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Savarna	By : BrethlessM Category: Pirates of the Caribbean (All) > Het - Male/Female > Jack/Elizabeth Views: 5383 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own the Pirates of the Caribbean movie series, nor any of the characters from it. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

Chapter List
- 13
- 14
- 15
A/N: I sure hope I didn't make too many mistakes because I didn't get to edit! I got horribly sick yesterday and I'm trying to finish before going back to school this weekend. This is a long chapter and I enjoyed writing it. Hope you like it! - Kimberlee

Chapter 14

�Yes, I am.�

�No, you�re not.�

Jack and William stood opposite one another in mirrored stances: arms folded and scowling stubbornly. None of the crew on deck paid the battle of wills any attention but Captain Teague, who had seen the argument coming since Tortuga had first come into view several hours ago, seemed content to keep his place beside the gangplank and watch the drama unfold.

Had Jack noticed his father�s interest, it would have made William�s argument even more tenuous. �You have your orders, mate � you�re staying here on the Savarna till your mum and me are done in Tortuga� understood?�
William stomped his foot, looking so much like Jack that Teague almost laughed aloud. �Everyone else is going,� the boy argued.
�Everyone else is not going,� Jack said. �Captain Teague is staying, as are Ina, Murtogg and Mullroy.�
�Captain Teague never leaves the ship,� William said. �And the others drew short straws for stand-by watch. I drew a long straw, therefore, I�m going with you.�
Jack struggled to contain his exasperation. The lad was right � he had every right to go with them, but William did not fit in with Jack�s plans for the evening. If he had his way, it would be a late night. Besides, it would be much safer for a nine-year old boy aboard the ship than on the island proper. �Tortuga�s no place for a young lad, mate � even if he is a pirate.�
�You came when you were young,� William pointed out.
�I was fifteen,� Jack said triumphantly. �And I�m the captain, so what I say, goes.�
William glared. �Captain Teague�s the captain on this ship � you�re just the first mate!�
�What on earth is going on here?� Elizabeth interrupted as Jack fumbled for his sword.
�Uncle Jack won�t let me go with you to Tortuga,� William told her.
Looking between her son and Jack, and then catching sight of the amused look on Captain Teague�s face, Elizabeth said, �Well, I can�t say I completely disagree with him, but why not?�
Managing to look only slightly guilty, Jack said, �You know Tortuga, love � it�s not the kind of place an impressionable young lad like William should be running amok.�
�But I won�t be running amok,� William said. �I�ll be with you two the entire time � I promise!�
Seeing the look of frustration on Jack�s face, Elizabeth suddenly realized that that was exactly the problem. She struggled not to laugh at his predicament. �Sounds safe enough to me, don�t you think, Jack?�
Jack shot Elizabeth a look � she was onto him, but he wouldn�t back down now.
That is, until William�s lower lip suddenly curled a bit. �We haven�t gotten to spend a lot of time together since we found mother. I just want to be with you guys.�
It was a transparent ploy that William would never have dared to try on his mother, and both she and Jack knew it. But the expression on the boy�s face made him look so much like Elizabeth when she was crying that Jack finally sighed in exasperation. �You stay with one of us � or one of the crew, at all times. Savvy?�
The tears vanished so quickly that Jack felt dizzy. �Savvy,� William said happily, and ran to the gangplank where he stopped and looked back at them, waiting impatiently.
Elizabeth fell into step beside Jack as they followed after William. She could hear Teague chuckling softly as they passed him. To Jack, she said, �You lasted a whole five minutes in a debate with a nine-year old. I�m quite impressed.�
Jack glared. �He looks too much like the whelp when he pouts � all melancholy and glowery. His face might have gotten stuck that way if I hadn�t given in.�
�I see,� she laughed.
He liked it when she laughed, even if it was at his expense. She didn�t laugh enough, Jack decided, and let go of his frustration in order to enjoy her good humor. �I suppose I�ll just have to be more creative in my designs upon your person,� he sighed with mock vexation.
Elizabeth laughed again, louder, and Jack grinned at the sound. �I�m certain you�ll come up with something,� she said.
With William dancing a few paces ahead of them, Jack and Elizabeth wandered through the town. It was relatively quiet in the early afternoon hours. No one on the streets made eye contact with them, or seemed to recognize the two most famous pirates of the Caribbean.
�Where are we going?� William stopped moving long enough to ask.
Jack nodded towards the end of the street. �Quite a number of places to go in Tortuga if you want information, but only a few that are relatively safe. We�ll start at The Faithful Bride.�
