Disclaimer: I don't own the obvious ones, but if anyone were willing to get me an early birthday present, I wouldn't object! I also borrowed a phrase from somewhere, "Your path is already laid before you, and all you have to do is follow your feet" (or words to that effect). I can't remember where I read it, but I don't own it.
Summary: 20 years after POTC. Jack returned a year after the end of POTC and Will became his first mate when Anamaria left (for an unexplained reason) and Gibbs went back to Tortuga. Elizabeth stayed on land, at an island claimed by Will and Jack as their docking point, to look after her and Will's children (twins; a girl, Louisa, and a boy, William), born almost three years after she and Will married. When Will stayed at the island when Elizabeth became sick, Jack disappeared, and took the Pearl, and Anamaria (who'd rejoined him at that point) with him. Will continued piracy, after commandeering the Dauntless. It was still the main ship in the fleet.
Chapter 1: A Big Move
"Mother! I've forgotten it all! How can I pass through if I can't remember anything?" Louisa called out from her room. Elizabeth put away the dress she'd been holding, remembering old times at Port Royal.
Louisa Turner was nearly seventeen, and ready to set sail on her own adventure. However, she'd forgotten what had been written on the list of things to do her father had given her before he'd left several weeks ago. The list was a list of instructions that would be her ticket to a life on the land.
"Mother! Do you remember what was on it?" Louisa asked as she ran into the room. Elizabeth shook her head. "No, I don't remember what was on it, because you and your father never tell me your plans. I didn't actually see the list, but if you just use your common knowledge, then you'll be fine. Your father doesn't have any scars or brands, so everything should go to plan when you reach Port Royal - I *do* know the basics of this plan," she defended herself when Louisa sent her an accusing glance.
"Well, can you tell me the basics? Please? I can't remember anything!" she begged, sitting down on her parents' bed. Elizabeth smiled, and sat down next to her.
"You and your father, and the crew, head into Port Royal flying the ragged sails, in the older ship, so it looks like you've been attacked. The report is given that pirates attacked the ship, though it was well armed. The pirates were sunk, but only after they'd recaptured the hostages on board - namely you, wearing an old shift and no shoes, Lonigan, and Barraway. Lonigan and Barraway have their papers, so they will be able to pass as Englishmen interrupted on their voyage.
'You do not have any papers, so Lonigan and Barraway will tell the authorities that you were already on board when they were captured, and were not able to tell them anything, as you did not remember. However, once you've been at Port Royal for several weeks, you will recognize the name Elizabeth (which is sure to be mentioned by someone - there are hundreds of Elizabeth's at Port Royal), and will follow leads that will take you to Governor Swann. You are to then reveal that you are my daughter, and you set out from England.
'And you must remember to watch your mouth! You are a lady, not a scallywag, savvy?"
Louisa nodded, and pulled her mother into a hug. "Of course, I'll remember!" she pulled away, and looked at her hands. "Mother, I'm going to miss you, and Will, and I don't know when I'll ever see you again."
Elizabeth pulled her daughter into a hug. "You will see us all again, I promise. You know your father always goes into Port Royal when he leaves here, and now that I'm getting rid of you, I can go in myself - but it will hurt not to be able to see father again, but that is the price we pay for those we love."
Louisa stood, and started to head back out to her own room. However, once she reached the door, something triggered her memory. "Mother... we don't *have* an old ship, *or* ragged sails!" Elizabeth smiled. "Why do you think your father left early?"
Louisa grinned, and ran from the room, nearly toppling her brother off his feet as he headed towards their mother's room. "Watch it, sis. Ye ain't on board yet, an' ye cannae run like that on a ship, even if ye do have remarkable balance." William Turner Junior was the spitting image of his father, and found it rather hard to hide the mixture of accents he'd gathered since he started traveling with his father.
Louisa, who hadn't been allowed to go on many trips (and had been very annoyed about that) had learned to hide her own accents, and Elizabeth had taught her to be a lady. It did come in handy, for when she was able to go into land. But she'd also learned quite a few bad habits from the pirate crew - such as pick pocketing, how to lie properly, and how to avoid questions. Another thing she'd learned how to do was hold her rum.
