By the way, all of the chapters are short :( which is saying a lot seeing as I normally like my chapters to be at least over 5, 000 words. It was either short chapters, or short story, and four chapter stories are boring cause they don't last nearly long enough.
Eight years past and life in Port Royal was somewhat different to that of England. Every morning I woke up to a beautiful view of the harbour, the sun shining on the blue ocean and nothing in sight across the horizon.
I ate breakfast with my family and my Father helped Governor Swan with his duties while my mother attended to Elizabeth and I until we grew some more. Elizabeth told me she was very grateful to my mother and I loved the sound of that.
Over the years, we bumped into Will Turner several times as well. He had become the blacksmiths apprentice, but anyone who knew Mr Brown, knew he was just a drunk. Will did all the work and his results were amazing.
I one day went for a walk and decided to pay him a visit. What I found was truly exciting. It was Will practicing with one of his many creations at sword fighting. He didn't notice me when I walked in.
"You need to move your feet slightly more apart." I said, alerting him to my presence.
"Miss Langford," he said
"Please Will," I rolled my eyes and walked down the ramp towards him "That's only necessary around the Governor. Between us, it's Christine." I half ordered. He smiled at the tone of authority in my voice and I smiled also.
"Now then," I turned and grabbed a sword "Let's see what you've got shall we?" and I held the sword out in front of me, directed at Will. He raised an eyebrow
"Ahh, are you sure?" he questioned
"I haven't tried in a dress." I confessed "Better late then never and they say practice makes perfect." I smiled
"But should you be…"
"Just don't tell the governor." I winked. He gave in eventually and raised his own sword.
That was how daily lessons with Will began. He discovered rather quickly that I already knew what I was doing and eventually asked how I was so good.
He was surprised when I told him.
From then on, it became a routine to everyone in the house — except my father as he knew the truth but he kept it a secret between us — that I'd go for a walk every day at around the same time. I went to Will's blacksmith and gave him pointers with his sword fighting. I purchased more comfortable clothes consisting of a white shirt, leather vest, brown tight breeches and brown boots. My father helped purchase them for me — and they stayed in Will's blacksmith, where I would change into them when I arrived.
As a result I got better with my blades, and with doing my own corsets and hair.
It also wasn't a secret of the feelings Will developed for my cousin. He would always gaze after her, and his eyes just couldn't be directed anywhere else. I couldn't blame him, Elizabeth became more gorgeous as she grew. Her brown hair went several shades lighter, almost to blonde, and her brown eyes sparkled. The perfect countenance for the Governor's daughter if you asked me.
My hair however stayed it's warm chocolate brown and my eyes, as my mother put it, the colour of the sea. As a child I liked to think it gave me a connection to the vast waters.
Will wasn't the only eye my cousin caught. She also gained that of Captain Norrington. He was a frequent visitor as my father and Governor Swann helped and sometimes managed his duties. It was when Elizabeth and I were eighteen that Captain Norrington was to gain his promotion to Commodore.
The promotion ceremony was today.
I awoke to a knock at the door and yawned.
"Come in." I muttered as I sat up and rubbed my cheeks.
"Good morning Miss," Alice greeted as she walked in with Lila. They were my ladies in waiting.
"Morning Alice, Lila." I sighed. Lila bowed her head slightly as she walked to the curtain to open it. The bright sun of Port Royal shined in and I snapped my eyes shut at the sudden light. I slowly pried my eyes open and let them adjust before removing myself from the bed sheets and pulling my robe over my nightdress. Lila immediately began to make my bed.
"The governor has bought this for you." Alice held a box in her hands "He requests you wear it to the ceremony today." I eagerly pulled the lip off the reveal a lilic and silver dress.
"Oh how lovely." I smiled pulling it out to examine it. For a dress, it was very heavy. "Though beautiful it does not seem adequate for Port Royal's weather." I admitted. Alice nodded in agreement but took the dress anyway, walking behind the changing screen. I followed and she and Lila helped me with the dress.
