dwgm: Kimi Birds (Default)
[personal profile] dwgm
Instead of doing the things I should be doing, I finished a story for [livejournal.com profile] fabu, her request from the Drabble/Ficlet Challenge Meme (Title: Blue Moon; Pairing W/E; Line of Dialogue: "That was unexpected!"). As hers did for my request, it got a bit out of hand: it's 2,250 words. Fluffy, too. Well, it's Will & Elizabeth--what do you expect?





~ Blue Moon ~




Will grinned, following his irate betrothed as she stormed down the terrace steps of the Governor’s mansion and into the starlit garden. She was halfway across the lawn that ran down to the cliff’s edge overlooking the sea before he caught up, falling into step beside her.

“That was unexpected!” he said, keeping his voice light.

She was having none of it. “That was outrageous! Unforgivable! I will not wear that dress at my wedding!”

“Elizabeth, you will look ravishing in whatever you wear. And she brought it all the way from England: her very own wedding dress!”

“It is ten—no, twenty years out of fashion, and I look hideous in pink!”

“Mauve, sweetheart: your Great Aunt said so.”

“It’s pink! And I have a dress, made to my very specific order by Port Royal’s finest seamstress!”

Will remembered Great Aunt Sarah’s derisive comments regarding Mrs. Sylvia Whiting’s skills, but wisely said nothing of this. Instead, he took Elizabeth’s arm and drew it through his own, giving her hand a pat for good measure. “Elizabeth! This is nothing! It’s not like you to be so upset over such things.”

She sighed, and her pace slowed a little. “I know. All the details of the preparations! I am so tired of it. I wish there was some simpler way to marry.”

“Your father is right: there has already been enough scandal attached to your name. A bold display is what’s called for here, if you’re to retain your credit in society.”

Elizabeth made a wry face, but said nothing. It was an old argument, and she knew Will and her father were right. Port Royal was a small town, when all was said and done. And all this bother was to benefit Will as much as her.

“Besides,” Will went on, “it’s only three more days.”

“Yes.” Three more days, and then they could be alone without fear of disapproval or interruption. Even coming out to the garden like this was risking a scold. So absurd! But then they neared the railed edge of the gardens that looked out over the sea and she was forcibly distracted from her frustrated ruminations. “Oh Will! Look!”

“Beautiful!” he agreed.

It was the moon, rising huge and golden in back of the trees, beginning to bathe everything in its light.

“A Blue Moon! The second full moon of the month,” she added by way of explanation. “My old nurse told me of it when I was a child. Anything can happen on a night like this!”

Her eyes sparkled with sudden joy, and she was so perfectly beautiful herself in the golden light that the breath caught in his throat. “Elizabeth!” he managed, almost a prayer, and then suddenly she was in his arms, no goddess, but warm, eager flesh, her lips on his in a kiss that was bliss and promise at once. He breathed in the sweet scent and taste of her, praying this moment would stay with him as long as he lived.

She was very much aware of his intense reaction to her, and placed a hand along his cheek when they paused for breath. “Three more days!” she smiled.

He smiled, too, and brushed his nose along her cheek, kissing her ear. “I love you.”

“I love you, too,” she said. She laid her cheek against his shoulder. “I’m sorry I was so cross.”

“Darling! You should wear just what you like, but your Great Aunt has come all this way and it would be too bad to offend her. Perhaps your father will speak to her.”

“Oh, I’ll think of something,” Elizabeth said, straightening. She looked out at the rising moon again. “Will, we must do something! This is too special a night to waste. Will you meet me later?”

“For a night walk?” he said, a little doubtfully. “Do you think we should?”

“Yes! It will do me a great deal of good to work off some of these wedding nerves. And the moon is so bright, there is no chance we will lose our way!”

“I suppose you’re right. Midnight, then? Fuller’s cove?”

