AWE: Turners on the Dutchman

[bringmethatnpc]

After the Endeavour is destroyed, the fight goes out of the East India fleet, and those that don't flee are quickly brought down by the combined might of the Flying Dutchman, The Black Pearl and a combined fleet of ruthless pirates with nothing to lose.

After the short battle, most of the victorious fleet returns to Shipwreck Cove for celebration and rejoicing. All that remains are two ships, one with black sails and one with white, fresh from the corrupting influence of their last captain's curse. The two sail onward together in perfect parallel, lovers proceeding down the aisle from the alter.

And the human lovers are there too, standing at the rail of their respective vessels, gazing across the ocean between the ships. Captains William and Elizabeth Turner are separated by mere dozens of yards. But for each of them, the other might as well be a world away.

Comments

[byhisbootstraps]

There's a step behind Captain William Turner.

"Orders, sir?"

[turned_captain]

Captain. William. Turner.

He's still getting used to the thoughts himself when he tears himself away from thoughts of his wife and turns around to face his father.

"You're no longer bound to the Dutchman," Will tells him. And he knows he should be happy about that, but there are other things on his mind. "You're free."

[byhisbootstraps]

"Aye," says Bootstrap musingly, "and that's a fine thing, but ... by my reckoning, I still have a debt that has to be paid."

He looks up, meets his son's eyes.

"If you'll have me."

[turned_captain]

And there it breaks, and a small smile appears on Will's mouth. It's a fine thing indeed, to have the respect of one's father.

"On the wheel then, Mr. Turner," he says, and he likes how the order sounds in his mouth.

[byhisbootstraps]

The corners of his mouth deepen and spread in a slow proud smile.

"Aye, Captain Turner."

And he turns to step up to the wheel.

[turned_captain]

Captain Turner.

Will takes a second to savour the sound of the words, before his gaze returns to where it was a moment ago.

To the Black Pearl, and to Captain Turner.

[byhisbootstraps]

The wheel's wood is smooth and dry against his hands, and faintly warm from the sunlight.

"This ship has a purpose again," he says, half-turning to look at Will. His deep voice is somber, almost regretful. "And where we are bound, she cannot come."

He follows his son's gaze out across the water, toward the Pearl. "One day ashore, ten years at sea. That's a steep price for what's been done."

[turned_captain]

Will turns back slowly as he listens, and finds himself smiling again, quiet, confident, and surprisingly content.

Ten years is only part of a lifetime, after all.

"Depends on that one day."