Elizabeth nodded. She�d been there before, many years ago. It was where she�d finally caught up with Jack in her search for Will a little more than ten years ago. The tavern�s patrons would be likely to have at least some word of El Lobo�s location.
The inside of the tavern was dark after the sun�s bright light, and it took the three of them a moment to see further than a foot in front of them. They could hear just as well as ever though, and no one missed the fact that the room fell silent at their arrival.
As his eyes adjusted, Jack was pleased to note that every one of The Bride�s twenty or so patrons were now staring at them in surprised recognition. Infamy definitely had its perks. A few of the men and women leaned closer to whisper to his or her companions, and Jack distinctly heard the words �Pirate King� from nearby.
The man sitting next to the whisperer Jack had overheard broke the silence first. �Rubbish!� the man muttered in disgust. �The King of the Pirates is dead � dragged down to Turner�s Locker by her own husband, I heard tell.�
William looked up at his mother, trying to read her expression. Elizabeth�s face was impassive as she looked around the room.
�But that�s Jack Sparrow,� said a third man who was sitting with the first two. He glanced at Jack apologetically. �I heard he were there when the ocean took Port Royal. If he survived God�s wrath, why not Captain Swann?�
Elizabeth leaned close to Jack as the debate continued around them. �God�s wrath?� she whispered. �Is that what they think happened to Port Royal?�
Jack shrugged, but said, �Our very own Sodom and Gomorrah, more than like.�
�Captain Jack Sparrow�s been reported dead more times than I can count on both hands,� said a grizzled old pirate in a dark corner. The room fell silent around him. �It�s even said he escaped from the Locker and out-smarted Davy Jones himself.� The man stared at Jack, his only eye sharp and penetrating. �But I was just off shore at Port Royal on the day of the earthquake, and I saw Captain Swann�s body break upon the rocks before vanishing into the waves.� Standing up, he came towards Elizabeth with an uneven gait. She realized he had a wooden leg. �And I�d recognize Mrs. Turner anywhere.�
Stepping forward into the light, Elizabeth lifted her chin and looked defiantly around the pub. Gasps and furious whispering erupted all around. �Mister Thomas,� she addressed the old pirate calmly. Squinting at her for a moment, a confident smirk scarred his face. Removing his weather-beaten hat, he bowed awkwardly, but formally. �I knew not even the forces of nature could stop one such as you, your highness.�
Elizabeth nodded her head in a return greeting and smiled at his words. Around them, the other men slowly rose and removed their hats. Jack was fascinated by the open display of loyalty, until a few of the men stepped forward to greet Elizabeth personally. He realized that she knew many of these men; had treated their ails during her last ten years in Port Royal. She�d even been the one to amputate the leg of the old pirate, Thomas, when it had become infected by a musket ball embedded in his calf.
�But� how did you away?� One of the men asked.
Exchanging looks with one another, Jack, Elizabeth and William answered quite seriously, �Sea turtles.�
As the crowd around them fell silent in confusion, Jack began pushing his way towards the bar, searching the faces around for one in particular. Elizabeth guided William in front of her, wondering what Jack was looking for.
She was a little surprised when Jack�s eyes lit up as they landed on a woman standing behind the bar. A little surprised, but not much � he was, after all, Jack Sparrow. She braced herself for the encounter. The woman was pretty; close to Jack�s age but with a head of thick, dark brown curls which were pulled artfully on top of her head. Her skin was tanned but not weathered, and her deep crimson dress, although not fancy, was better than anything Elizabeth would have expected to find on a bar maid.
The woman was not looking at them, although the eyes of everyone else in the tavern had not left the trio for a moment. She was certainly aware of their presence though, for when Jack leaned across the bar, resting on his elbows to grin at her, she flashed a grin of her own without looking up. Shaking her head, she said, �Jack, you certainly know how to make an entrance.�
�Ta, Bella, dolly � it always does me good to hear your voice.�
�Especially when I�m giving you compliments, eh?� Finally looking up from the pint mug she�d been polishing, eye bright eyes shone as she examined Jack�s face. �I suppose you need a favor.�
Jack pretended to look offended by the comment, but at the woman�s raised eyebrow, he grinned at her crookedly. �You�ve caught me, Bella. I � that is, we need some information.� He nodded towards Elizabeth. �Arabella Smith, may I introduce Captain Elizabeth Swann � Pirate King of the Brethren Court.�
Arabella smiled, her eyes studying Elizabeth intently. �I�ve heard of you, of course,� she said pleasantly. �But then, who around here hasn�t? I�m pleased to meet you.�

�Bella and I go way back,� Jack said. �She�s the authority �round these parts.�

�The law?� Elizabeth asked, confused.

