Disclaimer: I do not own anything related to the movie . . . but the ones
that are not in this story are mine!!! (
~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~
Chapter 5: Aboard the Black Pearl
(I'm saving the next stanza of the song for the next chapter)
~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~
The sun was setting in the horizon. The clear blue waters of the sea were glittering, dancing, as the last rays of the setting sun hit them. The sound of seagulls and the crashing of the waves mingled, making a much more beautiful music compared to any musical instrument. This was indeed a sight to behold.
Elisse was caught in a trance, staring out into the horizon. Watching the sunset was one thing she appreciated most in her life. She leaned back, resting her head on Jack's chest. He, on the other hand had his arms wrapped around her securely. There was a sense of perfection in that moment. For once, Elisse had felt contented.
"Ye know what, luv? Ye warmed up to me sooner than I expected."
Elisse was snapped out of her trance. For the first time, she noticed their position and how close they were to each other. She suddenly pulled away and stood up. She stepped back to place a safe distance between her and Jack. She took in her surroundings and realized that she was on the docks of Port Royal. She had been overcome by her emotions and ran blindly through the streets. She had not known where her feet had taken her. Not until now. Her feet took her there, where she felt most comfortable.
"Luv? Are ye alright?" Jack asked, now on his feet.
This caused her to jerk her attention back to him, eyeing him warily. She did not expect him to harm her but she wanted to stay as far as she could, not wanting a repeat performance of what happened earlier that day when he had almost kissed her and what happened just moments ago.
"Jack . . . I think I need to be on my way. It's getting dark." She had turned halfway when she added, "Thank you for the shoulder, by the way."
"No problem, luv. But it seems to me that it's more like me chest you were cryin' on and not me shoulder. Me shirt's soaked!"
"I'm so sorry about that." She replied in a whisper, her eyes revealing her sincerity.
"Not to worry, luv. I was jus' playin' around." Jack replied with a chuckle.
"If you're finished with your silly jokes, Jack, I'll be heading home." Elisse said, annoyed that she was being played around with.
"Home? The Pearl will be sailin' afore dawn tomorrow. Would ye not like to go aboard me ship now?"
"There are some things that I need to bring with me, Jack. After I have done the things that I need to do before I go, I will be boarding your ship."
"Alright. But ye be back 'ere before dawn, savvy? We won't be waitin' for ye."
"Aye, aye, Captain. I will be back before dawn." Elisse answered with a sigh of both irritation and weariness.
Elisse turned and started to walk away when Jack spoke again. She turned to look at him.
"Don't ye want me to walk ye home, luv?"
"There's no need, Jack. I would be fine, thank you." She replied and was about to turn around when again, Jack spoke up.
"Oh, luv! I have sumthin' of yers. Just thought ye might want it back."
"And what would that be?"
Jack reached into the pocket of his coat and pulled out a book. Elisse recognized it immediately as the book she had gotten from Mr. Scott and wondered how he got it. As if reading her mind, Jack explained.
"Ye dropped it earlier this mornin' when those two gents came to pick ye up."
He walked, more like swaggered over to her and handed her the book. All the while, Elisse stood there, staring at the object Jack was holding. When he handed it to her, she slowly took it from his hand and into her own.
"Thank you for keeping it for me. I really appreciate it."
"Are ye sure ye don't want me to walk ye home?"
"Yes, Jack, I'm quite sure."
With that, Elisse turned and walked away. Jack's eyes followed her until she had turned around the corner. She was fully aware of what he was doing for she felt him watching her every move as she walked up the cobblestone street.
When she had reached the gates of her house, Elisse slowly and reluctantly walked in. She was not fully ready to face her parents because of the earlier events of that day. They kept her betrothal to Frederick from her, which she had every right to know. She felt a grudge against her parents at that very moment, and could only wish that they were not yet at home so she could pack her things and leave without making a fuss. Luckily, they were still out.
