War Plans Part I:
(1911 A.D., The Capital City of Blackfrost Port, The People's Republic of the Neverlands, the Realm of Ishrakie)
The winds are calm, belying the tension in Blackfrost Port.
Hook reviews the troops he will send for tomorrow's battle. They include, of course, the crew of the White Witch; the other pirates; and the troops Mistress Thorn will supply.
Technically she could be called "Mistress Hook" now, though she has chosen to keep her maiden name. Despite them having been a functional thruple for decades, Smee seemed somewhat bothered when Hook and Throne informed him of their intent to wed. Though when either of them tries to ask their beloved Smee about it, he either gets evasive or insists nothing wrong so they both agreed it best not to pry into the matter any further.
It was as simple a ceremony as decency permitted; that is to say, an elaborate ceremony worthy of a supreme civilian sovereign and a pirate king.
She was beautiful beyond measure in her ceremonial dress and electrum jewellery emblazoned with the Thorn family emblems. They swore their love and fidelity to each other as they have chosen to define it. The consummation was as passionate as ever.
And yet, why did he feel so wrong about this? He loves her as well as he loves anybody. Moreover, this is a pragmatic marriage. He has armies; she will have, in due course, heirs. Pragmatic marriages are as old as the institution of marriage itself. Indeed, his grandparents on both sides had had pragmatic marriages.
Well, no matter. There are more important things to attend to than the heart. Though, to be honest he is just glad the wedding matters are over so that whatever is bothering Smee concerning it can at last, hopefully, resolve itself.
Walking onto the deck of the White Witch, Hook observes with pride as his crew works quickly to prepare a gracious reception for the chosen operation commanders and the visiting city-state dignitaries. Hook's crew is aided by Sven and some of his fellow servant boys in completing all the preparations. Hook gives Sven strict instructions to make sure the food and drink are worthy of the dignitaries.
Convinced Sven has everything under control, Hook goes to find Smee. He tried giving him space but perhaps it was time to try and speak with him about what is going on with him lately.
Hook finds Smee training with his rapier at a private little spot down the beach. He takes a moment to admire Smee's magnificent form and even more splendid body. The sight fills Hook's blood with fire and passion but he pushes it down, he knows it is not what Smee needs at the moment.
"Are you all right, Smee?" Hook looks at his first mate, who seems exhausted yet determined as he continues to train, his naked toned torso glistening with sweat. Hook makes his way over to his first mate, just close enough to talk but not close enough to be accidentally stabbed.
"Aye, Captain." His tone is a little brusquer than usual, though Hook ignores this.
"I see your form is as perfect as ever," Hook muses.
"Look Smee, I know something's wrong. You've been so distant. Please… darling, just talk to me," he presses, letting his mind reach out to Smee's in an attempt to pry some insight into his feelings.
"You promised you'd stay out of my head, that my thoughts were my own," Smee replies, breathing heavily as he turns to face Hook while he resheathes his rapier and wipes the sweat from his face.
"Yes, you're right. I'm sorry. I'm just worried about you," Hook mutters softly as Smee barges past him in silence.
"I love you, Smee… from the moment I saw you, and I'll love you to the end," Hook digs deep inside himself to bring forth the most sincere feelings of his heart.
"Funny, sounds like what you said at your wedding to Mistress Thorn."
"Wait… ahh shit. I am so truly sorry. I know what's bothering you. I should have given you more warning. Dropping this wedding on you without consulting you was selfish… I was wrong."
"I knew you'd get it," Smee laughs, turning around and rushing Hook's arms.
"Wait… you're not mad?" Hook asks, wrapping his arms lovingly around Smee.
"No, I'm not mad but sometimes I need to get a little dramatic to make you realise when your actions affect me in a negative emotional way. You know you are not the most empathic fellow," Smee explains, nuzzling his head into the nook of Hook's neck.
"I'm so sorry I hurt you, I never want to hurt you," Hook whispers.
"I know, just remember Throne is not the only one you've made a commitment to… and I came first," Smee muses with a chuckle before pulling Hook into a deep passionate kiss. "However, I stink so I'm going to go get cleaned up," Smee continues, pulling away from his captain and turning to make his way to the Sakura and Roses Bathhouse.
"Wait… before you go, remember that I will require your presence at today's meeting with the operation-commanders and visiting dignitaries."
"Wait… what about your bride? Shouldn't she be the one accompanying you to that?" asks Smee.
"Mistress Thorn will be busy, attempting to persuade the People's-Government to assist us and it is customary for the First Mate to escort the captain, whether the captain is married or not when meeting dignitaries."
"Of course, I'll be there for you. Always," Smee replies lovingly as he turns and makes his way to the bathhouse to get cleaned up.