firstmatelee

[firstmatelee]

Untitled pirate story ch.2

The next morning, I woke up with a pillow in my face. Jack had an interesting way of saying good morning, that's for sure.

"Good morning, Lin," Jack greeted as he rose up the pillow again. "Hope you got sleep, because today is--"

"Sword fighting, I know..." I groaned in annoyance, "If you hit me with that pillow again, I'll hurt you."

I sat up as Jack put the pillow down, smiling smugly.

"Well, I woke you up, didn't I?" He retorted, "Now get your boots on; we have a long day ahead."

I sighed, followed by a yawn and a stretch. My back cracked in four different places, which felt amazing. That was one of the best sleeps I've had in months. I looked over to a nearby window to get an idea of the time. The sun was just barely rising, casting a beautiful orange glow through the window. This time used to be my father's favorite time of day. He always loved watching the sunrise with my mom and me.

I then stood up and grabbed my boots. My legs were still a little wobbly, but I was getting the hang of it.

"Why are you up this early, Jack?" I asked as I pulled my boots on. 

"This is the time my crew and I usually start our mischief for the day," Jack replied. "Besides, it's a rather beautiful time of day, don't you agree?"

I smiled slightly "I suppose it is."

I stood up, stretching out my arms for balance as I steadied my legs. 

"Still need a hand—or a shoulder—to help balance you?" Jack asked.

I shook my head, "No, I think I got it. I'm good to go."

I took a step forward, stumbled a little but managed to keep myself upright. I heard Jack snicker as I continued to walk to the door. He walked next to me as if ready to catch me. After a moment, I found my footing well enough to walk properly the rest of the way. As I placed my hand on the door handle, I looked back at Jack.

"So, quick question," I began, "is your crew up too?"

Jack nodded. "Aye, they're outside."

"Did you also hit them with pillows, or am I just special?"

Jack laughed at my jest, clearly still proud of himself for that one.

"I suppose I just knew you weren't going to stab me for it," Jack half-joked. "Arabella would have my head if I did that to her."

I mentally noted that Arabella must be one of his mates and was glad to hear that there was another girl my age on board.

"Now, come on," Jack motioned to the door handle, "let's not keep them waiting any longer."

I opened the cabin door, and the sunlight almost blinded me. My dark brown eyes squinted automatically, trying to adjust to the sunlight. I could feel my short, dark brown hair tousle in the breeze, and the sun warmed my pale skin as I stepped out. As my eyes struggled to adjust to the light, I saw what was presumably Jack’s crew. The crew was made up of a boy and a girl. The boy had a scrawny but fit build. He had sharp blue eyes that shone in the sunlight. His long dirty blonde hair was in a messy ponytail, yet a few loose strands managed to escape. His clothes were faded, worn and loose-fitting, including a slightly oversized coat. Despite his young age, there was a sort of roughness to his face as if the sea had already taken a toll on him. Next to the boy was the girl who had tousled auburn hair tied back into a green bandana. She wore a outfit which consisted of a yellow vest over a long-sleeved shirt, which gave her a rough yet practical look. Her brown skirt was worn from travel, which gave her a blend of toughness and style. Her light green eyes gave off a friendly, yet fierce, expression. "About bloody time ya get out here," said the girl to Jack.

“Apologies, lass, had to get her awake.” Replied Jack to the girl before he turned to me, “Lin, this is my crew.”

He gestured to the girl “This is my first mate, Arabella Smith, though we call her Bella. Bella, this is Lin.”

“Pleasure to meet ya, Lin” she greeted with a crooked but sweet smile.

“And the boy next to her is Hector Barbossa,” Jack continued.

Barbossa, arms crossed, gave a small wave while maintaining his rough composure.

“Ahoy, lass.” He greeted.

It was a small crew, but that was to be expected. The pirate life wasn’t the kind of life you’d want a child involved in. Which really made me wonder how the two of them ended up on The Wrench. I gave a small wave as a greeting, eyes still squinting and Jack taking notice.

“Why do you keep—” he stopped for a moment as if thinking.

“Ya forgot to put kohl on her eyes, Jack,” interrupted Bella, “I’d be surprised if she isn’t blind by now.”

Jack, realizing his mistake, quickly pulled a small black make-up pallet from his pocket.

