Captain Elizabeth Turner (
try_corsets) wrote2010-07-14 09:18 pm
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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.
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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Her eyes go wide.
"James. You're here."
And wider still.
Will.
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(He's here. Will's here.)
Elizabeth manages to shake her head once and respond.
"No. I'm quite certain this is not the occasion on which to compromise my views regarding hygiene."
She gives him a half-smile: part incredulous, pleased and a little concerned.
"Will's here."
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Currently, it seems many times that.
"Yes," she agrees, staring straight ahead, steeling herself for forward motion and what else is to come, "If you could, James."
Elizabeth nods once and begins walking again, eyes on the infirmary door like it's something she intends to conquer if it's the very last thing she manages to do. She expects Gibbs to accompany her. Eventually she'll mention Demeter, but right now? All she wants to do is sit down.
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These are rare moments of not being busy, and he probably wouldn't be able to stand them if there wasn't always the hope that she will turn up, and he could see the growth of the bump.
When a figure appears and heads towards the bar, he prepares himself for company. When it turns out to be Norrington, he's surprised. he had hoped for longer.
Straightening, he stands tall, waiting for his crewman to reach the inlet.
"Tired of shoreleave so soon?"
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Then understanding hits him like a clout around the head.
"So soon?"
It's not time yet, surely?
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"You're sure? You don't know? Go back! Make sure she's OK!"
He's stari8ning against the railing of the Dutchman, desperate to be ashore.
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But he's staring manicly. Please go now? More news?
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