Immortal beloved post AWE fic parts 29-31
Aug. 7th, 2008 03:03 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
soleilpirateTitle: Immortal Beloved
Author: Soleil Compeau
Fandom: Pirates of the Caribbean
Pairing: Jack/Other
Spoilers: post AWE, third in the Jack and Sarah universe
Rating: NC17 overall, cause I'm just that way when I write, some chapters will be PG
Disclaimer: These stunt doubles have just reenacted what takes place after the final cut. No copyright infringement intended, no profits or wages are being made. I do this out of deep love for the characters
Summary: What would a teenage demi-goddess want with Jackson Turner? And what might Sarah and Jack, growing old together, be able to do about it?
Warning: angst (eventually), character death both minor and major
The pro tem Captain of the Black Pearl cast a critical eye on the frigate as they came closer. By her position, she appeared to have just weighed anchor from a small island that looked singularly uninteresting. It could have conceivably been a place to store swag, but it was a rare pirate that did not immediately spend it in port. "Hoist the colors," she ordered tersely, and Sparrow's own personal jack was raised.
There was no way the ship was not aware of them, but they gave no sign. There was no sudden flurry of activity, no attempts to flee, nor to turn and either fight or surrender. Calypso had come aboard and assured her that this was indeed where Jack and Teague were being held. The ship's crew seemed instead to be waiting for the Pearl's first move. Pondering, Sarah made a decision.
Drawing her sword, she pointed at the frigate and addressed her gunners. "See that ship?" Receiving an affirmative, she went on. "We're going to take it."
Cannons were run out, shot was readied. "Prepare for battle! Grappling hooks and gaffes at the ready!" She strode back and forth feeling the heat of battle lust coming upon her. Even Mary and Jackie got into the spirit of battle; her elder daughter, tall and willowy, held a cutlass grimly and wore a pistol. Jackie had been consigned to the cabin, but was armed with a pair of pistols. Sarah had taught her children to defend themselves, just as she had been taught.
They drew closer, and the frigate turned to meet them. She stood on the cannon, judging distances and plotting scenarios. Leaning down to address Pintel, who was manning that particular gun. "A warning shot across the bow. I don't want our prize damaged."
Pintel nodded understanding and Sarah jumped down. The cannon was fired. The great black galleon swept down upon her prey. The frigate fired back quickly, making Sarah realize her crew was more prepared than they'd appeared. Quickly she gave the order to let fly the grappling hooks, and began taking aim at the pirates with a blunderbuss and her usual deadly accuracy. Lines were cast and pirates began to swing across to engage in hand to hand combat.
Sarah tucked two pistols into her belt and grabbed a rope, ordered Mary to stay and guard her back from the deck of the Pearl, and swung across. The swordplay was fierce. Immediately upon landing, she ducked to avoid being sliced across the throat from two different directions. Drawing her blade, she swung and deflected a stroke coming from yet another sailor. "Search for Captain Sparrow and Teague!" she yelled to those around her.
Swordwork is exhausting work, and sweaty. Sarah was sprayed by blood several times, and her arms became quite tired. Her ears rang with the dull clang on metal on metal. However, a quick glance around showed that her side appeared to be overcoming. Just then, a sudden shout came from the pirate in the crow's nest of the enemy ship. She glanced at him, then looked in the direction he was pointing. A galleon was coming swiftly around the small island and was bearing down on them. Obviously this ship had been hiding on the other side of the small island.
Stunned, Sarah watched, they all watched, as the ship came up alongside. At the stern a man stood with the regal bearing of a captain. He had dark hair swept back on a high forehead and a trim little mustache. He was also unmistakably, at least to Sarah, a Spainard. As soon as he was in hailing range, he called out, "Stop! Cease and desist all battle!"
The English was clipped and precise, with a heavy accent. Sarah stepped to the rail and called back," And who are you to make such demands?"
The captain searched for the source of the shout, and seemed both surprised and delighted to discover Sarah. His eyes raked over her appreciatively. Sarah ignored this and held her proud pose. "I, lady pirate, am Commodore Carlos Villanueva, Captain of the Lady Feroz, and Pirate Lord of the Adriatic Sea. That is MY ship you are battling for."
