Jolly Sailor || Elizabeth Swann

07

"Beckett?" Benj muttered as the black Pearl sailed over the waves. It was a bright day with a strong wind, good sailing weather, and they had long left Tortuga behind.

"Yes lord Beckett of the east India trading company", Elizabeth repeated. Her long sun bleached blonde hair was loose around her shoulders today and Benj was considering asking if he could braid it for her. He had always enjoyed braiding his mother's and her sister's long hair.

"Beckett wants the compass", Mr Gibbs hissed. "Only one reason for that".

"Of course", Jack turned to them from where he had been watching the horizon. "He wants the chest".

"He did say something about a chest", Elizabeth hummed.

"Everybody wants the chest", Benj rolled his eyes. "I don't want it. Met Davy jones before, we didn't get along so great".

"If the company controls the chest, they controls the sea", Mr Gibbs stated.

"A truly discomforting notion love", Jack added.

"And bad! Bad for every mother's son who calls himself a pirate". Mr Gibbs looked up. "I believe there a bit more speed to be coaxed from thee sails. Brace the foryard!" He called, stomping across the deck.

"Maybe it's time to change my job description", Benj sighed as Elizabeth turned to him. "Before the India trading company kill me". He lifted his dark gaze to hers. "For once they control the sea, it won't stop with pirates. Mermaids will fall to their gun, I will be hunted. Strung up and killed or boxed in a tank for shows. My corpse dissected and parts sold off to the highest bidder. Humans are cruel and greedy when it comes to treasure darling. The richest the most greediest of them all. Any creature not human will be forced into a living hell".

"The world has been cruel to you", her voice was a soft murmur. The sun was bright on her tanned face and the breeze tugged at her blonde hair. Benj twirled a lock around his finger, gaze lowered.

"The world is cruel. Anyone trying to tell you different is selling you something. We make our own luck and our own happiness. I am well aware what fates may await me if I fall into the hands of the wrong person. I shall not make that mistake again". He smiled lightly at her and tucked her hair behind her ear. Fingers brushing her skin ever so softly before he was pulling away and reaching for the ropes. Elizabeth watching as he began to climb up into the rigging.

Her gaze was interrupted by Jack snatching the leather bound letters from her belt. He pulled the leather open and glanced at them curiously. "Might I enquire as to how you came by these?"

"Persuasion".

"Friendly?"

"Decidedly not".

Jack smirked at the bite in her tone. "Will strikes a deal for these and upholds if with honour. Yet, you were the one with the prize. Full pardon, commissions as a privateer on behalf of England, and the east India trading company", he read out. "As if I, or Benjy, could be brought for such low prices. He will never work for England". He tucked the letters into his coat as he turned to stroll away.

Elizabeth reached for him. "Jack, the letters, give them back".

"No. Persuade me".

"You do know that Will taught me how to handle a sword", she stated. Jack turned to meet her gaze.

"Are you persuading me, or our mutual fish friend? He likes a woman with a sword". The grin was a suggestive leer.

"Are you insinuating that the man who kissed my fiancé"- Elizabeth's voice rose but a quick hand over he lips hushed her.