try_corsets | (no subject)

Deep down, Elizabeth has known her time was very near. She isn't entirely certain how she has known, but she has. The thought has been drifting through her mind like a lazily meandering piece of driftwood, buoyant but easily pushed aside time and again, left there until she has the desire and fortitude to reel it back and firmly acknowledge the truth in it. For days Elizabeth has existed in a state of semi-awareness, barking orders and making plans, absently noting changes, all at the same time.

Because she's Captain Elizabeth Turner, Pirate King, and she has a position she is determined to maintain.

Somehow.

When the first pain hits, she thinks, Yes, there it is, and stares at her face in her small, cracked looking glass; so different now than the face she'd seen reflected back at her in Port Royal. Better, she thinks. Lived in. The corner of her mouth curves up, and the full lips in the mirror do the same. The scarlet sash today, she decides with a decisive nod, gingerly getting dressed as she had the day before, and the day before that.

Tai Huang eyes her half an hour later, as he is giving a report. Elizabeth slowly, carefully unclenches her fingers from the starboard rail. "The wind is shifting. Starboard tack." As she moves away she does her best to walk straight and tall, not waddle.

Everyone on board knows where to find the Captain at sunrise (keep a weather eye on the horizon), though she's rarely bothered these days. Still, when she gasps aloud and unbends her stiff shoulders to curl in, to try and stop it, two of the men Tai Huang and Gibbs like to keep in their sights guffaw from the main deck. Straightening takes no small effort of will, but she does it; and as she does, she sets her mouth in a thin line and decides, finally, that it's time to find Gibbs. Ready or not, the baby has had enough of waiting.

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"He's very well", he assures her. "And of course, he's very happy. I think he wasn't expecting events quite yet. He would have come himself, but circumstances being what they are..."

If people think Mike's hugs are out of this world, they should really experience his foot massages. They'd be almost sinful if he didn't just constantly radiate good intentions.

"Spending quality time with her...er...um...step grandmother? No, that's not...She's with Sallie. She's still a little soft around the poles to make a full on Bar debut, so we're trying to keep her as close to the mental link as possible. You know, for Bar's sake."

"Dilated. Your cervix?"

Beat.

"Did Demeter talk you through what's going to happen here? Have you read any books on what to expect?"

Guppy is keeping an eye on things, mostly in the background. He gets the impression that Elizabeth would have rather Bar had turned him female for this.

He's worked out how to make the handheld scanner tell him how dilated she is without having to examine her again.

"He needs to see how ready your body is for the baby, my dear. I understand if you don't feel comfortable with him examining you and I'm glad to. I've delivered a great many babies in my time,"

Demeter's voice is calm and soothing, they will find a way to make sure everyone knows what they need to.

"I see."

Not quite. Between his words and strike the ship's colors and clap her in irons whatever he is doing to her aching feet, Elizabeth is well and truly confused.

Not that she lets it show much.

"Soft around the poles, you say?"

What?

Once things progress, Elizabeth will undoubtedly forget to care. As has been noted by others -- perhaps a bit unkindly, to her mind -- she has a healthy survival instinct.

But for the moment, yes, she is eyeing Guppy from time to time.

"Naturally. Good, I'm pleased he's well and happy." She exhales through her teeth. "Now, how may I entice you to do something about that?" she snaps.

"Enough," she answers Guppy, frowning more. "I find my pirate tales have more to recommend them."

A sudden longing for her mother steals over Elizabeth, and she focuses on Demeter's face. "If it's what's done. What's necessary. Very well."

But she doesn't have to be pleased about it.

"I do say," he says with a grin. "You know, just like any baby she's kind of soft around the seams. Which, you know, all things considered I am thankful for. Like uh...oh man, what did Guppy and Donnie call them? On human babies. Fontanas? Fantanas? Something like that anyway."

Guppy, once he's sure she's giving permission, closes the curtains and examines Elizabeth as gently as possible.

"You're about six centimetres." he says. "When you get to ten, it's time to push. You've most likely got about four hours or so to go until then."

He nods at Demeter. "I can hang around in case you need anything."

"Fountains?" asks a perplexed Elizabeth, only half paying attention thanks to the way he's rubbing her feet. "I did know they are delicate. Babies."

Her eyes find his. Quietly, she adds, "What is she like?"

Blink, blink.

"Four hours? Impossible."

"I told you that first births can take a while, but I'll be right here helping you through it."

Demeter moves forward and starts massaging Elizabeth's belly, her hands are warm and soothing.

"We can discuss whether you want pain relief, in the meantime." Guppy says. "But babies come at their own pace, I'm afraid."

Although his own two came rather abruptly.

He winks when she makes eye contact. His smile continues to be bright and warm.

"Magellan? She's like no one I've ever met before. I can't wait to get to know her better, you know...once she starts to think in straight lines."

Norrington isn't sure he should really be here, but he does have his orders to make sure Elizabeth is being taken care of.

He hovers a little awkwardly by the door.

She throws a lumpy pillow at his head.

"Tell him it is entirely unfair that I should be trapped here while he is free to stride the length and breadth of his ship, waiting in comfort."

Beat.

"No. I've reconsidered. Do not tell him that at all. Say I am well. The child is also well."

A pain hits her hard.

"Wait! Do NOT leave, James. Send someone else."

Edited 2011-02-06 01:19 (UTC)

He had turned to leave - twice - before he finally returns to his place by the door.

"As you wish, Elizabeth. Anyone in particular?"

Elizabeth glances at Demeter, then Guppy.

"Someone we knoooooooooooOW," she gets out through clenched teeth, waving a hand at the door to the main bar.

Mr. Gibbs might still be lurking about.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the door...

"Devils and black sheep and really bad eggs," he sings, under his breath, following it up with a swallow of rum.

Evidently Jack's pondering a complicated problem.

"Ah, Captain Sparrow", comes a familiar voice from the infirmary doorway. "Are you terribly busy, or could I prevail on you to carry a message?"

Jack rolls his eyes, and concludes by slanting a bright glance at Norrington.

"If it isn't old Jim. Hello, mate."

A beat.

"Now just what sort of message is it that's got you thinking I'd be one to go at your beck, hm?"

"Well, it seems we are soon to have a new Turner in the world", Norrington tells him. "The lady would like the late Captain Turner to be kept informed. I would go myself, but for some reason she seems quite determined that I stay."

He sits bolt upright, swaying, and stares at him in alarm.

"You're not serious."

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