Three months later, Elizabeth rested on the steps of the Empress, swigging a bottle of alcohol and contemplating her recent life altering decision to stay at sea. A man approached her in a swaying manner, not quite smiling but not gloomy in any way. He seated himself next to Mrs. Turner and casually inquired upon her state and reflections.
"What's that you're drinking? Rum in innumerable quantities? This is a sight to behold."
Her eyes twitched to view the captain, and she shoved the substance into his hands. Elizabeth crossed her arms as the man chugged part of the drink and then nearly spewed the liquid back out, the flavor tangy and sour.
"Too much for the captain to handle?" Elizabeth asked teasingly, chortling at his disgusted expression.
"What is that?" he set down the cylinder shaped bottle and wiped his mouth.
"A concoction of my own." she responded, her smile rapidly diminishing when recollections spiraled around her thoughts.
"Disgusting bit of liquid, ey?"
Elizabeth shrugged and Jack's various attempts at relaxed conversation were to no avail. The man stared at her slightly perturbed face and after several minutes finally expelled his question of unfortunate quality.
"What plagues the lady? A quandary that I can assist in perhaps?"
"I highly doubt any person can aid in my troubles." Elizabeth paused in self-doubt and then emitted her reflections in a full burst of emotion. "I miss Will, Jack. I have seven more years to wait, and I already yearn for his company. I'm not ignorant of the fact that it is impossible to see him until the decade is over, but I've never wanted anything more than to see Will standing before me."
"Are you sure it is 'impossible'?" He squinted, his eyes gazing at her in intrigue. Elizabeth grinded her teeth, realizing that he was taunting her on purpose. "Or are you only partially assured of the fact?" The woman didn't answer, and Jack untied the compass dangling from the left side of his belt, pried open her hand, and placed the compass into her palm. "I believe Captain Elizabeth Turner deserves a turn at the helm." He stood up, straightened his hat and strolled away.
"Jack," her voice made him whirl around, "where will this lead me to?"
"You already know, love."
Confused by his response, Elizabeth opened her mouth to question the man, but then flipped open the compass. The red dial whirred erratically until it finally rested in one direction. She stood up and walked the rest of the way up the short staircase, her eyes focused on the compass. After seizing the wheel she spun it to the starboard side, and she gazed into the looming horizon, gripping the compass and faintly humming the tune to "Hoist the Colors".
OT: I hope you are enjoying the story so far. Longer detailed chapters to come. I'd be happy to see any reviews!