being awake all day?"
"I shall be perfectly well. My watch is the early morning one. I imagine I'll be able to find a few hours of sleep to last until tomorrow night."
"I imagine you shall. You always did sleep a little less than most," James replied as he made his way down into the main hold.
"You, however, have limited hours left with Lily until you return. I would take advantage if I were you."
"I will. This will not take long, but it is my duty." James then made a quick tour of the ship, making certain everything was in its proper place and that there was nothing missing despite being checked off upon arriving aboard ship. The galley was spotless, everything put away and scrubbed clean, the gunpowder and ammunition for everything from cannon to pistol were in their proper lockers, and new rigging supplies and spare sails and spars had been replaced where needed.
James then made his way to his cabin. He saw that Cecil had already sent his things, as he found his small sea chest sat at the end of the narrow bunk. The ship's log sat closed in the middle of his desk. He made a quick entry for today, then placed it and the manifest in the drawer and locked it. Everything else appeared to be in order, so he backed out of the cabin to make his way to the boat waiting to take him back to shore.
Once on solid ground, he headed straight for home, not bothering to stop by the fort. It was a standing arrangement between Teasdale and himself that the captain would begin filling in the day before James left in case he had any further questions or concerns.
Stepping through the gates at home, he noticed Mary Kate's horse was tethered at the end of the front walk. Approaching the house, he swept his gaze around the grounds, only to catch sight of two spots of white in the lawn beneath the sturdy shade tree at the southern wall. Curious, he stepped forward in that direction.
"And do you see that man's tiny, shuffling pace, Lily?" he heard Mary Kate say. He followed the sound of her voice, coming, strangely enough, from above his head. He looked up, his heart nearly stopping altogether, to see them both sitting in the mid-level branches near the trunk of the tree. Catching sight of the fact that Mary Kate held onto both Lily and the tree in secure grips, he forced himself to relax.
"Mmhmm."
"He is on his way to the seamstress to retrieve his wife's hideous, expensive dress."
"An' that's why he's walking like he's naughty?" James had to stifle his threatening laughter. It wouldn't do to startle them out of the tree.
"It is. Now it is your turn again."
James looked back up to see Lily point out beyond the wall. "She's sneaking sweet bread."
"Is she?" Mary Kate asked.
"Mmhmm. Her papa eats all hers an' she has to sneak it so she can eat some too." James started at that, wondering if she thought that of him or if it was yet another thing that had been common in her previous home. He thought the latter more likely. "Is that that man that was with that 'Lizabeth lady?"
Mary Kate's gaze moved in the indicated direction. "It is. He is that 'Lizabeth lady's husband and is the blacksmith."
"But he can't be, Mary Kate. He doesn't look like Emmie's son."
"What do you mean?"
"Emmie's son has really big arms an' legs an' is just big all over. He's small."
"I suppose not everyone is the same."
"Can I ride Starlight again?"
Mary Kate chuckled. "If you wish it. To return to the ground, however, we will need to be even more careful than when we climbed up."
"What do we do first?"
"Well, first I am going to move out a little ways, then begin helping you down. You need to hold very tight to the tree, do you understand?"
"Mmhmm," she acknowledged, being very still as Mary Kate maneuvered herself into a proper position while keeping a secure hold to the tree. James watched, anxious, as Lily was helped into position directly in front of Mary Kate. Lily looked down and locked eyes with him. "James!"
He smiled, but immediately stepped forward in alarm as Mary Kate startled and nearly lost her balance and grip on the tree. "Are you all right?" he called up to her.
"Yes." She readjusted her position so she could help Lily further down. "Yes, no need to worry now. All is well." She helped Lily climb down a short distance, taking care to stay directly behind her, much as he had on the Dauntless. "How long have you been standing there?"
James smiled, amused. "Since the man with the small, naughty-like steps on his way to retrieve the hideous dress for his wife."
"Dear heavens!" she cried as she and Lily continued down toward the ground. "And you didn't say anything?"
"And miss out on what tales you might have told?" he asked innocently. "I think not."
Now close enough to him, Lily ducked out from Mary Kate's protection. James, seeing her intention, extended his arms to catch her as she half-jumped, half-dropped in his direction. "Is my Nathan with you?"
"Not today, Lily. I'm afraid he had to stay aboard the ship tonight to help make certain all is ready in the morning."
"Do you really have to go tomorrow?" she asked forlornly.
"I do, Lily, as much as I hate to. You wouldn't want pirates or anyone else to hurt someone like Captain Henderson, would you?"
"No."
