Dark Waltz

June 27, 2004

OceanGirl28

Rating: PG-13 for drinking, descriptive kissing and sexual references

Summary: Elizabeth Swann's life is a never-ending waltz from man to man, deceiving each and every one into thinking she loves them... but there is only one man Elizabeth longs to dance with, and that man in out of her reach. Her father forbade her to see Will Turner long ago, yet can she obey such an order? Will she listen to her father... or her heart? What will her actions lead to? Perhaps the end - of both of them. W/E shipping. No flames, please!

Disclaimer: I own nothing but the plot and a few characters. Everything else belongs to the creators of Pirates of the Caribbean.

Chapter One, First Waltz

Fourteen-year-old Elizabeth Swann waltzed about her front lawn one late summer afternoon. Her bare feet danced swiftly across the soft grass on that warm evening, and she felt as though she had not a care in the world. Many of the curls that her maid had tried so hard to pin atop her head had now fallen, bouncing upon her shoulders. She spun about, letting her arms fly free as she gazed up at the blue sky which slowly began to fade revealing small stars that sparkled like diamonds. Eventually she began to feel light headed and fell to the ground, staring upwards as her vision slowly sharpened. Just then, a blurred image of a boy appeared out of nowhere. She gasped and instantly sat up, her vision clear now as she realized that it was only her good friend, William Turner.

"Good Lord, Will!" she breathed, her hand upon her heart, "Don't do that!" He bent down so that he was eye to eye with her, a funny smile that was often on his face when she was around him. "Did I startle you?" he asked mockingly, being it perfectly obvious that he had done so. Elizabeth smacked him playfully on the back of his head. "Yes, and you know it. What are you doing here? You know my father does not approve of your visits." His smile faded slightly. "I was walking home and saw you dancing alone; thought you may want a partner." Elizabeth could not tell whether he was being sincere or mocking her. She would've loved to dance with another, for she had never before. She only watched the guests longingly at the parties, balls, and masquerades that her father held. "I would hardly call myself spinning around aimlessly dancing, dear William." she replied, laughing softly. "Besides," she added, "I'd probably step on your feet."

"You don't know how to dance? This is coming from the governor's daughter?" Will mockingly made a shocked face, as he put his hand to his heart and gave her his other to help her stand up. She accepted, and a strange feeling that made her heart beat faster in excitement traveled throughout her body from his touch. She wondered what it had meant, for she had never felt that way around Will before. "Are you alright?" he asked, and she saw a slight worry in his eyes, although he tried to hide it. She smiled to reassure him, "Yes, yes I'm fine." Will nodded and reached for her hand. She stepped back, "What are you doing?" she asked, nervously. He rolled his eyes, "Teaching you how to dance, dimwit!" he laughed and shook his head in false disappointment, "and they call you the governor's daughter... "

Elizabeth glared at him and kicked his shin. Smiling at his pain she answered, "Ah, William. You have your fun with me now, but as you said, I'm the governor's daughter." She smiled proudly as Will muttered what sounded like 'silly girl' under his breath, and offered his hand once more. "I won't bite." he said, smiling. Elizabeth now stepped forward and accepted. He gently grasped her other hand and led it to rest atop his shoulder, as he gently snaked his hand around her waist. She swallowed, and for some reason felt rather uncomfortable practicing such a thing with Will. Why did she feel so strange? After all, they had known each other for five years.

"Now," he said, "The man - me," Elizabeth couldn't help but snort as her hand dropped from his shoulder to cover her mouth. "You, Will Turner? A man?" He glared at her and grabbed her hand, placing it back on his shoulder. Elizabeth pulled herself together as he continued, "always leads."

"Why does the man lead? Shouldn't the woman lead? You know, we are good for more than cooking, cleaning and keeping quiet." She said, boldly. "Yes, Liz," Will said, tiredly, "I'm sure you are, but for now I lead, and I would be much obliged if I could continue my teaching without more interruptions?" He lifted an inquiring eyebrow. She rolled her eyes at him and nodded. "Good, then." Will replied, grasping her free hand. His touch was gentle, despite his rough hands, and she felt content.

Will began to softly whisper, "One, two, three. One, two, three." repeatedly. "No, you step back, remember? I lead." He would say whenever she stepped on his foot. He was patient with her, and after ten minutes or so, she had finally gotten the hang of it. He no longer had to prompt her nor mutter the beat at which she was supposed to step to. It became quiet, and the sun was setting, creating beautiful colors of orange, pink, and red throughout the sky. Elizabeth did not realize that she had been staring into Will's eyes for quite some time until he blinked and looked away. She shook her head, blushing, and he cleared his throat - for he had been gazing at her as well.

She knew it then; she knew the reason for all of her feelings before. Elizabeth had taken a liking to Will. No, not the liking that she took to him when they first got to know each other on the crossing from England, but a strange feeling in her heart; one that she had never felt before. There was a slight uncomfortable silence, yet they still continued to dance.

"How is it that you learned to dance so well?" she whispered, breaking the silence. "My mother taught me back in England. We were poor, but she would often attended parties of the lower gentry."

"Oh." she breathed, feeling slightly uncomfortable at the fact that she was considered 'better' than Will, although she never once thought of it that way.

After another silence Elizabeth breathed, "This is silly, we have not even music!" She was about to break apart from Will's gentle hands, although she did not want to. Will stopped her and swiftly pulled her back into his arms, humming an unfamiliar tune. She smiled at him, for she knew then that he did not want to stop dancing either. She took a chance and edged closer to him, resting her arm now on his back. For a quick moment he stopped humming, in slight shock, but soon continued, for he took pleasure in Elizabeth's touch. He carefully rested his forehead against hers, and saw a small smile creep upon her lips.

... her lips.

His eyes focused upon her lips, the lips in which he so longed to brush with his own. Would she take anger in his sudden act? He did not want to anger her. As thoughts raced throughout his head about what he should do, he noticed that she was already leaning towards him. They stopped dancing, although his hand lingered on her waist. Their lips edged closer and closer until -

"Elizabeth!" Governor Swann yelled from inside the house, "Elizabeth!"

Elizabeth abruptly pulled back. Her father's voice reminded her that she was, unfortunately, still on earth. Will looked tense, and nervously placed his hands in his pockets. "I must go," she said, worriedly, "Father will be very angry." Will nodded as she ran back into the house, stopping by the door and turning back to smile at Will before closing it behind her.

So! What do you think? I'm quite happy with the way the beginning of my story turned out. I hope you all feel the same way! Please review, if you wish. Oh yes, and I beg of you – no flames, please! If you don't enjoy my story then please keep your thoughts of it to yourselves. Thank you.

I feel that I must warn you dear readers that there are, unfortunately, no pirates in this story. I am fully aware that the movie is called Pirates of the Caribbean, yet have decided to focus my story on Elizabeth and Will instead. I am in love with Captain Jack Sparrow, but he decided he'd rather stay in Tortuga this story and give Elizabeth and Will their alone time.

My best regards,

OceanGirl28