She looked at him and smiled wickedly. “Yes! Though how I’m to keep from ravishing you I don’t know.” They had gone on a night walk a month before and had happened on the cove, a tree-fringed deep-water inlet some way around the point from Port Royal. There was a beach of fine white sand, to lay sweaty clothes upon, and the water was cool and clear and lit with stars, and had held them both like a lover’s caress. Elizabeth would still be a maiden when she married, but, truth to tell, not by much.

Will grinned. “If I can wait, you certainly can! Let’s go back to the house. You’ll have to make a pretense of retiring early. I’ll be waiting by the back door at midnight.”

Elizabeth threw her arms around him and kissed him with unabashed joy. “I love you, Will Turner!” she said, again, and Will could not conceive of ever tiring of those words.

-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-

Will was waiting by the kitchen door at midnight, trying to stay in shadow though it was difficult: the moon was well up, now, and, though not as monstrously large as it had been when it had first risen, it was big and bright and lit the landscape with a golden light that seemed nearly as bright as day.

“We should stay close to the shadows by the house,” Elizabeth said after giving Will a quick kiss in greeting.

“Yes. Where did you get those clothes?” Men’s attire quite suited her, though the tight breeches she wore made his hands itch to caress, or perhaps spank that pert backside: her eyes held a decidedly mischievous twinkle.

“I bought them! My dress was quite ruined last time we went out—I had a dreadful time explaining that to Estrella! So I made up my mind I would get clothing more suitable to these occasions, and take care of it myself. Don’t you like it?”

He smiled crookedly. “You know I do, minx!”

“Yes, I do,” she grinned, and kissed him again. “Come! Let’s get away from the house.”

He followed her, pleasantly bemused by the provocative sight of her slim figure leading the way, the long braid in which she’d strictly confined her honey hair swinging jauntily.

They soon left the Swann property and headed up into the hills. They had no trouble keeping to the trail, though it was seldom used and somewhat overgrown in spots. Rich, damp earth, night-blooming flowers, and a pervasive scent of green made mere breathing a joy. They held hands whenever they could, and spoke only rarely, both of them struck by the thought that this night was something especially wonderful, a night of which they would always speak with happiness. They were young, and strong, and had come to this through great trial and the help of many. Three more days…

An hour later, Will went a little ahead, clearing the way as best he could for his beloved, for the trail was nearly obscured by brush near the top of the last rise. Then, reaching the summit, he stopped and gave a startled exclamation at the sight that met his eyes.

“Elizabeth! Look!”

She hurried up beside him and stared down at the cove, black and gold in the moonlight—but not unoccupied.

“A ship!” Her brows twitched together and her heart gave a sudden leap.

But Will said it first. “The Black Pearl!

They looked at each other and said, both together, “Jack!

Will raised a brow at the delight in her voice. “Should I be jealous?” he asked, suppressing a smile.

Her expression mirrored his own. “Should I?”

He laughed at that, but then eyed her in humorous accusation. “You’re sure nothing happened on that island?”

Elizabeth chuckled. “Nothing you need forgive me for!”

Will grinned. “Ah, yes. You’d better stay away from Jack’s rum when we get down there!”

“We’re going down, then?” Elizabeth said, eagerly, a little surprised.

“I think we’d better. The Black Pearl shows up in a hidden cove three days before our wedding? Something’s afoot, and I want an explanation.”

“You’re right.” Elizabeth followed Will as he started down the path to the cove. “I’ll wager he’s planning to attend! I sent him an invitation, you know.”

Will stopped so suddenly she bumped into him. “You what? How did you…Elizabeth! Norrington!”

Elizabeth shook her head, eyes twinkling again. “James will behave so long as Jack does. That ‘one day’s head start’ has turned into six months’! And Jack has been most circumspect: the Black Pearl hasn’t attacked an English vessel or settlement in all that time.”

Will shook his head. “Oh, Lord. As though this wedding didn’t have us all on end to begin with!”

Elizabeth gave a rueful grin. “I know. But I had to invite him. You see that?”

Will considered this, and finally sighed. “Yes. I see it. I just hope I don’t end up having to rescue him again in the middle of the reception.”

-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.

