Chapter Two
Lorelei sat in the quiet of the early dawn hidden by the bulk of the figurehead, and namesake of the ship, a mermaid that looked surprisingly like Lorelei herself. If it had been her choice it wouldn't have but the ship had been a gift from her adoptive father. She leaned back against the torso with a sigh. She'd woken with the sun and had been curled into Will's warm, hard body. What scared her the most was that it had felt so right. She frowned fiercely into the water. She had to quash any thoughts of that nature, he was engaged to be married and he would find his way back to his fiancée. Besides he wasn't her usual type, too innocent and naive. Too straight and narrow for her restless spirit. Her eyes narrowed as she raised her head to the sun's welcome and a smile cracked her grim facade. She may have been comfortable in his arms, but it had been completely clear that his dreams were dictating to his body. And that can't have been comfortable. Absently she wondered what or whom he had been dreaming about. Most likely his fiancée, he loved her deeply, Lorelei could tell that even through the bitterness. She stood up and climbed over the rail and clung to the mermaid.
She never felt as free as when she was on the ocean with the sea spray stinging her eyes, and the wind knotting her hair. This feeling warred with homesickness, she missed the rich golden sands of Haven and she missed Bill. With a sigh Lorelei jumped down and trotted towards the ladder that led down below the deck. Mischief sparkling in her eyes, it lived within her like an imp. It had earned her names such as Hellion and Hoyden; it was all the restless energy within her diminutive frame. She loved life and vowed to make every moment well lived, after all a Pirate's life tended to be short. She ordered a bath to be brought to her room and silently re entered. He was still asleep, her smile widened. Two of her crew brought the copper bath into the room and proceeded to fill it with hot water. Lorelei waited for them to leave before stripping and sliding into the water.
Will woke slowly, his eyes taking a moment to adjust to the brightness of the day as opposed to the dull light of his shop. It took him a moment to orientate himself, to remember where he was, why, and the fatigue that accompanied the first good sleep after days without grabbed him and he rolled over in the bed. He buried his face in the pillow and groaned loudly when he smelled her there. Oh how he almost wished she had only been a dream. His body twitched to life again at the scent, and he could almost feel her pressed up against him again, her breath on his neck, her lips brushing against his Adam's apple ever so softly and unknowingly. It had been pure torture holding her, dreaming of her ivory skin and perfect curves. He had dreamed of her beneath him, her lips pressed against his even as her bare breasts crushed against his chest, exploring the unknown pleasures of the flesh with her, and yet he could not remember such a deep sleep since before his father's death as a boy. He stroked the satin sheet, imagining it to be the curve of her breast that still haunted him even with the rising of the sun, and he cursed his manhood.
He heard the door open, and the quiet voice issuing orders for a bath, and it took all the strength in him to pretend to be asleep. He could not stand with her in the room. He had somehow shucked his clothing in the night, though he did not remember doing so, and in his condition... he must remain where he was and fight the near overwhelming desire to watch her undress and sink into the water. There was no other option. Damn his treacherous body. One eye slid open just in time to see her bare bottom sink beneath the water, her hair falling over the edge of the tub, caressing the floor as her arms rested on the edge of the tub and he could only imagine what he would see if she turned around. He nearly got his wish but somehow managed to force his eyes shut as she indeed turned in the tub to face him. He grew hard at the vision that had been before him and it took all his strength to swallow the moan that was firmly lodged in his throat. By all the Saints she was a stunning woman. Stubborn, uncouth, and a pirate, but she was the most beautiful creature he'd ever laid eyes on. Her body caused in him a riot of emotions that he had devoutly avoided all his life, and he wasn't sure how to deal with it. Or her for that matter. She was already driving him mad, but she also brought about in him an irrational protective instinct, as evidenced by last night.
"Ye know there be room in here for two." Lorelei rested her head on the rim of the bath, her eyes closed as the scent exotic oils wafted into the air and seeped into her skin. A cheeky smile twitched her lips. He was easy to stir.
Will shook his head to clear it. Surely she had not just said that. "Pardon me miss?"
It took all of her strength not to laugh. "I said there be room in here for two. If ye are so inclined for a bath."
Will's eyes popped open and he sat straight up to stare at her. "Room in THERE for two? Why... I..." He had no idea what to say to that. She was offering precisely what his body yearned for him to accept, but surely she knew how improper it was? Or maybe she did not. But his father had been the one to instil in him the highest regard for the fairer sex, and so he could not imagine it if she had been raised by the same man. "It would be entirely improper. I will bathe after you have finished." He clutched the sheet to his stomach, blushing blood red as the motion caused her eyes to drop downward.
Lorelei laughed huskily. "Are ye sure about that? Yer body be willing."
Will closed his eyes tightly and shook his head. "Whatever the... state... of my body, I must decline your offer." Oh good heavens, the thought of her eyes on him... he wanted nothing more than to stand up and walk to the tub just to see that confident look slip from her face. He knew that she was merely twitting him, but he couldn't help but imagine the look on her face if she was truly interested, the spark of lust in her eyes that he had always longed to see with Elizabeth. As he looked back, he could not remember a single time that he had seen anything but sisterly affection in her eyes. Never had she wanted or loved him as he had yearned for and adored her.
Lorelei laughed, "Aw, ye be blushing." He opened his eyes indignantly and she stood up slowly.
Will felt as if his eyes would pop out of his head, and yet for the life of him he could not close them. He was helplessly numb and lost in the sight of her gloriously nude and not the least bit shy. Her body shimmered in the daylight, and he licked his lips as he imagined kissing her delicate skin, warm and wet and so beautifully scented and clean. He snapped his eyes shut as she began to dry herself. It was too much, and he nearly embarrassed himself in his arousal. He would never get her out of his head now, and he cursed her for doing this to him, cursed himself for not closing his eyes. He was speechless and in desperate need of a cold bath and a glass of water.
Lorelei was stunned at his reaction. She'd known he'd rise to the bait but she'd never expected this level of embarrassment. He was shy but not only that he was a..... "Oh Lord don't tell me yer a virgin?"
"I do not believe that is any of your concern miss." Will could not stop himself from blushing further, and he resented the tone in her voice that made that sound so repugnant and childish. He'd never believed that casual sex was any more acceptable for a man than for a woman, despite what society said, and he had been raised as such. A lot of good it had done him. He had saved himself for Elizabeth, and she had left him.
Lorelei stepped out of the tub and walked towards the screen." I'm just surprised is all. You are too handsome to have been left alone long."
"I am merely a blacksmith, and have loved one woman all my life. It was easy enough to steer clear of the temptations."
Lorelei clenched her fists till her nails left crescent shaped pits in her palm. There was that superior tone of voice again. She pulled a shirt over her head roughly and slipped into a crimson peasant skirt then pushed past him without another word. If that was the way he wanted it she would play it that way. She was Captain on this ship and she would act like a Captain to a guest on board. Slamming the door behind her hard, she headed for the deck and the helm. Will stared after her and slammed a fist into the bed in frustration. Lord she was an insufferable woman. SHE was the one that had teased him, and now she was acting like HE had done something wrong by answering the question she'd asked.
