The Oldest Story in the Book

Chapter 31

Author's Note: This was a much-needed departure into the fantasy world. If any of you have heard of the civilian helicopter that went down in Iraq on Thursday killing eleven Americans, one of them was a friend and classmate of mine. He was a great soldier (although he was working for a company at the time he was shot down–even not serving in the military as he had already done he felt the need to help the people who would kill him). So I've been a little depressed by the fact that I just lost a second person from a graduating class of 100 two weeks from my college graduation (it's close now). As ever, Pearl and Norry were there to cheer me up.

Norrington sighed as he opened the door to Jack's cabin. While he had sounded confident he had forgotten how hard the work of running a ship truly was. He ached from head to foot, and it would be worse tomorrow. Ethan had long since lain down on the deck and fallen into an exhausted snooze despite his enthusiasm. When Emmie had suggested her father check on Pearl he had been all to happy to comply.

Emmie said they were still a little way from the island. The sun was turning bright orange as it inched toward the horizon, painting the room in golden hues. They had perhaps an hour of good light left.

Pearl lay on the bed, turned on her side with her good arm tucked under the pillow, her bad one stretched serenely out to hang off the edge of the bed. Her breathing remained deep and regular as he did his best to cross the room quietly as his boots allowed. The Sparrows on deck had suggested he remove them to walk around barefoot as Emmie did, but he had refused.

Pearl had to be exhausted, he thought. Usually just the sensation of eyes on her was enough to bring her out of a deep sleep, rememnants of a hard life in Tortuga and harder life on the seas.

He sat on the bed, watching as she continued to sleep. He brushed the hair from her face, enjoying the sensation. She sighed a bit but didn't wake. He had a unique opportunity here. She seldom let him just look at her. She was too flighty. And it was unlikely he would find her so thoroughly exhausted any time soon.

'Mine,' he thought as he stared at the prone woman, hardly believing it. She would be his. Whatever he had to do, she would come away with him.

Even sitting serenely on the bed his knotted muscles reminded him of their displeasure. The bed looked terribly inviting. He was certain a few minutes couldn't hurt.

Watching her carefully he kicked off his boots and removed his sword and the hat Jack had let him borrow. He crawled onto the bed behind her, catching another pillow and tugging it into place. Carefully he sidled up to her, wrapping an arm around her waist and burying his nose in her hair. She sighed and leaned back against him.

He closed his eyes and lay in perfect contentment. She smelled of sweat, her musky, natural odor mixing with the salty brine scent of her hair. Her curves were just what he remembered, just what he had dreamed of.

She was shorter than Maggie, and slightly slimmer, but harder as well. The thick muscle of a pirate accustomed to fighting and working shifted under his hand where he was used to a well-fed noblewoman's satiny skin being. Maggie had been far from fat, and had never had an aversion to work, but she hadn't lived in the harsh world of the sea either. Pearl shifted again, the rough cotton shirt beneath his arm furthering the contrast.

He felt himself begin to stir, his body responding to the soft curves pressed against him without his permission. Obviously the year without a wife, without comfort of the female variety, had affected him more than he was willing to admit. Still he willed the feeling down, ordering his body not to respond with the confidence and assurance of a Commodore used to being obeyed.

He felt her stiffen as she came fully awake and became aware of the arm around her. He snuggled closer. "Welcome to the real world."

She relaxed with a heavy sigh. "You shouldn't sneak up on me like that. My dreams haunt me. I might have stabbed you." She withdrew her good arm to reveal a dagger as proof.

"You wouldn't. You'd come to yourself," he answered confidently, nuzzling her neck. "What were you dreaming about?"

She shrugged her shoulder, stopping his attempted attack on the softer flesh there. "Don't ask questions you don't want an answer to. And don't start things you can't finish," she added as he switched his attack to her more exposed ear.

"Who says I can't finish?" he asked.

"There isn't time. Not to do this properly."

A smile crept over her face as he pulled back to arch his eyebrows at her. "Well, that sounds promising."

"Don't worry. Nikko will see to it we have some time to ourselves."

"Nikko's there?" he asked, remembering the slightly cold and rather spooky Aztec.

"Indeed. They're her people."

He nodded, snuggling back down onto the bed. "I look forward to it." He looped his arm around her, pulling her close again. "Could I tell you something without you running away from me?"

She sighed heavily. "Is this the part where you ask me to marry you again?"

"Eventually," he said. "But I have to tell you something first."

She rolled carefully over, minding her injured arm, to look him in the eyes. "What's that?"

"Remember those papers I gathered before we left? That I told Gillette to take care of?" She nodded. "They're orders for a ship. This beauty I found years ago. I had it towed into port and I've been fixing it up since. It's seaworthy now." He brushed the hair from Pearl's startled face. "I'm going to resign my position. I want to be a merchant sailor, and I'd like you to do the same."

"Edward-"

"I know it's asking a lot," he interrupted. "But I'm giving up a Commodoreship, I thought maybe you could give up pirating. You could still sail, with us, and run off with Jack for a time if the spirit moved you."