Elisse went straight to her room. She packed the things that she needed in a pillowcase. A nightgown, a couple of dresses, a hairbrush, and of course, her book. She was halfway to the door when she realized something was amiss. She did not want to leave without her parents knowing the reason and think that a pirate had abducted her for her sudden disappearance.
She put down the pillowcase containing her things and went to her table. She opened a drawer and pulled out a piece of paper. She began scribbling down with her quill. A few minutes later, she was through writing her letter. She placed it in an envelope and sealed it. She stared at it for a moment and tears began to fill her eyes. Leaving the place that she had called home for 22 years was no easy task. She tried to blink back the tears but a few escaped and fell on the object she was holding, making marks on the envelope in her hand.
Elisse hurriedly wiped the tears away. This was no time to get emotional. Her parents would be home anytime soon and she had to get going. She placed the envelope on her pillow. She walked slowly to the door, taking in her surroundings for the last time. She picked up the pillowcase and took a deep breath. She had to do this or stay behind the bars of nobility her whole life. It's now or never. Just as she was about to turn the knob, she heard a knock. Elisse froze, not wanting to see either her father or her mother on the other side of the door.
She waited as the door opened slowly, only to reveal her maid, Jane. She sighed in relief. Jane looked at her and at the pillowcase she was holding. Elisse saw the troubled look on the woman's face, but nevertheless, her maid greeted her.
"Good evening, miss. I did not know you were home. Dinner is ready so you may go and eat ahead, if you like."
"Oh, Jane, I can't. I have to go." Elisse said walking past her troubled maid.
"But miss . . . where are you going with that pillowcase?" Jane asked, eager for enlightenment.
"Jane . . . please . . . don't tell my parents about this . . . they will find out soon enough. I want you to promise me not to say a word to them until I have left."
"But miss . . ." Jane trailed off as she saw the pleading look on the young one's face.
"Alright, miss. Not a word." The older woman sighed, giving in.
"Thank you, Jane. I really appreciate your support. At least someone cares enough about me to notice my plight." Elisse said with a sad smile.
"Take care of yourself, miss. I wish I could do that for you."
"For the past sixteen years, you have done that for me, Jane, and I am very thankful. But I can take care of myself now." Elisse replied with an assuring smile. "Good bye, Jane. Thank you for everything."
"It was my pleasure serving you, miss."
After hearing that, Elisse walked away with a heavy heart. As she was already walking down the street, she clutched the pillowcase to her chest, as if she could draw some comfort and strength from it.
When she arrived at the docks, she saw no sign of Jack. She looked around, feeling uncomfortable of being alone in such a late hour. Elisse tried to shrug the feeling off. So she stood there alone, staring out into the moonlit waters, the pillowcase clutched tightly to her chest. Not long, she got the feeling that someone was watching her. She whirled around, hoping to see Jack with his cocky grin. But instead, she found a dirty looking man heading towards her, a malicious grin on his gruesome face. Fear filled every inch of her and she was not able to move. Her mind was completely paralyzed by fear.
The man had gotten her within arm's length and grabbed her by the shoulders. This action caused adrenaline to pump in her system and she struggled to get free, kicking and thrashing about. In her struggle, she had slapped the man hard across the face. He growled and tightened his grip on her right shoulder. His other had left her shoulder and slapped her harder than she had done with him. The hit had caused her to fall and lay whimpering on the ground, her left cheek stinging from the blow.
"That should teach ye a lesson or two." The man growled before bending down to pick her up again. He clamped a large, dirty hand on her wrist and roughly pulled her up to her feet. His free hand caught her hair and pulled it back, tilting her head up, looking straight into her eyes. He had a maniacal grin on his face, causing her to feel nauseous.
"Now . . . fight me an' I won't be gentle with ye."
"Ye don't need to, mate. Touch 'er again an' I won't 'esitate to pull the trigger. Savvy?"
Elisse heard the voice that she had so desperately wanted to hear. It belonged to no other than the infamous pirate, Captain Jack Sparrow. He stood gallantly, with his pistol aimed at the man's head.
