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Thread: The Only Rules That Matter:  Afterlife (TheCorsair, Madam Mim)

It's not always the French, John insisted, taking the spyglass. Wasn't the French off the Barbary Coast now, was it? Or in the Straits of Magellan. He scrambled down the ropes after his wife, hanging down and hauling another of the bewildered dead men aboard. There you go, son. Where... where am I? the young man asked, peering around. This... this isn't my ship. Nope. It's mine. Welcome aboard the Black Pearl , son. John grabbed the wrist of the man that jenny had pulled out, hauling him the rest of the way up. We'll explain things in a few minutes, but there's a few of your shipmates to get aboard first. The newcomer stared around perplexedly as Jenny pulled herself back up to the deck. See? This poor lad probably would've lived another forty years or more if it weren't for the French. Quelle? the newest arrival asked. O ... o suis-je? You're probably right about that, John agreed, grabbing the first man before he could throw a punch. And none of that now, mate. Whatever your allegiances were before, you've fulfilled your duties to them. Time to rest. But he's French! Yes. And you're English, and that man my wife is hauling aboard now looks to be a Colonial, and you're all dead. So settle yourself down, and relax. He gently pushed both men towards a waiting cask. Rum over there. Help yourselves. Dead? Mort? Both men stumbled numbly towards the cask. John pulled the next man aboard, and the next, and the next. Finally, they were all aboard. A sad sight it was, too. A dozen men of two different nations, cut down before the age of thirty. The last he helped aboard was his wife, who looked weary and tired. Think we could take a vacation sometime? she asked at last. I mean, we've been working fourteen years straight. We're not bound by the same rules Will is--we already tested that--and you haven't found even a single soul you think's so bad they deserve the Locker. I'd say we've earned ourselves a little bit of a break. John nodded. A vacation sounds good, yes. Anywhere in particular strike your fancy? I mean, we can go anywhere. India, perhaps? I've never actually been there, but ma always swore I'd been baptized in the Ganges. Maybe we could go see that? Or... A shrug. We could go back to Ireland, check in on the grandkids - heck, maybe even great- and great-great-grandchildren, by this point. Might be a bit strange, but we don't have to tell them who we are. And it'd be good to see that they're getting along alright.
Thread: The Only Rules That Matter:  Afterlife (TheCorsair, Madam Mim)

Jenny thought over her husband's proposal for a second, frowning. Finally, she shook her head. Too soon, she admitted. For me, I mean, to go home. I'd start crying and draw attention to meself then where would that leave us? Let's go see the Ganges. Knowing Teague you probably were baptized there. Hell, maybe we can even get you re baptized while were at it. She gave him a crooked little smile and winked. She knew that John's views hadn't changed as he'd gotten older, that he'd stayed in the grace of God mainly for her sake. Alright lads, here we go, Jenny said in a louder voice, clapping her hands together and rocking onto her toes then back to flat feet. The men looked up, bewildered. You're dead, all of you. It's not right and it's not fair, but that's how it is and we couldn't have saved you if we tried. And believe us, we've tried before. Now no need to panic! She put her hands out to calm them as they started murmuring in alarm amongst themselves. The place you lot're going is beautiful. It's clean and bright and all your loved ones are there waiting for you, promise. You all know where the rum is, there's some cured meats and cheeses somewhere around here too. Not that you need to eat anymore, but it's nice to. Sort of a habit, innit? Anyway, you're free to roam about the ship as you please, but the journey shouldn't be too long. Mostly we just need to get out to sea. Questions? A young man who couldn't have been more than nineteen raised his hand. Aye? Comment savons-vous que vous n'tes pas des dmons nous volant en enfer? Jenny shrugged. You're just gonna hafta trust us, mate. We don't decide who goes where, we just take 'em there is all. After making sure there weren't any other questions she helped John raise the anchor and catch in their sails a wind that didn't seem to stir the other ships. Wish I knew I was tellin' them the truth, she sighed quietly, joining John at the helm. About Heaven, I mean. Wish someone'd tell us so we wouldn't hafta lie to 'em, even inadvertently.
Thread: The Only Rules That Matter:  Afterlife (TheCorsair, Madam Mim)

