TITLE: I wish I may, I wish I might
AUTHOR NAME: Marlena & Trav
EMAIL: All feedback email may be sent to BloodFlameRoseverizon.net
CATEGORY: Romance
SUB CATEGORY: General
RATING: G - General - approved for all audiences ( save for chapter 9 to some audiences because of content )
PAIRING: Elizabeth Swann & Will Turner
DISTRIBUTION: Ask and you might receive. But why would you want it?
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SUMMARY: Elizabeth Swann is the Governor's daughter. Will ( William ) Turner, is a 'simple' blacksmith. As far as everything was stated, these two were from two different worlds, and were never to come together in any way shape or form. But can classes stand in the way of true love?
DISCLAIMER: I ( actually WE ) don't own anything or anyone. This is based strictly on role-play. It has nothing to do with the real Pirates of the Caribbean®. It would be a 'before look' if anything; based on the content. The characters, setting, etc is from the movie, and this is my way of stating I'm NOT claiming ownership. So don't screw me, err sue me, okay? The portrayal of Elizabeth Swann is credited to Marlena, while on the flipside, Will Turner is credited to Trav. Comments are always welcome.
This chapter however, is credited souly to Trav. Go T.
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Chapter Eleven: By Truth or Death
Will sighed as he waited in the Governor's office for him. He'd come by earlier, knowing that Elizabeth would be away and made an appointment to speak with the Governor. Now that he was here though, sitting in the Governor's office, in an uncomfortable chair, he wasn't so sure that he was doing the right thing. In his mind, he knew that this had to be done, but there was still that place in his heart which cried out sympathy for Elizabeth.
His heart ached to know what the Commodore had done to you, and even more so that he couldn't tell anyone. But he could do this. If he was lucky, maybe the Commodore would send Elizabeth back to England to stay with family and be protected from the lecherous stares of James Norrington. The very thought of that man with his hands on Elizabeth sent shivers down his spine. No, he could not turn away, he had to stay here and wait and speak with the Governor about this. Will sat, ringing his hands, surveying the office, as he heard footsteps approach the door. His fate was at hand.
He rose as the doors opened and the Governor entered. "Mister Turner, please have a seat.." The governor gestured toward where Will had been sitting as he walked around his desk. Will waited until the Governor had taken his seat, before taking his own. "Now William, I was told that you had something important which you needed to discuss with me?" Will nodded hesitantly. Here it was, the moment of truth. "Yes sir, I do.." "Well than lets here it, I'm afraid I haven't long before I must be back at the Fort." "Yes, of course sir." Will fidgeted with the cuff of his sleeve, trying to decide how to proceed. "Sir, it has to do with Elizabeth.. and I.."
At the sound of his daughter's name, the Governor's back straightened, suddenly he seemed to be paying much more attention to what Will had to say to him. "continue.. " "As you know, Elizabeth and I were close friends as children, but-" "But your worlds as adults are very different William. Elizabeth no longer has time for childish games. " Will nods in understanding. "Yes sir, but Elizabeth and I still wished to be friends. For the last few weeks, every now and then, my chores seemed to run in the same circles as Elizabeth's business, giving us opportunities to talk.. just talk.." Will added quickly as a look of concern came across the Governor's face.
"Well," The governor cleared his throat. "I don't see much harm in talking, as long as it does not distract you from your work, or Elizabeth from her duties." So far, the Governor seemed to be more understanding than Will had given him credit for. "I'm glad you see it that way sir, but not all do.." Again, the Governor's ears pricked. "How do they see it?" Will cleared his throat, wishing silently that the floor would swallow him up. "Well sir, the Captain seems to be under the impression that our friendship is some sort of escapade.."
The Governor rose half way out of his seat when the word 'escapade' passed Will's lips. "But he's mistaken sir, I believe there was always someone present, even if it was only Jacqueline who had accompanied Elizabeth.. we did not want people to think ill thoughts of innocent actions." He really hoped this was coming across the way he meant it. He'd practiced and Mary had helped him pick his words just so.. The Governor hadn't killed him yet, but he was paying very close attention none the less. "Elizabeth is too smart to let idle tongues taint her name." "Yes yes young William, but then why are you here? If this is nothing but a misunderstanding?" "Sir, Elizabeth was afraid that the Captain might come to you with his suspicions, and by then it would be too late for me to defend my actions. Not many people hold my word above that of a Captain."
Again the Governor nodded, "You're sure there' s nothing else troubling you?" Will averted his eyes, focusing of the rug instead of the Governor. "There is sir, but I have no right to speak ill of the Captain and his men." "You're right, you don't." The Governor's tone softened, "but the concerns of the people should be heard.. speak what you would.." Here he was, in the Governor's office, slowly pushing the line to see how far he could go before it snapped back. "It's just that, sir, I've seen the looks that some of them give Elizabeth when they think no one is looking. Even the Captain himself."
This time the Governor rose. "This is absurd, even if he did, why would he do this before your eyes?" Will swallowed hard. "Because sir, he thinks that Elizabeth and I have stronger feelings than friendship, but the whole town knows he is her top suitor.. what does he have to fear from the word of a blacksmith's apprentice." "Nothing." That word shocked Will, it sent his heart through the floor. "You know I care for you boy, and that I've done my best to help you, but I cannot indulge your suspicions because you think you saw an ill look. " "I know sir," Again Will was examining the rug. "which is why I had not set out to say anything." The Governor sighed and circled his desk until he was standing before Will. "William, it has less to do with who you are and more to do with who he is. I must trust my Captain if I am to trust anyone at all." "Yes sir, I understand that."
The Governor placed his hand on Will's shoulder, giving a gentle squeeze. "You're a good looking young man, and you'll find yourself a nice girl one of these days William. However, as long as you continue to produce fine work, and Elizabeth is not distracted from her own duties, I do not see why you two could not continue these talks of yours. Provided that they continue to take place in a manor which protects your master and Elizabeth's names. Dishonor does no one good." Will hid the small sliver of a smile which fought to show. If nothing else, he had gained the Governor's blessing.. should Elizabeth ever want to speak to him again, which he had high doubts about.
The Governor moved from Will, opening one of the doors. "I'm glad we could have this chat Mr. Turner, but I'm afraid I have much to do and little time to do it in." Will rose from the chair and gave the Governor a small smile before passed through the open door. "Thank you for your time Governor Swann." The door closed behind him as the Governor closed himself off the do whatever work he had to do. Looking around the foyer of the mansion, somehow he felt different, freer.
For the first time since he was a boy, he was allowed to be at the Governor's mansion for reasons other than business. He looked up the stairs to where he knew Elizabeth's bedroom to be, before heading in the direction of the kitchen. Hopefully someone he knew would be there, to direct him to Elizabeth.