�More like the mayor� or governor,� Jack�s shrug indicated that the title didn�t really matter, her role was the same. �She owns everything worth owning in Tortuga, and knows nearly everything worth knowing.�

Arabella rolled her eyes, but grinned. �My father owned this pub when I was a girl, but he nearly lost it while I was out seeking my fortune with Jack here,� she told Elizabeth. �With the money we eventually came back with, I was able to save the tavern, and thanks to Jack, I even bought it.�

�How thanks to Jack?� Elizabeth asked.�
�He made up the difference in the price,� Arabella said. �Nearly died of shock to see Jack Sparrow part with money willingly, but,� she shrugged. �He�s still part owner � won�t let me buy him out.�
Jack pretended disinterest. �Just making sure I always have a place to stay when I�m in the neighborhood.�
�I used the money I saved to pay him back to buy the shop next door,� Arabella continued. �Every year I offer to pay him back, and every year he turns me down, so I go out and invest in another of Tortuga�s establishments.� She spoke nonchalantly, but the pride was evident in her voice. �Helps the few families here stay in business, and those who decided to get out while they can are more than eager to sell, and their shop workers get to keep their jobs.�
�That�s quite impressive,� Elizabeth said honestly.
Arabella waved aside the compliment, but she was still smiling. �I suppose you�ll be wanting your room,� she said to Jack, indicating upstairs with her chin. �I can ask one of the girls to run up and change the linens and such, so it�ll be ready by this evening.�
�Ta, Bella,� Jack nodded happily. �Mind if I sample your wares?� Elizabeth raised her eyebrow, but understood when Jack nimbly hopped over the bar and began rummaging through a collection of rum bottles kept hidden under the counter.
With Jack occupied, Arabella leaned confidentially over the counter to Elizabeth. �When I say me and Jack are old friends, I mean friends � nothing else.� Her eyes searched the other woman�s to make certain she understood. �I may have found that popinjay charming once or twice, but nothing ever came of it, or ever will,� she grinned.
Elizabeth studied Arabella�s face for a moment, then smiled in return. She liked her. Arabella�s frankness, and her observant nature were refreshing, and Elizabeth couldn�t help but admire all that she�d done for herself.
Looking down at William, Arabella winked at him. William smiled shyly in return. To Elizabeth she asked, �he yours then?�
Jack stood up with a bottle of rum in each hand, holding first one and then the other up to the light. �Bella, dolly,� Jack said. �Elizabeth and I are in the market for some information. We�re looking for El Lobo.�
The grin faded from Arabella�s face. �He was here a few months back. Came to the tavern, in fact. Acted very strange � nervous. Stayed in port one night and left without causing trouble.� She frowned. �Which is an oddity in and of itself, come to think on it.� Looking at Jack and Elizabeth in concern, she asked, �Why are you looking for that son of Belial?�
�He has something we want,� Jack told her.
�Oh, Jack,� Arabella shook her head. �You�re looking for trouble again, aren�t you?�
�We think he has the heart of my hus-� Captain William Turner, of the Flying Dutchman.� Elizabeth interjected. �We must get it back from him.�
Arabella examined the three of them seriously. �I�m not sure where he was headed when he left. If you�re determined to find him, you should go down to the bonfires tonight. Someone�s bound to have seen the Asesino Sangriento in the last few months.�
Elizabeth looked at Arabella and Jack in confusion. �The bonfires?� She asked.
Nodding, Arabella explained, �There�s always at least one going down on the beaches. Pirates get pretty unruly, especially when they�re drunk. When they�ve been thrown out of all the taverns and pubs on the island, they continue the revelry down there.�
�That�s hours from now,� Elizabeth said dejectedly.

Jack put a hand on her shoulder. �Not to worry, love.� Looking at her feet, he said, �Now that we�re in port, you should get yourself boots that fit.� Taking money from the pouch at his waist he handed the coins to her. Standing back, he examined her appraisingly. �Hat too,� he said decisively.
Elizabeth accepted the money, unsure of what to say.
�And a dress,� Jack added. �You�ll need a dress for tonight.�
Elizabeth frowned. �A dress,� she stated. �For a party on a beach?�
Jack grinned. �Drunken men have loose lips � especially around beautiful women. And as I�ve said before, love, those cloths do nothing for you.�
Elizabeth smiled sweetly. �Will you make me dine naked with the crew if I don�t oblige?�
His smile turned into a scowl, and Jack muttered, �Barbossa.� Shaking his head he took a small handful of money from his pouch and handed the entire amount to Elizabeth. �Tell you what,� he said. �Humor me about the frivolities, and use the rest of this to buy anything else you desire.�
Elizabeth bit her lip, staring at him. It wasn�t so much the money as the fact that it was Jack giving it to her. Finally she nodded. �All right.�
Jack grinned, lopsidedly. �That�s a love.�
Standing up, Elizabeth reached for William�s hand. �Come along,� she said.
�Can�t I stay here with Jack?� William asked.
Elizabeth looked at Jack who said, �We�ll stay as close as peas.�
With a nod to Jack and a smile to her son, Elizabeth left the Faithful Bride.
Jack watched her go. Even if men�s clothes didn�t suit her, he certainly enjoyed watching the way her body moved beneath her trousers.
Arabella recalled his attention. �So that�s the Pirate King, eh?�
�She�s much more fearsome than she looks,� he said.
Nodding, Arabella picked up another glass and began polishing. �She must be to have sent you to your death,� she commented.
Jack frowned at her. �Word gets around doesn�t it? I suppose I ought to be grateful she�s the King after all, otherwise I�d never live it down.�
�Oh, you won�t anyway,� Arabella told him cheekily. William giggled and Jack pretended to ignore them both. �Has she really got him wrapped around her finger?� she asked William.
�Definitely,� William said.
Arabella laughed, �Good.� To Jack she added. �I like her. She�s not the kind of woman I used to see you with.� Leaning forward, she surprised him by slamming a knife into the bar, right beside his hand. �You bollocks this up, Sparrow, you�ll have me to deal with. Savvy?�
eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

