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Challenge: Light
May 11 , 2005

“A blacksmith afraid of horses?"

“I’m not afraid; they don't like me very much.”

Jack brightened. “Horses love me.”

“That’s because--stop smirking--I pound nails in their feet; you have pilfered fruit in your pockets and salt-rimed skin. “

Jack’s face clouded over, he didn't even respond with ‘pirate.’

Will sighed, the light had suddenly gone out of the day.

‘I didn't know pirates knew how to groom horses.”

“There’s a lot you don't know.”

“You’ve been a groom?”

“Aye.” Jack’s eye was dull.

“Horse? or bride?

“Aye.” Jack smirked.

Will grinned; Jack’s aye was bright again.

By Erinya
May 12, 2005

~ First Light ~

She is sound asleep; but he is persistent.

"What--? What is it?"

"Get up," he says, lips against her neck. "I want to show you something."

"It's not even light yet," she grumbles. "Don't you remember how late you kept me up last night?"

"Aye. But I don't remember you objectin' much."

She hits out at him, but half-heartedly, and he laughs, pulling her to her feet. "Come on."

In the soft bluish half-light on deck she hugs herself, shivering slightly, her eyes squinty with sleep. "All right, Jack Sparrow, I'm awake. What did you want to show me?"

"Patience, love," he chides, and slips an arm around her waist.

The eastern sky is paling now, almost imperceptibly; the radiance on the horizon widens, intensifies. A brisk wind scatters whitecaps across a gleaming sea.

He points aloft, says, "Look."

And there it comes, the main topgallant mast glowing suddenly, then the yardarm. The golden light throws the billowing black canvas of the Black Pearl's sails into sharp relief, illuminating each rope and spar as she glides gracefully into morning.

He turns to Elizabeth, and sees the light there too, bright in her wind-combed hair and in her eyes, like freedom.

By Geek Mama
May 13, 2005

~ Someone Waits ~
A sequel to Molly Hatter

The first time had been something of a surprise for both of them: dalliance turned to a meeting of hearts, minds, and bodies that inspired shocking generosity in him, and determined faithfulness in her.

The second time, he'd come to see the result of that inspiration: Hatter's Hattery -- Headgear for the Discerning Gentleman.

Two weeks he'd stayed, that time. When he left, he'd taken away the sweet memory of her gratitude. And a hat.

"I'll leave a light in the window for you," she'd told him, and he'd laughed and shaken his head.

But the third time, he'd smiled to see it burning there.

And the fourth and fifth, he'd expected it.

But the sixth… now that time was different.

Battle and storm had ravaged his Pearl. They'd laid up, licking their wounds, for weeks, too remote to send word of their survival. Well, he'd just surprise 'em again, that's all.

But would that little lamp still burn?

One dark night, after finally limping into port, he made his way through the town to her shop and discovered it did.

She opened the door, first to peek, then wrenched it wide. "Jack!"

There was an edge of tears to this, and his smile twisted. "Reports of my death have been greatly exaggerated."

She threw herself at him.

He caught her.

When they finally paused for breath, and he said, all a-wonder, "You left the lamp burning."

"Always!" she replied, voice unsteady, but conviction firm. "Long as it was lit, there was hope."

By Eledhwen
May 13, 2005

~ Dawn ~

He woke as his valet pulled open the curtains, letting in the day. It was a bright morning, unwarranted; and unlike himself he rolled over and buried his head in the pillow. He did not want to rise today.

* * *
Sun shone through the cracks between the shutters, and he dressed without finding a candle. As he found his sword and drew it, the light caught the metal, bouncing off the plain wooden walls. He was ready.

* * *
It was not the first time he’d faced this, and he was composed as the guard came to unlock the cell door and lead him into the courtyard. Still the light caught him unawares, and he blinked as the sun blinded him after the days locked in the dark. At least, he considered, letting his gaze wander over the assembled townspeople, it was a nice day for dying.

By Pendragginink
May 14, 2005

~ Jack, Enlightened ~

Tortuga?

Tortuga!

Will got up.

“Whaaa…?”

Held at arm’s length, feet off the deck, Jack had no leverage.

10 stone with one hand! That’s interesting.

“Put me down, boy.”

Will’s eyes narrowed, “Certainly.”

Two steps forward to the gap in the rail.

The water was a long way down.

A pistol barrel pushed Will’s chin up.

Stalemate.

“It would be worth it, Jack.”

“Elizabeth would die.”

Jack’s feet hit the edge of the gunwale, just.

Jack swaggered close. Will stood, arms crossed.

“You’re strong.”

“Blacksmith.”

He’ll do, Bill.

Will, shrugged, grinning. “And, you’re light.”

And so was the pirate’s laughter.

By Jenthegypsy
May 17, 2005

~ Homage ~

"What's this, luv?", he asked, untying the parcel before she could answer. "A present for me?"

She held out her hands just in time to catch three teardrop shaped crystals as they fell from the wrapping. He took one and held it to the sun's last rays, shining through the windows of the great cabin; little bars of color began to dance throughout the room. He laughed in delight.

"I'm afraid they aren't exactly for you," she said, reaching out to take his hand. "They are a gift for your *Pearl*, an homage to the light of your life."

By Nancy
May 17, 2005

~ A New Day Dawns ~

By Virgo79
May 23, 2005

~ Fading Light~

"Miss Elizabeth! William!"

Gibbs advanced on the two children, his voice halting their ascent towards the crow's nest before either of them climbed very far.

"What in God's name do ye think you're doin'? Come down from there this moment!" Four little feet hit the deck as he came upon them. "All we need's one of you takin' a tumble and breakin' your wee neck, and the governor'd have mine next." Gibbs laid hands on two sun-warmed shoulders and marched the pair across the deck. "Bad bloody luck," he grumbled.

"Everything all right here, Mr. Gibbs?"

"See that these two are put where they belong, sailor," Gibbs instructed the dark-haired man. "We can't be plucking them out of the rigging every hour on the hour."
...
Gibbs turned on his heel, leaving Jack staring silently after him, swallowing down the ache in his throat. A gentle touch on his elbow drew him back.

"He forgot our names again, Uncle Jack."

Jaqueline and James Turner gazed up at him, looking hurt. The pirate breathed deeply and gave a small smile that didn't reach his eyes.

"Mine too. But maybe he'll remember at supper, aye?" Jack saw hope he didn't share brighten their faces, and he took their hands. "Come on, loves. Let's go find your mum and da."

~.~

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