"GRRRRRRRRRR" He growled as he rose from the bed and made his way to the tub, suspicion worming its way into his consciousness when he saw the clean set of clothing on the end of his bed, and his own clothes were nowhere to be found. Perhaps he had not been the one to shed them after all. That thought caused another riot within his body and he quickly sank into the now blessedly cold water. "She is simply unbearable. WHY Does she have to be so damn beautiful as well?" The curse slipped from his lips and he slammed his fist into the water. OH what he wouldn't give for an anvil and a hammer and a good hot piece of metal to shape.
Lorelei stood at the helm her hands gripping the hard wood tightly. He was the most pig headed self righteous man she'd ever met, and she had no idea why she cared. Why did she let him make her feel inferior? He was no better then she. After all they came from the same stock; his father had raised her to be a free thinking, unrepressed individual.
"Ships a stern Captain."
Lorelei brought her attention back to the present and held her hand out to the mate for the scope. She raised it to her eye and cursed paint blistering oaths. "It be the blue coats. I dun't want any unnecessary fightin, remember what I teld ye. We be merchant marines."
Will heard the raised voices above deck and stood from the water, dressing quickly. He ascended the stairs two at a time and emerged to find the crew moving quickly about their tasks, and he looked out across the waves to The Dauntless. He moved to Lorelei's side and sighed. "Norrington."
Lorelei turned a cool face towards the blacksmith. "Ye know this bluecoat?"
"Aye. He was the man that was engaged to Elizabeth before me. He is the Commodore of the British fleet, and the man that was intricately involved in the hunt for The Black Pearl. That is the ship we made them think we were going to commandeer."
Lorelei nodded and without another glance at him she gave the orders to slow them down so that the other ship could catch up with them. They wouldn't outrun them and to try would be to invite them to open fire on them. They could fight, but to do so would be to risk the mission she had been sent to do. It would also risk Haven; if they fought this Norrington would follow them.
Will watched warily as the ship approached, getting the story he would tell straight in his head. "When they board, let me deal with Norrington."
Lorelei stiffened and whirled on him abruptly. "I believe I be the Captain on this ship. I also believe that you be the guest."
Will held her gaze and his ground. "Yes, you are, but if you want to escape you will have to trust me. I am well acquainted with this man and him with me."
"We will escape Will Turner. Regardless, he has no proof we be Pirates, this ship is on her maiden voyage. We've not done anything but pick up a passenger."
Will fought hard not to roll his eyes. "Then you do as you wish Cap'n. I will bite my tongue next time I even THINK of offering YOU any assistance."
Lorelei ignored him and motioned for the anchor to be dropped, then she stood to wait as The Dauntless drew up besides them. She swallowed when she saw the blue coats lined up, weapons at the ready. Commodore Norrington stepped aboard the small ship and nodded to his men. "They are unarmed, lower your weapons, but hold your stations." He looked around the deck and was shocked first to see that the captain was a woman, and second that Will Turner was aboard. "Captain?..." His eyes returned to her spectacular green ones, and he waited for her to introduce herself.
"Lorelei." She provided with a nod. "Sir."
"I see. Captain Lorelei, state your business in these waters." He snuck a glance at Will and had a sneaking suspicion that he had once again run heedlessly after the headstrong Elizabeth. He would not admit to himself that he gained a little satisfaction that Elizabeth had left Will high and dry as well.
"We are merely picking up a paying passenger Commodore." Lorelei spoke carefully to hide her usual speech.
"A paying customer? I assume that would be YOU Will Turner?" He turned to face Will questioningly.
"Hello Commodore Norrington. Yes, that would be me. I needed to get out on the Ocean again and clear my head."
Lorelei cleared her throat. "Do we have leave to continue Commodore? It would be a shame to have our maiden voyage hindered."
The Commodore turned to her suspiciously. "You are in too much of a hurry to allow me to reacquaint myself with an old friend? If you weren't riding so high in the waves I might think you had something to hide Captain Lorelei."
"Nothing to hide Commodore, just someone to find." She raised an eyebrow and cut a glance towards Will. She'd let him draw his own conclusions as to who they were looking for. "But if you are in no hurry Commodore, may I offer you the hospitality of my ship." She gave him a winsome smile, her eyes and face guileless.
Will stared at her and bit his tongue against the curse that itched to be released. Now Norrington would think he was going after Elizabeth. Damn her to hell. That was the last thing he wanted anyone to think. She'd made enough of a fool of him, now they would all think he was still following after her like a whipped puppy dog. His eyes burned in frustration and embarrassment. "It is good to see you again Commodore. You have been absent for quite awhile. I assume you are headed back to port?"
Commodore Norrington returned her smile, his heart racing a bit at her rough beauty, and then moved forward to shake Will's outstretched hand. "I have indeed, though word does travel fast. I am sorry to hear about Elizabeth."
Will cringed but nodded. "She has chosen the life that she wishes to live."
Lorelei snorted. "Now Commodore, since you," she pronounced the words carefully," Are so interested in my little ship why don't I show you around?" She gave him another wide smile and hooked her arm in his as she battered her eyes up at him. She'd learned from a very small age that to survive you used every weapon available.
Commodore Norrington turned to her and gave her a polite smile. "I myself am on a bit of a tight schedule, but I cannot refuse such a generous request."
Her smile was blinding as she look into his eyes, making sure that hers were flooded with admiration and simpering. If her life and the lives of her crew weren't on the line she would have been disgusted with herself. But she led him below decks flirting subtly, almost laughing when she saw Will's furious and flushed face. Will strode to the stern of the ship and stared out at the ocean, bidding his temper to come under control. He'd never been so humiliated in all his life, and she didn't have a single clue what she'd done to him, or if she did she didn't care, only intent on saving her own skin. She was a pirate, why the hell was he surprised. He closed his eyes tightly against the unwelcome stir of his blood, thinking of her flirting so shamelessly with Norrington and he'd been looking at her so adoringly, thoroughly caught up in her web of deceit. He would never learn would he? It had probably all been an act last night to ingratiate him to her so that she could have him at her beck and call too. Never. He would never again believe in a woman blindly and heedlessly. He'd risked it all for Elizabeth only to be discarded like dirty laundry. Women were a scourge upon the earth.
Commodore Norrington followed her down the stairs and looked around him in appreciation. "She is a fine ship. With this being her maiden voyage I can see why she's so clean, but still, she has that air about her that only a woman can bring. So... tell me, where do you make berth?"
"Barbados." Lorelei replied, it had been where her father had spent the majority of his time, and it was a place she remembered, though she remembered little from before the fire.
Commodore Norrington nodded. "I admit I have been to Barbados, but I have not spent much time there."
Lorelei set her face into eager lines; she could still sense the faint distrust that radiated from the man, so she decided to act the excited first time captain to the hilt. "And I've spent too much time there! As soon as I got this ship I high tailed it out of there. I don't plan to set foot back there for a very long time."
Commodore Norrington saw the enthusiasm there and remembered all too well how he had felt when he had finally gotten his first ship. He finally relaxed and let go the last of his suspicions. "Yes, I can understand that sentiment all too well. One day you will change your mind though and be ready to settle. The sea is a harsh mistress. Now, as much as I would love to stay and fully enjoy your company, I must be on my way. It was a pleasure, and I appreciate your courtesy. Hopefully this will not be the last time we meet, and next time perhaps I will have more leisure." He turned to the glowering Will and gave him a small smile. He understood the young man all too well, and though it did feel good in one way to be vindicated with Elizabeth leaving him too, he also felt for him. "Will, it was a pleasure. Remember my advice, don't do anything too rash. I do hope though that you find her."
