Thank you to all reviewers and a massive thanks to Jackfan2 for betaing
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Blood Rising
Chapter 1
Will had missed Elizabeth over the last few weeks; organizing their wedding had taken up so much of her time that he had hardly ever seen her – and when he had she frequently was too distracted to really talk, stopping only to kiss him lightly and ask if he thought cream or lavender would be better. It was only very rarely that he was able to figure out precisely what was supposed to be either cream or lavender so he generally chose arbitrarily and hoped against hope that it was nothing he was supposed to wear.
She was determined that their wedding should be perfect; he knew it would be, for the simple reason that he was marrying her. He, Will Turner was marrying Elizabeth Swan at long last. What, in this world or any other, could possibly spoil that?
Now, on the night before the day he had persuaded her that, as everything she could possibly prepare had been done three times at the very least, she should take a quick stroll with him. The stroll had turned into a lengthy amble, hand in hand, which had turned into a few, last kisses before they were formally to become man and wife. In this calm moment before what was surely going to be a hectic day, they lay on the beach looking up at the stars in simple, contented silence.
"We should head back," Will said at last, the reluctance in his voice evident even to him, "Your father will worry."
"Mmm, we can wait a few more minutes," she replied drowsily. He leaned over and kissed the tip of her nose. She giggled, and made a markedly insincere attempt to push him off.
"Think yer s'posed to leave that sort of thing till after the wedding." Started, they leapt to their feet and peered into the darkness, searching for the source of the interruption. Breathing a sigh of relief they spotted three very familiar figures walking up the beach towards them.
"I mean, I'm all in favour, but tradition is most definitely against you." Will knew he had a stupid grin on his face as he listened to the ramblings of Jack Sparrow. Even from that distance, in the dark he could swear that he could see Anamaria rolling her eyes.
Gibbs, on the other hand, apparently took it seriously. "Aye, tis bad luck."
Jack looked round at him oddly. "In what way is it bad luck?"
Trying hard not to laugh, but deciding that interrupting this conversation was probably a good move, Will said, "Aren't you going to actually say hello to us, Jack?"
"Good..." there was a pause while he squinted up at the sky, "...evening to you Will Turner. Miss Swan, may I say that you look positively ravishable." The typical grin contrasted sharply with the oddly formal words.
"It's good to see you Jack, you look a lot better than you did the last time we saw you" her voice was warm as was the Jack's answering smile. "Anamaria, Gibbs." She smiled at each of them and then looked back to Jack. "Where's the rest of your crew? And the Black Pearl?"
"Safely hidden and in a tavern by now. Not necessarily in that order, mind. We thought we'd come ashore and see if we could surprise the pair o' you. Well, I thought that. Gibbs 'as a friend that he'd like to see as lives that way and Ana can't bear to be apart from me unspeakably charming self for more'n a few moments at a time."
Once again, Will found it hard to keep his face straight as the female pirate rolled her eyes and hit her captain. As Jack rubbed his jaw lightly, she explained "I thought I should keep an eye on the fool. Don't yet know that that bloody Commodore will keep to his word."
"He will." Will assured her. "As long as Jack doesn't do anything incredibly daft." All four of them looked at the pirate captain doubtfully.
"Stop bloody talking about me like I'm not here! I'll be on me best behavior – wouldn't want to miss the party after all. We are still invited, right?"
"All of you who wish to attend." Elizabeth said grandly; and then smiling, added, "That made the guest list rather interesting."
"It'll probably just be the three of us." Anamaria said, "the others'll most likely want to keep out of sight. Marty and Cotton might stop by for the party."
"'Specially for the free drinks, "Jack added.
Will cleared his throat. He was a little nervous about asking this question. "I was wondering if you'd do me a favour, Jack?" he asked.
"On the day before your weddin'? If it's within me power - and reasonable convenience - you shall have it."
"I need a best man."
"Often do at weddings as I understand it." There was a pause. Will waited for the other shoe to drop. "You mean me?" Disbelief coloured the startled question.
"Who else?" It was Elizabeth who asked the question, amusement in her voice.
"Almost anyone I would 'a thought," the pirate muttered. "I'd be honoured," he added as he apparently realised that some sort of answer was expected.
"Are you sure that's wise?" Ana asked. "He'll get drunk and start tellin' everyone as'll listen embarrassing stories about you."
