She was beautiful. Her chestnut hair whipped about her face as she felt the light kiss of rain from the storm.

She was young. She looked to be about in her twenties.

She was courageous. She stood in front of the dark silhouette, her eyes locked with determination.

She was dying. The sword dug into her breast, but she didn't cry out as the red water seeped through her white shirt.

She loved. She looked to something, whispering softly as the blue faded into grey.

Her smile remained and her gaze froze as she lay on the deck as the waves angrily crashed about her.

She was dead.

I sat up in my bed, the vision of the woman's body finally fading from me. My head was pounding and my heart was racing. Fear slowly drained with every light noise of reality. I slid out from beneath the covers and pulled back the curtain to marvel at the ocean. I closed my eyes and heaved a deep sigh. Ever since I was a little girl, the untamed waters had spoken to me. It was as if they knew who I truly was; unveiling the mask I wore in public.

I examined myself in the mirror, brushing my light brown hair into place. I focused on the deep dark brown of my irises, but my thoughts were cut short by a light tapping on the door. A gasp escaped from my lips at the knock and I quickly slid on my shawl.

"Autymn? Are you alright?" My heart rate slowed at the gentle male voice, "Are you…decent?"

I held back a snicker; only Father would be as much a gentleman to ask such a question, "Yes."

The door immediately opened before he walked in, followed by two maids. I gave them a smile, but it faltered when I saw that one of them had a rather large package. Oh no…

"Good morning, my child. It's a beautiful day," Father said, nodding to the breathtaking view of the Caribbean.

I nodded, "Indeed it is."

He didn't waste time as he nodded to the other maid, who made her way to my dressing area, "I have a gift for you."

I held back a groan as I slowly opened the box; I already knew what was inside, but I let out a believable gasp.

"It's beautiful!" I exclaimed, affectionately holding the dress to my figure.

The pride on my father's face was worth every stolen breath and painful endearment. His blue eyes twinkled with happiness as he watched me follow the maid to try it on. As I slid out of my night dress, I heard him say something but the ruffle was too thick.

"I was thinking you might want to wear this to the ceremony today," his voice still drowning beneath the many placements.

"Ceremony?"

"Captain Norrington's promotional ceremony."

I stuck my head out with a glare reserved only for him. "I knew it."

Before I could say another remark, I was pulled back into the crowd of women. No space? Really? I fought back an eye roll, and winced at the cold hands touching my bare side.

"Commodore Norrington, as he is about to become."

"James Norrington fancies Elizabeth," I pointed out, struggling against the silks and cloths.

"Your sister has a dress similar to yours. I thought it would be terribly biased of me to purchase for my youngest and not my eldest."

I didn't believe him, "Are you trying to tell me there is no other possible reason that I must wear such fine apparel?"

"Although… the Lieutenant will be attending today, surely."

I bit my lip to keep from speaking further. Phillip Gillette. Of course he's what this is about… It was obvious that the man was infatuated with me, but the way he looked at me frightened the very being of my soul. It was a possessive, cold stare; not the loving, warm glance I'd read about in the great William Shakespeare's writings. Even Romeo and Juliet's romance would've sufficed compared to the man's pursuit.

I knew of Father's hope that I would accept his offer of marriage when he gave it, but something about spending the rest of my life with a man I didn't love just didn't appeal to me. What a surprise…a woman wanting to marry for love! I felt my chest tighten sharply with the tug of strings. Bloody corsets…

"Autymn? How it's coming?"

I fought back a sardonic remark, "…It's difficult to say."

"I'm told it's the latest fashion in London." He really is oblivious, isn't he?

"Well women in London must've learnt not to breathe," I held my breath, wincing at every pull.

I looked to Estrella for support, but she gave none as she busied herself with the last final touches. I inhaled sharply when the maids left me alone with her.

"Miss Autymn, you look so beautiful; so much like your mother," Estrella said.

I gave a light nod, "Look, yes, but I could never measure up to her greatness," I bit back a complaint, "Could you loosen the strings? Just a bit? I'd be most grateful."

She looked hesitant, but obliged. I savored the few breaths I could inhale and thanked her with a genuine smile. Estrella was, in a matter of speaking, my confidante. I trusted my younger sister as well, but I told Estrella almost about everything. I guess you could say she was one of my dearest friends.

Her own smile faded, "I apologize, Miss, but there are chores to be done."

"Yes, yes, it is I should apologize. You're dismissed."

She gave me a perfect curtsy, "Thank you, Miss Autymn," and she was gone.

A maid can be more graceful than a Governor's daughter? I really am the awkward one.