Lorelei walked the blue coat to railing, and smiled as he saluted her one last time. For a naval officer he seemed quite pleasant. She shook her head mentally; no good would come of the likes of her mixing it with the likes of the Commodore. Of that she was completely sure. "It was a pleasure Commodore. I am sure we will meet again."I 'You may just not like the encounter as much.'/I
Will nodded at the Commodore and gave him a weak smile, swallowing his pride and indignant outrage. "You as well Commodore. I will see you again on my return. Safe journey." He watched them sail away and then turned to swiftly make his way below deck. He needed to practise with his blade in order to blow some steam before he had to face that... woman. The very thought was repugnant to him and he quickened his pace.
Lorelei's gaze followed Will and she exchanged a glance with her first mate, and then gritted her teeth. What had the young man's pantaloon's in a knot now? With a determined step she followed, calling to her crew over her shoulder." Resume course, but keep watching fer signs of pursuit. Norrington wasnae entirely convinced." She entered her room in time to see him pick up his blade. "And just what be yer problem now?"
Will bit back a groan at the sound of her voice, but he ignored her and began his practice routine, lunging as he made his way through the footwork effortlessly. Lorelei snatched up her own blade, and parried his next movement. They'd had the same initial teacher; so she had no doubt her skill was good. Her eyes were blazing as he glared down at her. The stuck up son of a horny sea lion! Did he think she was a whore now? She'd acted the way she had to save their lives, and that included his.
Will shrugged. If she didn't want to leave him alone, then she could just play, because he sure didn't feel like talking. He crossed her blade with his and nodded slightly, waiting for her to accept the challenge. Lorelei nodded her acceptance and slapped his blade to the side with the flat of her own. Will sidestepped and lunged, then followed with a quick succession of strikes that had her blocking him deftly. He had to admire her skill, though he had just begun. Lorelei grinned fiercely as her blood began to stir, there was nothing like a fight to get the heart racing and the excitement flowing. She parried more strikes, flicking his blade aside and moving in quickly, her blade aimed for his shoulder.
Will allowed her to think that she had the advantage, and then twirled as she lunged, parrying himself, his riposte catching her off guard and nearly relieving her of her weapon. She managed to barely escape however, and then retreated two steps, circling him before he coolly predicted her redoublement and gave a short laugh. She was good, but he was better. It was clear to him now that she had indeed been taught by his father, but his years of teaching himself had led to much invention and ingenuity. He was not a predictable opponent, not locked into the rigidity of one type of form or another. His style was entirely unique.
Lorelei parried another thrust quickly, and then stood back to study him she regarded him intently before jumping back into the fray. She closed in striking for his throat. He was indeed very good, but he had one major fault, like all other naive fighters who believed honour would get him victory, he relied on his sword and skill but not the knowledge that to win you must use cunning and gumption, and that your weapon wasn't always the obvious one. Will easily blocked her thrust yet again, and then he himself retreated a few steps, holding her gaze and smiling wryly. She was the first challenge he'd had in quite awhile, and he was savouring every moment. He calmly moved back into the circle and crossed his blade with hers.
"I am no fool Lorelei. You forget that I have spent time with pirates as well and am not some untested upstart out to prove his skill."
"Ye be too honourable." She struck at his sword hard then hooked it up, her own blade scoring his arm slightly.
"Do not become too comfortable with that idea of me. I sailed with Jack Sparrow and I learn my lessons well." He lulled her into a sense of comfort and then twirled and lunged forward, marking her arm as well.
Lorelei leapt back again, ignoring the blood trickling down her arm. She gritted her teeth against the burning sting and knew that she would pay for her folly later. It was a deep wound, and the blood was soaking through quickly. She struck hard and fast, her blade shimmering as it dipped, chiming resoundingly against his. Will winced as he realised that he had cut her deeper than he had intended, but lunged straight forward in hopes of ending the match quickly. Lorelei focused on the tip of the sword, as it came towards her she whirled, her arm looping over the blade until it was tucked unseeing under her arm. Her body shielded the sight from Will, with a load moan and the clattering of her sword to the ground; she slid to the floor, the blood from her arm staining the front of her shirt.
Will's stomach turned and he cried out as he felt the blade sink in cleanly. He could see the blood and he fell to his knees beside her. "Oh my saints, what have I done? Oh Ruby, I didn't mean to strike you." He smoothed the hair from her forehead and slid his hand to her arm in order to move it and see where she had been struck. Perhaps he would be lucky and the wound would have missed any vital organs. His heart was firmly lodged in his throat, and his eyes filled with moisture at the thought that he had killed her. She wasn't moving and her face was contorted into a look of extreme pain, but her chest still rose and fell with her breathing. "I'm so sorry; I never meant to hurt you. Just hold on. Please don't die on me, I never meant to hurt you. CURSE ME! I was distracted by my anger and humiliation and now you have been the one to suffer for it."
Lorelei opened her eyes, shifted and smoothed a hand over his face. "Swords are not the only way to win a fight." Her other hand rose and she held a knife to his throat. She grinned as his eyes widened. She removed the knife and jumped to her feet. "I knew I'd never match ye with the sword."
Will's eyes narrowed but he bit his tongue. "So it would seem." How could he have been fool enough to fall for it? "Congratulations. Now if you'll excuse me, I will go above deck to continue my practise."
Lorelei dropped her knife in disgust. "Wait, what is it I have done that has made ye so hostile. Ye know not even me love for Bill be worth being treated like this."
"Begging your pardon, but I have been made the fool twice this day. I would prefer not to repeat it again so soon. Thank you for a well fought match. You are quite talented."
" A fool? And how be that?"
Will shook his head and sighed, stopping and turning toward her as he was reaching for the door. "Commodore Norrington now believes that I am chasing Elizabeth like a lovesick boy that doesn't have an ounce of self-respect. Within days, that will be what they ALL will think. But I suppose it doesn't matter. She humiliated me once, once more will not destroy me."
" He would have hung us if he had found out. Or followed us. That would endanger Haven I will nae do that. Even if it means I must die. I needed a reason that would stop him being suspicious."
"And you have done, so I will see myself above deck. I asked you to trust me, but you did not, though I am not the one that makes you believe that I am dead. Forgive me for my insolence; I will not dare to question your actions again. You use me however you wish, and I will say naught else." Will turned and reached for the door. His pride was smarting enough before this day and now it lay in shambles.
"Very well Mr Turner." Lorelei nodded coldly. She pushed past him and headed for the helm.
Will watched her as she walked up the stairs, his head swimming. He changed his mind and closed the door, walking back to the bed and collapsed onto it, putting his face in his hands and muffling a loud long frustrated scream. She had him tied in solid knots. When he had seen her lying there, thought her dead, and at his own hand no less, emotions unfamiliar and uncomfortable had held him hostage. Now, he had no idea what to make of it all. He had felt as if a part of his heart had been ripped open. He had imagined the look in his father's eyes when he found out that his 'daughter' had fallen at the hands of his own son, and it had nearly undone him. The thought of finding his father, only to lose him again. He ignored the part of him that whispered that it had far more to do with the loss of HER than what his father would think. He barely knew her, and all she had brought him thus far was irritation and an impressive headache. He stood and picked up his sword, resuming his practice with a speed and energy that would leave him sore for many days, but went great lengths toward making him forget about everything for a few hours. Everything but a pair of dancing emerald eyes.
