Wow! Thanks for all the reviews, I feel so special… *giggles* Ooooh, I'm watching the POTC deleted scenes… "No truth at all." Hmm… It would've been appropriate for him to have taken his shirt off there. I wouldn't mind… Well, here we go! On with the chapter, which I promise will be a little longer and more interesting than my last couple.

Oh, and by the way, review replies are at the end of the chapter. If you're gonna review, I'd love some feedback on the Meryl/Morgan conflict (not that you guys haven't already done that, but I love to hear opinions on where readers think the story should go.)

Thanks again, on with the show!

***

"Hello!" Aletté called into the unfurnished, cathedral-ceiling nursery. Her boots clattered noisily across the grey ceramic floors. An echo answered her cry. Damn's first light crept in through the bay window, illuminating her fine golden hair.

The house itself was massive. It sat proudly upon a hill overlooking the harbour, its face a pale brown bricking with whitewashed storm shutters and creamy trim. It was paid for in joint by both Elizabeth's father and their good friend, James Norrington. (Author's Note: Yes, that is his full name. Watch the deleted scenes, you'll see!) Though yet unfurnished, it held a stately, grand air about it.

Aletté ventured into the small bedroom that came off the nursery. It was to be hers, though it contained only a bed and a small washstand. With the exception of these two items, it seemed cold, sterile and empty.

"How is it?" Will asked from behind her.

She smiled. "Beautiful. I feel guilty just letting my boots touch the floor."

"It's the best I can provide for you." Will said hopefully. "I wish I could give you more."

"You don't need to provide for me." She sighed, sinking down into the cushioned window seat that was inset into the casement window. "I can fend for myself."

He looked bewildered. "I have an obligation to provide for those I love, Aletté." He paused. "I love you."

Will turned and strode from the room, afraid to look back. He didn't want to look into her eyes for fear he'd see his love rejected. What he didn't see as he left the room was the tears that brimmed up in Aletté's startling turquoise eyes. Love. Something she'd always dreamed of but somehow never achieved.

Love.

She cranked open the casement and leaned out, letting the wind tousle her hair. The sun seemed to shine brighter, the water gleamed what looked like an even more electric blue. For a single, shining moment in the life of Aletté Malycho, light pierced the storm clouds of despair and darkness.

For a moment, it seemed, she could almost see the sun.

***

Okay, that wasn't quite as long as I anticipated, but it's a start. The next chapters will be longer, I promise.

As a matter of fact, the next few chapters are huge. Well, I'll get them up ASAP. Thanks for reviewing, and by the way, if you want something good to read try The Rogue of Gyaros or She's got the Jack.

Review Replies:

LittleBlackStarz-

I'm making you hate Will? How? Please tell me, I'll be happy to fix it. Hmmm… well Jack doesn't necessarily have to choose between Meryl or Morgan- he could just not pick at all. You took Spanish? That's cool, I'd like to learn that, but in Ontario its French up until ninth grade. Thanks for the review!

Erin Richards-

Yeah, I understand. My internet is a bastard too. The whole Meryl and Morgan thingy… well, lets just say it's not exactly what would be expected. And I don't have any objection to long reviews- in fact, those are the better kind. My musical is going well. Our evening opening show is tomorrow. *happy dance* Well, thanks again for reviewing.

All reviewers: A great big thank-you!