Chapter Twelve

William walked them slowly through the crowds. Loving having her on his arm dressed as she was. The look on her face, and the spark of wonder in her eyes, made his stomach clench with emotion. He could almost see her open up as a flower with each step. He moved his free hand to rest it on top of hers, and patted her hand. "How are you love?"

Lorelei looked up at him, startled. She had been a million miles away as she surveyed the surrounds, the bright colours of the markets they walked through from the docks to reach the town proper. "I be fine, Oh look," She pointed with her free hand, "There be a tailor."

Will grinned as he saw what was next door to the tailor's shop. "Yes. And there is something more important next door." He changed their course slightly and began to walk her toward a flower stall.

"More important than gettin' ye clothin'?" Lorelei went along with him, looking up at him questioningly.

Will nodded and his grin widened even further. "Yes love. More important than me getting clothing." He stopped before a cart filled with several different types of flowers, and he leaned in to kiss her cheek. Propriety or not, he couldn't resist. "What are your favourite flowers love?"

"I donnae know. Tha' flowers at home nae be growin anywhere else. So I'm nae to familiar with others."

"Then we'll look at them all and you can pick anything and everything that catches your eye."

Lorelei smiled softly and spent some time picking out flowers of bright colours. Each one she smelt and placed the heavenly scented blooms into a bouquet that the stall holder wrapped with a ribbon. Will smiled down at her, getting more pleasure from just watching her than he'd ever felt in his life. She looked like a child opening a gift. Her face was flushed a light pink, and her eyes sparkled, and she kept giggling nervously. It was so refreshing that something so small brought her so much pleasure. The merchant handed her the bunch of flowers, and Lorelei stood on tiptoes and gave Will a long searing kiss. He was treating her like a princess, buying her gifts, holding her arm as they walked, helping her off the ship and over puddles. It was a novel experience and she was beginning to enjoy it.

Will chuckled and shook his head. "Looks like I'll have to keep this in mind. The lady likes flowers."

"Tha lady be likin' a lot o' things. An' if ye keep on doin' this ye will be rewarded beyond yer wildest imagination." murmured Lorelei as he took her arm again and they began walking toward the tailor.

Will leaned in to whisper in her ear. "Mmmm... I like the sound of that. But, if you keep that up I think it will be obvious to anyone watching just what you talking like that does to me."

Lorelei gave a wicked little chuckle and whispered exactly what she loved doing to him in his ear at the same time as the man behind the counter asked if he could help Will at all.

Will gulped convulsively and nodded. "Ummm... yes. You could. I'm afraid my best clothes have, met with an accident, and all I have to wear are my sailing clothes. As you can see, they don't even come near matching the beauty of the lady. Might you have something I could look at that could be taken immediately?"

The little man came from around the counter so intent on his challenge that he almost elbowed Lorelei out of the way. She retreated to a small bench stool in the corner and watched in fascination as the man measured and muttered. Soon enough he hurried out back Will and Lorelei exchanged glances and then the man burst back in with several sets of trousers, shirts and jackets. Will smiled at Ruby and nodded as the man ushered him toward a small room to try on the clothing. He stripped out of his shirt hurriedly, as the little man seemed quite in a rush, and then undid the laces on his trousers and slid them down his legs as well. His brow furrowed when he heard a metallic clang as they hit the floor. He stepped out of the legs and picked them up, reaching into the pocket and pulling out a ring on a chain.

Realisation dawned quickly and he smiled sadly. It was Ruby's ring. The one she had refused to take back after they'd played cards. Perhaps she'd feel differently now. He gave the tailor a smile as the man looked at him impatiently, and slipped the chain around his neck, the ring resting above his heart. He'd ask her later. He dressed in the clothes that the tailor had brought in, and pulled back the curtain.

Lorelei's eyes lit up as she ran her gaze over William's trim figure. The tailored trousers set off his lean muscled legs to perfection, the white shirt brought out his tan. "Try tha' jacket William."

Will smiled and held out his arms so that the tailor could put the jacket on him. He raised his eyebrow at her, waiting for her pronouncement. Lorelei clapped her hands in delight when she saw the dashing figure he cut. "It be perfect William."