"I didn't think so."
Mary Kate dropped to the ground, then, and James turned around while she pulled her stockings and riding boots back on. "Would you still like to ride Starlight?" she asked once she finished. James turned back around to face her.
"Yes, please." She squirmed to be set down.
"If that is all right with you, James?" Mary Kate asked.
"It is." James set Lily down, but kept hold of her hand, stooping to gather her shoes and stockings. "Just as soon as I put her shoes back on," he said, sitting down on a nearby garden bench. He lifted Lily into his lap and quickly pulled her stockings over her feet.
"You said just my shoes," Lily pointed out.
James couldn't help but smile. "I did, but one must have stockings on before they can put their shoes on."
"Why?"
"It is just the order of things," he replied, failing to stifle a smile as he glanced up at Mary Kate.
"Why?"
"It just is, Little Dove." His tone was solemn, though he wanted nothing more than to laugh. "We can only accept and abide by it.""That sounds silly," she said.
"Silly or not, that is the way of things," he said, finishing with the last buckle. The second he relinquished her foot, she squirmed down and grabbed his hand, tugging him to his feet.
"Which would you prefer, James? That one of us ride with her, or that she ride by herself with me leading?"
He thought about it, not protesting the arrangement of her leading. Starlight wasn't exactly fond of him. He doubted if the horse would allow him to ride, though it was possible. "Which ever Lily would prefer. Though if she chooses to ride by herself, I will be walking alongside her," he finally replied as they neared the horse.
"I can go by myself?"
"If you wish to, yes," Mary Kate answered.
"Is that what you wish to do?" he asked.
Lily gazed up at him, a delighted smile growing on her face. "Yes, please."
They came to a stop, Mary Kate by Starlight's head, and James and Lily along his side. "Up you go," he said as he lifted her up into the saddle. Mary Kate, having untied the horse from the hitching ring, threw the reins back over his head to Lily. James helped her get a proper hold on them, giving the horse enough slack to prevent discomfort. "Hold on tight, Lily."
Once she was settled, Mary Kate began leading them all around the grounds. James stayed close to Lily's side in case she started sliding or losing her balance. He doubted she would need any help, though. She appeared to be doing very well on her own.
"You said Nathan is staying aboard the Dauntless tonight?" Mary Kate asked as they began the second rotation around the house.
"He is. He will be officer of the watch early in the morning when I arrive."
"Do- do you expect any trouble?" There seemed to be a new tone in her voice as she asked this, though it was obvious that she worried for Gillette and himself, along with the rest of the men. Yet something perked his interest about that tone… He forced himself to dismiss it. He was probably only imagining things in any case.
"No more than usual," he answered, returning his attention to more immediate concerns. "I expect it shall be quite routine."
"Routine or not, please be careful, James."
"I will," he promised as she pulled the horse to a stop. James took that as his cue to help Lily from the saddle. She had been strangely quiet as she rode, seemingly content enough to let the two adults speak as they would. She refused to be placed on the ground, though, and clung tightly to his neck. He stepped back as Mary Kate came around to mount. She paused, catching his gaze.
"I mean it, James," Mary Kate said softly. "I do worry."
"I know you do, Mary Kate. I promise you I will take the utmost care to return unharmed." He hugged Lily a little closer as she tensed. This topic was likely beginning to distress her.
"Thank you. I know that is not a guarantee, but I do thank you nonetheless." She turned then, and pulled herself up into the saddle. She seemed to perch precariously, sitting sidesaddle as she was, but she did so with the ease of an accomplished rider. She had riding dresses, designed to accommodate such an activity in any case, her current one the dusk-grey one she seemed to favor, that kept her skirts out of the way. He would rather see a woman riding in this manner than that of a man, though. "I wish you both a pleasant evening."
"Thank you. I wish you and your household one as well," he answered.
Mary Kate nodded, a warm smile gracing her features. "Good bye, James, Lily."
"Good bye, Mary Kate. Have a safe trip home."
"Goo'bye, Mary Kate."
With one last smile, she wheeled her horse around and made her way out the gates. James and Lily watched until she was beyond their line of sight, then headed indoors. The early evening sun was sinking fast, and he intended to make the most of what time was left. "What would you like to do tonight, Lily?"
"Can we play Navy and Pirates?"
" 'Navy and Pirates'?" he asked, wondering how she might have come up with such an idea. "And who would be which side?"
"You will help me be the Navy."
"And who would be the Pirates?"
"Mister Jacob and Mister Cecil?"
