Of Greeks and Pirates. Part One

[Maria Maharet/Turner]

* She rolled her eyes at Evy's cockyness and as she left her and her empty mug behind Maria threw in a sort of haughty yet short laugh* " Fine..." * She said sternly. She looked down into the knife's repflection at herself. She was quite young, 14. She was of slender figure and about 5'4. Her hair was of a light auburn colour and her earthly brown eyes had an untold story within.*

*Maria knew she had been orphaned at a young age, but that really all she knew. She shook her head and tossed the knife across the table. It fell onto the floor and under a gent's foot, the same one she had threatened, in fact. Maria eyed him for a while before standing up and heading out the pub. She passed Evelyn on the way out and Emma as well. She pushed the doors open and studied the streets to where she would venture next.*

* She wandered the streets but found nothing that amused her. Maria looked into the windows at the fancy dresses and sighed, knowing she would never live life that way. But she adored her life of piratting. She entered the shop and ran her fingers through the dresses' ruffles and over the ruby necklaces. The shop keeper had caught her and threw her out, afriad of looting his shop. She smirked at her feet touched the cobble stone streets once more. * " Wha' a fool..." * She said taking out the precious neclace from her pocket. She was known for her brilliant pickpocketing skills. She laughed as she walked away from the shop, necklace in hand*

[DianaMcBeth]

:Her fellow crew quickly disappeared. They all seemed intent on getting rum or stealing a few things. Diana wasn't so concerned with those sort of things right now. What she really wanted was something to entertain her. maybe a new sword? Or a deck of cards? maybe someone on the ship would play a few rounds of poker with her later? Or a book?:

:Diana had learned to read, but she seldom read anything more then adventure novels. She looked around, not sure exactly where a bookstore could be found.:

[Fish-legs Bob]

Fishy finally stood up from his perch, and gave a call to Joe. "Joe, tell 'em, if they ask, 'n' they won', so you don' got t' worry, that i wen' out about the town for a bit." And with that, Fishy leapt of the side of the ship, into the water with a splash, and quickly swam to shore.

"I told 'im 'ed wind up 'n the wa'er.." grumbled Joe, and returned to his work

A few minutes later, Fishy was ambling about the streets, perhaps looking for a fresher set of clothes, or a meal, or any particularly wonderful company.

[DianaMcBeth]

:Diana headed in no particular direction and ended up where she started. Near the docks. And found of all people to bump into Fishy.:

:Diana had run from home because her father wanted her married. And she had that determined purpose of never marrying. But Fishy well, she liked him. She felt her face grow red for a few seconds and then she swallowed hard:

"Hello!" She called to him, and walked over: "I hate to say it, mate, but you're looking a mit, wet? Did you fall off the ship?"

:Her voice was musical and happy: "ye should be lookin' for some new clothes."

[Victoria Brighton]

*Tobbs began to grow impatient. Why had Sparrow managed to stay so calm, so unaffected by her words? She felt as if he was searching her soul...and she disliked the feeling at this point.*

*His amusement kept feeding the fire of rage in her. Even as they stood there, her blade against his throat, she felt like she could do away with this man as they spoke...but she wasn't a murderer...and for that she hated herself. Everything in life was easy when you were evil, when people thought that you had no soul...yet she had to choose the hard route.*

"I protect the people I call friends..."

*She pressed the blade against his throat, just to let him know she had some control.*

"I find it's better to have a few friendly ports to come too...and a ship with a loyal crew......"

*When he dropped his sword, Tobbs blinked and furrowed her brows. This wasn't how it was supposed to go? What was wrong with this Captain? Was he willing to risk his life to stop the fight? Or could he just see she wasn't going to end his life....*

*She almost had half the mind to drop her defenses as well, and as she lowered the weapon, she was about to, but she realized she'd been tricked like this before. She held the hilt tightly, preparing for any attack that might come...she couldn't trust him...she couldn't trust anyone...no, she wouldn't ever again...

"And you....don't like admitting defeat do you?"

*She muttered and sighed. He was too good at finding things out. Why hadn't she tried to hide things at least?*

"So we'll call it a draw....give me that saber back..and if you really need a sword...you can have mine...."

