Fic: 'Devil's Own Luck' - Chapter 2

[dwgm]

Decided to skip forward to post-AWE times. Borrowed (without permission) artaxastra's post-AWE scenario, which is so similar to my vision of things. This one's quite a bit longer. Many thanks to hereswith for editing, and to jenthegypsy's suggestions, too. Chapter One is here.



Chapter Two

The Empress hove into sight a league out of Cartagena and then the race was on. Jack roared orders merrily, and Gibbs had the Pearls swarming up the ratlines to lay on more and more canvas. Elizabeth gave a shout of joyous laughter to see Jack standing at the helm, doffing his hat to her, and drew on every trick she'd learned in the last six years to gain the win over the Black Pearl.

Her crew hauled and trimmed with a will, but in the end the Empress was just behind Jack's dark lady in entering the harbor. Tai Huang raised his fist and let loose a bellow of chagrin at having come so close to the prize. Elizabeth doffed her own hat, conceding defeat (for now), and smiled at her son's excited efforts to escape his keeper, the long-suffering, but diligent, Monsieur Pontchartrain (a second cousin, twice removed, of the French comte himself).

"Uncle Jack! Uncle Jack!" Jamie shrieked, struggling.

"Patience, James Turner," shouted Jack. "We'll drop anchor at the south side of the bay, savvy?"

Half an hour later the two ships were secured, anchored fore and aft in close enough proximity to permit easy coming and going for the crew.

"If you had a real ship we could lash 'em together in weather like this," said Jack, after he'd swung over and landed with a thump and sway on the Empress's deck.

"You dare to insult the ship of your king, pirate?" Elizabeth tilted her chin at him, suppressing a smile.

Jack started to bow low, in (mock) apology, but had to straighten abruptly to field the whirlwind of small boy that threatened to bowl him over. "Whoa! Steady on! Lord, you weigh a ton – what's your mother been feeding you?" He hefted young Jamie with a bounce, and made choking noises as the skinny arms tightened round his neck with enthusiasm.

"I missed you, Uncle Jack! Did you miss me?"

"Was pinin' away for you and your mum the whole time, lad, give you me word."

Elizabeth said, "A likely story, considering how low in the water the Pearl's riding. Your venture was a success, I take it?"

Jack grinned, eyes and gold teeth flashing. "Wait'll you see, your majesty. And nary a death or serious injury among either crew."

Elizabeth did smile at that, a weight lifting from her heart. "I'm glad to hear it. You shall come to my cabin immediately and give me a full report. And you still owe me and my ship an apology."

"My contrition shall be abject in the extreme, and most efficacious, your worship," Jack said, with a tone and look that sent a shiver of delicious anticipation down the Pirate King's back. Jamie was set on his feet and his keeper given orders. "Pontchartrain, take this imp to see Mr. Gibbs immediately, if you please. And I believe Mr. Ragetti is ready to continue that game of chess with you, the one that was so rudely interrupted by our departure six weeks ago."

"Oui, Capitaine! Allons, mon petit pirate."

"Six weeks!" said Elizabeth, as Pontchartrain took Jamie off.

Jack picked up her hand and bowed over it. "Seemed an age, love," he said as he straightened, and there was no hint of mockery in his gaze now.

"It did," Elizabeth said, her eyes soft.

"Shall we adjourn to your cabin? I am greatly desirous of beginning that apology. I fear it may take considerable time."

Elizabeth Turner, Beloved of the Ferryman, King of Pirates, and mother for five eventful years, blushed.

*

Two hours later, as the sun was setting over Cartagena, she was seated before her mirror, putting up her hair in preparation for an evening at the city's opera, and was still blushing faintly. Jack, who had finished washing and was dressing again, met her eyes in the glass and then came to her, feeling smug.

"You liked that, then?" he said. He bent so that their faces were reflected side-by-side, dark and light, exotic pirate and daughter of English aristocracy.

"I dread to ask where you learn such things," Elizabeth said, lifting a brow and blushing deeper.