"They might be willing, but Jacob has supper to take care of. Cecil might, but you would need to ask him."
"What if you just showed me what you do on your boat?" She sniffled, rubbing at her nose with the side of her fist.
"Here," he said, pulling out a handkerchief. "Let's not use our fist as our handkerchief, hmm?" He then helped her blow her nose, wondering how such a small nose could go through so many in so little time.
"Sorry," she murmured.
"You've no need to apologize, Lily. I just can't imagine you would enjoy having such…things…on your hands."
"Are you two hungry?" Jacob asked from the doorway. "Supper's ready."
"Do I have to go to bed now?" Lily asked some hours later after their supper, though she yawned mightily.
James chuckled, tapping the tip of her nose. "Yes, you do. Especially if that yawn is any indication. Why, one might think you mean to catch seagulls with a yawn like that."
"But I'm not…sleepy," she answered around another yawn.
"I know you aren't, Lily. You never are."
"Am too." She clutched at his shirt as she lost her balance for brief instant when she rubbed at her eyes. He had shed some of the outer layers of his uniform to play Navy and Pirates on the floor after supper.
"Are you? When?"
"When you get me up in the mornings."
Amused, he gave her a smile and started up the stairs. "Would you rather I leave you to sleep?"
Lily yawned again. "No. Mary Kate has been coming to see me an' she lets me ride a horse."
"You like the horses, don't you?"
"Mmhmm. 'Specially Starlight."
He pushed her door open. "Oh? And why is that, exactly?"
"He's funny. He nips at Mister Arthur an' Mister Thomas." James smiled wryly. That particular horse nipped at him as well on most occasions—but then Mary Kate's stallion tried to bite nearly everyone. Perhaps if he were to bribe the animal with an apple… "But he doesn't nip at me or Nathan or Mary Kate."
"So I've noticed," he replied as he set her down on the bed. He then went to her wardrobe to get her a nightgown. "Which story would you like tonight?"
"Can I hear about the mermaid an' the Good Captain?"
James snapped his gaze back to the child sitting so innocently in the middle of her now-messy covers. "Where did you hear about mermaids?"
Lily simply gazed at him. "Nathan."
I should have known. I'm going to have to speak with him about that. "Lily, I don't think mermaids are appropriate for a bedtime story," he said. "What else would you like to hear?"
"The one with the boat an' animals," she answered. "Oh can I have the one Mary Kate stitched for me?"
"You may. Which one?"
"The sea birds one."
He nodded, shifting through her various nightgowns a bit before he found the one in question. He returned to the bed and sat down as close to Lily as he could. He quickly worked her shoes off, followed by the rest of her clothes of the day. He slipped the nightgown over her head, taking care that she didn't get tangled up in her efforts to find her sleeves.
Once her buttons were secure, he straightened and drew the covers back and waited for her to settle in for the night. He made sure Ink was present and able to peek out as he drew the covers back over her. "Are you comfortable?"
Lily twisted around and wriggled until she faced him more fully. "Mmhmm."
James nodded. "Long ago, the world was filled with people whom God saw had become very wicked."
"Like pirates?"
"Yes, only they were a little worse than pirates."
"Worse than pirates?" she asked, her eyes wide.
"Yes, they were worse, but there was one man not like the rest. This man was much nicer and more kind than everyone else. His name was Noah…
"…and to show that he would keep his promise, God set a rainbow in the sky for all to see," James finished. He looked down to see Lily was fast asleep. He placed a light kiss on her temple, then carefully slid further down to rest his head on some of her pillows. He reached over and brushed some of her curls out of her face, watching her sleep, his own eyes drooping shut.
He opened them to a gentle hand on his shoulder. "Come, Sir, you best get ready to go."
Confused, he eased himself up a little and looked around. "What time is it?" he asked. Surely he hadn't fallen asleep. He'd just finished telling Lily a story. Hadn't he? He glanced at the window, but that was useless. It was dark when he'd finished the story and it was dark now.
"Between four and five, Sir. You asked that I always wake you earlier on patrol mornings."
"Yes. Yes, of course," he said, easing off the bed, as he wasn't quite ready to wake Lily. He stretched as he walked to the door, brushing an offending lock of hair out of his face. He had to readjust his course after a few steps, however, to avoid walking into the doorframe.
He couldn't figure out why he felt so exhausted this morning. He was normally more alert of his surroundings at the very least. He hoped it wouldn't be so while he was out at sea. He knew very well that one tiny mistake made while wasn't alert could easily cost a man his life.