Louisa righted herself, and glared at her brother. At almost 6 feet tall, he was taller than his father, and a force to be reckoned with. He positioned himself in front of her, blocking her way. At just over 5 feet tall, Louisa didn't look like much of a threat, but her brother knew her better than to assume she wouldn't do anything. "Will! Let me through or I'll tell father what ye did wi' his cache o' rum last week, just after he left!"
Will laughed, and crossed his arms. "Belay that talk, sis. Ye ain't nothin' but a scurvy, bilge-sucking dog when it comes t' mutiny! Ye couldnae tell mother when I dinnae even touch the rum!"
Louisa glared at her brother furiously. Her vocabulary was as extensive as his when it came to insults, but not when their mother was in hearing distance. She glanced back towards the room, where Elizabeth was now looking out the window almost in a daze, and then back to her brother with a look of excitement.
"I'll have ye know, Will, that I ain't no bloody scurvy bilge-sucking dog when it comes t' rallyin' wi' ye in swords an' words. Ye can go keelhaul yeself for bein' such a poxy addlepate, an' maybe ye'll have enough up top to stop yeself from endin' up in Davy Jones Locker! An' if ye ain't had enough after that, ye can go kiss the gunner's daughter, savvy?"
Will returned his sister's glare, and then started laughing. "Louisa, ye know I can never outlast ye when it comes t' rallyin' wi' words - swords is another matter - but I figured ye wouldna be ready yet, an' father's ship is sailin' towards us. P'raps ye'd best get what ye have to get t' take t' Port Royal - I don' expect father t' hang 'round fer long!"
Louisa pushed past her brother to look out the window. Sure enough, the sails of two ships were heading towards the island. "Yike!" she cried, and ran to her room. Minutes later, she was back, and caught her brother in a hug. "Ye ain't too bad, Will. Ye'll go on the account well enough!" Will laughed, and hugged his sister back. "I'm hopin' so, sis. Now get yeself ready!"
*****
Coming home was always different. It was never the same after Jack disappeared - sure, he was able to take control of his own ship, and crew, but there was always something missing. Anamaria had seemed very different the last time he'd seen her, almost as though she'd been hiding something. Of course, at the time he'd been too busy worrying about Elizabeth's inability to conceive to worry about other things.
The small island was coming into full view, and the crew was restless. They'd only spent three short weeks on ship, and many wanted to continue. It hadn't taken long to find the type of vessel they were after, an English transport ship, and it hadn't taken long to dispatch the few on board who caused trouble.
Those who hadn't caused trouble were dealt with properly. They were set down on an island along a frequently traveled route. It wouldn't be more then a week before they were found, unless they tried something stupid like swimming for help. The ship, however, was in perfect condition for what they needed.
They blasted a few holes in the side, almost completely destroyed the mast, and wrecked the sails. It really did look as though pirates had tried to board the ship (which they had) and the crew had managed to get rid of the pirates (which they hadn't).
"Cap'n, the island's up ahead, we landin'?" asked Lonigan, one of the two crewmembers leaving for a period of rest on land. Will nodded. "Aye, both ships." He raised his voice to call out to the rest of his crew, "We restock, and leave the Dauntless at dock! Any man with a brand is t' stay - we cannot pass as an English ship with pirates aboard!" At this, the crew laughed. Will continued. "Ye've all got English clothes, an' if ye think ye comin', ye'd better have 'em on! Any mention o' Will Turner an ye'll be expectin' a taste o' the cat! Now, what ye all standin' round for? Get these ships docked!"
The crew, though they easily outnumbered their captain, knew he never backed off his word, even when faced with a woman. They scampered back to their positions, and before too long, the two ships were sliding into a river passage.
All along the river were houses and shacks - the homes of the crew, and their families. It was a free colony, with no 'governor' or 'army' except those who were there. On land, the Captain was the one in charge, and when he was away at sea, his wife took charge, or his son, if the son didn't go out with the ship. Women and children stopped work and ran along to the dock to see their men. Though it had been a short time away, they were all missed dreadfully.