He turned and she obligingly scooted over to allow him to sit close beside her on the vanity bench, facing the opposite direction. He slipped a finger under the edge of her embroidered silk robe, pulling it off her shoulder, and placed a kiss against the pale gold of her skin. "Make it up as I go along, of course," he murmured. "Can you doubt it?"

"I don't want to," she said, turning to him.

His arms slipped about her and he drew her close. "Fie on your doubting, missy. I told you long ago where my compass pointed, and that hasn't changed, save when you're with me. Bloody spoiled me for any other, as you well know." And he kissed her, delighting at the slight quiver that ran though her, quivering himself as she lost herself once more.

They were both of them panting again when they ended it. "Insatiable wench," he muttered, then gave a hiss as her wandering fingers found undeniable evidence of his own insatiability. "We'll miss the beginning at this rate."

"Oh, we can't have that!" she smiled, ceasing her explorations, to his disappointment. She caught his face between both hands, and said, very low, "I love you."

He gave a lopsided smile. "Dangerous words, darling." But then he bent close, and his lips brushed her ear as he whispered, "I love you, too."

For a long moment each rested in the other. Then Elizabeth straightened, and took a deep breath. "Right then. The opera?"

"Your wish is my command, my liege."

Elizabeth stifled a giggle.

*

"Place hasn't changed in all these years," Jack observed as they climbed the grand staircase.

"It's a lovely opera house. I was so surprised when you brought me here, after Jamie was born."

"Cartagena's a great city, both for business and pleasure. Did I tell you about the time I was here with Bootstrap and this chit named…"

"Letty. Yes, you told me of her." Elizabeth glanced at him, sidelong.

"Timid little thing, but she enjoyed herself that day, what with the market, and players and all. Dressed her in boy's clothing, too – that tore her loose from her moorings."

"I know the feeling well," Elizabeth agreed.

"I know you know." Jack surreptitiously patted Elizabeth's heavily skirted backside.

"Do try to remember we're in public, Jack," Elizabeth said, primly.

"Pardon, your highness. I shall keep me paws to meself for the duration of the evening."

Elizabeth chuckled as they reached the top of the staircase. "You don't have to go that far!" she threw over her shoulder as she moved ahead, into the crowd.

*

They had a private box, and the opera was one Elizabeth was familiar with, La principessa fedele by Scarlatti.

"I saw it when I made my debut in London," Elizabeth told Jack. "Father shipped me 'home', to his great Aunt Caroline, a dowager countess. I was sixteen – Norrington captained the ship, and I cannot imagine why he was eventually inspired to propose to me. I was very unhappy at being sent back to England, and let the whole world know it, too!"

"Better Norrington than I," Jack commented. "No patience for fractious females."

"Ah, but I doubt I would've objected quite so much had you been there. Or Will."

"Couldn't've wrapped me around that pretty finger of yours." He picked up her hand and kissed said finger, eyes laughing.

"You don't think so?" She smiled, thinking of the challenge it might have been. "I could Will, though. I missed him – so much! We'd been playmates up 'til then, whenever we could manage it. But Father knew he needed to put a stop to that, if there was any hope of me making a decent marriage. By the time I came back, Will seemed almost a stranger." Her smile faded, thinking that two years was such a brief span compared to ten.

Jack squeezed her hand. "It won't be like that, this time. And it's not as though you never see him."

"I know. But… four more years!"

"He loves you, Lizzie. That won't change."

"He does. He sent you to me."

"Thought I needed looking after, the meddler."

"You did," Elizabeth said, smiling again.

The lights came up on the stage and the pair gave their attention to the beginning of the performance. Jack seemed to enjoy the music, his fingers tap-tapping against the arm of his chair. But then, when "Rosana", a delicate red-haired soprano, made her entrance and began to sing, he suddenly sat bolt upright and exclaimed, too loudly, "Bloody hell!"

A group in an adjoining box expressed immediate annoyance. Elizabeth nodded to them placatingly, and hissed at Jack. "What is it?"

Jack had pulled his small spyglass from his pocket, opened it and trained it on the stage. "It's her!"

"Her? The soprano? You know her?"

"She's the one I told you about!"

