This here's a slow chapter, team. It's as boring as all hell, so it's short. I'll update quickly next time, when you can discover the fate of Jack and Will. So this chapter is just going through Alex's feelings of hurt and betrayal – there is a slightly interesting twist at the end of it though.
The recently discovered Alexandria Evelyn Vantia - noblewoman revealed masquerading as a common peasant and allegedly engaging in acts of piracy - was led, heavily escorted into a hired carriage and driven to the docks, where Stone's ship was currently moored, drifting docilely. The entire carriage-ride she had stared resolutely out the window, no emotion passing over her face or flickering behind her eyes. She might have appeared to be simply observing the passing scenery – simple Tortugan life – had she not been so tense her knuckles were white, clasped tightly in her lap in an attempt to keep herself from escaping and breaking her word to Vice-Admiral Stone. Though she didn't know why she bothered to bereave herself escape, in order to save two cowardly scabberous pirate's hides. After all, that's what they were, weren't they? That's what they expected she would think of them as. So what did she truly think about them? What did she truly feel?
Alex was spared travelling down that path when the carriage stopped abruptly and she descended from the small coach, aided by the coachman's hand. I don't need your help, she thought, but bit her tongue to stop herself from voicing her opinions. That was the old Alex. She walked down the pier and passed the Black Pearl, giving no indication that she even knew of its existence. It was just another ship docked in the harbour, just another jumble of wood and canvas. What good was it to her now? What good was the adventure, the freedom the Black Pearl stood for, especially now she was being led to a lifetime of marital commitment and confinement locked inside a sprawling yet oppressive townhouse? How was a mere ship going to save her from that fate? It was all just an illusion. The Black Pearl, her life as a pirate, her life as herself.
She allowed herself to be led up the ship's gangplank, meek and reserved; so completely unlike herself. Her former self. What was the point of trying to be yourself, when everyone condemned you for it? When everyone tries to change you, to shape you, to mould you into another cast, doesn't your very essence get bent out of shape? Who was Alexandria Evelyn Helena Vantia? A mere name? She once was an innocent youth, naïve and content in her ignorance, pretending to duel with wooden swords and elaborate day-dreams. She once was royalty. She once was a mere political pawn; an object to be traded from family to family, country to country. She once was a pirate. She once was all these things, but what did it matter now? She hadn't been accepted by anyone; all rejected her for what she was. So now, she thought as she sat in her small, sparse cabin, hearing the solid click of the door locking behind her, who am I?" Curling up in the corner of the room, she rested her head on her drawn-up knees, a single tear sliding down her face. Lafew's dutiful wife.
Lost in her confusing thoughts and bruised emotions, she failed to note the ship's name, etched in heavy crimson lettering on the side of the hull as it pulled away from the dockside.
The Black Friday.
I'm so sorry this chapter was so boring – I feel so cruddy when I write a slow chapter. But just recapping; it seems that both parties be in a spot of bother. Now you know how the Black Friday ties in with it all. So yes, DCoD was right – there is at least one cursed ship sailing after the formerly cursed Black Pearl. There's more cursed ships sailing around in this corner of the Caribbean then you can shake a stick at.
So who is this Vice-Admiral Stone, to own such a cursed ship as the Black Friday? Questions, questions, so many questions. Class, anyone care to guess? I like your guesses. Next update is back to Jack and Will (they're much more interesting, I find) – you won't be hearing from Alex for a while, I think.
Jacquelyn Sparrow – I could include your name in the story, but it would allude to Jack Sparrow either possessing a sister, mother or wife; a very difficult concept to include in this story. You never know, though. I might be able to squeeze you in somewhere – not as a major character though. Watch out for your name, but it won't occur in the next few chapters – it will occur further down the track, if it does happen.
Remy Le Fay – As disappointed in the second movie as I was, looking back, the plot was very good, I'll say that. I'll definitely buy the DVD when it comes out. You've convinced me.
DCoD – Norrington and the navy eh? Interesting… It's not silly at all. Every other bloody ship is chasing after the Black Pearl, so it's probably fair to say the Navy's after it too. Just a spoiler – Vice-Admiral Stone may not be who he says he is, seeing as he seems to be in possession of a damned ship. The Navy tends not to encourage this association, so perhaps Vice-Admiral Stone has found himself no longer belonging to the British Royal Navy…or something else… maybe…