"Are there any?" Elizabeth asked curiously.
"I could make some up if it's necessary." Jack shrugged.
"It won't be." Will said hastily. He turned to Elizabeth. "We'd best be heading back before your father sends out search parties again." They started walking back along the beach.
"Again? I s'ppose that means you're not a eunuch." As Will tried hard to come up with a suitable retort he reflected that he'd missed Jack too.
The weather was unusual the next day in that it was raining. Jack was secretly glad that Gibbs hadn't put in an appearance yet as he was almost sure that rain on wedding days came on the official list of things that were 'bad luck.' He paid no heed to the list, but such a pronouncement would probably have had a bad effect on the groom who already seemed to be in danger of wearing out the floor.
"Have you still got the rings, Jack?" Will asked, whirling round to face him with a look of sheer terror on his face.
"Course I still got them, whelp. Right 'ere, see?" Who would have thought that being a best man would involve so much effort? Jack had always previously assumed it simply involved leering at bridesmaids.
"Calm yourself, Turner, everything's running smoothly." James Norrington was leaning against a wall, seemingly trying hard to hide the amused expression on his face. Jack was avoiding meeting his eyes on the basis that laughing at the groom was probably not one of his official duties.
"Right, right." Will said distractedly before resuming his pacing.
Jack tugged at his shirt; Will and Elizabeth had insisted that he wear new and formal clothes. "I feel ridiculous," he complained, not really expecting any sympathy.
"Ye look ridiculous as well. Mind you, we're used to that." He turned round and glared at Ana. She glared back. That much was as normal.
"Anamaria!" Will said. The sudden grin on his face was definitely unnerving. "You can see Elizabeth."
"What?" she frowned. Jack decided to step in and translate.
"He means that you can see her before the weddin' which he can't, bein' as how it's unlucky, and me and Norrington there can't go and see her as that would involve leaving him, which we're not supposed to do in case he runs away, or maybe it is that if we see her she might decide as 'ow she likes one of us better, which would likely be me as I'm the dashing one, but in any case he wants you to go check that she still wants to marry him, savvy?"
Three faces were turned towards him, various degrees of confusion apparent in their eyes. He grinned and leaned back against the wall, satisfied his work was done for the moment.
Will turned back to Anamaria. "Would you go to Elizabeth and ask her, uh, which side you're to be seated at and then come back and tell me how she seems? And give her my love," he added hastily.
She smiled at him, a rather mocking smile admittedly, but left to do as he asked nonetheless.
"Nervous, Will?" Norrington asked rhetorically.
"A little," he replied with the air of one confessing a great secret. Norrington managed to turn his laughter into a coughing fit. Jack just sniggered.
Will glared at him. "You know, Elizabeth asked me to make sure that you removed the kohl from your eyes and all the trinkets from your hair before the wedding."
Jack stopped grinning. "You wouldn't."
"Probably not, no," he admitted. A panicked expression crossed his face. "Are you sure you've got the rings?"
"Ah, no, sorry mate. 'Fraid I swapped them for a bottle o' rum." It was cruel, but he just couldn't resist.
"Jack!"
That anguished yell echoed down the corridor of the governor's house. Anamaria, standing outside Elizabeth's room, rolled her eyes on hearing it. She wondered if there had ever been a case where the groom killed the best man before the ceremony.
"Come in," Elizabeth's voice called. She opened the door. It appeared the bride was far less nervous than her intended husband; Elizabeth Swan was sitting on a chair while her maid adjusted her hair, perfectly composed, except she looked a little paler than normal. "Ana, I'm glad you're here. What do you think?" she indicated the dress.
Ana eyed it dubiously. It was a pure white colour, long and flowing. She had never known much about fashion and the only thought that immediately came to her mind was that it would surely stain easily. That probably wasn't what was required here though. "It's beautiful," she said, finally. It was, truly - just not practical. "You look beautiful."
"Good," relief was evident in her voice. She half twisted round to look at her maid. "Estrella, will you please stop fussing? It must be done by now."
"Well, it's not, and that side will have to be done again now, miss. I told you not to move."
"Estrella...."
"We need you to look perfect." Ana smiled at the firm tone. Perhaps if Will had someone who was taking the wedding seriously he would be as calm as Elizabeth. Perhaps not though. Thinking of Will reminded her of the message.
"Will wants to know where I should be seated."