For what it's worth, John said as he turned the wheel, I don't think we're lying to them. Out of reflex he glanced towards the sun, even though he didn't need it to steer the Pearl . Not where she was bound right now, anyway. Maybe we've got a few details wrong, but... well, you've seen Fiddler's Green. Hell, you could've seen more of it than I could, if you'd wanted to. And it looks clean and bright and peaceful. He smiled. It probably isn't Heaven, mind. But I bet you it's an antechamber. He'd thought a lot about that, thinking more and more each time they'd made port. He was bound to the Earth, bound to sail the Black Pearl until he'd fulfilled his debt. Bound to ferry the souls of sailors lost at sea back to Fiddler's Green and whatever lay beyond. Nothing bound him to the ship in any Earthly port, save the eventual call from the sea he could not ignore. But try as he might, he could not disembark on that far and lovely shore. And he knew, as surely as he knew that he could not, that jenny could. The only thing binding her to the Pearl was him. Which was why he asked if she wanted to go ashore, each time they made port there. Because he wanted her to stay with him. But he'd be hanged if he'd let her feel trapped with him. India would be nice, wouldn't it? he asked, bringing the subject back around to their vacation. Whether I've been there or not, I... hey. Do you see that? He pointed. Three points to starboard. Sails. It was unusual to see sails here - they'd left the mortal world behind, and were sailing great Oceanus into the uttermost West now. Sometimes they'd see ships in the distance. Longboats wreathed in ghostly flames, or great Egyptian barques of a type that hadn't been built since Rome had conquered the world, or even the Flying Dutchman about Will Turner's duties. But never a fleet - thirteen small, white boats sailing in formation. Think we should investigate?
Thread: The Only Rules That Matter:  Afterlife (TheCorsair, Madam Mim)

Yeah well if I went I doubt there'd be any sort of coming back, Jenny pointed out. And I told you John Sparrow, you're stuck with me. I said body and soul forever and I meant it. Just turns out forever's a bit different than we planned, yeah? She gave him a smile, but there was something disquieting about the conversation. He asked her every time they made port in Fiddler's Green whether she wanted to go ashore. They hadn't been told but they both seemed to know without saying it explicitly that she was free to go Home whenever she chose, even though he was bound to Earth. But he was her home. It wouldn't feel right to go without him. They'd jumped off of the cliffs together, after all, and before that had rarely talked about what would happen should one go before the other. It had always been the two of them together as a team, even in those rocky years before Anne had died. She wondered sometimes whether he offered because he wanted her to be happy, or because he wanted a break from her before coming to his reward. Hm? Jenny was pulled from her thoughts by John's mention of India. Aye it would. And I've seen some of the dresses their women wear. They're absolutely beautiful. John pointed out the strange little boats in the distance and Jenny frowned. They'd seen a few ships and had passed Will a few times, but this was quite unusual. When he asked whether to look into them she shook her head slightly. Let's wait til we've gotten this lot safe to shore, she said distractedly, watching the boats warily. Can't afford to lose 'em. Don't think you'd look very good with tentacles. As they sailed toward Fiddler's Green the formation...well, it didn't follow , exactly. They stayed at three points to starboard no matter how they steered, never getting closer nor going farther away. When they made port the little white boats bobbed out to sea as though waiting. Jenny ushered the men ashore, careful not to touch land herself, all while keeping one eye on the suspicious buggers. Once they'd shipped out again they managed to get nearer. Jenny squinted, just to make sure her eyes weren't deceiving her. Why...they're eggshells! she exclaimed. Eggshells with little people in them! What'd you suppose they're on about?
Thread: The Only Rules That Matter:  Afterlife (TheCorsair, Madam Mim)