They were nearly down to the white sand beach when the sound of a pistol being cocked halted them in their tracks.

“An’ what’s this then, Ana? Couple o’ rampaging forest creatures come to spoil our fun?”

They turned, excited and wary both, to find Jack and Anamaria standing on the path behind them, trying not to grin.

Elizabeth said, with mock severity, “If you shoot either of us you may not come to the wedding!”

Jack did grin at that. “Three more days, Miss Swann. But p’raps you’ve decided you couldn’t wait, eh?” He stowed the pistol and stepped forward to embrace her.

It was the first time she had willingly let him, yet, oddly, it felt like coming home. He smelled of sea, and sweat, and rum, and she had to laugh in delight at the feel of his beard and mustache against her skin as he kissed her cheek. “Oh Jack! We’ve missed you so much!” she exclaimed as he released her.

“Well, of course!” he grinned, “I’m Captain Jack Sparrow!” He looked then at Will, and the cocky grin faded to something more serious. “Never did thank you properly, lad.”

Will shook his head. “There’s no need,” he said. He gripped Jack’s hand, clapping him on the shoulder. “You look well, Jack! Prosperous!

“As do you, boy. Now your fiancé here, on the other hand...” Jack broke off, shaking his head, as he looked Elizabeth up and down. “That sweet little arse of hers is too tempting: provided you’re not a eunuch, that is.”

Elizabeth gave an exclamation of pretended outrage, and tossed her head, eyes laughing.

Jack spread his hands. “Apologies…but if you’re going to dress like that…”

“Anamaria dresses like this!”

Ana said, “Aye, but you forgot one important part of the ensemble!” She set her hand suggestively on the hilt of the wicked knife she wore at her belt, teeth very white in her brown face.

“’S truth,” said Jack, ruefully. “She’d likely gut me if I gave her so much as a love-pat.”

Ana rolled her eyes at this.

Elizabeth said, with dignity, “Will shall make me a knife as soon as the wedding is over.”

“No, I won’t! Why would I when I’ve been thinking exactly the same thing?” Will grinned at Elizabeth’s indignant pout.

Jack laughed. “Not a eunuch, after all! That why you’re here?”

Elizabeth said, “We’ve been taking walks at night, occasionally, to relieve our fidgets over the wedding! What a bother it’s been! I shall be infinitely happy in four days’ time, when the whole thing’s over!”

“Including Will’s waiting,” said Jack, giving her a coy look, and grinned as she blushed.

But she said, “Including Will’s waiting. And mine!”

“Young Love!” Jack said, sighing elaborately. “But I know something that’ll relieve all sorts of fidgets. Ana and I were just off to take a swim in a freshwater pool that’s a little ways off—care to join us?”

Elizabeth and Will looked at each other. Will cleared his throat. “Actually that’s close to our original intention. Swimming. Only there seems to be a large ship in our favorite cove.”

“Ah!” grinned Jack. “Spoiled your fun, did we? But you’ll like the pool better. Quite secluded, and a pretty waterfall, too!”

“No leeches?” asked Elizabeth, warily.

“Not a one, as I live,” promised Jack.

Elizabeth looked at her betrothed with sparkling eyes. “Well? What do you think?”

Will looked from Elizabeth, to Jack and Ana. “I think…it’s going to be an interesting night!”

-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.

It was nearly noon the next day, when Estrella knocked lightly at Elizabeth’s door and went in. Hearing her charge stir, the maid said, “Land sakes, Miss, you’ll sleep the day away! Your father wanted me to wake you for luncheon. Your Great Aunt wishes to speak with you, too: seems she’s seen your dress from Mrs. Whiting and reconsidered the matter.”

Elizabeth smiled sleepily. “Oh, what good news! Yes, I must get up. I had no idea it was so late—Father doesn’t usually like me to lie abed past nine! I wonder what can have possessed him?”

“I’m sure I couldn’t say, Miss,” said Estrella, opening the heavy drapes to let in the brilliant sunshine, “although I did hear your Great Aunt telling him something a bit odd this morning: something about wedding nerves, and a Blue Moon!”




