Rhiannah awoke the next morning, dressed, and resumed her aimless wandering of the ship.  She still felt rather out of place, but already less so than the previous day.  A fairly entertaining supper with the ship's crew had eased some of the tension wrought inside of her.

She was staring out in the ocean, scanning the horizon when she felt the same pair of hands press against her waist. 

"So we meet again," Will said softly, moving to her side.  "You seem to have found the one of the best spots on the ship to gaze out upon."

Rhiannah smiled gently.  "Do you come here often?"

"Daily, but I do suppose I could share…"

"I believe I'd like that," she smiled again, looking at him before turning worriedly back to the sea.  "How long do you suppose it will take for them to set out for me?" She asked, referring to Norrington's men.

Will shrugged lightly.  "I'm not positive," he started slowly, uncertain with what to answer.  "You shouldn't worry about it, though…Jack knows what he's doing."

"What is he doing?"

Will raised his eyebrows.  "I never said I knew…" he trailed off.

"That's what I feared."

"It will be fine."  He rested his hand on her shoulder in reassurance as she sighed.

Elizabeth's voice interrupted them.  "Will, could I speak with you please?"  Rhiannah glanced up and excused herself.

Will nervously watched her depart.  "Elizabeth, that…that was nothing, you do know, I was just trying to ease her nerves…" he rambled.

Elizabeth raised her chin slightly.  "I know, but I do wish to discuss the…situation, if you will, that has arisen now with her presence."

Will shifted uncomfortably.  "I don't believe I know what you're talking about."

Elizabeth furrowed her brow but chose to ignore his uncharacteristic uneasiness.  "I'm a little concerned with Jack's interest in Rhiannah…"

Her lover shrugged his shoulders.  "I don't think Jack shows any more interest in her than he does with any other female being," he joked lightly, attempting to dismiss her fears.

"That's part of the problem, Will, but I've seen the way he looks at her, and I know you have too.  He looks at her the same way he looks at the prospect one of his little 'adventures'…determined and set to get it, but once it has been achieved it's nothing more than a story in the book to boast about."

"Rhiannah is a woman now, Elizabeth, and an intelligent one at that…I'm sure she can realize any potential trouble."

"I don't think she can, Will!  Look at what she has gotten herself into…she's a strong woman, but you know her strength fails in love."

"She will never learn if she can't experience things herself, Elizabeth…you are a friend, not her mother."

Elizabeth let out a defeated sigh and wrapped her arms around him.  "I know," she said softly, "I know…"  She rested her head against his shoulder lightly, closing her eyes.  "I just don't want to see her hurt again."

"And I love you for that, darling," he smiled softly, kissing her forehead.

"TURNER!  Get yer raggedy arse up here, boy!" Sparrow shouted, interrupting their moment.

Elizabeth broke her embrace.  "William, I want you to try to prevent it in any way you can."

Will turned to jog up the stairs.  "You know that is easiest said then done," he called back.

-----

Sparrow was jerking the wheel to the right as Will approached.  "I do think we need t' pick up the pace a bit now, it's getting rougher and I don't want them gainin' on us."

Will nodded silently.

"So get movin' already mate," he demanded.

"ALRIGHT, MEN—" Will started.

"Shut it, Turner, all of your hollering will upset t' lassies and all, aye?"

Will recalled Elizabeth's last words.  "Aye, we wouldn't want to worry Rhiannah."

Jack smirked, remaining silent.

"She is a person, Jack, not a treasure."

"Get t' work."

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