Soothe me [Treasure, Will]

[Lovely]

Nance humphed quietly, though he offered the young girl a smiling nod. Nicely revised, he thought. He gave Will a slight glare. His gear was good enough for the captain for her usual commands, why not now? "Very well. Everyone's heart goes a-flutter and their minds fly away with them." He tossed the rag he'd been using into a bucket of similar scraps that would be rinsed at some point. He turned and bolted off toward the lower cabins again for something suitable, quite aware that he was needed presently.

Octavia blushed lightly at the attention and compliments of both men, even though they were kind in giving them, it had been what she'd come here to avoid. It didn't make her feel dirty when they admired her, as it had with other men in Tortuga, those who expected her to be just like her mother or hoped that she would be. "I will, thank you." She smiled just a little and pulled her hand to her tummy, holding the rings safely in her grasp. "Shall I go back to wait with.. the Captain?"

Will chuckled a little. "Yes. Keep her mind from flying away. She still has a ship to command and I'm not about to stop her, just distract her for a while." He leaned close to the girl, looking around for the others, and whispered. "And I expect you will keep Nance and Cervantes in line during that time."

Octavia laughed softly and nodded her head, agreeing to give them as much of a hard time as she could while Will was otherwise occupied. "Of course." She grinned, as happy for them as she would be if it were her own night.

"Smart girl. Now go tend to the Captain while I reel in our Reverend appointee," he nodded, pleased that she accepted her post so freely.

"Consider him reeled, Mister Turner," Nance said, from behind him as he emerged on deck, rolling up the sleeves of a larger shirt than he normally wore. It was a darker color than most, but had fewer holes and no visible smudges. "Your lady awaits. If you're ready..?" He stood for inspection first then awaited Will's directlion for the ceremony to begin.

Octavia nodded again and scurried off, one hand holding the rings and the other lifting the hem of her skirt to keep it free from her feet. She didn't wait for the boys and expected that they would not delay in coming to the Captain's cabin for the ceremony.

Will turned toward the older man who'd emerged far quicker than he'd expected. He appreciated the man's sense of urgency as Will felt there were few others who truly understood the value of a single moment and what could be quickly lost within it. He exhaled and chuckled. "No time like the present, my friend. I'm ready," he nodded his approval and started after Octavia.

Nance appeared to soften a little and perhaps age another few years at once, looking on Will as he would a son and a brother, and considering their Captain as a young woman who could easily have been his own daughter. He'd never performed any ceremonies, but hoped he would recite the necessary details honorably and favorably. A brief wash of nerves prickled his skin before he followed Will toward the Captain's quarters. He rarely noticed the amulet that swung beneath his shirt, but today he paused to pull out its cord and kiss the small metal cross, begging forgiveness now for any manner in which he might stumble. His witness alone as a fellow ship captain would suffice to make their union legal, however these two people had become so much more to him than fellow travelers. He smiled proudly and hopped along more quickly to arrive with Will at Treasure's door.

Octavia arrived just before the men and Treasure's heart raced with anticipation as she waited the few moments it took Will and Nance to reach the door. Treasure wet her lips with her tongue as Octavia peeked out the door and then opened it to allow the boys to come in and for Will to see his lovely bride to be.

[Lovely]

Will stopped at the door, stunned into a silent stare with Nance nearly running him down and pushing him into the room. Startled by Nance's push, he was pulled from the trance-like gaze though he was sure he felt his heart lumped in his throat and preventing the words from coming out. He hadn't been so stunned by beauty since... His gaze fell to the floor briefly with the sting of memories from so very long ago, a sting that showed behind the smile in the gloss of faint tears when he looked up again. She was so very much a different person, he reminded himself as he stepped forward to take her hands, though his footing was shaky and he felt he might fall.

Nance had no such problem speaking his mind. "We must have stowaways. I should inform the captain immediately of these two beautiful girls we've just uncovered on board," he grinned, the pride showing as he stepped around Will to take his place, though reaching out to help the wobbly lad before he tumbled himself to the captain's feet.

There was one moment when her heart filled with joy to near bursting as Will stared at her, then her heart did burst as he looked away then back to her with something else in his eyes. She wanted to cry and didn't understand what she'd done wrong to cause such a sting in his expression, she had thought he'd be pleased at how she'd been done up. Treasure didn't reach for Will's hands but gazed at him with pain and confusion washing over her own features. Perhaps this was a mistake, perhaps he didn't really want this or her.. if it was this difficult as it began. Maybe she wanted and loved him far more than he'd ever want or love her.. how else to explain his reaction to her? It was the same as always - pulling her closer and making her want and then.. this. She smiled at Nance's compliment though it did little to light her eyes, her laugh somewhat forced. "Thank you.." At least someone honestly appreciated the effort even if it wasn't the man she'd hoped to enchant.

