I'm so sorry!! I know I said this would be up soon but after I wrote the last chapter, my Mother had me working 24/7 to prepare for vacation which I just got back from. I was going to try to write is the day before I left, but I got terribly sick so I slept all day instead. And I packed. But you know I had all of my lovelies at heart because I typed this as soon as I got back. So I'm sorry!
Dancingwithbrokendreams: Sorry about the wait. Didn't mean to let you down.
Riley: Thanks again, and sorry I know it was a long wait.
Surrealdreams: Thank you for the critique, and also for the compliment. I'll have to ask though that all my reviewers be sensitive to each-other, okay? I don't want anyone getting upset. But as for where the story goes, you might think you know, but this chapter will probably throw you off a bit. And maybe it wont.
Part 2
Desiree sat upon a chair that had been brought upon deck for her. She listened with amusement at the excitement of the men's voices cheering the musicians and dancers on. She supposed they had all had a bit to drink that night. Though surprisingly, they handled their ale quite well. Benjamin had certainly enjoyed the freedom to drink as much wine as he liked. Dezy shook her head in dismay at the memory of him knocking over his own glass across Desiree's lap. All but Ben stopped laughing, prepared to hear great amounts of shrieking and complaining about her wet dress. Instead, she laughed along with her brother. Save for the smell, no one could tell what had happened due to the dresses deep crimson color.
"Milady, Would you allow me the honor of dancing with you?" Pullings asked charmingly, holding out his hand.
Desiree was taken aback, "Dancing with me? I.. I don't think I can" she said nervously.
"Tosh, I'll not let you stumble" He said convincingly.
Dez thought for a moment before being brought to her feet and whirled into motion that kept time with the folk music.
The uneasiness she had felt at first melted away the longer she danced. There were loud cheers and laughs of approval from the surrounding men.
"Mind If I take over?" Nagel asked.
Desiree laughed with excitement as she was passed from sailor to sailor, dancing with each as cheerfully as the next. Her brother even danced with her for a bit. She danced about the ship as though it could go on forever, and for a moment, she forgot that she was so far away from the home she longed to go back to.
The music died down and the young woman was led back to her chair which she sat upon gratefully, her breath coming in heavy gasps.
In only a few moments, the men started singing a song that Desiree just barely remembered.
"Farewell and Adieu, to you Spanish ladies,
Farewell and Adieu, to ladies of Spain
For we've received orders..."
The singing died down and all heads turned toward a voice that Dez knew was Hollom's. He bravely sang the rest of the song solo.
"To sail for old England,
We hope in a short time,
To see you again."
There was complete silence upon the ship. Dezy could feel the jealousy of the other ship mates in that silence. Hollom no doubt felt humiliated.
Desiree did the first thing she could think of, "Lay down" she began to sing softly.
All eyes were on her, the attention drawn away from Hollom. Despite her fear of singing publicly, she continued...
You're sweet and weary head
Night is falling
You Have come to journey's end
Sleep now
And dream, Of the ones who came before
They are calling
From across the distant shore
Desiree hesitated, wanting to stop there. "Go on" A few of the men urged, eager for her to continue. Dez took in a deep breath and sang...
Why do you weep?
What are these tears upon your face?
Soon you will see
All of your fears will pass away
Safe in my arms
You're only sleeping
What can you see?
On the horizon
Why do the white gulls call?
Across the see,
A pale moon rises
The ships have come to carry you home
Some of the men sighed with delight. Whether at her voice or the words of the song, Dezy didn't know. To please them, she finished the song.
And all will turn,
To silver glass
A light on the water
All souls pass
Hope fades,
Into the world of night
Through shadows falling
Out of memory and time
Don't say,
We have come now to the end
White shores are calling, you and I will meat again
You'll be here in my arms,
Just sleeping.
What can you see?
On the horizon
Why do the white gulls call?
Across the see,
A pale moon rises
The ships have come to carry you home
And all will turn,
To silver glass
A light on the water,
Grey ships pass,
Into the west.
There was silence for a moment. And then there was clapping and commending cheers.
"Well done, well done" the Captain said from the upper deck, the cheers silenced. "Gentlemen, to Miss Gonham" He said, raising his wine glass.