Will stood at the helm of the Dauntless, once the pride of the King's Navy, now the pride of the Caribbean pirates. His first mate, Dougal McKenzie, once a highlander now a seaman, stood at the helm of the English ship, the Endurance, as the ships were brought in. The women knew the drill - they weren't to go near the ships until the men were on the land. Will, when they'd first settled here, had almost drowned three women rushing to their men, and since then, they were always well back until the ship docked.
Very few of the women knew his name was Will Turner - most called him Bootstrap, like his father had been called, and that was how it was staying. As usual, he was the first man to set foot on the dock, and as usual, he had no one to greet him. He specifically told Elizabeth to stay at their house, with Louisa and Will, no matter how much she wanted to see him. Several of the unmarried women would do anything to try to get Elizabeth out of the picture, but only when Bootstrap was on land.
The crew landed, secured the ships, and turned to Will for instruction. "Ye can go, but be back by nightfall. We set sail then, and ye know what I told ye. Any man who cannot follow orders will expect a taste o' the cat!"
The crew shouted their answers, and the women ran down onto the dock to meet their men. Will walked through the crowd, and headed to his own house. Elizabeth was nowhere to be seen, or Will, but Louisa was sitting on the front swing, reading. She looked up when she heard her father's feet on the verandah, and gave him an absent smile. Will was surprised. "What's this? No hug for your father?" he asked, acting as though he were insulted.
Louisa grinned suddenly, dropped the book, and flew into her father's arms. "I'm glad you're back - now can we go?" she asked excitedly. Will laughed. "Not until nightfall, I'm afraid. The crew have to be allowed to spend time wi' their families, don' they? And I'm allowed to spend time wi' your mother, ain't I?" he asked, still laughing. Louisa smiled. "I guess, so get to it! Ye cannae spend time wi' m'ma if ye're standin' out here wi' me, can ye?"
Will raised his eyebrow at his daughter's accent, and she laughed. It was always worth it to see his reaction to her brogue. Will walked inside the house, leaving Louisa to her book on the front verandah.
Inside, Elizabeth was sitting near a window finishing her needlework. She didn't even turn around when Will walked over and stood behind her, blocking her light. "Move yourself, or there won't be any food for you when this is finished, Mr. Turner." Will laughed, and stooped down behind his wife, letting the light back through. "Aye, I'm sorry abou' that, Mrs. Turner. But ye cannae spare even a minute from your work to welcome your husband home?"
Elizabeth couldn't hide her smile any longer. She put the needlework down, and stood up. Their hug was as usual - neither wanted to let go, in case it was all a dream. The ship always left in the middle of the night when everyone was sleeping. It helped a lot of the crew save face, to get away without being upset in front of their colleagues. Elizabeth always told him he wasn't forgiven when he did that, leaving without saying goodbye, but she always did. And he always promised that the next time would be different, but it never was.
"How long do we have?" she whispered in his ear. He looked at his wife, and the smile he wore touched her mouth. "Until tonight," he whispered back. Elizabeth pulled him closer, and they stayed that way for a long time.
Louisa and Will knew what their father's homecoming meant - every time it was the same. Will walked out to where his sister had gone back to reading her book. "Father's home?" he asked, and Louisa nodded. "Aye. Ye'll have t' go find somewhere else t' stay 'til this evening, and so will I, I guess." She looked up, and marked her book. "The ship leaves at nightfall. Are ye comin' wi' us t' Port Royal?" she asked, and Will nodded. "Aye, I'm comin'. But I'm stayin' clear o' the gaol, an' I'm comin' back wi' the crew."
Louisa nodded. "I al'us knew ye would, Will. Ye've got the sea in ye veins, and father's blood is definitely yours. I don't know my path, but I'm glad ye've figured yours out."
Will sat down next to his twin - they were best friends, and worst enemies at once. "Ye'll find ye path, Louisa, it's already laid out afore ye, and ye've only t' follow ye feet."
