Port Royal was a small quaint town, with nothing but small market stores as its lining. Every few minutes you would catch sight of a navy man, clad in their red suits with golden medallions. It did not suite Alexandra on her first glance. Her carriage ride had been a long rough journey, almost totaling 6 hours. She hated to admit the pain of being what in Ms. Cuss's words 'expelled' from the Governor's house. She always liked Horris, who did allow her to call him by his first name. A freedom she feared would no longer be practiced here at the Turner's house.
She had heard very little of the young couple, even seemed at times people tried their best to avoid conversation withholding them around her. What she did know though was Elizabeth was 24, a Governor's daughter as well, and married under her league. William was 25, a former blacksmith who worked very hard in building up a name in honor of his wife, and fond of the sea. She smiled at the thought of spending so much time around the ocean, her only comfort in this adventure.
Finally the carriage came to a stop. Upon opening the door Alexandra was welcomed to the top of the hill, what appeared to be her new home. The driver proceeded to unload her luggage while she stepped out. The house was a broad two story mansion, painted a custom white. The flowers bloomed at the sides of the great imported mahogany doors. It was lovely. Now, were the people inside as welcoming?
Alexandra was standing at the door, her hands shaking for what may have been the first time in her life. Deep down inside her, something was saying this was her last chance at life. What happened here planned her destiny, which she did actually care about. She knocked loudly. Awaiting a few minutes an older gentleman answered. He looked her over. After a second he motioned her inside..
"If you wait hear, madam, I shall call for the Turners." Alexandra nodded. The butler was gone for what seemed forever. At this time, Alex began to examine her house. There were paintings scouring the wall, every now and then a portrait of a former Governor. Pretty little foreign trinkets graced a shelf every now and then, the curtains contained small embroidered roses. After becoming seemingly bored, she wondered into what appeared to be the study.
This room was unlike the other. The walls were actually painted a crimson, lined with book case after book case. They all held stories of high sea adventures. In the farthest corner, maps were scattered over a large table, each of them directing south. She searched for somewhere to sit, and was a bit suprised when she found a bed tucked away out of view. This was not a common study, nor a guest room. And it was then she discovered the sword.
Shining, the silver blade hung on a perch on the wall. There it rested, the gems at the end forming into what appeared to be a bird of some sort. Alexandra drew closer. Yes, there was many details carved in the handle. A ship, with sails black as night. A island covered with sand being represented by beads of pure gold. But that bird. That bird which held a ribbon of some nature. Alexandra wanted to touch it, just reach out and see if she could make out what kind of bird...
"Some find it rude to have their houses looked over by strangers." Alexandra spun around, her face matching with her handsome host. He held a smile still, his hands held behind his back. It was then he looked towards the floor, making Alexandra aware what she had done. In haste, she knocked over several maps. She bent down to pick then up, but the man held up a hand. When he rose back up he laid the parchments on a table.
"I see you found the guest room. Well, not entirely. It belongs to a friend of mine who travels on business regularly. Port Royal has become a frequent resting spot for his ship." Still showing a grin, he stretched forward a hand.
"Allow me to introduce myself. William Turner, humble blacksmith and pride to the Queen's Navy. And you are?"
"...Alexandra, orphan and disgrace to my family, or so I'm told." Will chuckled and shook her hand.
"Yes, I certainly received a mouthful from your uncle. A certain case of impropriety, is it?" Alexandra blushed.
"Well...he's not really my uncle. But yes, it seems they cannot marry me off soon enough."
"Ah, and how old are you, lovely?"
"Seventeen."
"Seventeen, and no suitor as of yet?" Alexandra lowered her head. Will laid a soft hand on her shoulder.
"Do not worry, you are safe from the thoughts of arranged marriage here. We, too, are a couple of lovebirds who believe in a heart's free will. Me and my wife, Elizabeth." Taking his hand under her chin, Alexandra looked into the kind dark eyes of William. He never seemed to stop smiling. Finally, he escorted her to a seat in the dining room, offering food and drink.
"Elizabeth shall not be in until later tonight, she's off buying some new decor for your room I suspect. Now, which do you prefer, Alexandra or Alex."
"Oh, well, I never thought of it before. I suppose Alex. Not as much to say." William set before her a drink smelling strongly of rum.
"Well, that could be a negative thing. Idleness of the mouth can cause rudeness in a person. But Alex has a better ring, and fits you better." By now, he had joined her. They were nibbling on bread and thick cheese when the door bursted open.
"Will! Will! Come help me please, she'll be arriving any minute and we haven't even hanged out the drapes!" Rolling his eyes, Will answered his wife's call.
"She doesn't notice you're here yet. Please, play along if you like." Alex laughed and found a nice spot to peak around the corner.
Elizabeth was waving around many baskets and loads of needless supplies. She was a remarkably beautiful lady, with honey brown hair, smooth skin, and full pouty red lips. As she ranted on Will stood there letting her say her peace.
"...I'll feel terrible if she arrives before we've fixed up her room. Poor child, living with that pompous Cuss woman for so long. I'd drive myself batty living with a hag such as her. But here, look at these new dresses. I figure her to be about my size. This purple will look lovely with her dark hair. Oh Will, why are you just standing about?" Will turned Elizabeth towards the kitchen, where she first noticed Alex spying from around the corner.
"Oh Good Heaven, I've made myself into a pompous ass." Alex now fell into full force laughter while Will only glared at his wife.
"Yes, you have..."