Chapter Nineteen

Elizabeth Swann stared out at the horizon and the oncoming sunset, her mind awhirl and her head throbbing. Never in her life had she imagined that things could be worse than they were onboard that slaver, but she felt more a prisoner and more alone now, than she had in that stinking cell. She had been through hell, and yet she hadn't seen Jack for more than five minutes at a time, perhaps three whole times since they'd rescued her. And Will... well she hadn't seen nor heard a word from him since they'd stepped aboard the i Maiden /I that fateful day after her rescue. He'd spent every moment with Ruby.

Ruby... if she'd heard that name once, she'd heard it a million times. And as horrible as it might be, she couldn't help but resent the woman. Will had said that it was Ruby's idea to rescue her, but he had to be being his typical modest self. Why on earth would a woman who didn't know her from Adam, risk her life to save her? Especially since it was painfully obvious that Ruby and Will meant much more to each other than adopted brother and sister. No, it would be impossible to misunderstand the devastation she'd seen in him when he'd been told Ruby had been struck down. Nor to mistake the devotion that he'd shown Ruby every moment since. Those were not the actions of a brother. Those were the actions of a lover.

And it hurt like Hades to think to think about it and worse, to know that she had no right to be jealous since she was the one that had deserted him. If she hadn't left, they'd even now be man and wife, and she'd be just as naive as she'd been before her capture and incarceration. Commodore Norrington had given her all the comfort that he could, but he was still withdrawn over her rejection of him as well, and ungrateful wench that she was, she had wanted only Will.

The boy that had been with her through every trial of her life. Standing stalwartly by her side, a quiet strength and a sturdy foundation. The boy that had hung on her every word, denied her nothing of true value, given her his heart the very first day that they'd met and lived his life on the sidelines until he'd finally had his chance with her. And to reward his loyalty, love, and devotion, she'd run like the coward that she was. And now the man he was had found somewhere else to direct his heart.

Elizabeth frowned into the brilliant glow of the sunset, her unhappiness shown in those pouting lips. Surely there had to be some shred of feeling left for her, he'd declared undying love for her before and a few weeks couldn't kill that no matter what she had done. Perhaps Ruby was just a rebound and she could win him back, all she needed was the opportunity to prove how much she really loved him, and how she'd learned she needed him. Just the way he was.

She'd taken him for granted, hurt him, discarded him recklessly. Yes all of these things were true. But she loved him. She'd been a fool, but she would never make that mistake again. She knew now that he'd always been her true love. That he'd always been the one man in the world for her. Her attention was distracted for a moment thankfully, as she was on the verge of tears yet again. It was Jonas, aboard the I Sea Maiden /I and overseeing repairs that she had a feeling the I Sea Maiden /I didn't really need. There simply hadn't been much to do besides stay busy whilst Ruby had been unconscious and the captains of both ships had been painfully absent.

Jonas had taken charge of both ships for the most part. And she had to admit, he was more than capable of the responsibility. She'd seen the respect shining in Jack's eyes, and she knew from experience that Jack didn't waste emotion on anyone unless they truly deserved it. He'd also been the one person to spend time with her during the past weeks. Until Norrington had arrived that was. She needed to be sure to thank him for his kindness. Right after she won back Will's heart. Now that the tears weren't imminent, she could get back to the subject at hand.

How to go about wooing him? She nearly laughed aloud at the thought, but that was precisely what it was going to take. He'd spent a lifetime wooing her, now it was her turn. Her turn to show him that she loved him just as much as he'd ever loved her. That he was worth the effort. First things first. She ran back to her room aboard the I Sea Maiden /I . She'd need to change and look her best when she went to meet Will. He'd been looking tired of late, and she'd be there to help soothe his cares away.

She battled back a pang of guilt, and rifled through the gowns that her father had insisted that Norrington bring with him, just in case they found her. Ruby was no longer in danger of dying. She'd kept her distance from Will despite her own need to have him hold her again and tell her that everything would be okay. But now she had to go after what she wanted, what she needed. The man she loved. And the man that despite the evidence, she had to believe still loved her. He'd spent a lifetime loving her. Surely that would overcome whatever he and Ruby might have shared in the past two months, give or take. How could it not? How could it be possible for him to fall in love at first sight, mere days after she'd left him? It wasn't. That's all there was to it.