The dress shop was only a few doors away from The Faithful Bride, but it still made Elizabeth feel strange to be further away from Jack and William than she had in weeks. As she waited for the dressmaker to return from the front of the shop, where he�d gone to greet some other customers, Elizabeth sighed impatiently. She wasn�t used to being on her own yet, and after only a few hours she was eager to return and spend the rest of the afternoon with the only family she had in the world.

A small pile of parcels wrapped in brown paper sat on a chair nearby, but the majority of her purchases had been sent directly to the ship. Jack had been more than generous with his money, and although Elizabeth felt a little guilty spending it, there were items both she and William needed now that their home was on the sea. Besides shirts, trousers, and other basic garments suitable for sailing, she�d also acquired toiletry items, such as a brush and comb, and two chests in which to store everything.

Only two items she kept with her � a pair of thick brown suede boots, and a matching tricorne hat. The only item she still needed was the dress she�d promised Jack, and after carefully considering her choices, she�d decided on a maroon-colored moir� gown with a black stomacher and matching underskirt. Satin ribbon decorated the edges, ending in delicate bows, and the d�colletage was accented by a small half-circle of black pearls.

Examining the matching shoes as she waited for the man to come back and finish his adjustments, Elizabeth froze when she heard laughter, and a familiar name.

�I�m sure it was Jack � who�d know better than me?�

�No one, I�m sure� except maybe me.�

The two women discussing Jack burst into fits of raucous laughter, and before she had time to consider it, Elizabeth was off the pedestal and peering through the curtain that separated one room from the other.

�But really, Scarlett,� the second woman said. �It�s not as if the Pearl doesn�t pop in to Tortuga every few months or so; why the fuss about Jack Sparrow?�

The one named Scarlett was examining her flaming red hair in an ornate mirror on the wall. Despite her fine dress, she was obviously a whore, and a painted one at that. Running the curve of a nail along the outline of her lips, she told the other woman, �That�s what I�m telling you, Giselle! In five years � since that sack of entrails had the nerve to call me �Elizabeth� whilst I was polishing his pistol � he�s been a ruddy ghost �round here. We hardly ever see him, �cept coming in or out of The Bride, and then he�s always alone.� Scarlett turned to face Giselle, her eyes shining. �Today I saw him going into The Bride alright, but there was a lady and a boy with him!�

Giselle�s eyebrow rose in knowing amusement. �Blighter has to bring his own fun with him now, eh? What did the bunter look like, then?�

Scarlett smirked. �Dressed like a man, as I live and breathe! Long brown hair, no make-up� must be some urchin he picked up for a bit of fun.�

Laughing, Giselle said, �How the mighty have fallen! Jack Sparrow may be a good turn, but he must be getting desperate.�

�Captain Swann, I do beg your pardon!� Mr. Gregory, the dressmaker apologized as he brushed past her with two dresses he�d completed for Scarlett and Giselle. �You�re quite nearly finished. As soon as I�ve done with these two ladies, I�ll be right back with you.�
The gossiping women had fallen silent at Mr. Gregory�s arrival, but neither was staring at the dresses he carried. �Captain Swann?� Scarlett finally spoke. �The Pirate King? Wife of Captain Turner?� She looked thrilled at her good fortune and shot an eager glance over her shoulder to Giselle.
Elizabeth nodded, one corner of her mouth lifting in a wry smile. �Aye, that Captain Swann. Captain �Elizabeth� Swann.�
Before she disappeared back behind the curtain, Elizabeth caught the look of stunned recognition on Scarlett�s face, and was pleased to see her pale considerably at the realization. When she left the dress shop half an hour later, the whores were nowhere to be seen. Elizabeth couldn�t help grinning.

When she returned to The Faithful Bride, Arabella was still behind the counter, chatting with a couple of drunken sailors at one end of the bar. The momentary silence that flooded the tavern at Elizabeth�s entrance must have announced the Pirate King�s arrival, for Arabella started moving towards the door before even looking up. Linking her arm with Elizabeth�s as though they were sisters, the tavern owner tossed her arm towel to a scrawny boy in an apron and led her guest up the stairs in the back.