It wasn't five minutes before my breath was cut off.
"Okay, okay, loosen it." I ordered, waving my hand around
"But Miss…"
"I'd rather live then look good." I confessed as I took large gasps of breath "Doesn't have to be much, just enough." I managed to breathe out.
Alice and Lila shared a look before they did so. I took a deep breath as soon as my chest was free enough. The two looked at me
"Okay, tighten it a little." I said, they did so and I instructed them to tighten until it was too much. "Stop." I said. They began to do it all up and left it at that. I let out a sigh of relief as they listened.
We fitted the rest of the dress before pinning my hair and placing a hat over it.
"Are you ready yet Christine?" my mother's voice sounded. I turned as she walked in and she smiled.
"My dear you look beautiful." she said
"Thank you mother." I smiled happily
"You're father and the Governor are waiting in the lobby downstairs." she informed. I nodded and she walked over to me as I stood up.
"I'm so proud of you." she said giving me a hug.
"Thank you." I repeated. My mother led me out of the room and down to the lobby of the house. Will was standing there with Mr Swann and my father, a sword being admired between them.
"Good morning." I said as I reached the bottom of the stairs
"Oh Christine, you look loverly." The Governor complimented
"Beautiful." My father smiled. I gave him a smile as he kissed my temple before turning to the governor.
"Thank you for the dress Governor." I curtsied to him "Good to see you Will." I smiled
"And you," he bowed and I curtsied back. I sent him a wink before I turned to the sword.
"It's beautiful," I said nodding my head towards it.
"Impressive." The Governor muttered in agreement as his eyes followed the length of the sword. "Very impressive. No, no, Commodore Norrington's going to be very pleased with this." The governor handed the sword back to Will who placed it back in it's case. "Do pass my compliments on to your master. Hmm?" the governor asked. Will's smile faded slightly and I frowned, narrowing my eyes. I turned to Will, telling him to take the credit, but naturally, he didn't.
"I shall." he nodded and I sighed. My father placed a hand on my shoulder and I smiled up at him. "A craftsman is always pleased to hear his work is appreciated." I heard footsteps and turned to see Elizabeth as she appeared at the top of the stairs. Her hair was tied up, her ringlets just touching her shoulder as the sun hat covered the bun. A fan was in one hand as the other clutched the raining.
"Elizabeth," The governor smiled "You look absolutely stunning."
"Stunning." I nodded and looked at my father, he was smiling happily as my mother come in behind Elizabeth. I nudged Will slightly when I noticed his fixed gaze.
Elizabeth turned to look at us before seeing Will.
Her eyes didn't leave him then.
"Will." she said much too happily as she touched something around her neck. "It's so good to see you." Elizabeth descended the stairs as Will looked at her with mesmerised eyes. "I had a dream about you last night." Elizabeth admitted
"About me?" Will asked
"Yes, well, is that entirely proper for you to…" her father said, Elizabeth glanced at him before continuing.
"About the day we met, do you remember?" Elizabeth asked
"How could I forget Miss Swann?" Will said
"Will, how many times must I ask you to call me Elizabeth?" she wondered
"A least once more, Miss Swann. As always." Elizabeth's smile faded.
"There, see?" the governor indicated to Will "At least the boy has a sense of propriety. Now, we really must be going." The governor took the sword from it's case and took it to the carriage waiting outside as two men followed him, one holding the sword's case. My father hooked his arm through my mother's and guided her out as Elizabeth looked at Will.
"Good day, Mr Turner." She said a little harshly.
"You should have taken the credit." I said to Will as Elizabeth left us.
"They wouldn't have believed me." he thought
"I would have backed you up." I shrugged. He smiled at me
"Thank you."
"Your welcome." and I curtsied to him again with a grin.
"Come along Christine." My mother called as everyone had turned to the carriage.