*She looked down at the offered hilt. Had he actually tilted to appear bowing? She couldn't believe it. How could someone be so kind....twasn't possible, nor logical...no one had ever been kind to Tobbs for as far back as she remembered...and frankly, she didn't like to. It gave her more of a kinder spirit...and made her cry.*

"Fair exchange.....you need a weapon and I owe my friend my life...the least I can do is retrive his sword for him.....what say you to that?"

*She raised her brow, as if considering the offer...well, if he owed the man his life...it was just a weapon....*

*What in all hell upon earth was she doing?! Contemplating a draw deal? Never! She wasn't known for it, and she wouldnt start now. *

*The thoughtful look, that hinted the side of her that was the reality, the one that she'd once given up all hope on, the kind, sweet one she'd sworn never to go back to, it all faded into the mask of her bad side; the side she had scared so many lives by. She didn't think itd scare Sparrow, but she didn't want him to see her weaknesses...*

*She broke the silence by an angry, silent yet spooky enough to be scary voice*

"You call that a draw? Ha! Never shall I accept terms from a Captain who can't even finish a sword fight!"

*And with that, she dropped the saber she'd stolen, turned around, and briskly walked away, a mocking gleam in her eyes. When she reached far enough to reach a pub, she slammed her shoulder into a pirate lass as she was running by, whom she'd learned was Evy and walked straight inside. Ordering a room and a mug of rum, she took her seat beneath the stairs and leaned against the wall. Tobbs sighed sadly. For the first time in years, she felt...bad? She shook her head to clear her thoughts...and the tears that seemed to be making their way to her eyes...she gritted her teeth, then drunk the rum, and that was all she needed to do right now...or so she thought...*

[Fish-legs Bob]

Fishy turned at the sound of Diana's soft voice, and his face broke into a complete smile, with more than a hint of red on his own cheeks. Girls had never really talked to him before, and Diana was at the very least, much prettier than most. "Hi Diana!" he said, walking over to her. He laughed a little, and layed out his hands and shook them a little, water flying everywhere, some even onto Diana. "I guess so, eh?" with another smile, he added "you know where i can get any?"

[Jack Sparrow]

:Jack merely watched Tobb leave, picked up the sword and considered it a moment or two, then buckled it back into his belt alongside his own. Then he began walking again....not exactly following the lady. but he wanted to see to it she wouldn't do anything to stupid.like go back to Turner's shop.:

:He stopped back the blacksmith's and laid Will's sword back down, then looked around. Interesting lady.......very interesting......and if there was one thing Jack enjoyed, besides rum, it was figuring out something he found....well.....interesting....:

:He could guess her path easily enough. Pissed off or confused people were easy to figure out. They walked a straight line for a while.....heading in the easiest direction.....then once reason set in they made for someplace that was familar....well...this lass was a pirate. She wouldn't be heading for any forts or the homes...she'd be going towards town..looking for a place to think....:

:He followed instincts. A tavern...Port Royal only had two or three....he opened the door and walked inside. He spotted her golden head at once. Smiling he walked inside......but stayed out of her way:...

[DianaMcBeth]

:With a laugh, Diana nodded:

"come on you, I'll take you to a shop, plently of them in this town." She let out a small giggle then added: "Only if you promise to stay dry at least part of the time."

:She took his hand a moment and gave it a small squeeze then dropped it and pointed to a few shops: "Plenty of clothes to pick from, but no place to find a deck of cards or a book. Such a shame."

:Turning brightly grey eyes to him she looked him over carefully: "bet you'd look wonderful in blue."

[Roux]

he'd always liked the way a busy market area sounded, Roux realized. The shouting and bickering and even the fighting. It was oddly comforting to be surrounded by humanity on all sides. and somewhat, calming.

He found a few things that caught his eye. Picked up a glass trinket or two, felt a bit of fabric and admired a few sleek weapons. Nothing he wanted to buy yet. He saw a few of the Pearl's crew out and about. He smiled. It was nice to be on dry land for a change.

