Title: A Monstrous Folly
Author[s]:
Rating: PG
Disclaimer: This is a bit of non profit fun so please don't sue us etc.
Note: This is a little spin off story from the 'Monstrous adventures'
The little island cove beckoned invitingly in the afternoon sun, its beach, golden sand dappled with shade from its overhanging shoreline trees heaven itself for our intrepid seafarers, having passed through the fires of battle and months that seemed like an eternity upon the ocean.
All three vessels converging upon this point, anchors were dropped, captains, officers and crew alike ecstatic with the prospects of finally setting foot ashore after such a long time away from dry land. After a brief meeting between captain’s Bracegirdle, Pelu and Jones, it was decided (as the crew - even its pressed membership had conducted themselves with distinguished valour, loyalty and unity) that everyone save the modest number of prisoners) be permitted to go ashore. After all, there was really nowhere to run, the interior forests of this island a lush and almost impenetrable barrier to all who dared enter.
The joy fairly palpable, everyone hastily saw to the last of their duties aboard ship so as to all the sooner enjoy their time ashore - three days the allotted length of their stay, returning to their vessels only to sleep and re-provision (the island an excellent source of sweet, fresh water.
One of the last to leave Monstrous, Judith, along with the girls of her old division plus Lieutenant Christian and Morgan (not forgetting Zenny - almost leaping from the jollyboat at the sight of all that lovely shore) made for the beach, spirits high indeed.
Though the atmosphere amongst these fine men and women of His majesty's Britannic Navy was light hearted and relaxed, work still called as divisions from the various ships set about gathering water, a share of the beautiful fruits growing in abundance at the forest's border, styles at one point almost split in two with pride as he came out from its dark confines, something frighteningly resembling a giant rat as large as a spaniel held by its tail aloft in triumph for all to see (Judith dreading his advance her way, refusing then and there to turn said rodent into fare of any sort - he could do it himself if he so desired!!).
Next day, all were ashore early, capitalizing upon the cool of morning to attend to any duties, Judith looking forward very much indeed to some time away from her own ceaseless job as officer's steward (now tending upwards of fifteen souls - captains included). It had transpired, late last evening that, whilst enjoying a rare break, having sought a quiet place in a remote and secluded corner of the beach away from everyone else, her contemplation was interrupted by another joining her, captain Bracegirdle as it turned out, seeking Judy's company. Finding the perfect spot beside her upon a fallen tree-limb, the two sat in silent meditation for some time; both caught up in the moment, dusk's violet almost immediately giving way to deeper hues of early evening, a first flush of stars adorning the heavens (the moon's crescent barely a sliver of silver suspended by an invisible thread.
Gently taking her delicate hand between both of his, the good captain shared his thoughts concerning the night’s beauty, adding Judith looked breathtakingly radiant, arrayed as she was in a simple bayjou of turquoise, matching perfectly the flawless waters of the island, smiling upon her, Judy’s heart a flutter, he kissed her hand ever so gently, her heart fairly melting at the touch of his lips upon delicately manicured fingertips. Drawing her close, Judy melting into his wondrous embrace, the two sweethearts were moments from sharing the delights of their first kiss (age and experience helping not a whit to steady either soul) when the sound of footsteps advancing towards them at a run shattered the moment as Matthews, dependable, diplomatic, wise Matthews (loathe to interrupt this obviously intimate moment) stammered out an apology prior to informing Captain Bracegirdle his presence was urgently required back at the camp – captain’s Jones and Pelu needing to discuss something with him that very moment which could not possibly wait.
Curtly acknowledging the sailor (mindful none of this was his fault), he rose to his feet, Judith by his side, before dismissing the other man, captain and steward following at a distance hand in hand back to the others. To their eternal irritation, it turned out Bracie was needed for some matter which well could have waited till morning after all, his colleagues over-estimating the gravity of their concerns. The night wearing on, everyone repaired to their respective vessel, finding sleep easily after indulging in a little fresh island air, good food and pleasant camaraderie (Zenny having been spoiled rotten by Lieutenant Christian, offering to mind her a while, giving Judy some time alone with Grasshopper’s captain.
