#Charles Vane and Cordelia Delamare | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

silverloreley · 2 years ago

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One of the best things about DuTP is that it prompts me to look up the historical figures we meet in the stories. The downside is that I end up racking my head trying to figure out when some events took place exactly (because I’m terrible with remembering dates and numbers) and how old are the characters at the time of the story and so on. Sometimes it’s very easy, sometimes it’s not.

Case in point: The Perfect Storm. I found a few interesting things and I want to share, just in case someone wanted to write a fic on it or just out of curiosity.

First of all, I’m almost sure it took place in 1720 and I’ll tell you why.

Rackam’s mutiny happened in 1718 and his death, clearly addressed in the story as a recent event, was in 1720. Coincidentally, Mary Read died in 1721 (in real history she was part of Rackam’s crew, along with Anne Bonny) after being involved in the same trial as Rackam, at 31 years-old.

This lets us understand how old is Charles Vane when we see him in TPS. He’s supposed to be in his late 30s (almost 40, actually) as the story is set the year before he was executed! Also, he has been a captain on his own for mere 5 years at that point, meaning he got to his fame in less than 3 years. His bragging to Cordelia is sort-of moot because she rose to fame way faster than he did, lol. On the other hand, the age gap is huge!

We know the average age of marriage for women in 1700 was around 19 years-old, but it could go up to 25 (or down to 12, since the law allowed it). If we assume Cordelia’s parents didn’t have a rush to marry her off/ were looking for a good party/ allowed her time to grow, we could say she is around 23-24 at the time of the story, it sounds reasonable given the times. It also means she really is a kid compared to Vane, lol. This doesn’t mean I won’t ship them, I still ship them, especially because in DuTP Vane looks 35 at most but I’m willing to pull down his age further because, hey, that’s just a story! Also, with Cordelia involved, just like it happened with Queen Marie’s good endings, his execution won’t happen.

Sort of same with Keats, although he isn’t based on a real person (he shares his surname with the poet and that’s about it), as far as I found. Estabilishing Keats’ exact age is a bit more complex because without a set schooling system in place at the time we can’t be sure when he finished his official studies, plus, even if we knew, we aren’t given enough info on how much time passed between his graduation and the moment he decided to prove himself to the Royal Society through field research. Let’s say he’s in his late 20s/early 30s.

There existed an Admiral Hawke, actually two, in the British Army’s history, but both younger than Vane, one born in 1705 and another in 1726, so neither could have been his father, (although we can suspect of a brother with the same name? idk). The Admiral of the Royal Fleet from 1718 to 1733 was George Byng, in case you were wondering.

Thomas de Vere, as far as I found, was created specifically for the game’s plot. Same with Governor Hamilton (apparently there was never a governor named Hamilton in Jamaica). That, unless I didn’t look in the right places in my quick search, in which case I’ll be happy to be corrected.

In any case, those three (Hawke, de Vere and Hamilton) may be inspired by other historical figures but didn’t exist irl.

Anyway, since DuTP story world isn’t quite the same as ours, that it was estabilished ever since Queen Marie that the MC can and does change history and that some characters are different from their real life counterparts (in this case, to say one, Read has the same backstory up to a certain point, but was never in Rackam’s crew nor is pregnant during her adventures with us and actually seems to be still in mourning of her late husband and not have another lover, nor she knows personally Anne Bonny here), we can alter and play with ages and history as much as we want.

TL,DR: The Perfect Storm is likely set in 1720, where Read is 30 y-o, Vane is 40 y-o, Keats around 30-something, Cordelia is any age between 12 and 25 but most likely around 24. Governor Hamilton, Thomas de Vere and Admiral Hawke may be based on historical figures but not of that time/area and are more likely just characters.

#dutp perfect storm #dress up time princess #charles vane #cordelia delamare #mary read #eric keats #history #if you know more feel free to add #this story was great #I still have to achieve some endings but wow #dutp the perfect storm

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emmaelix · 2 years ago

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I Needed Love: The Perfect Storm Chapter Two Rewrite

I play Time Princess. Sue me. I’m writing fanfic for a video game. Won’t be the first, certainly not the last. This is basically a rewrite of chapter two of The Perfect Storm. Most definitely on the Charles Vane route, if you haven’t read TPS or finished the second chapter I do not recommend this as it is spoilers. And yes, I know that Vane's nickname (if anyone ever even had the guts to give him one) would most likely not be Charlie. I do not care. Enjoy!