Louisa smiled, and hugged her brother. Somehow, leaving didn't seem quite as bad now.
Summary: 20 years after POTC. Jack returned a year after the end of POTC and Will became his first mate when Anamaria left (for an unexplained reason) and Gibbs went back to Tortuga. Elizabeth stayed on land, at an island claimed by Will and Jack as their docking point, to look after her and Will's children (twins; a girl, Louisa, and a boy, William), born almost three years after she and Will married. When Will stayed at the island when Elizabeth became sick, Jack disappeared, and took the Pearl, and Anamaria (who'd rejoined him at that point) with him. Will continued piracy, after commandeering the Dauntless. It was still the main ship in the fleet.
Chapter 1: A Big Move
"Mother! I've forgotten it all! How can I pass through if I can't remember anything?" Louisa called out from her room. Elizabeth put away the dress she'd been holding, remembering old times at Port Royal.
Louisa Turner was nearly seventeen, and ready to set sail on her own adventure. However, she'd forgotten what had been written on the list of things to do her father had given her before he'd left several weeks ago. The list was a list of instructions that would be her ticket to a life on the land.
"Mother! Do you remember what was on it?" Louisa asked as she ran into the room. Elizabeth shook her head. "No, I don't remember what was on it, because you and your father never tell me your plans. I didn't actually see the list, but if you just use your common knowledge, then you'll be fine. Your father doesn't have any scars or brands, so everything should go to plan when you reach Port Royal - I *do* know the basics of this plan," she defended herself when Louisa sent her an accusing glance.
"Well, can you tell me the basics? Please? I can't remember anything!" she begged, sitting down on her parents' bed. Elizabeth smiled, and sat down next to her.
"You and your father, and the crew, head into Port Royal flying the ragged sails, in the older ship, so it looks like you've been attacked. The report is given that pirates attacked the ship, though it was well armed. The pirates were sunk, but only after they'd recaptured the hostages on board - namely you, wearing an old shift and no shoes, Lonigan, and Barraway. Lonigan and Barraway have their papers, so they will be able to pass as Englishmen interrupted on their voyage.
'You do not have any papers, so Lonigan and Barraway will tell the authorities that you were already on board when they were captured, and were not able to tell them anything, as you did not remember. However, once you've been at Port Royal for several weeks, you will recognize the name Elizabeth (which is sure to be mentioned by someone - there are hundreds of Elizabeth's at Port Royal), and will follow leads that will take you to Governor Swann. You are to then reveal that you are my daughter, and you set out from England.
'And you must remember to watch your mouth! You are a lady, not a scallywag, savvy?"
Louisa nodded, and pulled her mother into a hug. "Of course, I'll remember!" she pulled away, and looked at her hands. "Mother, I'm going to miss you, and Will, and I don't know when I'll ever see you again."
Elizabeth pulled her daughter into a hug. "You will see us all again, I promise. You know your father always goes into Port Royal when he leaves here, and now that I'm getting rid of you, I can go in myself - but it will hurt not to be able to see father again, but that is the price we pay for those we love."
Louisa stood, and started to head back out to her own room. However, once she reached the door, something triggered her memory. "Mother... we don't *have* an old ship, *or* ragged sails!" Elizabeth smiled. "Why do you think your father left early?"
Louisa grinned, and ran from the room, nearly toppling her brother off his feet as he headed towards their mother's room. "Watch it, sis. Ye ain't on board yet, an' ye cannae run like that on a ship, even if ye do have remarkable balance." William Turner Junior was the spitting image of his father, and found it rather hard to hide the mixture of accents he'd gathered since he started traveling with his father.
Louisa, who hadn't been allowed to go on many trips (and had been very annoyed about that) had learned to hide her own accents, and Elizabeth had taught her to be a lady. It did come in handy, for when she was able to go into land. But she'd also learned quite a few bad habits from the pirate crew - such as pick pocketing, how to lie properly, and how to avoid questions. Another thing she'd learned how to do was hold her rum.