�My quarters are up here, above the Tavern,� Arabella explained. �Above that are a few guest rooms for visiting dignitaries, but I always reserve a suite of rooms on the uppermost floor for Jack.� She glanced thoughtfully at Elizabeth before adding, �He told me that the three of you would make do in his usual rooms, but if you�d feel more comfortable in your own quarters, there are a few rooms available right above mine��

Elizabeth smiled, but shook her head �no�. �I�ve had a difficult time sleeping since my return from the Locker � Jack and William have been a great comfort to me � and Jack a� near perfect, gentleman. I should be grateful for their company.�

Arabella paused on the landing. �I didn�t know,� she said. �Well, nothing for sure. There�re always plenty of stories about what happened in Port Royal, but who can believe all the rubbish those drunken sots spew forth, right? But the Locker,� she shook her head. �After sacrificing yourself to save your husband�s soul � doesn�t seem quite fair, does it?�

�If I hadn�t ended up there, I wouldn�t be back here � so I suppose there are some small mercies after all,� Elizabeth said. �Jack owed me for rescuing him from the Locker once, so now I have a second chance to live life as I choose, thanks to him.�

�Hmmm,� Arabella said thoughtfully. �I get the impression that Jack would have done anything to rescue you, debt or no debt. He�s a selfish bastard at times, but a good man under all that.�

Elizabeth grinned. �I know.�

�I�m not sure I fancy the two of you discussing me,� Jack said from the open doorway. �The thought sends a chill down my spine.�

Elizabeth laughed and Arabella grinned, saying, �As if you could have prevented it.� Pushing past Jack, she showed Elizabeth around. The suite consisted of three rooms, a sitting room, a bedroom, and a washroom. Setting down the large box containing her dress inside the washroom, Elizabeth took out the considerably lightened purse and gave the last of the money to Arabella for a bath to be drawn for her.

Arabella shook her head, returning the money. �It�s on the house� I insist.� She smiled at Elizabeth, then at Jack. �I�ll send the help up with hot water, and my best soaps and such. Any friend of Jack�s is a friend of mine � especially if she�s the Pirate King.� With a jaunty curtsey that was more fun than worshipping, Arabella winked at Jack before she left.

�I like her,� Elizabeth told Jack when they were alone. �How did you ever befriend a woman like that without completely disaffecting her?�

Jack grinned widely. �No woman can resist my evident charm, love. �Tis a cross I�m doomed to bear.�

Elizabeth rolled her eyes. �Seems I ran into two today who would argue that point,� she said. �A Ms. Scarlett and Ms. Giselle?�

All the color drained from Jack�s face. He suddenly looked sick. �About those two, love��

�Jack, you needn�t explain,� Elizabeth laughed. �You�re a pirate, and Captain Jack Sparrow for all of that. I hardly expected you to be virginal.�

Jack looked relieved, but slightly confused. �Yes, well��

�However, I am curious about the last five years,� Elisabeth went on, ignoring him. �It appears you haven�t been single-handedly keeping Tortuga�s whores in business since �offending� Scarlett in such an inconsiderate manner.� He blanched, and Elizabeth stepped closer, her face serious. �Is it true?�

Jack searched her eyes. �Does it matter, love?� he asked quietly. �I wanted you long before I accidentally called Scarlett by your name, and I haven�t quite led the life of a eunuch, but yes � I thought if I stayed away from women for a time, I could keep thoughts of you at bay.� His mouth crinkled in an ironic smile. �It obviously didn�t work, since here we are.�

A thoughtful, pleased smile highlighted Elizabeth�s face, and she nodded once before starting to turn away.

Grabbing her gently and turning her to face him, Jack ran the pad of one thumb over Elizabeth�s cheek, making her breath catch in her throat. �I don�t know what it means, love,� he said. �But I�ve never wanted anyone the way I want you.� Though Jack was usually a man who relied on words as opposed to action, his kiss more than illustrated his point. Elizabeth could sense the barely contained desire gnawing hungrily at his will, and it instantly tore away a big fragment of her own control.

What had begun as sweet and heartfelt quickly devolved into something heated and frantic. There was no hesitation in Jack�s groping hands as they instinctively found Elizabeth�s breasts, making her sigh into his mouth. She gasped as his lips trailed a path to her ear, where his teeth pulled gently on the lobe before descending over the exposed flesh as he pulled aside the clothe of her shirt where it met her shoulder, and continued moving downward towards the lacing in front.

�William,� Elizabeth managed to protest breathlessly.

�Asleep.� Jack answered, beginning to untie her shirt. �Bedroom.�

A knock on the door jolted them both, and Elizabeth turned away from view as the door opened and two servants came in carrying buckets of water. Retying her shirt and trying to control her shaking, Elizabeth looked at Jack, whose eyes were tightly closed. �Bath,� she said apologetically.

