Chapter One

Ruby Lorelei leaned over the railing of the ship, "The Sea Maiden" "This be it then?" She brought down the eyepiece of the scope and looked at the first mate, excitement shining in her eyes. This was her first trip out on the water, till now she had been confined to the little Island of Haven. A secret safe place for Pirates. She was the daughter of Pirates, and had been adopted by a Pirate when they had been slain. Her adopted father had also lost a child; it had been a perfect relationship for the grieving pair." I'll be needing a row boat lad."

"Aye Cap'n Ruby." His eyes glittered with admiration. She may be a woman, but not a pirate worth his salt dared speak against the skill of his captain.

She spun around, her auburn hair flaring in her rush to the small boat the mate lowered into the water. The fort was not known for welcoming her kind with open arms. "Let's be hopin' tha' Jack Sparrow wasnae lying about this. I'll have his spleen for a page mark if he was."

"I dunnae think even Jack would dare lie to you Cap'n."

Lorelei rolled her brilliant green eyes heavenward. "Tha drunkard lies as he breathes."

She settled herself into the row boat and began the steady hard row. She pulled the boat up and crept ashore silently, crouching low behind a convenient rock as a patrol passed her. Admiration filled her at the sight of the great war ships moored in the harbour. Seeing them with her own eyes, it wasn't any wonder that Captain Jack Sparrow had resorted to stealing one in his search for The Black Pearl. Lorelei followed the directions that Jack had given her. According to the deviant Pirate the Blacksmith's forge was her destination. She found it easily enough and reached out to test the lock, growling when she found it sealed shut. With a shrug she pulled out a lock pick from her long patched coat, making short work of the ancient sea rusted lock. She stepped into the darkness warily. Glances to the left and right showed her all the swords racked against the wall, the sheen of their blades winking in the firelight. Temptation proved too much and she crossed and pulled one of the finely crafted weapons from the wall. It's balance perfect for someone of her small stature. With a huge grin she hooked it to her belt.

Will wiped his brow with the back of his hand and sighed wearily as he pulled the sword from the acid wash. Elizabeth's words still echoed within his head and despite his fatigue he felt the urge to pound steel well within him again. He had been forging swords for a solid four days now, sleeping only a few hours at a time. The dreams... he simply could not bear the dreams any longer. She was gone, and there was nothing to be done about it. She had said she loved Jack, but he no longer believed her capable of love. She lusted... after the pirate's life and adventure. He had been fool enough to believe that she had loved him at first, but looking back it became hauntingly clear that she had only loved what she thought she could persuade him to be. He was not a pirate though; despite his adventures and his cursed blood... he was a blacksmith, and a damn fine one at that.

After Mr. Brown's death, he had finally become free to do as he wished and take credit for his own creations, and he was proud. Elizabeth had not been however, and had turned tail and run like a thief in the night mere days before their wedding day. Today. Today he was to have been married, yet here he stood. He carefully placed the steel upon the table to set, and made his way to his studio to practice with his sword. Perhaps that might bring him some solace, or at least some relief. It had seen him through years of thinking she would never love him; perhaps it would now see him through the years of knowing it.

He walked to the wall and picked up his sword, running his hand lovingly across the gold inlaid handle. Yes, this was something that could always be trusted. He sheathed it and smiled bitterly and moved to the doorway, a sound bringing him pause and bringing his hand to the hilt of his weapon. He had locked up the forge for the day, or at least, he was fairly certain he had. He listened to the footsteps, mentally gauging where they were in the studio, and then stepped confidently into the room.

"State your business." He said evenly, his eyes wary and watchful as he faced the back of the stranger and he felt a prickling on the back of his neck. A Pirate.

At the sound of that mellow voice Lorelei whirled, sword drawn, eyes wild. She faced the young man and a smile split her face as she recognised him, he was a young, unseamed image of her adopted father and she lowered the sword slowly. "Well I'll be; that drunken blaggard was tellin tha truth for once in his misbegotten life."

Will held his gaze steady, hiding his shock to find her a woman. That would be enough to make him wary of her, but she was also a pirate. He kept his voice steady and his weapon drawn. "I said; state your business or I will not hesitate to strike, woman or no."

Lorelei rolled her eyes and sighed, what was it with men and their over eagerness to fight. "Pirate son ye may be Will Turner but I doubt even ye could take me."