Finally he came across something he wanted. A pad of thick parchment and some coal. He brought enought o last him a month or so if he was careful, thanked the merchant and walked away, holding the pad and coal carefully as if they were gold. To him they were.

[Captain Morgan Barbossa]

::With Jack Monkey by his side, Barbossa made a few final preparations to the small boat moored just off the main shore of Isla DeMuerta. When Bo'Sun had suggested hiding a spare here just for emergencies, the Captain had sneered at him at first. Now that he found himself crouched in the center of the vessel, drifting slowly away from the island he'd practically called home for ten years, he grinned to himself::

"Ne'er thought I'd see th' day that bloody son of a bildgerat's ideas would come in 'andy...."

::With that, he let the gentle rocking of the boat and the warmth of the Caribbean sun lull him into a calm sleep as he drifted aimlessly in the wide ocean. He was through fighting Fate -- if it was truly his destiny to find Sparrow (and he was convinced it was) then She would guide him in her own way. His year of torment among the vengeful gods had taught him not to argue with the will of the divine....::

::As he slept, his memories slowly came back to him. He saw fleeting images of his father and mother, his first real ship, the first man he'd ever killed.... The gaps in his life that the gods' torment had left were already beginning to fill, making him stronger as the day wore on. When he finally woke up, the sun was already starting to set::

[Maria Maharet/Turner]

* Maria walked the bustling streets of Port Royal. She turned into a dark alleyway to take a short cut. It was an eerie way. She felt as if someone was following her. With every step she took so was another. Someone was follwing her, perhaps the shop keeper. Had he caught her quick hand? She paced herself seeing the light to the other street. Maria ran keeping the necklace in a tight grip close to her chest... She looked behind her.. no one was there. She turned to see the shop keeper. His eyes must have been quick to catch her. He grasped her wrist tightly and held a large meat cleaver in his hand threatening to cut off the hand that had stolen. She pushed the blade away and ran, the neclace still within her grasp. *

*Running ,she passed by Fishy and Diana and soon found herself in front of the very pub she came from. She went in hoping to find shelter from her "seer" . She looked around a large gash on her shoulder from her narrow escape. She took a deep breath and glanced casually around the pub as if nothing had happened. See saw Jack who seemed to be distracted by a young woman, Evy and a few more. She stood aganst the tavern wall hoping the shopkeeper couldn't trace her steps*

[Fish-legs Bob]

Fishy smiled and blushed, and smiled again, cast a glance at his hand in Diana's and then back at her again. "I think you'd look lovely in anything." he said, with a gentleman's bow of his head and another laugh, and he let her lead him away down the street. He looked at her face again, and her eyes that twinkled back at him. "Well,"he said without so much hesitation as was warrant. "i have a few books that i would be most happy to share with you, if you'd have them. But first, i think, it is best that a gentleman take a lady out for a meal, before such trifles are dealt with." He laughed again, took her hand, giving her a squeeze of his own, and started back the other way. "Wet clothes will dry, but courtesy must always be obeyed! Come, fair lady," he said with a wink "and let a honest gentleman show you a night to remember?"

[Emma Hawkins/Rick MacKinnon]

Emma cast an incredulous glance at Maria.What kind of person didn't like rum?She took a sip of her own drink,savoring the strong flavor.A few moments later,Evy ran out of the bar.Something went off in the back of Emma's mind.It would be a stretch to say the girl had common sense,but without her street smarts,she would be dead a hundred times over.On this island,Emma Hawkins was supposed to be dead.She looked around,her bluegreen eyes anxiously.Her heart dropped when she noticed several young men she recognized.

"Rick,we 'ave t'go...."

He looked over at her,a mug of strong whiskey halfway to his lips."Em?'S wrong?"His green eyes scanned the room,looking for anyone who could be a threat to her.Then he smirked slightly at the realization that three years had passed and five minutes were enough to bring his protective instincts back full force."Why d'we-"

"I'll explain later,c'mon!"she hissed,putting his mug down forcefully and flipping a coin to the bartender.Her boots padded quickly down the cobblestones in the streets outside.As soon as they were a good ways from the bar,she felt Rick's intense emerald eyes silently asking her what that had been all about.Taking a deep breath,she launched into the tale of all that had happened to her since the night the Hawk burned,the night their old crew had been slaughtered,Rick's father killed,and the two of them driven apart.It took her several minutes,and when she finally finished,they kept walking,talking like the world would stop if they didn't get everything out right now.