Louisa righted herself, and glared at her brother. At almost 6 feet tall, he was taller than his father, and a force to be reckoned with. He positioned himself in front of her, blocking her way. At just over 5 feet tall, Louisa didn't look like much of a threat, but her brother knew her better than to assume she wouldn't do anything. "Will! Let me through or I'll tell father what ye did wi' his cache o' rum last week, just after he left!"
Will laughed, and crossed his arms. "Belay that talk, sis. Ye ain't nothin' but a scurvy, bilge-sucking dog when it comes t' mutiny! Ye couldnae tell mother when I dinnae even touch the rum!"
Louisa glared at her brother furiously. Her vocabulary was as extensive as his when it came to insults, but not when their mother was in hearing distance. She glanced back towards the room, where Elizabeth was now looking out the window almost in a daze, and then back to her brother with a look of excitement.
"I'll have ye know, Will, that I ain't no bloody scurvy bilge-sucking dog when it comes t' rallyin' wi' ye in swords an' words. Ye can go keelhaul yeself for bein' such a poxy addlepate, an' maybe ye'll have enough up top to stop yeself from endin' up in Davy Jones Locker! An' if ye ain't had enough after that, ye can go kiss the gunner's daughter, savvy?"
Will returned his sister's glare, and then started laughing. "Louisa, ye know I can never outlast ye when it comes t' rallyin' wi' words - swords is another matter - but I figured ye wouldna be ready yet, an' father's ship is sailin' towards us. P'raps ye'd best get what ye have to get t' take t' Port Royal - I don' expect father t' hang 'round fer long!"
Louisa pushed past her brother to look out the window. Sure enough, the sails of two ships were heading towards the island. "Yike!" she cried, and ran to her room. Minutes later, she was back, and caught her brother in a hug. "Ye ain't too bad, Will. Ye'll go on the account well enough!" Will laughed, and hugged his sister back. "I'm hopin' so, sis. Now get yeself ready!"
*****
Coming home was always different. It was never the same after Jack disappeared - sure, he was able to take control of his own ship, and crew, but there was always something missing. Anamaria had seemed very different the last time he'd seen her, almost as though she'd been hiding something. Of course, at the time he'd been too busy worrying about Elizabeth's inability to conceive to worry about other things.
The small island was coming into full view, and the crew was restless. They'd only spent three short weeks on ship, and many wanted to continue. It hadn't taken long to find the type of vessel they were after, an English transport ship, and it hadn't taken long to dispatch the few on board who caused trouble.
Those who hadn't caused trouble were dealt with properly. They were set down on an island along a frequently traveled route. It wouldn't be more then a week before they were found, unless they tried something stupid like swimming for help. The ship, however, was in perfect condition for what they needed.
They blasted a few holes in the side, almost completely destroyed the mast, and wrecked the sails. It really did look as though pirates had tried to board the ship (which they had) and the crew had managed to get rid of the pirates (which they hadn't).
"Cap'n, the island's up ahead, we landin'?" asked Lonigan, one of the two crewmembers leaving for a period of rest on land. Will nodded. "Aye, both ships." He raised his voice to call out to the rest of his crew, "We restock, and leave the Dauntless at dock! Any man with a brand is t' stay - we cannot pass as an English ship with pirates aboard!" At this, the crew laughed. Will continued. "Ye've all got English clothes, an' if ye think ye comin', ye'd better have 'em on! Any mention o' Will Turner an ye'll be expectin' a taste o' the cat! Now, what ye all standin' round for? Get these ships docked!"
The crew, though they easily outnumbered their captain, knew he never backed off his word, even when faced with a woman. They scampered back to their positions, and before too long, the two ships were sliding into a river passage.
All along the river were houses and shacks - the homes of the crew, and their families. It was a free colony, with no 'governor' or 'army' except those who were there. On land, the Captain was the one in charge, and when he was away at sea, his wife took charge, or his son, if the son didn't go out with the ship. Women and children stopped work and ran along to the dock to see their men. Though it had been a short time away, they were all missed dreadfully.