Sarah glanced at the number of Spainards that lay unmoving. "Soon to be my ship, it seems." Raised her sword in obvious threat. A bluff, as she was now outgunned.
"Who am I addressing?"
"Captain Deverleigh, of the Black Pearl."
"Then it seems we are at an impasse. You are trying to kidnap what I have rightfully stolen." Captain Villanueva tapped his chin thoughtfully. "I suggest we parley, aboard the vessel which holds your greatest desire, no?"
Sarah agreed to this, and gathered her men around her as the Lady Feroz came alongside and boarding planks were laid. Weapons were put away. As soon as Captain Villanueva stepped onto the deck, he jerked his head at one of his men, who instantly went below. The captain spoke to her in their shared language. "Debo reconocer que me sorprendió, pero el placer de verlo. He oído mucho de la Pearl, así como Jack Sparrow de la mujer." (I must admit that I was surprised but pleased to see you. I have heard much of the Pearl, as well as Jack Sparrow's woman.)
A sound behind her made her turn, and she saw Jack and Teague being brought up on deck, surrounded by pirates with drawn pistols. Teague was cuffed around his wrists, but Jack also wore chains around his ankles and a collar with the end of that chain being held by one of Villanueva's men. The sight of it broke and enraged her simultaneously.
Swinging back to face the captain, she shouted, "Usted se atreve a cadena, un pirata Señor!" (You dare to chain a Pirate Lord!) She touched her waist as if going for a weapon, and was instantly surrounded by drawn blades. Just as quickly, her own crew drew daggers or pistols and aimed them at the faces of their enemies. Behind her, Jack hissed in anger.
In English, so all would understand her, she said softly and dangerously, "You would break parley? The parley you yourself asked for?"
Villanueva smiled and sketched a sardonic bow. "Indeed not. In point of fact, I am most pleased to see you, as I said before. You were kind enough to fetch the former Pirate King," here he aimed a similar bow to Elizabeth, who looked most surprised at this courtesy. "And I imagine her consort, the former yet still much dreaded Ferryman, William Turner, is somewhere about as well. Those two, together with Sparrow, are the last components of the Brethren Court I have summoned."
No wonder Teague had been kidnapped, in order to get Jack's attention! He would of course ignore a summons of pirates gathering, considering most of them would kill him to get what he had, namely the Black Pearl. She was a much prized ship. She tried to feign indifference. "What is that to me?"
Captain Villanueva looked at Jack and spoke the ancient words. "The song has been sung. The Brethren Court has been summoned. You must answer the call."
To Sarah, "I propose that you sail with me to Shipwreck Cove, as my guest if you wish, or the guest of those you convey, namely William Turner and Elizabeth Swann."
"It's Mrs. Turner now," Elizabeth interjected angrily.
"My sincerest congratulations, my lady!" Villanueva bowed again, much more deeply this time. He continued to Sarah. "In return for the favor of bringing them, you may keep the ship you have valiantly captured. She is called the Poseidon's Damnation, by the way."
There was another sound and Sarah turned in time to see Jack coolly dropping the manacles from around his wrists and beginning on the collar. It was clear escape attempts such as this were a practice of his, for the guards around him cursed and grabbed for him. Jack ducked. Sarah laughed. "Tenemos un acuerdo!" (We have an accord!)
Villanueva looked enraged. "You may have the boy back, but Captain Sparrow will remain my captive, until we arrive at the Cove!"
Too many pirates were dragging Jack away as he kicked. Sarah swung back around to face the Spainard and drew in breath to curse him at the top of her lungs. She was thorough and extremely scathing, causing Teague to blush and look with round eyed wonder at his mother. She finished with, "Mayo comerciantes con sobrepeso grave diarreah captura y que se sientan en su cabeza!" (May overweight merchants with severe diarreah catch you and sit on your head!)
His mocking laughter was the only answer.