Will chuckled. "You heard the lady. She thinks it's perfect. We'll take it."

The man packed up Will's old clothing and handed the parcel to him. Lorelei took his arm as he paid for the clothing and they walked back into the street, Will's arm rose to encircle her shoulders. Lorelei wanted to chuckle, it was a comforting gesture but also one full of propriety. They walked in silence for a few moments, and then she turned and asked, "William? Did we want ta find a place ta spend tha' night. We can take our packages and leave them in our room. That way we can be unencumbered at dinner."

Will nodded. "That sounds lovely to me. If you believe there is somewhere we can trust with our things."

"Well I've nae actually been ta this town before, I've heard about it from others. But we can find a respectable place cannae we not?"

Will smiled down at her. "I'm certain we can. But there is one more place I have just seen that we should stop first love."

"Oh?" Lorelei gave him a curious look, "Then we will go there first if ye prefer."

Will squeezed her shoulders gently and then led her across the street to the confectioner's. He laughed when she looked at him curiously, but he walked her straight to the counter and smiled at the man behind the counter. "I'd like to look at the best chocolate you have to offer."

Lorelei gasped, "William, do ye realise how expensive tha' stuff be?" Her eyes had widened in shock, even as her wicked mind calculated all the ways she could incorporate the delicacy in their love making.

Will nodded. "I do at that. Do not worry so much Ruby my love. I have more than enough to afford it."

He held a sample up to her lips and Lorelei took it from his fingers delicately, her eyes closing in pure bliss as the sweet taste exploded on her tongue. "Mmm." She moaned softly.

Will licked his lips and swallowed hard. She looked just as she did when he brought her to ecstasy. "Two of the biggest blocks you have." Will voice was deep and husky, and his heart was racing all over again.

Lorelei's eyes flew open. Two blocks? That was going to cost the earth. She opened her mouth to protest but he forestalled her by popping in another piece of the confectionary. He leaned in to whisper in her ear again. "It will be worth every penny. And believe me, I can afford it. I did not leave the Isla De Muerta empty handed love."

Lorelei broke off another piece and placed it against his lips, once he had taken it she placed a finger against his lips, she whispered cautiously "Tha' name shouldnae be spoken where people can hear. The legends about tha' place would make even tha' most pure willin' ta murder ta find its treasures."

Will shook his head. "Not me. I've found my treasure already."

"Aye, an' if people found out ye knew tha' location of tha' Island yer life would be endangered."

Will laughed and pressed his lips to hers gently. "I meant you love."

Lorelei blushed, and ducked her head at her own stupidity. Will settled a finger beneath her chin and lifted her face until she was looking him in the eye again. "Jack said once that not all treasure is silver and gold. He was so right Ruby. You are all the treasure I'll ever need."

For the first time in her life Lorelei felt weepy and mushy, her heart thudded with the emotion she felt as his intense eyes bored into hers. She wiped away gathering moisture in her eyes, "Tha' be the most romantic thing anyone's ever said ta me."

Will kissed her reverently and reached up to cup her cheek in his palm. "It's the truth."

"If ye keep this up William Turner we may nae end up at dinner and buyin' yer clothes may have proved in vain."

Will laughed softly and turned reluctantly to pay for the chocolate. He tucked the heavy blocks in one arm along with his clothes, and held out the other for her again. "Let's get this to a room then and we'll get to dinner before I have a chance to change my mind."

"Surely ye be hungry William, ye ate nothin' before we left tha' ship." She slipped her hand down to hold his. They wandered around the small town until they came to a guesthouse, rather then a tavern. "How bout we try here. Tis a respectable place."

Will turned to her and then reached up to remove the chain and ring from his neck. He undid the clasp and laid the ring in the palm of his hand, before looking up at her, a bit surprised at the degree of shock in her eyes. He didn't hesitate though; he reached out to take her left hand in his, and raised it enough to slide the ring onto her ring finger.

