Chancing Fate - Jack Sparrow x OC

Part 1 - Chapter 1

The streets of Port Royal were buzzing with liveliness as the citizens mingled and gossiped, sharing anything and everything that pertained to the ceremony. It was not every day that a new commodore would be appointed, and the excitement over such an event was tangible. Even from streets away, Caroline could hear distant preparations from Fort Charles carrying through the town; shouted orders, movement, the occasional metallic clang drifting faintly on the humid air.

There was one figure, however, that ignored all going on around her.

Caroline Palmer, though she had been raised under a respectable name and in a respectable household, held no interest in such a matter. Due to the fact of her father being a part of the Royal Navy, it was expected of her to show up at any events that were open to them and their families, despite the fact that her father wasn't even in the area at the moment. No doubt he would find out if she did not make an appearance, though, and making her father angry was at the bottom of her list.

She hardly spared another glance toward the fort as she continued through the streets. Every other conversation seemed to circle back toward the ceremony, uniforms, or promotions. It was enough to make her want to turn around entirely.

It was clear that she only had an hour before she needed to be at Fort Charles, but for now her destination was the port. Watching the people coming and going was always a favorite pastime of hers. The variety of people always kept things interesting. There were several traders she had met over the years that always shared their recent stories with her if she happened to be in the area. Their exciting tales of fighting against the weather at sea or possible run-ins with pirates were enough to keep her on her toes. It was the closest she could get to having her own adventure at sea.

Even before the docks fully came into view, the familiar scent of saltwater and tar drifted toward her, cutting through the heavy air of town. The further she walked from the ceremony preparations, the easier it became to breathe.

Caroline gathered her pale blue gown into her hands as she made her way towards the docks, carefully stepping around puddles, loose rope, and uneven boards without much thought. No doubt she was quite the sight, walking by herself in such a fine dress, but she hardly cared. No one paid much mind to her strange behaviors in this area anymore. A couple workers glanced up in brief greeting before returning to their tasks. Whether she was dressed in casual attire or formalwear, she knew she would always be greeted happily by the harbormaster.

"Hello, sir!" she called over with a grin as she spied the man she was looking for near his post, speaking with a young boy who seemed to be helping him that day. "I hope your morning has been well."

"Miss Palmer, it has been fine. I must say, I'm surprised to see you here. Shouldn't you be heading towards the fort?"

Caroline laughed as she shook her head, causing her dark tresses to briefly fall into her eyes. "I'm in no rush to get there. You know I'd rather be here than at some dull ceremony. Besides, what would be my entertainment for the day if I didn't get some good stories from around here?"

The quartermaster shook his head before looking back at her. "You'd have better luck there. I've heard nothing much recently. Things seem to be quiet at the moment..." He trailed off as a sight out at sea caught his eye. "Then again..."

Caroline gave him a curious look before drawing her eyes to where his were looking and saw quite a sight.

A man stood atop the mast of a boat, or what was left of one.

Even from the dock, the sight was absurd enough to pull a quiet laugh from her. The remains of the ship barely stayed above water while the man atop it looked almost entirely unconcerned.