Chapter Thirty - You must answer the call
Captain Deverleigh rubbed her eyes wearily. The Poseidon's Damnation was emptied of crew and dead, leaving it's half full cargo hold for it's new possessors. The Lady Feroz sailed slowly away, clearly expecting Sarah to follow with her two ships. What she wanted most was to fling herself into Jack's arms, but that was patently not an option.
Jack's face was an open book to her. She'd seen the look of disgust and anger when he spotted her, and over her shoulder, his Pearl. But she could not give in to her feelings, her crew was gathered around looking at her expectantly. Irritation filled her. Calypso surely knew a Court had been convened, and Sarah could guess the nature of why it was called, given her conversation with the goddess.
"I need a crew for the Damnation! William, Bill, Gibbs, Teague, Willy, and Ragetti are to cross over and man her sails. I'm placing Teague in command for now."
Jackson made an abortive move towards his friend and Sarah stopped him. "Oh no. Not you, young man, you'll stay here on the Pearl. Where your mother and I can keep an eye on you." Jackson looked ashamed. Good, thought Sarah. Perhaps he's finally realizing the error of his ways.
"Excuse me, Mrs. Captain," Pintel never had learned to call her anything else, "but you forgot to order me over to the Damnation, so I'll just be stepping over-"
"I haven't ordered you to the Damnation, Mr. Pintel," she interrupted coolly. "It IS possible for you to do other thing and be other places besides your mate."
She stalked to the wheel, taking comfort in the Pearl responding to her touch. Remembering the night long ago, when she'd first heard the ship talking to Jack. Sarah stood behind him, arms around his waist and fondling him to full arousal while his hands trembled on the pegs and he fought to keep the ship steady. The straining hardness beneath his breeches was too tempting to ignore, and Sarah caressed him until he spilled himself all over the wheel, crying out softly.
It was Snaky Jake and Gibbs who brought the respective ships through the Devil's Throat and anchored them side by side. Quite near the was Villanueva's galleon. Sarah wearily dismissed her crew and went into the town with the Turners and all the children. Sarah was unsurprised to see Teague the elder waiting to meet her.
"Hello there, Green Eyes."
"Teague, I need a safe place to stow a boy, for at least a day."
"Could be done." He was remarkably unperturbed by her declaration. "What boy we talking about?"
Elizabeth stepped forward and Teague pushed an eyebrow up. Briefly Sarah explained that Jackson was in trouble and under guard. "As it happens, the Pirate King, even a former one, is entitled to courtesy and honors. Traditionally, the King is given quarters near the Code Keeper."
Teague smiled at Elizabeth, a full twinkling smile that rearranged the wrinkles of his face and gave glimpses of clarity in the misty puzzle of his expression. Though nearly two decades had passed, Jack's father looked precisely the same. The lagoons of his eyes were still sharp and undimmed, no grey streaked the mop of curly black on his head. His step was a familiar graceful stagger.
He offered his arm to Sarah with a courtly little bow and led her towards his ship home. "You'll stay with me, of course?" Sarah thought longingly of Jack, surely released from Villanueva's ship now, and did not answer. Teague needed no answer at any rate, and walked on with sure confidence. "Despite Villanueva's claims, Jack isn't the last Pirate Lord to arrive. One other is coming, Court'll be held tomorrow."
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Jack was given his release, and sniffed disdainfully at the Spainard. Sauntering to show he hadn't a care in the world, he made his way into the town that had formed his early manhood. Discreet questions told him where the ships were anchored. The Pearl rocked contentedly in the water. Jack found Marty and Gibbs aboard her, standing guard. They left him alone while he ran his hands lovingly over the wheel, speaking comfort and loyalty to his first love. After a bit, reassured that she was not in danger of being commandeered just now, he sought his son.
Teague was excitedly running all over the Poseidon's Damnation, eyes alight with an expression his father easily recognized. Eager gentle hands ran over the ship's wheel, over the railings, lovingly examined the coils of rope and tugged at the rigging. "Not as beautiful as the Pearl of course, but a fine ship. A fine ship. Heavier of course...I'll want to replace some of these big cannons with long nines. Don't you think that's a good plan? Father, what do you think of her?"