"Jack!" Elisse gasped. She felt much relieved although the man had not removed his hands from her.
"Get yer own lass! I found 'er first." The man protested, but did not sound so tough anymore in front of Jack's pistol.
"This ain't Tortuga, mate. Now leave the lass alone and get goin' before I change me mind and pull the trigger."
The anger on the man's face was clearly caused by Jack's disturbance of his little 'entertainment'. He roughly pushed her towards Jack's direction, causing her to lose her balance and Jack catching her before she hit the ground. The man left in a hurry and not once did he glance back. Still in Jack's arms, Elisse was still a bit shaken. She clung on to him tightly, as if still afraid that the brute would come back. The handsome pirate captain tried to soothe her fear away and lifted her up. Deciding that the lass needed some rest, he carried her all the way to the rowboat and gently placed her in. He pushed it gently to the waters and when the water reached up to his knees, he jumped in himself. He rowed all the way to his ship, The Black Pearl, and Elisse got her first glance of the most feared pirate ship in the Caribbean.
Ropes were lowered and Jack, pulled the lass up and wrapped his arm around her slender waist tightly, but all the while gentle so as not to hurt her. When they had reached the deck of the Pearl, he did not put her down but otherwise gathered her into his arms and headed to the direction of his cabin.
"Wait . . . Jack? Where are you taking me?" it was the first time she spoke since they had left the shores of Port Royal.
"To my cabin, luv. Where else?" he answered as if it was already obvious.
"Why there? Won't I get my own?"
"Sorry, luv. There ain't no extra cabins in me ship. Unless o' course ye prefer to sleep with the crew." Jack answered, a very pleased look on his face. Elisse noticed this too, and frowned. But she did not have much choice.
"As long as you don't try anything funny, Captain Sparrow."
"Aye, luv, and welcome aboard the Black Pearl."
~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~
AN: There! Chapter 5 is done!!! It took a really long time to write . . . sorry for that. Anyway, hope you enjoyed. R&R please . . . : )
~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~
Chapter 5: Aboard the Black Pearl
(I'm saving the next stanza of the song for the next chapter)
~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~
The sun was setting in the horizon. The clear blue waters of the sea were glittering, dancing, as the last rays of the setting sun hit them. The sound of seagulls and the crashing of the waves mingled, making a much more beautiful music compared to any musical instrument. This was indeed a sight to behold.
Elisse was caught in a trance, staring out into the horizon. Watching the sunset was one thing she appreciated most in her life. She leaned back, resting her head on Jack's chest. He, on the other hand had his arms wrapped around her securely. There was a sense of perfection in that moment. For once, Elisse had felt contented.
"Ye know what, luv? Ye warmed up to me sooner than I expected."
Elisse was snapped out of her trance. For the first time, she noticed their position and how close they were to each other. She suddenly pulled away and stood up. She stepped back to place a safe distance between her and Jack. She took in her surroundings and realized that she was on the docks of Port Royal. She had been overcome by her emotions and ran blindly through the streets. She had not known where her feet had taken her. Not until now. Her feet took her there, where she felt most comfortable.
"Luv? Are ye alright?" Jack asked, now on his feet.
This caused her to jerk her attention back to him, eyeing him warily. She did not expect him to harm her but she wanted to stay as far as she could, not wanting a repeat performance of what happened earlier that day when he had almost kissed her and what happened just moments ago.
"Jack . . . I think I need to be on my way. It's getting dark." She had turned halfway when she added, "Thank you for the shoulder, by the way."
"No problem, luv. But it seems to me that it's more like me chest you were cryin' on and not me shoulder. Me shirt's soaked!"
"I'm so sorry about that." She replied in a whisper, her eyes revealing her sincerity.
"Not to worry, luv. I was jus' playin' around." Jack replied with a chuckle.
"If you're finished with your silly jokes, Jack, I'll be heading home." Elisse said, annoyed that she was being played around with.