Lorelei stayed at the helm, hours and into the night. Her anger was burning hotly; the crew knew to stay away when she was in this mood. The dinner hour came and went; she left Will to eat in her cabin alone. Will strode from the cabin and up to the helm with a singular intent. He stood before her and caught her gaze, holding it mercilessly. "Your dinner is waiting below. I will leave you alone so that you can eat in peace and not be burdened by my presence."
"I not be hungry." was all she answered. "Ye might as well go back inta the cabin."
"I have been below long enough. You can either go below or you can stay above and have to share it with me." He shrugged and turned to walk to the railing, having said his piece.
"Are ye giving orders now Mr Turner?"
"No, simply telling you I would be here."
Lorelei motioned to the bosun and he took the wheel from her and she headed down to her cabin. Instead of eating in the confines of the room she picked up the plate of stew, a loaf of bread and her tankard of ale and headed towards the figurehead. She blinked away tears, feeling strangely alone and homesick. Will watched her from the corner of his eye, cursing the fact that he knew only too well he was about to go apologise, even though he had every right to be angry. He sighed softly and made his way silently to stand behind her.
"I am sorry that I lost my temper and behaved so rudely. You did what you thought best to save your life and home, and I cannot fault you for that."
Lorelei nodded, but didn't turn toward him. She wanted no one, especially not HIM to see the loneliness in her eyes, or the pain that gripped her when flashes of memory invaded her conscious mind. The crew themselves, while they obeyed her orders were not completely comfortable with a woman on board, let alone as their Captain, so she had no real close friends or anyone to talk to. Admire her some of them might but that didn't change their superstitions. Will moved to stand beside her, his hand gripping the railing mere inches from hers, and her scent rose to haunt him once again. He closed his eyes for a moment and the vision of her rose before him, so he turned to her in an attempt to sway his wayward thoughts. His breath caught when he found her looking at him, the look in her eyes causing his stomach to flutter. She was lonely and hurting too, and it shocked him to the core. He reached up instinctively to touch her cheek, realising that they were more alike than he had cared to admit.
"What is it Lorelei, that makes you so sad?"
"Does it matter?" Lorelei shrugged.
Will nodded and held her gaze. "Yes. It does."
She looked at him with a small smile. "What makes ye care so much now?"
Will shrugged this time. "Because I know how you feel. Our circumstances may differ, but that look in your eyes I know only too well."
"Ye know naught about how I feel. Or me life."
Will turned to look out at the sea and bit his tongue. "Of course I don't. How could I after all? I've had such an easy existence right?"
"Easier, but no doubt hard in its way." Lorelei threw the remainder of her bread into the water.
"Easier huh?" Will forced himself not to take offence at that. She was the same as most humans in pain, they refused to believe that anyone else might really understand.
Lorelei shrugged, not really wanting to talk about what drove her existence. What made her choose to continue the life her parents died in. Will sighed when it became apparent that she would not talk about it. "She is a beautiful ship. You must be quite proud of her."
"Yes, I be very proud. She was a gift ta me."
Will smiled slightly. "From father?"
Lorelei nodded. "He commissioned her for me birthday and hired me the crew."
"He did an excellent job." He reached around Lorelei to trace the features of the mermaid. "She looks just like you."
"Yer da's little joke." Lorelei murmured.
"Joke?" Will looked at her curiously.
"Me name means mermaid."
Will smiled down at her and nodded. "I see. She certainly doesn't look like a joke though, she is quite stunning."
Lorelei grinned. "The artist embellished a lot."
Will shook his head. "As I said, she looks just like you." He wasn't sure why he wanted her to know he meant the compliment, but he did.
Lorelei raised an eyebrow. "Whatever ye reckon. Have ye eaten Mr Turner?"
Will shook his head and smiled at her hesitation to believe he found her attractive. "No. I could not eat in good conscience until you had taken your fill."
Lorelei handed him her almost full plate."I told ye, I not be hungry. So eat yer fill."
Will had to chuckle a bit. "I cannot imagine why you wouldn't be hungry; I would think that a near death experience would be sure to bring about an appetite."
Lorelei shrugged. "It won't be the first." She held out her wounded arm and stared at it. Her blood had soaked the sleeve till it stuck to the cut in a crimson bandage.
Will cringed and grasped her arm in his. "You did not get it attended to? Come with me."
She pulled her arm out of his grasp. "I be fine, the bleeding has stopped."
"Come with me please? The last thing you need is for it to become infected."
With a sigh she gave in and allowed him to take her hand. Will led her below and to her quarters, easing her onto the bed and then setting the plate of food on the table. "Where are the bandages and alcohol?"
"In the chest over there," She pointed to the chest at the foot of her bed, which held her clothing, all of it down to even the one dress she owned.
Will opened the trunk and carefully moved aside her clothing until he sighted what he was looking for, but he took a moment to finger the gorgeous green velvet of the gown he found folded there. He took in the plunging neckline and the tapered sides and he licked his lips as he visualised her wearing the gown, her skin pale and shimmering in the moonlight as he took her hand and pulled her into a waltz, holding her as closely to him as he dared. He mentally shook away the image and closed the top having no idea what had come over him the last two days.
"Here we are." He said softly as he placed her hand, palm facing up, in his lap. He took a clean bit of cloth and soaked it in the alcohol, carefully cleaning around the wound first, before pausing just above it and looking into her eyes. "This will sting a bit."
"No more then receiving it did." Lorelei gritted her teeth against the sharp pain.
Will cleaned it as carefully as he could, and then leaned down and kissed it tenderly. "I am truly sorry; I did not mean to hurt you." He wrapped it in the bandage, making sure it was secure, and then kissed it again.
" There is nae need ta be sorry. I be tough enough ta handle meself." She shivered as the touch of his lips vibrated along her skin.
Will smiled brightly at her. "That is obvious, but I still did not mean to harm you."
Lorelei looked at him steadily, "I know."
Will chuckled softly and shook his head. He could not seem to bring himself to free her hand from his. "That was an excellent trick earlier by the way. I genuinely thought I had run you through."
"Yer da always told me that it be surviving that counts. Ta use whatever I could ta stay alive. I be ta small ta evenly contest most fighters."
Will nodded and his eyes slid down her body unconsciously. "Yes. I can see. I can also see father wanting you to stay alive. You sell yourself short however. You are a very talented swordsman."
Lorelei's eyes crinkled with amusement." I be short naturally."
Will laughed again and then bit his lip when the thought that she was perfect echoed in his head. He was suddenly unable to speak, lost in the sight of her full lips. He wanted to kiss her. As insane as it was, he was overwhelmed by the desire. Her eyes met his and her breath caught; her hand unconsciously tightened their clasp around his. She leaned forward without realising what she did, his warmth and muskiness calling to her. Will closed the distance and pressed his lips to hers before he could second guess himself. He raised a hand to clasp her cheek tenderly, his thumb drawing circles upon her skin. She was so soft and his heart skipped a beat when she did not pull away at the touch of his roughened hands. Elizabeth had always pulled away, no matter how many times he had touched her. He pressed his lips more firmly to hers and released her hand to pull her into his arms and mould her body to his. He never wanted this moment to end. It simply felt too right.
