TTW Ch23
The Knight's Quest tossed across the vicious waves. The sky had been hauntingly black ever since they'd set sail at noon. A storm brewing, but not yet striking its victims. The sails flapped violently in the wind, but fortunately it was a great boost of speed in the direction of Fulvadore. King David was grateful he had sent men there in the first place. He'd ordered them to post wanted posters in every town. And to his luck, that regiment was still in Fulvadore. As soon as he and his men reached the coast they would meet up with said regiment and hunt down the pirate.
Snow White and Regina, much to their displeasure, had stayed home. David wanted no interferences. He knew he was the only one willing to do anything necessary to save his daughter. And to the ones reading this, remember, his only daughter has been stolen from him and a threat placed on her life. You'd be doing the same.
He made sure the crew he brought with him were the most fit for the job. And hesitantly, he'd brought along Dane Hughs. That man would fight Killian as soon as he laid eyes on him, and his rage might lead to his victory. At the moment, he was pompously ordering around the other men on the ship, shouting orders in the blaring wind.
David did not care. Whatever got him to Emma the quickest.
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Captain Hook and his wife Odette strolled through the small market hand in hand. Their arrival in the tiny town of Braxton had caused quite a few rumors. Many about their time at sea, and all the dark things they had defeated. He and his men were pirates, but having such a lovely lady with them did not persuade the town they were vile. Any intelligent person could see clear as day that she was no wench. Hook had no intentions of ever leaving her.
The captain was a tall, dark haired man with a scruffy face. His eyes were the deepest hue of blue, the girls of Braxton all secretly swooned over him (their disapproving father's need not know). But he had some qualities that frightened the townsfolk away. For instance, the sharp, metal hook that had replaced his left hand. Even the house wives talked in hush tones about the lost appendage, when usually they were so quick and loud to gossip. He wore a long leather coat with a red or black vest underneath it, accompanied by leather pants and boots. The cold months of fall were coming upon them, but if there was a particularly hot day he could be spotted without the jacket. Underneath a white, long sleeve shirt. This is when they noticed the odd tattoos. A swirling vine covered his hand and twisted up his arms. Up close you could see it peeking out of the top of his shirt; it disappeared in his hair line. More question sprung up, with no answers for the curious town.
His wife, Lady Odette usually wore a simple dress, but the day they'd arrived she was in a raggedy skirt and one of the Captain's shirt. She was adorned in his jacket as the cold wind whipped through the air. They had stopped at the beach that day, admiring the beauty of the waters. The village could see them and their twelve horses as they walked the beach, and late that night they came in and paid for a few rooms in the inn. Mrs. Anabeth spoke to Hook that morning. He came into her dress shop in the wee hours of the morning and bought two of her dresses for Odette.
The next day he took her back and had a beautiful white dress tailored for her. She wore it as they walked hand in hand down the small street, her golden hair flowing in the sunlight. She was quiet and reserved. In fact, most of this group hardly uttered a word when they were in town. It seems everyone has secrets they wish to keep buried.
They took a walk every day for the month they had been there. Each morning he would buy her a red apple, and she would stare into it, her mind lost in another world. Then they'd both gaze at the apple cart and say, "Thank you, Grandmother." For some of the town, this was all they'd ever heard them say, but there were few that caught mumbled conversations between the two. It made no sense at all to any of them however.
They'd walk through the stores, stopping at each stand, occasionally buying some thing with coins from all across the realm. They'd paid with silver coins from Arrendale, and large gold ones from Misthaven. Sometimes, they'd pay with a rare gem, like a ruby or an emerald. Once, they'd paid the baker in powdered gold just for a small piece of his cinnamon apple cobbler.
There was one day, the captain and his wife were walking, some of their crew following, Hook stopped, and stared at a craftsmen booth, mouth agape in shock.
Ever so gently, he lifted up a blue string bracelet, along with a green one. Each had a Carrick bend weaved in the middle, a navyman's knot. He bought them both quickly, tossing a whole bag of gold coins to the shops owner. And he rushed off, back to the in were they were staying. Silently, he led Odette to their room, locking the door behind him.
He slid the blue bracelet on her wrist, and the green on his. He kissed her slowly, and mumbled a name he hadn't spoke in weeks, as if he'd been awakened from a dream, "Emma."
Her eyes widened in fear. She put a finger to his lips, and stared at the door as someone's steps creaked down the hallway. She prayed no one had heard. "Killian.." She said, nothing more then a whisper, "we agreed, to make this work, we have to let go of our past lives." She caressed his cheek softly, comforting them both. Neither wanted to let go of the past, of their true love story, but it must be done if they ever want a future.
"I don't want to live this lie anymore!" He exclaimed quietly. His voice was filled with frustration.
"There's nothing else to do. I'm sorry, this is your life now, Hook."
"Swan we can't possibly stay here forever. What happens when we run out of treasure?" He tried to reason with her. "After all, we are paying for thirteen people to eat, rent, and enjoy life."
"We will find a way to make money." She said sensibly. "I cannot lose you Killian. We can't leave. Ever."