"Home? The Pearl will be sailin' afore dawn tomorrow. Would ye not like to go aboard me ship now?"
"There are some things that I need to bring with me, Jack. After I have done the things that I need to do before I go, I will be boarding your ship."
"Alright. But ye be back 'ere before dawn, savvy? We won't be waitin' for ye."
"Aye, aye, Captain. I will be back before dawn." Elisse answered with a sigh of both irritation and weariness.
Elisse turned and started to walk away when Jack spoke again. She turned to look at him.
"Don't ye want me to walk ye home, luv?"
"There's no need, Jack. I would be fine, thank you." She replied and was about to turn around when again, Jack spoke up.
"Oh, luv! I have sumthin' of yers. Just thought ye might want it back."
"And what would that be?"
Jack reached into the pocket of his coat and pulled out a book. Elisse recognized it immediately as the book she had gotten from Mr. Scott and wondered how he got it. As if reading her mind, Jack explained.
"Ye dropped it earlier this mornin' when those two gents came to pick ye up."
He walked, more like swaggered over to her and handed her the book. All the while, Elisse stood there, staring at the object Jack was holding. When he handed it to her, she slowly took it from his hand and into her own.
"Thank you for keeping it for me. I really appreciate it."
"Are ye sure ye don't want me to walk ye home?"
"Yes, Jack, I'm quite sure."
With that, Elisse turned and walked away. Jack's eyes followed her until she had turned around the corner. She was fully aware of what he was doing for she felt him watching her every move as she walked up the cobblestone street.
When she had reached the gates of her house, Elisse slowly and reluctantly walked in. She was not fully ready to face her parents because of the earlier events of that day. They kept her betrothal to Frederick from her, which she had every right to know. She felt a grudge against her parents at that very moment, and could only wish that they were not yet at home so she could pack her things and leave without making a fuss. Luckily, they were still out.
Elisse went straight to her room. She packed the things that she needed in a pillowcase. A nightgown, a couple of dresses, a hairbrush, and of course, her book. She was halfway to the door when she realized something was amiss. She did not want to leave without her parents knowing the reason and think that a pirate had abducted her for her sudden disappearance.
She put down the pillowcase containing her things and went to her table. She opened a drawer and pulled out a piece of paper. She began scribbling down with her quill. A few minutes later, she was through writing her letter. She placed it in an envelope and sealed it. She stared at it for a moment and tears began to fill her eyes. Leaving the place that she had called home for 22 years was no easy task. She tried to blink back the tears but a few escaped and fell on the object she was holding, making marks on the envelope in her hand.
Elisse hurriedly wiped the tears away. This was no time to get emotional. Her parents would be home anytime soon and she had to get going. She placed the envelope on her pillow. She walked slowly to the door, taking in her surroundings for the last time. She picked up the pillowcase and took a deep breath. She had to do this or stay behind the bars of nobility her whole life. It's now or never. Just as she was about to turn the knob, she heard a knock. Elisse froze, not wanting to see either her father or her mother on the other side of the door.
She waited as the door opened slowly, only to reveal her maid, Jane. She sighed in relief. Jane looked at her and at the pillowcase she was holding. Elisse saw the troubled look on the woman's face, but nevertheless, her maid greeted her.
"Good evening, miss. I did not know you were home. Dinner is ready so you may go and eat ahead, if you like."
"Oh, Jane, I can't. I have to go." Elisse said walking past her troubled maid.
"But miss . . . where are you going with that pillowcase?" Jane asked, eager for enlightenment.
"Jane . . . please . . . don't tell my parents about this . . . they will find out soon enough. I want you to promise me not to say a word to them until I have left."
"But miss . . ." Jane trailed off as she saw the pleading look on the young one's face.
"Alright, miss. Not a word." The older woman sighed, giving in.
"Thank you, Jane. I really appreciate your support. At least someone cares enough about me to notice my plight." Elisse said with a sad smile.
"Take care of yourself, miss. I wish I could do that for you."