"See you later." I waved and turned to walk outside and join my family. I saw Elizabeth glancing out the window at Will as we left him behind and smiled. She noticed and removed her gaze, refusing to look at me. I just smiled from more.
We were escorted to the front of the ceremony. The governor was presenting the sword to the Commodore and so stood at the front. Elizabeth stood with me and my parents in the secluded area.
It didn't escape my notice as Elizabeth fiddled with her corset, or fidgeted in order to do so. She fanned herself seriously as the heat of the day shone down on us. The dress made it increasingly hot and I fanned my face to keep it from flushing too much.
I glanced at Elizabeth in her discomfort and realised what was wrong. Her corset was too tight.
"Are you alright?" I whispered as the drums began to sound. Soldiers walked down the lane and stood in two lines facing one another.
"I can hardly breath." Elizabeth gasped and tried to breath deeply, but the corset seemed to cut her off half way.
"Why didn't you get the maids to loosen it?" I demanded, Elizabeth gave me a look. "I did." I confessed "That's why I'm not suffering. You don't want to cause such problems just to look good." I scolded.
"Ahem." I turned to my mother and she looked disapprovingly at the two of us. I sighed and Elizabeth escaped more of my rant as I turned back to the ceremony.
The two lines of soldiers spilt before turning and raising their guns, creating an archway for Norrington, who stood at the other end, to walk under. Elizabeth took deep breaths and fanned herself under the sun as Governor Swan presented Commodore Norrington with the sword. He tested it out in front of everyone, waving it around.
I stood in the sun, the heat of the dress becoming unbearable before we were allowed to move around and mingle. I took Elizabeth's arm and moved her to the shade, glad for the relief myself.
"Let's find a room and I'll loosen your corset." I said. Elizabeth looked disapprovingly "Would you rather faint and look fragile in front of everyone and possibly ruin the ceremony?" I wondered. She pursed her lips and I nodded, knowing she'd given in. I took her elbow and turned around before James Norrington appeared.
"May I have a moment?" Norrington asked, approaching her.
"Well…" I began, about to ask him to give us two seconds when Elizabeth agreed. I shot her a look before containing myself and curtseying to the new Commodore. The two walked out to the tower alone and I huffed.
This couldn't end good.
I stayed close, waiting fro Elizabeth to come and find me when they were done and demand I do something about her corset when a shout caught my attention instead. "Elizabeth!" Norrington shouted. I turned to the tower and saw him beginning to take off his jacket. Elizabeth was no where to be seen but James was staring down to the waters below, the same with the soldiers around him.
Elizabeth and fallen in.
I didn't bother waiting to be told, I turned and ran from the fort, holding my dress to prevent me from tripping over it.
I headed for the docks, the closest I could get to her, I'd jump in if I needed two, though the two dresses together might weigh us both down too much.
A few people looked at me funnily as I made my way towards the Interceptor, docked by the cliffs. I arrived just in time to see a man climb up the dock with Elizabeth over his shoulder, her golden dress gone.
Mullroy helped the man by taking Elizabeth from his hands and lying her on the dock.
"Elizabeth!" I shouted as I reached them. They all looked up at me surprised but the one leaning over my cousin.
"Not breathing." he noticed
"It's her corset." I said immediately as I dropped to my knees beside Elizabeth's head.
"Move." the man removed a dagger and cut open Elizabeth's corset. Immediately Elizabeth gasped and coughed up the water in her lungs.
"Lizzie!" I said relieved. She looked up at me and I placed a hand over my heart.
"Never would have thought of that." Mullroy admitted
"Clearly you've never been to Singapore." her rescuer said. He drew Elizabeth's attention from me when he noticed a medallion around her neck. I looked at it a little confused before realising it was the medallion she'd taken from Will all those years ago.
The man picked it up, looking at it with a sense of admiration.