"What about you?" she demanded. "A Commodorship? A lifetime of work."

"Priorities have changed," he answered. "I've done the Commodorship because there was nothing more important in my life. But now... I want to marry a pirate. I want to teach my son to sail. I want to stand at the helm of my own ship. I want to watch my daughter in the rigging. They'd never allow that in the navy. And they'll hold my spot if I want it back some day." He reached out to caress her cheek, watching her eyes grow vacant as she descended deep into consideration. "They tell me you and Jack have been at each other's throats," he added. "That you need to get out of your father's shadow. You'd captain with me. Hold the same rank. We'd be completely equal in every way."

Pearl's eyes narrowed as she studied him. "What if we disagree?"

"First Mate will break the tie."

"Who-"

"I haven't decided yet," he answered.

"Could some of the crew come?"

"If Jack were willing to let them go and they wanted to turn straight." A slight smile played over Pearl's lips. "I mean that," he told her. "No stealing. It's a rule."

Pearl shrugged. "If you say so." Her smile suggested otherwise, but he let it pass.
"It's worth considering," Pearl sighed. "A ship no one would dare attack for fear of retribution from Captain Jack Sparrow and the British Navy."

"Indeed. We could show our children the world, together." He paused. "We could marry."

Pearl sighed. "You'd have to marry Bethany as well, to keep up appearances. I suppose you're going to insist on the entire long service."

"Twice," he put in. At her curious look he said, "Well, I have to marry Pearl Sparrow as well. Otherwise the church won't recognize the marriage."

Pearl sighed heavily. "Organized religion. Honestly. It's the stupidest thing I've ever heard. Isn't this God of yours omnipotent? All knowing and seeing?"

"Indeed."

"Then why in bloody hell shouldn't he recognize our marriage? I mean, if we pledge ourselves to one another completely alone with any name on earth why won't that work? Shouldn't He, She, or It recognize us regardless?" Norrington stared at her in complete shock. "Well, I'm sorry if I'm being sacrilegious," Pearl continued, "but doesn't that make sense?"

"No," Norrington said. "I mean, yes. It makes sense, but that isn't how it works. You misunderstand. I don't care what you say about...if your sac- Pearl, you just said 'our marriage.'"

Her eyes flew to his, wide with shock. When he nodded she pressed her fingers to her lips. "It wasn't, I didn't, it was just, I was being factitious and saying if-"

"You didn't say 'if,' Pearl. I dare say you've given this some thought."

"I, a little, I guess. I mean, why shouldn't I?" She tossed her hair over her shoulder and shrugged, indifferent attitude suddenly firmly back in place. "It's only a thought."

He reached out to take her hand, drawing her eyes to his and capturing them. "Pearl Sparrow, would you do me the supreme honor of becoming my wife?"

She swallowed hard. "I, I want time to consider."

He shook his head, a grin coming over his face. He took her good hand in his, pulling it close to press it over his heart. "You don't need time to think, Pearl. Your mind is made up. It has been for 15 years. All you have to do is say it." He pressed her hand close to his lips, kissing the bruised knuckles. "I know you can, Pearl. Please."

She was breathing too fast, eyes boring into his. Finally she nodded. "Yes."

It was little more than a strangled whisper, but it was enough.

He leaped forward to pull her to him, ignoring her grunt of pain as she threw her injured arm up to avoid its being squished. But there was a smile on her face and she giggled as she wrapped her good arm around him. "My husband."

He laughed, pulling back to study her face. "Does it sound as horrible as you thought it would?"

"No," Pearl said. "No, it sounds like freedom."

He chuckled. "It's something I know I've wanted for a very long time."

"We'll have to have a gypsy wedding as well."

Norrington froze at the words, watching her carefully resettle her arm. "A what?"

"A gypsy wedding. If I'm going to sit through two ceremonies you can get through one on my behalf."

"But I don't know any of the customs," Norrington objected.

Pearl shrugged. "You'll pick them up. I'll have to find a dress for the proper ceremony," she said. "I've never bothered with it before. This could take for-bloody-ever."

Norrington regarded her for a moment. "You may tell me this is a bad idea if you like, but Maggie's dress would fit."

Pearl bit her lip. "Would Maggie object?"

"No. I think she would be complimented."

Pearl shrugged. "Then of course I would love to." She paused. "I wonder if Nikko has a dress I could borrow. We could be married by this time tomorrow."

"Wait. The gypsy ceremony first?" he asked.

"Sure. Why not?"

"Well, I just, if we married in the church first it wouldn't be sinning."

Pearl burst out laughing. "Sinning? Edward, we have a 16-year-old daughter. Do you think we're going to do more damage between now and a ceremony in the church?"

"Well, it can't hurt."

"It can if I cram sharp thing into my ear to avoid more chanting." She sighed heavily. "Ethan's going to hate me."

"He doesn't hate you."

"Not now. He doesn't know me well enough to hate me. Give him time. Especially when we tell him we're marrying."

"Once you get to know him, you'll know better. He is Maggie's son. His opinion of pirates is radically different from what you're expecting. He may be a bit shocked at first, but I believe he'll surprise you."

