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

[pirate_jack]

"And if it isn't dear Lizzie."

Jack's smile is wickedly sharp, and black eyes are glittering, but he sounds amiable enough.

Re: Arrivals

[try_corsets]

He does, and somewhere in the back of her mind, Elizabeth decides that Jack has clearly had enough rum to mellow this moment.

"It is," she responds after a moment's hesitation. "I confess I was startled by the invitation."

Re: Arrivals

[pirate_jack]

"Can't imagine why that would be." The lazily amused tone of his drawl doesn't change one jot, even as he points out,

"Couldn't disappoint Mr. Gibbs, now could I?"

Re: Arrivals

[try_corsets]

Elizabeth laughs, quietly and nervously, and studies Jack as if she's expecting him to say something extremely odd. He doesn't. Relieved, she gestures to his face.

"Gibbs mentioned that you shaved." She tilts her head. "So did Norrington."

No need to mention Will just yet.

Re: Arrivals

[pirate_jack]

"Tofu." It's very nearly growled, and Jack's expression is one of extreme disgust.

"See that you avoid the stuff, Lizzie. Can't say it would do you any good at all."

Re: Arrivals

[try_corsets]

Looking very skeptical, Elizabeth eyes him and repeats the unfamiliar word.

"And is that what was wrong with Will and Norrington?" Her chin juts out at a stubborn angle. "I thought they were having a joke at my expense. Honestly, it was like they had been possessed."

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

[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

[pirate_jack]

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

Jack grins wickedly at her.

"Including you, Lizzie."

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.