Lorelei sat in the quiet of the early dawn hidden by the bulk of the figurehead, and namesake of the ship, a mermaid that looked surprisingly like Lorelei herself. If it had been her choice it wouldn't have but the ship had been a gift from her adoptive father. She leaned back against the torso with a sigh. She'd woken with the sun and had been curled into Will's warm, hard body. What scared her the most was that it had felt so right. She frowned fiercely into the water. She had to quash any thoughts of that nature, he was engaged to be married and he would find his way back to his fiancée. Besides he wasn't her usual type, too innocent and naive. Too straight and narrow for her restless spirit. Her eyes narrowed as she raised her head to the sun's welcome and a smile cracked her grim facade. She may have been comfortable in his arms, but it had been completely clear that his dreams were dictating to his body. And that can't have been comfortable. Absently she wondered what or whom he had been dreaming about. Most likely his fiancée, he loved her deeply, Lorelei could tell that even through the bitterness. She stood up and climbed over the rail and clung to the mermaid.
She never felt as free as when she was on the ocean with the sea spray stinging her eyes, and the wind knotting her hair. This feeling warred with homesickness, she missed the rich golden sands of Haven and she missed Bill. With a sigh Lorelei jumped down and trotted towards the ladder that led down below the deck. Mischief sparkling in her eyes, it lived within her like an imp. It had earned her names such as Hellion and Hoyden; it was all the restless energy within her diminutive frame. She loved life and vowed to make every moment well lived, after all a Pirate's life tended to be short. She ordered a bath to be brought to her room and silently re entered. He was still asleep, her smile widened. Two of her crew brought the copper bath into the room and proceeded to fill it with hot water. Lorelei waited for them to leave before stripping and sliding into the water.
Will woke slowly, his eyes taking a moment to adjust to the brightness of the day as opposed to the dull light of his shop. It took him a moment to orientate himself, to remember where he was, why, and the fatigue that accompanied the first good sleep after days without grabbed him and he rolled over in the bed. He buried his face in the pillow and groaned loudly when he smelled her there. Oh how he almost wished she had only been a dream. His body twitched to life again at the scent, and he could almost feel her pressed up against him again, her breath on his neck, her lips brushing against his Adam's apple ever so softly and unknowingly. It had been pure torture holding her, dreaming of her ivory skin and perfect curves. He had dreamed of her beneath him, her lips pressed against his even as her bare breasts crushed against his chest, exploring the unknown pleasures of the flesh with her, and yet he could not remember such a deep sleep since before his father's death as a boy. He stroked the satin sheet, imagining it to be the curve of her breast that still haunted him even with the rising of the sun, and he cursed his manhood.
He heard the door open, and the quiet voice issuing orders for a bath, and it took all the strength in him to pretend to be asleep. He could not stand with her in the room. He had somehow shucked his clothing in the night, though he did not remember doing so, and in his condition... he must remain where he was and fight the near overwhelming desire to watch her undress and sink into the water. There was no other option. Damn his treacherous body. One eye slid open just in time to see her bare bottom sink beneath the water, her hair falling over the edge of the tub, caressing the floor as her arms rested on the edge of the tub and he could only imagine what he would see if she turned around. He nearly got his wish but somehow managed to force his eyes shut as she indeed turned in the tub to face him. He grew hard at the vision that had been before him and it took all his strength to swallow the moan that was firmly lodged in his throat. By all the Saints she was a stunning woman. Stubborn, uncouth, and a pirate, but she was the most beautiful creature he'd ever laid eyes on. Her body caused in him a riot of emotions that he had devoutly avoided all his life, and he wasn't sure how to deal with it. Or her for that matter. She was already driving him mad, but she also brought about in him an irrational protective instinct, as evidenced by last night.
"Ye know there be room in here for two." Lorelei rested her head on the rim of the bath, her eyes closed as the scent exotic oils wafted into the air and seeped into her skin. A cheeky smile twitched her lips. He was easy to stir.
Will shook his head to clear it. Surely she had not just said that. "Pardon me miss?"
It took all of her strength not to laugh. "I said there be room in here for two. If ye are so inclined for a bath."
Will's eyes popped open and he sat straight up to stare at her. "Room in THERE for two? Why... I..." He had no idea what to say to that. She was offering precisely what his body yearned for him to accept, but surely she knew how improper it was? Or maybe she did not. But his father had been the one to instil in him the highest regard for the fairer sex, and so he could not imagine it if she had been raised by the same man. "It would be entirely improper. I will bathe after you have finished." He clutched the sheet to his stomach, blushing blood red as the motion caused her eyes to drop downward.
Lorelei laughed huskily. "Are ye sure about that? Yer body be willing."
Will closed his eyes tightly and shook his head. "Whatever the... state... of my body, I must decline your offer." Oh good heavens, the thought of her eyes on him... he wanted nothing more than to stand up and walk to the tub just to see that confident look slip from her face. He knew that she was merely twitting him, but he couldn't help but imagine the look on her face if she was truly interested, the spark of lust in her eyes that he had always longed to see with Elizabeth. As he looked back, he could not remember a single time that he had seen anything but sisterly affection in her eyes. Never had she wanted or loved him as he had yearned for and adored her.
Lorelei laughed, "Aw, ye be blushing." He opened his eyes indignantly and she stood up slowly.
Will felt as if his eyes would pop out of his head, and yet for the life of him he could not close them. He was helplessly numb and lost in the sight of her gloriously nude and not the least bit shy. Her body shimmered in the daylight, and he licked his lips as he imagined kissing her delicate skin, warm and wet and so beautifully scented and clean. He snapped his eyes shut as she began to dry herself. It was too much, and he nearly embarrassed himself in his arousal. He would never get her out of his head now, and he cursed her for doing this to him, cursed himself for not closing his eyes. He was speechless and in desperate need of a cold bath and a glass of water.
Lorelei was stunned at his reaction. She'd known he'd rise to the bait but she'd never expected this level of embarrassment. He was shy but not only that he was a..... "Oh Lord don't tell me yer a virgin?"
"I do not believe that is any of your concern miss." Will could not stop himself from blushing further, and he resented the tone in her voice that made that sound so repugnant and childish. He'd never believed that casual sex was any more acceptable for a man than for a woman, despite what society said, and he had been raised as such. A lot of good it had done him. He had saved himself for Elizabeth, and she had left him.
Lorelei stepped out of the tub and walked towards the screen." I'm just surprised is all. You are too handsome to have been left alone long."
"I am merely a blacksmith, and have loved one woman all my life. It was easy enough to steer clear of the temptations."
Lorelei clenched her fists till her nails left crescent shaped pits in her palm. There was that superior tone of voice again. She pulled a shirt over her head roughly and slipped into a crimson peasant skirt then pushed past him without another word. If that was the way he wanted it she would play it that way. She was Captain on this ship and she would act like a Captain to a guest on board. Slamming the door behind her hard, she headed for the deck and the helm. Will stared after her and slammed a fist into the bed in frustration. Lord she was an insufferable woman. SHE was the one that had teased him, and now she was acting like HE had done something wrong by answering the question she'd asked.
