11. Chapter: Meeting in the smithy
Slowly Elizabeth Swann and her aunt Caitlyn Witherby strolled through the small streets and alleys of Port Royal, steadily making their way towards the black smithy. Elizabeth still hadn't let on as to who was supposed to fix the broken chain. She wasn't quite sure how Cait would react if she knew where her niece was leading her; she did not want to get into another argument, be it about Will or something else. The atmosphere between the two was strained enough as it was now, in spite the former apology. Together they walked next to each other in complete silence. And it made her highly uncomfortable, same as Cait, for she too, didn't make a sound. Elizabeth just didn't know what to say to her.
Of course she could ask about London or Cait's past life, but somehow it didn't seem right to do so now. Obviously it would only be unpleasant small talk. But walking together without a word being spoken was uncivil and uncommon, too. Elizabeth sighed internally I really hope this situation clears soon...this is stupid.
Only a few minutes later they approached the smithy. Watching the bustle on the street Elizabeth tried to calm herself and take a deep breath. She prayed this hadn't been a foolish idea. She had no intention to deepen the bad feelings between Cait and Will. For herself she noticed sadly that she'd never be so anxious to enter this house.
"This is it?" Cait's words shook her out of her reverie and she nodded slightly. There certainly was no point in taking root outside. Well let's get on and over with it. With another deep breath she pushed the door open.
The conversation inside the smithy had come to a halt. Will and Hannah were both lost in thoughts, both contemplating, thinking about their earlier words.
Another grunt from the drunk broke through the silence. Giving him another disgusted glace Hannah asked a question. "Who is he?"
Will went to explain to her about his boss. "That's Mr. Brown, you may have seen the sign above the entrance. He's the owner of the smithy. I am only his apprentice. He lives upstairs, but he's rarely there. Most of the time he's just sitting there, doing...well..." He shrugged, unsure how to tell her without the old man seeming like an alcoholic; even if that's what he was.
"So you're doing the work all by yourself?" She inquired.
He cringed. "I don't mind. He's been really kind to me; I want to pay it back somehow. Besides, it's not as if I hate working here. I love it; the forging of swords and other things is what I want to do."
She nodded thoughtfully. Hannah was just about to say something when both heard the wooden door open, so they turned around, momentarily forgetting about their talk.
Everyone seemed frozen by surprise for a second or two, until Cait cleared her throat. "Mother,...Mr. Turner. It is quite a surprise to see you here." Her mother just smiled at her.
Will on the other side grinned, same as Elizabeth. They were both happy to see each other again, even if they'd just been together the night before. Time didn't matter; they would always miss each other when separated from each other. That was just the way it was. "Good day Elizabeth, Miss Witherby. I trust you slept well?" The last part was more directed at his beloved who nodded with a smile. She wasn't as worried anymore as she'd been minutes before. Nothing could happen when her grandmother was in the same room with them. She would hopefully be able to pacify her daughter should need arise. Elizabeth took a few steps in his direction until she could reach up and give him a small kiss. "Good morning, Will." She was still smiling.
He chuckled quietly and teased her. "Slept in again?"
Elizabeth only shrugged.
Cait coughed discretely, still stood by the door. "Elizabeth, you failed to tell me you were talking about him."
Her niece looked back at her evenly. "He is the only one on this island who could possibly fix it. I just said that I could lead you to someone who could, perhaps, help you. If you don't want to accept his help there nothing more I can do." William eyed both women. "Help with what?"
Cait seemed to be arguing with herself if she should tell him or not. She really wanted her chain repaired. Making a decision she stepped forward, taking out the necklace again from her pocket. "Could you maybe have a look at this and tell me if you can do anything about it, Mr. Turner? I would be very grateful indeed."
