Disclaimer: I only own my OCs, and an undying obsession for POTC.
A Sparrow's Shadow on the Sea
Mending the Pearl
In spite of the damage to the Pearl, we were able to sail back to the harbour of Tortuga. Once anchored, the crew busily began to assess the damage fully, procure materials needed from town, and begin to restore the Pearl back to her majestic self.
At my request, Jack and I ventured to pay Ruby a visit. I wanted to make sure she made it through the storm alright, although Jack seemed convinced it would take much more than a tropical storm to cause Ruby any harm.
As we negotiated the now muddied streets of Tortuga, I noticed very little damage. Nearly all of the buildings had storm shutters affixed to the outside to protect the windows, something I'd never noticed during our previous visits. Dislodged palm fronds and broken branches seemed to be the extent of the storm's effects.
We came to the walled enclosure of Ruby's villa, after a strenuous slogging through the muddy streets. Jack pushed open the gate to reveal Ruby's beautiful garden.
"Not so bad," Jack commented as we entered.
Palm fronds and tree branches mingled with a scattering of many leaves and blossoms on the path. The birds had left whatever refuges they'd taken during the storm, and were happily flitting about in the dense shrubbery.
Jack and I stepped carefully over the debris in the path, making our way toward the house. Ruby was not outside as we turned the last bend. There appeared to be no visible damage to the grand home.
Suddenly, the door opened, and Ruby exclaimed, "Cha! Look what di storm blew in!"
Jack and I greeted Ruby with warm hugs.
"No so winjy anymore, star," she said as I hugged her. "Is good ta see ya man take care of ya," she mentioned, looking at Jack with a smile.
"Ruby, you have no idea," I told her, "Jack saved my life during that storm."
"Did ya now, Jack?" she said, "Ya come, sit by di fire. Tell Ruby all 'bout it." She ushered us in to the settees. A warm fire crackled cozily in the large stone fireplace.
"Well, it seems, dear Ruby, that Eve not only shares my love of the sea, but also my love of stormy weather," Jack began.
"Ya never had a bit of sense in ya, Jack," Ruby said, "Never could stay outta 'arm's way. Mi no surprise ya wo-man be di same!"
"Oh, Ruby, we had a great time out on deck, watching the storm," I told her excitedly, "Lightning hit a palm tree on the shoreline, sending sparks everywhere! Just awesome! So beautiful!"
She listened, smiling, then shook her head in dismay, "Ya crazy as ya man, girl!"
"And the Pearl was all lit up by Saint Elmo's fire, Ruby," I continued, "It was so beautiful! The tips of the masts all had blue, flickering, glowing flames on them! I was so mesmerized by them, I didn't notice when part of the rigging fell."
Ruby looked at both of us, her eyes wide with concern.
"Aye, good thing I was there, eh? Quickly grabbed Eve out of harm's way," Jack said, "And you see, she's safe and sound."
"The yardarm had snapped and fell right where I'd been standing, Ruby," I added.
"Jah bless, star! Is a good t'ing Jack be dere ta watch over ya," Ruby relied, smiling.
"Yes, it is," I said, taking Jack's hand and smiling at him, "I can always rely on him to be there when I need him."
Jack smiled, the mentioned, "Had to bring the Pearl in for repairs, before we head back out to sea. Eve wanted to make sure you weathered the storm safely, Ruby, even though I assured her it would require far more than a little storm to ever harm you!"
"Eve, ya be the sweetest girl, star!" Ruby said, smiling warmly, "Dat Jack Sparrow, di blackheart man, he no deserve a sweet girl like ya!"
"I do so, Ruby!" Jack piped up in offense, "And that's twice I've saved her life too, I'll have you know!"
Ruby eyed Jack suspiciously. "Is good practice for ya, Jack, for when di pickney come," she told him, "Is 'bout time ya learn ta be a responsible man!"
I couldn't help giggling softly, causing Jack to flash me an annoyed look.
"Well, I'm glad you got through the storm alright," I said to her, changing the subject.
"As Jack say, star, it'd take more den a bit of blusterin' ta do mi 'arm," she replied, "Now ya bes' be on ya way. Get dat ship of ya's all right an' pretty, Jack, an' take care of ya wo-man."
"Always do, Ruby," he said with a mischievous grin, as we headed for the door.
"An' ya, star, ya keep ya pirate man safe an' 'appy. Don't go doin' no t'ing crazy no more," she told me.
"We'll be fine, Ruby," I said, smiling, as Jack draped an arm over my shoulders.
"Aye, no worries," Jack agreed.
"A come back in di seven mont', I sail wit ya den. Bring ya babe into di world," she reminded us, "Good plunderin' to ya! Yemaya watch over di two of ya."
