Off the Map - A Pirates of the Caribbean AU

Jack has been with his new tribe for a few weeks now. He's learned enough of their language to get by, but is trying to gather more words each day. He's helped out a bit with the women's work and went on a hunt, though most of the time was wasted with the braves laughing at Jack's utter lack of skills with a horse and a bow. It was decided he was more suited to staying at camp with the women and children. That suits Jack fine.

It's a quiet moment, after dinner is finished and much of the tribe is gathered around the fire, laughing and telling stories. Jack goes off to sit by the tent he's been sharing. In the dim light, he unrolls the strange, circular map, and matches it against a map of the area he's been working on with charred wood and a piece of animal hide. He opens his compass, watches the needle fall quickly to a definite direction. He's so close. It's been hard to wait. His arm is healing, though, and it will be safe to leave soon.

"Bit more patience, Jacky. Soon, mate."