Will smiled smugly. "Do not let the blacksmith's title fool you; I am even more intimate with using a sword than I am with forging one."

"Men," Lorelei muttered with disgust. "Why is it ye all must be so proud o' destruction." She set her hands on her hips, the sword still in her fist.

"I take no pride in destruction, but in skill and precision. I create; it is pirates who delight in destruction."

Lorelei snorted. "So much that ye know Will Turner, yet so little ye see. If Pirates created only chaos an' destruction, ye wouldnae be alive, lad." Her eyes twinkled with mirth.

"My lineage is none of your concern. I assume that you found me through Jack?" He sheathed his sword but did not remove his hand from the hilt. "If he wants to send the snivelling woman back, tell him to pass on my regards but tell her she can find another pirate to feed her craving, because I have no intention of being made a fool twice."

Lorelei stepped forward into the firelight, her features finally fully visible. Her smooth delicate features screwed up in confusion. "What wench? Tha last I saw o' Sparrow he was sitting at Haven swilling gin. He naught left yet."

"She only left four nights since, if you left him in Tortuga, then she would not have arrived yet." Will bit back the bile that rose in his throat.

"Jack not be in Tortuga, I told ye, he be in Haven. Yer wench'd nev'r find him." Lorelei shook her head in wonder. "Why any maid would go for that old reprobate is beyond me."

"She will find him. Trust me. And Jack is a good man, I cannot fault him." Will relaxed a bit as it was becoming clear that at least for the moment, she had no malicious intent. "Now, do you care to enlighten me as to how you know who I am and why precisely you are here?"

"She will nae find him. She'd need ta be a Pirate herself ta find Haven. None but tha blood be allowed on those shores. As ta how I know ye an' my intent. I be sent ta find you, Will Turner.....yer father wants ye ta come home."

Will opened his mouth to speak, but stopped short at the last of her speech. His eyes narrowed dangerously and he drew his sword again. "My father is dead."

Lorelei rolled her eyes. "Lord, save me from idjit males. Think lad, what had Barbossa an' tha crew stolen? What was it yer father placed round yer neck?"

"My father was under the curse, but he was sent to the depths. Had he survived, he would have come for me long before now. He lies at the bottom of Davy Jones's Locker."

"No, he be in Haven. He though ye were dead. He was told that naught of yer ship remained an' none left alive."

"YOU LIE! State your true purpose woman."

"Yer father were sent ta tha' bottom, but he never made it, Will Turner."

Will's heart thudded within his chest at the possibilities, but it was not true. Barbossa would never have allowed for the possibility of Bootstrap getting free. "My father is dead. Whatever it is you seek, you may as well leave."

Lorelei snarled in frustration and with muttered curses she walked forward to stand right in front of the tall Blacksmith, her head standing no higher then his chest. She removed a pendant from around her neck and held it up. She nodded at the pendant, on which was carved a graceful sleek figure leaping from the sea. "Dolphins lad. They're considered Angels o' God ta all folk who sail tha oceans. They've rescued many a man."

"Dolphins?" Will barely stifled an incredulous laugh. "My father was saved by Dolphins?" He took the pendant from her hand, flinching slightly as their skin made brief contact. He looked at her again and had to force himself to breathe steadily. Now that she had removed herself from the shadows he was astounded at what he saw. She exuded confidence and swagger, as did all pirates, but she was unlike any pirate he'd ever come across.

"Bill was rescued by me da after he was pulled ta shore by tha' Dolphins." her voice subdued as she mentioned her own father, he had been murdered by Barbossa not long after.

Will saw the flash of grief in her eyes, and he eased his stance once again. "So you say my father is alive. How am I to believe you? Barbossa and his men were sure enough of his demise to come for me."

Lorelei sighed and started backing away. She knew a lost cause when she saw one. The young man had let go of his heritage. Bill would be disappointed but he had also come to terms with his son's death years ago. "They may have looked fer yer Da, but probably assumed that he'd been taken by sharks, I cannae say I was ever on speakin terms with tha' accursed crew to ask em. I was ta busy hidin Bill." With that she turned and strode out of the forge, tucking the sword back into her belt.

"You have something that belongs to me." Will called out after her, strangely unwilling to let her leave. Could she possibly be telling the truth?

