Chapter 5: Aye, But We're Loved...

First off, yes, I'm horrible, I haven't updated in FOREVER. Second, I'm installing a second storyline here. Need to Give Jack, Gibbs and Ana a break. Hope you enjoy!

"Elizabeth?" Will looked at his love, somewhat bemused. She stood on her balcony, staring out to the sea. "Is something wrong?"

She sighed. "You'll think I'm crazy."

"Pardon me, my dear, but you just chose a pirate over the stable life with a Royal Navy officer—you are crazy." He heard her soft laugh that always accompanied her smile. He stood behind her, and embraced her. "You can tell me anything."

She sighed, then spoke. "I miss the sea."

"Really?"

"Yes. I loved the rocking motions, the smell of the water, the feel of ocean spray on my face—I loved it." She was reminiscent of the first time she had sailed—the voyage from London.

FLASHBACK

"Raise anchor! Set topsails, we've got to get her out clearly!" The captain called.

The lieutenant, one James Norrington, called, "Heave to! We've got another ship coming through!"

Little Elizabeth stood on the deck, surrounded by organized chaos. There wee men shouting, swearing, and running to and fro. The ocean foam flew through the air, removing the London smokiness from the air. It smelled not like smoke or smog, but brine and salt.

She loved it.

"Elizabeth?" She looked at her father. "Why don't you come inside, darling? It's going to get very noisy very quickly."

"I actually don't mind. It's rather nice out here."

The Governor Swann smiled at his daughter. It was a shame she would not get to sail much—the Navy did not allow women to join, and pirates used what little honor they had in being sure that womenfolk remained safely ashore.

"Cast off! It's time to get underway!" Norrington called. The Dauntless began to drift forward. The great ship's pure white sails descended, catching the wind as they came. Slowly, the behemoth moved forward, quietly gaining speed. The London docks soon disappeared behind them as they drifted into the bay. Then the Union Jack rose above the ship, completing the required rituals. The sails billowed as a breeze picked up, and the Dauntless moved out to sea. The girl was brought to the bow of the ship, where her father bent down to her, and said, "If you shut your eyes, you can feel the ocean calling. It's a beautiful call, Elizabeth. Enjoy it. This is your time." He then left her to experience what he once had.

Shutting her eyes, Elizabeth stood at the bow, arms extended, as the sea sprayed her face. This was her paradise—her retreat. And it always would be.

END FLASHBACK

"I really miss it, Will." Turning in his arms, she said, "I'd do anything to get back out on the sea again. Anything."

Will, unbeknownst to her, got a look on his face—one of deep thought. "Anything..." he murmured softly.

"You wish to what, Master Turner?"

"Return to England for a time, Governor. Surely you can arrange passage on a ship for me?" Will asked.

"Well, certainly, but..." The Governor's eyes went to the top of the stairs, where Elizabeth's quarters were. "What of Elizabeth? She just gave her heart to you, lad..."

"Yes. So I shall need you to arrange passage for two." Will smiled. "She loves the sea more than anything else. Even more than me..." He drifted off.

"Or I," the Governor said, a soft smile on his face. "Well, tell her to pack. I'll get you on the next ship out."

"Thank you, sir. I shall never forget this," Will began to bow, but the Governor stopped him.

"Please, William. It is nothing to us, save that it pleases our Elizabeth," he grinned. "On your way, lad."