"Let's hope." He leaned forward to kiss her temple.

They both looked up as a knock sounded on the door. "Come in," Pearl called, catching Norrington's arm as he started to shift away from her. He grinned at her.

The door opened a crack, revealing one of Emmie's eyes. "May I come in?"

"Of course," Pearl answered, holding out her good arm to her daughter. "Come here."

Leaving the door open she skipped her way inside and up to her mother, plopping onto the bed and rolling carefully into her arms. Ethan followed her into the room but stopped to close the door and remained there.

"Are we getting close?" Pearl asked her daughter as she ran fingers through her hair. The girl nodded, snuggling closer to her mother. "So Jack sent you after us?"

Another nod. "'I don't want to bloody see what disgusting thing those two have gotten up to,' I believe were his exact words."

"You may have left out a few 'bloody's," Ethan put in.

"Naturally," Pearl said. "You may come into the room, Ethan. Skulking by the door is rude, or so I've been told. I promise, piracy isn't catching."

"But the world would be a whole lot more fun if it were," Emmie put in as Ethan moved toward the bed, studiously looking at anything in the room but his father, sister, and the pirate cuddled on the bed. Pearl chuckled, causing Emmie to look up and echo her.

"Actually, we want to talk to you about something," Pearl said. "We made a decision."

"Finally," Norrington added.

Emmie looked up at him, eyes sparkling. "Are you getting married at last?"

Pearl grinned and nodded. Squealing Emmie dove on top of them, attempting to hug both of them at once. The result was a bizarre, giggling pile of entangled legs and arms.

When she finally calmed down they looked up to find Ethan sitting in a chair, gazing at empty space. Norrington started to rise but Pearl pulled him back down, motioning for him to stay as she stood and crossed the room to kneel in front of the boy.

"Ethan?" He turned his eye to her. "I know I'm not your idea of a perfect mother." She paused to snort. "I don't imagine I'm anyone's idea of mothering material." Emmie started to object but Norrington hushed her. "And I know you're mostly grown. And Maggie...I'd never try to replace her. I know better than to think myself capable of filling her shoes. That said, it would mean a lot to the both of us if you gave your blessing to this. It would mean a lot to me."

He looked over at his father, then back at Pearl. "It will make you happy?"

"Ecstatic," Pearl answered.

Ethan nodded. "Mother would say it was only right then."

"This isn't about Maggie, darling. It's about you." He stared at her in surprise. "I know you've spent a lot of time worrying over what she would want from you. It's only natural. And you've spent much of your life worrying about what a Commodore's son should and shouldn't do. It's a habit I'm going to attempt to break you of, and that starts here. What do YOU think, Ethan?"

He blinked down at her. "Me?"

"Yes. Only you. Do you think you can tolerate me? I know it's a big job but I'll do what I can."

He looked at her for a moment, puzzled, then a slow smile spread across his face. "Aye. I think I can manage it."

"So what are we going to do?" Emmie asked. "Are you turning pirate, father?"

"No," Norrington said quickly, making both girls chuckle. "I have a ship. I'll give up my Commodorship, and you two can give up piracy. We'll be merchants."

"What ship?" Emmie asked.

"I have one," Norrington said. "It's called the Enchanted Emerald." He grinned with pride at the two pirates. Emmie wrinkled her nose and Pearl's eyebrows rose. "What?"

"Enchanted?" Pearl repeated.

"Gibbs would say that's asking for trouble," Emmie put in. "Witchcraft and whatnot. What about The Glistening Emerald?"

"Doesn't exactly strike fear into people's hearts," Pearl said.

Norrington stared at the girls. "Why don't you two feel free to re-name my ship?"

"Okay," they answered at the same time. He looked at Ethan, who was trying hard not to laugh.

"What about the Jade Emerald?" Pearl asked.

"Ooh, sounds fearsome," Emmie said. "I like it. You know, merchanting shouldn't be so bad. It won't be too hard to get a letter from the British government," Emmie commented. "I think we could settle for privateering."

Norrington's eyes widened. "Emmie!" Pearl moaned. "You weren't supposed to tell him that until after we had the letter."

Emmie shrugged. "Still shouldn't be too hard.

"There will be no privateering on my ship!" Norrington called.

"Your ship, is it?" Pearl asked. "I thought I was going to be a bloody captain. Half and half and all that."

Norrington opened his mouth to answer, but he was cut off by the sound a slamming door. "I bloody told you to bring them up onto deck!" Jack roared as he strode into the cabin. "Fifteen minutes ago we dropped anchor. The boats are readied. Does no one on this bloody ship do as they're ordered?"

"Isn't it cute, Emmie, how he hides how sad he is about losing us with anger? We're getting married, by the way, Jack."

"Good. It's about bloody time. You can be his bloody problem. I want to get onto the island and get a new bird so I can stab this bloody raven." Stomping around the room he continued emptying chests. "Where did I put my bloody hat?"

Author's Note: Short but sweet, and just what I needed. Reviews would be much appreciated if it's not too much trouble.