"GRRRRRRRRRR" He growled as he rose from the bed and made his way to the tub, suspicion worming its way into his consciousness when he saw the clean set of clothing on the end of his bed, and his own clothes were nowhere to be found. Perhaps he had not been the one to shed them after all. That thought caused another riot within his body and he quickly sank into the now blessedly cold water. "She is simply unbearable. WHY Does she have to be so damn beautiful as well?" The curse slipped from his lips and he slammed his fist into the water. OH what he wouldn't give for an anvil and a hammer and a good hot piece of metal to shape.
Lorelei stood at the helm her hands gripping the hard wood tightly. He was the most pig headed self righteous man she'd ever met, and she had no idea why she cared. Why did she let him make her feel inferior? He was no better then she. After all they came from the same stock; his father had raised her to be a free thinking, unrepressed individual.
"Ships a stern Captain."
Lorelei brought her attention back to the present and held her hand out to the mate for the scope. She raised it to her eye and cursed paint blistering oaths. "It be the blue coats. I dun't want any unnecessary fightin, remember what I teld ye. We be merchant marines."
Will heard the raised voices above deck and stood from the water, dressing quickly. He ascended the stairs two at a time and emerged to find the crew moving quickly about their tasks, and he looked out across the waves to The Dauntless. He moved to Lorelei's side and sighed. "Norrington."
Lorelei turned a cool face towards the blacksmith. "Ye know this bluecoat?"
"Aye. He was the man that was engaged to Elizabeth before me. He is the Commodore of the British fleet, and the man that was intricately involved in the hunt for The Black Pearl. That is the ship we made them think we were going to commandeer."
Lorelei nodded and without another glance at him she gave the orders to slow them down so that the other ship could catch up with them. They wouldn't outrun them and to try would be to invite them to open fire on them. They could fight, but to do so would be to risk the mission she had been sent to do. It would also risk Haven; if they fought this Norrington would follow them.
Will watched warily as the ship approached, getting the story he would tell straight in his head. "When they board, let me deal with Norrington."
Lorelei stiffened and whirled on him abruptly. "I believe I be the Captain on this ship. I also believe that you be the guest."
Will held her gaze and his ground. "Yes, you are, but if you want to escape you will have to trust me. I am well acquainted with this man and him with me."
"We will escape Will Turner. Regardless, he has no proof we be Pirates, this ship is on her maiden voyage. We've not done anything but pick up a passenger."
Will fought hard not to roll his eyes. "Then you do as you wish Cap'n. I will bite my tongue next time I even THINK of offering YOU any assistance."
Lorelei ignored him and motioned for the anchor to be dropped, then she stood to wait as The Dauntless drew up besides them. She swallowed when she saw the blue coats lined up, weapons at the ready. Commodore Norrington stepped aboard the small ship and nodded to his men. "They are unarmed, lower your weapons, but hold your stations." He looked around the deck and was shocked first to see that the captain was a woman, and second that Will Turner was aboard. "Captain?..." His eyes returned to her spectacular green ones, and he waited for her to introduce herself.
"Lorelei." She provided with a nod. "Sir."
"I see. Captain Lorelei, state your business in these waters." He snuck a glance at Will and had a sneaking suspicion that he had once again run heedlessly after the headstrong Elizabeth. He would not admit to himself that he gained a little satisfaction that Elizabeth had left Will high and dry as well.
"We are merely picking up a paying passenger Commodore." Lorelei spoke carefully to hide her usual speech.
"A paying customer? I assume that would be YOU Will Turner?" He turned to face Will questioningly.
"Hello Commodore Norrington. Yes, that would be me. I needed to get out on the Ocean again and clear my head."
Lorelei cleared her throat. "Do we have leave to continue Commodore? It would be a shame to have our maiden voyage hindered."
The Commodore turned to her suspiciously. "You are in too much of a hurry to allow me to reacquaint myself with an old friend? If you weren't riding so high in the waves I might think you had something to hide Captain Lorelei."
"Nothing to hide Commodore, just someone to find." She raised an eyebrow and cut a glance towards Will. She'd let him draw his own conclusions as to who they were looking for. "But if you are in no hurry Commodore, may I offer you the hospitality of my ship." She gave him a winsome smile, her eyes and face guileless.
Will stared at her and bit his tongue against the curse that itched to be released. Now Norrington would think he was going after Elizabeth. Damn her to hell. That was the last thing he wanted anyone to think. She'd made enough of a fool of him, now they would all think he was still following after her like a whipped puppy dog. His eyes burned in frustration and embarrassment. "It is good to see you again Commodore. You have been absent for quite awhile. I assume you are headed back to port?"
Commodore Norrington returned her smile, his heart racing a bit at her rough beauty, and then moved forward to shake Will's outstretched hand. "I have indeed, though word does travel fast. I am sorry to hear about Elizabeth."
Will cringed but nodded. "She has chosen the life that she wishes to live."
Lorelei snorted. "Now Commodore, since you," she pronounced the words carefully," Are so interested in my little ship why don't I show you around?" She gave him another wide smile and hooked her arm in his as she battered her eyes up at him. She'd learned from a very small age that to survive you used every weapon available.
Commodore Norrington turned to her and gave her a polite smile. "I myself am on a bit of a tight schedule, but I cannot refuse such a generous request."
Her smile was blinding as she look into his eyes, making sure that hers were flooded with admiration and simpering. If her life and the lives of her crew weren't on the line she would have been disgusted with herself. But she led him below decks flirting subtly, almost laughing when she saw Will's furious and flushed face. Will strode to the stern of the ship and stared out at the ocean, bidding his temper to come under control. He'd never been so humiliated in all his life, and she didn't have a single clue what she'd done to him, or if she did she didn't care, only intent on saving her own skin. She was a pirate, why the hell was he surprised. He closed his eyes tightly against the unwelcome stir of his blood, thinking of her flirting so shamelessly with Norrington and he'd been looking at her so adoringly, thoroughly caught up in her web of deceit. He would never learn would he? It had probably all been an act last night to ingratiate him to her so that she could have him at her beck and call too. Never. He would never again believe in a woman blindly and heedlessly. He'd risked it all for Elizabeth only to be discarded like dirty laundry. Women were a scourge upon the earth.
Commodore Norrington followed her down the stairs and looked around him in appreciation. "She is a fine ship. With this being her maiden voyage I can see why she's so clean, but still, she has that air about her that only a woman can bring. So... tell me, where do you make berth?"
"Barbados." Lorelei replied, it had been where her father had spent the majority of his time, and it was a place she remembered, though she remembered little from before the fire.
Commodore Norrington nodded. "I admit I have been to Barbados, but I have not spent much time there."
Lorelei set her face into eager lines; she could still sense the faint distrust that radiated from the man, so she decided to act the excited first time captain to the hilt. "And I've spent too much time there! As soon as I got this ship I high tailed it out of there. I don't plan to set foot back there for a very long time."
Commodore Norrington saw the enthusiasm there and remembered all too well how he had felt when he had finally gotten his first ship. He finally relaxed and let go the last of his suspicions. "Yes, I can understand that sentiment all too well. One day you will change your mind though and be ready to settle. The sea is a harsh mistress. Now, as much as I would love to stay and fully enjoy your company, I must be on my way. It was a pleasure, and I appreciate your courtesy. Hopefully this will not be the last time we meet, and next time perhaps I will have more leisure." He turned to the glowering Will and gave him a small smile. He understood the young man all too well, and though it did feel good in one way to be vindicated with Elizabeth leaving him too, he also felt for him. "Will, it was a pleasure. Remember my advice, don't do anything too rash. I do hope though that you find her."