"I'm sorry to bring up what is past. I love you." He brushed his lips against hers again. The bracelets would be his only reminder of what they could have had. She's right, this is their life now. He will accept it eventually.
"How about dinner with the crew?" She asked, hoping to raise his spirits.
"Aye, my love, brilliant idea. We can try out another pub. I hear there's one on the other side of town called The Secret Woods."
She smiled, holding his hand tightly, "Let's go round up the horses."
They'd rented out a few stalls in a nearby stable their first day in town. The owner was shocked when they came in with twelve horses and refused to sell him a single one, but he rented out the space regardless when they offered him a bar of gold.
They went there after rounding up the men, and each one mounted a horse, Killian and Emma rode atop a beautiful chestnut stallion, who they affectionately called Roger.
Brinley rode beside them. "Decided to try out that other tavern?" He asked Hook.
"Aye, I've heard talk about it around town. They say it less crowded then the others, and if we're all gonna dine together, I'd rather less people be around to hear the stories that slip out after a few drinks." He chuckled, but it was a serious matter. Their false identities were the only thing keeping them alive.
"Aye, the fewer the better." He nodded, "How are you tonight, Lady Odette?" Brin met Emma's gaze with a warm smile when he spoke the name.
"I'm well, Brinley." In a very quiet tone, she added "Any news from home?"
"I've seen no evidence that Cap'n Jones is known for his crimes here." The thumping horses hooves drowned out their voices so that no passerby could eavesdrop.
"Good." Emma tightened her grip around Killian's waist as he commanded the horse into a trot. They had yet to explore the other side of Braxton. It was a large village but only because the people were drawn out. Half of the town was close to the coast, the beach was in sight and the streets were packed with carts and booths. If you traveled inland their was a half mile of almost nothing but a few shacks and homes, then you came upon the east side of Braxton. Quite a few buildings lie on the side of the road. Emma noticed a jeweler, and another bakery. The sweet scent of bread filled the air and her stomach churned. She hoped this bar had better food then the others.
Killian led Roger to the front of the group and turned to face his crew. "Odette and I will dine at The Secret Woods when the sun sets. You're free to join us then or eat now. Explore all you want, but be ready for the trip home at dusk."
Some went right to the bar and tied the horses outside; Brinley, Killian, and Emma took their horses to the stable in this part of town and paid to leave them. "What store first, love?" Killian asked, staring into her emerald eyes with a smile.
"We can look, but you have spent enough gold on me." She laughed, taking his arm and strolling down the path.
"A captain must spoil his wife. It's code." Brinley chuckled, following beside his best mate Killian.
"How about the jeweler?" Killian asked, glancing at her with an eyebrow raised.
"Brin, where would you like to go?" Emma asked, jokingly ignoring her husband and changing the subject off of her.
"Well lass, I've been a sailor many years and there's one thing I've always bought m'self when in port." He explained with a look of wonder as he thought of all the years at see. Emma expected him to say something profound, maybe a shell or a bottle of rum that reminded him of home. When he spoke again she was taken back.
"A nice, warm, slice of bread." He smiled brightly, and even Killian laughed.
"Any night we were in port, all the men, myself included, would go to the bar first chance." He admitted, "Peharps for a drink, or to be accompanied by a woman, but Brin would rush to the baker for a slice of bread."
"At sea all we had was hard tack and fish, you can't blame me, mate."
Emma smiled at their good memories, "Well then, the bakery first, and then we will stop by the jeweler for a moment if it pleases you Killian."
"Peharps the captain needs a new shiny ring." Brin laughed as Killian mockingly waved each of his fingers that carried a ring.
"Aye, a ring, not for me though mate." Killian admitted with a slight chuckle. The remark went over Emma's head, but Brinley knew what he meant. She wore one of his old rings as a symbol of the false identity's marriage. But Brin knew that ring meant so much more then a false marriage. If Killian ever got his happy ending, it would be sliding another ring on her pretty little finger, a real one this time.
Inside the bakery, they all bought a piece of buttered toast and enjoyed it warm, then they split ways. Brinley said he was going to go to the market. He wanted some food to keep for himself in the inn. Killian tossed him a bag of coins, so his mate could pick out the best fruits and grains. He and Emma walked hand in hand down the dusty road, towards the jeweler. They stopped to gaze in a couple shop windows. One caught Emma's eye. It was a music shop. Inside the window were dozens of beautiful instruments.
"Let's take a look shall we?" Killian asked, leading them inside. He knew what she must be looking for, and he intended to buy her one.
"Good evening. Anything I can help with?" The shopkeepers, a young lady and her husband, stood behind the counter. The man spoke with a low accented voice.
Killian met Emma's eyes. He smirked as she looked at him in question. "Go on love, ask if they have one." He nudged her forward softly.
She paused as she organized her thoughts. Breathily, she asked, "Do you have any violins?"
The lady smiled brightly, "Violins, yes we have many! Would you like to see?" She nodded quietly and the four of them went into one of the back rooms. Unlike the front of the shop, there was not a speck of dust nor cobweb in the room, only a few tables with the most magnificent display.