Elizabeth finally found the gown that would be perfect for seeing Will this afternoon, one that he'd said was his favourite and she pulled the bell that would bring in the maid her father had also sent to accompany her home. She'd missed her maid's ministrations. She hadn't realised how much until she'd had the services again. She waited impatiently for the girl to enter, and issued her orders of a bath. She hurried the girl through the routine almost indecently but she wanted to get to Will before he returned to the I Sea Maiden /I .

She smiled a secret smile. She wanted to reach him in time to watch the sunset with him. It was something he loved, holding her whilst watching the sun set. It was a good place to start she thought. She hoped. Maybe if the timing was right they could talk. There was a lot she needed to say to him. When she was ready she stared in the mirror, smoothing down the gown over her stomach. She looked elegant, and beautiful of she was honest. So much better than some ragged, uncouth coarse pirate brat.

She frowned at herself and shook her head. No, calling Ruby names wasn't fair. This was her fault, and her battle to win. She had nothing against Ruby; she'd never even seen the woman. She certainly couldn't fault her for being a pirate, when that was what she'd intended to become when she'd left Will. She nearly laughed again at her stupidity. How could she have ever, even for one moment, truly contemplated that she might have a life with Captain Jack Sparrow? What a stupid fool she'd been. And she would do her damndest to win him back. No, she couldn't find it in her heart to be truly angry at Ruby; she knew only too well how wonderful and caring Will was.

Any woman would be lucky to have him. Only a fool would let him go though. So she had no choice but to strike whilst the iron was hot. If she waited until Ruby was healed, she might not win. As heartless as it might sound, she had to take every advantage she could get, and that meant going to him now, not waiting a moment more.

Elizabeth snatched up a shawl and wrapped it around her shoulders. She hurried from the ship and towards the hospital, that's were he would be. It was where he always was at this time. Maybe she'd be lucky and he would be leaving. If not, she may just have to go in and face the woman who was her rival now. See exactly what Ruby had that captivated William so.

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Ruby stared out of the wide bay window she was seated next to. William had helped her sit up in an arm chair so she could take in the beautiful day, and the glorious sunset. He sat beside her, holding her hand. She leaned over and rested her head on his shoulder. She needed his strength right now, but she was tiring easily still, and usually by the end of the day that uneasy feeling returned. She had now doubts all it was, was lingering fear from her near death experience but at times it overwhelmed her and sent her withdrawing from everyone.

It scared her a bit, feeling like that. But sometimes just being near anyone, no matter how much they meant to her, sent her skin to crawling and made her want to jump out of herself and scream like a banshee. That was the best way she could describe it. And she saw that it hurt Will, but there was nothing she could do about it. She loved him, and she felt like a traitor to not want him with her every moment, especially when he'd done so much for her, been there for her, would bring her the moon if she asked she was sure. But when she got run down, the darkness started to close in on her. And it simply wouldn't ease until she was alone. She didn't understand it, prayed that it would go away soon, but for now, all she could do was go with it. And hope that they understood in the end.

It didn't help that she was starting to get flashbacks of what happened on the ship. She could see the faces of the men she'd killed and it haunted her to watch the life drain from their eyes. She shivered as she thought of this, Will's arm slide around her and gave her a gentle squeeze. She snuggled into him and tightened her blankets around her. It was moments like these that everything was fine, peaceful. She was happy in her skin and with Will's love. She leaned up and gave him a soft kiss on his chin.

Will tucked his finger beneath her chin and lifted her face for a proper kiss, sighing in pleasure and stirring need. It amazed him. Even with everything going on, with his life in a turmoil, with Ruby acting strangely and having difficulty dealing with everything, with the inevitable confrontation with Elizabeth that he could feel coming closer every day, even knowing that any moment now Ruby might flip like a switch and want him to leave. Even with all the emotional upheaval and craziness, all it took was one look, one glance, one innocent touch, and he responded to her on every level it was possible to respond on. Her tongue tentatively touched his own and he growled deep in his throat as the pleasure shot like lightning, straight down his spine to his toes, and back again, to settle right in the center of his groin, hardening him even further. He gasped in a breath before returning to heaven once again. Intent to linger there as long as he was allowed.