"Letty?"

"No!"

Elizabeth rolled her eyes. "You've told me about any number of females from your past. Which one is it, then?"

"Juliet! Or Rosalind. Arden Forest!"

"Really? Let me see!" Elizabeth commandeered the spyglass after a brief struggle, and peered at the woman who was singing most expressively. "She's very good! And… why, she's beautiful!"

"Beautiful my arse," Jack growled. "She drugged me, stole me hard-earned winnings and locked me in a bloody closet!"

"So you told me," Elizabeth said, handing back the glass, "though you didn't tell me why."

"Why? What makes you think there was any reason beyond robbery, eh?" Jack said, defensively.

Elizabeth eyed him thoughtfully. "She must have been awfully young – she scarcely looks older than I am now!"

"Looks can be deceiving," Jack said, with some hauteur, and peered through his glass again. "And obviously are."

"What are you going to do?" Elizabeth asked. "It was a long time ago."

"Don't know. Demand me fifty guineas back, at the very least. Arden Forest. I'll Arden Forest her!"

"You will not!" Elizabeth glared at him, outraged.

"Will too!" Jack said, and glared right back.

*

It was several hours later and Jack's initial anger had cooled, though not his determination to confront "Arden Forest" – or Rose Fairbright, as the playbill named her. Accordingly, he and Elizabeth made their way through the crowds, and, by judicious bribery, managed to descend to where the actors changed into makeup and costume. Elizabeth was fascinated by the members of the chorus, now divesting themselves of bright garments and applying creams to remove their paint, but Jack pulled her along hurriedly, making an inquiry here and there, until they were directed down a dimly lit hall to a small room at the end. Rose Fairbright, as one of the principals, had her own dressing chamber, albeit a humble one.

Jack scratched at the door in a determined manner, while Elizabeth shifted uncomfortably, wondering what would come of this. She soon found out.

A high voice spoke from within, light footsteps sounded, and the door opened to reveal a small girl, perhaps ten years of age, with bright, curling red hair. "Can I help you?" she asked, cocking her head like some curious little bird as she took in Jack's appearance.

"I…." Jack gaped, then collected himself. "Is your mother within?"

"Yes!" The sprite turned. "Mama! Can you come? 'Tis a… a gentleman, and a lady, too!"

Elizabeth's lips twitched against a laugh as Jack stiffened. He had dressed for the occasion, but could not be mistaken for a gentleman, even by one so young.

"Oh, dear," came a pretty voice, and mama's footsteps. Rose came into view, a light robe thrown over her harem costume. She said, "I'm afraid I am not at liberty to receive… " But her voice faded away, as did her calm expression, and then every hint of color in her face as she realized precisely who was darkening her doorway. "You!" she whispered.

Jack leapt forward, managing to break her fall as she crumpled to the floor in a dead faint.

"Mama!" shrieked Rose's daughter.

"Bloody hell!" Jack swore.

"Good God," said Elizabeth, entered the room and shut the door behind her.



To Be Continued...

Comments

[yoiebear.livejournal.com]

Oh!! I can't wait to find out what happens.

I have missed your writing.

[geekmama.livejournal.com]

It's nice to be writing something longer for a change. I'm very happy you liked it! Thank you for letting me know.

[dharma-slut.livejournal.com]

Damn you and your cliffhangers! *gigglesmooch*

[geekmama.livejournal.com]

LOL! I do love the cliffhangers. Very happy you enjoyed this! Thanks so much for reading and commenting.

I was just realizing I never friended you and went to look at your profile page -- we're almost the same age AND live in California! And, what is more important, have a great love for impofperversity! So nice to find a soulmate. *G*

[hendercats.livejournal.com]

"Shall we adjourn to your cabin? I am greatly desirous of beginning that apology. I fear it may take considerable time."
*claps hands in delight* He could be standing right by my chair, I heard this so perfectly!

Letty! And Elizabeth's indignation at mention of same = :D

They were both of them panting again when they ended it. "Insatiable wench," he muttered, then gave a hiss as her wandering fingers found undeniable evidence of his own insatiability.
You constantly amaze me with your ability to make fic incredibly sexy while remaining so ... oblique.