Finally,it seemed everything that they had to be caught up on was.Still they walked,the sunlight seeming brighter than it had in years,the crystalline sea sparkling in its heat.After a while,they ran into Roux.Emma waved."What've y'got there,mate?"she called.

Rick frowned slightly."'O's 'e?"he asked,in the unmistakable tone of a man protective by nature who hadn't seen his lass in a long while.But her soft hand on his arm calmed him quickly.

"Oh,sorry,right,y'don' know each other...Rick,Roux,Roux,Rick,"said Emma quickly and cheerfully."Roux's me crewmate,love,nothin' t'worry abou'..."

[Victoria Brighton]

(Jack, edit my post if ye wanna make changes *pokeths and smiles*)

*Tobbs finished the rum and managed to find another one at her lips. Once it all was finished off, another one was given to her. She'd finished half of that, and began to feel a bit tipsy.*

*Her eyes watered as she suddenly began to think again of her past, the thing she'd kept locked away...but this Sparrow had managed to find the key and turn the lock. If she was like this now, already getting emotional, how would she act when he opened the doors of her emotions and history?*

*That's it! She thought as she stood up. That's what she'd do! She'd not let the man, she'd rid herself of him somehow. She needed to find Snakes and his men, she needed to fight, she needed to win something. The only thing she'd forgotten was one of her most important rules...never be even close to tipsy when fighting to the death.*

*As she was and a bit angry already, she clenched her fists and forgot all about it. No more of this good side stuff. She wanted to be mean, to be vicious, and she wanted to get away from This Sparrow who seemed to think he could play his games with her and help her out. She didn't need his help! She was TopSword Tobbs!*

*As if reassuring herself once more, she turned and snarled at a man as she walked by and he placed his hand on her leg. Immediately he withdrew, and Tobbs walked right passed Jack, her only focus now upon Snakes and his merry band of crew members.*

* Anyone who saw her knew she was full of rage and anger, and all stepped to get out of her path. To most, she was just angry, to one or two, as she'd later find out Jack had been, she was going off to do something irrational, something, in Jack's words, "stupid"...*

*As Tobbs walked down the streets, she wouldve felt being followed, but being in her current state, she didn't notice Jack's shadow as he followed behind her. By the time she'd walked down an alley, the shadowed feeling would be not so clear at all to her, but perhaps it was ebcause he fell back a ways... the sneer of a man could be heard as well as the chorus of "Ayes" and "Savvies" by a group of people. Tobbs grinned evilly. She'd come to them*

*The alley was dim, but visibly clear. A few barrels and crates were against its sides, and the smell of the salty sea roamed about in the wind. As Tobbs could see the group clearly, she stopped dead in her tracks and pulled out two long slender swords, light enough for quick movement, but a treasure to her, which was why they hadnt been used. She grinned and shouted mockingly*

"Snakes! Come ou' 'ere and show me wha' kinda party yer runnin'! Unless I'm late, and I'll 'ave to make my own!"

'Ssssssso' He hissed. 'Hasss Tobbsss come to play like a good girl?'

"That's lady ta you, ya filthy bag of maggots!"

*He laughed and the other members chorused in*

'Boyssss, and mi'lday...get 'er!'

*She set herself in a defensive position, slamming their sabers back and knocking one off his feet. She laughed notoriously, spinning, jumping, swerving, sliding, quick as lightning as she played with her foes. Snakes and Flames stood watching...Snakes rolled his eyes.*

'Don' wanna missss the fun...come on Flamessss!'

*As rain clouds gathered and a light drizzle began to pour on this side of Port Royale, they both charged at her, now Shiba, Wrech, Flames, Hermo, and Snakes against her. She matched them all and was better of course in her fighting skills, but there was too much to consider. She looked like she was winning, and it would be over in a second when she jumped onto Shiba's back and made her fly into the others.*

'Forge' me, lassss?'