Ruby groaned with pleasure, only pulling back when she realised if she didn't they'd so easily go beyond the point of no return, and no matter how much she wanted him to make love to her, the wound in her side was in no condition to allow her too. She buried her face in his chest, "I'd heal so much better in Haven. Maybe I'd stop feelin' so disconnected, an' disjointed. Bein' home would stave o' tha darkness, donnae ye think?" She sighed again.

Will breathed deeply of her hair, pressing his lips to her crown and willing his heart to slow to a manageable rate. His words were deep and gritty, his hands shook, and his head felt as if it would explode if he moved a single muscle. "Aye, I'm sure you would love. But it's still not safe to travel. Even if Norrington were already returned, the doctors say it will be at least another week before we can risk sailing." Why couldn't he chase away her demons ?It certainly wasn't for lack of trying. But no matter how much he wanted to, it was painfully obvious that he just wasn't enough. She needed something, and it wasn't him.

Ruby heaved a deep sigh, "I just wanna be going home. Ta somewhere familiar. Surrounded by those I love, that be the recipe." She looked up at him and her lips trembled, "I be seein' their faces Will. Everytime I close me eyes."

Will bit his bottom lip and nodded against her hair, his heart breaking along with hers. "Aye. I know love. It gets better though, I promise. And you should see the women we rescued. Once you are well enough to see i those /i faces, it will be easier."

" Me head know tha' they were gonna kill me, or worse if they got me. But I still took their lives." Ruby squeezed her eyes closed tightly, "Tha' first time ye killed someone how did ye cope?"

Will shrugged. "I had to force myself to remember why I fought them to begin with. To remember how evil they were. It didn't make it any easier at first, but with time, it helped. Knowing that I fought them for a noble cause that helped too. Your cause was even more noble Ruby. Had we not taken those lives, there are well over fifty women, plus however many more they would have captured on their journey, that would be forced into a life of slavery. Many wouldn't have survived the journey. You saved lives by taking lives Ruby. I know it still hurts, but you did the right thing."

Ruby sniffled against his pristine white shirt. He made it sound so simple, but to her it all seemed dark. She stared out of the window, over the ocean and blinked away the tears that settled on her lashes. She wouldn't cry over it, not if he felt that she was being silly.

Will felt the stiffening in her spine and turned her to face him. "You don't always have to be so strong you know. I'm here, you can let it go. Let me be strong for you for a change love. If you want to cry, cry. If you need to scream, do that too, though it might give the nurses a fright, but they can deal with it."

She stared up at him, her eyes shining like sapphires with the unshed tears. "But ye just thinking it be silly."

"No love. It's far from silly. You've been through hell. And killing is not easy, no matter how evil they might be. I think you are brave, and strong, and loving, and beautiful, and perfect. Everything but silly love. Not unless you want to be. Lean on me Lorelei? Please? I won't let you fall... I promise."

Ruby dissolved into tears on his shoulders, it was all the encouragement she needed. It sure beat crying in the night all alone. Yet she seemed to be doing a lot of sobbing in the last few days.

Will gathered her close, her cheek pressed to his heart, and rocked her gently. He murmured softly into her ear, though he had no idea what he actually said, he simply knew the sound of his voice would soothe, just as the sound of her voice soothed him. He battled his own stinging eyes. Her pain cutting deep to his heart and touching each of the hidden places within him, soothing his own battered ego. For the first time in weeks, he felt them truly connect again. He'd give anything to take her pain away, yet he found himself perversely thankful that she was crying, at least, that she trusted him with those tears.

Ruby wept until she was dry, she felt strangely empty when she'd finished. Her eyes were gritty and swollen. She remained in Will's arms at peace with herself for the first time since she'd woken. The memories of what happened on the ship no longer seemed important. She leaned up and kissed the pulse point in Will's neck. "Have a told ye lately how grateful I am fer yer love? An' how much I need ye?"

Will bit his bottom lip as his eyes threatened to start swimming again, and shook his head. "I don't know, but you can tell me as often as you want to." He pressed a tender kiss to her lips and laid his forehead against hers. "Have I told you lately how amazing you are? Or how thankful I am that you came back to me? Or how very lucky I am to have your love? How I don't come close to deserving you?"

Ruby shifted so she could look at him, "Ere what be this. What brought this on? Ye nae deserving? Bullshit." She let slip with a curse she'd learned from Jack Sparrow.