Elizabeth frowned. "Wherever you want, I imagine. He sent you down to ask that?"
"Not really. Think he wanted to make sure you still wanted to marry him. He sends his love."
That statement got a fond smile. "How is he?"
"Jittery." Ana said, decidedly. "And that Norrington's of no use, and Jack's being...Jack, so I'm in no hurry to get back."
"Men can't do weddings." Estrella announced with a mouth full of hairpins. Elizabeth and Ana smiled in agreement.
There was a slight pause, then Ana asked curiously, "Are ye's going to live here after the wedding?" she jerked her head indicating the governor's manor.
"No, there's a house waiting for us. All furnished and everything. It's a wedding present from my father, though I got choose the decorating. We'll be moving in there tonight." She added softly, eyes shining, "After we're married."
It seemed as though the whole of the Caribbean turned out to the wedding. The engagement between the governor's daughter and a blacksmith had been the most gossiped-about occurrence for some time now, and everyone wanted to know if it was really going to happen and, given the young couple's history, if there were going to be pirates involved.
In the event, the actual occurrence was probably a deep disappointment to everyone except those people most concerned, who could scarcely have been happier. About the only irregularity was that the best man appeared to have kohl on his eyes and beads in his hair. In fact, he bore a striking resemblance to a certain pirate known to have escaped a lawful hanging three times. But, since not only did Commodore Norrington not seem to notice, but in fact spent some time talking to the man, pointedly calling him Captain Smith several times, it was generally understood to be a case of mistaken identity.
The ceremony was generally held to be very touching; the bride was determined, the groom was pale and the young couple said "I do" with an obvious depth of emotion. The party afterwards was a complete success; both conversation and drink flowed well. The evenings entertainment came in the form of dancing, allowing those who had drunk enough, and were so inclined, to make complete fools of them selves.
Long before the festivities were ended the time came that the bride was led away by her maids of honour, and the groom and his men followed soon after.
"I don't see why I'm not allowed to go with Elizabeth." Will complained to the three men walking, and in two cases staggering, beside him.
"S' not traditional. 'Ave t' stick t' traditions. Jus' like the code. Ver' impor'nt." Gibbs slurred in explanation.
"You'll be spending' the rest of your lives together. Take this walk to breathe the free air." Jack gestured dramatically around him.
"She'll want to get ready for you." Norrington added. All three men looked at him and he reddened ever so slightly.
It was perhaps fortunate for him that they reached the house at that point. Anamaria was standing outside, along with another couple of women who, upon seeing the men arrived, giggled and left. "She's inside," she told Will. "Don't hang about here too long."
Will turned to the others, each of who evidently felt the need to give him some sort of advice or perhaps farewell. Gibbs shook his hand and muttered "Fine woman, right enough lad," and moved off beside Ana, gulping down some rum from his flask as he did so.
Norrington, sober as ever said "I would tell you to treat her well, but I already know you will. My congratulations once again, Mr Turner." Then he smiled one of his rare smiles and joined the others.
Jack looked him right in the eye and said seriously, "Have fun, and there's absolutely no need to be nervous. She loves you. You love her. That's truly all that matters. Remember that." Then, to their mutual surprise, he hugged Will quickly, before he too walked away. Will took a deep breath and turned to face the house – his house. In the background he could hear Jack embarking on a detailed explanation as to exactly why Anamaria should dance with him when they returned to the party. Ana's answer appeared to be based on her serious doubts that Jack was capable of dancing.
Doing his best to ignore his friends, Will took a deep breath and prepared to walk through his front door, but he was stopped when a scream rang out. Elizabeth.
He didn't hesitate, he ran straight into the house, his hands fumbling for a sword that wasn't there. The screaming was still going on, it was coming from upstairs. Taking the stairs two at a time, aware that the others were close on his heels he burst into the bedroom.
Elizabeth was standing at the bed, clutching her hands to her mouth. She screamed, even as he reached her and pulled her into his chest. Then, with his arms around her she started sobbing instead. He looked over his shoulder, trying to see what had upset her.
A voice behind him said softly "Jesus, Mary and Joseph." The sheets were caked in blood; dried rivers of it trailed down and crossed the floor. Estrella lay on the bed, lifeless eyes fixed on the ceiling, a gaping wound slashed across her throat.
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Oh come on, you weren't seriously expecting the happy stuff to last, were you?