Jack swallowed, but only nodded once. His eyes were amused, but calm when he finally opened them, and without a word, he vanished into the bedroom. Elizabeth checked her appearance in the mirror before going to see to the situation in the washroom.

The tub there was porcelain, and stood on clawed feet. It was almost as nice as the one Elizabeth had grown up with in the governor�s mansion, and as bucket after bucket slowly filled it to the brim, she found herself more than eager to get into it. A girl of about thirteen added a mixture of bath salts, and even some foam before curtseying herself out, and Elizabeth stood for a moment, soaking in the scent of the bathwater.

�Lavender,� Jack commented from the doorway. �Not your usual aroma, but it�ll do.�

Facing him, Elizabeth was torn. �Jack�� she began.

Jack shook his head. �Let me watch,� he whispered heavily. �That�s all.�

Elizabeth thought, and though her better instincts argued against it, she felt a familiar surge of excitement pull at her stomach. It was exactly the kind of seductively dangerous game she had played more innocently with Will what seemed like ages ago. She�d played it with Jack too, but not recently, and it wasn�t a game anymore. Still�

With a playful smile, Elizabeth unbuttoned her vest and slipped it over her shoulders, never breaking eye contact with Jack. He smiled back, giving a pleasurable sigh, and slid along the wall to the floor where he sat as attentively as a school child as Elizabeth toed off her boots and kicked them into a corner.

Jack picked one of them up and examined the new shoes. �Nice,� he said casually. �McMillan�s?� When she nodded, he said, �s�where I got mine � last a long time, these will.� Putting the boot aside, his eyes returned to Elizabeth eagerly.

She hesitated a moment with her trousers undone before sliding them to the floor, avoiding meeting Jack�s eyes for the moment. Turning her back to him, she leaned over the tub to test the temperature of the water and stepped in, not removing her shirt until she was covered to her knees in suds.

Behind her, Jack made a low moaning sound deep in his throat as she lifted her arms above her head and lifted the last remaining garment from her body. Pulling her hair to one side, Elizabeth slid down into the tub without turning around and pulled her knees up against her chest. Suddenly self-conscious, she couldn�t meet Jack�s eyes for a moment.

Jack cleared his throat, shaking his head, and slowly crept to the side of the tub. �Cheating, love,� he murmured, and before she could protest, he�d reached in.

To her surprise though, he only went for her hair. Ignoring the fact that his own shirt was getting wet, Jack gathered Elizabeth�s hair together and began rinsing it in the water, wetting it from root to tip.

Elizabeth relaxed at the soothing treatment and the warmth of the water, and soon her eyes closed in response to Jack�s gentle touch. With a bar of soap, Jack began washing the dirt from her tresses, and Elizabeth arched like a cat into his touch.

Boldly, Jack took the opportunity now that her guard was down, to run the soap over her neck, shoulders and chest. Elizabeth froze for a moment, but relaxed again at the sensation of his nails on the underside of her breast. Her back and stomach received similar treatment, but when his hand began slipping over the tender skin of her stomach, Elizabeth gasped aloud.

�Shhh�� Jack urged softly. �Relax.� She obeyed, clutching onto the sides of the tub for support. Elizabeth�s body began to tremble as Jack continued running the soap down one leg and up the other. By the time he reached the apex of her thighs, her breath was choppy and she could not look away from the liquid depths of Jack�s eyes, trained so fixedly on hers.

He gently cleaned her, taking care not to get the soap anywhere it would sting her, and then, as though her were nothing more than a servant, he moved his hand away from her sex and out of the water.

Elizabeth might have been offended if she hadn�t been able to see the tick in his jaw and the desperate need in his eyes. She would not have stopped him if he�d decided to press the issue at this point, but Jack�s obvious desire to abide by his word was touching, and it reminded her of what she�d promised him in return. She would be his completely, or not at all.

With a frustrated sigh and a whimper, Elizabeth pulled herself upright and clutched Jack�s arm. She could feel the muscles shaking beneath her touch. Jack bent over and kissed her forehead. �You�re beautiful, love,� he whispered, and with a weak smile, left her to finish her bath.

It took a moment for Elizabeth to gather her wits, but when she did, she found there was little left to do but rinse the remaining soap from her body. She was a little unsteady on her feet when she stood and reached for the towel to dry off, but as she turned to look at the box containing her dress, she realized she had a problem.

It had been quite a long time since Elizabeth had worn such a nice dress, and it hadn�t occurred to her until now that she would need help getting into it. Removing the black satin chemise and moir� underskirt first, she was able to get into these with no problem, but she knew without even trying that the corset would be impossible on her own. Tying the hip roll on just below her waist, Elizabeth slipped on the corset and carried the robe and shoes with her into the sitting room.

