Brown Eyes
By Ladydoma

Disclaimer: I do not own anyone in this ficci. Actually, maybe a couple. Like the love interest. Wait...no maybe not, because she is based on Penelope Cruz. The title is based on the lyrics and song by Destiny's Child "Brown Eyes"Please read and review this. And please, please be nice about them. This is my first Horatio Hornblower fanfic. Hope that you enjoy this.

Chapter I: Angel of Comfort
So far it was quiet. Somewhat. Well, to Penelope Pellew. She was so grateful that her father Sir Edward Pellew let her aboard the British Warship, "The Indifagable". While there was a war going on to boot. But, she promised her father that she would remain below when danger was adrift. But for now, she could only sigh and brush back her long dark hair and let her dark eyes scan the open dark, but beautiful sea. And the only sound was the waves lapping against the side of the ship.And the moon was full, giving light to Penelope so that she could see the ocean. Below her, she could see two or three dolphins swimming along side the Navy ship. She leaned forward and smiled with awe. She'd never seen these creatures up so close before.
But, her peace and silence was taken, as in the distance , there was a faint sound. The dolphins dove beneath the surface, and under the dark waters.

It took her a moment to realize, that there was a small boat, rowing towards "The Indefatigable." After squinting slightly, Penelope's eyes widened. And she called to whomever wondered the deck."Quick! Someone! There is a boat adrift!" She called. And to her surprise, she had got a response.
"What is it?" Came the voice of her own father.
"There is a boat coming."She said, pointing the boat out for Pellew. And there, floated right at the edge of the ship, was a boat with about eight or nine men. One was crew member, Styles, and another was crew member Matthews. And the others she did not know, but one of those she did not know of, had caught her eyes. This young man was around her age. With long dark hair, tied back. And brown eyes.Some cuts and bruises stained his face, and there was blood dried from a wound near his forehead.
"What happened, man?" Asked Pellew to the nearest crewman. As the smaller boat was vaulted up onto the deck of the ship.
"He's wounded badly, sir." Proclaimed Styles.
Pellew only nodded. The wounded man had been lifted gently onto the ship, and supported by Mathews and Penelope."Father."Penelope began."Shall Matthews and myself take him below for medical attention?" She asked.
"If you would, please." Was all her father had said. Penelope nodded and slowly, but surely, Penelope and Matthews took the man below the boat deck.
"What happened, Matthews?" Penelope asked after the man was lain in a bed.
"Well, we were attacked by those damned frogs. We could not handle all of them, so we retreated, and Hornblower here, got shot in the gut. We were lucky to have him out of there before he was wounded further." Matthews explained.
"Frogs? You mean the French?" She asked.
The doctor came in shortly after, "Ms. Pellew, forgive me. But you will have to wait outside a while. It would be a damn shame to see you faint because of the blood from this man."
"Oh, I do not mind blood. I myself have seen enough to last a thousand lifetimes. Sir. I could stand in for comfort to this man, when you going to pull out the bullet. But if you wish me to go, then..."
"No, please for his comfort, stay."The doctor said as the man opened his eyes and winced in pain.
Get the bloody job done and over with will you?" The man demanded.
"Sir, take my hand."Penelope requested. lightly touching the back of his hand.
The man looked at her and saw not a woman, an angel.Reluctanlty, but surely, he took her hand as the doctor ripped open his shirt. Exposing his hairless chest. The man never took his brown eyes off hers. And nearly, crying out in pain as the bullet was yanked from his flesh, his body. He still, looked into Penelope's eyes.And Penelope never ceased in staring back at him. Her look was comforting to him. As he had never seen such a beauty in his life.
Abruptly, the man thrust himself up, the palm go his hands press firmly on the bed. The doctor handed him a glass of water. The man gulped it down and finally caught his breath." Is he going to be alright?"Penelope asked the doctor. The bullet had been retrieved.
"He should be just fine Ms. Pellew. "The doctor said. Penelope looked at the man and smiled lightly, he had calmed down. He laid back in the bed and turned over on his side, he winced in pain, but it lifted once he saw Penelope looking at him. He smiled lightly at her.Smiling once more at him. Penelope ordered a bowl of water and a cloth. She dabbed the wet cloth on his face and other wounds."Are you alright now, sir?"She asked. Once they were alone in the man's quarters.
"I am, thank you Ma'am. I can not begin to say, how much I appreciate, your comfort. Might I have the pleasure of your name?"He requested.
"I am Penelope Pellew. I believe your captian sir, is my father. And might I get yours?"
"Hornblower, Horatio Hornblower. Acting Leftenant" He said with a light warm smile.