“My apologies, lass, it was not my intention to blind you,” he said, dipping his fingers into the pallet.

I gave a confused look as he put his hand towards my face, “Why are you putting make-up on me?”

“It’s to keep your eyes safe from the sun,” replied Jack, “Now close your eyes and stay still.”

I didn’t question it; this wasn’t the strangest thing to happen to me in the last few hours. I closed my eyes and Jack put the kohl on my eyelids. He gently patted it on in a smooth gentle motion, his touch slow and deliberate as he traced each of my eyes. After a few moments he pulled his hand away.

 "Finished," stated Jack. "Now, try and open your eyes, Lin."

I opened my eyes and, oddly enough, I could see much better. The sun was still bright, but it wasn't blinding me as much. The kohl really did work wonders, easing the glare of the sun. 

"Better," I admitted, "oddly enough."  "Looking much more like a pirate now," Jack said before turning to the others, "don't you two agree?"

"Aye, now that she's not going bloody blind," said Bella.

Barbossa nodded in agreement.

"Now she actually looks like she could've stolen from your father," He added.

I got a little embarrassed at that last comment. A part of me was upset that Jack had told them, but they were going to find out eventually. I just hoped that when Jack told them I didn't come off as a complete idiot. 

"Oh, don't embarrass her, Barbossa" Jack said, putting an arm around my shoulder "Lin was plenty brave during that endeavor. She'll be even better off once she gets some sword fighting knowledge." 

Jack glanced at me as if to say, 'I told you I'd put in a good word'. I smiled slightly in appreciation that he kept his promise. 

"Anyway, Bella, did you and Barbossa grab the swords as I requested?" Jack asked, turning to Arabella.

"Aye," she said, motioning to a nearby wall.

Leaning against the wall were two wooden swords that looked like children’s toys more than anything. If I was honest, it almost felt like an insult, a punishment due to my lack of knowledge.

"Did you run out of real swords?" I said, half joking. 

Barbossa chuckled, "We have plenty of those, but with how under experienced you are, Jack didn't want to accidentally stab you."

"You flatter me, Hector," Jack said proudly. "But He is correct, I don't wish for anyone to get hurt. Especially lin. Although Bella and Barbossa will be using real swords when they set examples."

Jack looked back to the other two crewmates.

"Speaking of which, are you two ready?" 

Arabella and Barbossa both pulled out a sword from their sheaths. The swords made a very neat Shink Sound as they did so. 

Jack looked back at me, "so, Ms. Lin, are you ready for your sword orientation?"

"As ready as I'll ever be, Mr. Sparrow," I replied.

I heard Barbossa sigh, "You're really still insisting on the last name 'Sparrow'?" 

Jack nodded "It’s a bloody brilliant last name, and you will call me it if you wish to stay part of me crew, Savvy?" 

Barbossa grumbled at the reply. Soon enough Arabella and Barbossa got into a sword fighting position. Jack and I sat down to observe, and he instructed me to watch closely. He then added that anything I didn’t pick up I could practice hands on with him. 

"Alright lass, watch closely," instructed Jack 

Arabella and Barbossa started with what was presumably sword fighting posture. The two of them put their feet together, making it seem like they were on a ramp of sorts. They ever so slightly bent their knees.

Them, still keeping their footing, they moved on to what Jack called "advancing and retreating" mixed with "attack and parrying"

As Barbossa moved forward his opponent, Bella, moved back. Bella used her blade to attack his shoulder, which he blocked by putting his sword straight up. Barbossa then went to attack her, Bella doing the same prior movements as Barbossa. 

Finally, there was a move called an "envelope". Barbossa and Bella crossed swords again. This time Bella quickly made a circular motion with her blade, knocking Barbossa's sword to the ground. 

After the examples were shown, Jack and I clapped. Bella did a bow along with Barbossa.

"I hope our example helped ya, lass,” said Bella.

"Just so you know, I usually don't lose to a lady, I was going easy on her." Joked Barbossa, prompting Bella to playfully smack him in the arm. He let out a chuckle as she did so.

I giggled at their antics and nodded.

"I believe I understand what I'm to do," I replied "although I definitely need to practice."

"Perfect," Bella replied "We'll leave you two to it. Are you hungry, Hector?"