Jack was sitting in one of the large chairs, leaning forward and breathing heavily. He looked up when she entered the room, and Elizabeth saw that he was wiping his hands on a small towel. Elizabeth froze. Grinning at her sheepishly, Jack stood and adjusted his belt, but stopped when he got a good look at what she was wearing.

Having seen more of her than ever before not 10 minutes ago, she was surprised at the want that entered Jack�s face just looking at her in her undergarments. Elizabeth�s mouth went dry, and she turned her back to him. �Could you help?� she managed to say.

Without a word, he drew near her and slowly began tightening the laces on her corset. He was gentle, and it occurred to Elizabeth that he probably had experience with this sort of thing before. The thought made her want to laugh.

�You can breathe?� Jack asked, his breath tickling her ear.

�Yes,� Elizabeth said unsteadily. �That�s just perfect, thank-you.�

Slipping on the robe and adjusting the attached stomacher to cover the corset, Elizabeth stepped into the maroon shoes and turned around for Jack to see. Her hair was still damp from the bath, but the expression on his face couldn�t have made her feel any more desirable. After a few moments of silence, she asked, �Well, how does it look?�

�Stunning, love.� His face grew thoughtful. �Maybe it�s not such a good idea for you to wear that tonight after all. Pirates, you know.�

�Oh, no,� Elizabeth laughed. �I bought this just for this occasion, on your insistence. You can�t back out of it now.�

�Wow! Mother, you look wonderful!� William bounded into the room and carefully hugged his mother around the waist, trying not to wrinkle her. After examining her more closely, he asked, �I don�t suppose I�m coming with you, am I?�

Jack and Elizabeth exchanged a look, but before they could answer there was a knock at the door. Arabella greeted Jack as he opened it a crack and peered through, on hand on his pistol, and then nodded to William and Elizabeth as he let her into the room.

�Gregory does fine work,� Arabella commented, circling Elizabeth. �Not really the kind of thing they�ll be used to at the bonfires, so it�s perfect for getting their attention.�

�That�s what Jack afraid of,� Elizabeth said with a teasing look at Jack.

�Well, between the three of us, I�m sure we can keep those ruffians at bay,� Arabella said. At Jack�s surprised look she added, �Yes, I�m coming too. Figured someone should keep an eye on young William here while you two gather your information, and it�ll help to have an extra pair of eyes in case of trouble.�

Looking at one another again, Elizabeth said, �That sound like a fantastic idea, Arabella. Thank you.�

The tavern owner waved off her thanks. �Call me Bella. Anyway, if I know anything about Jack, it�s that it�s always good to have an extra pair of eyes when he�s around. Now, we�ve got about three more hours until the parties really get going, so I�ve asked young Charlotte to bring up some supper for the four of us. Arnold and John are working the bar tonight.�

As if waiting to be announced, Charlotte backed into the room, carrying a tray laden with covered dishes. A second and third girl followed behind her with more trays, and the three began setting the small table with four settings. Jack sat in one of the chairs near the table, lounging in it as he indicated that the other three should join him.

