Christmas on the Pearl

[pirate_gibbs]

The Captain's quarters are set. The large desk has been cleared of Jack's personal goods. The rest of the room is neat and orderly, as it tends to be (much to Gibbs' constant surprise). Whatever chairs can be found belowdecks have been dragged up by the first mate, creating a cozy feel.

The desk and the larger chests are covered with oilcloth, which serve as crude tablecloths. The ship's hodgepodge of dishes, cups and silverware, plundered from many ports and ships, sit near a selection of traditional holiday treats, from ham to mincepie. At the center of the desk, there is a crystal decanter with a gold nameplate saying "Captain Jack Sparrow", filled with red wine, surrounded by matching glasses.

And there is a small, sparsely decorated tree in a corner near the hammock.

It's Christmas on the Black Pearl. Welcome.

Comments

Re: Arrivals

[politestpirate.livejournal.com]

His jaw clenches for a moment, and Wellard nods, his smile turning wry as well.

"... I've learned here that those in Authority are not always Right, a good portion of the time." Carefully. "At least since coming here and having time to look at things."

...

"Then again, I can hardly be charged with breaking any of the Articles by helping a pirate."

Re: Arrivals

[argyle_princess]

"Tofu's not actually that bad, when it's not making people talk about mutual funds and all. But I can see where the experience might have ruined it for you.

"But this is much more better, I think, yes."

Re: Arrivals

[politestpirate.livejournal.com]

"Lots of researching on how to build, and lots of sketching out the plans and going over them often." Wellard chuckles. "I've never done anything of the like before- and this is going to be a new sort of ship. I'll have to grab the plans so you can see them, one day." He grins.

"Its going to be a flying ship."

Re: Arrivals

[try_corsets]

Elizabeth stiffens a little, thinking of her father.

"Not always, no. But some are good and honest, whereas others aren't worth the price of powder."

She knows Norrington's story; Elizabeth finds she is very interested in Wellard's. Offering a small smile, she looks him in the eye.

"Why did you leave the Navy?"

Re: Arrivals

[politestpirate.livejournal.com]

"Each instance depends on the person in charge." Wellard nods, then gives Elizabeth a wry smile.

"I- I was shot and killed, Miss Swann. When some prisoners got free and tried to take over our ship."

Re: Arrivals

[politestpirate.livejournal.com]

"So the food is actually safe to eat this time?" Wellard grins at Jack, then chuckles at Hannah.

"I don't think I'd ever care to try it, after events here, really."

Re: Arrivals

[try_corsets]

Startled, Elizabeth shrinks back a little. Her eyes are wide and dark in a suddenly pale face, and she unconsciously curls her lip as she struggles with what to say.

"I'm sorry," she manages. "I didn't mean..."

She straightens and exhales slowly.

What else is there to say? I'm sure you didn't deserve it...

Re: Arrivals

[politestpirate.livejournal.com]

Wellard blinks, and shakes his head quickly.

"There's nothing to be sorry for, Miss Swann. Certainly on your account." He shrugs, and smiles faintly.

"It's past, and there's no changing it- and Milliways is a far better place than I had originally hoped I would end up."

Re: Arrivals

[try_corsets]

And there's no changing it...

Chin set at a stubborn angle, Elizabeth surreptitiously looks around for Jack.

"It is certainly interesting," she states. "I wonder if I shall ever grow used to what one finds here."

She smiles.

"I imagine you were surprised to see this ship floating on the lake."

Re: Arrivals

[politestpirate.livejournal.com]

"Oh- quite so." Wellard chuckles. "After the hurricane sank the Isla de Muerta, we weren't sure if we'd see Jack back here at Milliways- Ah... though certainly not under these sorts of circumstances, along with the Pearl." He sighs quietly.

Re: Arrivals

[try_corsets]

"You know of the Isla de Muerta?" Elizabeth queries, quirking an eyebrow. "Was it part of the stories you read?"

She looks as if she's about to add something else, then gives a small shake of her head.

Re: Arrivals

[politestpirate.livejournal.com]

"'Captain Jack Sparrow and the Curse of the Aztec Gold'." Wellard grins. "When he gets back the Black Pearl, of course."

"Ah- first from the stories, of course. Then Jack took myself, and a couple others back with him, for a voyage on the Pearl for a while."

Re: Arrivals

[pirate_jack]

Jack grins, but there's an oddly fond light in the black eyes as he glances sideways over toward Gibbs.

"Much more to the man than people see at first glance, savvy? Might even deny it himself, come to that, but he's a good man, that one."

Re: Arrivals

[pirate_jack]

"Suppose you could call it something of the sort."

A beat, and then Jack leans in closer and lowers his voice as he confides,

"'Course, that doesn't mean it's not fun to run a trick on you betimes, savvy?"

Re: Arrivals

[pirate_jack]

"Safe as anything, aye-- even the mince." Jack raises a finger to accent the point as he adds,

"And there's even something what's all spiced and mulled in the way of apple cider with cinnamon, might suit your tastes for the season." A beat, and he finishes,

"Even if it doesn't have rum in. 'Course, that just means it can be added to taste."

Or not, given Wellard's predilections, which Jack knows perfectly well. There's a reason the cider's not already 'spirited,' after all.

Re: Arrivals

[try_corsets]

Elizabeth leans in an equal distance and narrows her eyes, nose wrinkling more out of habit than at the smell of rum on his breath.

"You would know," she replies boldly.

Re: Arrivals

[argyle_princess]

Hannah is shocked, just shocked, that Jack Sparrow would suggest contributing to the deliquency of a minor.

Except for the part where she's not.

"That sounds very festive."

Re: Arrivals

[the_lioness]

"I trust him in a fight," she says, and really that's the best recommendation. "I'm glad he's here with you, Jack."

Biting her lip, she looks around his shoulder.

"Speaking of old friends, I see Elizabeth is here."

It's faintly questioning.

Re: Arrivals

[try_corsets]

"Don't suppose my role in that is documented?" She laughs, but it's only partially joking. "Ah, that's why I recognize your name, then. I believe you also helped restore the Pearl?"

There's something tense in her tone, almost as if she's jealous.

Re: Arrivals

[pirate_jack]

"So she is."

He doesn't even so much as glance her way -- although oddly enough, he knows exactly where she is.

"Didn't see the need of explaining to Gibbs why she might be more better suited to stay on shore."

Re: Arrivals

[pirate_jack]

"I know a lot of things. People are always surprised."

Jack grins wickedly at her.

"Including you, Lizzie."

Re: Arrivals

[politestpirate.livejournal.com]

Legal Drinking Ages are a modern invention, both Wellard and Jack would point out. Wellard just tends to avoid alcohol for his own reasons- He gives Jack a wry, but grateful smile. "Thank you."

Re: Arrivals

[pirate_jack]

"You're welcome."

Jack grins wickedly at them both, and then makes a grand gesture, swaying slightly from side to side as he does.

"It's this way."

Re: Arrivals

[politestpirate.livejournal.com]

"After Jack arrived here." Wellard nods.

"She was rather wrecked, due to the Kraken- we couldn't just let her stay that way, not when we could get her back to rights."

Re: Arrivals

[try_corsets]

"Yes," she drawls. "You hide it so well."

Flashing an impish grin of her own, Elizabeth searches his black eyes and decides it wouldn't do for Jack to forget she has a few surprises of her own. She lifts her hands to his shoulders, closes the remaining distance and kisses his left cheek.

"Happy Christmas, Jack."

Turning on her heel, she saunters away, purposely avoiding the other guests.