"Starvin’," Barbossa responded.

With that, the two of them took off to find food. Jack stood up and lent me his hand and pulled me to my feet.

"Alright, Lin, ya ready?" he asked as he grabbed one of the wooden swords before tossing one to me. 

"I believe so," I replied, getting into a position I thought was right.

"Alright, Avast!" 

We quickly pulled out our swords. I tried to remember what I saw the other two do. Only for Jack to quickly attack, parry and envelope me. He the then accidentally tripped me and I landed on my arse. 

"Oi! Not fair!" I scolded.

Jack leaned on his sword "Just wanted to see what you remembered; I knew you were going to be bloody awful."

"Wow I appreciate all the good faith you have in me" I said sarcastically, shooting him a glare.

Jack once again offered me his hand; I reluctantly took it as he pulled me off the deck floor. I stood up and picked up my fallen wooden sword.

"Now, first thing," he started "let me see your sword fighting posture."

I quickly went into my best starting position, sword pointing out. Jack looked at me and shook his head. He then pushed me down so my knees were more bent while keeping my heels together. He then moved my arm so it was more forward.

"You're so tense, Lin" he said, his breath brushing against my neck as he adjusted me "loosen up, will you?"

I shivered, took a deep breath and tried to relax my body. Jack then Stepped back to admire his handiwork.

"Much better," he said with a smile "No need to act like you're scared of the sword. It's only practice after all."

He picked up his wooden sword again and positioned himself.

"Alright, we'll take it slow this time" Jack said, pointing the sword at me, "now, when you're in battle make sure to stay alert but keep your muscles relaxed. Try to remember the adjustments I gave you."

I nodded understandingly, trying my best to stay in the position Jack put me in. Now that I had my stance down, we moved on to a very slow-paced attack and retreat. However, there were a few times I stumbled while trying to attack. I still wasn't fully adjusted to the movement of the ship. Jack laughed at me, but ultimately made sure I was stable. Eventually I found my footing. After a little bit of practice, although still amateur, I got the hang of it. 

When it came to attacking and parrying, I was a tad bit better. I managed to keep Jack's sword away from my shoulders and I patted his shoulder a few times. One time however, I hit a little too hard and hit one of his shoulders with a loud THUNK!

"Oh, my goodness!" I said putting a hand over my mouth, "I didn't mean to hurt you, are you alright??"

I went over to him to access the damage that I had done. Jack rubbed his shoulder and smiled, impressed.

"That is wonderful beginners luck you have, lass" he said, still rubbing his shoulder "I haven't been grazed, or in this case hit, by a sword in ages, usually it's the other way around."

He must have noticed my worried expression as he moved his hand from his shoulder.

"I wouldn't worry too much, lass, it's simply a bump." He reassured me, "But, if it would make you feel better, you can access the bruise after practice."

I let out a relieved sigh that he wasn't mad or too hurt. It was only my first day of sword training, I didn't want to majorly hurt anyone just yet. Besides, seeing how impressed Jack was by my graze, made me feel a tad bit better.

"I suppose it would, luckily my mother taught me how to tend to bruises and wounds as a young girl." I replied, "I'm glad you're alright though."

"Of course I'm alright," he said with a smirk "I'm Jack Sparrow, captain to be. A true captain always gets back up, be it minor bump or major wound, don't ya agree?" 

I let out a laugh at his captain antics, appreciating him joking to cheer me up.

"I agree wholeheartedly," I replied, "Now that you're okay, do you wish to continue?"

"More than anything, lass." Replied jack, "However, don't think me so easy to bump this time."

With that, we got back to practice. After practicing the prior moves a tad bit more, last up was the envelope. The move was hard to get the hang of as Jack kept throwing my sword to the side with great ease.

"You're still stiff, Lin" he told me, “You need to relax you’re arm if you're going to perform the move properly."

I tried to loosen up and we tried again. Once again, he threw my sword to the side with ease.

"Your stiffness is something you need to work on," started Jack, "Or it's going to be your downfall."

"I know, I know," I said, slightly embarrassed, "I'm just trying to focus on not messing up." 

"That's your problem, you need to get out of your head and focus on me. Focusing on your opponent is very important during this." He advised "Now, let's try this again and, this time, focus on me. Savvy?"

