Ruby thought the Commodore's house was too big and too quiet. It felt bare and empty compared with the place she had called home since childhood. The small Tortuga dwelling was barely adequate as a home, but Ruby had lived there with her father until his death, and then by herself until the house was burned down just two nights ago. Nothing in the little wooden house had been fancy or without a purpose. There were few windows, all small and grimy, so the house had always glowed yellow from lamplight. She couldn't recall having ever seen its corners properly. But the Commodore's house was tall and spacious and clean, and it had many corners.
It was late evening when the Dauntless arrived in Port Royal, and night had fallen by the time Norrington showed Ruby through the large front doors of his house. Ruby thought the place seemed empty, but Norrington assured her that his housekeeper, Henrietta, was around somewhere, as well as a maid and a butler. He dropped his hat, coat, and weapons onto a chair, leaving them to be forgotten while he gave Ruby a short tour of the house. The tour only served to make her feel lost rather than familiar with her surroundings, but she supposed she would get used to it eventually. Then Norrington led Ruby to a guest room which he said would be hers. Ruby thought the room was larger than the house she had lived in for so many years. She felt very small inside it, but also couldn't help feeling just a little excited that she would sleep in a bed fit for a queen.
Norrington's eyes were heavy with exhaustion as he bid Ruby good night, but his smile was genuine. He was pleased to have her here. He told her to call Henrietta if she needed anything, then went upstairs to his own bed.
Ruby sat on the edge of the bed and just gazed around the room for a moment. The curtains were drawn and no light sneaked in from around their edges, and she would have been in complete darkness had it not been for the single candle on the nightstand. She found the darkness and glowing light comforting. They reminded her of home. The home she would never see again. Ruby tried not to be sad, knowing it was probably for the better that she didn't have to live alone in Tortuga anymore, but after she blew out the candle and curled up under the plush quilt, she couldn't stop a few tears from falling. Though she was alone, she was grateful for the darkness to hide the small, hot drops.
Here it is, my long-awaited sequel to The Alliance! This is just a short teaser, but there is, of course, more to come.