Lorelei walked the blue coat to railing, and smiled as he saluted her one last time. For a naval officer he seemed quite pleasant. She shook her head mentally; no good would come of the likes of her mixing it with the likes of the Commodore. Of that she was completely sure. "It was a pleasure Commodore. I am sure we will meet again."I 'You may just not like the encounter as much.'/I
Will nodded at the Commodore and gave him a weak smile, swallowing his pride and indignant outrage. "You as well Commodore. I will see you again on my return. Safe journey." He watched them sail away and then turned to swiftly make his way below deck. He needed to practise with his blade in order to blow some steam before he had to face that... woman. The very thought was repugnant to him and he quickened his pace.
Lorelei's gaze followed Will and she exchanged a glance with her first mate, and then gritted her teeth. What had the young man's pantaloon's in a knot now? With a determined step she followed, calling to her crew over her shoulder." Resume course, but keep watching fer signs of pursuit. Norrington wasnae entirely convinced." She entered her room in time to see him pick up his blade. "And just what be yer problem now?"
Will bit back a groan at the sound of her voice, but he ignored her and began his practice routine, lunging as he made his way through the footwork effortlessly. Lorelei snatched up her own blade, and parried his next movement. They'd had the same initial teacher; so she had no doubt her skill was good. Her eyes were blazing as he glared down at her. The stuck up son of a horny sea lion! Did he think she was a whore now? She'd acted the way she had to save their lives, and that included his.
Will shrugged. If she didn't want to leave him alone, then she could just play, because he sure didn't feel like talking. He crossed her blade with his and nodded slightly, waiting for her to accept the challenge. Lorelei nodded her acceptance and slapped his blade to the side with the flat of her own. Will sidestepped and lunged, then followed with a quick succession of strikes that had her blocking him deftly. He had to admire her skill, though he had just begun. Lorelei grinned fiercely as her blood began to stir, there was nothing like a fight to get the heart racing and the excitement flowing. She parried more strikes, flicking his blade aside and moving in quickly, her blade aimed for his shoulder.
Will allowed her to think that she had the advantage, and then twirled as she lunged, parrying himself, his riposte catching her off guard and nearly relieving her of her weapon. She managed to barely escape however, and then retreated two steps, circling him before he coolly predicted her redoublement and gave a short laugh. She was good, but he was better. It was clear to him now that she had indeed been taught by his father, but his years of teaching himself had led to much invention and ingenuity. He was not a predictable opponent, not locked into the rigidity of one type of form or another. His style was entirely unique.
Lorelei parried another thrust quickly, and then stood back to study him she regarded him intently before jumping back into the fray. She closed in striking for his throat. He was indeed very good, but he had one major fault, like all other naive fighters who believed honour would get him victory, he relied on his sword and skill but not the knowledge that to win you must use cunning and gumption, and that your weapon wasn't always the obvious one. Will easily blocked her thrust yet again, and then he himself retreated a few steps, holding her gaze and smiling wryly. She was the first challenge he'd had in quite awhile, and he was savouring every moment. He calmly moved back into the circle and crossed his blade with hers.
"I am no fool Lorelei. You forget that I have spent time with pirates as well and am not some untested upstart out to prove his skill."
"Ye be too honourable." She struck at his sword hard then hooked it up, her own blade scoring his arm slightly.
"Do not become too comfortable with that idea of me. I sailed with Jack Sparrow and I learn my lessons well." He lulled her into a sense of comfort and then twirled and lunged forward, marking her arm as well.
Lorelei leapt back again, ignoring the blood trickling down her arm. She gritted her teeth against the burning sting and knew that she would pay for her folly later. It was a deep wound, and the blood was soaking through quickly. She struck hard and fast, her blade shimmering as it dipped, chiming resoundingly against his. Will winced as he realised that he had cut her deeper than he had intended, but lunged straight forward in hopes of ending the match quickly. Lorelei focused on the tip of the sword, as it came towards her she whirled, her arm looping over the blade until it was tucked unseeing under her arm. Her body shielded the sight from Will, with a load moan and the clattering of her sword to the ground; she slid to the floor, the blood from her arm staining the front of her shirt.
Will's stomach turned and he cried out as he felt the blade sink in cleanly. He could see the blood and he fell to his knees beside her. "Oh my saints, what have I done? Oh Ruby, I didn't mean to strike you." He smoothed the hair from her forehead and slid his hand to her arm in order to move it and see where she had been struck. Perhaps he would be lucky and the wound would have missed any vital organs. His heart was firmly lodged in his throat, and his eyes filled with moisture at the thought that he had killed her. She wasn't moving and her face was contorted into a look of extreme pain, but her chest still rose and fell with her breathing. "I'm so sorry; I never meant to hurt you. Just hold on. Please don't die on me, I never meant to hurt you. CURSE ME! I was distracted by my anger and humiliation and now you have been the one to suffer for it."
Lorelei opened her eyes, shifted and smoothed a hand over his face. "Swords are not the only way to win a fight." Her other hand rose and she held a knife to his throat. She grinned as his eyes widened. She removed the knife and jumped to her feet. "I knew I'd never match ye with the sword."
Will's eyes narrowed but he bit his tongue. "So it would seem." How could he have been fool enough to fall for it? "Congratulations. Now if you'll excuse me, I will go above deck to continue my practise."
Lorelei dropped her knife in disgust. "Wait, what is it I have done that has made ye so hostile. Ye know not even me love for Bill be worth being treated like this."
"Begging your pardon, but I have been made the fool twice this day. I would prefer not to repeat it again so soon. Thank you for a well fought match. You are quite talented."
" A fool? And how be that?"
Will shook his head and sighed, stopping and turning toward her as he was reaching for the door. "Commodore Norrington now believes that I am chasing Elizabeth like a lovesick boy that doesn't have an ounce of self-respect. Within days, that will be what they ALL will think. But I suppose it doesn't matter. She humiliated me once, once more will not destroy me."
" He would have hung us if he had found out. Or followed us. That would endanger Haven I will nae do that. Even if it means I must die. I needed a reason that would stop him being suspicious."
"And you have done, so I will see myself above deck. I asked you to trust me, but you did not, though I am not the one that makes you believe that I am dead. Forgive me for my insolence; I will not dare to question your actions again. You use me however you wish, and I will say naught else." Will turned and reached for the door. His pride was smarting enough before this day and now it lay in shambles.
"Very well Mr Turner." Lorelei nodded coldly. She pushed past him and headed for the helm.
Will watched her as she walked up the stairs, his head swimming. He changed his mind and closed the door, walking back to the bed and collapsed onto it, putting his face in his hands and muffling a loud long frustrated scream. She had him tied in solid knots. When he had seen her lying there, thought her dead, and at his own hand no less, emotions unfamiliar and uncomfortable had held him hostage. Now, he had no idea what to make of it all. He had felt as if a part of his heart had been ripped open. He had imagined the look in his father's eyes when he found out that his 'daughter' had fallen at the hands of his own son, and it had nearly undone him. The thought of finding his father, only to lose him again. He ignored the part of him that whispered that it had far more to do with the loss of HER than what his father would think. He barely knew her, and all she had brought him thus far was irritation and an impressive headache. He stood and picked up his sword, resuming his practice with a speed and energy that would leave him sore for many days, but went great lengths toward making him forget about everything for a few hours. Everything but a pair of dancing emerald eyes.