I nodded as he picked up his sword and we tried again. This time I focused on the young pirate in front of me. As we swung out swords together, I took notice of some things about him. 

For starters, Jack had a certain type of steadiness he didn't have on land. That was most likely due to his, as he called them, "sea legs". Next, I noticed the look of determination on his face. It was like he was fully engaged in the present moment, as if nothing else mattered.

Suddenly, I heard Jack's sword hit the ground as I managed to do the envelope. Jack slowly clapped his hands for my accomplishment. 

"See? I told you that focusing on your opponent would help," he said, proudly.

We then picked up our swords and continued to practice. I even managed to pick up the pace of which I swung my sword. Our training session went up until midday, when we decided to stop for lunch. Jack and I put our swords back on the wall.

"Impressive speed for a beginner," Jack complimented, "Now, are you hungry? We're still at Port if you want to get anything."

I thanked him and nodded, "I could eat, what do you have in mind?"

"We can get whatever our hands can steal" Jack replied with a mischievous grin.

[firstmatelee]

Untitled pirate story, chapter 1

It was a dark and stormy night on the pirate island of Tortuga. Despite the weather, business went on as usual. Wenches were serving at the bustling taverns where multiple fights were breaking out in. The alley animals of the night were trying to stay warm and dry. As for me, well, I was getting hungry with no money. Not having money wasn’t anything new; to be honest, I haven’t had any coin in months. Well, I suppose that’s a lie. I have managed to scrape some money by but, it was never technically mine. However, can you really blame me? A lass has to eat somehow.

As the rain poured down on me, I looked for a target tavern. The busier the tavern, the more the customers wouldn’t notice a few coins gone. After about 15 minutes of walking, and my boots getting soggy, I found one. The dimly lit sign above the door swung in the wind and read: “The Bloody Wench”.  As I looked through the window of the tavern, I saw that nearly all the tables were full.

Perfect.

I gently opened the doors and began to try to find a target. As I passed by tables, I quickly and quietly put my hands in the pockets of customers. I managed to pull some coins and, if I felt sneaky and inclined enough, steal some food scraps. The night was going well, I was slowly collecting enough coins to afford a meal. I was just about to call it a night when I saw my next target.

In a dimly lit corner of the tavern sat a burly pirate captain. He was sitting alone with his back turned to the rest of the tavern, as if ignoring the chaos. His clothing, much like his skin, was weathered from what I could only assume was from years of sailing. He had a variety of beads and other trinkets that dangled off his long dark hair. To top it off he wore a dark red coat that had seen better days. The captain looked like almost everything on him was valuable. If I could just sneak something off him, something that was easy to reach.

As I snuck over to him to get a closer look that’s when I saw it, dangling just below his belt, a slightly dulled but still shiny decently sized compass. As I stealthily approached the table, I slowly reached out my hand and gently grasped it. I started to untie it from his belt when suddenly, a hand grabbed me tightly by the wrist.

Karma has a funny way of sneaking up on you. You can run away from it all you wish but you will one day have to face it. I suppose that’s what you could call my current situation. Staring into the eyes of a rather intimidating pirate captain was not how one would prefer to spend their evening. Especially one that has you by the wrist because you may have tried to steal from him in a pub. No, most people would not be in that predicament. However, I was never one to fit into the category of “most people”. “What do you think you’re doing, missy?” the pirate asked me in a deep raspy voice.

My mind started to race. Sure, I've been caught before but, all I had to do then was outrun them. This time was different. The pirate had my wrist tightly in his grasp and was not letting go anytime soon. The only way out of this was hope and wit (and I mean A LOT of hope). 

"W-well sir," I started, trying not to stutter but failing. "I just saw you in the corner and couldn't help but notice that your compass was falling and-"

I tried to pull my wrist away from his grasp, but it was futile as the old pirate laughed in annoyance.

"Lass, my son tells better lies than that," he pulled out a rather large knife before jamming it into the table. "Now, tell me what you were doing before you start losing fingers."

My breath caught as panic surged through me, my heartbeat quickening. I needed a way out of this and fast. Desperate, I looked the pirate in the eyes and spat on him.

Terrible decision, but I was desperate.

"Why you little-!" He yelled at me, grabbing his knife and yanking it out of the table. 