"Where did you get that?" he wondered. I turned as footsteps sounded and we were suddenly surrounded by soldiers. James appeared and drew his new sword, he immediately pointed it at Elizabeth's rescuer.
"On your feet." Norrington ordered. I helped Elizabeth to her feet and her father pulled her over to him, me in tow.
"Elizabeth. Are you alright?" he asked
"Yes. Yes I'm fine." she said as she pushed the medallion back into her dress. The governor looked at the soldier holding her corset and he immediately dropped it.
"Shoot him." the governor ordered looking at the man.
"Father!" Elizabeth disagreed at the same time I said "Uncle." in the same tone. I hardly called him that and the name caused him to look at me as my father approached through the crowd.
"Commodore, do you really intend to kill my rescuer?" Elizabeth asked. Norrington looked at her before lowering his sword. The rest of the guard did also. The man thanked Elizabeth.
"I believe thanks are in order." Norrington held his hand out and the man hesitated before taking it. Norrington removed his sleeve to reveal a 'P' branded on his skin.
He was a pirate. My eyes widened before I looked up at him.
He had a red bandana around his head, covering the front of his hair as well as his fore head. His hair, for the most part, hung in dreads, a few beads and even a bone laced into it. He wore a white shirt, dark blue vert vest, both of which were in a very low V, exposing some of his chest. He wore the same coloured bleachers as brown boots covered his feet, his fingers were covered in rings and he had another red sash around his waist, under his brown belt. His moustache was rather curled at the ends and his beard was in two braids with more beads. He had a small goatee to top it off.
He actually looked very much like a pirate. Was it my worry for Elizabeth that kept me from noticing that?
I smiled slightly at the thought that a pirate had saved my cousin, did that mean there were some good pirates? Did they all look so… drunk? Was that the word I wanted? Other then that he was especially good looking, his brown eyes mischievous, yet annoyed at the fact he'd been caught out.
I tipped my head to the side slightly as I admired him, taking in everything about him.
"Had a brush with the East Indian Trading company did we? Pirate?" Norrington asked
"Hang him." Governor said.
"Keep your guns on him men." Norrington ordered "Gillette, fetch some irons," Norrington moved the man's sleeve up further to reveal the tattoo of a sparrow.
"Well, well. Jack Sparrow, isn't it?" Norrington asked releasing Jack's arm.
"Captain Jack Sparrow, if you please sir." Jack corrected. Despite the situation, he looked rather clam. Norrington looked around
"I don't see your ship, Captain." he mocked
"I'm in the market, as it were." Jack countered. Witty. It made me believe he'd been backed into a corner like this before. For a pirate, that wouldn't surprise me.
"He'd said he'd come to commandeer one." Murtogg said
"Told you he was telling the truth. These are his sir." Mullroy picked up Jack's effects. They consisted of a pistol, a compass and a sword, all connected to a shoulder band and lying on a jacket and hat.
Norrington raised the pistol
"No additional shot, nor powder." he picked up the compass "A compass that doesn't point North." I raised my eyebrow and looked at Jack, he caught my eye and a smile made it's way to my lips.
James removed the sword from it's sheath and smiled sarcastically.
"And I half expected it to be made of wood." he pushed the sword back into it's sheath. "You are, without doubt, the worst pirate I've ever heard of."
"But you have heard of me." Jack pointed out. Norrington's smirk vanished as Jack was taken away and the irons were fixed to his wrists. Elizabeth moved from her position by her father and I followed quickly, knowing that, like me, she disagreed to the situation.
"Commodore I really must protest." she said
"Careful Lieutenant." Norrington said, ignoring Elizabeth
"He just saved Elizabeth's life, the daughter of the Governor of Port Royal, and you're first thought is to hang the man?" I questioned disapproving "She wouldn't even be around to answer your proposal if not for him." James looked at me, surprised.
Oh come on, it was so obvious he was going to ask her and this was the perfect opportunity had she not fainted.