He dressed quickly, then returned to Lily's room to wake her and help her get ready as well. She woke easily, as she typically did, though she was also still quite sleepy. He allowed her to pick her dress out for the day—which turned out to be one of a dark sky-blue color with matching satin ribbons and bows around her sleeves, hem and collar. Her favorite, and the one he'd known she would pick since it was available to her.
Once she was dressed and ready, they went down for breakfast. She appeared to have forgotten that he was leaving today, because she was acting as she did every other morning. Chattering about this and that and what she would do today. After eating, they walked to the foyer where Cecil was waiting with what very few things he still needed for patrol, along with a cloak for Lily. When they had seen Thomas and the Gallant off, she had complained of being cold and he wasn't about to let her suffer the slight chill again.
They arrived at the docks shortly after. Fastening her cloak had reminded Lily of his imminent departure, and she had been all tears since then. He had opted to carry her himself, just to give her that extra amount of contact. James waited until the last possible moment to set her down. Unexpectedly, he found it hard to speak as he knelt before her. "Be good for Jacob and Cecil while I'm gone, Lily. I should return in two weeks." He glanced up at his two servants, then back down to Lily. "I'll see you then."
Lily gazed at him, tears running down her cheeks. She didn't cry out, however, and he wasn't sure he would've been able to handle it if she had. He slipped a handkerchief out and wiped the tears away, though he knew it wouldn't do any good. He did what he could, though, then pressed it into her small hand, which clenched it very tightly. "You promise you'll come back, right?"
"I promise I will do everything in my power to return to you, Little Dove."
Lily nodded. He gave her one last hug, pressed a kiss to her forehead, then stood and began walking to the barge that would carry him to the Dauntless. "Be careful, Papa James," she sniffled.
He stopped short, stunned, and whirled around to face her once more, a broad—if slightly watery—smile spreading across his face. "I will, Lily. That I can indeed promise you."
Love it? Hate it? I'd really like to know!
Author's Responses: To Cestrel, Crystabel Took, …, smalldiver and Coffee Luv and MORT I'd like to extend a belated welcome. I didn't exactly do so before, and for that, I apologize, but welcome you nonetheless. Welcome also to BlackJackSilver, Quiet One, and oi-oi-oi.
Keindra, Moonbeam – Thank you for your wonderful comments! As for James and Mary Kate, as ever, I'm afraid I'm going to remain tight-lipped on this. I'm sorry to disappoint.
Smalldiver – I'm glad you're enjoying this! I rather like her nightgowns myself. :p As for the bit with Mary Kate and Arthur, well, let's just say it's a bit of back-story that should definitely come out in the story that this one decided to branch off of if it doesn't come out in the later chapters of this one…
Erica Dawn – Thanks for the review! I'm trying really hard not to let my dislike for Will and Elizabeth affect how I write them…really I am.
Eledhwen – Thank you for your reviews! In answer to your concern about Will, he had drawn his sword downstairs. I'm sorry if I hadn't made that clear. He'd forgotten he had it out and in hand when he ran into her room expecting to see a possible intruder. Don't worry about late responses, either. I don't mind when they show up. I just like to know what people think and how I can improve. :p
Myself – Thank you for all your wonderful comments! I agree with your comment about Norrington being unappreciated, too. There just aren't enough good stories with him in them.
oi-oi-oi – [blushes] Thank you. Personally, I can't say as I like Will and Elizabeth all that much. I personally tend to see Will as one who doesn't really think before he acts. He's rash and impulsive, from what I've seen and I just don't see what the big deal is about him or Bloom. The guy can't act. As for Elizabeth, I see her as manipulative and actually kind of selfish and maybe a bit mean. That's just me, though. I am trying to be at least a little nice when I write them, though. As for Lily's back-story and her father, it's all in my head, just waiting to be written. And it will be written. I haven't really thought about if she's heard of Jack yet. And I am trying to figure out something to try and publish, as well. I've just been trying to figure out a plausible storyline and stuff (which is hard when all my mind wants to focus on is fanfiction :p ).
Cestrel, …, Carmen Riviera, Crystabel Took, Dazzler420, Coffee Luv and MORT, Jaina Kenobi, jigglykat, cheska21, nobodyinparticular, BlackJackSilver, and last, but not least, Quiet One – Thank you all for your lovely, enthusiastic comments! I truly appreciate them and love hearing what your opinions are.
To anyone lurking, I'm glad you're reading!
Again, thank you all for your wonderful comments! I'm glad this story is good enough for you to keep returning! :p
Take care, and I'll see you all next weekend!
- Gaeruil