Date: 2004-08-21 03:44 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] fnordelissa.livejournal.com
that was very cute! :)

Date: 2004-08-21 04:12 pm (UTC)
ext_15536: Fuschias by Geek Mama (Five Cats (Laurel Burch))
From: [identity profile] geekmama.livejournal.com
So glad you liked it! Have fun at the party tonight!

Date: 2004-08-21 04:41 pm (UTC)
ext_15529: made by jazsekuhsjunk (crunkette - keira and orlando)
From: [identity profile] the-dala.livejournal.com
::basks in W/E lurrrve:: That was lovely!

Date: 2004-08-21 04:46 pm (UTC)
ext_15536: Fuschias by Geek Mama (Our Place)
From: [identity profile] geekmama.livejournal.com
So happy you ::lurrrved:: it!
From: [identity profile] hazelhawthorne.livejournal.com
I'm kinda hoping you might be on line right now. I have no idea where [livejournal.com profile] chainedbunny's party is and I have tried calling [livejournal.com profile] ladymora at home a few times, cause I was hoping to follow them over to the party. But they are not answering at home. I do not have their cell phone number or any non electronic contact info for [livejournal.com profile] chainedbunny. Would you please email me with any info you have? Mo's cell number would probably be enough, but if you happen to know where Random House is, I wouldn't mind that info either. Thanks.

hazelannhawthorne@yahoo.com

Date: 2004-08-21 08:33 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] yoiebear.livejournal.com
Stunning!! I love, love, love that people are writing Will/Elizabeth again! My fav pairing. Keep it coming, please? :-D

Date: 2004-08-21 11:10 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] hannahrorlove.livejournal.com
Cute. A bit heavy on exclamation points, but very cute.

Date: 2004-08-22 12:47 am (UTC)
ext_15536: Fuschias by Geek Mama (Will Turner)
From: [identity profile] geekmama.livejournal.com
So happy you enjoyed it!

Date: 2004-08-22 12:49 am (UTC)
ext_15536: Fuschias by Geek Mama (Will Turner)
From: [identity profile] geekmama.livejournal.com
I tend to overdo the exclamation points. Probably I should have a beta to tell me these things, but I don't so I have to go back and fix things as they are pointed out. Glad you thought it was cute--can't hardly avoid cute, doing Will & Elizabeth.

Date: 2004-08-22 12:56 am (UTC)
ext_15536: Fuschias by Geek Mama (Will Turner)
From: [identity profile] geekmama.livejournal.com
You're welcome! Glad you enjoyed it!

Date: 2004-08-22 01:10 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] tseek-unique.livejournal.com
Will and Elizabeth's eagerness is catching. And when Jack and Anamaria show up, the whole thing just turns delightful. And-ooh! Skinny dipping, perhaps?

Date: 2004-08-22 01:19 am (UTC)
ext_15536: Fuschias by Geek Mama (WTF?)
From: [identity profile] geekmama.livejournal.com
Skinny dipping, perhaps?

Of course! ;)

So very glad you enjoyed it.
ext_15536: Fuschias by Geek Mama (Default)
From: [identity profile] geekmama.livejournal.com
I'm glad you liked the story! Hope you found the party and had a great time. I would've answered but I was at the Disney concert at the Hollywood Bowl all evening--very much fun!

Date: 2004-08-22 02:56 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] torn-eledhwen.livejournal.com
Lovely! Really sweet.

Date: 2004-08-22 08:54 am (UTC)
ext_15536: Fuschias by Geek Mama (WTF?)
From: [identity profile] geekmama.livejournal.com
Sweet. Yes. Well, I figure there are plenty of people out there who write angst and/or really explicit smut, and though I've no objection to either I feel I'm sort of filling the neglected 'Sweet' niche. One reviewer on ff.net said "...It was almost like watching a sappy chick flick...". Which I suppose it is.

Glad you enjoyed it, though. Happy Sunday!