Eggshells? John produced his spyglass from his sash, and focused in on it. Yeah. Little people in eggshells. What on earth..? Something about the sight tickled the back of his mind, and he watched as one of the tiny sailors gestured and pointed back at the Pearl . Were they tiny, he wondered? Or was it just a trick of his eyes. But, they were in eggshells, sure enough. They must be tiny. Musn't they? But then, the Pearl was a galleon. He and Jenny had to have a full crew, even though they didn't. Magic, he knew, got tricky like that. And this smacked deeply of magic. There was a glitter, and he focused in on it. A banner, emerald silk shot through with gold threads. Whipping in the wind, it took him a moment to make out the details. Then he shot the spyglass shut with a convulsive gesture, and sprinted back towards the wheel. I don't know what they're on about, he called as he spun the wheel and the Pearl heeled over to port and began to turn, and I don't much care! The memory of a golden apple he'd stolen decades ago, not very long in the memories of immortals, danced before his eyes. We'll not meet them, if I have ought to say about it. He glanced back, saw the eggshell fleet change course to pursue them. Light on the waves, they looked like they might gain on him. It's the Good Neighbors, he gritted out. Fairie has our scent, Jenny. They've been stalking us since Chesapeake, and I'll not make it easy on them to take us.
Thread: The Only Rules That Matter:  Afterlife (TheCorsair, Madam Mim)

When John snapped his spyglass shut Jenny frowned. She knew his sharp gestures like that and didn't like it one bit. Putting her hands on her hips she scowled at her husband when he declared that they wouldn't meet them. Who is it, John? What're you on about? she demanded. It's the Good Neighbors, he gritted out. Fairie has our scent, Jenny. They've been stalking us since Chesapeake, and I'll not make it easy on them to take us. The Fey? Jenny yelped. In the few years since she'd died she'd learned a little more about fairies, more truth than there had been in her books. She no longer believed them to be quite so simple or helpful as the lore had said they were. Why're they on us? What did you do? Then it hit her that that must've been it. Storming up to the wheel she put a hand firmly on John's shoulder and made him look at her. John, she said slowly, what did you do?
Thread: The Only Rules That Matter:  Afterlife (TheCorsair, Madam Mim)

It's not my fault! John insisted, trying to concentrate simultaneously on steering and watching the approaching shios. Well, not really. Not completely, anyway. I mean, well, you remember my father, and hiw he wanted me to sail with him? This was probably not going to end well, given that he'd never told Jenny about Avalon. In fairness, though, he'd thought that long past. Other than a tendancy for milk to sour quuckly at their home, the Lords and Ladies had never bothered him. Well, when I ended up sailing with him? He, uhm, made carrying out his plan a condition of getting home. And we, uhm, stole one of the Golden Apples. He swallowed. A dried slice is one if the rrasins Anne lived longer than she might have. The eggshells were getting closer, close enough that he could see tiny warriors with tiny weapons of glass and silver. Tiny warriors who wouldn't be tiny, once they biarded the Pearl . They, well, weren't really happy. But they never did anything after, and I thought I was rid of them years and years ago. Closer, now. John swallowed. If we heave to and present broadside, he suggested, our guns'll cross the t. Might be enough for us to get away.
Thread: The Only Rules That Matter:  Afterlife (TheCorsair, Madam Mim)

At the mention of Edward Teague her eyebrows shot up. The old bastard had helped her out in hard times and had had a relationship with their children, but this was before all that. This was when John had wanted nothing to do with them. She folded her arms across her chest expectantly, waiting for an answer. If it had been twenty years ago she wouldn't have believed him, would have put it down to another story he'd made up to explain where he'd been that he'd been repeating so long he'd started believing it. But now she knew better and sometimes marveled at how willfully ignorant she'd been in life. Avalon, she repeated, eyebrows still raised. That slice of apple you gave her...I remember it. The constantly-setting sun glinted off of something in the eggshells. Weapons. When he said that he'd thought he was rid of them she sighed and rubbed her face. Knowing our luck they probably just got the wrong Jack Sparrow was all, she groaned. If we heave to and present broadside, John suggested, our guns'll cross the t. Might be enough for us to get away. Jenny sighed. Right. I'll get on it. Oh you will, will you? A tall, graceful woman stood less than a foot from Jenny when she turned around, causing her to gasp and stagger backwards. The woman was dressed in the deep greens and browns of the forest and her dress and hair seemed to flow in an unseen wind. There was never any wind in these undying lands. Most disturbing, to Jenny anyway, was the large, translucent butterfly wings protruding from her back. She regarded Jenny with an imperious look before seeming to dismiss her and turn her gaze to John. You owe a debt, Jack Sparrow. Jesus, Mary, and Joseph! How many debts do you owe? Jenny demanded, rounding on her husband. The Fae's wings fluttered in irritation, but she acted as though the woman hadn't spoken. Years ago and miles away, you took something from us, she said in a deep, melodious voice. You made many enemies in those years and incurred many debts. Now it's time for you to begin to clear those debts.
Thread: The Only Rules That Matter:  Afterlife (TheCorsair, Madam Mim)