Please review with y'know, opinions.
************************************************************************
Blood Rising
Chapter 1
Will had missed Elizabeth over the last few weeks; organizing their wedding had taken up so much of her time that he had hardly ever seen her – and when he had she frequently was too distracted to really talk, stopping only to kiss him lightly and ask if he thought cream or lavender would be better. It was only very rarely that he was able to figure out precisely what was supposed to be either cream or lavender so he generally chose arbitrarily and hoped against hope that it was nothing he was supposed to wear.
She was determined that their wedding should be perfect; he knew it would be, for the simple reason that he was marrying her. He, Will Turner was marrying Elizabeth Swan at long last. What, in this world or any other, could possibly spoil that?
Now, on the night before the day he had persuaded her that, as everything she could possibly prepare had been done three times at the very least, she should take a quick stroll with him. The stroll had turned into a lengthy amble, hand in hand, which had turned into a few, last kisses before they were formally to become man and wife. In this calm moment before what was surely going to be a hectic day, they lay on the beach looking up at the stars in simple, contented silence.
"We should head back," Will said at last, the reluctance in his voice evident even to him, "Your father will worry."
"Mmm, we can wait a few more minutes," she replied drowsily. He leaned over and kissed the tip of her nose. She giggled, and made a markedly insincere attempt to push him off.
"Think yer s'posed to leave that sort of thing till after the wedding." Started, they leapt to their feet and peered into the darkness, searching for the source of the interruption. Breathing a sigh of relief they spotted three very familiar figures walking up the beach towards them.
"I mean, I'm all in favour, but tradition is most definitely against you." Will knew he had a stupid grin on his face as he listened to the ramblings of Jack Sparrow. Even from that distance, in the dark he could swear that he could see Anamaria rolling her eyes.
Gibbs, on the other hand, apparently took it seriously. "Aye, tis bad luck."
Jack looked round at him oddly. "In what way is it bad luck?"
Trying hard not to laugh, but deciding that interrupting this conversation was probably a good move, Will said, "Aren't you going to actually say hello to us, Jack?"
"Good..." there was a pause while he squinted up at the sky, "...evening to you Will Turner. Miss Swan, may I say that you look positively ravishable." The typical grin contrasted sharply with the oddly formal words.
"It's good to see you Jack, you look a lot better than you did the last time we saw you" her voice was warm as was the Jack's answering smile. "Anamaria, Gibbs." She smiled at each of them and then looked back to Jack. "Where's the rest of your crew? And the Black Pearl?"
"Safely hidden and in a tavern by now. Not necessarily in that order, mind. We thought we'd come ashore and see if we could surprise the pair o' you. Well, I thought that. Gibbs 'as a friend that he'd like to see as lives that way and Ana can't bear to be apart from me unspeakably charming self for more'n a few moments at a time."
Once again, Will found it hard to keep his face straight as the female pirate rolled her eyes and hit her captain. As Jack rubbed his jaw lightly, she explained "I thought I should keep an eye on the fool. Don't yet know that that bloody Commodore will keep to his word."
"He will." Will assured her. "As long as Jack doesn't do anything incredibly daft." All four of them looked at the pirate captain doubtfully.
"Stop bloody talking about me like I'm not here! I'll be on me best behavior – wouldn't want to miss the party after all. We are still invited, right?"
"All of you who wish to attend." Elizabeth said grandly; and then smiling, added, "That made the guest list rather interesting."
"It'll probably just be the three of us." Anamaria said, "the others'll most likely want to keep out of sight. Marty and Cotton might stop by for the party."
"'Specially for the free drinks, "Jack added.
Will cleared his throat. He was a little nervous about asking this question. "I was wondering if you'd do me a favour, Jack?" he asked.
"On the day before your weddin'? If it's within me power - and reasonable convenience - you shall have it."
"I need a best man."
"Often do at weddings as I understand it." There was a pause. Will waited for the other shoe to drop. "You mean me?" Disbelief coloured the startled question.
"Who else?" It was Elizabeth who asked the question, amusement in her voice.
"Almost anyone I would 'a thought," the pirate muttered. "I'd be honoured," he added as he apparently realised that some sort of answer was expected.
"Are you sure that's wise?" Ana asked. "He'll get drunk and start tellin' everyone as'll listen embarrassing stories about you."
"Are there any?" Elizabeth asked curiously.
