CHAPTER FOUR

Elizabeth started walking down the North wing, but she didn't directly go to the servants quarters. When she was almost there, Elizabeth made a right turn and started going West. The castle was so big that when Elizabeth was little, she discovered hidden passages through out the walls. Even thought it was hard to see since the lighting was very pour in the tunnels, Elizabeth still went to her bedroom.

The dress she was wearing was ridiculous, no one could move in something like that. The corset was to tight, the heels were damaging, and the skirt was to fluffy. She would much rather prefer her leather riding trousers, and forest green linen shirt. Elizabeth knew that she looked like Peter and her pirate father mixed.

She did that on purpose, mainly to irritate the two. The green drove her father mad, while the leather did the same to Peter, just in the wrong way. He loved how she looked, almost like him. Frankly, she had even bought a pair of dark green stained leather cuffs to go along with it. She only wore them when she was alone though, otherwise her parents would get suspicious of her.

Elizabeth hated the overly fluffy dresses and perfected hair. She never wanted to attend royal balls, and have other princes shoved in her face. As she raced down the secret passage, she thought about all the things that her parents would let her do instead of her princess lessons. Like riding her horse, and spending time in her secret garden with Peter.

When she eventually got to her room, she changed into her leather pants, forest green shirt, brown bodice, and put on her leather cuffs. She finally felt comfortable again. Elizabeth was about to leave when she saw the small sliver acorn on a necklace chain. She remembered buying it in the market the day she meet Peter.

PAST:

It was right across the bakery, and the sun hit right the spot. The reflection hit her eyes. Then she saw the acorn pendent, and even though she hid her identity to the town, she payed well on the things that she bought. Elizabeth knew about the unfair taxes, and how the sheriff was being cruel to them. The rumors spread within the town, and she knew that her parents were being tricked by that money-hungry sheriff.

So to help out the stands and booths that she bought from, she always paid triple what was owed. Since she could afford it. The baker had figured that she was from a wealthy family, but once he discovered that she was the princess, he knew that something was wrong. So he asked her, and found out that the problem was the sheriff, not the royal family. After time they became good friends.

Then one day, a boy came in to buy, but didn't have enough. So Elizabeth bought him a few few loafs of bread, then he thanked her and went on his way. Elizabeth continued her own business, but as she sat by the window in the bakery she saw something. The same boy that she had helped was stolen from. Elizabeth ran out the doors and helped him once again. He explained how they mugged him, and they said that it was for the bread. Even though the muggers said they stole just the bread, the boy came out with plenty of bruises and cuts.

She took him back to the bakery, and cleaned his wounds. Even though he said it wasn't necessary, she continued to do so. When she was done, and he had a new bunch of bread for dinner, Elizabeth sent him on his way.

Before he could fully walk out the door, she followed him. Then she saw that same acorn necklace over in the shop. Elizabeth eyed it and took a mental note to buy it later, but she still continued after the weak boy.

"What are doing?"

He asked and it almost sounded annoyed. To be honest, he probably was annoyed from the girl following him. She responded kindly and sweetly.

" I was just making sure that you got home alright. You seam to be prone to violence."

'You have no idea." The boy muttered under his breath, and continued to walk.

" Why are you heading to the woods? Most of the homes in this place are in the other direction."

"Lass, you said most houses are in the other direction, my home is not applied to that rule. I live alone."

"I'm sorry. No one should live alone, you'll end up going mad."

He looked at her with his emerald green eyes, and shot her a knowing glance that was filled with sorrow. Even though she was a good four inches smaller than him, she still could slightly see him under his pied cloak.

"How would you know that lass? You seam to be to kind and beautiful for people not to notice you. I would think that men would worship the ground you walked on." Elizabeth blushed at his words, no one has ever called her beautiful, except her family that is.

"No, only the baker is my friend in this town. Other than that, I usually just am locked up in a ca-cottage." Elizabeth caught herself before she could ruin any chance of being friends that she had. When he looked at her again, he gave her a 'really' look.

"So why do you stay all alone? I would think that some one like you would be in town, wasting their time a the tavern. Not that I'm saying that like that, it's just boys your age are usually there with a lady on their lap."

All he did was laugh a little at her assumption. She was right, most men his age would be there. "How do you know so much for being in the shadows of the town and keeping at the bakery?"

"No, I will not answer your question until you answer mine, that was the second time I've asked, and you have avoided it both times."

He was surprised at her confident tone, most lasses don't demand information out of others. They usually just wait to be told. The boy was interested in her. 'what made her so different?' He thought, but then he realized that she was still waiting for her answer.

"Well, I don't want to scare you off, so I kind of don't talk about it. The reason that I live all alone is so that I don't hurt people. I used to be a ruler of an off known place, and I got every thing that I wanted. My emotions got so fire-fueled that I ended up hurting a lot of people. I basically turned into a nightmare dressed as a day dream." The boy sighed and turned to look at what he assumed would be a frightened stare, was actually her wanting to know more. Her eyes said it all, the eagerness and wonder that filled them was undeniable. This confused him.

" Now, your answer. How do you know so much about the tavern scum?"