Lorelei looked back over her shoulder and gave him a saucy wink. " An' a fine blade it be." She disappeared into the darkness without another word.

Will stared after her in the darkness and cursed the blood that warred within him, tempting him to take the chance that it might be true. She was a pirate, and worse a woman. She was not to be trusted, and yet there had been something in those brilliant green eyes, something that called to him and beckoned him to believe her. He turned back toward the studio but locked the door and ground his teeth together. Curse them all. He strode next door and knocked loudly, waiting for Mr. Penfold to answer.

The door opened with a loud curse. "Whaddya want?" snarled a gruff voice.

Will laughed softly. "James my friend, I have a favour to ask of you."

"Another one Will? They're mounting up."

"Yes, I know James. I am sorry, but I must leave for awhile. Watch over my shop and see that the commissioned swords go to whom they belong? When they pay keep the money for your trouble." He had never mentioned to anyone, including Elizabeth that he continued to work because he loved it, not because he had need. He might not be a pirate, but he had not been fool enough to leave the Isle de Muerta empty handed.

"Right you be Will. Going after that saucy little red head then?"

Will's lips twitched slightly. "So you were watching were you? And not in the way you mean. Women are more trouble than they are worth, I learnt that the hard way. She says she has word of my father, and though it may not be the truth, I find that I must follow."

"Then lad, shouldn't you be running? The lass looked resourceful, if you hesitate then she may slip away."

"Aye. Take care James, and hopefully we'll see one another soon." Will turned and ran to the harbour, still clutching to the hilt of his sword. Whatever her words, she was still a pirate.

"Well ye took yer own sweet time," muttered a voice behind him. Lorelei leaned against a railing her arms crossed over her chest.

Will turned to face her with a wary smile. "I had to tend to my shop." His eyes fell unconsciously to her unbound breasts, peeking from beneath her shirt as she drew in slow steady breaths. He fought hard the urge to lick his lips and allowed his eyes to remain no longer than a brief second. He was still a man, but never again would he fall into the web of a woman.

"Well hurry up," Lorelei strode down to the beach, in search of her dinghy, "the tide waits for no man." She pushed the little craft off the sand and into the water, holding the side until she was waist high in the salt water, She pulled herself over the edge and slid in behind the oars. She looked back at the shore. "Are ye comin or nae?"

Will nodded and swallowed the last of his misgivings. It was worth the chance, even if it turned out to be a lie. He hopped into the boat and picked up the second set of oars. "Aye. You may be false, but I will take the risk for the chance that my father may yet live."

Lorelei sighed in disgust, how the hell could a boy of Bill's get to be so.....prudishly uptight? It was like the adventure in his soul had been sucked away. He had lived amongst the land lubbers' way to long. She rowed without another word, only the sloshing of the waves against the side of the boat accompanying them. She wondered why she'd volunteered to track down Bill's beloved son after Jack Sparrow had reached them with the astonishing news that Will lived, though he had tempered that blessing with the word that Will hated and feared his heritage. Bill had been ready to go, but the loss of his leg and 10 years forced ashore still had him unsteady on the deck of a ship.

"Why did my father not come himself?" Will finally asked, breaking the oppressive silence.

"He lost a leg in Barbossa's attack. In tha last ten years all we have done is hide away. He hasnae been on a ship in that time. He lost his sea legs." Lorelei answered curtly.

Will cringed at that. Whether he wanted to admit it or not, he loved being out on the open sea. "I see."

She stared at him, green eyes hard like agates." Do ye? Do ye really?"

Will stared right back at her wondering just what she meant by it. "Yes, I do. I know full well what it is to love and be something and have people or circumstances try to force you to be something else."

"Are ye sure that it wasnae ye fighting against somethin in yer own soul?" The boat thunked gently against the side of the The Sea Maiden. She grinned up into the face of her second mate and grabbed the rope he handed down to her. She completely trusted all the men in her crew, well as far as a Pirate could be trusted.

Will's face contorted and he bit his tongue hard. "You know not of what I speak." He pulled himself aboard and looked around appreciatively. "You have a fine ship here. Now that I am aboard, might I know your name?"

