bringmethatnpc | (no subject)

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Everything in Panama City had gone mostly according to plan, a rare happenstance for the pirates in this motley crew, and the more superstitious among them spent the first few days on board their new vessel debating whether this meant good luck or bad, fair wind or foul.

The Spanish ship they'd stolen isn't large or particularly pleasing to the eye, being in need of some new paint and wood maintenance, but it's seaworthy and swift before the wind, and most importantly, well-stocked for a long voyage.

And a long journey to Singapore it will be.

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"Yes."

She starts tying another knot for something to do that doesn't involve admitting how worried she is.

Then, "Have you and Bernard ever weathered a terrible fight?"

A loud laugh explodes out of Nymphadora, and she covers her mouth to muffle it when half the crew blinks over in their direction. "Oh, sweet Merlin," she replies, still laughing, "have we ever. We're grand at fighting, he and I. Mostly it's just bickering, sort of mid-level arguments. But we've had some really good ripping rows." 'Dora scratches her nose reflectively. "I s'pose the worst was a couple of years ago -- I was pregnant with Anthony at the time. I kept something from him, something I knew would only upset him, that he'd take the wrong way. Of course he found out, and he was just-- it was pretty awful."

That sounds not wholly unfamiliar, as Elizabeth is definitely keeping something from Will, for her own reasons, and dreads his reaction. Timing will be everything.

Her fingers tighten around the rope until the rough fibers scratch her skin.

"An explosive argument?" she hazards, scanning the deck until those still looking glance away. "Or did you not speak?"

"Both," replies 'Dora, her smile fading to something rather more wry. "First we had a blazing row that ended in me accidentally exploding the pencil jar on his desk -- emotional magic, couldn't be helped -- and then we didn't speak for a few days. He slept on the couch that first night, and that..." The smile's gone entirely, now. "That was the worst. It was 'cause he thought I didn't want him in our bed, and I thought it was 'cause he didn't want to be there."

While Elizabeth has never shared a bed with Will (much to her consternation), she imagines that she and Will are having a similar misunderstanding; at least on his part.

"That must have been difficult," she remarks with a sympathetic look, adding, "He loves you. It's clear on his face when I see you together."

And with Anthony.

And none of them will be together anytime soon.

Again she directs her scowl at the rope in her hands.

"I know," she murmurs, face softening. "The second day we were still fighting, nothing was solved, but it was better; he slept in the bedroom again and held me and told me he loved me, and I told him I loved him." Her grin goes crooked. "Took us a while to work out that particular kink, but we got there in the end."

You will too, is the silent addendum.

God willing, her grateful smile suggests.

Elizabeth watches Marty converse with Gibbs, then move on to the quarterdeck.

"My father would like you," she declares. "I wish I could introduce you to him."

Her grin brightens. "Yeah? What's he like?"

"Indulgent." She smiles. "He dotes on me. My mother died when I was young, and he misses her."

Looking out to sea, Elizabeth wonders if Beckett really intended to sail for England like her father said.

Somehow, she doubts it.

"His life would have been far easier if I had been a proper lady and not so interested in pirates, but he never gave me cause to believe he didn't love me all the same."

"Daughters," replies Nymphadora with a sage nod, "are a dad's Achilles heel. Mine's the same way. I think I could've decided to become a circus performer and Dad would've still been pleased as punch."

Elizabeth spends a happy moment contemplating which would most disturb her father: Circus performer or pirate?

"Perhaps when this is over, we should introduce them and they can spend an evening singing our virtues over a fine glass of port," she suggests with a sly, sidelong look.

It's a pleasant thought, anyway.

For a moment, 'Dora's quiet, just looking at her friend.

Then, sincerely: "I think that's a brilliant idea."

"Good."

Elizabeth stands, quietly handing her length of rope to Tonks.

"I think I'll go find Will," she says. Whether or not she'll speak with him is another matter. "I'll be back in a bit."

She flashes a quick smile and walks away, trying not to be too obvious in her search.

'Dora watches her go, adjusts her umbrella to accommodate the shifting sun, and then turns her attention back to the rope.

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