"Pirate or not, this man saved my life." Elizabeth said as she and I stood between Norrington and Jack.
"One good deed is not enough to redeem a man of a lifetime of wickedness." Norrington said
"Though it seems enough to condemn him." Jack spoke up. I couldn't help but smirk slightly as he continued to seem cheerful despite the irons being put on his wrists.
"Indeed." Norrington said through his teeth.
"No but it could be the start as to not have hung on the spot." I said "Jail and slavery maybe." I nodded.
Gillette finished with the irons and moved from Jack's side. I turned to glance at him before Jack spoke.
"Finally." Jack spun his arms over my head and the iron chain pressed against my neck. Everyone moved and the guns were pointed at us.
"No!" My father gasped
"No don't shoot!" it was my mother's voice, I hadn't even noticed her before but she had moved to stand with my father and uncle, her hands over her mouth worried as the Governor hugged Elizabeth close.
I was too surprised to actually act and I reached up to touch the iron.
"Oh…" I muttered, my eyebrows furrowed in confusion. "Well this isn't nice." I crossed my arms annoyed.
"I'm sad to see you aren't taking offence?" Jack whispered in my ear
"Are you threatening me?" I wondered seriously
"Indeed I am." he nodded
"Then I'm taking offence." I glared. I could see him enough just to see Jack smile
"Commodore, my effects please. And my hat." he ordered. Norrington didn't move but just looked from Jack to me. "Commodore." Jack said impatiently. Norrington turned to the soldier behind him and took Jack's things from him.
"Now who do we have here?" Jack whispered in my ear.
"Miss Langford." I hissed. I was trying to help him and this is how he treats me.
Bloody Pirate.
"Miss Langford, if you'd be so kind." I raised an eyebrow "Come come, we don't have all day." Norrington handed me the effects and Jack took the pistol, aiming it at my head. I hardly felt the barrel against my temple as Jack turned me around to face him. He had a slight smirk on his face. I took the hat from the bundle and placed it on his head. I took the belt, connecting to his sword and compass and wrapped my arms around him in order to clasp it to his body.
"And here I was trying to help." I whispered close in his ear as I pulled it straight tight around his middle. I could feel the smirk he had
"Easy on the goods darling."
"Aww? Can't handle it tight?" I wondered, saying it silently enough for only him to hear. His smirk only increased and I smiled at him before he turned me around to face the soldiers and I rolled my eyes in annoyance. Jack pulled me backwards away from the soldiers as he began to retreat.
"Gentlemen, m'ladies. You will always remember this as the day you alms caught, Captain Jack Sparrow." I stumbled forwards as he removed the chain from around my neck and pushed me into the arms of my father who was there to catch me.
I turned around in time to see Jack kick a plank and be hoisted into the air, a cannon falling to the dock in his place, crashing through the wood. A few soldiers fell in as Jack spun round in circles in the air.
"Now will you shoot him?" The governor asked
"Open fire!" Norrington shouted. The men aimed their guns and fired. Jack shouted as he kicked his legs, hoping solid footing would present itself. His cries stopped when he was fired at and I couldn't help but smirked at his behaviour. Surprisingly, I wasn't all that worried that I was threatened by a pirate, for some reason I didn't believe he'd pull the trigger.
Jack spun round and landed on the mast of the Interceptor. He swung the chain of his cuffs over the rope and slid down it to the dock. The soldiers continued to fire on him as he ran along the dock and over a bridge towards the town. The soldiers ran after him quickly.
"Sweetie are you alright?" my mother placed her hands on my cheeks.
"You taught me to be strong mother." I nodded "However, I could do with a walk if that's alright?" I wondered taking a deep breath. She looked me over and then nodded
"Only if you're accompanied." Great. She turned to one of the soldiers who had stayed put to watch us and indicated for him to follow me. He nodded without a fuss and my mother kissed my forehead before I turned to walk along the docks.