She clambered over the railings and quickly unstrapped the sword and stripped off the now wet heavy coat, dropping it to the deck. She held up the sword to the moonlight and made a clucking sound in her throat. The sword would have to be oiled or it would rust. She ran her hand over the smooth edge, such a beautiful blade. "Lorelei, me name's Ruby Lorelei." She murmured as she walked past the stunned blacksmith. She issued the orders that would haul the anchor and have them set their course back to Haven.

Will swallowed hard as her coat dropped, her shirt sticking to her skin and nearly see-through from the thin sheen of perspiration they had built up rowing. Her purple pants clung to her legs and hips as a second skin, wet from the sea, and she pulled her hair free from it's binding as she walked toward the wheel. Dear God she was a woman indeed. She was petite in stature, but her body was beautifully curved and voluptuous. He could not help but compare her to the girlish figure of Elizabeth and he was surprised at himself. He could not seem to take his eyes from her departing back, the sensuous sway of her hips and the confident stride.

When she turned toward him, backlit by the moon, he sucked in a breath and his body thrummed to life against his will. He could see the outline of her hardened nipples and he bit his cheek in an attempt to stem the colour that flooded his cheeks. He turned quickly to stare out across the water. He had to gain control of himself. This was an improper line of thought, even if she were a pirate... especially since she was a pirate.

Lorelei kept a close eye on her unwilling guest. She could sense that he would rather be anywhere but on her ship. She could also sense the reluctant admiration in his gaze. Her eyes meet his across the deck and he turned a charming shade of pink. Lorelei laughed, he blushed as pretty as a noble maiden. She turned her head to listen to what her first mate was saying then she smiled. "I'll leave ye to it then Jonas, while I entertain our guest." She clapped the mate on the back and trotted towards the slender young man. "Are ye hungry Will Turner? If ye are, then follow me."

Will fought hard to regain his composure as she moved toward him, not completely succeeding, but at least managing to bring his face into an impassive look. Her voice washed over him smooth as satin, and he licked his lips unconsciously. "Yes, I do believe I am. Thank you Lorelei." Her name felt strange upon his lips, and yet natural at the same time. Only one other woman in his life had he called by her Christian name.

Lorelei gave him a smile and headed towards the ladder which would take them below deck. Sailors stood aside as she strode past them and soon they reached a cabin at the back. She pushed the door open with a welcome sigh. "Here we be." He stepped in behind her and when she heard the snick of the door she grasped the hem of her shirt and pulled the soggy garment over her head as she headed towards a screen in the back corner of the room. "Help yerself ta tha food." She called over her shoulder nodding towards a sumptuous feast laid out on the table.

Will's jaw dropped open as he watched her walk away from him, half naked and showing more flesh than he had seen in his young life. He tried to swallow the lump from his throat but failed miserably. His hands shook and he took his seat to keep his knees from giving out. And all he had seen was a brief glimpse from the side and her bare back, yet that was more than enough. He closed his eyes tightly, but the image of her smooth pale skin, dusted with freckles and rosy from the cool night air, her flaming auburn hair tickling her lower back, was emblazoned on his memory.

"Ahem... thank you again. Would you like me to leave whilst you change miss?" He fell unconsciously into proper etiquette as he attempted to bring his rioting body under control.

"There be no need. Eat Will."

He stood quickly and made for the door. "I believe there is. It is not proper. I will be outside the door until you are dressed and ready to join me for dinner."

Lorelei stepped around the screen, a pair of grey woollen trews and a black shirt covering her diminutive frame. "Why Mr Turner I believe ye are shy." Her voice shook with laughter.

"If that is how you wish to think of it miss." Will turned around warily, sighing in relief to find her dressed once again, though he could not now seem to look at her within her clothing the same way, much to his chagrin. He was a rake and a cad beneath his skin so it seemed.

Lorelei waved her hand. "Sit an eat. I don't know about ye but I be starved." Inwardly she was annoyed, she'd seen the expression in his eyes, and how dare that damn prude presume to pass judgement on her. As if he was the only one with any moral code.

Will took his seat and nodded. "I am quite famished myself Lorelei." Now that she was seated and partially hidden from his lecherous thoughts, he found it easier to revert to her familiar name. "Everything looks delicious."

Lorelei gave him a cool nod and tore a loaf of bread in half. She handed him a portion then cut herself a slab of salted meat. She held up the flagon of mulled wine, silently asking if he wanted a goblet.