I flinched, awaiting impact and pain in my hand. I wasn't completely ready to lose a finger or two but here goes nothing. Suddenly, someone else yelled—not at me, thankfully.

"Dad!" Yelled a younger voice "Oi, what did the lass do to you?"

I turned to the voice—a teenage pirate with raven black hair, loosely tied back with a red bandana. He couldn't have been much older than me, but there was a certain swagger in his step. His sun-kissed skin, likely from years spent under the harsh sea sun, hinted at a life already filled with adventure. Trinkets and beads dangled from his hair, much like his father. In each hand, he held two mugs of rum, passing one to his father.

"This little brat not only tried to steal my compass, but also spat on my face." Replied the older pirate, taking the mug.

The boy looked at me, then his father, then back to me again before settling on his father. 

"That was either an very brave or very stupid move, miss.....?" Said the boy, subtly asking for my name.

"Lin," I replied "and you would have tried it too, if you were in my circumstances."

The boy nodded, understandingly. He took a drink from his mug before speaking again.

"Pleasure to meet you, Lin. I'm Jack and the man, who has you oh-so-delicately by the wrist is Captain Edward Teague. Now, would you care to explain what brought you here today?" Jack asked, intrigued.

The boy seemed far mor interested in my story than his father. I told him I’d explain everything, but only if his father would let me go. Jack looked up to his dad, waiting for a response.

"Well, Dad?" Jack asked, with a slight head tilt. 

Teague looked back at me, "You promise not to run?"

I nodded quickly "I swear to it."

Teague let go of my wrist and I sat down on a proper chair as Jack sat down in front of me.

"Now, Lin, care to tell me what circumstances compelled you to steal, or try to steal, from the Keeper of the Pirate code?" Jack asked me.

‘Keeper of the pirate code’? I had no idea what that meant but it sounded important. In either case, it was just my luck to try to steal from someone who seem to have authority in Tortuga.

“In my defense, I had little idea who he was or what the ‘Pirate Code’ is. I was simply trying to get coin for the evening so I wouldn’t have to go hungry.”

Jack gave me a look. “You’re a pirate on Tortuga and you don’t know the code? It’s a rather important set of rules, or at least guidelines, that all pirates and their crew follow. You’ve really never heard of it?” I let out a sigh in slight annoyance, he was making me remember things I’d rather not. It is a common misconception that I was a pirate, being on the island of Tortuga and all. However, that was far from the truth. I was just trying to survive and find a way off this island.

“I’m not a pirate, Jack.” I replied, “I am simply the daughter of merchant sailors who encountered some…. Unforeseen weather issues. Weather that led me to wash up on this bloody island.” Teague took a drink from his mug, then looked at me.

“How long have you been on this island by yourself?” he asked. I thought for a moment before replying, “About….9 months and 14 days?” Teague’s eyes widened in slight surprise, Jack’s expression soon following.

“And in that time, you survived completely on your own?” Continued Teague.

I nodded, then Jack chimed in.

“That’s bloody impressive for someone who claims not to be a pirate on a pirate island. Especially for someone close to my age. Have you ever been caught?”

I laughed nervously at that question.

“Hasn’t everyone been caught at least once or twice? Yes, I’ve been caught before, but I’ve managed to wiggle my way out of it. After all I still have all my fingers, don’t I?”

I raised up my hand and wiggled my fingers. Out of the corner of my eye, I could see Teague smile ever so slightly at my dark jest.

“I suppose you do,” Jack replied with a small laugh “And where have you been staying all this time?” “Alleyways or anywhere free to stay out of the elements for the night.” I replied.

“Are you implying that you’ve been surviving on this God-forsaken pirate island for almost 10 months by yourself?” asked Captain Teague, who seemed surprised by my response. Across the table, Jack shared the surprised look.

 I nodded in response. Teague almost sounded impressed.

“You’re how old?” Teague continued.

��14 as of last month,” I replied.

“Must have been one hell of a birthday, ay?” Jack half-joked.

I laughed a little bit because, if I’m honest, it had been. I spent it in an alleyway eating a piece of gingerbread and fruitcake that I stole off a windowsill. The owner chased me down for a good 15-20 minutes before I managed to outrun them. I also had to hide in a rather large crate to stay safe from both the owner and the storm that had just started. Happy 14th birthday to me.