"He loves you, Lizzie. That won't change."
"He does. He sent you to me."
"Thought I needed looking after, the meddler."
Oh, I love this! Have actually read very little POTC lately (there's so much!), so don't know - is this you, or is it the fanon you mentioned borrowing from artaxastra?

Wheee! Great chapter ending! *shakes computer on wishful notion more story might fall out*

[geekmama.livejournal.com]

Borrowed the "needed looking after" business from artaxastra (though I swear I was thinking of the same scenarios for post-AWE fanfic -- but she writes WAY better than I do, so it's all good). So happy you enjoyed the mention of Letty -- hereswith liked that, too. *G*

Will try to begin next bit of story tonight, after I do a crack_van rec (I'm going to do tessabeth's Work of Art -- adore the pirate party in that one!) -- my vacation is rapidly running out.

Thank you for the lovely detailed comments -- most appreciated!

[hendercats.livejournal.com]

Ahhh, no wonder the piece I was looking at sounded like both of you!

Oh, yes *bounce* that pirate party (and the rest of the fic too, of course) most definitely needs to be appreciated by a wider audience. Excellent choice.

Sorry your vacation's almost over - especially when you've more fic to write. *g* Really, it's so good to see you writing again.

[artaxastra.livejournal.com]

You can borrow my background any day! This is delightful!

The only thing better than a pirate is a pirate who likes opera! I always have such a hard time finding a man who likes opera!

I'm glad to hear it. You shall come to my cabin immediately and give me a full report. And you still owe me and my ship an apology."

"My contrition shall be abject in the extreme, and most efficacious, your worship," Jack said, with a tone and look that sent a shiver of delicious anticipation down the Pirate King's back.

I love this! So hot!

"Shall we adjourn to your cabin? I am greatly desirous of beginning that apology. I fear it may take considerable time."

Elizabeth Turner, Beloved of the Ferryman, King of Pirates, and mother for five eventful years, blushed.

And so familiar at the same time. You can believe they've been lovers five years, that they know each other that well.

He gave a lopsided smile. "Dangerous words, darling." But then he bent close, and his lips brushed her ear as he whispered, "I love you, too."

For a long moment each rested in the other.

Perfect, adorable, wonderful. There's a level of trust here.

Now I want to know what's going to happen!

[geekmama.livejournal.com]

Perfect, adorable, wonderful. There's a level of trust here.

I figure they've gotten around to being honest about all that by now. *G*

Thank you so much for permission to commandeer borrow! As I've said before, it's pretty much what I was thinking would happen post-AWE, too -- there's a logic to it, and it's the happiest scenario I can think of, and I'm all about the happy (with a little angst thrown in for interest). I'm so glad you're writing it -- you catch just the right tone: drama, comedy, romance and adventure. So important when writing PotC. When I started reading fanfic, I was looking for that certain tone that would bring back the experience of watching the movie, and it's surprising how difficult it is to find. You have the knack for it, and your characterizations have a quality that makes me want to know these people, and hear more about them. There are very few writers who can convey such well-rounded pictures of these characters.

Thank you for reading and commenting at such length -- I appreciate it so much!

[artaxastra.livejournal.com]

Thank you so much! That's the loveliest compliment ever! Especially coming from you, one of the Grand Ladies of PotC fandom!

I love the scope of this fandom, room for comedy and romance and adventure and the supernatural. And no matter how dark it gets, Jack's optimism shines through and the reader knows it will all be ok in the end. That's a nice relief from some of my original stuff, where I'm stuck with dreadful historical events that I can't change. This new one I'm working on is going to wind up with killing the entire cast except two people, and there's really nothing I can do about that, because that's how it happened.

[veronica-rich.livejournal.com]

Hmm ... from a whorehouse to an opera house ... will be very interesting to see where Miss Rose's origins have come from, as well as her activities for the last many years. *eyebrow bounce*

Also, it's nice to see Elizabeth has finally learned to say "I love you" to someone.