Date: 2004-08-22 05:35 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] gryphons-lair.livejournal.com
OK, definitely Friending you!

'Cause there just ain't enough sweet, sexy Will/Elizabeth out there. And Anamaria! And Elizabeth in breeches!

It is to *squee*!

And I really must rec this story to [livejournal.com profile] kd5mdk, who's always looking for good hetfic.

Date: 2004-08-22 08:10 pm (UTC)
ext_15536: Fuschias by Geek Mama (WTF?)
From: [identity profile] geekmama.livejournal.com
And I really must rec this story to [livejournal.com profile] kd5mdk, who's always looking for good hetfic.

Really? And here I thought I was almost the only one!

So very happy you found the fic *squee*-worthy. :)

Date: 2004-08-22 08:21 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] gryphons-lair.livejournal.com
Oh, no, not at all.

I like hetfic myself. And I really just don't get why so many people seem allergic to it. (she said in a mildly puzzled tone) But then, most of my previous fandoms (Forever Knight, Remington Steele, etc) were pretty heavily het-leaning, with the slash contingent definitely in the minority.

The icon I used in my last reply was for a short AU POTC het piece I wrote a while ago. It just appeared in my head one morning and insisted I write it. Since then it's threatening to spawn an entire AU storyline in my head, but I'm beating it back to concentrate on the Sparrington arc right now.

Date: 2004-08-22 08:34 pm (UTC)
ext_15536: Fuschias by Geek Mama (WTF?)
From: [identity profile] geekmama.livejournal.com
The icon I used in my last reply was for a short AU POTC het piece I wrote a while ago.

Oh, I hope it's saved to your Memories. I will be checking out your other stories, too, (and rereading Dreams and Desire).

Date: 2004-08-23 05:34 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] gryphons-lair.livejournal.com
Oh, I hope it's saved to your Memories.

It wasn't. It is now.

Date: 2004-08-23 06:06 am (UTC)
ext_15536: Fuschias by Geek Mama (Five Cats (Laurel Burch))
From: [identity profile] geekmama.livejournal.com
Thanks for doing that for me!

Date: 2004-08-23 10:35 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] kd5mdk.livejournal.com
Thanks.

Date: 2004-08-23 01:58 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] layah.livejournal.com
That was really sweet. And in response to the conversation in the comments, I often feel there is enough angst in real life that I don't need to get it in my fantasy also, so it's nice to read happy endings type stories. And I'm totally uninterested in slash, so I'm always surprised at how much there is. So I find it especially nice to read the things you write, because I know there the kind of stories that leave me with a smile. Oh, and don't forget about the buttercream recipe. I'm thinking of making a cake for my going away party this weekend.

Date: 2004-08-23 02:19 pm (UTC)
ext_15536: Fuschias by Geek Mama (Really Bad Eggs)
From: [identity profile] geekmama.livejournal.com
I often feel there is enough angst in real life that I don't need to get it in my fantasy also

Exactly the way I feel. I want something that's going to make me smile, as a rule, although one needs enough conflict to provide an interesting plot. Angst for the sake of angst is boring to me.

Arrrrggghhh! I keep forgetting the buttercream recipe (although I did go so far as to get out the cookbook and set it on the table by my laptop). I will try to get it done tonight. I was thinking I might just start an LJ devoted to the cookbook, or maybe even a community, so we could all post favorite family recipes. How does that sound?

Date: 2004-08-23 02:21 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] layah.livejournal.com
I think that would be really neat. I always taste things and think how I need to get that recipe, and then I totally forget about it. I'd like to hear about everyone's recipes. Plus I'm always hearing about what a good cook you are.

Date: 2004-08-23 02:33 pm (UTC)
ext_15536: Fuschias by Geek Mama (Five Cats (Laurel Burch))
From: [identity profile] geekmama.livejournal.com
I'm thinking a community cookbook archive would be really fun and useful for our whole group around here, what with parties, SCA activities, etc. I'll try to set up up tonight, and the first recipe will be CHOCOLATE BUTTERCREAM!!

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