Will's lips twitched and his stomach heaved, as he fought desperately not to laugh, but in the end failed. She was just too darn cute. "I forgot one. Have I told you lately how beautiful you are when you're angry?"

Ruby giggled and kissed him soundly. "Will, I be a bit peckish now. But I be still needing a hand ta eat. Those pesky utensils still be a bit o' a bother. I be needin yer help."

"Oh is that a fact?" Will schooled his face into one of grave sincerity, though he was pretty certain his lip was twitching again. "Well, let us see if I might be able to help you with that."

Ruby sensed his amusement and scowled, poking her finger sharply into his stomach. "Don't ye make fun o' me William Turner."

"I'm not makin' fun love, I promise. My mind had gone off in an entirely different direction. Namely the direction of what happened the last time I fed you."

Ruby smiled coyly, "I dunnae believe I be rememberin' tha' incident."

Will's laugh rumbled through his chest and spread across his face in a wicked grin. "Hmmm... then perhaps I should refresh your memory?"

Perhaps you ..." She'd leaned up for a kiss when the door to her ward flew open. She sat up startled and looked to the doorway. Her eyes widened, in it stood the most beautiful women she'd ever seen. She had long honey blonde hair which was upswept in the latest style. Her gown, and there was no other word for it, made her green dress look like nothing better than rags. She stared at the woman, and the blood drained from her face. This was Elizabeth Swann, no longer the dirty ragged captive that she suddenly remembered seeing on the Slaver.

Ruby shook her head to force away the image where she'd last seen the woman, the image where she'd been in Will's arms and they'd been kissing. She swallowed sharply, how could she compare to her? The noble woman had delicate and refined features. That kiss, had it been a one off? Or had Will discovered he still loved her?

Ruby couldn't believe it, not after all the time, and devotion he'd showered on her. She glanced back at Will, for now he loved her but what if he realised Elizabeth was what he wanted. He'd spent a life time in love with Elizabeth, and had fallen quickly and physically in love with her, Ruby only after rebounding from Elizabeth.

Will's eyes narrowed and he blinked several times, his hand instinctively squeezing Ruby's as his heart caught in his throat. "What's the emergency Elizabeth? For surely it must be a grave one indeed for you to storm into a sick room like that."

Elizabeth brought herself up to her full height. "I came to see you, both of you. I was told that Captain Lorelei had awakened." She was taken aback by what she'd witnessed between the blacksmith and the pirate. She hadn't meant to burst in, in fact she'd been waiting by the door for Will to leave so she could talk him into walking with her while they chatted, so she could use her charms and steer him back towards her. She honestly hadn't expected to find them in a lover's cinch. Her jealousy had forced her hand unexpectedly

Will felt his temper rise and struggled viciously to curb his tongue. "So there is not in fact any emergency? You just... wanted to speak with us, so you throw the door open, not knowing if she is sleeping or fit for company?"

He couldn't help it, the censure in his words was clear. She hadn't grown up one bit since the last time he'd seen her. He'd have assumed being held on a slaver would help her mature; obviously she was just as selfish as always.

Elizabeth gave Will a winsome smile; they'd always worked getting around his anger in the past. She stepped into the room further, "Well I wanted to thank Captain Ruby. After all, it was you who told me it was she who perpetrated my rescue. One for which she paid a great price. My gratitude knows no bounds and I felt that I must give my thanks immediately, so as not to appear discourteous."

Will swallowed his nasty reply at her obvious lie, and instead turned to Ruby. "Elizabeth, meet i Lorelei /i . Lorelei, this is Elizabeth Swann. My old friend." He felt a bit guilty at the flash of pain in her eyes, but he was glad she'd gotten the point. She could no longer just use him and expect him to bend to her every whim. It would do her good to wonder if he'd ever even really spoken of her.

"Tis a pleasure ta meet ye Miss Swann, an' ta see that our rescue attempt succeeded. T'would have been a waste o' those lost if we hadnae." Ruby had sat up straight, tightening her grip on the blanket that was wrapped around her shoulders. She'd wished that she'd run a brush through her wild main of hair, and was at least dressed. But instead she was looking her worst, in a long night gown, and uncombed. Truly she felt intimidated by Elizabeth's presence. But she'd not show it, oh no she'd never in her pride bow down to this woman.