Lorelei searched his face, cradling her hand in the other. "Why?" She gasped as the cool gold heated up against her skin, she'd never worn the ring and it felt odd. It sat heavily. "Me ma's ring, but why give it back now? Ye won it fair 'n 'square"

Will's heart thudded faster when she revealed it had been her mother's. Now he would make sure she took it back, no matter what. "Because if it's mine, I can give it to whom I wish, and the ring belongs with you."

"Ye won it in stakes I named." Lorelei swallowed, "An' why give it back now." She held up the hand, "An on this finger?"

Will smiled shyly. "Because that is also where it belongs apparently. And I didn't find it again until just today; I don't think that was an accident. Also... because I like the idea of it being there and letting people know that you are mine, and I am yours."

"An' mayhap cause tha' proprietor of a fine n' fancy establishment will nae let an unmarried couple grace their rooms?"

Will sighed. "She probably wouldn't... but that's not the reason. That's what made me realise what I wanted to do though."

Lorelei caressed his face lovingly, "Let's go an' find out if they well let such as us in tha door."

Will's eyes grazed over her and he smiled. "She wouldn't think of turning you down even for a moment."

"Aye but in tha' high class world ye would be tha' one doin' tha talkin'" They walked to the front door hand in hand; Lorelei ducked her head demurely as Will knocked.

Will smiled at the matronly woman who answered the door. She was made up like a China doll, not a hair out of place, and only the trace of a polite smile upon her face. He nodded when she asked if she could help them, and told her that he and his wife were looking for lodgings for the evening. He smiled down at Ruby lovingly and introduced them when she showed them inside and inquired as to their names. "I am William Turner, and this is Lorelei."

Lorelei gave the woman a cautious smile, when she noted the woman's gaze lingering on William. "How do ye do?" She cringed; no matter how hard she tried her Irish accent was prominent, even if she was careful with her speech.

Will grinned and squeezed her arm closer to his body reassuringly. "My wife and I will be going out to dinner this evening, and we were hoping to leave our packages in our room in the meantime."

"I'm Mary Williams, and I don't think that would be any problem Mr. Turner."

The woman turned and led them up the stairs, Lorelei had never been inside a building so fine, though she had no doubt Will had seen its like and superior. They inspected the room and Mrs. Williams left the moment they declared it satisfactory. Lorelei looked around, elegant and expensive furnishings, nothing to fancy mind but luxurious none the less. Her eyes widened when she was the four posters bed, it had a real feather down mattress. Lorelei couldn't resist, she ran for it, jumping squarely onto the soft down. She sighed as it sprang slightly under her weight, not giving too much, but just enough to be comfortable. This certainly beat the lumpy rush mattresses common to Taverns.

Will laughed as he watched her. She was positively glowing with glee. He made the determination then and there that he would buy her the best mattress that money could buy to take back to Haven with them. He would also commission the biggest and most intricate four poster bed that she could imagine. "I take it you like?"

"I never felt tha' like. The mattress in the Maiden is about tha' best I got. An' that is a horse hair."

"The mattresses back at the Haven aren't bad either."

"Sweet grasses, they have ta be changed every season. They get dry an' scratchy. But this, this wouldnae need ta be changed."

Will smiled. "Well then, we'll simply have to see to that on the return trip to Haven."

Lorelei sat up, a few curls falling from the intricate style, "Ye'd buy one? But I donnae think there would be room in Da's house."

Will's eyes shone and he had to gulp hard. She was completely oblivious to just how erotic a sight she made at that moment. "I would, and I will. And you can get them in the size that you specify."

"An' what size would ye specify O' blanket hog."

Will laughed. "For us? The biggest they make"

"An' would ye be findin' tha coverin' ta go with it?" Lorelei snorted and tossed her head, more curls tumbling down. "Ye'd steal em no matter how many there be."

Will eased down beside her and kissed her hard. "You don't need the covers, I keep you warm."

"When I can get ta ye through tha' cocoon ye've made o' tha blankets." Lorelei muttered against his lips.

Will pulled her tightly against him and reached up to twirl one of her curls around his finger. "I suppose we'll just have to get you a separate blanket then. Though, I don't see why I do that when it's your skin I crave against mine. Perhaps I'm simply not used to this being real yet."