His son did not await an answer but darted off to inspect the supplies of spare sail and metalworkings. Jack chuckled to himself. His boy was falling in love with a ship, and by all indications it would be a love that would serve his pirate blood very well. He ran a hand over the deck rails, feeling the smooth wood, and lightly grasped a peg of the wheel. Poseidon's Damnation was a fine ship. Teauge was a bit impetuous for a command of his own. Brash. No less than Jack himself when the Wicked Wench became his. The young man would do just fine.
Jack went back into Shipwreck Town and wandered, seemingly aimlessly, but becoming more and more intent as time went on. He needed to find Sarah. She was not aboard the Scarlett Dancer, the ship he'd brought to her before, which was once his mother's. After searching a few more likely spots, Jack grudgingly admitted to himself that he needed help in tracking her down. Reluctantly, his steps turned to the one who was best equipped to help him. It galled him to seek aid in locating his own beloved wife from that man, though.
Moments later, he stood looking at a hull which still bore the faded name Sea Strumpet. The door cut into the side was shut. Rarely was it open and inviting for just anyone to feel welcome. Nonetheless, Jack banged on it with the heel of his hand. There was a slight scuffling sound, then it was opened. Teague the elder stared impassively out.
"Hello father," Jack studied his nails in a show of nonchalance. "Been keeping yourself well?"
"Yes, she's here Jackie," he pushed the door open wider to reveal Sarah standing near him.
"Ah. There you are, luv." he said awkwardly, heart in his throat.
She stood looking at him with one eyebrow raised, a slight smile on her lips, stance inviting. Jack was acutely aware of his father standing silently looking at them. Acutely aware of the taste of the backwash of fear that had gripped him ever since he realized his son was missing from his room at the tavern. He wanted to explain, wanted her to realize what he'd suffered when his ship was left unprotected. What he'd felt when when he knew that Sarah, unprotected herself, sailed the Pearl straight into the hands of his enemies, vulnerable on all sides!
"You should have stayed home, Sarah." The tone of his voice was harsher than he'd intended and he couldn't seem to stop. "You've no business trying to sail, trying to captain."
She looked hurt. He went on. "Too late to alter course now, just gotta repair our damage." She began to look angry. "Let's go back to the Pearl."
Sarah's chin rose in the familiar stubborn look, and his heart sank. Mary and Jackie came from aft. Jack desperately wanted to sweep his family AWAY, away from the stern inscrutable glare of Teague, somewhere safe and private where they could settle this easily. The girls ran to him, hugged him, and looked uncertainly back and forth between them.
"I was afraid for your life Jack," his wife said softly. "I wanted to rescue you."
"Yes, yes, admirable of you." Jack waved his hands vaguely. "As you saw, I was perfectly safe. Your heroic actions were completely unnecessary." A frown crossed his face. "You shouldn't have endangered them." He indicated his daughters.
Sarah looked stormy now, and began tapping her foot. And still the inexorable presence of his father stood there, overlooking all his blunders and judging him. Why wouldn't she just come back with him? Alone, in their place, where he felt safe and could open up and pour himself out to her.
Angrily she glared at him. It was clear he never wanted to come to the meeting of the Court, it was plain by the fact Villanueva abducted their son to get Jack's attention. No doubt he would sail away in the quiet evening dusk as soon as they all returned to the ship. As little as she cared for the doings of Pirate Lords, much effort and pain had been spent to get Jack here. He would damn well stay.
"Come to the Pearl," he said firmly.
"No Jack." Tears began to fill her eyes, she fought them.
He got angry. "Come now! We're going to the Pearl!"
Teague grabbed the girls' hands. "Come little darlings. Let me tell you a story."
"But..." Jackie said, craning her neck back as she was quite firmly led away.
"It's about your grandmother. She used to rig her sloop with blood red sails. Ship became known and feared, a fast little vessel that dashed in and did damage, dashed out again."
Sarah and Jack stared at each other. Longing quivered in the air between them, colored by anger and pride. "Stubborn Spainard!" he yelled, turning on his heel and stomping out. She was unsure if he meant her or Villanueva.
She pressed her hands to her eyes and made an exasperated sound. Men! Men and their fragile, tender egos! She knew perfectly well that to damage that sensitive male pride would be to spiritually castrate Jack. Sarah feared she'd gone too far in her refusal to go with him.