Elizabeth couldn't bring herself to look at Will again. She'd seen it. He'd meant for his comment to hurt that was clear. Was it because he was still heartbroken over her leaving him, or was it because he was angry and protective over Ruby. Was he that in love with her? He couldn't possibly be. She refused to believe it. Even if i Lorelei /i , apparently he didn't like her using the name Ruby for some reason, was anything but what she'd expected. Oh, she wasn't soft or ladylike, and her speech was rough and course, but she was gorgeous.

A natural, wind blown hair, walking fantasy kind of beautiful. The kind of beauty that didn't have to work at it. A body full with lush curves, hair like fire, perfectly balanced features, and eyes that sparked like emeralds and reminded her of a cat. Damn it all to hell and back. It wasn't fair. She wasn't supposed to be beautiful. She was supposed to be missing teeth, and forty years old. Not a fresh faced woman the same age as her. And she was already the captain of a ship? No, she'd never in a million years have expected this. "Ummm... Yes. Well, I just hadn't had a chance to speak with either one of you and give you a proper thank you since the rescue. It's... good to see that you are recovering."

"Tis good of ye ta come by Miss Swann. I was nae expectin' ye.' Ruby gave the woman a bright smile, inwardly gritting her teeth, and wanting to scratch her eyes out as jealousy raised its ugly head. She clamped down on the growl that rose in her throat. She wanted to snarl, I 'He be mine!' /I But she wouldn't give the other woman the satisfaction of seeing her rattled. "I was just about ta have supper. Would ye care ta join us?"

Will wanted to swear like... well like a sailor. The tension was deafening, and if he had his way he'd kick Elizabeth's scrawny arse out the door and slam it in her face. The last thing Ruby needed was to be reduced to Elizabeth witnessing her weakness and need for assistance eating. So much for making it more palatable by erotic play.

Curse the little spoiled brat again and again. Yes, perhaps he was being harsh in his estimation, but from the look glinting in her eyes, perhaps he wasn't. She looked ready to do battle. And if she were, he actually found himself feeling the tiniest bit of pity for her, for she would never stand a chance. Not on either his or Ruby's count. The words he was about to speak nearly choked him, but he'd do anything to spare Ruby embarrassment. She was still far too sick to have to deal with cattiness.

"Actually, Ruby has had us hovering all day. I'm sure she's growing weary. Why don't I meet you aboard the I Maiden /I in an hour Elizabeth? Have a meal set for us and Jack and Bill. You'll be able to properly meet my da, and spend time with i Jack /i again. After all, he's who you started this journey to see."

Elizabeth started to smile, but she coloured when he mentioned Jack. Her eyes darted from him to the woman seated next to him but rather than commenting she bowed her head, "As much as I'd love to spend more time with you Captain Lorelei, I believe Will is right, you must be exhausted. I will return tomorrow and we can chat then." At least she would have her chance to talk to him a dinner tonight; maybe she could begin her campaign.

Ruby inclined her head towards the other woman, acknowledging her words. Her eyes were blazing but she kept them masked. She knew a lie when she heard one, she'd seen Elizabeth's gaze dart to William. The lines had been drawn between them and William was the prize. Not that he'd appreciate being thought of as such. Ruby grimaced in disgust, but hid it as a wince of pain. William had offered himself to the slaughter and he didn't even realise it, fool of a man. She turned her gazed to him and began to doubt. He was looking at Elizabeth with nothing but a pleasant expression. So maybe he'd not been trying to distract her, maybe he wanted to dine with her, and spend time in her company.

Elizabeth turned before anyone could say another word and headed to the i Sea Maiden /I . She had her work cut out for her, but hadn't she realised on the slavers' ship that he was worth it? Of course she had, and she would fight indeed. She'd never met anything in her life that she couldn't have if she wanted it. She didn't plan on losing now. Lorelei might seem nice enough, but she'd be the one with a broken heart when this was over, not Elizabeth Swann.

Ruby waited until Elizabeth was gone before speaking, she raised her eyes to gaze directly into Will's eyes, "Dining with her be ye? Should I get me best wine out fer ye?"

Will dragged in a deep breath and couldn't suppress a shudder. "Oh, I'm sure she'd already whined until they've stocked her stores quite well." He took another steady breath and sighed long and slowly. Why couldn't she have stayed fixated on Jack and given i him /i the headache? "I'm so sorry about that. She's never been forced to acknowledge the fact that she is not the centre of the universe."