Lorelei tightened her arms around Will, "Ye'd probably steal tha' too. "She murmured laughingly.

Will kissed her harder and then pulled away groaning. "Aw love, if we stay here much longer we'll never go out, and I want to show you a proper night."

Lorelei hauled herself inelegantly off the bed, having sunk down into the softness. She headed toward the mirror to fix her hair, sighing at the mess. She began a vain effort to reinsert the curls to their proper place.

Will moved up behind her and kissed her neck as he helped her with the pins. "I like it so much better down love."

"Ye can pull it all down if ye wish. Or ye can wait till we come home from dinner."

Will kissed her ear lobe and whispered in her ear. "I'll wait. I like the idea of being the only one that actually knows how fabulous your hair is when flowing over your shoulders. The other men can just fantasize about it."

Lorelei sighed, "Ye seem ta think tha' men will be fallin' at me feet." She laughed, "I assure ye, tis nae tha' way o' things."

Will shook his head. "I simply can't believe that. You are the most beautiful woman I've ever laid eyes on."

"I be a red headed pirate's whelp, nae many men want ta consort with tha' like o' me. Only other pirates. Trust me, I nae be tha' irresistible."

Will smiled softly. "Well, they can't have you anyway, so either way it's their loss."

Lorelei turned from the mirror. She slid her arms around his neck, "Ye make me feel like tha most precious thing on earth. I never been made ta feel like this afore."

Will gazed down at her adoringly. "You are the most precious thing on earth to me." He kissed her lingeringly and then slipped her arm into the crook of his. "Let's go to dinner milady, later tonight I'll demonstrate just how much I mean it."

"I'll be lookin' forward ta it."

Will nearly growled in his frustrated need. "So will I my angel. So will I." He led her out of the room and turned the key she'd given them in the door. It was a bonus that he hadn't expected, but was thankful for. He stopped before Mary and flashed her one of his best smiles. "Mrs. Williams, I was wondering if you would be so kind as to direct me to the best place on the island for an intimate dinner?"

"Oh. Mr Turner, the best place would be The Queen's Parlour. It is where all the gently born dine. If that is not within your range then the Governor's Arms is the best place." The landlady turned her best smile onto the handsome young man.

Will listened to her directions and then smiled. "Thank you so much for your help. We'll try not to wake you if we come in too late this evening."

They walked out of the guesthouse hand in hand and Lorelei muttered, "We'll try not ta wake ye after we do get in."

Will tried at first to control his laughter, but that only made it worse, and within moments, he was bent over at the waist and gasping for air. Lorelei watched her lover laughing hard, arms folded and foot tapping. She really wasn't amused; the Landlady had her eye on William and was subtly flirting. If Ruby had her sword on her she may have run the woman through.

Will straightened and settled his hand behind her head and pulled her to him and kissed her, though his lips still twitched. "You are wicked my love. I believe I shall have to make certain she does hear us."

,P
"She probably be listenin at tha door." she muttered sourly. "She has her eye on ye."

Will felt his chest tighten in pride and tenderness. "You are jealous." His voice was filled with wonder. He'd made it clear that he was jealous, but she hadn't seemed jealous, even at the thought of Elizabeth. He suddenly realised that it had bothered him a bit.

"O' course I be." Lorelei frowned fiercely, "Ye think ye be the only one capable of tha' feelin'? Ye be sharin' me bed, I expect that I will be tha' only one while ye do."

"You are the only one I ever want to share my bed Ruby. And it just feels... good... to have you jealous over me."

"I'd better be." Lorelei threw over her shoulder as she walked ahead towards the eating establishment.

Will jogged to catch up with her and captured her hand in his. Not caring about the propriety of it in the least. He twined their fingers together and smiled lovingly at her when she looked up at him in shock. "Which place would you rather eat love?"

"I donnae care, tis yer treat so ye choose." Her hand tightened around his.

"No love, this is i your /i night my love. I can afford either; it simply comes down to which you would prefer."

"Let's see how tha' other half live."