She wanted to run after him, seek comfort in his eyes. The longing was powerful! Yet, if she did, she was sure he would flee the Cove. Wouldn't he?
Jack wandered for quite some time before he sought comfort with his precious Pearl. He lay on the deck, staring up at the stars twinkling through her rigging, listening to Pearl complain that Sarah was not there. "I know luv. I know. I'll fix it. Jack'll fix everything," he murmured, mind flitting.
Next morning he went to Town, anxiously seeking her in the crowd of pirates. A night without her had taught him to swallow his pride and all he wanted was to be in her good graces again. He caught a glimpse of her near William Turner but couldn't catch up properly until they were all in the Record Room. Then he managed to come up behind her and grasp her shoulder.
Sarah's eyes were big and solemn, and she looked smaller than he remembered. Jack tried to speak, but could only look at her a moment before the pounding of the cannonball on the scarred wood of the table called all to order. Jack went to the globe at the back of the room, drew his sword, and planted it deep in the blue of the Carribean. Taking his seat, he glanced behind him to see her settling in as if part of his crew. Elizabeth and William were near the end of the table nearest Teague's doorway, now open in case he was called on.
Chapter Thirty One - The Fifth Brethren Court
Jack looked round at the table. Most of the faces were familiar, three in particular were young and new to him. He still was amazed that this gathering was even taking place. Two Brethren Court sessions within a hundred year period! It boggled the mind. Jack's attention was caught by the man sitting nearest the head of the table, where the speaker was. Hector Barbossa sat, looking shamed and aged, hands bound in his lap.
Carlos Villanueva eyed the assembled faces turned to look at him. Carefully he quoted the words taught him by his father Eduardo. "As he who issued summons, I now convene this the Fifth Brethren Court! To confirm your Lordship and right to be heard, present now, your Pieces of Eight."
There was a silence in which no one moved. Carlos smirked. "Ah. We come now to one of the reason this Court was called, connecting to two other reasons. Layers up layers of intrigue, my fellow captains.
"At the last Court, one man defied all reason, tradition, defied the decision of this Court and took matters into his own hands for his own purposes." Jack began to squirm uncomfortably in his seat. He was gathering himself to flee when Villanueva pointed dramatically to Barbossa. "This man! Stole your tokens of Lordship and freed the sea goddess, even though another man here, a hero amongst pirates, spoke against that act and persuaded you to a different course!"
Jack was truly uncomfortable now as everyone stared at him. A few had expressions of respect. Sarah smothered a peal of delight. For Jack to be acknowledged as a hero and a good man was not something he enjoyed at all, though she certainly did! Barbossa spoke up in his own defense.
"A fat lot of good it did me in the end! Calypso turned against us as well, and gave no help or quarter to me ever afterward."
Villanueva gave him a hard look. "My father and I are in accord that freeing Calypso was a good thing, Captain Barbossa. As to her not showing you any favor, well. We shall get to that in good time," he said mysteriously. He spoke to the Court at large. "First order of business will be to establish new Pieces of Eight for each Lord, and recognize three new Lords who've had the title passed on to them. Beginning with myself, Commodore Carlos Villanueva, Captain of the Lady Feroz, and Pirate Lord of the Adriatic Sea, son of former Pirate Lord Eduardo Villanueva. My Piece of Eight is this seashell." Reverently he laid it on the basin his first mate held.
The slender and exceptionally beautiful Oriental woman looked suspiciously towards the Turners, sitting quietly next to each other. "If this be a gathering for Lords to reestablish identities, who are they? What right have they in this gathering?"
Gentleman Jocard glanced coldly at her. He was grizzled and grey haired now, but still quite formidable. "Did your predecessor teach you nothing? Do you truly not recognize former Pirate King Elizabeth Swann? Though she held the title for only a session of Court as is our way, still, all Kings have a place of honor here at the Cove and amongst any doings of pirates!"