"Beyond beautiful," Will muttered, watching her expressions falter as his footing did. He steadied himself as he corrected the older man's statement, though he hadn't said it harshly. He was awed and overwhelmed by this true princess who stood before him. He felt in that moment he was too wretched to deserve her but would fight with his dying breath... again... to keep her as his own. "Are we at your leisure, Mister Nance? The captain has given you an order to have her married. I insist you proceed at once. I won't have patience to wait another moment," he said, not able to pull his eyes away.

Nance jawed at air, tempted to speak again, but realizing his mistake before the words came out awry. He cleared his throat and motioned for Octavia to stand to his side with the rings ready. "Of course, Mister Turner. Captain Sparrow... if you're ready?"

Octavia watched Treasure and Will for a moment before moving beside Nance as he motioned for her to do so. She bit gently at her lower lip, feeling the weight of the two rings in her hand and feeling again the importance of her role tonight and also how special it was for her to be asked to witness this.

Treasure searched Will's eyes. almost asking him if he was ready or sure he wanted to do this. His words would have completely reassured her if she'd not seen his expression in the moments before, yet he stared at her now and she was at a loss to figure him out. "It is not an order Mister Nance.. it is a humble request and an honor to have you do so." She glanced at the man who'd been fetched from his bed or his duties to preform the ceremony for them.

"The honor is mine, Captain. If you'll both please face me and give my your hands," Nance said, reaching out for them.

Will smiled gently. "He's wrong again. This honor is mine," he whispered gently, turning to take his place with more certain footing now. Perhaps he could tell her one day of the strange calmness of this ceremony compared to his earlier experience. His sword played no part this time and his attention was fully focused on Treasure and on Nance's words that needed only to be spoken softly for the four of them to hear, not shouted amongst clashing waves and metal. He much preferred this, he was sure. He set his hand out as requested and reached again for Treasure's with the other.

Treasure smiled a little at Nance's words and then with a light blush at how Will corrected him again, both men giving her a compliment. She let Will take her hand this time and reached the other out to Nance as she took in a deep breath. This was truly happening and though she had wondered about whether he really wanted it, Will showed more confidence in going ahead with the ceremony.

The words came out slowly from a distant memory. The man had not set foot in a proper church for many years. Nance set their hands together, Treasure's over Will's. "Octavia.. the rings, please," he then gestured, requesting the one that Will would place first.

Will watched intently and fought the urge to clasp her fingers then and pull her into his embrace. It would only be a few more moments, he assured himself, though his hand still twitched with the anticipation. He offered another grin as their friend presented the jeweled bands.

Treasure didn't notice if the words Nance spoke were perfectly delivered, only that he was asking for the rings and she trembled ever so slightly with excitement at being here in this moment. Her smile didn't falter but kept her mouth curved in joy. her fingers grasping back at Will's as she too longed to be pulled into his embrace.

Octavia nearly held her own breath as she watched and listened, dreaming for a moment of one day finding herself in such a wonderful place. She doubted it would happen for her with the life she'd chosen but lived in this moment with people she cared about. She brought the ring up for Will when she was asked to, smiling happily at both the bride and groom.

At Nance's direction, Will took the ring and repeated his words with quiet conviction and a subtle longing. "I shall," he nodded in agreement with his vow to her, sliding the ring in place over her finger he noted was truly delicate despite the strength of the woman possessing it. He set his hand above hers then, warming it between his trembling palms.

Nance directed Treasure now to do the same and take the ring she'd chosen for Will's hand.

Treasure blinked, feeling the tears well up in her eyes as she took the ring and echoed Will's vow as she slid it into place on his finger. "I shall.." She smiled and her eyes shone with pure and absolute happiness, her fingers gently gripping Will's as she promised him forever.

Nance dispensed with further formality as he was beginning to itch. "Kiss your wife, Mister Turner... Misses Turner," he said, nodding to the woman he scarcely recognized at that moment. He stepped back to allow them a little room in the small space where they'd gathered.

Will felt he could burst with laughter as he greedily complied with Nance's 'order'. Witnessed by these two only, he showed no further shyness as he reached for this all-important kiss. "I shall," he agreed.

Treasure let out a small delighted laugh as she all but leapt into Will's arms when he reached for her, she was not shy at all about showing her adoration of him in front of Nance and Octavia. Her arms wrapped around Will's shoulders and she kissed him for several long moments, seeming to forget for that time that anyone else existed but the two of them.