Will grinned. "Sounds lovely to me." They walked along in comfortable silence, making him a bit reluctant to break the tender moment when they finally reached the establishment."

They were met at the door and ushered in, Lorelei had thought the guesthouse was rich, but this place put it all to shame. She clutched at Will's hand nervously, he seemed unaffected by all the grandeur, but then his ex fiancée had been a governor's daughter. He would be used to this sort of thing. Once they were seated she let him order for her, feeling out of place, she felt like all the women were staring at her, they were analysing her appearance and manners. She fidgeted in her seat at the scrutiny.

Will reached across the table and took her hand in his, capturing her gaze and holding it. "You look beautiful, you i are /i beautiful. Stop worrying."

Lorelei fingered her napkin nervously and smoothed it repetitively across her lap. Their first course of their meal came and she was at a loss, she slanted a glance at a nearby table that had been served their appetiser at the same time and she reached for the same silver wear as they did.

Will smiled and started on his own food, closing his eyes as it seemed to melt on his tongue. He opened his eyes and looked at her questioningly. "Do you like it?"

"It be lovely." Lorelei whispered, ashamed of her accent in a place as posh as this.

Will set down his silverware and stared intently at her. "Ruby my love, you have nothing to be ashamed of. There are wealthy people in every corner of the world, and their accents and histories come in as many shapes and sizes as they do. Please, I love you as you are. Just be yourself. This night is about you, not them."

Lorelei swallowed and nodded, resuming eating with great gusto. He was right, she was what she was. She was happy in herself and she shouldn't let those people's opinion affect her. They finished the entree and the main came, Lorelei was in heaven, the meat was so tender it melted on her tongue. Before she knew it they had arrived at dessert and her eyes widened as the creamy chocolaty concoction was set before her. "What be this called?" She asked the waiter curiously

"It is called a mousse Madame. It is something our new chef introduced us to, and I do believe it is one of the most delicious things I have ever tasted."

Lorelei took a mouthful as the waiter walked off, she looked at Will as the sweet dissolved on her tongue, and she poked out her tongue and licked some of the dessert off of her top lip.

Will moaned softly and licked his own lips unconsciously. "My lord you are sexy." He whispered hoarsely.

Lorelei leaned over the table and kissed him firmly, ignoring the gasps and whispers behind her. She fed him a spoonful of the mousse. Will moaned out in bliss, more from the kiss even than from the decadent desert. "Mmmm... delicious my love."

"Ye know, I think it be gettin' ta the point we need ta leave."

Will chuckled. "I think... that you might be right." He leaned in to whisper in her ear. "I'd much rather eat you anyway."

Lorelei took his hand and they stood. He came around the table to hold her chair, She turned straight into his arms, he held her close as he paid the bill. Lorelei was amazed, the whole meal cost what it could cost to feed her crew at the tavern in Haven. They left and walked towards their guest house, kissing and touching, so wrapped up in each other that neither noticed that figure hidden in the shadows, or his muffled curse as he ran off towards the Governor's Arms.

Will wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her into his side, barely resisting the urge to slide his itching fingers down to cup her buttocks. The feel of her against him was enough for the moment however. "Would you like to go for a walk on the beach love?"

"Do ye intend ta make love ta me on tha' beach William Turner?" Lorelei asked archly.

Will turned to her in all seriousness. "If you want me to."

Lorelei chuckled, "I meant I only wanna be goin' ta where ye are going ta bed me."

Will grinned. "You are sure? This is your night, and I want to give you all the romance you can stand."

"William." she growled softly, "I cannae wait any longer."

Will's heart fluttered and he swallowed convulsively. "Aye." He practically dragged her, the rest of the way to the guesthouse and he then up the stairs to their room, ignoring the curious and almost disappointed glance that Mrs. Williams shot them from the lounge. He fumbled in his pockets for the key and forced himself to take several deep breaths as he unlocked the door and held it open for her. Tonight was going to be special. Tonight he was going to worship her body slowly and completely, and show her just how much he truly loved her. In every way.

