Into The Fire
Chapter 8: Pathos
A bit delayed, my apologies! I have family in town and it's hard to find time to write. I should be back normal by Thursday though - hang in there! One another note - we went to Disneyland and got to see the awesome PotC movie exhibit, pics should be up on the web page soon. I ended up buying this 38"x48" art print of the original Jack Sparrow concept sketch. Can't wait to get that framed!
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The brilliant morning sun momentarily blinded Jack as he stepped onto the deck, no trace of the recent storm remained in the sky. He waited for his eyes to adjust before venturing forward.
The crew bustled about the deck and all seemed in good spirits. Jack shifted his gaze out to the horizon and was surprised to see they were weaving their way through a cluster of small islands. Directly ahead, a larger isle rose before them. There appeared to be a natural harbor and he could just make out a dock with another ship moored to it.
"Ah, so you're awake then!"
Jack turned towards Sefu's tall figure.
"Aye, though I can't say I managed to get much in the way of sleep. Your Captain's abit."
"Distracting?"
"That's a way to put it." Jack smirked.
"She knows how to use her talents to the best advantage." Sefu chuckled "Speaking of the Captain, how was she feelin? I expected to see the walking wounded out and about at dawn, especially this close to home." He nodded towards the approaching island.
"She's feeling just fine thank-you." Jess answered from behind them, her voice tinged with annoyance.
Both men whirled to face her, startled to see Jessamin up and dressed.
"Well don't just stand there gaping." she snapped.
"But Captain, you're injured. You should rest, we can handle the ship just fine. She'll be in port within the hour." Sefu protested.
"Nonsense, I'm just fine, you know quite well I heal fast. Why are we having this discussion?"
Jack stood between the two as they continued to argue, hands hovering midair. He looked at Jess, then to the worried Sefu, the back at Jess. His fingers twitched as he struggled with indecision. She was not going to like this, but he agreed that she needed to rest. He reached out and gave her a quick jab to her still injured ribs.
Jess crumpled against him with a gasp.
"Okay, point taken, maybe I'm not completely healed." She grumbled and pushed herself out of Jacks arms. "You didn't have to poke so hard" Jess rubbed her aching side.
With a quick grin Jack turned to Sefu. "See, my point exactly."
"All right then, I think I'll just go and check on the crew." Sefu said, edging away from his Captain's glare.
As soon as Sefu was out of sight Jess gave Jack a good smack to the back of his head.
"Ow! What was that for?"
"Oh please! Like you didn't deserve that, jabbing a poor injured woman, and don't even get me started on earlier this morning." She said leaning back against the rail.
"Poor woman, right." Jack drawled. "I admit I overdid it, but you were bluffing and likely to go about getting yourself hurt again." He leaned into her. "And I can't let you do that now can I?"
Jess found herself caught in his eyes, unable to move. "Why not?" she whispered.
"Because, we'll never be able to pick up where we left of this morning."
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Jess stepped onto the dock. The scents of the ocean combined with that of the islands rich greenery and fragrant flowers. Oh to be home again. The men were already unloading the ship's cargo, months of collected treasures, and some very special artifacts for her own personal collection. She turned to see Jack step beside her and smiled.
"I hope you don't mind your stay here, we've worked hard to make Pathos something unique." Jess frowned briefly. "If you still need a lift to the next main port it will be a few days before we can ready a ship." She nodded to the other boat in residence. "Most likely the Peregrine, she's a swift schooner, lives up to her name. She can easily outdistance the Nightmare, but can't compare with her size or firepower."
Jack paused. The past few days had made him forget everything, what did he truly want to do now? Did he want to set out and try to acquire another ship of his own or did he want to stay and see if he could find a place among Jess and her people. His mind and heart were torn between the need for freedom and the feeling he was developing for this captivating woman.
Jess gave him a nudge.
He smiled. "Sorry luv, drifted a bit there. You mean to tell me you've got two ships of your own, lucky girl."
"Luck, hard work, and a little blood." She laughed. "Come on, I'll give you the island tour." Jess motioned for him to follow.
