True Love: Forever Reunited
Chapter 4: A Discovery, A Voyage, and An Arrival
Will stood outside the charming house that he now shared with Elizabeth and Willy, breathing in the salt air and gazing around at the island his wife and son had inhabited on and off for the past ten years. It was a pleasant place to be, with friendly inhabitants, and had not, strangely enough, been infiltrated with soldiers at the beck and call of the East India Company. It wasn't a very large island though, and Will could easily see why Elizabeth took Willy on those summer excursions on the Empress. He grinned; she had to be the most adventurous woman he had ever met, and Willy seemed to be following in her footsteps. But Will had to admit, he loved a bit of adventure himself.
He took one last look at the blazing sun glinting off the aqua colored Caribbean water, and walked back inside to finish preparing everything for their journey to Port Royal. They were leaving tonight, and there were still things to do. Will had gone to work with Elizabeth briefly this morning, and had met the family who employed her. They were more jovial than any other wealthy family Will had met in the past and he had enjoyed their company. Today was the last day of lessons, and then the children were off for about three to four months for their summer holidays, and so it was the perfect time for them to set sail for Port Royal. It had been quite difficult to persuade Willy to go to his last week of lessons because he had wanted to stay with his father, but his parents had made him go, because an education was important. Will and Elizabeth had both had one, and so their son would as well.
He went inside and ventured back to the room he and Elizabeth shared and began to finish packing their clothes. He had packed Willy's already and a smile crept onto his face as he thought of his son; being a father made him so incredibly happy, so proud. He had only been around his boy for a week and he loved him with every ounce of his being; he had from the very first moment he had set eyes on him. It was odd for Will, to wait for Elizabeth to come home from work because it had always been the other way around. She had always waited for him to come home from the smithy, in what felt like another life entirely. Once they finished their business in Port Royal and made plans for what exactly they planned to do, Will had decided that he might go back into blacksmithing. If they settled down he would need employment and he had enjoyed his job. Elizabeth it seemed, had enjoyed her job, and said that if they decided to settle on this island permanently she would continue with this job. Although, Will thought with a chuckle, when they might really settle was still a question, because it seemed that every time they had tried to do so, something happened. He and Elizabeth wanted to settle down with Willy, but there was no denying that there was still that sense of pirating adventure in both of them. They hadn't set out to be pirates, but it had happened anyway.
Will finished packing his own clothes and then opened Elizabeth's wardrobe to pack some of her things. He was surprised however, at two of the things he found inside the wardrobe; one was Elizabeth's sword that he had made for her all those years ago in Port Royal, and the other was the sword he had made for Norrington, before he had even met Jack Sparrow. He picked up the sword and unsheathed it, running his fingers lightly over the finely crafted blade. The last time he had seen this sword was when he had left it on the beach, crossed with Elizabeth's on their wedding night before he had to leave to captain the Dutchman. Will closed his eyes, his head pounding, as that last painful memory of this sword flashed through his memory; the cruel voice of Davy Jones, the pouring rain, the terrified screaming of Elizabeth, the angry yells of his father, Jack taking his hand and stabbing the heart, then the searing pain and blackness. His hand went to his chest and landed on the scar, beneath which his living heart was beating.
"Will?" he heard Elizabeth call out as the front door opened. "Will where are you?"
He found that he couldn't answer, and just kept staring at the sword. He heard her tell Willy to make sure he had everything he wanted to take packed, and heard her footsteps coming towards their bedroom.
"Will?" she questioned carefully as she entered the room and saw him standing there holding the sword and staring at, as though it were physically impossible for him to stop doing so. "Are you okay love?"
Will shook his head, trying to get out of the trance and turned around to face her. "Yes, I'm all right. I'm sorry, I was just surprised when I found this."
"Oh Will," she said sweetly as she moved close to him and put a hand on his face, which had gone pale. "I don't even know why I kept this. I just thought you deserved to finally have the sword that you put so much work into. But if you don't want to keep it, I completely understand."
"No," said Will thoughtfully. "I think I'll keep it. It's ironic that this sword happened to fall into my hands, but I think I'm meant to have it." He smiled at her, adoring her more every second they were together. The wonderment of being together again had not worn off in the slightest, and in a conversation they had had the night before, they decided that it probably never would. Being apart for ten years could do that to a marriage.
"Are you sure?" asked Elizabeth uncertainly.
"I'm sure," responded Will and he leaned down, lightly brushing his lips against hers. "And I do need a sword after all, and why not this one? Speaking of swords, I have a surprise for Willy."
As soon as these words left Will's mouth there was a delighted squeal heard throughout the small house.
"I think he found it," said Elizabeth in amusement.
"Mama, mama!!!" exclaimed Willy with glee as he came running down the hallway, two short wooden swords in his little hands. "Look what papa made me!"
"I see darling," said Elizabeth as she knelt down to examine the toy swords. "When did you make these Will?"