"For the past sixteen years, you have done that for me, Jane, and I am very thankful. But I can take care of myself now." Elisse replied with an assuring smile. "Good bye, Jane. Thank you for everything."
"It was my pleasure serving you, miss."
After hearing that, Elisse walked away with a heavy heart. As she was already walking down the street, she clutched the pillowcase to her chest, as if she could draw some comfort and strength from it.
When she arrived at the docks, she saw no sign of Jack. She looked around, feeling uncomfortable of being alone in such a late hour. Elisse tried to shrug the feeling off. So she stood there alone, staring out into the moonlit waters, the pillowcase clutched tightly to her chest. Not long, she got the feeling that someone was watching her. She whirled around, hoping to see Jack with his cocky grin. But instead, she found a dirty looking man heading towards her, a malicious grin on his gruesome face. Fear filled every inch of her and she was not able to move. Her mind was completely paralyzed by fear.
The man had gotten her within arm's length and grabbed her by the shoulders. This action caused adrenaline to pump in her system and she struggled to get free, kicking and thrashing about. In her struggle, she had slapped the man hard across the face. He growled and tightened his grip on her right shoulder. His other had left her shoulder and slapped her harder than she had done with him. The hit had caused her to fall and lay whimpering on the ground, her left cheek stinging from the blow.
"That should teach ye a lesson or two." The man growled before bending down to pick her up again. He clamped a large, dirty hand on her wrist and roughly pulled her up to her feet. His free hand caught her hair and pulled it back, tilting her head up, looking straight into her eyes. He had a maniacal grin on his face, causing her to feel nauseous.
"Now . . . fight me an' I won't be gentle with ye."
"Ye don't need to, mate. Touch 'er again an' I won't 'esitate to pull the trigger. Savvy?"
Elisse heard the voice that she had so desperately wanted to hear. It belonged to no other than the infamous pirate, Captain Jack Sparrow. He stood gallantly, with his pistol aimed at the man's head.
"Jack!" Elisse gasped. She felt much relieved although the man had not removed his hands from her.
"Get yer own lass! I found 'er first." The man protested, but did not sound so tough anymore in front of Jack's pistol.
"This ain't Tortuga, mate. Now leave the lass alone and get goin' before I change me mind and pull the trigger."
The anger on the man's face was clearly caused by Jack's disturbance of his little 'entertainment'. He roughly pushed her towards Jack's direction, causing her to lose her balance and Jack catching her before she hit the ground. The man left in a hurry and not once did he glance back. Still in Jack's arms, Elisse was still a bit shaken. She clung on to him tightly, as if still afraid that the brute would come back. The handsome pirate captain tried to soothe her fear away and lifted her up. Deciding that the lass needed some rest, he carried her all the way to the rowboat and gently placed her in. He pushed it gently to the waters and when the water reached up to his knees, he jumped in himself. He rowed all the way to his ship, The Black Pearl, and Elisse got her first glance of the most feared pirate ship in the Caribbean.
Ropes were lowered and Jack, pulled the lass up and wrapped his arm around her slender waist tightly, but all the while gentle so as not to hurt her. When they had reached the deck of the Pearl, he did not put her down but otherwise gathered her into his arms and headed to the direction of his cabin.
"Wait . . . Jack? Where are you taking me?" it was the first time she spoke since they had left the shores of Port Royal.
"To my cabin, luv. Where else?" he answered as if it was already obvious.
"Why there? Won't I get my own?"
"Sorry, luv. There ain't no extra cabins in me ship. Unless o' course ye prefer to sleep with the crew." Jack answered, a very pleased look on his face. Elisse noticed this too, and frowned. But she did not have much choice.
"As long as you don't try anything funny, Captain Sparrow."
"Aye, luv, and welcome aboard the Black Pearl."
~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~
AN: There! Chapter 5 is done!!! It took a really long time to write . . . sorry for that. Anyway, hope you enjoyed. R&R please . . . : )