Chapter 1: Castaway

Bright morning light shone through the open windows of the guest bedroom and fell over the pale face of the sleeping pirate girl. She stirred, and slowly opened an eye. As she glanced up, she noticed a creature standing over her, surrounded by the pale afternoon-light. It was the most beautiful girl she had ever seen. She had gorgeous, lustrous brown curls and eyes like rich chocolate. She was dressed in a flowing, white gown that seemed loose and clingy at the same time, showing off her curvy figure. The pirate gasped under her breath.

"Are... Are you an angel?"

Doll stepped back hurriedly. "N-no, I'm Barbarella Dolores Biskaya Turner. I found you on the beach. Who are you?"

"I am..." She hesitated. Her father had told her never to reveal anything about herself. Even to angels. "Lijah. My name is Lijah." It was only her middle name, surely it couldn't hurt? She averted her eyes and fell silent again, feeling bad for not telling the truth. "It's only a half-lie,"she told herself, but the thought didn't make her feel any better. Not one bit.

"That's a beautiful name," Doll whispered. "Um. Everyone calls me Doll. And. Um. My father probably wants to know that you're awake." She didn't call for him, though. Something about this girl exited her, from the worn, boyish clothes to the dark look in her eyes that told about a painful past. A pirate... She made up her mind and sat down at the edge of the bed.

"Can you tell me what it's like, being a pirate?"

Lijah's head snapped up. Her eyes were huge and filled to the brim with fear. A thousand thought were racing trough her mind. "Oh my god! OH MY GOD! She knows!"

"Who... Who said I am a pirate?" She tried to laugh, but her voice was stuck in her throat. She felt like she was chocking. "What will they do to me?"

Jumping away from the fear-struck girl, Doll tried to explain:

"We saw your mark... but don't worry! Father says that he won't tell anyone. I-I don't know why. I guess it is because you're a girl... you're probably not like those horrible pirates in the stories, like Bluebeard, Barbossa or Sparrow. You're safe, I promise!"

Lijah felt a sudden chill settle in the pit of her stomach. The girl knew her father's name! If she revealed who she was, the girl would probably send her away or even have her KILLED! For some reason the thought of being sent away was almost as upsetting as being hanged. Lijah couldn't help but liking the 'angel', she reminded her of someone... Someone she wished she could be,

"I'm not a pirate! Not really. My father was, but he's, uhm, dead. I was branded against my will..."

"Oh." Doll sounded more than a little disappointed. "Well I... guess I'd better tell my father that. Um. You probably want some breakfast too so... I'll just go tell the servants." She sighed and walked out of the room. Oh well, for a moment there her life had almost been exciting. That almost made getting out of bed worth the effort.

Doll walked downstairs and found her father in his study. He was looking at a piece of paper, but didn't seem to be reading. It was worse than ever. The one year mark must have gotten to him. She couldn't remember how his smile looked anymore.

"Father? Have you had any breakfast?"

He looked up. "Hm? Yes. I mean no. I will, later."

"You always say that. The girl we found is awake; she says she isn't really a pirate. You said you wanted to talk to her."

"Yes... I guess I should," he said, getting up.

"I'll tell the servant to bring up some breakfast," she said as they walked upstairs. After talking to one of the maids, she went to her own room instead of following her father into the guest room. The walls between the rooms weren't very thick...

ooo

Lijah's eyes followed Doll's back as she left the room. When she was alone she finally took the time to survey the room. It was beautiful, unlike anything she had seen before. Compared to the dank and smelly cabin she was used to, this was heaven! Everything was in attractive shades of white and corn-blue, and there was a giant window opening out to the bay. Lijah climbed out of her bed and walked towards it. The view was spectacular. As she started to lean out of the window she was startled by the sound of the door opening. She spun around quickly to meet whoever had entered, hands raised, ready to defend herself.

Will stopped and closed the door behind him and held up his hands.

"Don't worry, Miss, I won't hurt you. Unless you try to hurt me," he added with a small smile when she held her defensive stance.

As she relaxed, he got to take in her appearance. He caught himself in comparing her to Elizabeth: the girl's dark features contrasted Elizabeth's fair beauty; her aggressive nature was nothing like his late wife's ladylike ways. And still, he could only find one word to describe her: Perfect.

"I'm thinking you don't want a doctor to look at you, but I would like to examine you, if you don't find me to forward. I only wish to help."

Lijah felt a sudden heat rush to her cheeks. It was like her face was burning up! She had been totally lost in awe of the man who had stepped in, almost forgetting the things her father had taught her about not letting her guard down. He was amazing, unlike any man she had met before. He seemed gentle and kind, not like the rough and burly men who worked on the ship. Yet his innocent suggestion was far more tantalizing than any lewd suggestion she had received in her life. Suddenly, Lijah felt naked. She clutched at her nightgown; feeling like the flimsy material of the garment couldn't hide her blooming body from his piercing gaze.

"I am… I'm fine sir. I don't think there's any need for…" She swallowed. "That." Who was this man?

"If you are certain of that," Will said politely. He was both relieved and a little disappointed - but he didn't let it show. There were only two women in his life, his wife and daughter. This siren from the sea was just a passing guest in his house. "My daughter is getting us some breakfast. We can discuss what to do about your... situation," he said, gesturing to her arm, where the mark was covered by the night gown.

"My name is Will Turner," he added. "What is yours?"

"D… Lijah, kind sir." Lijah was on unknown ground here, she had no idea how to behave or what to say. But just to be on the safe side she dipped a small curtsy. She suddenly wished she had picked up the robe lying at the bed. "Where am I?"

Noticing her discomfort, Will picked up the robe and stepped over, handing it to Lijah.

"You are in Port Royal," he answered. "Please, sit down..."