"I made them while you were gone to work this week. Willy is our child you know; he's bound to have skill with a sword," he said with a wink at his son. "And besides, it will keep him from getting bored on the ship."
Elizabeth shook her head, trying to hold in a laugh. "As long as he doesn't hurt himself, then its okay."
"Thank you mama!" said Willy as he came over to give both of his parents a hug. "And thank you papa!!"
"Your welcome," responded Will, ruffling his son's mop of light brown hair. "Now go and get dressed, or you won't be ready when it's time to go!"
With that, Willy ran down the hall and into his own room to change. Will too, changed his clothes, exchanging the nice clothes he had worn to meet Elizabeth's employers for a pair of simple black pants, white shirt, boots, and of course, his bandanna. Elizabeth too, changed out of her summer dress and into some trousers and a shirt, plopping her hat on her head.
"This feels so odd," she commented as she put the last of her things into a bag. "I haven't worn trousers since last summer when we took the Empress out. Do I look silly?"
"Of course not love," said Will, sending his wife a smile that made her want to melt. "You look beautiful."
After about another half hour or so the family was finally ready to depart and after making sure that the house was securely locked, they boarded the Empress just as the sun was setting.
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It took several days for the Turner family to make their voyage to Port Royal, but the weather was fair and no storms plagued them, so it was overall, a most pleasant journey. Willy had kept himself occupied by playing with his wooden swords and challenging whichever of his parents that wasn't at the wheel to a duel. They had timed their journey so as to arrive in Port Royal under cover of darkness, just until they could size up the situation with the East India Company in the area. Will and Elizabeth weren't completely sure if it might be dangerous, and didn't want to venture in the daylight until they knew for sure. They were only a few hours from landfall, however, when Will noticed that Elizabeth, who was at the wheel, was looking rather forlorn.
"Willy," said Will, lowering the small wooden sword that he held in his hand. "Why don't you go below deck for a few minutes and polish these swords while I talk to your mother, and then when you're done we can get back to practicing?"
"All right papa," said Willy cheerfully as he ran down the stairs and out of sight.
Will turned and walked towards his wife, who seemed completely lost in thought.
"You know," said Will playfully as he came up behind her, "If you don't pay attention to where you're going, we might not ever get to Port Royal."
Elizabeth jumped slightly, surprised at his presence. "I'm sorry, I was just thinking."
"What were you thinking about?" questioned Will curiously, but really already knowing the answer.
"My father, and James, and the life we had to leave in Port Royal," said Elizabeth softly. "So much has changed since then, I've changed so much since then, and so have you. It just feels odd."
"It does," said Will, putting a strong arm around her shoulders. "And, excuse the cliché, but everything happens for a reason, as they say. I've told myself that a million times ever since that day Beckett interrupted our wedding, only because it helps me make sense of everything that's happened. This journey is going to be a mixture of happiness and hardship for both of us, but especially for you Elizabeth, and just know that I will be here for you." He stopped and looked into her eyes, seeing both the depth of her anxiety and the relief that he was here by her side.
"It means more than you can know that you say that," she responded, her eyes drifting to the stars overhead. "I just miss my father so much Will, and going to Port Royal and seeing someone else in his place makes my heart hurt. And just the thought of seeing the East India Company, whose former leader was responsible for killing my father, surrounding our old home, just make my blood boil. I just try to hold on to his last words, telling me he was proud of me. That meant so much to me."
"He's still proud of you Elizabeth," said Will sincerely, feeling sad himself at the thought of his kind hearted father in law. "He always will be. And I miss him too. I feel like he and I were really just getting to know each other well when all of the madness happened. It doesn't seem fair that he could never meet his grandson."
"It isn't fair," stated Elizabeth firmly. "But at least I know he was at peace with it. But despite all the things I fear about Port Royal I am still quite thrilled at the prospect of seeing Andrew and Amelia," she said, a smile creeping onto her lips. "Especially since we finally get to introduce Willy to his godparents."
"Indeed," said Will, kissing her forehead. "They are some of the best friends we've ever had, and I've missed them."
As he said this, footsteps could be heard banging up the stairs and onto the deck. Willy appeared, his hat lopsided on his head. He came over and settled himself between his parents, a grin on his boyish face.
"I'm so glad we're a family," he said, his eyes lighting up. "And I'm really excited that we're going to Port Royal, to meet Andrew and Amelia. Do they have any children my age?"
Elizabeth nodded. "They have a son that is nine, just like you, and a daughter that is seven. You should have a fun time playing with them."
"You can even show them your new swords," said Will as he set Willy's hat straight on his head.
"Can we practice again papa?" pleaded Willy. "Just once more before we get to Port Royal?"
"Well I believe it's my turn to take the wheel," answered Will. "But I'm sure your mother will consent."
"Will you mama, please?" asked Willy, holding out the other sword.
"All right," said Elizabeth, taking the sword in her hand. "On guard, Willy!!!"