[geekmama.livejournal.com]

I'm very happy you are enjoying the OFC -- I have a hard time resisting them, as you know. And I expect Jack's past would provide a practically endless source of interesting ladies (and gents too, I imagine).

it's nice to see Elizabeth has finally learned to say "I love you" to someone.

I figure they've all learned to say it by now, yes.

Thank you for reading and commenting -- I really appreciate it.

[alchemistc.livejournal.com]

Ooooh. I love you. I really do. I love the way this is so familiar to those post-AWE fics sprouting out everywhere, and yet it's so very different. This is beautifully woven into the fabric of artaxastra's background, and I really, really can't wait for more.

[geekmama.livejournal.com]

More coming in a couple of days. I'm happy to be writing something longer again. Such fun! Thank you for reading and commenting -- I appreciate it very much.

[erinya.livejournal.com]

Oh, this made me smile a lot. I loved Jack and Elizabeth racing their ships, and the joyfulness of their relationship, and their discussion of Will. And Jack's reaction to Arden. Can't wait to read the next chapter!

*drive-by comment from dial-up connection*

[geekmama.livejournal.com]

We need some joyfulness after all the angst. Next chapter coming soon!

*a dial-up??? 0.0 Eeep!*

[erinya.livejournal.com]

I'm at my parents' house for the weekend, and they are about a decade behind modern technology. But now I am stealing someone else's wireless, whee!

[geekmama.livejournal.com]

stealing commandeering wireless = Good!! ;)

[elissali.livejournal.com]

I love it! I have no idea where we're going with this, and I love it! Really creative. :) go geekmama!

[geekmama.livejournal.com]

I have an idea, but no outline yet. It's fun writing something longer (and cheerier!) again. Very happy you're enjoying it! Thanks for letting me know. :D

[compassrose7577.livejournal.com]

Well, well! We know at least a little more of the trail the plot bunny was leading you down.

Love the twist...and the circle back around from way back when! Just when we think Jack may have found a bit o' happiness....blam!

You always do the best Jack!

Left us with an ending that will force a weather eye on the horizon as well! Stop with the socialite life of late and give us more, I say!

[geekmama.livejournal.com]

This is what I was doing instead of editing your chapter -- will try to get that done soonish, though. I hope to get the next bit of this written by the end of the weekend, but we'll see. Very happy you're enjoying it! Thank you for letting me know.

[captaintish]

Oh, it's good to see you writing some longer fics again! Your writing style captures the spirit of the movie perfectly. Can you give us a little more background on what's going on with Will?

I like how you have little Jamie calling Jack "Uncle Jack" -- that's exactly what I've been saying since I first saw the movie. Imagining "Uncle Jack" coming to visit and telling the kid pirate stories and songs. :)

I have read the first two stories in Artaxastra's series, so I know a bit about the setup -- Elizabeth is pirate king and all. Perhaps you could sort of summarize anything else we need to know. You know how I am about ratings -- you probably think I'm crazy, but it's just how I am. :) So, in the same vein, I hope you won't need to raise the rating on this story either *hopes madly* I agree with hendercats about how You constantly amaze me with your ability to make fic incredibly sexy while remaining so ... oblique.

Oh, and how did Jack get the Pearl back? I love that you just have that as a done deal.

Anyway, great job!

[geekmama.livejournal.com]

There will probably be bits and pieces (and perhaps long periods of exposition!) about J, E, & W's post-AWE activities, and no, it won't go over PG-13 (you see what can be done, even with that rating; innuendo is often sexier than naming names).

Your writing style captures the spirit of the movie perfectly.

What a lovely compliment!! Thanks so much. I am very glad you're enjoying the story. It's fun writing something longer -- haven't done that in a long time.

More soon!

[captaintish]

Oh, and I think I forgot to mention that I liked your reference to Letty -- I just reread Dark of the Moon last week, so that was a fun little inside thing. :)

[torn-eledhwen.livejournal.com]

Oy! What's with the cliffhangers? You evil writer you. :)

As ever, I love the light-but-moving touch you bring, and I like the easy relationship Jack and Elizabeth have here. I'm looking forward to discovering why a girl who drugged Jack once has now fainted at seeing him.