Ruby scowled, "She be tha' only daughter o' a rich man. O' course she be used ta the finest. An' now she be on me ship drainin me stores dry? What in Gods name possessed ye?" Her scowl deepened, "Ye loved this woman until a few months ago."

"I thought I did. And your stores remain untouched." He squirmed uncomfortably. "I umm... I made certain there was money to provide for her i 'needs' /i ," He rolled his eyes heavenward in a show of his personal opinion of her idea of necessity, before continuing, "until such time as Norrington arrived and could take over. As to where she's staying... we had to move her to the I Maiden /I yes. The I Pearl /I is hidden in a cove since we knew that sooner or later the I Sprite /I would catch up to the I Dauntless /I and bring Commodore Norrington to the Port."

He was amazed that she'd let him get that all out without interrupting. He had been dreading telling her that Elizabeth was in her cabin since the day their da made it clear she had to be moved from the I Pearl /I to the Port with the I Dauntless's /I imminent approach.

Ruby's eyes narrowed, "She be in me cabin? An' whose idea be that?" She almost spat, it was too much. The woman was after her man, she'd already helped herself to her home.

"She's... only been there a few days. At first sighting of the I Dauntless /I da and Jack and I... well... it was just... We knew that Norrington had to overlook Jack, but he probably wouldn't overlook the Pearl. She'd be too much temptation for him even if the Pearl was integral in Elizabeth's rescue."

Ruby's frown deepened, "There be several well ta do boardin' houses. Would nae that be better for a gently bred woman, rather than be surrounded by men, an' sailors at that. Her reputation may be blemished." Her words were sweetly said and she hoped her meaning transferred itself to Will without her having to ground it out.

Will grimaced and kicked himself hard inwardly. Of course having her at the boarding house was smarter. She'd insisted that she wanted to be close though, and they'd stupidly not thought twice about putting Elizabeth in Ruby's quarters. He didn't care a whit for her reputation, she'd run off to chase after an infamous pirate after all, but since they'd settled her there he'd felt wrong over and over again about having Elizabeth in the bed that he and Ruby had shared. Ruby's quarters. "Can I plead lack of sleep and being overwrought with fear for you and not capable of thinking about much else, as an excuse?"

Ruby's frown softened into a smile, and she ran a hand over his cheek, but her voice was steely when she replied, "I want her outta there now. I may have ta give up yer attention ta her but I'll be damned ta tha blackest pit in hell before I concede her me ship."

Will caressed her cheek tenderly. "You don't have to give up anything love. My attention is always yours, as am I. But I'll see to it that she be moved to a boarding house immediately."

Ruby's eyes glinted as she stared up at him. She knew she was coming across as jealous and possessive but she'd never let Will's former fiancée have a chance at gaining him back. She'd told herself time and again that she'd allow him his right to choose where his heart was. She lied.

Will couldn't contain his carefree laughter. They might be headed for a storm, but stupidly he was looking forward to it. Ruby was sparkling again. Looking more alive than she had since they'd been on Haven. It looked like finally meeting Elizabeth had released the competitiveness in Ruby, and he wondered if Elizabeth knew just how formidable an opponent Ruby was. Not that there was a competition here. While he might still carry a bit of affection toward Elizabeth, seeing her again, especially after the scene just moments before, had only made him painfully aware of all the reasons that he was thankful that Elizabeth had rejected him.

Elizabeth had done them both a favour. She wasn't good for him, and he would never be enough for her. It would have been doomed. Oh, they'd have survived, but only because Will would have continued to cater to her and he never would have known the freedom in finding out who you are and being that person to the best of your ability. He no longer felt ashamed of who he was, or what he did. He had no doubts whatsoever that Ruby didn't condescend to his craft. She respected the hard work and craftsmanship that he actually enjoyed. He took pride in his work, and more importantly, he was learning to take pride in being Will.

Ruby folded her arms over her chest as Will grinned at her, with an all round goofy expression on his face. "Should I be tha' one ta march down there an haul her scrawny noble self outta me home?"

Will kissed her silent and laughed again. "No love, I'll toss her out at dinner. In ever the diplomatic and genteel way of course, but for now, we have an hour to kill. And I believe that I was just about to pamper i you /i a bit?"

Ruby's eyes hooded, "Were ye just?"