Lorelei stayed at the helm, hours and into the night. Her anger was burning hotly; the crew knew to stay away when she was in this mood. The dinner hour came and went; she left Will to eat in her cabin alone. Will strode from the cabin and up to the helm with a singular intent. He stood before her and caught her gaze, holding it mercilessly. "Your dinner is waiting below. I will leave you alone so that you can eat in peace and not be burdened by my presence."
"I not be hungry." was all she answered. "Ye might as well go back inta the cabin."
"I have been below long enough. You can either go below or you can stay above and have to share it with me." He shrugged and turned to walk to the railing, having said his piece.
"Are ye giving orders now Mr Turner?"
"No, simply telling you I would be here."
Lorelei motioned to the bosun and he took the wheel from her and she headed down to her cabin. Instead of eating in the confines of the room she picked up the plate of stew, a loaf of bread and her tankard of ale and headed towards the figurehead. She blinked away tears, feeling strangely alone and homesick. Will watched her from the corner of his eye, cursing the fact that he knew only too well he was about to go apologise, even though he had every right to be angry. He sighed softly and made his way silently to stand behind her.
"I am sorry that I lost my temper and behaved so rudely. You did what you thought best to save your life and home, and I cannot fault you for that."
Lorelei nodded, but didn't turn toward him. She wanted no one, especially not HIM to see the loneliness in her eyes, or the pain that gripped her when flashes of memory invaded her conscious mind. The crew themselves, while they obeyed her orders were not completely comfortable with a woman on board, let alone as their Captain, so she had no real close friends or anyone to talk to. Admire her some of them might but that didn't change their superstitions. Will moved to stand beside her, his hand gripping the railing mere inches from hers, and her scent rose to haunt him once again. He closed his eyes for a moment and the vision of her rose before him, so he turned to her in an attempt to sway his wayward thoughts. His breath caught when he found her looking at him, the look in her eyes causing his stomach to flutter. She was lonely and hurting too, and it shocked him to the core. He reached up instinctively to touch her cheek, realising that they were more alike than he had cared to admit.
"What is it Lorelei, that makes you so sad?"
"Does it matter?" Lorelei shrugged.
Will nodded and held her gaze. "Yes. It does."
She looked at him with a small smile. "What makes ye care so much now?"
Will shrugged this time. "Because I know how you feel. Our circumstances may differ, but that look in your eyes I know only too well."
"Ye know naught about how I feel. Or me life."
Will turned to look out at the sea and bit his tongue. "Of course I don't. How could I after all? I've had such an easy existence right?"
"Easier, but no doubt hard in its way." Lorelei threw the remainder of her bread into the water.
"Easier huh?" Will forced himself not to take offence at that. She was the same as most humans in pain, they refused to believe that anyone else might really understand.
Lorelei shrugged, not really wanting to talk about what drove her existence. What made her choose to continue the life her parents died in. Will sighed when it became apparent that she would not talk about it. "She is a beautiful ship. You must be quite proud of her."
"Yes, I be very proud. She was a gift ta me."
Will smiled slightly. "From father?"
Lorelei nodded. "He commissioned her for me birthday and hired me the crew."
"He did an excellent job." He reached around Lorelei to trace the features of the mermaid. "She looks just like you."
"Yer da's little joke." Lorelei murmured.
"Joke?" Will looked at her curiously.
"Me name means mermaid."
Will smiled down at her and nodded. "I see. She certainly doesn't look like a joke though, she is quite stunning."
Lorelei grinned. "The artist embellished a lot."
Will shook his head. "As I said, she looks just like you." He wasn't sure why he wanted her to know he meant the compliment, but he did.
Lorelei raised an eyebrow. "Whatever ye reckon. Have ye eaten Mr Turner?"
Will shook his head and smiled at her hesitation to believe he found her attractive. "No. I could not eat in good conscience until you had taken your fill."
Lorelei handed him her almost full plate."I told ye, I not be hungry. So eat yer fill."
Will had to chuckle a bit. "I cannot imagine why you wouldn't be hungry; I would think that a near death experience would be sure to bring about an appetite."
Lorelei shrugged. "It won't be the first." She held out her wounded arm and stared at it. Her blood had soaked the sleeve till it stuck to the cut in a crimson bandage.
Will cringed and grasped her arm in his. "You did not get it attended to? Come with me."
She pulled her arm out of his grasp. "I be fine, the bleeding has stopped."
"Come with me please? The last thing you need is for it to become infected."
With a sigh she gave in and allowed him to take her hand. Will led her below and to her quarters, easing her onto the bed and then setting the plate of food on the table. "Where are the bandages and alcohol?"
"In the chest over there," She pointed to the chest at the foot of her bed, which held her clothing, all of it down to even the one dress she owned.
Will opened the trunk and carefully moved aside her clothing until he sighted what he was looking for, but he took a moment to finger the gorgeous green velvet of the gown he found folded there. He took in the plunging neckline and the tapered sides and he licked his lips as he visualised her wearing the gown, her skin pale and shimmering in the moonlight as he took her hand and pulled her into a waltz, holding her as closely to him as he dared. He mentally shook away the image and closed the top having no idea what had come over him the last two days.
"Here we are." He said softly as he placed her hand, palm facing up, in his lap. He took a clean bit of cloth and soaked it in the alcohol, carefully cleaning around the wound first, before pausing just above it and looking into her eyes. "This will sting a bit."
"No more then receiving it did." Lorelei gritted her teeth against the sharp pain.
Will cleaned it as carefully as he could, and then leaned down and kissed it tenderly. "I am truly sorry; I did not mean to hurt you." He wrapped it in the bandage, making sure it was secure, and then kissed it again.
" There is nae need ta be sorry. I be tough enough ta handle meself." She shivered as the touch of his lips vibrated along her skin.
Will smiled brightly at her. "That is obvious, but I still did not mean to harm you."
Lorelei looked at him steadily, "I know."
Will chuckled softly and shook his head. He could not seem to bring himself to free her hand from his. "That was an excellent trick earlier by the way. I genuinely thought I had run you through."
"Yer da always told me that it be surviving that counts. Ta use whatever I could ta stay alive. I be ta small ta evenly contest most fighters."
Will nodded and his eyes slid down her body unconsciously. "Yes. I can see. I can also see father wanting you to stay alive. You sell yourself short however. You are a very talented swordsman."
Lorelei's eyes crinkled with amusement." I be short naturally."
Will laughed again and then bit his lip when the thought that she was perfect echoed in his head. He was suddenly unable to speak, lost in the sight of her full lips. He wanted to kiss her. As insane as it was, he was overwhelmed by the desire. Her eyes met his and her breath caught; her hand unconsciously tightened their clasp around his. She leaned forward without realising what she did, his warmth and muskiness calling to her. Will closed the distance and pressed his lips to hers before he could second guess himself. He raised a hand to clasp her cheek tenderly, his thumb drawing circles upon her skin. She was so soft and his heart skipped a beat when she did not pull away at the touch of his roughened hands. Elizabeth had always pulled away, no matter how many times he had touched her. He pressed his lips more firmly to hers and released her hand to pull her into his arms and mould her body to his. He never wanted this moment to end. It simply felt too right.