"Yes please." He answered her, cutting his meat into small squares.

Lorelei poured the spiced wine slowly and set the flagon next to his elbow. She tore hungrily into the bread, meat and fruit. Pausing only when she realised he stared at her. She dropped her bread to her plate and looked down at her hands. She knew that she wasn't a lady, not one like he was used to. Oh, she'd heard about his fiancée, how beautiful and elegant the tall slender woman was. She was dumpy in comparison but he needn't look at her like she was an uncouth monster that was about to eat its dinner guests. Will watched her carefully, wondering what it would be like to meet his father once again after so many years. His heart raced at the possibility and he forced himself not to hope too much. He shook his head to clear it and then caught her just looking at her food, her shoulders hunching slightly, a first sign of insecurity he had detected in her. "I am sorry Lorelei, I was lost in thought. Did you say something that I missed in my daydreaming?"

Lorelei shook her head, and slowly resumed eating. "Is it to yer liking?"

"It is delicious. I certainly was not expecting anything so fine upon a ship. You must give my compliments to your cook." He took a bite of the meat, savouring it, a small smile upon his lips. He had certainly not fared as well while sailing with Jack.

Lorelei took a sip of her wine and nodded. "I'll be sure ta pass on yer compliments."

"Thank you." Will took a deep breath and leaned back in his chair once the edge was taken off his hunger. "So tell me about my father."

"What exactly where ye wantin ta know?" Lorelei looked up and stared into his eyes.

Will sighed softly. "Everything. I have thought him dead for nine years; there is much I have missed. Much that I am sure has changed."

Lorelei shrugged, "He be a noble man. Carin and lovin. He also be a grievin man. For years he felt he'd lost his family. Din't think his wife would survive the loss of him an' his son. Also knew he had no choice about no' goin back."

"My mother was dead before I sailed. I was taken in as a charge by the Governor and his daughter, and given the opportunity to apprentice with the local blacksmith." His heart soared at the words caring and loving, for that was the thing he remembered most about his father. It was what had been so hard to reconcile to the occupation of pirate before he had witnessed Jack saving his and other's lives many times.

"Yer da was so joyful when Jack Sparrow came with tha news. He was so proud of you. So excited when he heard o' yer wedding."

Will's face contorted and his voice became gruffer than he had intended. "If he is proud of me because I was to marry above my station, then I am afraid you have been sent on a fool's errand. There will be no wedding."

Lorelei pushed away from the table, anger suffusing her face. It may have been ten years but surely he knew better of his father then that. "He was proud because ye'd managed to survive in a world that suffers no fools an' that ye had bettered yer life an' become a master o' yer craft."

Will's heart beat a bit faster and he looked at his hands in shame. He had no right to take out his pain on others. "Please... forgive me. I did not mean to... today was to be my wedding day, I am not quite myself."

Lorelei nodded and settled back into her chair. "I'm sorry." She said nothing more, not wanting to stir up any emotions in Will. She'd be glad when they found their way back to Haven so she could get the temperamental man off of her ship. At least on the Island she could avoid him, despite sharing Bill's small house with him.

"I wish I was sure that I was. I do not believe that she ever loved me, and I would not wish anyone to marry whom they do not love, even if they are loved completely. Tell me more of him? I promise you I will not be so rude again." If he could only be sure that his father was alive, today's remembrance would be one of joy rather than loss.

"There not be a lot more to say. He be a man who stays steady an' constant. Basically runs tha trade on Haven."

"You have had a happy life with him as your father?" Will asked curiously.

Lorelei had to give him credit for intelligence. She'd never said anything personal about herself, never said that Bill Turner had been as a father to her. "I couldnae have asked for better.....under tha' circumstances. He taught me everything he knew."

Will smiled softly. "I am glad that neither of you were alone." He swallowed hard and asked the question he had been longing to ask since the beginning. "So did he ever speak of us?"

Lorelei felt a surge of sympathy. "He talked o' naught else. Always o' his boy Will."

"What stories did he tell?" Will found himself praying that it was true, that his father was alive. The look in her eyes when she had defended his father had gone a long way toward convincing him of her claims.