She led him down the dock and onto shore. Well constructed bungalows lined the edge of the sandy beach and clear waters.
"The men take residence near the beach, I think they just can't bear to be away from the water for too long. There's good fishing to be had in these waters, even from the shore."
They traveled further down a well packed dirt road. The foliage changed from sparse to thick, large trees created a shady tropical canopy above and birds called to each other from their branches. The sounds of the crew faded into the distance.
Jess turned to look at Jack, who had been oddly silent during the walk. "Hey, copper for your thoughts."
Jack grinned. "They're not worth that much luv, just tired is all. Unlike some people, I didn't get much in the way of beauty sleep." He winked. "Not that I need it."
"Ah well, we're almost there now anyway. Food and rest sounds like a plan, but only after I get a bath."
"And where might you be leading me in this jungle?"
"What, afraid no one will hear your screams if you annoy me and I try to strangle you?" she joked.
"Ah, but what if it's you doing the screaming luv?"
Jess opened her mouth to retort, but couldn't find any words. "You.."
"Are a lout, a rogue, infuriating and a tease. I think we've already established that quite clearly." He pulled her to him. "Tell me you don't enjoy it."
She bristled at him and tried to pull away, but he held on firm, pressing her to his chest and bringing a slight ache to her ribs.
"I'll let go when you answer, tell me you don't enjoy my company."
Jess glared at him.
"You can't, can you?"
"No I can't! Happy now?" she admitted in defeat.
He just smiled and pressed his lips to hers, after a moment's hesitation she returned the kiss.
When they parted Jess blinked and shook her head, confused and unsure of her emotions. "About that destination, my home is just ahead."
They rounded the next bend in the road and Jack was shocked at the large stone structure that spread out before them. He waved towards the structure and looked to Jess. "Impressive. How on earth?"
She shrugged. "We found it here, I have no idea how old it is or who built it. My best guess it was some sort of temple to begin with. We repaired the damaged sections and added a few things, made it more livable. There are a number of rooms, but the men are too suspicious and won't stay in them. So, I get the place all to myself. I've yet to see any ghosts though." She flashed him an evil grin. "I think I might have scared them off."
"Can't imagine why."
Jess led him through an arched stone door. Plant life had invaded every crack of the exterior. On the inside things were more kept, the plant life allowed to grow artfully. They walked through a large hall and then onto another corridor leading deeper into the complex. The next doorway lead to an inner garden filled with fragrant flowering plants and jewel colored birds.
"This is my little sanctuary where I can hide from the rest of the world." Jess motioned for him to continue following. She brushed a gauzy drape from another door. "And these are my quarters."
Jack entered and examined the room. Yes, this room was definately her private abode. A huge bed sat on one side, covered in soft comforters. The furniture was of a dark mahogany and velvet. Cases of books and scrolls lined one wall and the stone floor was covered in plush Persian carpets.
He wandered into the next room and was surprised to find the floor and walls completely covered in mosaic tiles of white and shades of blue. Water cascaded down a fountain in the far wall and into a large bathing pool.
He turned to ask Jessamin about it's origins and stopped short. She stood before him completely nude. Skin he had seen glimpses of and a body he had only caressed through the thin layer of sheets. Her ebony hair brushed over her pale breasts and taut nipples. She was like an ivory statue, even the slight pinkness of her would had almost faded away.
"I told you I wanted a bath first." She glided toward him and ran a finger down his chest. "Going to join me?"
He brushed aside her hair and nibbled on her neck, letting his hands travel further down the soft curves of hir skin.
"I'll be with you in a minute darling."
She smiled and slid into the water as he went into the bedroom.
He sat on the side of the bed to remove his boot and found himself leaning back onto the softness of the feather mattress. How was it that a woman like Jess was sitting in there waiting for him? He knew he could charm the ladies, but she was a bit different than his past affairs. He did manage to find himself in the most interesting of places.
Jack closed his eyes, relaxing, and in that moment's lapse sleep claimed him.