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It was a few hours later that they anchored the ship on a little island a few miles away from Port Royal, and climbed into the dinghy to row the rest of the way. It took them about half an hour to reach land, and they were grateful for the fact that Andrew and Amelia's home was very close to the shore.
"This is Port Royal?" asked Willy in a whisper as the three stepped onto the sand. "It's big!!!"
"It is bigger than our home," whispered back Elizabeth. "But I think it has grown since your papa and I last left it."
Will took Elizabeth's and Willy's hands as they tread quietly through the sand and onto the street where Andrew and Amelia's house was. It took only a few minutes for them to arrive in front of a house that was most familiar to Will's eyes; Andrew's childhood home. Amelia had moved into this house after she and Andrew had been married, so Elizabeth had told him, and they had lived here ever since. Elizabeth moved forward and knocked on the door, and heard bustling inside. It was only nine o'clock, so Andrew and Amelia were still awake.
"I wonder who that might be?" they heard Amelia ask from the other side of the door. "What an hour to be knocking on the door!"
"It could be someone dangerous darling," remarked Andrew's voice darkly. "Like East India agents, or pirates…."
The Turners couldn't help but laugh at this remark, but waited patiently for someone to open the door.
"Andrew," answered Amelia's voice in an exasperated tone. "Pirates wouldn't knock on the door. I'm opening it."
With that, the door came slowly open, and at the sight of Will, Elizabeth, and Willy, she nearly dropped her candle.
"In fact my dear friend," said Elizabeth slyly, "Pirates would knock at the door. Well, polite ones anyway."
Amelia stared at the trio before her, her mouth hanging open. After a moment, she came to her senses. "Elizabeth!!!!" she cried. "You're here!!! After all these years!!!" She pulled her old friend into an embrace.
"Will!!" she exclaimed, turning to him and embracing him as well. "How good to see you!!!"
"And you as well Amelia," he said with a smile.
"And this must be Willy, the one I've heard so much about from Elizabeth's letters," said Amelia kindly to the little boy, who was hiding shyly behind his mother and father. "I am Amelia Riley Willy, your godmother."
"Hello," said Willy, tentatively coming out from behind his parents. "It's nice to meet you."
"Andrew, look who it is!!!" said Amelia, clearly ecstatic. "Stop standing there silly, come and say hello to our long lost best friends!"
Andrew grinned, but both Will and Elizabeth could tell that there was something awkward about his manner. Elizabeth knew that he too had read the letters she had sent, and Amelia had said that what had happened to them, especially the part about his best friend spending a decade in the land of the dead, had been hard for him to swallow.
"Andrew," said Will, hugging his friend, so very glad to see him again. "It's been far too long."
"Indeed it has," said Andrew, hugging his friend tightly. "It's so good to see you." He turned to Elizabeth and kissed her cheek. "And it's lovely to see you too Elizabeth," he said. "What a pleasant surprise this is!!! And hello there Willy," said Andrew bending down to shake the boy's small hand. "I've heard so much about you."
"Well come in!" piped up Amelia. "No need for you to be standing outside. Oh how wonderful this is!! How long have you been home Will?" she questioned as she closed the door and the group sat down upon the couch.
"Just about a week," said Will, looking around at the comfortable home his friends had made for themselves. "It's been like a dream, I'll tell you." He said truthfully. He squirmed slightly in his seat. It felt so strange to be here in Port Royal, after all that had happened.
"I'm sorry I didn't write to tell you we were coming," said Elizabeth with a slight yawn from all the late nights at the wheel of the Empress. It had been difficult to crew the ship with just Will and herself, with a bit of help from Willy. "We wanted to surprise you."
"And you succeeded," said Andrew with a good natured laugh. "But it seems that the three of you need some sleep. I say that we all get to bed and continue this conversation in the morning when you have some energy. And then you can meet the children."
"Agreed," said Will. "I hope we're not imposing on you."
"Of course not," said Amelia with a wave of her hands. "And I think your little one is already falling asleep," she said, gesturing to Willy, who had fallen asleep, his head leaning against his mother's shoulder.
"It seems so," said Elizabeth with a little smile as she picked the boy up in her arms. How glorious it is though, to see the two of you again."
"We've missed the both of you very much," said Amelia seriously as she led the family up the stairs and towards the guest rooms. "But we shall talk in the morning. Right now, the three of you need to get some rest."
The family nodded gratefully as they reached their rooms, and as Amelia and Elizabeth put Willy into bed, Andrew clapped Will on the shoulder surveying him. His eyes landed on the scar on Will's chest, his smile fading.
"What's wrong Andrew?" said Will, his yawns becoming more and more pronounced.
"Nothing," said Andrew quickly. "Nothing at all. Well, good night my friend. Oh and Will?"
"Yes?" said Will, turning back around.
"Nice bandanna."
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A/N: Hey everyone!!! Hope you like this chapter. The next chapter will deal with some of the issues that Will and Elizabeth have to face in Port Royal, along with some info on what is going on with the East India Company, and the introduction of Andrew and Amelia's children! Thanks for all the reviews!!!