Will stood at the helm of the Dauntless, once the pride of the King's Navy, now the pride of the Caribbean pirates. His first mate, Dougal McKenzie, once a highlander now a seaman, stood at the helm of the English ship, the Endurance, as the ships were brought in. The women knew the drill - they weren't to go near the ships until the men were on the land. Will, when they'd first settled here, had almost drowned three women rushing to their men, and since then, they were always well back until the ship docked.
Very few of the women knew his name was Will Turner - most called him Bootstrap, like his father had been called, and that was how it was staying. As usual, he was the first man to set foot on the dock, and as usual, he had no one to greet him. He specifically told Elizabeth to stay at their house, with Louisa and Will, no matter how much she wanted to see him. Several of the unmarried women would do anything to try to get Elizabeth out of the picture, but only when Bootstrap was on land.
The crew landed, secured the ships, and turned to Will for instruction. "Ye can go, but be back by nightfall. We set sail then, and ye know what I told ye. Any man who cannot follow orders will expect a taste o' the cat!"
The crew shouted their answers, and the women ran down onto the dock to meet their men. Will walked through the crowd, and headed to his own house. Elizabeth was nowhere to be seen, or Will, but Louisa was sitting on the front swing, reading. She looked up when she heard her father's feet on the verandah, and gave him an absent smile. Will was surprised. "What's this? No hug for your father?" he asked, acting as though he were insulted.
Louisa grinned suddenly, dropped the book, and flew into her father's arms. "I'm glad you're back - now can we go?" she asked excitedly. Will laughed. "Not until nightfall, I'm afraid. The crew have to be allowed to spend time wi' their families, don' they? And I'm allowed to spend time wi' your mother, ain't I?" he asked, still laughing. Louisa smiled. "I guess, so get to it! Ye cannae spend time wi' m'ma if ye're standin' out here wi' me, can ye?"
Will raised his eyebrow at his daughter's accent, and she laughed. It was always worth it to see his reaction to her brogue. Will walked inside the house, leaving Louisa to her book on the front verandah.
Inside, Elizabeth was sitting near a window finishing her needlework. She didn't even turn around when Will walked over and stood behind her, blocking her light. "Move yourself, or there won't be any food for you when this is finished, Mr. Turner." Will laughed, and stooped down behind his wife, letting the light back through. "Aye, I'm sorry abou' that, Mrs. Turner. But ye cannae spare even a minute from your work to welcome your husband home?"
Elizabeth couldn't hide her smile any longer. She put the needlework down, and stood up. Their hug was as usual - neither wanted to let go, in case it was all a dream. The ship always left in the middle of the night when everyone was sleeping. It helped a lot of the crew save face, to get away without being upset in front of their colleagues. Elizabeth always told him he wasn't forgiven when he did that, leaving without saying goodbye, but she always did. And he always promised that the next time would be different, but it never was.
"How long do we have?" she whispered in his ear. He looked at his wife, and the smile he wore touched her mouth. "Until tonight," he whispered back. Elizabeth pulled him closer, and they stayed that way for a long time.
Louisa and Will knew what their father's homecoming meant - every time it was the same. Will walked out to where his sister had gone back to reading her book. "Father's home?" he asked, and Louisa nodded. "Aye. Ye'll have t' go find somewhere else t' stay 'til this evening, and so will I, I guess." She looked up, and marked her book. "The ship leaves at nightfall. Are ye comin' wi' us t' Port Royal?" she asked, and Will nodded. "Aye, I'm comin'. But I'm stayin' clear o' the gaol, an' I'm comin' back wi' the crew."
Louisa nodded. "I al'us knew ye would, Will. Ye've got the sea in ye veins, and father's blood is definitely yours. I don't know my path, but I'm glad ye've figured yours out."
Will sat down next to his twin - they were best friends, and worst enemies at once. "Ye'll find ye path, Louisa, it's already laid out afore ye, and ye've only t' follow ye feet."
Louisa smiled, and hugged her brother. Somehow, leaving didn't seem quite as bad now.