Octavia watched with a small awed smile and a shimmer of tears in her own eyes, it was beautiful and as tough as she tried to be, she couldnt hide how she was touched by the whole thing.

[Lovely]

August 10, 1740
afternoon


The tiny dog's name was Precious, due to Treasure thinking he was exactly that. He was a sort of wedding present from the sea, they picked him up off a ship wreck after their wedding. He was the lone survivor and followed Will and Treasure everywhere, he growled at Jack. Will picked up the dog, small enough to put on his shoulder... thing sits so close all the time, trying to keep him from getting stepped on... the missing eye and all.

Jack stared closer at it... "you're not a parrot..." The dog snarls and snaps at him. "Almost a parrot, but still ... not quite." He jerks back covering his nose, muttering "Thats worse than the damn monkey."

Will says "Too bad he missed..." The pup had already endeared himself to both Will and Treasure. "If he'd bitten it off, it would be awfully hard to stick it in where it's not wanted, hm?"

"You must be so proud, he looks just like you." Jack sticks out his tongue.

*dog snaps again as if trying to get a snack* "Careful ... we do feed him worms when there's nothing else - he might mistake that."

"I hope you get fleas." He backs away with a scowl and then a pout.

"Only because I have two warm caring creatures to keep close?"

"If you call a monkey and a dog warm and caring.. this one's viscious!"

"I wasn't talking about the monkey. Three then."

"I rather dislike you.. you know."

Treasure comes up a moment later seeing Jack slinking off. "What's wrong with him, this time?" She reaches to pet the dog, tickling Will under his chin on the way.

"Precious envy, I think"

She chuckles and shakes her head. "Well the dog is much more charming than he is."

Grins. "I wasn't talking about the dog," he winked.

Bites her lip, trying not to remark or laugh, her eyes lighting up with amusement. "I see.. "

"Do you? Well best make sure he doesn't. He's pouting which means he's thinking of doing something to ... unpout... or something which is usually disastrous." He scoops her closely for all to see.

"Aren't those usually the same thing?" One hand on his chest and the other arm lightly wrapped over his and around his shoulder. "Mmmm ... You better kiss me quick before the chaos begins.."

"That's usually -how- the chaos begins," he reminded with a raise of his eyebrow before dipping her back into a gentle kiss.

"But that's the chaos I like.." She whispers between kisses, holding him with her for a long moment.

"It's good you like chaos. Expect to have lots of it very soon. Precious, down.." he said, trying to shake the dog loose.

"Mmmm how you tempt and tease me..." She murmured with a small smile, inviting all the chaos he wanted to give her. Precious seemed to want to stay put but after a moment, hopped down from Will's shoulder to a nearby barrell, then down onto a crate, and then to the deck.

[Lovely]

August 23, 1740


It had been a calm few days at sea, the new 'crew' was settled in mostly now. The two women had been aboard for a month and though they weren't sailors, they were an asset to the ship, repairing sails and helping with cooking and other tasks that they learned as they went. The women and their chosen protectors seemed equally content and pleased with the arrangements and most of the crew respected the way things were. Cervantes appeared well suited to his position and was doing a fine job so far, Dominick was earning his keep and not causing trouble. Even Jack was mostly behaving which meant some trouble was brewing somewhere and would likely hit the Opal soon. Treasure smiled slightly at the thoughts that passed through her mind as she stood near the wheel watching over everything. She was about to turn and head to her cabin to make an entry in her log when a voice called out "Sail!" Her step halted and she looked to the horizion, indeed there was something there. She moved to resume her position, one arm folded behind her, resting at her lower back. She wondered if this was the trouble or simply a prelude to it. "Nance!" She called for the man's attention. "Make note of who spotted the sail." She told him as she scanned the water and the ship in the distance. This was no wreck, it was a bounty waiting for them to take it.

"Aye! Noted, Captain!" Nance shouted, gathering to direct those out of Will's reach. "Prepare to bring her around to meet the pretty lady, boys. Cannons to the ready but hold for the Captain's order!" He hopped down to attend a rope and secure a boom. East India Trading company was Nance's first guess, and first hope, though the other ship was too far out to identify yet. "Aye, give her a warm welcome, but expect surprises," he muttered to himself.

"Come on boys, lets catch ourselves a pretty fish." Treasure called out to encourage the men as they started to scramble into place to take on the other ship, all eager for the adventure and the bounty she might hold. The Opal was a fast ship, the fastest if what Jack said was true, and she believed this was one of the few truths he told, since he didn't like to say so often, and insult the Pearl.