"I could make some up if it's necessary." Jack shrugged.
"It won't be." Will said hastily. He turned to Elizabeth. "We'd best be heading back before your father sends out search parties again." They started walking back along the beach.
"Again? I s'ppose that means you're not a eunuch." As Will tried hard to come up with a suitable retort he reflected that he'd missed Jack too.
The weather was unusual the next day in that it was raining. Jack was secretly glad that Gibbs hadn't put in an appearance yet as he was almost sure that rain on wedding days came on the official list of things that were 'bad luck.' He paid no heed to the list, but such a pronouncement would probably have had a bad effect on the groom who already seemed to be in danger of wearing out the floor.
"Have you still got the rings, Jack?" Will asked, whirling round to face him with a look of sheer terror on his face.
"Course I still got them, whelp. Right 'ere, see?" Who would have thought that being a best man would involve so much effort? Jack had always previously assumed it simply involved leering at bridesmaids.
"Calm yourself, Turner, everything's running smoothly." James Norrington was leaning against a wall, seemingly trying hard to hide the amused expression on his face. Jack was avoiding meeting his eyes on the basis that laughing at the groom was probably not one of his official duties.
"Right, right." Will said distractedly before resuming his pacing.
Jack tugged at his shirt; Will and Elizabeth had insisted that he wear new and formal clothes. "I feel ridiculous," he complained, not really expecting any sympathy.
"Ye look ridiculous as well. Mind you, we're used to that." He turned round and glared at Ana. She glared back. That much was as normal.
"Anamaria!" Will said. The sudden grin on his face was definitely unnerving. "You can see Elizabeth."
"What?" she frowned. Jack decided to step in and translate.
"He means that you can see her before the weddin' which he can't, bein' as how it's unlucky, and me and Norrington there can't go and see her as that would involve leaving him, which we're not supposed to do in case he runs away, or maybe it is that if we see her she might decide as 'ow she likes one of us better, which would likely be me as I'm the dashing one, but in any case he wants you to go check that she still wants to marry him, savvy?"
Three faces were turned towards him, various degrees of confusion apparent in their eyes. He grinned and leaned back against the wall, satisfied his work was done for the moment.
Will turned back to Anamaria. "Would you go to Elizabeth and ask her, uh, which side you're to be seated at and then come back and tell me how she seems? And give her my love," he added hastily.
She smiled at him, a rather mocking smile admittedly, but left to do as he asked nonetheless.
"Nervous, Will?" Norrington asked rhetorically.
"A little," he replied with the air of one confessing a great secret. Norrington managed to turn his laughter into a coughing fit. Jack just sniggered.
Will glared at him. "You know, Elizabeth asked me to make sure that you removed the kohl from your eyes and all the trinkets from your hair before the wedding."
Jack stopped grinning. "You wouldn't."
"Probably not, no," he admitted. A panicked expression crossed his face. "Are you sure you've got the rings?"
"Ah, no, sorry mate. 'Fraid I swapped them for a bottle o' rum." It was cruel, but he just couldn't resist.
"Jack!"
That anguished yell echoed down the corridor of the governor's house. Anamaria, standing outside Elizabeth's room, rolled her eyes on hearing it. She wondered if there had ever been a case where the groom killed the best man before the ceremony.
"Come in," Elizabeth's voice called. She opened the door. It appeared the bride was far less nervous than her intended husband; Elizabeth Swan was sitting on a chair while her maid adjusted her hair, perfectly composed, except she looked a little paler than normal. "Ana, I'm glad you're here. What do you think?" she indicated the dress.
Ana eyed it dubiously. It was a pure white colour, long and flowing. She had never known much about fashion and the only thought that immediately came to her mind was that it would surely stain easily. That probably wasn't what was required here though. "It's beautiful," she said, finally. It was, truly - just not practical. "You look beautiful."
"Good," relief was evident in her voice. She half twisted round to look at her maid. "Estrella, will you please stop fussing? It must be done by now."
"Well, it's not, and that side will have to be done again now, miss. I told you not to move."
"Estrella...."
"We need you to look perfect." Ana smiled at the firm tone. Perhaps if Will had someone who was taking the wedding seriously he would be as calm as Elizabeth. Perhaps not though. Thinking of Will reminded her of the message.
"Will wants to know where I should be seated."
Elizabeth frowned. "Wherever you want, I imagine. He sent you down to ask that?"
