Penny Taylor | Evangeline bait on the Majestic | Portsmouth Harbor, Britain
June 15th, 1864
It’s loud. Shouting and shrieking and constant wishwash slap splosh. The earth rocks beneath us. Shh. Be still, Penny. Be quiet. Just for a little while. Please. For me. I get to leave with Eli today. No more disappearing for months and months and months. Shouting. I expect and demand the very best Nervous Eli. Head tilted. Mouth tight. Breaths shallow. It’s okay Eli, pet him like he does for you. Be still, Penny. The rocking earth is smooth beneath my feet. Trace a white scar with a toe. Up. Down. Up. Men you know why... Different voice. Still in control. Glance up. Glance down. Loud sounds. Shouts. Busy. Stumble as someone jostles against me. Let’s get out of the way, Penny. Eli, safe, trust. Holds my arm too tight. Let me go. Let me go. Let me go. Shouting. Too loud. Cover my ears. Ma... Woman with man hair. Eli knows her. My name is... Gone.
Too loud.
I can take you below deck. Eli’s grip is relaxed now. The wind brushes against my face and pulls at my clothing. Pull at the collar. Not too itchy today. Promise to be good.
Dark and cool. Down some stairs, the floor is cold on my feet as the earth rocks. Don’t fall Eli wait. Be good. He’ll be here with you. Do what he says. A boy peers behind him. Glance away.
Eli wait.
I’ve got a job to do.
Gone except for goldielocks.
Eli Taylor | Navigator of the Majestic | Portsmouth Harbor, Britain
June 15th, 1864
I was worried Penny was going to create a scene in the middle of Captain Arrow's speech and then in the middle of Mr. Fox's. She was good, considering how bad she could have been. The roar of the docks made her cringe, but I talked her through it onto the ship. I just needed her to be quiet and still for a little longer. I was a little relieved she was coming with me. I didn't like leaving her alone,but now I was having second thoughts about bringing her at all.
I glanced at her when she started patting my arm, raising an eyebrow. "Just be still, Penny," I murmured.
"...Let's find this cursed excuse for a ship!"
Penny flinched as the crew cheered, and I put my hand on her arm, praying she wouldn't lose it now. I can see her jaw tighten as people move against us. "Let's get out of the way, Penny." Really, I need to get below deck to start studying maps and charts, but Penny comes first. Always.
I try to lead her to the railing where we'll be bother no one. She pulls at my hand with her free one, squirming. She's mumbling, but I can't understand what she's saying. When we get to a place away from all of the action, I let her jerk her hand away and watch as she covers her ears.
I nod at Dr. Morgan as she walks over and nudge Penny a little, getting her to straighten up and acknowledge the doctor's presence. She does alright for Penny, and Dr. Morgan doesn't seem too offended as she quickly leaves. I can't help but wish Penny had a woman a little more... motherly on board, but I suppose we'll make due.
She suddenly says something I can understand. "Too loud."
I have to reward her for actually telling me what's wrong. Normally, it's a guessing game to see what's bothering Penny. I lead her toward the stairs. I don't feel like I'm handling a dangerous weapon ready to go off anymore, so the walk across the deck is much easier this time. I ignore any glances that might go our way and focus on Penny, talking to her in a calm voice about small things,about things the average person would talk about except I'm carrying both sides of the conversation. She's fingering her collar but doesn't seem on the verge of a clothes tearing tantrum. It would be a little more panicked.
I see the new cabin boy and jerk my head to get him to come towards me.
"Yes sir?" he asked as he jogged toward us.
"You got anything to do yet, kid?" I opened the door for Penny. "Be careful. Don't fall."
"No sir." His eyes are big. I like the bright look I see there. Maybe he'll be good for Penny.
"Now you do." We go below deck. "Penny, I've got to go for a while. I've found a boy named Austin. He's very nice. I need you to be good..." I glance around at the doors in the hallway and open one, hoping no one's in there as I peer around. It's a bedroom. I close the door quickly. The next door has cannons as does the next. I open a door to see more stairs. With a sigh of frustration, I give up, glaring at Austin before loosening up a bit and forcing a smile. It's not the kid's fault I can't find a place for them to go. I guess I'll just let him handle it. "Take care of her. I swear to you, if something happens, I'm going to make you regret it. In this relationship you're the responsible one, understand?"
"Eli."
I close my eyes before turning to Penny.
"Wait."
I smile, this time completely genuine, and, in a familiar ritual, kiss my fingers before touching her cheek. "I've got a job to do."
I leave quickly. I know if I take too long she'll be harder to handle.
I feel a bit heartless, but I can't wait to get to my simple maps.
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