"Let's just say that I over hear people talking, and see how young the men come out of there are. Any way, I want to hear more about your stories. What did you do? Where were you from? You know what, I don't even know your name, what is it?"

The realization dawned on him that he hadn't said his name. His movements became quick, and he moved in front of her, then slightly bowed.

"I'm sorry, did I forget to introduce myself, I'm Peter."

"Elizabeth."

When Elizabeth said her name, it looked like she was calm and had a normal smile on her face. But on the inside she was freaking out that he bowed. She thought that he knew that she was the princess, but they then continued to walk.

"Can I ask you a question Peter?"

"Sure, why not?"

"Why did you bow when you introduced yourself? I mean I'm no one special, so why?"

"You know, I'm going to completely ignore that last comment, because you truly are special. Maybe you don't have magic or are some sort of shape-shiftier, but to me you are."

"How do you know that I'm so special like you say? I can barely have the attention of most people, why do you care so much for me, and I meet you less than half an hour ago?"

Peter paused before he answered because he truly had to think about it, 'why was she so important in his eyes?' "Your special because of your kindness. I was a complete stranger to you, and you gave me more than I can give myself. That and because I see you as the only friend I've had in a long time."

"Thanks. I don't really have friends either, except for the baker. Mainly because I work over in his shop, and he gives me a fair share."

"Well it looks like we're in the same boat then."

Elizabeth started to giggle at his choice of words, because of her father's previous occupation. He didn't know that though. Peter was just using a metaphor.

"Why is that so funny?"

The tone he used was almost like a kicked puppy. Elizabeth noticed this right away, and stopped laughing. She never intended for Peter's feelings to be hurt. She was just giggling at his choice of words.

"Oh Peter, I'm not laughing at you, just your words. You see, my father was a sailor before he meet my mother and they married. It was not focused towards you."

His expression softened, and he started to laugh as well. Elizabeth started to smile again and waited for him to finish, while she giggled with him.

"Out of all the things I could have said, I chose one that made you laugh. To be honest, I had no Idea that your father was a sailor."

"Not just any kind of sailor, he was the captain. I still want to hear your stories, will you tell them to me."

Peter was hesitant at first, but before he could answer, his house came into view. The moment it did, Elizabeth stopped. Peter turned to look at her. What he saw was nothing like he imagined it would be like, the look on her face was pity, not fear.

"Peter is this your home?"

Her voice sounded like it was about to cry. He wondered why, but he responded to her. "Yeah, but it's not as bad as it looks. I keeps me warm and sheltered."

Then he took a look at the cottage that he called home. It was small and breaking at the seams. The glass windows were shattered, the wood was old and splintering, and the grass around the cottage was rotten or dying. Frankly, Peter didn't care because it's the best he could do for now.

"You know, I could always ask Henry if he has an extra room. That way you can have a home that's not falling apart."

"Yeah, I kn-... Wait, did you say Henry?!"

Peter stopped right outside the door of the miniature hobble. His emerald eyes were wide, and shocked at the same time. Even though he turned to face her instead of stand beside her, he was freaking out in his mind. ' Now she will never talk to me again and I'll be alone!'

"Yes, the bakery has an apartment above it, there is always extra room since he lives alone. Plus Henry owes me a favor."

"Oh, I thought you meant someone else. Sorry for yelling a bit."

"It's alright, most people think when I say Henry, that I'm talking about my half-brother. Only when I'm with my family though, when I sneak off to town, they all think that it's the baker."

Peter's alarm bells were going off in his head. "Why does she make me so nervous about losing her?' He thought. Peter decided to let it go and continue with the conversation.

"Would you like to come inside, I'll make tea, and tell you my stories."

"Sure, but only if I can ask questions. I'm very curious, you know, I like to know every detail of the tale, other wise I get confused."

"Very well, I can make tea, and you can ask questions. Come on in, it's quite cold today, don't you think so?"

"Now that you mention it, yes, it's quite cold. Thank you."

Before he responded, Peter opened the door to the house, and pushed the door open for her. Elizabeth smiled, and walked in past Peter. When she fully entered the cottage she saw the makings of his home. The fireplace, table, kitchen, bookshelf, and all the other necessary items for a home. To be honest, Elizabeth didn't mind the fact that the house was breaking apart because of how homey it was.

Peter entered moments after her, and went straight to tending the fire for the tea. Before he did though, he took his pied cloak off, and hung it on it's rightful hanger. Elizabeth could finally see him completely now.

His small lean build, the green cloths, the dirty blond hair. Her image of him finally came together. Peter finished tending to the fire to turn around and see Elizabeth staring at him. After a few moments, he raised his eyebrow, and snapped out of what ever trance she was in. The real thing that they were both oblivious to though, was for a moment, both of their eyes shined a bright purple. The color covered their eyes, and then it was gone. Neither of them know though.

Elizabeth started to blush, but all Peter did was give a small breathy chuckle. It sounded almost like a forced breath of air instead of a laugh. She eventually got over herself and spoke.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to stare, it's just that under your cloak, I couldn't see you."

"No, it's alright. Not many can see me under that thing. I don't blame you."