*Snakes had avoided the fall, and just before she could turn to catch his hit, her head slightly off due to the rum as well, he slammed his blade into her shoulder as she tried to parry it. Her left hand dropped the sword, and she stumbled to the ground into a muddy puddle, the crimson red mixing into the brownish clear water.*

*She held up her right sword and blocked Snake's blows, but why had not the others returned? Where were they? She heard Wrech's voice over the clash of metal.*

'Snakes Sir, there be another, we muss ge' outta 'ere sir, more are comin says Shiba.'

*In reality, there was only the marching of soldiers from Port Royale that had thundered down the streets, and with Jack's help she later guessed, theyd believed there was more coming. Snakes towered over her and she grinned as he hissed and muttered.*

'Don' be missstaken, I'll ssssee you sssoon, only thissss time, you shan't be alive at the end!'

*She laughed cunningly as he ran off, and she muttered as se looked at ehr shoulder. The red had soaked into her sleeve that was slashed open, and in a diagnol high on her shoulder, the wound he'd left was present. She reached out painfully for her swords, placing one in its hilt. The other lay before her, inches out of her reach. She cursed it and, in her sitting position, inched her hand towards it, reaching out as far as she could without wanting to get up.*

*It was odd...her vision became blurry in the rain, and she couldnt see all too well. She blamed the rum, but the puddle around ehr had turned from brown to deep red. She began to get dizzy, when she felt she was not alone in the rain. She looked up, and standing before happened to be the last person she wanted to see...and the first?*

'You again? Ya muss be a sparra...ya, ya fly ta places too quick...fer me...heh..."

*And with that, she tried standing, but in an instant, crumpled to the floor, unconscious in the rain...*

[Will Turner]

*Will watched with sad eyes as Eric trudged off down the street and he shook his head slowly. So much had changed in this man since that fateful night in the pub a couple years back. Will knew it would just take some time for Eric to return to his old self again, thoughtful and caring. Not so hot headed and smart mouthed. With another sigh he turned and headed back towards his house. He stepped inside and glanced around then spotted Elizabeth standing at the kitchen window and glancing out it. He crept up behind her and threw his arms around her waist, kissing her cheek. She gasped but spun around and smiled at him, kissing him back.* Well you're certainly home early. *She stated. Will shrugged then cleared his throat.* Yeah actually we have to talk. What would you do if Jack suddenly appeared again and asked me to come to Tortuga with him and his crew for a few weeks? *He asked nervously. Elizabeth raised a brow and stared him down for a long moment then she folded her arms.* Jack Sparrow? *She asked. Will nodded.* This isn't a hypathetical question is it... *She stated. Will shook his head and coughed. Elizabeth drew in a deep breath and sighed then fixed Wills vest and grabbed his hands.* Is this just going to be a casual trip? No sword fighting or undead pirates? *She asked. Will smiled and nodded.* Just a casual trip to Tortuga and in three weeks I'll be back again. *He said. She laughed at his eagerness and hugged him for a moment then pulled away, kissed him lovingly, and walked back to the window.* Then I'll see you in three weeks Will. *She said. He kissed her again and grabbed up a few of his things.* I love you Elizabeth, I'll be back soon. *He said and hurried off, returning to the shop to replace his sword as the young lass took off with the one Jack had given him. But when he got there it was lying on the table and he smiled, slightly confused but glad none the less and slipped it in his belt then turned and left the shop, heading for the docks.*

*Eric made his way down to the docks and looked upon what was no doubt, the Pearl. He sat down on the edge of the dock and his hand found its way to the rings on the chain of his necklace once again and he sighed, his dark eyes slowly drawing upward towards the sky. He closed them and an image of a woman crying out and crumpling before his feet flashed through his mind. His eyes quickly opened again and he shook his head, pushing the image away as he rose to his feet. Brushing off his pants he again looked at the Pearl.* So this is the ship from all the legends. Not too shabby. *He said simply.*[/color]