"Not really. Think he wanted to make sure you still wanted to marry him. He sends his love."
That statement got a fond smile. "How is he?"
"Jittery." Ana said, decidedly. "And that Norrington's of no use, and Jack's being...Jack, so I'm in no hurry to get back."
"Men can't do weddings." Estrella announced with a mouth full of hairpins. Elizabeth and Ana smiled in agreement.
There was a slight pause, then Ana asked curiously, "Are ye's going to live here after the wedding?" she jerked her head indicating the governor's manor.
"No, there's a house waiting for us. All furnished and everything. It's a wedding present from my father, though I got choose the decorating. We'll be moving in there tonight." She added softly, eyes shining, "After we're married."
It seemed as though the whole of the Caribbean turned out to the wedding. The engagement between the governor's daughter and a blacksmith had been the most gossiped-about occurrence for some time now, and everyone wanted to know if it was really going to happen and, given the young couple's history, if there were going to be pirates involved.
In the event, the actual occurrence was probably a deep disappointment to everyone except those people most concerned, who could scarcely have been happier. About the only irregularity was that the best man appeared to have kohl on his eyes and beads in his hair. In fact, he bore a striking resemblance to a certain pirate known to have escaped a lawful hanging three times. But, since not only did Commodore Norrington not seem to notice, but in fact spent some time talking to the man, pointedly calling him Captain Smith several times, it was generally understood to be a case of mistaken identity.
The ceremony was generally held to be very touching; the bride was determined, the groom was pale and the young couple said "I do" with an obvious depth of emotion. The party afterwards was a complete success; both conversation and drink flowed well. The evenings entertainment came in the form of dancing, allowing those who had drunk enough, and were so inclined, to make complete fools of them selves.
Long before the festivities were ended the time came that the bride was led away by her maids of honour, and the groom and his men followed soon after.
"I don't see why I'm not allowed to go with Elizabeth." Will complained to the three men walking, and in two cases staggering, beside him.
"S' not traditional. 'Ave t' stick t' traditions. Jus' like the code. Ver' impor'nt." Gibbs slurred in explanation.
"You'll be spending' the rest of your lives together. Take this walk to breathe the free air." Jack gestured dramatically around him.
"She'll want to get ready for you." Norrington added. All three men looked at him and he reddened ever so slightly.
It was perhaps fortunate for him that they reached the house at that point. Anamaria was standing outside, along with another couple of women who, upon seeing the men arrived, giggled and left. "She's inside," she told Will. "Don't hang about here too long."
Will turned to the others, each of who evidently felt the need to give him some sort of advice or perhaps farewell. Gibbs shook his hand and muttered "Fine woman, right enough lad," and moved off beside Ana, gulping down some rum from his flask as he did so.
Norrington, sober as ever said "I would tell you to treat her well, but I already know you will. My congratulations once again, Mr Turner." Then he smiled one of his rare smiles and joined the others.
Jack looked him right in the eye and said seriously, "Have fun, and there's absolutely no need to be nervous. She loves you. You love her. That's truly all that matters. Remember that." Then, to their mutual surprise, he hugged Will quickly, before he too walked away. Will took a deep breath and turned to face the house – his house. In the background he could hear Jack embarking on a detailed explanation as to exactly why Anamaria should dance with him when they returned to the party. Ana's answer appeared to be based on her serious doubts that Jack was capable of dancing.
Doing his best to ignore his friends, Will took a deep breath and prepared to walk through his front door, but he was stopped when a scream rang out. Elizabeth.
He didn't hesitate, he ran straight into the house, his hands fumbling for a sword that wasn't there. The screaming was still going on, it was coming from upstairs. Taking the stairs two at a time, aware that the others were close on his heels he burst into the bedroom.
Elizabeth was standing at the bed, clutching her hands to her mouth. She screamed, even as he reached her and pulled her into his chest. Then, with his arms around her she started sobbing instead. He looked over his shoulder, trying to see what had upset her.
A voice behind him said softly "Jesus, Mary and Joseph." The sheets were caked in blood; dried rivers of it trailed down and crossed the floor. Estrella lay on the bed, lifeless eyes fixed on the ceiling, a gaping wound slashed across her throat.
************************************************************************
Oh come on, you weren't seriously expecting the happy stuff to last, were you?
Please review with y'know, opinions.