I laughed a little “Honestly, it was. Had some really good deserts, though.”

“Honestly, lass, for not being a pirate, it’s impressive how you’ve managed to survive this long” Jack seemed to be getting more impressed by the minute. He then looked at his dad “Isn’t it, Dad?”

I looked over to Captain Teague who nodded in agreement. I tilted my head, wondering where this conversation was going. Jack then motioned for his dad’s ear. Teague leaned in as Jack whispered something to him. He gave a thoughtful look as Jack finished whispering.

“Are you certain about that?” he asked in a hush-hush tone.

“As sure as a heart attack, Dad” replied Jack.  

Teague thought for a moment and then let out a huff “If you insist, I just hope you know what you’re getting yourself into.”

I gave a confused look to both before jack looked to me and spoke.

"My dad and I have a proposition for you, Lin," said Jack, running his finger around the rim of his mug "However, first, you must be starving." 

As if on cue, my stomach growled loudly once again making Jack laugh.

"I'll take that as a yes," Jack retorted "now, tell me lass, how much coin did you make today?"

I quickly put my hand in my pocket and pulled out a rather large number of euros. I quickly counted and then responded to Jack.

"About 30 coin and some pocket lint" 

Jack put his hand out for the money. 

"Well, I’d say you have enough to buy yourself a decent meal, don't you?" he asked, "Get whatever you like, and I can handle anything you can't afford, savvy?"

"Savvy?" I asked, confused while I gave Jack the money.

"Perfect, glad you agree." Jack smiled, misunderstanding me but taking my coin.

I then decided not to question the strange term of agreement any further—this night was strange enough. Jack then looked around the tavern before spotting a bar wench and waving her down. She quickly came over, pulled out a small notepad and pencil before asking me what I wanted. I thought for a moment before deciding.

"I'll have a big bowl of stew, a piece of cornbread, and both legs of the chicken" I told her “Oh, and a mug of water, preferably cold." 

The wench raised her eyebrows a little bit but wrote down my order, nonetheless. She said she'd be back in a while and left to fulfill the order.

"Hungry, aren't you? I can only imagine how long it's been since you've eaten." Jack chimed in.

I let out a small, nervous laugh.

"Do you mean a full meal, Or do you mean what I've managed to 'ethically obtain' these last few months?" I asked, doing air quotes, which made Jack smile in amusement.

After about 15 minutes, the bar wench came back with my food which I promptly dug into. It was one of the most delicious meals I've ever had. Though, I'm pretty sure I'd say that about anything given my previous eating history. 

When I was about halfway done, Teague spoke up.

"Don't you have something to ask Lin, boy?"

Jack, remembering, quickly nodded and looked at me. I took a drink of my water.

"So, lass, as I previously stated I have a proposition for you." He looked at me "How would you like to join us as part of my dad’s crew?" 

I almost spat out my water before swallowing and shooting Jack a look.

"What? Are you bloody serious??" I asked. 

"I know it's a strange request, considering the evening. However, you demonstrated the survival skills and wit that a proper pirate would need."

Despite his explanation, I was still super hesitant. I looked at Teague with a look that asked: ‘Is your son serious?’ He gave me a single nod before I looked back at Jack who was waiting for an answer.

I thought about it some more, though I was hesitant. Anyone would be if the same people offering had just tried to cut off a finger or two. But the more I considered it, what other option did I have? It was either to become a pirate or spend another month or two—or who knows how long—on this forsaken island. I had no family anywhere else anyway.

"Well? What do you think, Lin?" He insisted, extending his hand. "Do we have an accord?"

Despite my hesitation, I shook his hand, feeling as if this handshake would seal my fate.

"Aye, we do." I replied, prompting Jack to grin excitedly.

"Perfect," Jack then looked at his father. "What now, dad?"

Teague took a final drink from his mug before speaking.

"Take her back to the Wicked Wench and get her settled for the night. We’ll make a pirate out of her yet.”

Jacke nodded in agreement then perked his head up as he thought of a question. "Quick question, Lin" he began "How are you with a sword?"

I smiled sheepishly. 

"I've never even held one."

