(no subject)

[try_corsets]

Singapore.

It's odd, Elizabeth thinks, how the name had once had a fairytale-like quality to it and had represented a place she was destined only to visit in books or the stories of officers who passed through Port Royal.

Singapore feels very real now, tangible and close enough that Elizabeth keeps a weather eye on the horizon, harboring hopes of at last seeing land.

Everyone on board is aware of how impatient she is to get on with things. A man -- or a woman -- would have to be blind to miss the way she's coiled tightly, dangerously, whether pacing the ship or sitting very still for long periods of time.

There's been too much waiting.

Comments

[badinlatin]

"That's not what that's there for. Small guns first, then once you're behind cover you lob a grenade or two, then dig out this girl."

[try_corsets]

"A good plan," Elizabeth declares, nodding firmly and then giving him a somewhat sly smile. "But tell me...

"If I'm wearing all this, is there enough left for you and the rest of the crew?"

It's hopeful. Elizabeth likes the idea of being so well armed.

[badinlatin]

A smirk. "This is only the one bag. Plus, I brought a fair amount o' weaponry for myself."

Mal shows his sidearm in his holster, Will's flintlock at his back, and the knife in his boot.

"This normally suits me well enough."

[try_corsets]

"Good."

She doesn't bother to disguise her pleasure, and says nothing more for a moment as she adjusts the harness and the weapons now contained therein.

At last: "Have you set some aside for Tonks, just in case?"

[badinlatin]

"I'll doublecheck, I promise. I'm hopin' to be back with her before you meet up with Sao Feng's folk anyhow."

[try_corsets]

Elizabeth nods, the line of her mouth tightening as she clenches her jaw.

She wants to ask him to watch out for Will. She wants to ask, but the desire to do so is warring with her desire to avoid any further questions as to their relationship.

Eyes unfocused, she reaches down to feel the mare's leg, now returned to its holster, and nods again.

"That would be good. It will be easier to meet up before than after if something goes wrong," she says grimly.

[badinlatin]

Mal nods, but stops after a moment.

"Can I offer a piece of advice?"

[try_corsets]

Her head snaps up.

Watching him steadily, she waits a long moment before replying.

"Yes."

[badinlatin]

"From a pirate that's quasi-married up the social ladder? There's enough problems with that without -- "

( " -- I'm too weak for this -- ")

" -- separating oneself further."

Beat. "That's all."

[try_corsets]

There's a hesitation, a brief moment when she looks as if she's going to upbraid him for his audacity and interference, but then she turns away and looks out at the ocean.

"I know." It's not at all gracious. "Everything will be fine when we rescue Jack."

It has become a litany, her own small prayer that her words will prove true.

"But thank you for your concern," she finishes stiffly, offering him a tight smile.

[badinlatin]

Mal nods.

"So -- you comfortable with all that?"

Pointing to the weapons, naturally.

[try_corsets]

A hint of a smile returns, and she takes a few steps to further test the weight.

"I am." Then, smile widening, "And I have no intention of telling Barbossa how very well you have armed me for battle."

[badinlatin]

"Even better."