Elizabeth noticed Charlotte�s eyes dart over to Jack more than once, and although Jack grinned lazily at the girl in thanks as she uncovered his plate, making her turn pink, he immediately turned to Elizabeth and uncovered her plate for her. It was done without thought, and somehow that made all the difference. Noticing that Arabella had also caught the exchange, Elizabeth blushed at the woman�s smile.
�So,� Arabella said when it was just the four of them again. �El Lobo has the heart of Will Turner. Does he realize what it is?�
Throughout the meal, Jack and Elizabeth took turns telling Arabella the story of what had happened to them in Port Royal, and how the heart had come to be in El Lobo�s possession. Even though they tried to be discreet about some of the more personal details of the story, Elizabeth could see that the woman was not fooled; she understood exactly how Will had come under the impression that his wife loved another.
When the tale was done and the meal finished, Arabella stood, wiping her mouth on the corner of her napkin. �If El Lobo has Captain Turner�s heart, no good will come of it. We�ll find him. Wherever he is, we�ll find him out and get back what�s yours.�
As they walked down to the beach, Jack took Elizabeth�s arm to help her over the uneven ground and fell back a few steps behind where William was running to keep up with Arabella�s wide steps. She slowed for him and took his had, receiving a wide smile from the boy. Jack took the opportunity to lean close to Elizabeth�s ear and speak privately.
�She�s had a hard life, Bella. When I met her, her father was a broken man, continuously drunk since pirates kidnapped her mother. She�s proud, Bella � wouldn�t take a cent from me unless she thought she�d be paying me back someday.� He glanced at her sideways. �I have no intention of accepting her money, not ever. She�s been a good friend to me over the years but I want you to understand, she�s more of a sister to me than anything else.�
�You don�t need to explain. She told me as much herself.� Jack grinned and shook his head at the thought. �But thank you, Jack. I appreciate the thought.� Looking up ahead at Bella, outlined by the glow of distant fires, Elizabeth asked, �How does she do it? If her mother was kidnapped by pirates, how does she live in a town surrounded by them every day?�
Jack shrugged. �Bella�s one of a kind � never met another like her. To survive in a world like ours, one learns to square with their demons quick enough. Bella learned quicker than most.�
In the last few feet to the bonfires, Elizabeth examined the crowd surrounding them. The pirates did not seem dangerous tonight; though drunk, they were happy, laughing and singing along to the musicians playing their instruments nearby. Glancing at Bella, at the broad grin the woman wore as she nodded to the familiar faces there, just how squaring with your demons came to living among them with a smile on your face.
They took a seat near the musicians, and though the talking subsided momentarily as the pirates recognized the new arrivals, the music did not stop, and soon the conversations continued as though nothing out of the ordinary had happened.
William eyes were wide with excitement as he watched the pirates around him. He could not hear their conversations above the music unless they leaned in his direction, but their laughter rose all around him, making him laugh too. He watched the musicians with particular fascination, enjoying the odd collection of instruments and the unusual sound they made together. One man played a violin similar to the one he�d had at home, and his fingers itched to try his hand at the simple tune the band was playing.
Arabella saw the movement of William�s fingers as he mimicked the motion of the violinist�s fingers, and she quietly approached the band as they finished their song. Before he knew it, the pirate had laughed and placed his instrument in the boy�s hands, indicating that he should take a seat on the barrel. William took the indicated seat and waited as the other pirates decided on a song and began playing.
Elizabeth watched with Jack as her son listened, and then began picking out notes on the violin as though it had been only days since he�d put it down. Her heart filled with happiness at the sight of him, and she wondered if perhaps this was how someone learned to live with their past, by finding love in the present.
Jack stood at her side and bowed formally, offering his hand for her to take. Standing, he put his hand on her waist and they began dancing, whirling over the soft sand in their bare feet. Elizabeth laughed at the grin on Jack�s face, and the sounds of laughter filled the air around them as other pirates and their ladies got up and joined the dancing.
Other pirates, men Elizabeth knew from before and some she hadn�t, began cutting in on her dance with Jack, and when she saw him began circling the crowd to talk to some of the others, she got the idea. Partner after partner approached her, and each one was asked if they had heard the location of El Lobo. All claimed that they did not, but on she went until her feet were close to falling off.
Jack was dancing with a lady nearby, and Elizabeth had just been approached by yet another partner, when the snick of metal on metal made everyone turn around and stare. Arabella was standing in the sand about ten feet from the fire, her sword pressed firmly against the throat of a pirate with eyes widened in alarm.
�Leaving so soon mate? Or should I say late, since your captain�s not be here for months now?�
Everyone watched in surprise, unable to react until Jack stumbled over to Arabella�s side. �What�ve we got here, Bella?� he asked.
Bella grinned fiercely, pressing the blade closer against the pirate�s throat. �This swab is the first mate of the Asesino Sangriento. He danced with Elizabeth and as soon as she asked him if he knew El Lobo�s whereabouts, he broke away from her and began crawling away like the slimy git he is. You on watch for someone, mate? Supposed to report in anyone�s asking questions about a certain item?�
The pirate scowled, and spit into the sand, but Bella�s sword cut into his throat causing a line of blood to drip down onto the blade. Taking a deep breath he muttered, �Only if it�s the Pirate King who was asking. The Captain figured if she managed to survive, she�d end up here sooner or later. He wanted to make sure she didn�t know he had it.� He glanced carefully at Elizabeth as he spoke.
Jack knelt down beside the man and grinned in a deceptively friendly way. �So, just where is this captain of yours now, eh? Where were your going to meet up with him if Her Nibs arrived in Tortuga?�
Falling backward into the sand, the man rolled from under Arabella�s sword and threw a handful of sand into the air. The sand didn�t hit anyone�s face, but was distraction enough for the man to slip away. Jack went after him, tackling the pirate around the knees and taking him down, but the rest of the men nearby were energized by the fighting and immediately joined in, creating a ruckus of their own.
Frantic to find her son, Elizabeth scrambled through the crowd and grabbed the boy by the arm, not bothering to let him drop the violin he was still clutching. When she got back to Arabella, Jack was listening closely to the man on the ground, who was talking quite freely now due to the pistol at his temple.
�Go,� Arabella urged, giving Elizabeth a quick hug. �And Godspeed. If you�re in the area again, don�t be a stranger.�
Elizabeth grabbed Jack�s outreached hand and tugged William along with the other. Everything they owned had already been sent ahead to the ship in case of something very like this, and there was nothing else they needed now but to head off in search of the heart. �Where is it?� Elizabeth gasped as she ran. �What did he say?�
�Cuba!� Jack shouted over his shoulder. His face was set in a grim smile. �And I�m pretty sure he was telling the truth this time. I can be very persuasive.�
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Savarna