Sixth Dispatch - [action]

[captainhornblower]

[Horatio Hornblower possessed a naturally quiet disposition. He preferred thinking to speaking more often than not. He was also often considered to be... "prone to melancholy" if a friend were speaking, "ill-tempered" if described by others. The two traits engaged and furthered one another constantly. When he thought for long periods of time about things that were not an imminent battle, his spirits sank. The worse his mood, the more he thought.

To stimulate the mind and make its burden easier to bear, Hornblower walked. Paced. The length of a quarterdeck suited perfectly, but Hotspur was long out of reach. Even the damned Retribution would have answered, but it, too, was far away.

Instead, he walked the length of a small wooden bridge over and over. That it was a known haunt for a particular pirate had either not crossed the Navy man's mind or had been dismissed. The click of his heels across the planks made him feel more at home. His solemn, focused expression remained unchanged with every step he took and every turn made to walk the path again as his customary hour became three.]

Comments

[captainhornblower]

Ha--h'm.

[It was a quiet sound, like the clearing of the throat, and Hornblower closed his eyes briefly to try and rid the glare that settled into them.

When he looked at Sparrow again, he bowed his head. Whatever civility was in his voice was fading fast, replaced by sheer cold.]

Good day to you, Captain Sparrow.

[If he did not excuse himself now, he'd be tempted to throw a blow. And he knew he'd answer to Archie for that.]

[all7seas]

Oh, leaving? Pity. You know, rum's a far better cure for those heavy thoughts than walking back and forth like some sort of caged tiger.


.....Oooooor hamster, actually.

[captainhornblower]

[Horatio does his best to focus on the (entirely unacceptable) suggestion, rather than the insult.

But whether by association or the words Sparrow gave himself, his tone is even more clipped.]

I have known two men who followed what you suggest. Neither was competent nor generally fit for the duties required of him.

[all7seas]

Ministers, were they? Or smugglers?

[Jack's tone, in comparison, becomes even more relaxed and jovial.]

[captainhornblower]

No.

[Not with this man. He will not talk about the Renown with Sparrow.]

[all7seas]

Ah. Barbers. And you survived it? You do look in need of a trim, though. [Very casually, Jack draws his dagger and begins cleaning beneath his dirty fingernails with the edge of the blade.]

[captainhornblower]

[Be polite. Be polite. Be polite for Archie.]

I am not nearly as in need of a trim as you are. Granted, I would pity the poor barber-- I don't think the man would ever get his blade clean.

[Or not.

Hornblower stood up straighter, reached up to touch the hat he did not have, and fixed Sparrow in his gaze.]

Good day, Captain Sparrow.

[And he turned on heel, intent on walking away.]

[all7seas]

[Jack has no intention of stopping him or delaying him or anything of that nature. He simply offers a salute.]

Good day, Captain Hornblower.

[captainhornblower]

[God damned pirate.

A slight, curt nod, and Hornblower takes his leave of the bridge. With a good deal more swearing running through his mind.]