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Next: Chapter 9 - Moonlight
A bit delayed, my apologies! I have family in town and it's hard to find time to write. I should be back normal by Thursday though - hang in there! One another note - we went to Disneyland and got to see the awesome PotC movie exhibit, pics should be up on the web page soon. I ended up buying this 38"x48" art print of the original Jack Sparrow concept sketch. Can't wait to get that framed!
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The brilliant morning sun momentarily blinded Jack as he stepped onto the deck, no trace of the recent storm remained in the sky. He waited for his eyes to adjust before venturing forward.
The crew bustled about the deck and all seemed in good spirits. Jack shifted his gaze out to the horizon and was surprised to see they were weaving their way through a cluster of small islands. Directly ahead, a larger isle rose before them. There appeared to be a natural harbor and he could just make out a dock with another ship moored to it.
"Ah, so you're awake then!"
Jack turned towards Sefu's tall figure.
"Aye, though I can't say I managed to get much in the way of sleep. Your Captain's abit."
"Distracting?"
"That's a way to put it." Jack smirked.
"She knows how to use her talents to the best advantage." Sefu chuckled "Speaking of the Captain, how was she feelin? I expected to see the walking wounded out and about at dawn, especially this close to home." He nodded towards the approaching island.
"She's feeling just fine thank-you." Jess answered from behind them, her voice tinged with annoyance.
Both men whirled to face her, startled to see Jessamin up and dressed.
"Well don't just stand there gaping." she snapped.
"But Captain, you're injured. You should rest, we can handle the ship just fine. She'll be in port within the hour." Sefu protested.
"Nonsense, I'm just fine, you know quite well I heal fast. Why are we having this discussion?"
Jack stood between the two as they continued to argue, hands hovering midair. He looked at Jess, then to the worried Sefu, the back at Jess. His fingers twitched as he struggled with indecision. She was not going to like this, but he agreed that she needed to rest. He reached out and gave her a quick jab to her still injured ribs.
Jess crumpled against him with a gasp.
"Okay, point taken, maybe I'm not completely healed." She grumbled and pushed herself out of Jacks arms. "You didn't have to poke so hard" Jess rubbed her aching side.
With a quick grin Jack turned to Sefu. "See, my point exactly."
"All right then, I think I'll just go and check on the crew." Sefu said, edging away from his Captain's glare.
As soon as Sefu was out of sight Jess gave Jack a good smack to the back of his head.
"Ow! What was that for?"
"Oh please! Like you didn't deserve that, jabbing a poor injured woman, and don't even get me started on earlier this morning." She said leaning back against the rail.
"Poor woman, right." Jack drawled. "I admit I overdid it, but you were bluffing and likely to go about getting yourself hurt again." He leaned into her. "And I can't let you do that now can I?"
Jess found herself caught in his eyes, unable to move. "Why not?" she whispered.
"Because, we'll never be able to pick up where we left of this morning."
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Jess stepped onto the dock. The scents of the ocean combined with that of the islands rich greenery and fragrant flowers. Oh to be home again. The men were already unloading the ship's cargo, months of collected treasures, and some very special artifacts for her own personal collection. She turned to see Jack step beside her and smiled.
"I hope you don't mind your stay here, we've worked hard to make Pathos something unique." Jess frowned briefly. "If you still need a lift to the next main port it will be a few days before we can ready a ship." She nodded to the other boat in residence. "Most likely the Peregrine, she's a swift schooner, lives up to her name. She can easily outdistance the Nightmare, but can't compare with her size or firepower."
Jack paused. The past few days had made him forget everything, what did he truly want to do now? Did he want to set out and try to acquire another ship of his own or did he want to stay and see if he could find a place among Jess and her people. His mind and heart were torn between the need for freedom and the feeling he was developing for this captivating woman.
Jess gave him a nudge.
He smiled. "Sorry luv, drifted a bit there. You mean to tell me you've got two ships of your own, lucky girl."
"Luck, hard work, and a little blood." She laughed. "Come on, I'll give you the island tour." Jess motioned for him to follow.