The Oriental sniffed disdainfully and looked pointedly at William. Will answered for himself. "Though you clearly did not meet me in my official capacity, surely you know of me? Surely you recognize Charron when you meet him face to face?" He grinned coldly, instinctively knowing the power of the sea was still bound in him, though he walked on land now.
She paled, and looked away. After a moment she spoke in a subdued voice. "Mistress Cho Cheng, favored concubine of Mistress Ching and Lord of the Pacific Ocean. My Piece of Eight is this pocketwatch." She tossed it into the proffered bowl.
So on down the line they went, each pirate declaring his name and territory and offering a token to be recognized by. Jack claimed the iron P he'd been given by William when the lad performed his first duties as Ferryman, finding a satisfying sense of irony in using that as his token of Lordship. One other new Lord was recognized, Captain Tai Huang who received his title from Elizabeth, who in turn had received it from Sao Feng, Lord of the South China Sea. Tai Huang offered a silk tassel as his new token.
Villanueva relaxed slightly. Things were going well, no one had yet drawn a weapon and they'd already dealt with two of the four issues at hand. The next two would be more difficult. "My fine Lords, you might be wondering why we bother with new Lordship tokens, when there is no longer a goddess to be caged with carefully scattered keys to her prison. And yet...there is a sea goddess rampaging on the loose, and I think we can all agree that something must be done about her, no?"
Now pandemonium did break out as everyone began shouting out the experiences they'd had at the hands of the thwarted young immortal. Sarah's eyes flew to Elizabeth, who looked astonished. A keen light lit up her eyes. Next to her, William looked anguished.
"We must bind her again! Bind them both!" Jocard bellowed. Capitaine Chevalle was nodding furiously, adding "Oui! Oui!" to the cacophony.
"And just how do you suggest we capture them both? Pirate Lords got lucky when capturing Calypso in the first place, it was a dreadful struggle by all reckonings." Jack called out sarcastically. "Think she won't be guarding herself against just such an attempt? You can bet all the gold in the world, Calypso's got herself some kind of safety, a guarantee for herself AND her spawn."
Sarah's eyes flew wide. Oh yes, the goddess had indeed guaranteed Joie's safety, through Sarah. She'd given her word to Calypso to 'keep Joie safe', as a payment for finding Jack and Teague, and going back on her word to a powerful being was out of the question. Calypso would not hesitate to punish her simply because she seemed fond of Sarah. Sarah did not delude herself to Calypso's true nature.
"She's only a child, albeit a spoiled one, acting out as she finds her powers. Leave well enough alone, she'll settle once she matures. She's got good blood in half of her heritage, after all." Those reasonable tones came from Captain Barbossa.
"A harmless child you think?" Ammand the Corsair's voice was flat and angry. "You've not suffered her pouring hail and ice on you for weeks, casting rocks and reefs where none should be, tearing apart your ships to see what swag you possess! You ARE a favored of Calypso, the heartless bitch looks after all her lovers, and controls her daughter at least that much!" His glare included Jack Sparrow, and William Turner, causing Elizabeth's cheeks to flush a mottled brick red.
Sarah watched Will's face, trying to gauge his reactions. He appeared to be calmly listening to the discussion, but something glittered in the depths of his eyes. Something dangerous.
"She's half mortal, is she not? She can suffer death, and Calypso will come to her daughter's rescue and can once again be captured and bound." There were several sounds of agreement at that suggestion. Chevalle went on speaking, but his words were drowned out by the yells of dissent that followed. Will decided to take action against those who spoke so casually of murder against his beloved daughter, and leaped atop the table, brandishing his sword furiously.
"Never! Never will I let you kill, OR bind, my child!" he shouted, pivoting in a circle and pointing his blade at each Pirate Lord. Within moments, seven Lords drew dagger, pistol or sword and leveled it at the brash blacksmith. For such foolhardy bravery, Will was about to be killed. Sarah acted without thinking, even faster than Jack who was rising from his chair with a shout in his throat. Leaping up on the table, she pressed a hand on the blade, gently forcing it down.
"Peace, Will Turner!" she murmured urgently. Raising her voice slightly to be heard by all, she continued. "I am sure none of these fine people actually intend HARM to the daughter of the QUEEN of the Sea." She glanced round to make sure her meaning was clear. Raising one finger against Joie would bring certain and painful death to all who dared participate.