John stared at the woman on the deck of his ship, clenching his jaw in helpless frustration and fury as he did. She returned the expression with utter unconcern, dismissing Jenny with a glance. You owe a debt, Jack Sparrow. Jesus, Mary, and Joseph! How many debts do you owe? Jenny demanded, rounding on her husband. John held up his hands. Woah! I don't owe her anything ! The Fae's wings fluttered in irritation, but she acted as though the woman hadn't spoken. Years ago and miles away, you took something from us, she said in a deep, melodious voice. You made many enemies in those years and incurred many debts. Now it's time for you to begin to clear those debts. I don't think you heard me quite right, John said slowly, as if talking to a simpleton. The fae stared at him with a sort of amused irritation as he swaggered out from behind the wheel, adopting his Captain Jack mannerisms. See, I owe you exactly nothing - your folk failed to stop me, so I took it fair and square. She smiled indulgently at that. Is that so? That's so, John declared, crossing his arms. Then, by your own logic, you owe me whatsoever I demand. She gestured grandly. Unless you can stop me. He could feel the footsteps on the deck. After a moment's hesitation he turned, to find a half - dozen warriors on the sterncastle. Improbably and outlandishly dressed, yes, but they were the Fae. He could feel the power rolling off them, and knew without being told that they didn't need armor the way mortals did. With a sigh, he lifted his hand from his rapier. Parley? he asked with a grin. Ah. Parley, replied the Fae Queen. No. I do not think so. As you said, you failed to stop us. Now, we may take what we wish. And what we wish... John tensed. If they tried to name Jenny, then outnumbered or no, he'd... Is for you to rid us of a witch. A coven of witches, to be precise. John blinked. What? Witches. He cocked his head quizzically. Why... why me? The Queen smiled. Because we know of your doom, John Sparrow. And we know what you seek. And you have bested this witch before. I have? He scratched his head in thought. I... don't really recall any witches. Really? The Queen stared at him. Not even Josephine Sumner?
Thread: The Only Rules That Matter:  Afterlife (TheCorsair, Madam Mim)

Jenny held her hands out where the could be easily seen, not wanting to cause any of the warriors who had just appeared on their ship any sort of alarm with any sudden movement. Of course she was already dead, but she had the feeling that getting killed by a fae weapon might end poorly. Who knew where she might go if she died again? She tensed when her husband did. Witches? Jenny burst, quite forgetting in the moment the gravity of their predicament. I'm there trying to keep together a good Christian home and you're about consorting with witches? But the Queen ignored her again, choosing instead to answer John's question. Because we know of your doom, John Sparrow. And we know what you seek. And you have bested this witch before. Oh. Well that was quite different, wasn't it, if he was out defeating witches. But John didn't seem to remember work as important as this. I have? He scratched his head in thought. I...don't really recall any witches. Really? The Queen stared at him. Not even Josephine Sumner? Who? Jenny frowned and looked at her husband. There was a look of recognition on his face, but Jenny turned to the Queen and demanded again, who? She and her sisters have been running rampant both on the mortal earth and in the fae realm. The Queen was really starting to piss her off with ignoring her. Her horseman has massacred hundreds, and now they've come to the New World. They terrorize the good people of New York, who blame it all upon the fae. Our grip is tenuous as it is in the New World, away from the old tales, and now they're costing us these too. It is utterly unacceptable. She gazed evenly at the captain. I imagine, Captain Sparrow, that taking three more souls aboard your ship destined neither for Hell nor for Fiddler's Green may hold some appeal to you.
Thread: The Only Rules That Matter:  Afterlife (TheCorsair, Madam Mim)