Lorelei giggled, as William pulled her into his arms. She pressed against him, her arms around his neck and pressed against him. She stepped back from him and backed away to the bed. If he wanted her he was going to have to unwrap her and take her. Will stalked after her toward the bed, chuckling as her eyes widened and she swallowed visibly. He raised his hand slowly to her waist, sighing in pleasure at the feel of the velvet beneath his fingers, and the give of her soft flesh beneath. He slid his hand leisurely up her side, pausing to trace the side of her breast, before moving up over the bared skin of her shoulder and neck, before sliding around her head and sliding his fingers within her hair. He pulled and smiled as the pins scattered across the floor, and her hair began to fall across her shoulders.

"Much better." he whispered, nuzzling at her neck.

Lorelei moved in closer to him, the length of her hair flowing over his chest and shoulders. She slowly inched down onto the bed bringing William with her, until she was lying back on the bed and he was covering her length. Will continued to run his fingers through her hair, removing each of the stray pins until he had free access. He pressed his lips to hers, but refused to allow her to deepen it. He wanted this to last all night. "Take your time love. We have all night."

Lorelei groaned, her fingers tangling in the folds of his shirt. "But I need ta feel ye."

Will caressed her face tenderly. "Then do."

Lorelei slowly and carefully pulled his jacket from his shoulders, and laid it carefully on the side table. Her hands then slid to the lacings on his trousers. "I thought tha' this was suppose ta be about me bein' seduced."

Will grinned. "Aren't you? You said you wanted to feel me, and I am all yours. Your wish is my command."

Lorelei snorted and gave him a sharp pinch on the rear. "Well then if ye not be in tha' mood I guess ye won't mind me sleepin'?"

Will laughed and leaned down to kiss first one eyelid, and then another, moving to her cheeks and nose, her temples and forehead. All the while, he was unbuttoning his shirt with his left hand, even as he reached up with his free hand and slipped his hand beneath the low neckline of her gown and cupped her breast, kneading softly. Lorelei sighed as his warm hands touched her skin, she shivered at the roughness of his work hardened palms, the texture made goose bumps rise on her skin, and she brought her hands up to cup his shoulder blades, lightly stroking the taut muscles with her fingers,as she ran her lips and tongue over his shoulders and neck.

Will took her earlobe into his mouth and suckled earnestly before licking her neck and whispering. "You taste so good. You smell so good. You feel... sooooo good."

Lorelei chuckled, her voice husky and wicked. "I could feel and taste so much better."

Will laughed huskily. "I can't quite imagine that love."

Lorelei sucked on his neck until it she left a bluish purple mark, and her hand slid feather light down his chest over his abdomen till she found his hardness. She pumped him slowly. "See I told you I could, "She murmured when he gasped a strangled sound.

Will's eyes rolled to the back of his head and he groaned loudly, before finally gathering the strength to reach down and move her hand up to his stomach and laid it down gently. He kissed his way down her torso and traced the neckline of her dress with his tongue. His hands sliding beneath her to unlace her gown leisurely. Lorelei arched upwards, holding herself still as he undid her dress and eased the bodice down off her shoulders. His lips were startling hot against her skin.

Will kissed each of her nipples lightly, and then began to suckle her slowly. He hadn't been exaggerating. He was going to make this last all night. And he was going to bring her to her pleasure more times than either of them could imagine possible, and then he'd bring her there a few more times just for good measure. Tonight, she would be more thoroughly loved than any woman alive had ever been.

Jack Sparrow sat in the Governor's Arms, with his old friend Bill Turner, drinking and flirting. He was glad that Ruby and William had taken off to spend the rest time in privacy. But it left him in a quandary, he had no one to tease and make fun of and he was growing down right bored. He had looked over the wenches and had found none to his liking, all too uppity for his liking. He sighed into his rum and almost choked as a familiar figure walked in through the door. He coughed and spluttered motioning for Bill to slap him in the back.

"What in the blazes Jack?" Bill asked, pounding a bit harder than was absolutely necessary. The man was driving him out of his mind tonight.

Jack cleared his through and motioned with his head, "Over there Bill."