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The docks were bustling with activity, with many ships being in need of repairs. The sounds of hammers and saws mingled with the screeching of gulls overhead, and the quiet rippling sounds as the waves broke along the shore.
"Gibbs! How go the reparations?" Jack shouted, as we walked onboard the Pearl.
"Comin' right along, Cap'n. Should be ready to sail with the mornin' tide," Gibbs answered. He approached us and said quietly, "Cap'n, rumor has it there be a few merchant ships had to weather the storm at sea. Didn't fair too well, it seems."
"Hmmm…Perhaps we should go take a look, once we get underway. Might be able to lend them some assistance in lightening their loads," Jack suggested, as he thoughtfully played with the braids of his goatee.
"Aye, Cap'n, fellow I heard says at least one of 'em lost their main mast in the gale," Gibbs mentioned discreetly.
"An intriguing prospect, indeed," Jack commented, "And were you able to discover the location of said floundering vessel?"
"Aye, Cap'n," Gibbs answered, "Once back in fine workin' order, the Pearl should have no troubles bein' the first to arrive. Rest of these ships'll be still finishin' their repairs, as they didn't fair as well as yer old girl here."
"Excellent, Gibbs," Jack relied, grinning, "After the repairs are completed, the crew can venture into town for a bit of quick entertainment. But we sail with the tide, and we'll keep to the Code."
"Aye, Cap'n," he smiled, "I'll be sure to remind 'em."
"As soon as we clear the harbour, I want to begin readying the weapons," Jack said, "I'd like to make a swift ambush, and be on our way, savvy?"
"Aye, Cap'n, I'll spread the word to the crew," Gibbs responded jovially.
"Let's go over that location in the cabin, Gibbs," Jack suggested.
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The morning arrived bright and sunny, with a strong breeze to carry the Pearl swiftly to her prey. Jack was up early and at the helm. The crew had readied the cannons, and was decked out in full weaponry as we sailed. Everyone had an air of excitement and anticipation.
I had lingered in the cabin, dutifully eating my breakfast, before dressing and arming myself, and then joining Jack at the helm. We sailed northeast from Tortuga, between the Bahamas to the north, and the Turks and Caicos islands to the south. The Pearl was just flying over the waves!
Jack was having a wonderful time. He was grinning like a madman, as he guided his beloved ship through the strong wind. But the intensely serious, focused expression in his kohl-rimmed eyes as he scanned the horizon, revealed the predatory lust that lurked within him.
I too turned my attention to the horizon, fearing if I gazed at him any longer, I'd drag him off to the cabin and have my way with him. I loved to watch him as he pursued his chosen prey. No longer the mischievous trickster or flirtatious seducer, he was transformed into a serious, determined, completely focused man. His eyes on the prize, he became a clever strategist, ruthless and precise. He was quick, deliberate, and commanding. He was a pirate captain!
"Take the wheel, luv," Jack's order startled me out of my thoughts. I reached out to hold the wheel steady.
Jack's hand reached for my breeches, grabbing for the pistol I'd tucked into the waistband. He carefully checked it, making certain it was in working order and ready to be fired. His gaze swept over me, in scrutiny.
"Sword in its scabbard, dagger in my boot, Captain," I told him.
He smirked. "Pistol at the ready, my dear," he replied, as he carefully re-tucked it into the waistband of my breeches.
His dark eyes swept over me once again, in a wholly different manner this time.
"Even if stripped of those weapons," he said huskily by my ear, "You would be a deadly force to reckon with, luv." He slid his hand around the front of my waist, as he edged behind me. "Your windswept beauty and enticing ways would be certain to inflict mortal wounds to the hearts of lesser men."
I laughed softly, "Aren't you in a fine mood?" I said to him.
"Aye, darlin', happy to be back on the open sea with me two best girls," he replied heartily, as he kissed my neck. "And after we have our way with those storm ravaged ships, how 'bout we head to the cabin, luv? I can plunder your treasure for a bit, eh?" he suggested, as he grinned villainously and winked at me.
"One treasure at a time, you greedy pirate!" I teased.
Jack strolled to the rail, chuckling. He pulled out his spyglass and scanned the horizon. He then began to pace the quarterdeck behind me. He was edgy with anticipation and impatience. Suddenly, he paused, looking up at the sky, then to the sea around us.
"A smidge starboard, luv," he told me, as he resumed his meandering.
I corrected our heading, just in time to hear the call.
"A ship on the horizon!"
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A/N: Hope you enjoyed the brief visit with Ruby! Now, it's time to go do some pirating! Wahoo! Drink up me hearties, yo ho! Many thanks to all those who read and reviewed! Ya bring great joy to me black heart!