Josephine... Sumner? John wracked his brain in an effort to place the familiar-sounding name, accidentally ignoring Jenny as she demanded to know who she was. She and her sisters have been running rampant both on the mortal earth and in the fae realm, the Queen declared. Her horseman has massacred hundreds, and now they've come to the New World. They terrorize the good people of New York, who blame it all upon the fae. Our grip is tenuous as it is in the New World, away from the old tales, and now they're costing us these too. It is utterly unacceptable. She gazed evenly at the captain. I imagine, Captain Sparrow, that taking three more souls aboard your ship destined neither for Hell nor for Fiddler's Green may hold some appeal to you. Horseman. Horseman... John's eyes went wide as he made the connection. Shit! She's alive ? How is she... I mean, she must be my age, at least. And I'm a hundred and two! He caught the Queen's expression and snorted. And you might not think that's particularly old, but that's a lot for a human! And what, Captain Jack Sparrow, makes you think that Josephine Sumner is truly still human? The Queen smiled faintly, mockingly. She has bargained with beings beyond human ken, for power and long life. Bargains not unlike what you once sought... I did not make any such bargains! John snapped back, before looking around the Pearl . Well, all right. One bargain, and a bad one. But not for power! For my daughter! A graceful shrug. As you say. John stared at her, then glanced at Jenny. Still, Queen Mab here has a point. He ignored the angry, offended expression on the Fairy Queen's face. Remember the black book? The one you made me burn? That was Sumner's book. And if anyone is like to be headed for the Locker, it'll be her. He sighed. So, Jenny. Shall we go and do something about her?
Thread: The Only Rules That Matter:  Afterlife (TheCorsair, Madam Mim)

Jenny raised an incredulous eyebrow when John claimed to have not made bargains with immortal beings. That's why they were here and not with their children in the first place! Lucy had finally been the last to pass--last year--and she had been sorely tempted to step ashore on Fiddler's Green...but she couldn't. Not until they were all together, and it sounded like this Sumner woman would be a good place to start to get that accomplished. When John pointed out that the book he'd brought home those years ago belonged to this woman Jenny's eyes hardened. That woman's black arts had entered their home! So, Jenny. Shall we go and do something about her? What're our headings? Jenny asked solemnly, taking the wheel. How do we get to New York from here is what I mean. Sail into the sun and you'll find your way, the Queen said, finally acknowledging the presence of another human aboard. In a blink she and her warriors were gone. Sail into the sun, she says, Jenny groused. You'll find your way, she says. Well they only thing I've found is bloody fog! She glanced over at John, who had been navigating, then craned her neck over the wheel to try and see where she was going. They were back in the mortal world, but God only knew where. Er...have we ever tried to navigate up a river before? she asked uncertainly, for it was clear even from the low visibility that that was what the bay they'd been in had become. Will she run aground?
Thread: The Only Rules That Matter:  Afterlife (TheCorsair, Madam Mim)

I don't think she will, John replied, peering into the fog. And not just because this is - right now, at least - a navigable river. As a mortal ship, the Pearl'si draft was 15 to 18 feet, so I always aimed not to get any shallower than 20 if I could avoid it. But now? He shrugged. She's mortal as we are, love, and I suspect she'll take us where we need to go. And she did. By the time the sun rose behind them, burning the heavy fog into this wisps and scattering them, the Pearl was a hundred and fifty miles upriver, sails filled with otherworldly winds that drove them against the current until they reached their destination. It dudn't look like much, just a sleepy little town that wouldn't have looked out of place on the road between Dover and London. Cobbled streets wound between cozy cottage houses, with a church on a hill overlooking the town. John tied the Pearl off on one of the pilings of the town's river dock, discovering as he did that the Pearl could change her appearance. From the outside, she looked to be nothing more than a nondescript single-masted small boat. This simplifies things, he commented to himself. Strolling back up the gangplank, he stretched and considered his clothing. They wouldn't do. Sleepy river towns in New England weren't prepared for the loose trousers and shirt if a seaman, or the sash and swordbelt round his waist. He might be able to get by with his tricorn, but he'd have to wear a respectabke suit. So, he asked Jenny as he headed backto their cabin. Any thoughts? Because my typical strategy of 'hit the tavern and ask a bunch of questions' might not work here.
Thread: Persona! (3, 4 and 5)

RE Take a Look, bb. Sent you a pm, was wondering if you were interested.
Thread: Persona! (3, 4 and 5)

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Thread: Persona! (3, 4 and 5)

RE Take a Look, bb. Still looking. Please DON'T POST HERE. Please PM me.
Thread: Persona! (3, 4 and 5)

Looking again.
Thread: asdflkajsdfoijm

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