Bill looked up in the direction of Jack's gaze and his brow furrowed in further confusion. He saw nothing out of place. Just a few pirates he'd seen on Haven from time to time. "What is it ye want me te see man? Spit it out."

"The one by the door. Blonde hair, beefy. With attitude."

Bill shrugged, and then suspicion crawled across his skin. His eyes narrowed and a burning rage roiled within his gut. "That be the one that hurt my girl?"

Jack grabbed his arm before Bill could rise, "Aye. He be the one. But think, what does them being here mean...especially if we can get rid o' him and his captain who is of Barbossa's ilk."

Bill continued to stare at the bastard murderously. He had no idea what Jack was on about . He wanted to kill the bastard now. "Talk fast Jack."

"Three ships ta the one slaver. I mean, how many o' the boys from tha' crew have homes on Haven? How many of em would be disgruntled at not being allowed to return with him on the ship. He was out ta rape lil Ruby and as far as the Island is concerned that's not on. If it had been a lil bar room brawl it would never have bothered. How upset and de moralised would some 'o the Sea Sprites crew be?"

Bill's face slid into a wicked grin. "Aye. I'd be bettin ye are right. I know a fair few o' the crew myself, and many of em have family on Haven."

'Exactly." Jack sat back in his chair and placed his hands over his head. "Which ones would ye be thinking are all right to approach. It'll mean storming the ship." He sighed and rolled his eyes, "We'll be havin' ta tell Ruby."

Bill nodded. "Aye. Wonder how she'll react." He pondered that thought for only a moment before laughing. "Ye know. I can only recollect some five to ten men that might be loyal to the bastards."

"After me own bitter experience I'd usually be tha' last to encourage a mutiny, but since the first mate hit Ruby, I have no qualms."

Bill shook his head. "I don't think we need a true mutiny. Ye know, I think we should get the men to convince their captain and first mate that they should seek revenge on Ruby for what she cost em. They'll lead themselves right to their doom, and then the crew will simply not do their dirty work."

"Ohhhhh." Jack shook his finger at Bill, "I like it!" He slapped Bill on the shoulder, "By god I've missed ye all these years." He stood and walked towards one of the crewman he recognised, accidentally bumping into the man and spilling his drink. He did some pretty fast talking that allowed him to buy the man a drink, Bill followed and the chatted amicably and unnoticed.

Bill's smile of satisfaction grew wider with each member of the Sprite's crew that joined them and tossed in their lot for revenge against the first mate that had lost them so much. Yes, Ruby would be avenged, and they wouldn't have to tell her after all, well not until they were under "attack". He laughed at the thought, but looked at Jack curiously when a thought came to him. "I'm assumin' ye'll captain the Sprite till we catch the Pearl, but who'll captain her then?"

"Well how would ye like her old friend?"

Bill considered it for a long time before shaking his head. "It feels good te be on the ocean again Jack, but I like my life on Haven. I'd not want the responsibility of bein a captain all over again. And now I have my family all together, something I've prayed for, for ten years. I want to stick close."

"Fair enough my friend. Ye may want ta be around for when the grandkiddies start comin'. "

Bill laughed. "I certainly want to see that. It'll be even more fun to see my nieces and nephews."

"Nieces and nephews?" Jack puzzled softly.

Bill winked. "Ye're the closest thing ta a brother I've ever had."

Jack snorted, "Does it look like I'll be settlin' down anytime soon?" He slapped Bill on the shoulder, 'C'mon, lets get back ta the Maiden and begin planning."

Bill grinned. "Yer time is comin' soon Jack. I feel it in my bones. Specially after that lengthy conversation you was havin' with Ruby."

Jack guffawed loudly. "That just be yer arthritis Bill, I've not met and am not likely to meet any sheila that will call me from the Pearl. Tis no competition. None what so ever."

Bill grinned. "Famous last words mate famous last words."

"I'll make ye eat those ones." Jack muttered fiercely, "Now come on, stop yer gas baggin an' lets get back ta the ship and get things prepared."

Bill walked back to the Maiden in a more jovial mood than he'd been in in ages. He was about to avenge his daughter, and he was managing to get Jack's goat, all at once. Yes, life was pretty damn good.