The day clear and bright, Judith awaited with excited anticipation as that of a youth the arrival of her sweetheart, the prospect of a quiet afternoon free to herself, no crew or officers to worry over, no work to be done well and truly needed. Putting away the last of her utensils (the field kitchen almost as well appointed as her galley), she was visibly startled at Bracie’s unnoticed arrival, placing a gentle hand upon her shoulder, whispering romantic follies softly into her ear, causing her to blush profusely, sure she would faint there and then at his feet. A mischievous smile in his voice, he asked her to turn around, eyes closed, and hands outstretched, Judith obliging, if not a little reluctantly. Heart beating with anticipation, the wicker handles of a well provisioned picnic basket were laid across her upturned palms, this wonderful gift eliciting a squeal of delight. Finally opening her eyes, Bracie’s countenance was all she could bear, he wrapping her in his arms before an inevitable swoon could take over. Lost for words, moved by such a thoughtful gift, tears welled up in Judy’s eyes, her beloved captain gently kissing her upon the forehead before picking up basket in one hand, taking Judy’s smaller hand in the other prior to excitedly leading her away to a fantastic little inlet he’d discovered about a mile and a half down the beach.
Having reached their destination in good time, Bracegirdle, bowing with dramatic flourish, gestured for Judith to take a seat upon the ground, festooned with soft dune grasses, pretty blooms creating a beautiful picture. Having settled themselves, Judith was touched by the care her sweetheart had obviously gone to with the preparation of their luncheon, his own appreciation of fine fare ensuring the meal would be sheer bliss.
Producing a bottle of wine and two glasses a toast was shared to love and happiness, before partaking of delicious cheeses, pates, terrines, olives and preserves followed by a selection of gorgeous sweetmeats, candied fruits and exquisite jellies (apparently Lulu and Yasmine’s confectionary expertise secretly sought without her knowledge). The meal long finished, Judith and Bracegirdle relaxed contentedly beneath the azure sky, the sun’s heat moderated by shade from the overhanging trees. Lying luxuriantly back upon the grass carpeting the dunes, not a thought troubling them, minds concerned with only one another, Bracegirdle reached for his love’s hand once again, drawing her into a sitting position beside him. Reaching out her other hand ever so tentatively, she tenderly caressed his cheek, committing to memory every intricate detail her modest explorations revealed, a smile gracing his lips in response. Holding her gaze intently, in an inspired moment of old-fashioned chivalry, he longingly asked if he might have the honour of their first kiss, Judy’s hazel eyes brimming with tears of joy, her answer clear despite her silence, that angelic expression of permission all he needed to see. Suspended in time, earth, sea and sky fell away for Judy – her captain’s deeply passionate ministrations inflaming her heart, her soul, her very being, their all-encompassing intensity consuming her very existence the whole world consisting of only he and she; two hearts joined with inseparable bonds of love eternal. All of a sudden, as if hit with a full broadside, this intimate moment was rudely and abruptly broken by the sounds of running footsteps (yet again) coming their way - the two slowly breaking off from one another, turning blackly to meet the oncomer, now well within earshot, his drunken, slurred ramblings and completely ineffective apologies falling upon two very harried pairs of ears. It couldn’t be! Had he lost his mind completely after all? Had he not realized this island was literally swarming with personnel of His majesty’s Britannic Navy?…It was! None other than the infamous (if not comical and somewhat ridiculous parody of a pirate) Jack Sparrow!
‘Beggin’ your pardon, me good lord and lady, awfully sorry to int’rupt your, ehm, ha’ham, time together, but I got a bit of a problem’... (as an arrow skimmed past his right ear, missing its target by mere millimetres. Judith now scarlet with rage, Lieutenant Bracegirdle found himself in a quandary over whom to contain first – his adorable beloved or this rogue now destined for the King’s justice (having walked right into a naval encampment), unsure which fate might actually be worse. With lightening speed, Judy relieved the captain of his pistol, brandishing it irately in Jack’s direction, yelling almost unintelligibly that when she was finished, he’d be preferring either the yardarm or the source of those bothersome arrows now raining down somewhat more frequently as poor jack fell to his knees, begging for mercy, Bracegirdle desperately attempting to disarm his love, fearing Sparrow may indeed soon lose his head. Reluctantly surrendering her weapon, Bracegirdle holstered it (relief clearly evident in Jack’s eyes) prior to announcing his arrest, this strange eccentric almost grateful for the news, muttering something about cannibals, his former comrades and a ship burnt to the waterline (by an ‘unfortunate mistake concerning a galley, a stewpot and some idiot’s replacement of the pepper with gunpowder of all things). Rising to their feet (Bracegirdle counselling a still hotly annoyed Judith with an admonishment for patience) Jack sparrow was placed under arrest, prior to the three making their way back along the beach to the encampment.