"To Miss Gonham!" The men repeated. Those with drinks took a gulp. Desiree felt flustered. She knew she didn't have the best voice in the world. It was suitable she supposed, but nothing to merit so much adoration.
After a short while, the night's festivities died down. The men who were stationed on night watch went to their posts while the rest made their way below deck.
"Ben, could you get the doctor for me please? I need to talk to him about something." Dez asked her brother.
He did so, before kissing her forehead goodnight and going below deck as well. Desiree tried not to laugh too hard at the effects of alcohol on her older brother. He would never have done that normally. Especially not in public.
"Serves him right" she thought gleefully to herself.
"Are you well Ms. Gonham?" The doctor asked.
"That seems to be the first thing everyone asks me here" she said.
"Yes well I think the question is warranted considering I am your doctor." he replied.
"I know. But yeah, I'm fine. In fact, I was on deck earlier today, and I could see light for a few seconds. That's good right?"
"It would seem. Why didn't you tell me sooner?" he asked a bit irritated.
"There was a lot going on today, I thought it better to just wait."
"Well I appreciate you patience but I'm afraid mine isn't as great. I insist you come to me right away next time."
"Sure I guess." She said, letting the man take her face gently into his hands.
"Good. As for your eyes, the bruising isn't decreasing, but I think the color has changed slightly. I won't be able to tell until tomorrow. In the meantime, try to keep them clean." he pleaded, letting go of her face a bit slower than necessary.
"I will" Desiree promised. "Maurtin, might I ask why the men grew quite when Hollom sang tonight?"
Stephen sighed with dismay "The men harbor a bit of disdain toward Mr. Hollom."
"Why is that?" Desiree asked, trying to understand.
" In my opinion, the contempt is unjustified. You shouldn't trouble yourself over such matters Miss." Stephen said. Dez decided to drop the matter.
"Hollom and yourself posses wonderfully true voices." The doctor complimented.
The young woman blushed, "It was nothing really. My voice isn't that great."
"I personally disagree, and I am sure that the rest of the crew does as well. Don't be surprised if your talent is called upon again in the future."
"Oh I hope not... I mean, it was nice and everything, but I only did it to draw the attention away from Mr. Hollom. I would never have done it without a reason like that."
"Well I'm afraid that if thats what you require to grace us with a song, then Mr. Hollom is going to be silenced quite often" Stephen joked.
Desiree laughed softly with him, "Then I suppose I must sing again sometime"
"Yes" He agreed.
There was a long moment of silence, "Well, I think I should go to sleep now. Is Mr. Hollom close by?" Desiree asked, not knowing what else to say.
"He is, I'll fetch him for you. Sleep well Miss"
"You too" She replied.
Hollom approached Desiree from the side, his voice was solemn, "Hello Miss, am I to take you to the captain's cabin?"
"Yes, If you will" she said softly, trying to keep her sympathy for him from her voice.
"Of course" he said, taking her arm and leading her below deck. "You sang beautifully tonight" He said sincerely.
"Thank you" Dez decided not to argue, "You're not a bad singer yourself."
"I'm afraid my voice is not nearly as admirable as yours" he said, trying to pass the compliment off.
"Hey" Desiree said, coming to a stop and letting go of his arm, Hollom stopped as well
She faced him as best she could, "You have a wonderful voice. Don't let the men shame you out of realizing that." she said seriously.
Hollom was taken aback. He struggled to find a reply, "I... won't" he said awkwardly. The woman's word's of compassion mixed with sternness both intimidated, and amazed him.
Desiree sighed quietly, and reached out her arm. Hollom took it softly and led her the rest of the way to her room in silence.
"Thank you Miss" he all but whispered to her as she closed the door.
The song is called "Into the west" for anyone who wanted to know by the way. It is from the movie "Return of the King" (Which I highly recommend for any fantasy fans who have not yet seen it). Once again. I am sorry for the wait. I'll try not to let it happen again. But what can I say, life happens, and stuff comes up. I can't help it.
Anyone think they know where this story is going yet? Well if you do, you're wrong, so HA! Lol, JK. You can take a stab at it f you want though.
Please review, you'll always get a personal reply, and reviews make for better and generally quicker chapter so yeah, why not? Thank you to my loyal, and new reviewers. You know who you are.