"Mostly of ye as a little boy. How he began yer education in tha blade." Lorelei smiled slightly. "He be no easy teacher, yet he was always impressed with tha' skills ye showed."

Will was desperate for any story that would convince him. Anyone could guess that his father had begun his instruction in sword fighting, but even just the thought that his father had spoken of his skill in pride filled him with emotion he could barely contain. "I have practised diligently, becoming even more one with the blade as I learned to shape them, learned secrets they give up to only a happy few."

Lorelei nodded, she understood perfectly. "He did wonder why ye hate us so much. It shocked him ta know that ye may nae wish ta see him again."

Will looked at her in surprise. "Hate you?"

"Hate us Pirates." Lorelei watched him steadily. "Yer ashamed of yer own blood."

Will shook his head. "I do not hate you. I did before I met Jack, but I learned that not all pirates are like Barbossa. Still, I cannot reconcile myself to respect a profession that earns their living by stealing from others."

Lorelei raised an eyebrow. "Are ye sure ye be Bootstrap Bill's son?"

Will looked at her curiously. "That is what they tell me, they say I look just like him."

"Aye, that ye do. But I've never met anyone so differin in personality."

"And why do you say that? I seem to recall that we were quite alike when I was a child, but then I didn't realise he was a pirate either, so maybe I never really knew him at all." Will felt the pain of that fact pierce his soul

"Bill looks for tha' next adventure. Ye seem ta feel that word be a curse."

"I enjoyed my adventure while it lasted, but the treasure that I thought I found turned to ash."

"Yer wench will come back ta ye. She seems ta have an adventurous soul, maybe she just be young an tryin ta find herself find herself afore she has ta settle inta yer life."

Will shook his head. "No, she will not return, and I would not want her to. She is not the woman I thought she was, and I am not the man that she wanted me to be. No relationship can survive that. It was a boyhood dream, never meant to be realised. She only agreed to marry me because she thought I was a pirate, or would become one. She says now that it was Jack that she fell in love with."

"I don't be thinking that Jack Sparrow would be feeling tha same way. Ach Will, she'd be a fool ta toss ye over for that drunkard. I think she will return to you, stronger an' more settled in her soul. Ready ta be tha woman you need. It might be taking adventure ta sort out with her what she really wants."

Will's eyes filled with anger but he forced himself to bite his tongue and speak with reservation. "It does no good to speak of it now. She left me without even the guts to say it to my face, and she has gone to find the man she 'loves', though I don't believe she truly loves him anymore than he loves her. It is over. That is all that needs be said. Now, would you be kind enough to show me to my quarters please Lorelei."

"Yer in em." Lorelei didn't even look up from the piece of bread she was tearing to shreds.

Will's eyes opened a little wider. "You are giving me the Captain's quarters to take my rest?"

"Where else would I put ye?"

"But where will you sleep then? I will be quite comfortable bunking with the crew."

"With yer disdain of us quite visible I be a fool if I bunked ye with me men. Ye'd be lucky if they limited therselfs ta dipping yer hand in heated water while ye slept."

"I hold no disdain for you or your crew. You are taking me to my father; I owe you more than I could say. As to the tricks, it is nothing that I have not endured before I assure you. I was not so unlucky as to never have male friends growing up."

Lorelei shrugged. "I donnae have tha' room in tha' crew quarters regardless. Ye may have noticed that The Sea Maiden be a smaller ship then most Pirate ships. It also be faster an' more manoeuvrable. But it lacks tha' same space."

Will bit the inside of his cheek. "I cannot sleep in your quarters Lorelei. It would be improper."

Lorelei laughed heartily at that." Improper?"

"Yes, Improper. You are a lady and I could not share your quarters." Will was becoming increasingly irritated with the way she insisted on making fun of him. It was after all the way his mother and father had raised him.

"I donnae think ye have a choice. Beside, ye be ta scrawny fer me tastes."

Will was mortified as he blushed, but his irritation was even stronger. "And ye be too condecendin and judgemental fer mine, not ta mention the fact that I have no interest in being tangled up with ANY woman e'er again. But that is entirely beside the point." His voice slipped into the pirate brogue easily to make his point even clearer.