There was silence as Will sheathed his blade and stepped down, still glaring around at each Lord. Once again he stood next to Elizabeth, who was ashen and had both hands pressed to her mouth. Sarah returned to her place behind Jack. She noticed Barbossa staring at her with an incredulous look on his face. Uncomfortable, she edged closer to her husband. He glanced up at her briefly, a dark intense brush of his serious eyes. At last he broke the silence.
"Though I was against freeing Calypso in the last Court, I wouldn't bind her now. It's done, leave her free." He stood up and gestured expansively. "My esteemed Brethren, does it not make more sense to barter and negotiate with the young goddess? Being half mortal, she's surely prone to enticements. Find out what it is she desires, and give it to her! In her delight, she'll more than likely scarper off with said desired object and we'll not need to worry about her for at least as long as it takes her to get bored with it. By then we'll have come up with something even better. Trade. Not capturing and binding."
"But what is it she wants?" An ancient and perplexed Sri Sumbhajee asked via his mouthpiece. Two young men, barely past boyhood, had replaced his former aides. They were twins just like the last pair, darkly pretty with curly hair.
"My son," Elizabeth said simply. "She wants my son, Jackson." One hand rested on Will's shoulder, who's turned his back on the pirates. Her face was red but she met the faces of the assembled Lords directly. "Joie de Mer has become a mature....nymph, and wants a mate."
"But...." said an incredulous Ammand. "But is not your son also William Turner's son? But then she is half sister to him!" Every face held universal distaste. "She knows he is her brother, doesn't she?"
"Immortals care nothing for such things. Only us brief candles, poor players upon the stage." Sarah spoke aloud without thinking. She had no rights to speak in this assembly, not being a Lord of any sea.
Cho glared at her, belligerent as usual. "Who the hell are you?"
Sarah caught the woman's eye and took a deep breath. Carefully she began to address her, in Chinese. Jack started in surprise. He'd forgotten Sarah could speak Chinese, she had little occasion to use it, after all. Mistress Cho looked very surprised and answered. They exchanged several phrases while the pirates listened dumbfounded. It was difficult to tell if insults were being exchanged, any words in the language sounded like cats fighting in a sack, but both women were smiling, so it must have been fine.
After they finished speaking, Cho stood and loudly announced," I'd like to invite Sarah Sparrow to speak in the Court." According to Code, this was all that was needed for Sarah's tongue to be freed. She felt the stares as her name was recognized. With her hands clasped behind her so her rings were not seen, a cap pulled low over her ears hiding the jewels in her hair, she did not resemble the rich wife of a Pirate Lord that she was.
Jack growled and glared around at the table, his face a mask of loathing and possessiveness. Sarah began to pace back and forth and talk. "What Elizabeth says is quite true. Joie is seeking to mate. Clearly we cannot allow her to have her way!"
Will glanced around and muttered, "Careful how you think to stop her."
Sarah smiled reassuringly at him. "Not only are they related, but Jackson is far too young for such a liaison."
Chevalle interrupted. "We know what she wants. And we can't give it to her. But how can we possibly stop her? We're back where we started!"
"What about sending some other young man in Jackson's place?" Sri cast a shrewd, speculative glance to the lads on either side of him, who swallowed hard and looked uncomfortable.
"Some other poor bastard in the arms of that barracuda? I think not." Jack expressed tolerant amusement, ignoring Will's glare.
"Frankly, she's acting like a spoiled brat, and needs a swift spanking," Sarah answered tartly.
Jack took up the thread smoothly. "A firmer hand, if you will."
"If anyone is going to apply 'a firmer hand' to Joie, it will be me! I'm her father, she's trusted me since she was a small child!" The former Ferryman remained openly hostile with all the pirates who spoke so casually and eagerly of controlling and restricting his daughter.
"William," Jack sounded almost weary but everyone recognized the bite of fury in his tone, "a high price was paid to free you from the sea. Do NOT bind yourself to it again!"
