The day past in a blur, and before Alanna knew, the sunlight was slowly turning from white to golden. The long day had taken its toll on her, but she was content. The men had fully accepted her since she had proven worthy of their tasks. She hauled the rope like the rest of them, her fragile muscles gaining strength with each stroke. All the while, she kept her eyes forward, purposely avoiding the gaze of the man behind her. When he thought she wasn't looking, however, she stole a few glances.
Will was truly born for this life, and his body proved that. As he tugged on the rope, she could see his broad shoulders flexing under his thin shirt, well used to the day's rigorous activities. Soon beads of sweat could be seen sliding from his brow, glinting in the remaining daylight. He worked on the same field as his crew, and they respected him for it. Though she firmly denied there was something between them, she could not shake the feeling she got when they locked eyes. Unbeknownst to her, however, Will was feeling the exact same way.
He known this girl but a mere two days, yet he already found himself falling for her. His heart swelled with pride as he watched her build friendships with his men, and them adopting her in return. While his mind shouted at him to stay away for fear of getting hurt again, his heart longed to just be around her; to hear her voice, her laughter on the evening air, to drown in the magnificence of her eyes. It was almost too much for him to bear. He leaned on the railing, watching her, utterly transfixed. She had his back to him, looking at the spectacular view beyond. The ocean was as smooth as glass, reflecting the blinding sun as it made its way westward. Consequently, they were being led by the wind, which now filled the sails to capacity and stirred her golden-blonde locks. She turned toward him then, her genuine smile nearly sending Will to his knees.
"Is something wrong?" she asked, her smile fading slightly.
Her voice brought him out of his trance, and he shook his head. "Nothing that a moment of good company can't fix," he said, grinning. "I see you've learned your way around."
"Yes," she replied. "I love it here. Every day there's a new challenge."
This statement made his smile broaden. "There's still one more thing I haven't shown you." As he said this, his gaze traveled upward. Following his eyes, Alanna looked up, only to be surprised. He intended to lead her to the highest point on the ship-the crow's nest. She gulped audibly.
"Sir," she whispered. "As much of a thrill-seeker I am, I'm a little edgy when it comes to heights."
He walked toward her, an eyebrow raised in bewilderment. "If you're going to be a pirate, miss, it's something you're going to have to overcome."
Her face twisted in apprehension, Alanna followed him warily to the edge of the railing. Swiftly, he hoisted himself onto the rail, gripping the rope with one hand. He held out the other to her, and she looked at him in shock. She was actually about to do this. An exaggerated sigh escaped him. "I'll not let anything happen to you," he promised. "You have my word."
Seeing as she had no choice, she took a breath and took his outstretched hand. When she stood on the rail, she held back a gasp. This was already higher than she liked, but chose to trust the man before her. Will showed her which direction they were going; assuring her once again that she would be safe. Unwilling to make conversation, Alanna simply nodded, keeping her eyes firmly on the rope in front of her. Higher and higher they climbed, until the beginnings of the crow's-nest came into view. It was nothing but a wood basket attached to the mast, barely big enough to hold two people. Will emerged first, using his strong arms to pull himself up. He turned quickly around, stretching his hand out once more. Alanna made no hesitation to grab it, using his strength as well as her own to reach the top. With one more burst of adrenaline, she finally stood. Her seemingly treacherous climb was worth it. Below her, the crew continued working, looking like ants from her viewpoint. On either side was the ocean, glittering in its own radiance. Everywhere else she was surrounded by the enormous sails, flapping in the salty breeze. Will gazed at her, his eyes dancing. "See?" he confirmed, near laughter. "It's not as hard as you thought."
"Well how was I to know," she retorted. "I've been scared of heights my whole life. I get props for even attempting it."
"Alright, alright," he said, throwing his arms up. "You win. But now that it's over, what do you think?"
At this she smiled, once again taking in the awesome view. "It's beautiful," she admitted with a hint of awe. " So this is what you pirates live for."
Will saw what she meant and inhaled deeply, closing his eyes. "Yes," he said reverently. "I live, move, and breathe it. It's always been a part of me, and it always will be."
Moved by his fervor, Alanna stepped closer. This was the man she dreamed of seeing, in his element, with the air stirring his hair and the spray of the sea on his face.
"Will," she whispered.
Will opened his eyes and regarded her. "Ah, so you do remember my name. What is it, love?"
The question she wanted to ask burned on her tongue, but she fought it back. Later her mind chided. Wait for the opportune moment. Instead, she switched gears.
"I think it's only fair that you start calling me Alanna," she said softly. "Since I've already made the first move."
Ever so slightly, Will's face changed, but his voice remained steady. "Fair enough…Alanna," he replied, putting emphases on the name. Alanna laughed and moved until she was inches from his face.
"That's better," she breathed.
Her beautiful face filled his vision, robbing him of breath. She was ensnaring him, reeling him in like a siren. He cupped her chin without thinking.
"Alanna," he said with the utmost tenderness.
"Shh,"
It happened quicker than thought, wrapping them in their own little world. He pressed his lips gently over hers, letting his heart speak for him. For too long he had lived without this feeling. He loved the sea, yes, but oh how he longed to touch the warm skin of a woman's flesh. He kept his passion at bay, however, for fear of frightening her. She was his and his alone, if only for that moment. He wrapped a bronze arm around her waist, while Alanna ran her fingers through his slightly damp hair. Her mind and heart were many places at once, but somehow they were able to stay intact. She decided to not over think it, but let her body take over. After what seemed like an eternity, they slowly broke the kiss, their lips lingering on one another's. Blushing madly, Alanna dared to look up at him. He was flushed himself, but his eyes held no sign of embarrassment. He gently drew her to him, letting her head rest on his chest. As she waited for her breathing to calm, she concentrated on the soft but steady rhythm from behind his ribcage. For that she severely relieved, for she knew the man she held was whole and complete, unlike the legend he was paired up with. As the last rays of daylight faded from the sky, Will began to laugh, which sounded like a soft rumbling beside Alanna's ear.
"What an adventure," he whispered, looking down at the angel in his arms. "One I shall never forget."
"Nor I," Alanna whispered back, looking into his eyes. They were darker now, reflecting the moon, which was now rising from the east.
After a moment, Will released her and smiled, his teeth glowing in the shadows. "I think it's time we head back down," he said suddenly. "Or would you rather we climb in the dark?"
Alanna didn't need to be told twice. With the stars and moon as their guide, they climbed back down the mast, their hearts bursting with anticipation for the days to come.