Lorelei laughed as he mimicked her though she wanted to smash that superior look off that too handsome face. But she restrained the urge by standing up and cleaning off the table All in all she didn't care where he slept. He could make his home in the crows nest for all she cared. Once again she cursed the love she held for Bill, it was the only thing that made her accept this little quest. But why did Bill's son have to be snot nosed uptight Land lubber.

Will sighed and shook his head. "If you will just show me to a blanket, I will make my bed on the floor."

"Take what ever surface ye please." Lorelei snapped. She spun on her heel and ducked behind the screen. Her fury rising, he'd called her condescending? Could he hear his own words?

Will clenched his fists tightly. She was the most exasperating female he'd ever met. How the hell was she getting to him so quickly? Fine, if she wanted to be a wench about it, then he would make her happy. "Where do you want me Lorelei?"

Lorelei had to bite her lip to stop herself blurting the first wicked thing that came to mind. The virginal blacksmith would probably die from his own sense of outrage if she uttered a single one of her thoughts. "I donnae care." She replied flatly." Sleep where ye want ta."

"Then how bout I just sleep in the chair? Not that I sleep much anyway." Will watched her emerge from behind the screen and move toward him, her scant clothing clinging to her body in all the wrong places for his peace of mind, and he started at the sudden desire to kiss her. It was insane. What the hell was wrong with him?

Lorelei shrugged. "I say again, sleep where ye will. It matters nae ta me."

Will reached down to his waist and unbuckled his sword, turning to set it gingerly on the desk. He walked to the chair and sat down purposefully, leaning back and closing his eyes. "Goodnight Lorelei, I will see you in the morning then."

Lorelei settled into her bed, and curled into her usual ball on the left edge. He was going to get cold and sore sleeping in that chair, she knew that from experience. Will barely kept from groaning out loud as the vision of her nude from the waist up flitted before him again, the curve of her breast peeking beneath her left arm and making him near to begging to see the rest. He should be run through for his thoughts, but no matter how hard he tried, Lorelei haunted his every waking thought before he finally drifted off, and then she proceeded to invade his restless dreams.

Lorelei stared into the darkness, the creaking timbers soothing her. The night and dreams brought no peace for her. In her mind she replayed the night that her father's vessel had been moored in Tarturga and the first mate had run screaming back to announced her father dead at the hand of Barbossa. The cursed Pirates had attacked the ship and tried to set it afire. That's what she dreamed of, engulfing flames and living skeletons, killing everyone who crossed their paths. She slipped wearily into those bright dreams between one breath and the next.

Will woke with a start to someone moaning and whimpering. He looked to the bed in concern. Lorelei was dripping sweat and in the throes of an obvious nightmare. He stood slowly, gripping his back and biting his tongue against the sudden spasms. He made his way to the bed and eased down beside her, stroking her hair back from her eyes. "Lorelei?"

"No DONT KILL US." Lorelei screamed and jerked awake, shivering violently.

Will did not hesitate long enough to think, he simply pulled her into his arms and pressed her cheek against his heart, rocking her softly. "Everything is okay Lorelei, you are safe. I'm right here and you are safe on your ship. It was just a dream."

Lorelei stayed silent, it was not just a dream it was a memory but he had no need to know that. He already looked down on her, would he think that her father, his crew and her mother had earned their just rewards for their lifestyle? Will eased back against the headboard and kept her cradled tenderly in his arms, amazed at how strong the urge to protect her was. It must be that she was as close to a sister as he'd ever have. That had to be it. He intentionally ignored the fact that he was most definitely not thinking of her as a brother thinks of a sister.

"Shhh" He stroked her cheek gently and leaned down to kiss the crown of her head, sighing at the clean and spicy scent that rose to meet him, the silken feel of her hair as it tickled his lips. He moved them down on the bed until they lay flat, his head cushioned on the pillow as he continued to rock her gently. "Sleep Lorelei. I will be here to keep watch over you."

Her eyes searched his face quizzically for long moments and then she closed them, reassured and slipped this time into dreams of musky scent and silken skin. Will held her as she slept, wondering just what she had dreamed of. He wondered if it had truly been only a dream, or if it had been based in reality as he had sometimes dreamed of being on the Interceptor and being to late to save Elizabeth. He continued to rock her softly as his eyes grew heavy and he began to nod off himself. He was indescribably comforted by the feel of her curled into him, and he slipped off into the first peaceful sleep since Elizabeth had left.