Also, I wrote Admiral Hawke as a misogynistic asshole from my own personal experience. The things he says about Cordelia (and women in general) in this rewrite are all from my own experiences as a woman.

Full Title: The Perfect Storm Chapter Two Re-write: Cordelia Delamare X Charles "Charlie" Vane

Y/n: Your Name. Y/H/C: Your Hair Color. Y/E/C: Your Eye Color. Y/S/C: Your Skin Color

"Captain Delamare! How are you this fine morning?"

"Physically, Governor Hamilton, I am fit as a well-rested cat, waiting to pounce. Mentally I am restless. Restless beyond belief, so much so it's like an itch to my soul. I feel this- this desire to be back at sea!"

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"Vane, I'm a pirate captain. I've defeated a Kraken, outwitted mermaids, and ended Blackbeard's blockade on Charlestown. I certainly don't need your coat," but even as I say it I snuggle into the warm leather, enjoying Vane's cologne around me.

Vane smirks, and says in his Captain Commando voice, "Just take the damn jacket, Cordelia."

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"I'm a monster."

"No!" I exclaim, a little louder than intended. "Just because your father is an asshat with little to no personality other than a large ego and superiority complex, doesn't mean you are. You are someone who has layers. Would it be wrong to call me a condescending frilly old woman just because my mother was?"

Vane scoffs. "Your mother isn't an abandoning loser who tried to push her son off a boat."

"No, maybe not. But she's still a terrible person. You're not. Our parents don't shape who we are as people. You aren't your father. You're a hot, amazing pirate who happens to be rivals with the most beautiful female pirate captain in all the Caribbean."

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I want you, Charles Vane. All of you-

My thoughts and daydreams are interrupted by a yell of pain. I've run into the confrontation of father and son, would be killer and would be killed, Hawke and Vane.

"Charles... Vane." Admiral Hawke spits out through a mouthful of blood. The wicked smile on his face and the red hair framing his face reminds me of Vane but in all the wrong and terrifying ways.

Vane says nothing and stands like a statue of doom and dread. His eyes are as black as hell, and his face shows nothing but hatred and disgust. He steps to the side, crunching on an already shattered chandelier.

Hawke echoes his movements. They are like predators, constantly watching each other for any sign of attack. I feel the pistol at my side, and I'm tempted to try and sharpshoot. But as I watch the face off I realize that wouldn't be a good idea.

As if my body has nothing more interesting to do my corset begins to rub against my shirt. "Damn thing," I mutter as I try to move it without too much noise. I hear Nameless call into the mansion, reminding me of both Molly's and of Hamilton's losses.

I peek back out from under the rubble. They look similar, but they represent opposite worlds. Distorted, mirror images of each other, but father and son indeed.

This feels like a showdown like you'd read about in Western books. "Good to see you," Admiral Hawke says, grinning wolfishly. "Son."

Vane is becoming his persona. Dark, and as ruthless as hell. A dark sign that death is coming. But what does Hawke do? He laughs in death's face.

"What is this? Do you want attention? You want to impress the pirate captain you're so smitten with? Or do you want a pat on the back from your old man? To show me how big and strong you are? Or maybe to show your captain?"

Hawke stops, as though admiring prey before he devours it. "I see myself in you, Charles. We are one and the same. Strong, ambitious, ruthless. Monsters," he steps forward as if in conciliation, but quick as a snake, he lunges to stab Vane in the heart.

Vane slides to the side, blocking underneath. If I'd blinked I would've missed the pivotal life or death moment. Vane laughs. "The same? I know I am a monster. I am the worst of the worst, a cold-blooded-killer pirate with an eye for all that sparkles crimson. But I am safe in the knowledge that in all my monstrosity, I am nothing like you."