With great care the blacksmith took the item from her outstretched palm, it obviously was of immense value to her, as she had brought it to him of all people. Examining it with a few practiced glances he went in search for a magnifying glass, which, he was sure, must be found in some of the drawers of Brown's desk. When he found it he returned to stand closer to one of the windows so he could get a better look, turning the chain in his hand. After a few minutes he finished his examination. "Well, it seems one of the chains opened and probably fell to the ground or something. I'd have to forge a new one and replace the old one to link up the loose ends." He looked at Cait. "I have worked but a few times with gold, and never something delicate like this. Though, I guess I could give it a try if you want." Will offered her.
She thought it over. "How long would it take you?"
He shrugged. "I am not sure." He mentally checked his list of orders. "Two or three days I'd think."
Cait thought about it for a while. Surely it wouldn't hurt to let the blacksmith try, would it? After all he couldn't probably do more damage to the necklace. After a few minutes of thinking over the arguments in her head she nodded at him.
"Is this an order then?"
She nodded again and he grinned. Walking over to the desk again he sat down over a book. What's he grinning like that? Doesn't he get enough clients to be happy about every order he can get or what? The woman really didn't know what to make of William Turner.
Meanwhile Will scribbled down all the notes about this order in his budgetary files. Client name; kind of work (repair or new piece of work), expected finishing date and so on. But his thoughts were already at work searching for ideas how to work on the delicate chain. He was excited, after all he could try something different than the normal sword orders. This would be fun and he was really looking forward to it. The fact he would be sort of 'helping out' the woman who had a grudge towards him was an added bonus. Perhaps this could change her mind a little. He surely hoped it would.
"I think I will head back to the manor now. It's already after noon and I need to rest a bit." Hannah cleared her throat to make herself heard. The other two women nodded at her.
"Of course grandmother. Do you want to eat something before? I can ask the cook to prepare something for you, seeing it is already after regular lunch time." Elizabeth offered kindly. But Hannah just shook her head.
"Don't worry dear, I have eaten on the way here. Did you know they have simply delicious pastries at the bakery near the port? You have to try them, really." She rubbed her tummy to accentuate her words. Elizabeth grinned at this. Her grandmother was known for having a sweet tooth.
The young blacksmith stepped forward, having finished his scribbles. Looking at Cait he told he:r. "I will notice you when I have finished the necklace. Also about the invoice." She agreed and gave her farewells to him, as did Hannah. The two made to leave the smithy but Elizabeth quickly stepped towards her love.
"I will meet you this afternoon, Will. Till then, love." She reached up and placed a soft kiss on his lips. Brushing his fingers through a strand of her hair in a loving gesture and sneaking an arm around her waist to draw her nearer, he nodded.
"I can't wait to see you again, my love. And I have a present for you." He couldn't help but chuckle as he saw her sudden eager expression. Trust her to get all excited about it. he thought fondly. This was the exact reason why he had told her. He had come to see how much she loved surprises, especially from him, so he did his best to make her happy. The sparkle in her eyes was reason enough for him.
"Curious?" He teased and she pouted. "You wouldn't tell me, would you?" Elizabeth asked, even though she knew he wouldn't. And she was happy with that as it was a little amusing game they always played. He would rouse her curiosity with a small comment, she would ask about it and he would tease her but not give away a thing.
"Well then I will have to wait. Promise I will get my present this afternoon?" She looked up through her lashes innocently. The man in front of her grinned widely. She was flirting with him! He ought to kiss her right now; and he did. A passionate kiss that left them both breathless as he pulled away.
"I will meet you at the entrance, love." He breathed into her ear.
"I will be there." She gave him one last kiss on the cheek, accompanied by lovely smile, then she left to catch up with her relatives. For a few minutes William just stood and looked at the door, lost in his thoughts and feelings for this amazing woman. Love you. He send after her before going back to work.
Elizabeth noticed her aunt and grandmother only a few feet to the right as she left the smithy. She was glad they hadn't decided to leave without her.
"What have you done this long with him?" Cait inquired as soon as she pulled up next to them. Puzzled she looked at her. "How do you mean?"