Elizabeth looked stunned. Sarah remained quiet, struggling to keep her face as impassive as possible. Jack suffered from a powerful conflict of desires that remained buried only because time had not made it urgent enough to resolve yet. It barely showed that Sarah was in her mid forties, and Jack in his early fifties. Jack wanted dreadfully not to lose her, and also wanted just as urgently to resolve the fear of death that had clung to him since he sold his soul to Davy Jones.
There was a brief silence. William looked ready to argue, and kept taking breaths to speak. Every time he did Elizabeth spoke rapidly and firmly in his ear.
"Ever and always, the harridan rules the roost," a soft voice broke Sarah's reverie and Jack's gaze upon her. It came from Barbossa, who was staring bemusedly at Sarah. Young Teague noticed the gaze and laid a seemingly casual hand on his sword hilt.
Harridan. The word stuck in Jack's mind. Glancing at Barbossa, his eyes narrowed thoughtfully. The git had the nerve to look his wife up and down and then snigger at Jack. Hot anger coursed through him.
"Lady and gentlemen, a notion," he began, rising to his feet again. "A solution to two problems. The guiding and firm hand Joie de Mer needs should be the very hand of the man you wish to punish for petty theft." Jack aimed a satisfied smirk at the dumbfounded face of Barbossa.
Hector's face went ashen, and his eyes glitter with the possibilities. The blue orbs dart around the room, gauging the other Lord's reactions. Most seem as surprised as himself, but also contemplating the various effects such an action would have. Barbossa's mind wandered back to days of old, when he's sported playfully with a carefree Tia Dalma, and more recent days when he was resurrected painfully. Tia's eyes were far more haunted, but she showed care in reminding him that life contained pleasures as well.
"Just what...exactly...would be the intended result of...of sacrificing a Pirate Lord to a goddess like Calypso?" Ammand's voice was deadly calm.
Jack waved his hands. "Punishment, just as was implied." He glanced at Villanueva. "That WAS your intended aim, was it not? When you reminded of the underhanded way he took our tokens of Lordship?"
The thought occurred to Hector during his memories of Calypso that his goals had once involved allying himself with her to gain incredible power at sea. The consort of the Sea Goddess. And yet, the history of the two men to actually hold such a title was not pretty. Returning to status of lover was definitely not desirable.
Speaking in a low voice that nonetheless carried, Barbossa said, "I certainly have the will to match Calypso when it comes to her daughter's welfare. And unlike Mr. Turner and Jack," he'd never learned to say Sparrow's name without sneering, "I am unattached and free to make such a liaison."
"It isn't your decision, nor to your benefit!" Jack began hotly but Carlos cut him off.
"A perfect arrangement. Shall we vote?" Only two Lords disagreed with the decision. Carlos nodded grimly. "Hector Barbossa, you are hereby sentenced to go to Calypso and Joie de Mer, with the intention of mentoring the young goddess and teaching her manners. In what manner you choose to comport yourself with Calypso herself, is your business."
Barbossa smirked. Mentor to the daughter of the Sea Goddess. Influence and Calypso's favor awaited him, and what was most delicious was that Jack believed he was getting revenge on his age old enemy. Out of the corner of his eye he saw the slow realization that it hadn't quite turned out as Sparrow thought it might. Chapters 32-epilogue
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Date: 2008-08-08 01:06 am (UTC)Just seems a very wonderful summation of his character in that one line. Course you know I am partial to young Teague!
I think you paint a very realistic view of how Jack would behave in front of his father and Sarah had won that victory too hard for her to readily succumb to Jack's patriarchal tendencies at that moment. I get all nervous when they fight!Tyrannical Jack is very hot, but not like him being mad at Sarah!
Love the whole court -- very nicely rendered, lot of people to keep track of there and you did a fine job of it.
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Date: 2008-08-08 02:13 am (UTC)Yeah, Jack feels insecure around elder Teague, for sure! But don't worry, they will kiss and make up, soon. *winks* You know they do! Thanks for the complimentary comment! There was a lot of detail to this update, and I am glad it flowed well and worked for you!
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Date: 2008-08-09 04:45 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2008-08-09 01:20 pm (UTC)