"So you want to kill me, then?" Hawke asks, smiling as though he'd known all along. "Well, this world isn't big enough for the both of us. And I will not be defeated, so you will be."

Hawke lunges, and my heart is beating rapidly in my throat. But as I watch the fight I realize something. Vane isn't fighting to kill. It's taking all his strength, but he's only defending. They are so evenly matched this could go on for hours.

I can see exertion in both men's faces, but Hawke still carries his grin. "It was a nice trick today: planting your crew at the hanging, then rioting and storming port. I'm disappointed, though, that it was all to save your little girlfriend. Do you want some advice? Love makes you soft. Women are weak and frail creatures, fit for kitchens, not killing. If you try to protect them you'll only get hurt."

"Captain Cordelia Delamare is anything but weak. She is confident, beautiful, smart, and the bravest not only woman - but the bravest person I've met. She is a double agent, she knows the secrets of both sides. She is dangerous to any and all opponents."

Hawke swings his sword heavily. If it landed it could've cleaved Vane in half. The very thought makes me nauseous. But Vane ducks at the last second and only his arm is sliced. He shouts in pain, and I see red as bright as his hair blossoming along his white shirt. His sword arm. If he wasn't in danger before, he is now.

Vane's voice is deadly calm. "To you, my mother was a tool, and I was an inconvenience. She was so desperate for your affection, and without you to blame for all her misfortunes, do you know who shouldered her bitterness? Her rage and fury? Me, you bastard, me."

Hawke just laughs at his son. He's fingering his blade, and the sight makes me nervous. As I'm sitting here helpless I realize how painful it would be to lose Vane after everything we've gone through. From the library to the beach, to the dark moonlit night, everything would be - pardon the pun - in vane if Vane wasn't there with me.

"I was absent, yes. But I extended an olive branch of peace? Why did you reject my most generous offer? The most decent thing I ever did or will do for you?"

If Vane could reach far enough, I'm sure one hand would wrap around his father's neck, and squeeze. Watching this version of Vane is like re-living my old memories. It's someone I know, vaguely, but I don't feel any attachment to. I lo- I do. I love Vane. But this terrifying, thunder-crashing, hell-burning version of him makes my skin crawl.

"Don't pretend. It was a trap to kill me or put me in your debt, not a gift. I don't want anything to do with you," and Vane attacks. But the Admiral matches each strike with precision and force. It's like a tidal wave trying to destroy a mountain. Neither will budge, both impossibly strong.

I can't bear to listen to any more of this conversation, so I look for something else to do. I begin fiddling in the rocks, looking for weapons and hearing bits and pieces of the conversation.

"...Thank me... pathetic mother, I really did you a favor..."

I hear a yell and whip back around quick as lightning to see Vane's sword in Admiral Hawke's leg. "Kill me, son. Punish me! Go on... your blade drips with my blood, what's a bit more? Don't you want to plunge it into my chest?"

It's sickening, to hear this. Listening to Hawke's quick changes to the way he speaks depends on whether he's in control or not. "No, I won't. I won't begin to list the incorrect reasons why I won't. The reason I will tell you, however, is that I'm free. Free from you, my mother, the Navy, and those hell-bound bastards who keep trying to unsuccessfully take my ship and life."

I'm proud of Vane. "Thirteen years I wasted seeking your approval. I am your blood, but as a wise and beautiful female pirate captain once told me, 'Our parents don't shape who we are as people. Just because your father is an asshat with little to no personality other than a large ego and superiority complex, doesn't mean you are.'"

Vane pauses. "I live by the words of the woman I adore, respect, admire, and love. She and her crew have faced all odds and still came out on top. And she reminded me that our similarities end with red hair. You have no power over me."

Hawke looks disgusted. "You live by the words of a woman?"

"I am free. A man, not a child, free to make my own destiny. And by Davy Jones, I'm going to seize that chance. I do not allow you, or thoughts of you, to impact my life. I am free from you, so I choose to leave you."

Hawke rolls his eyes. "Don't pretend you're noble. You're as twisted as I am. You kill all the time, you're a pirate! Kill me! That's what you've wanted to do since you were thirteen, wasn't it? Take me out of the misery of knowing my son has become a woman worshipping door-mat! A pirate, too."