She came up from where she'd been attending her 'chores', in an outfit she'd fashioned partly from the fine dress she'd been wearing when brought on board and a pair of trousers she'd been given. The top of her dress had been modified into a vest of sorts and the trousers taken in, her dagger strapped at her hip and her red and black markings showing on her strong arms. She didn't say anything as she came up beside Nance and reached to offer him help if he wanted it.

Nance looked up to see who was assisting him, struck to find her there, and just as pleased. "Thank you," he nodded, giving her a smile as he dug at the rope, pulling it hard with his foot anchoring him against the hull. "Take the end of the rope there, secure it. Can you knot it?" The question was fair considering what little he'd come to know about her thus far. It wasn't a simple thread meant to hold a closure on a gown, afterall, but meant to hold the boom in place and keep the sail tightly inward while the ship turned. If it took too much wind, they could veer and possibly tip under their own wake.

Her head nodded to his thank you. "You're welcome." Was her quietly spoken reply. She looked at the rope as she took it up in her hands, her eyes closed for a breath when he asked if she could knot it. When they opened as she exhaled, her movements were quick and precise. Her strength showed as she pulled the rope and secured it, knotting it perfectly before she turned her gaze moved back to Nance. Her expression seemed to question many things, if she'd done right and how did she know how to do so?

"At the ready, Captain," Dominick beamed, coming up beside her and eagerly seeking direction since Nance seemed too busy at the moment to send him after anything. A mop and bucket or a pitch of straw wasn't going to be much good in taking on a rival ship. The brightness of his smile shrank away slightly when he realized that before he'd merely watched and picked up the pieces afterward. It was Cervantes who was the skilled one. He knew patches and lashings well enough to help heal his shipmates after taking on British or Islanders, but he hadn't handled much more than a stout bladed knife in a close fight. Thick air was swallowed sharply. He'd never killed anyone, either. He didn't dare show that fear or lacking ability to the Captain. He was a pirate! A sworn blade at her command! He refused to back down from an order that might have him take a life and waited for her commands. He did hope that he could watch Cervantes and learn a little more, though, or even better - he could watch the infamous Captain Jack Sparrow!

Will came upon the beaming cabin boy as he confronted the captain and awaited orders. He had a thought or two and wondered if Treasure had the same thoughts in mind. "So it seems you are. Find our quartermaster and bring him here. He seems fit to want to use his blade in games, he can use it there," Will nodded toward the other ship, wondering whether he should voice his other consideration to send the dormouse with him and keep him occupied.

Nance watched the girl and how she called upon a memory she wasn't sure she could reach. So many things had escaped her he no longer felt he should ask what she knew or didn't, but would still try. The knot was one he wouldn't expect her to know randomly and was done with an understanding of someone who had been closely around ships for some time, by someone who knew the slack and weight of a rope. He nodded. "That's right, nicely done. Thank you again. How are you at climbing?" He didn't mean it to slight her or simply to watch her wiggle and sway up the mast. More ropes needed tending quickly if they were going to anchor at all or if there was going to be cannon fire.

She grinned, looking like she was a cat with a tiny mouse hidden behind the mischevious smile. She nodded, looking up with an expression that said again it was a memory she was reaching for but somehow she knew she could climb and enjoyed it. The clouded memories made her smile falter a moment -she knew the husband she'd lost would never let her do such things.. so why was she with him if he held her back and restricted her. Her gaze fell back to Nance. "You allow me to be who I am.. even though I don't fully remember what that is." The look in her eyes likely said how much that, how much he meant to her though she didn't have time to say more. With a shift of her feet and a small leap she started up the mast for the ropes that needed tending.

Josette came to offer what help she could in securing items on the deck and getting things ready for them to face off with the other ship. It was terribly exciting and though she'd heard many stories from her previous husbands, it was nothing like actually being a part of it. She was becoming more and more accustomned to this life and found that she did very much prefer to be a pirate than to be married off to them by her mother. She'd fled that life to find herself in this one.. and it felt like this is where she was supposed to be, even if she felt like she was lacking in knowledge of 'ship' things. She was willing to learn and doing her best to make herself useful aboard the Opal and to Victor in 'other' ways that made her blush lightly at the thought. Her outfit was much like those now worn by the other women aboard the ship, she'd helped to make them and was happy with the way they'd come out. Hers was most like Octavia's but a bit more feminine and soft than the other girls' since she mostly kept busy with cooking and sewing.

