A/N: Nice to know folks are still reading as we close in on the halfway mark ;)
(For disclaimer, etc. - see chapter 1)
12. L is for Land
It was a whole new experience for Annabella, and Elizabeth had been somewhat apprehensive about it all.
The Black Pearl was home, and that was never going to change, but there were times when going ashore was necessary. Collecting supplies, making deals, allowing the men a little time to themselves. Never once since the birth of their daughter had Jack and Elizabeth left the ship on pleasure bent, until today.
The beach was white from side to side, the sand warmed by the sun, calm and gentle waves of clear blue water lapping the shore. It was all so serene and beautiful, and Elizabeth was glad enough to be here, lying out on a blaket with her husband by her side and their daughter just a few feet away, discovering the wonder of playing with this new substance she had yet to encounter.
Laughter escaped her throat, as a thought crossed Elizabeth's mind, catching the attention of both Annabella and Jack.
"What's so funny, luv?" her husband asked her from beneath his hat that had been propped over his face, keeping the harshness of the sun's rays at bay a while.
"Nothing really" she lied, covering her mouth with her hand and trying to hide furthering snickering.
Annabella looked at her with an inquisitive little smile, jabbering nonsense as she ran her hands through the sand and wondered why she had never felt so still before.
"Sniggering at nothing now, is it?" Jack checked, sitting up, taking his hat and placing it on Bella's head and making her giggle too, "Might have to start wondering if your mind's going, Lizzie" he teased her, as he often did.
"Very well" she replied with a smile that would not fade, "I shall admit, I was thinking how good a thing it was we had brought Annabella to land first when she was still unable to walk"
"Because chasing her down the beach would be bloody tiring?" asked Jack, not understanding her logic exactly.
"Well, yes" she agreed, lying down closer to him, "but the thought did occur that if she already had her sea legs, she might find it difficult to find her... land legs" she said, with a look that she was sure he ought to be able to read, and yet almost feared he would.
"Don't know what you mean, Lizzie" he said haughtily covering his face with his hat once again as he lie down and feigned sleep.
Elizabeth chose not to say anymore, hiding further giggles in her hand.