Silence fell over the table as Jack and Teague exchanged looks that read, ‘This is going to take a lot of work’.

"Would you two let me finish eating before judging my sword abilities—or lack thereof?"

With that, I quickly devoured the rest of my food (not elegant at all, but what can I say? I was starving). Jack finished his ale, paid with a mix of his money and mine, and stood up. The boy glanced at his dad for further instructions.

"Alright, see you in a while, Dad." Jack then took my wrist "Come along, Lin"

As he led me through the bustling tavern, I tried to take my wrist free. 

"You know, I am perfectly capable of—"

"DUCK!”, yelled Jack suddenly, yanking us both down as a bottle of rum flew over our heads, crashing and shattering against a nearby wall. The Rum dripped down the wall as the culprit laughed in the distance. Jack looked back at me. "You were saying, lass?"

"I was saying: feel free to guide me."

I personally didn't feel like taking a bottle—or anything else—to the face. Jack then stood both of us up and continued our walk.

"Glad you see it my way." Jack replied as we walked.

We left the tavern and entered the—less rainy—streets of Tortuga. The streets had calmed down for the most part as people were heading to bed for the evening. The walk was mostly quiet until Jack eventually spoke up.

"So, Lin, you have a last name? Or do you not know it?"

"It's Hearthstone. Lin Hearthstone. Not that it matters anymore," I said, coldly.

"Course it does," replied Jack "That's what people would call you to be fancy. My dad may call you that on deck."

I then stopped walking for a moment, Jack turned around to look at me.

"I'd prefer if he didn't," I said with a hitch in my voice "it reminds me of...past events."

Jack looked taken aback by my statement but, after a moment, nodded understandingly.

"I suppose if that's what you want, I won't tell him." Jack replied, "But I do suggest you wipe that teary look off your face—it doesn't suit you at all." 

I was caught off guard from that last statement feeling my face grow warm from his comment. I let out a small laugh.

"Thanks Jack, I appreciate it."

"Not a problem lass, if it makes you feel any better, I'm not too fond of using my last name too."

"Oh? Why's that?"

"Well, it is my full intention to be a captain of my own ship much like my dad one day. It would be quite odd for there to be two 'Captain Teagues', wouldn’t it?"

I thought about it then nodded "I suppose it would. Well, what would you like me to call you?

Jack's eyes lit up, clearly happy I asked. He struck a dramatic pose, as if he were already a captain.

"Although the Captain is not yet my title, call me Captain Jack Sparrow." He told me, proudly 

After a moment of silence, I giggled at that last name. Jack’s face reddened slightly in embarrassment.

"Oi! I never teased you about your name!" he exclaimed, crossing his arms.

"No, no, I'm not teasing you. I think it's a good name—a bit unusual, but good. It seems to imply that you want to be free like, well, a sparrow. Besides, 'Captain Jack Sparrow' has an excellent ring to it."

Jack, after being reassured, nodded in agreement "that's what I think too. My personal motto is ,'A pirate is meant to be free', and I think a sparrow is a good symbol of that."

"So, we're in agreement then? I'll simply call you Lin if you call me Jack Sparrow. Savvy?"

He extended his hand, and I shook it.

"Savvy," I replied. 

After Jack and I made an agreement, he took me by the wrist again and continued to guide me. Eventually, we arrived at the docks and stopped in front of the Wicked Wench.

"And here we are, my dad's prized ship." Jack stated as he started climbing up the ship.

I paused for a moment to take it all in. The wood was rich, dark brown, and aged like fine wine. The sails, though a bit tattered, had a worn, off-white hue. It was an absolutely gorgeous ship. 

"Are you coming, or are you just going to gawk all day?" Jack hollered from the deck of the ship, startling me out of my trance.

"Oh, sorry! Coming, Jack!" I yelled back, quickly climbing up to follow in pursuit.

When I got on deck, I tried to take a step forward and almost ate dirt by falling on my face. Jack quickly grabbed the collar of my shirt and yanked me close to him for balance.

"Something tells me you haven't walked on a ship for a while?" asked Jack remarked.

"Actually, back on my dad’s merchant boat, there was hardly any room to stand—only to sit. So this is my first time standing, let alone walking, on a ship of any kind" I admitted sheepishly.