"Living is your punishment," Vane says, looking at Hawke the way he would someone who tried to pickpocket him. "You are nothing. No one."

"Then kill me and take my riches. You'll have everything you've ever wanted!"

I see Vane stagger, and I remind myself not to blow my cover. Vane sneers. He looks his father in the eyes, and says, "I have everything I've ever wanted."

Vane turns his back on his whimpering mess of a father and slowly walks out. As I see him limping I finally call out to him. His face changes instantly upon seeing me. "Cordelia! How long have you been there? Are you safe?"

As I rush over to him I feel the intense want to wrap my arms around him and kiss him like there's no tomorrow. But, ironically, that will have to wait until tomorrow. "I'm fine. But, Vane, what about you?"

Vane smiles. "I am free."

I smile back, pulling his head down slightly so I can kiss him. When we pull apart Vane gently brushes a strand of hair from my cheek. "De Vere is gone. And Hamilton... I did all I could, Read's with him now. But he might not make it."

I can see Vane recoil in horror, before quickly pulling me into a hug. He shakes his head. "Hamilton is a good man. I hope he does survive, Port Royal wouldn't be the same without him."

TWO MONTHS LATER

"Heartbreakers, with me! Our target is within sight! Unfurl the sails, full speed ahead! I want them quaking in their boots at the sight of us!"

Bang and Burns look particularly mischievous as Moondog begins to play her wild melody. Our stabbed heart flies proudly in the wind. It still gives me a rush of adrenaline to see it. And then I see it. The Ranger.

We approach Vane's ship at full speed. And as we go I see the tall red-headed man I'm looking for. Seeing him, in his pure pirate king form, sends the butterflies in my stomach fluttering. "Grapplers, prepare to board! No mercy, we are the Heartbreakers!"

"Captain Heartbreaker. You charge at me, threaten me, and pirate me? How romantic."

It feels like my jaw has just dropped to The Heartbreaker's hold. "What?!"

"You're recreating the moment we first met. So sentimental, doing this for our one-year anniversary."

I purse my lips, trying to stop myself from laughing. "I should call you Captain Adorable."

I hear Bang and Burns begin to snicker behind me. "No, this is a robbery!"

"Of my heart, yes, I see that. Well, come on. My cabin is where I keep my treasure."

Read, and most of the rest of my crew, are now laughing while Keats lightly scolds them. I sigh and swing over to the Ranger. I enter Vane's cabin. Vane is leaning against his captain's table, arms crossed. The expression on his face is one I imagine a wolf would have if a lamb walked into his lair.

I suddenly feel an urge to loiter at the entrance to Vane's cabin. But Vane beckons me closer, and I come all the way inside his cabin. "You've come to pillage, no? I believe resistance, at this point, would be considered futile. So what is it you desire most, oh Dreaded Captain Cannonball?"

"Well," I begin, my courage starting to grow, "I've come to the conclusion I'm hopelessly attracted to ruthless, ambitious, fiendish, and devastatingly handsome pirates."

Vane smiles. "Seems serious," Vane reaches forward for my waist. "Go check the top drawer of the desk. I have... a gift for you."

Suddenly suspicious, I eye Vane up and down as I walk slowly to his desk. I carefully slide open the drawer, ready to jump back if necessary. Until I gasp upon seeing the contents. I see a map. "This is amazing!"

"It's our map. If, of course, you want it."

I run to where he's standing and wrap my arms around him, hugging him tightly as he strokes my back, laughing softly. I guess that answered his question. Vane pulls back from the hug to kiss me instead, on the lips.

It's passionate, and the feelings rush over me like the sea we both love. When we pause for breath he strokes my cheekbone down to my jaw in a repetitive, strangely attractive way. His husky voice breaks the silence, "Happy one-year anniversary, Captain Cannonball. I hope my cabin survives this encounter."

Wow, two posts in one night. I must be crazy.

Well, that took longer than expected. Oh well, on to more things, I guess.

#dutp the perfect storm #dress up time princess #Charles Vane x Cordelia Delamare #the perfect storm re-write

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