[geekmama.livejournal.com]

Always love writing the OFC's you know. *G* But I felt the need to write some (comparatively) cheery post-AWE, too, so it's all here. Very very happy you enjoyed it!

[whitemunin.livejournal.com]

Ooh, I can't wait to see what happens next!

[geekmama.livejournal.com]

Hopefully will have more by the end of the weekend. I'm glad you liked it!

[lady-di75.livejournal.com]

landed with a thump and sway on the Empress's deck.

I don't know why this struck me so -- but it's so simple and visual I found myself grinning at the image.

"My contrition shall be abject in the extreme, and most efficacious, your worship," Jack said, with a tone and look that sent a shiver of delicious anticipation down the Pirate King's back.

Oh, yum. Very nice.

Love the boy -- and this is a very nice dovetail with artaxastra's post-AWE 'verse, which I've really been enjoying as well -- that Will would send Jack to be with Elizabeth is a very cozy solution. "Uncle Jack" seems to mind not at all :)

The rhythm of this cliffhanger is great, too:

"Mama!" shrieked Rose's daughter.

"Bloody hell!" Jack swore.

"Good God," said Elizabeth

Cue suspense music!!

[geekmama.livejournal.com]

it's so simple and visual I found myself grinning at the image.

I am all about the simple and visual, if I can manage it, so that's a great compliment -- thank you!! So happy you enjoyed this little slice of piratical life. More coming soon. I do love the cliffhangers!

[djarum99.livejournal.com]

"You will not!" Elizabeth glared at him, outraged.

"Will too!" Jack said, and glared right back.

I love this fic - your Elizabeth and Jack are perfectly written and perfect together, exactly where they should be, and happy in that. I'm so glad to see them at a point where they can be, and can say the things that lover say. Wonderful.

[geekmama.livejournal.com]

I do get weary of the angst, so decided to just skip it entirely. *G* They have achieved a comfort level here, though they are incapable of being boring due to their circumstances and personalities, which makes them almost the perfect couple to write. I feel Will has also gained greatly in interest since AWE, and I find the idea of a threesome hugely intriguing, actually, though I don't think I'll have anything explicitly OT3 in this particular fic.

Very happy you're enjoying the story! I hope to have another chapter up in a day or so. Thanks very much for reading and commenting!!

[djarum99.livejournal.com]

I agree that they would achieve that comfort together; it is certainly necessary to a long term relationship, and I can't imagine the two of them being bored. Will has finally come into his own since AWE, and the idea of a threesome is intriguing, and makes all kinds of sense *g*

Can't wait to see the update!

little red headed girl

[(Anonymous)]

Just love your stories, and am a big J/E fan. You do them justice with your lovely way with words! Taking a big guess here but I think the little red haired girl is Jack's child. the reason being that she cocked her head to one side like a "little bird". (sparrow) Thank you for this J/E adventure, can't get enough of them!..............Sincerely, Rose.

Re: little red headed girl

[geekmama.livejournal.com]

A real Rose! Thank you very much for letting me know you're enjoying this and my other stories. I have so much fun writing pirate!fic, and it's wonderful to know that others are entertained as well.

The little girl actually isn't Jack's, in spite of her birdlike stance, as there was very little time to procreate while drugged and locked in a closet. However, she and her mother have an interesting story to impart, and her mother certainly needs to make amends to her unwilling benefactor. Stay tuned! *G*

[woolymonkey.livejournal.com]

I'm loving this. Rose-Arden-Thingy makes me curious, and you really have that threeway dynamic working between Elizabeth, Jack and absent Will.
Funny how acknowledging Will's place somehow makes it easier for Jack and Elizabeth to acknowledge that they matter to each other as well. I like that.

She caught his face between both hands, and said, very low, "I love you."
He gave a lopsided smile. "Dangerous words, darling." But then he bent close, and his lips brushed her ear as he whispered, "I love you, too."
I can so hear that - and I don't even ship J/E, although I might be beginning to...