I was a little embarrassed by how close I was to the young lad. However, it's not exactly like I had a choice at the moment.

"Well, you're definitely going to be a work in progress of a pirate aren't you lass? I had something to drink and I'm almost not eating dirt" Jack said, playfully jabbing at me. 

I rolled my eyes and went to retort but, a wave hit the ship suddenly, making it rock. I clung to Jack for dear life. I didn't care about the closeness anymore at the moment. I just wanted to stay stable and survive. Jack put his arm around my waist as I put an arm around his shoulders. 

"No, lass, do you think you can walk with me to where you'll be sleeping for the night?" Jack started, "Or am I to assume you're just going to stand here getting seasick for the rest of the evening?"

"Please don't tell me that..." I paused to try not to puke "you're going to put me with....all the other pirates."

I didn't want to think about what the crew might do to a young lady if given the chance, especially in a dark, cramped room with 99% men. Running was my main source of defense, and it likely would have worked in my favor.

"Don't be absurd," Jack reassured me. "You'd get eaten alive if I sent you to sleep with the rest of the crew."

I sighed in relief.

"However, it's either that or sleep in my cabin. The room which only has a bed and the floor. Although, I suppose you could make the table and chair work as well. I could also put you where the other young crew mates sleep but, that area is pretty full." 

My relief was gone in an instant. I was once again left without a real choice in the matter. Sure, not sleeping with the crew sounded wonderful, but I still couldn't fully trust Jack. He must have noticed my conflicted expression.

"I could always give you a pillow and blanket for the floor in my cabin if you—"

I cut Jack off after another moment of thought. I was still very hesitant to sleep next to him, but at least he was my age. If Jack messed with me, I’d have a fighting chance. Besides, it had been months since I’d slept in a proper bed. 

"I'll agree to sleep next to you under two conditions."

"I'm all ears, lass"

"1) We put a pillow between us and 2) you under the fact that if you lay a singular finger in me, I will leave the ship immediately. Do you understand me, Mr. Sparrow?" Jack smiles slightly at 'Mr. Sparrow', glad that I remembered his preferred last name, and nodded understandingly. "Heard loud and clear, Ms. Lin" he replied wittily. Eventually, Jack managed to guide me to his cabin. Luckily, my stomach didn’t make me throw up, though it threatened to. The cabin was what you’d expect from a pirate ship. There was a table and chair to the left of the room, which was cluttered with maps, papers and quills. On the other side of the room was Jack's bed. The bed wasn't made but looked big enough to fit both of us, luckily. All furniture was bolted to the floor to prevent it from being moved by any sudden waves. Jack let go of me as I sat on the bed, finally steady.

"Not too shabby of a room," I said as I kicked off my boots.

“It’s comfortable,” replied Jack, sitting next to me, also taking off his boots “Beats being in the room over and hearing my dad snore in my ear all night.”

I let out a small laugh as I yawned. Jack and I talked a bit more about how everything worked on the ship, some duties his dad assigned to him, and the crew. Jack suddenly looked as if he’d just remembered something.

“Oh, by the way, as I mentioned earlier,” he began “There are a few other younger crew members on board. They’re like my personal crew, and we cause our fair share of trouble. I can introduce you tomorrow; you’ll love them.”

As I lay down on my designated side of the bed (mine was left by the wall, Jack’s was right), I yawned before responding.

“Well, I hope I make a good first impression like I did your dad this evening.”

Jack chuckled as he placed a pillow between us. “Trust me lass, I’m sure they’ll think you, although a wee bit stupid, rather brave for what you did. You’ll fit right in.”

Jack lay next to me as we both tucked ourselves in, keeping the pillow border above the blanket. Jack turned his back to me while I faced the wall. There were a few moments of silence as we both began falling asleep.

“On a final note, Lin, make sure to get plenty of sleep. You should have your sea legs by tomorrow and its day one of sword training, savvy?” Jack said drowsily, clearly half asleep like I was.

I was much too tired to sleep so I merely gave a tired ‘….mhm….’ Luckily, that was a perfectly fine response as I heard Jack begin to snore.

As I began to drift off, I wondered what was to become of me. I’ve never considered myself to be a pirate, but I suppose that was what I was becoming. If I was honest with myself, I didn’t really mind that idea.