simplestgift | Twenty-four bells: [Action]

[Luceti. Even the name is beautiful.

It's quiet here, but not silent. No cannonfire, no stomping feet or shouting men. No bars or guards or grey stone walls. Everything is lovely and serene and everyone is pleasant. Well. Nearly everyone, but that's okay.

In Hornblower's company, Kennedy stops by the bakery and selects, for some reason, cheesecake. He's never had it--not that he can remember, at least--and it is absolutely the most beautiful thing he can imagine. Chocolate cheesecake, smooth and rich and flavorful with a drizzle of raspberry syrup. He tastes it and doesn't just eat it.

They visit the tea shop and he is floored. They visit the clothing shop and he finds a new linen shirt, already made. They visit the library and...

And...

O the glory of the library. It's as if this town was created for his rehabilitation.

Hours are spent in the library until he learns he can take books out. Even then, he very nearly doesn't leave.

On the way home, he asks to be alone for a moment. When given the chance, he walks the woods close to the village. At twilight, he sits at the fountain, staring into space with utter blankness because he knows the pleasantness of this day is going to end.

He doesn't realize it when the moon rises and he's still sitting alone in its pale light.

OOC: Kennedy's replies will come from

babymid_archie. Meet him absolutely anywhere during the day or at night. Depending on when and where, Horatio will tag in as well, so remember to specify when/where in your tag. Share his rapture or cheer him up. Possible triggers--character is hella post-traumatic.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

"They make people go on missions, too?"

"Best not to think about it, lad. Probably not nearly so bad as being in the Navy."

Where Kennedy has to behave like a midshipman. Archie stares into his glass for a second, then takes a long drink.

"I'll tell you now, lad---I've told no one else as of yet. But I've a mission myself coming up soon. And I'll need you to look after Buffy and Jilly for me."

This sort of expectation is not like the expectations aboard the Indefatigable. This doesn't panic him. In fact, it gives him a sense of purpose. "Have you? When?"

"Right after the Thanksgiving holiday, in fact." He wasn't certain how Buffy would react to the news. "Don't tell her. I've...I'll do it. Got to pick the right time and all. Opportune moment."

"Of course. I'll keep an eye on them both, then." Not that he believes anything untoward will happen, but it'll make Jack feel better.

This was a nice arrangement, really---all of them keeping eyes on each other. Jack is satisfied with it. He can go on his mission feeling lighter when it came to the safety of his loved ones.

"Untoward things happen here, sometimes. Never trust this place, Kennedy."

"...Untoward things?"

"I turned into a woman, once." A sip of rum. Jack is thinking but not saying And you turned into a tiny wee man what made me curtains.

"...You'd've made a rather unattractive woman."

"I was Buffy, mate."

"You didn't say that."

"No. I didn't. But from that you may suss out that I was the most beautiful woman in Luceti, if just for that short while."

"And you are proud of this?"

"Hmmm? Not proud! No. It was highly odd. I just don't want it to be said that Captain Sparrow was ever unattractive. He always has a devilish magnetism about him. Mark that."

"Devilish magnetism, then." He took another drink. "What's the time?"

"Dunno. I hardly ever know the time while I'm ashore, mate." Clocks were Beckett's territory, really. The man loved keeping all those minutes prisoner. Jack couldn't be fussed when there were no watches to stand and nothing else really at stake that was time-sensitive.

"...How long have we been here?" He doesn't like the idea that he's left Horatio worried too long.

"Look---do you want to contact him? I can ring him up if you like."

"...Can you?"

Without bothering to answer, Jack pushed his rum aside and pulled out his journal. A quick note was written and sent to Horatio Hornblower:

Hornblower---

Kennedy is with me. Good Spirits. Getting a mite nervous. Worried you'll worry.

Unworriedly,

Sparrow

"There, lad---it's sent. I've notified him."

"You're sure he'll be able to read it."

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