When Peter was done explaining to her that the cloak he wore was purposely supposed to hide his face, they both heard the kettle scream. He then walked over to the cabinet were the cups were, and pulled out two. Peter turned around to see Elizabeth going for the kettle.

"Sit, don't worry, I'll get it."

Peter gestured to the table, and she sat down. He walked over to the table as well and placed the cups down before he went to get the kettle. Peter first grabbed the handle mitt, then brought it over to Elizabeth and the cups. He poured both his and hers before setting the pot of water down. The boy then proceeded to sit along beside her, and picked up his own cup.

"Alright, about those stories, you have to know that I'm not like this anymore. And that I wasn't the nicest person, I was a demanding demon. Or that's what some people called me."

"Okay, but you must know that I believe that everyone deserves a second chance. So this is yours, and I won't judge you. But I want to hear the story of how you began to change."

"Well you kind of have to know who I was before anything I can tell you makes sense."

"Peter, what is your full name, and where are you from?"

"Please promise me that you won't get scared."

"Peter what you did can't be that bad, but yes I will stay and listen to your story. Even if it frightens me, I will stay put." Elizabeth shot Peter a smile to reassure him that she was genuine.

"Okay, well I'm from Neverland and my name is Peter Pa-"

"Wait, you're Peter Pan!?"

"Yeah, how do you know me?"

"My parents, brother, and possibly all the family members that went to Neverland have told me this story. What I truly want to know is how your alive?!"

"Who's your family?"

Peter was completely confused as to how she knew about his adventures and games on Neverland. He shot her a glare that told her to continue on about the knowledge of him.

" You told me your name, now I must tell you mine. This will make every thing become so much easier. Normally I don't say it in town, but you wouldn't say your last name either. You'll understand."

"What?"

"Peter Pan, my full name is... Elizabeth Jones."

Peter's jaw dropped slightly and his eyes widened. Not only was he being open about his past, but it was with the one person's daughter that he employed all those years ago. All reason for Peter flew out the window, and his mind became a bunch of scribbles. When he spoke, it was like his mouth couldn't form the right words.

"W-what I... Ahhhh... I-I I didn't... Umm. You-you're the captain's daughter?"

"We all have our secrets, but I still want to hear yours. And to answer any questions that you might have, no I'm not afraid of you. To be honest, I would have done the same thing."

"What?! I thought that when I told you who I was, that you were going to run away and never want to talk to me again. But for you to say that you would do the same, I'm at a loss for words."

" It's alright. I understand why. Who would think that the innocent princess would take action like a desperate villain, but that's not me. Or you. I understand where you were coming from. You were trying to save your life, your island, and stay with your brothers and best friends. So yes, I would do the same."

At the end of Elizabeth's words, Peter was absolutely speechless. She understood him so much to the point were it was almost like they shared a mind. Elizabeth stayed until the sun went down. She listened to Peter's stories and tales until she heard the kingdom's bell chime to signal the closing hour of the shops, Then she said goodbye, and promised Peter that she would return. This put his mind at ease, the fact that she actually liked it there with him.

The weeks passed and Elizabeth still went to see him. They began to take walks in the forest, and go to the lake a mile or two away from Peter's house. Eventually Peter and Elizabeth began to fall for each other, and their secret meetings would be days apart. Time continued like this until Peter's house was discovered by some of her parents knights, this forced Peter to flee. Now he was hiding at the castle with Elizabeth while he rebuilt the damage the knights have caused. Then time now went up to the present.

PRESENT:

She was still looking at the acorn pendent when she grabbed it quicker than lightning, and bolted to the passage again. Elizabeth held onto the acorn as tight as she could before deciding to give it to Peter later, so she stuffed it into her pocket. The girl still ran down the passage when she reached the servants quarters.

Elizabeth pushed on the wall to see Peter sitting on the small bed, and staring into space, in a deep thought. He didn't even realize that she was there until Elizabeth tapped on his shoulder. The motion started him, but all he did was slightly jump and look in her direction. When he noticed that it was her, he jumped to his feet and hugged her tight.

"Elizabeth how did you get in here?"

"There are secret passages in the walls, my parents don't think that I know about them but I do. Let's go, I want to go to the lake."

And with that they both ran off into the secret passages, and saddled up some horses. When Peter made sure that everything was in place, he helped her on. Eventually he got on himself, and then they both left racing out the stables to get to their one special place.

Iv'e got this chapter down, hope you liked it. This was mainly for the filling in of Peter and Elizabeth's background together. The next update will be for Seven Years Ago. If you haven't heard, I will be making a rotation on the three stories that I have uploaded.

-Seven Years Ago

-The Lost Boy and the Pirate Princess ( this one)

-At last we meet... Again

Please read all of them, they all are quite good. Two of them feature Elizabeth as Peter's love interest while the other has Tiger Lilly. I really love to write fictions that have Peter Pan, and sometimes I have to change them a little bit sometimes. Thus the reason that there is Tiger Lilly and Elizabeth. Just to clarify though, these stories are in no way related to each other. They are all their own fictions. Enjoy this update because I still have to upload two more chapters to other stories before I come back to this one. Follow and like. :) Tootles!