Some were made of the purest ivory, with slim necks and golden tailpieces. Another was jet black and reflected only the smallest amount of light if of its gloss coating. One was almost exactly like Emma's violin at home. It was a mirror image of the bright cherry wooded violin Grandmother Regina had given her, right down to the golden strings. However it lacked the black designs burned into the body. She reached out to grab it, but shifted her hand to the black one right beside it. She lifted it to her chin with a shaky breath, regaining her composure as she lifted up the bow.
"Go on dear, try it out." The lady said enthusiastically. "Give it a go." Her husband added. Killian waited for the beautiful music, remembering how she had taken his breath away the first time he heard her play.
She danced her fingers shyly across the bronze strings, then played with no restraint. She closed her eyes and lost herself as she passionately played the beautifully crafted instrument. It truly would have taken your breath away. Killian saw how much she missed her home through the music she played. When she finished, she opened her eyes and took a deep breath.
Killian grabbed a bag of coins off of his belt and tossed it to them. "We'll take it." The owners were still in shock at Emma's playing, but they scrambled to get the violin boxed safely for her. They spoke to her in awe and treated her new instrument with the utmost fragility and respect. And Emma and Killian walked out with a small, new piece of home to remind them of all they were fighting for.
Killian took them straight to the jeweler. He knew what he wanted.
The small room was filled with wooden shelves of gems and sculpted silver charms. The man standing behind the counter spoke, "Ah, lovely couple, looking for anything special? Perhaps rings?"
Emma blushed and held out her left hand so he could see the band on her ring finger. "Lovely ring! Seems a bit worn. Would you mind, lass?" He asked.
Emma slid the ring gently off her finer and set it on the table in front of him. He used a small price of glass to see the ring better and look it over. "Yes, this blue stone is lovely, but there's a small crack through the middle. Perhaps I can replace it with a diamond?" He offered.
Killian was nodding his head, but Emma spoke before he had the chance, "No! I mean- I- I quite like the blue." Heat rushed to her cheeks, embarrassed by her outbreak.
He laughed heartily, "I understand miss. They seem to resemble someone's eyes quite nicely." He implied, discovering the reason she loved it so much. "I could simply re-sculpt the ring. It was made for a man's finger, not a lovely lady like yours, but I'm sure it comes with many memories and love." He pulled a piece of paper out along with a quill. First he scratched out a thin circle with a twist, and a large square gemstone lifted from it. Then he surrounded it with smaller gems.
"This would be the silver from this ring," he pointed to the band, "then a diamond" the larger stone, "and I could use the sapphire from your ring to surround the diamond."
Emma stared at the gorgeous drawing, "We'll take it." Killian said quickly. She turned at stared at him in awe. "How long will it take you?" He asked, ignoring Emma's burning stare.
"It's a beautiful ring. I'm determined to have it done for you tonight." He promised. "I'll only charge you for the diamond since I'll be using your previous ring." He offered kindly. Killian pulled a sack of gold coins off his belt, along with a few of the rubies, emeralds and sapphires from his coat pocket. "This should do, and the gems you can use for other rings."
He stared at the payment in shock, "Thank you- thank you sir!"
"Anything for someone who treats my wife so kindly. I will stop by tonight to pick it up if it's done." He thanked the man graciously and led Emma out the door, hand in hand. He turned to gaze at her as they walked in silence. Her eyes were wide with fear or worry, and Killian thought he saw resentment there too.
"Swan, I'm sorry if I upset you.." He said quietly, wrapping his hooked hand around her waist protectively.
"I just wish you hadn't spent that much for sake of a lie." She admitted. Her eyes were glued to the ground as they walked down the small dirt road. Just a few months ago, they had walked hand in hand, just the same, down the cobbled roads of her palace. The stars twinkled abound them, no different then they did now, and she was just as madly in love with him, however afraid to admit it she had been. The only differences in now and then, were the town surrounding them, and these new identities they'd taken up. They needed to blend in as much as possible, to forget about that past, but she did not want the lie to become their reality.
"Emma," he whispered, very softly into her ear. "This ring isn't a lie, darling. Promise me. Promise me that as soon as we break free from this cursed fib, you'll marry me, Killian Jones, not Captain Hook."
Her eyes met his in an attempt to see the truth. Thinking he was just trying to comfort her, but she saw the true passion in his eyes. Emma kissed him with more true love than she ever had. She brushed her fingertips across his cheek, and buried them into his dark raven hair. "I promise." She said without any sound of wavering in her voice.
"I love you, Swan. We will get through this." He squeezed her hand, a small smile dancing across his lips. In only a matter of hours, he'd shown her just what true love was. And he'd already done so, so many time, over and over again. Once a villain, a murderer and pirate, and all it took to transform him was a golden haired princess.
XXX
My authors note hasn't been publishing. Hopefully it works now!
Just watched the new episode, what did y'all think?
I'm pretty disappointed. Don't wanna be a downer though, but if you feel this way let me know and we can discuss why!
Hopefully you like (possibly loved) this chapter. Sorry it was such a long wait. The show has inspired me to get on top of my writing. I just think some of the things Emma and Killian do on the show are completely out of character, and I wanna give them lots of small details to their amazing love story that the show doesn't really give.
Let me know what you thought 💭
Rachel Morgan