DISCLAIMER: I do not own anything POTC related.

NOTE: Sorry that last chapter was so sad and depressing. I thought it necessary to accentuate that part of Hope's life to help the flow of the rest of the prequel, with Jack Sparrow's entrance and her attitude towards him in the beginning. PLEASE REVIEW!!!!!!!!!!

EDITED ONLY

CHAPTER 3

The Art of Love

"Hope! Hurry up! The bell just rung the Dauntless is coming into port!" a fourteen year old Elizabeth yelled to fifteen year old Hope.

"I'm coming. There really is no hurry. They still need to weigh anchor, unload prisoners, and other menial things."

"Hope. You cannot be serious. Aren't you the least bit excited to see Edward? The both of you have been seeing so much of each other the people are beginning to think you both are courting." They walked across the bridge towards the dock where the HMS Dauntless was weighing anchor.

"Who says that we're not?" Elizabeth stared at her.

"No. You sneak. Why have you not told me? I'm your best friend."

"It hasn't been going on for that long. He asked my father for permission to court me right before he left three weeks ago."

"I can't believe it. Well, from what I see he has already gained your favor and he knows this as does your father. So when do you think he will ask permission to marry you?"

"I don't know but I'm hoping soon." They watched as Lieutenant Norrington walked down the ramp with the commodore and the captain. He looked sad. "He still mourns deeply for her."

"Do you and your father not?"

"Of course. My father, being a minister, has accepted her death feeling as that it was her time."

"And what about you?" Elizabeth asked as they stopped just shy of the dock.

"I'm trying to accept it but I can't help but want revenge against the bloody pirate who killed Catherine."

"It's funny."

"What is?"

"You and I loved pirates, even hearing the word made us smile. But now you spit on even the mention of the name." Hope was silent.

"And what made you start hating pirates?"

"Same reasons as you, I guess. I really don't know why. I just woke up and hated them." They both turned their attention to the dock and saw Gillette and few of the other midshipmen speaking with the commodore. They saluted each other before taking their leave. As the group walked up the ramp and onto the upper deck Gillette caught sight of Hope and Elizabeth and waved to them. They girls gave a small wave back. "He seems very cheery to see you." Elizabeth said smiling. Hope blushed and laughed. As they all neared each other Gillette took Hope's hand and kissed it.

"Miss Danforth. Miss Swann," he said bowing at Elizabeth.

"Mr. Gillette. It is a pleasure seeing you again." He smiled and bowed before offering Hope his arm.

"Shall we?" Hope took it as the three continued into town. As they walked Gillette told them all about his trip and the girls told him of the things that had happened in Port Royal since he left.

"Oh, good heavens! I completely forgot my father wanted me to meet him at midday. I must go. Elizabeth I shall see you later. Mr. Gillette."

"Will I see you later?" he asked.

"It looks so." Hope said smiling before hurrying off to meet her father.

SCENE CHANGE

"My father is going to kill me," Hope said to herself as she rushed through the town to her home. As she rounded a corner a boy about her age ran into her coming from the other way. The impact sent them toppling to the ground.

"Oh. I'm so sorry, miss. I wasn't watching where I was going," the boy said going over to Hope and offering his hand to her. Hope was instantly taken in by his brown eyes and handsome features.

"It's fine. I wasn't really paying any attention to where I was going either." Hope said taking his hand. They stood there starring at each other for a moment before the boy bowed to her introducing himself.

"My name is Will Turner. I don't believe we've met before." Hope smiled and curtseyed.

"My name is Hope Danforth."

"It's a pleasure, Miss Danforth."

"Please. Call me Hope. I hate it when people my own age call me, miss." Hope said before she cocked her head as if recognizing him. "You look familiar to me. Are you sure we haven't met before?"

"I would think I would remember a beautiful face as yours, Miss Danforth." Hope blushed but that was replaced by comprehension.

"Now I recognize you. You were the boy they rushed to a doctor the day Governor Swann arrived."

"Yes, I believe that was me."

"I am glad to see that you are all right. I must apologize for I must run. I am late meeting my father. Good day, Mr. Turner." Will watched as Hope disappeared around yet another corner.

"Good day!" He shouted after her. "Hope." He said softly as he smiled.

NOTE: So? Your opinions please? Be nice! The next chapter will be happier. I promise. PLEASE REVIEW!!!! Sorry this chapter was so short

ArianaielNightstar

Next Chapter: A Sword Order