She led him down the dock and onto shore. Well constructed bungalows lined the edge of the sandy beach and clear waters.
"The men take residence near the beach, I think they just can't bear to be away from the water for too long. There's good fishing to be had in these waters, even from the shore."
They traveled further down a well packed dirt road. The foliage changed from sparse to thick, large trees created a shady tropical canopy above and birds called to each other from their branches. The sounds of the crew faded into the distance.
Jess turned to look at Jack, who had been oddly silent during the walk. "Hey, copper for your thoughts."
Jack grinned. "They're not worth that much luv, just tired is all. Unlike some people, I didn't get much in the way of beauty sleep." He winked. "Not that I need it."
"Ah well, we're almost there now anyway. Food and rest sounds like a plan, but only after I get a bath."
"And where might you be leading me in this jungle?"
"What, afraid no one will hear your screams if you annoy me and I try to strangle you?" she joked.
"Ah, but what if it's you doing the screaming luv?"
Jess opened her mouth to retort, but couldn't find any words. "You.."
"Are a lout, a rogue, infuriating and a tease. I think we've already established that quite clearly." He pulled her to him. "Tell me you don't enjoy it."
She bristled at him and tried to pull away, but he held on firm, pressing her to his chest and bringing a slight ache to her ribs.
"I'll let go when you answer, tell me you don't enjoy my company."
Jess glared at him.
"You can't, can you?"
"No I can't! Happy now?" she admitted in defeat.
He just smiled and pressed his lips to hers, after a moment's hesitation she returned the kiss.
When they parted Jess blinked and shook her head, confused and unsure of her emotions. "About that destination, my home is just ahead."
They rounded the next bend in the road and Jack was shocked at the large stone structure that spread out before them. He waved towards the structure and looked to Jess. "Impressive. How on earth?"
She shrugged. "We found it here, I have no idea how old it is or who built it. My best guess it was some sort of temple to begin with. We repaired the damaged sections and added a few things, made it more livable. There are a number of rooms, but the men are too suspicious and won't stay in them. So, I get the place all to myself. I've yet to see any ghosts though." She flashed him an evil grin. "I think I might have scared them off."
"Can't imagine why."
Jess led him through an arched stone door. Plant life had invaded every crack of the exterior. On the inside things were more kept, the plant life allowed to grow artfully. They walked through a large hall and then onto another corridor leading deeper into the complex. The next doorway lead to an inner garden filled with fragrant flowering plants and jewel colored birds.
"This is my little sanctuary where I can hide from the rest of the world." Jess motioned for him to continue following. She brushed a gauzy drape from another door. "And these are my quarters."
Jack entered and examined the room. Yes, this room was definately her private abode. A huge bed sat on one side, covered in soft comforters. The furniture was of a dark mahogany and velvet. Cases of books and scrolls lined one wall and the stone floor was covered in plush Persian carpets.
He wandered into the next room and was surprised to find the floor and walls completely covered in mosaic tiles of white and shades of blue. Water cascaded down a fountain in the far wall and into a large bathing pool.
He turned to ask Jessamin about it's origins and stopped short. She stood before him completely nude. Skin he had seen glimpses of and a body he had only caressed through the thin layer of sheets. Her ebony hair brushed over her pale breasts and taut nipples. She was like an ivory statue, even the slight pinkness of her would had almost faded away.
"I told you I wanted a bath first." She glided toward him and ran a finger down his chest. "Going to join me?"
He brushed aside her hair and nibbled on her neck, letting his hands travel further down the soft curves of hir skin.
"I'll be with you in a minute darling."
She smiled and slid into the water as he went into the bedroom.
He sat on the side of the bed to remove his boot and found himself leaning back onto the softness of the feather mattress. How was it that a woman like Jess was sitting in there waiting for him? He knew he could charm the ladies, but she was a bit different than his past affairs. He did manage to find himself in the most interesting of places.
Jack closed his eyes, relaxing, and in that moment's lapse sleep claimed him.
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Next: Chapter 9 - Moonlight