Treasure turned to Will after taking in the other ship for long moments and lowered her scope to give him a brief smile. "Off the starboard bow.. She looks ill equipped for a meeting with us. I suspect we won't need to waste much powder to bring her down. A few rounds and to the ropes I'd say.. what do you see?" She offered him the scope so that he might observe the ship as well and offer his thoughts, she already had her own ideas but wanted to know if his were similar.

Fetching Cervantes was all they wanted of him? His smile crimped with his confusion as he nodded. "I'll fetch him for you. Then we'll have our orders, right?" He did mean 'we' and wouldn't let his mentor have all the fun. At least it always had looked like fun though he knew the darker end of the story too. "Should I get Jack too? Where is he?"

"Jack will find his way, no need for you to fret over him. He pops up at the oddest times and in the strangest places. I need Cervantes on deck, though." Treasure spoke over her shoulder to Dominick, her gaze still out toward the other ship though she passed Wll her scope. "Be prepared boys.." She was speaking to Dom and others who were in range. "I expect the cannon fire to be over quickly, then it's to the ropes and into the fray. There's much fun to be had."

Will took the scope, keeping his commentary about Jack behind a sneering grin. She'd said it nicer than he'd have. She was right about having fun with taking on the other ship, though. "Could have that without firing a shot. Her crew's light.." he observed, spying the deck and the few hands he could see. He glanced back toward Nance and his helper as the Opal's sails took wind and snapped sharp under their turn. "We'll be on her in minutes with that wind in our favor. No way for her to outrun, or outgun... not so much as a hint of brass or spark of a fuse, yet. Either they don't see us coming... or they have no idea who we are. What do you say, Captain? Spare the powder and let the boys raise the colors and have their day?"

"Boys do need to have their fun, now don't they?" She smiled, the grin clearly showing she wanted to have her fun as well. "Well then mister Turner.. tell the men to spare the powder... let them have their fun." She turned to step up on the rail and gave the cry which would raise a cheer from the men. "Hoist the colors!" She'd let Will give the other half of the 'plan', they were a team after all.

Nance was on the task as the order rang out, he and another hand tying the Opal's vibrant warning, clashing metal blades and a wash of purple, to the ropes and pulling them higher for the black haired woman to secure while she climbed around the top of the mast. Indigo... Nance pondered, looking up at the woman and the flag and sails, deciding on something that had been troubling him.. perhaps India for her own ink that adorned her.

"All hands at the ready, Captain," Will nodded with a smile meant just for her as he returned the scope. He was intending to go aboard as well unless she had other plans. He turned to carry the order to the wind and the rest of the crew. "All hands - look alive!"

The girl on the mast was limber and quick, nearly soaring now as she flipped herself from one place to the next, perched and tightening things as needed. As the Opal's colors came up her legs went around the beam below her and she swung backwards, grasping and tying the bottom as she hung upside down. Moving just as swiftly she did the top and let the purple wave it's warning in the breeze along with her raven hair which whipped out behind her.

Dom ran off as told, in search of his friend, post haste. "Cervantes! Cerv... where are you? Oy, Cervantes?!" Down the ladders below deck and all the way down to the brig, he searched, dodging around other hands scurring above at the promise of the attack. What could he be doing that he wasn't already on deck and awaiting arrival at the other ship? Dominick stopped and turned back. The boats! Dom laughed and wondered if the man had already taken to one of the boats to gather all kinds of bounty from the ship. Strangely, he wondered... he hadn't seen Jack, either. He looked around as he resurfaced on deck, wondering where they both were. He had to find Cervantes. He had to show him how to handle a sword!

"Here boy. Hush your caterwaulings. You have found me, have you not?" Cervantes had heard the call to attention and had been checking the boats, but wasn't sitting idle in one. He appeared cross, but was merely only concerned. He'd seen the boy approach the Captain and first mate alone, directly without being called by them. "You're lucky she didn't decide to cast you overboard." He didn't want to scare his young friend or let him believe he was angry. Cervantes chuckled and turned the boy toward the Captain, setting his arm about the young man's shoulder as they walked. "You have a taste for this fight, do you not?"

"Taste? I crave it, Cerv. It's been months since we've crossed.. well, since you've crossed a blade and I've watched," he quieted, weighed under his mentor's arm, seeming burdened by more. Surely Cervantes wouldn't leave him if he was near death! He straightened himself up with the determination to show his friend what he was made of, that he could be victorious in a fight and do it alone. "I'm done watching. I'm a pirate now, a real pirate! Whatever's on that ship, I'm going to bring in my fair share!" The zeal was louder than he'd meant it, turning to see their steps had put them beside the captain yet again while he was ensconced in his thoughts and not paying attention.