"Elizabeth! It's highly unreasonable and indecent for a young, unmarried woman like you to be with a man without any supervision." Cait scolded her. Her niece rolled her eyes at her.
"Cait, you're overreacting. We just kissed." When she saw that Cait was opening her mouth to protest again she quickly continued. "Anyway, Will is courting me! He is allowed to be alone with me, and to kiss me. Don't fuss." Cait sighed, seeing she was right, and Elizabeth smiled smugly.
"Don't bicker children, come on, we need to get back." As always the old woman tried to mediate between them.
"Alright, let's go." Cait sighed again. She realized there was nothing she could do, for the time being.
A few minutes later; a few alleys away.
"Look at those. Fitting?" A quiet , rough voice asked in the shadows as a group of three women passed by the alley.
There was a short rustling of papers. A nasty chuckle answered. "Aye." A mean grin spread over the first man's ugly face. "Which ones?"
His partner immediately answered. "The old one and the young lass."
"Why the old bat? We could get both young women and have some fun with the one we don't need."
The other one hissed back. "The 'old bat' will make less trouble. You can have fun with one girl. Now, get them!!!" There was a nod, a hand gesture; and 6 men quickly jumped out of the alley, surrounding mentioned three women and before even one of them could understand what was happening, they all received a blow to the head, rendering them unconscious. Within seconds they retreated back into the shadows, taking three limp bodies with them, not leaving a trace.
"What do we do with her?"
"Leave her. Now get the other two and come on! We need to get away from here!"
The only evidence of the events was the motionless body, lying in a deserted alley of Port Royal.
For my reviewers:
Tabris: Like you probably noticed while doing the spell and grammar check Jack isn't in this chappie, but he will come. I have already started the next chapter, and he will have an active role there. I know I should study for my test but...ya know...grins sheepishly Anyway, thanks a lot for checking it through!! (Don't you dare callin' me o-kaa-san! You're older than me!!)
The future Mrs Ja Rule: Don't worry, I won't forget on this fic. Even if I wanted to, you guys wouldn't let me, would you? Sorry it took me so long. ducks head in shame There is no Jack in this chapter, but like I told Tabris, he will come up in the next chapter 100%. (What's with you guys and Jack, anyway??? Will is WAY cuter than him, but I think we already established this before... ;)
Kaitlin Hook: I am glad you like it!
Von Dutch: Seriously, how many of you are out there? How come you all know each other? Sorry for making you cry, by the way. gives cookies
Captain Cherry Tango: Glad to see you still follow the story. You know, with all you Jack freaks out there, I am thinking about changing his role in this story. If it's for the better or worse you'll have to see.
immortalwizardpirateelf-fan: They don't meet just now, but they will, eventually. But I have to admit you have a really active imagination. We'll see how things turn out in the end. I am not telling.
PirateAngel: Don't say I am better than you are. blushes Your story is great, and you update more often then I do... Sorry for the mistakes in the last chapter. I let Tabris proof read it this time, so I hope it's better.
CrAzY Pigwidgeon: Sorry it took me this long again...
Lord Lanceahlot: You make me blush really. But I am glad you like the idea with the necklace.
Fancefantasyfairy: I am pleased you like the story. (Lock the whiny nuisance somewhere -)
Kelly Yorke: Jack will come in the next chapter with an active part.
From the Silent Planet: Sorry I wrote Norrie this out of character. But it fits with the story...and to be truthful, I never really liked him in the first place. grins
Gabriella: I will try with more romantic scenes, but I don't want to make it too mushy. Anyway, if the sequel of the movie turns out like this version, I am going to charge them some money for it. winks
RedHead02: Here you go, enjoy!
Ariana: Thanks! Hope you will think of the next chapters just as positive.
Hi guys, Again I have to apologize, because I took so long to update. But I will say it again for all you Jack fans out there. He will play an active role in the next chapter, so stay tuned. Thanks for waiting this long and bearing with me. Now I hope you enjoy(ed) this chapter, please tell me what you think.
Take care, NightLight4