[geekmama.livejournal.com]

I don't even ship J/E, although I might be beginning to...

Thank you so much! That is a great compliment! I've always thought it easier to write J/E if one acknowledges Will's place in Elizabeth's heart, and Jack's too, really. I think he gave up immortality for both of them, really. Now that I've started writing this, I'm much cheerier about the post-AWE universe. Everything is going to be OK.

Very happy you enjoyed this. Thank you for letting me know.

[tanith75.livejournal.com]

"He bent so that their faces were reflected side-by-side, dark and light, exotic pirate and daughter of English aristocracy."

Beautful, beautiful image and choice of words.

And I love that the boy's name was James/Jamie. Very touching.

And oh my what an inriguing ending.

Can't wait for more :)

[geekmama.livejournal.com]

I love that the boy's name was James/Jamie. Very touching.

Borrowed that, and the whole post AWE scenario, from artaxastra. Makes perfect sense to me.

Again, very happy you're enjoying the story. Thank you for letting me know!

[hereswith.livejournal.com]

Just wanted to say that I think the changes work great, and that I love this! It's funny and intriguing, wonderfully written, as always, and I'm really looking forward to finding out more about the mysterious Miss Arden Forest :-)

[geekmama.livejournal.com]

Glad you liked the changes -- your suggestions were really good ones, as always. As usual, I underestimated how busy I was going to be over the weekend. Will try to get another chapter written soon, though. Thank you again for your help in editing!

[choose2live.livejournal.com]

Ahh! I love it! FINALLY am getting a chance to read a little... anyway. I'm having TOO much fun! I love the little universe you've crafted here, and bringing in Letty! Wonderful, even at just a mention! This is really enjoyable because it's a very straightforward but likely situation for Jack and Elizabeth, and doesn't over-complicate itself (and you know how much I just want Elizabeth captaining her own ship, forget this Pirate King business). And they're just delightful together. I love that Jack's told Lizzie all about his past women - it speaks to a level of camaraderie and friendliness between them, but also a lot of honesty and intimacy. They really strike me as friends here in addition to lovers, which is just as it should be.

I'm eager to see what's to come with the confrontation of Arden! The last bit is particularly amusing - her fainting (who would've thought, after her gall in the first part??), Jack's frustration at the predicament, and Elizabeth's eye-rolling practicality. Yay for a fun story!

I'm still in Nashville for the time being, I head back west on Thursday but won't be home 'til Sunday. Then hopefully I'll be around a bit more, at least until I move! Life never stops! I hope you're doing well. :-)

[geekmama.livejournal.com]

So happy you're enjoying this!

This is really enjoyable because it's a very straightforward but likely situation for Jack and Elizabeth, and doesn't over-complicate itself

I do like to keep things simple and basically cheery, so I just skipped all the angst and moved on to the established relationship. *G* Will is going to show up too, and some other canon characters from AWE. Such fun! Would be working on it tonight, but I needed something a little more mindless so I'm working on the AWE transcript tonight.

Very glad to hear you're doing well back there. How do you like Nashville? Pretty?

Thank you for the encouraging comments -- they are very much appreciated!!

[choose2live.livejournal.com]

I do like to keep things simple and basically cheery, so I just skipped all the angst and moved on to the established relationship. *G*

And why not? Everyone else is writing it, you don't need to! LOL

I also forgot to mention how much I enjoyed Jack and Elizabeth's good-natured race into the harbor. It seems very much like something they'd do, and gives the reader a chance to see how Elizabeth's developed as a captain.

Nashville's very nice! We've had lots of weather - been raining on and off ever since I got here - but I haven't minded 'cause it's such a change from California and I LOVE thunderstorms. :-D It's very green here, rolling hills (a bit softer than in Simi) and tons of trees, none of the scrubby brush stuff we have in CA. Moderate climate - everyone's been complaining about how hot it's been, "It was 95 today! The hottest day of the year so far!" I say if that's as hot as it gets, you've got it made. :-p Definitely muggy, but not too terrible. I'll miss California but I think I'm going to like it here. :-) Now I just need a job...