The next few days flew by like Will and Alanna's separation had never occurred. The crew of the Dutchman was overjoyed to know she was fully recovered and eagerly prepared the ship for the next journey. Erebus was still on the loose and they had to be in tip-top shape if he were to attack again. Sad as Alanna was to leave San Juan, every cell in her body longed to be on the open ocean once more.
"Thank you, Stefan," Will said as they packed up the last of Alanna's things. "I will be forever grateful."
Stefan shrugged. "It was nothing," he said simply. "I was honored to have such a wonderful young woman in my house."
He winked at Alanna, who blushed as Will pressed her closer. "Thank you for your hospitality," she said demurely. She held up the blue gown and began to hand it to him. In response to his puzzled expression, she said, "I have no use for it. It's a beautiful gift, but I cannot accept it."
Stefan shook his head. "It's yours," he said firmly. "Take it as a token of our friendship. Besides…it suits you."
Though she was determined to keep things honorable, she couldn't help but smile. She ran up to him and embraced him warmly, for which he was surprised. Nonetheless, he returned the hug. Embarrassed, she released him swiftly, blushing.
"I'm sorry," she said, moving to Will's side. "That was uncalled for."
Stefan laughed. "It's quite alright, miss," he chuckled. He moved across the room and shook Will's hand. "You know you are always welcome here…both of you."
Will nodded with a smile and beckoned Alanna to follow him into the courtyard. The sun was high in the sky, the seagulls cawing as they circled the bay. After bidding goodbye to the rest of the family, Alanna and Will headed down to the docks, hand in hand. Stefan waved after them as Margaret came forward.
"Those two," he said to himself. "I have a feeling their destinies are just beginning. I just pray they're ready for it."
"Don't worry," Margaret replied. "I have a feeling they can conquer anything so long as they're together."
Stefan nodded, but shivered despite himself. Their battle's not over he thought. Until God in Heaven decides it's over."
By sunset, the Dutchman was well out of the bay, the open sea stretching out before them. The moment Alanna stepped back on the sturdy, broken-in wood, she felt instantly at home. This was where she belonged, among the sea and sails, the salty breeze once again stirring her hair. She was once again in her old clothes, her sword once again on her waist. As she stood at the wheel, Will stepped behind her, placing his hands over hers.
"Welcome home, my sweet," he whispered in her ear.
Alanna smiled broadly. "It's good to be back," she replied. "But it's as if I never left. The crew has gone about their business as if the battle never happened. Is that normal?"
Will grinned and wrapped his arms around her waist, kissing her neck as he did so.
"It's as normal as you want it to be," he said, his eyes closing. "They've missed you sorely, Alanna, though they're to proud to say so. And so have I…" he trailed off in a whisper, letting the sounds of the crew and ocean speak the words he couldn't say. Alanna inhaled deeply, feeling complete and at peace for the first time in a while. That night, the crew treated both Alanna and Will to a welcome back feast, sending up one cheer after another into the summer air.
Within one short week, life on the Dutchman began to return to normal. The daily tasks resumed, as did the night rituals between Will and Alanna. Being separated for six days may not seem like much, but for them it was far too long. Their bodies craved one another, and upon reuniting, they consummated their vows in the silence of the cabin, with only the moon baring witness. Life continued as usual until the winds began to cool. Summer was fading into fall, meaning two things. For one, the pattern of the sea was about to shift. For two, Alanna's 18th birthday was drawing near. Having being born on the same month as her country's darkest day, Alanna wasn't so keen on celebrating. Besides, she never considered being born on the 7th lucky anyway. Since her mother died, it was seen as a day of mourning rather than of celebration. Despite her secretive tongue, she had mentioned it to Will during one of their late-night conversations. It was no secret, however, that the crew had gotten wind of it and was planning some sort of party.
As the day drew near, Alanna wasn't the only one feeling the pressure. Will himself was fighting a dilemma of his own. Since her return, he had been once again pushing the wounds of his past behind him. It was clear he loved Alanna deeply, possibly deeper than he did Elizabeth. Still, she continued to haunt him. What's worse, he knew Alanna was catching on. She was no fool; he knew that for sure. Perhaps, somewhere deep down, she doubted him as much as he doubted himself. He tried to convince himself he was just being paranoid, but his efforts were in vain. Every so often she would say something or look at him a certain way that hinted to her thoughts. She knew. That being the case, he needed something to convince her of his undying devotion.
It didn't strike him until one night, just after Alanna had fallen asleep. She had mentioned to him earlier that she had lost her locket during the storm and how she longed to have it back again. As much as he wanted it, that was beyond his power. However, there was something he could do. Gently, he slid out of her grasp and crept to his desk. Using the moonlight as a guide, he produced a brass key from his pocket and unlocked the only drawer. Blowing off the dust, he held the item up to the light. If there was anything that would convince Alanna of his love, this was it. He gazed at the woman below him and smiled. Of all the decisions he made in his life, this one felt right. With one more look, he sighed contently and placed the item back in its place, waiting for the opportune moment to arrive.
The day of Alanna's birthday dawned cool and clear, with the morning sun warming anything its golden rays could touch. The clouds were soon turned pink, the tips of them going from gold to silver as the sun gained height. After a great deal of coaxing, Will persuaded Alanna to don the royal blue gown to commemorate the day. Feeling utterly ridiculous around the men, she remained in the cabin until sunset, when she could hide no longer. She emerged from the cabin only to be bombarded by a round of wild cheering. The crew, with Christopher brandishing an ivory cake with 18 candles atop it, surrounded her, singing a broken version of "She's a Jolly Good Fellow". Laughing despite herself, she floated up the steps to the helm, with Christopher in toe. Will could barely breathe when he saw her. She was the image of enchantment, her blue gown accenting her eyes perfectly. She wore no adornment; her beauty alone would surely overpower it. He knelt at her feet, not trusting his legs to hold him up. She giggled as she approached him.
"My, my, my," she said, smiling. "The mighty William Turner. He stares death in the eye and laughs, but is helpless in the presence of a woman."
She attempted to raise him, but he held fast to her hand, pressing it to his lips.
"I don't deserve you, lady," he whispered so only she could hear. "You are too perfect to be real."
Alanna smirked as he rose to his feet. "I'm no angel, Will," she said wryly. "You of all people should know that."
Will sighed. "Oh well," he said. "But I think you should blow out the candles before they ruin the cake."
At this, Alanna laughed heartily and turned to the cake. Wishing for nothing in particular, she blew swiftly, snuffing the candles in an instant. The men hollered their praises at her as Arthur struck up his fiddle. The party had officially begun.
Due to the constant buzz, Will couldn't get Alanna alone until late in the evening. The crew did their part; giving what little gifts they could. Arthur, along with many toasts to her health, had written another song in her name, and performed it while she and Will danced. Christopher made a feast especially for her, containing only her favorite dishes. Since the ceremony part was over, she was free to change into her normal clothes, allowing her to truly be herself. The gifts she received were wonderful, but she had not yet heard from Will. He had excused himself for a moment, but had not yet returned. What she didn't know was that he had gone to fetch his own gift and was practicing nervously just beyond the doors. Finally satisfied, he slipped back out, catching Alanna just as she was about to open the door.
"Oh…that's were you were," she said hurriedly. "I was wondering where you disappeared to."
He half-smiled. "Forgive me, love," he said with a touch of awkwardness. "If you'd follow me, I've got one more surprise for you."
Rolling her eyes, she followed him around the party to the railing. When he hoisted himself up, she looked at him, slightly confused.
"Uh, Will?" she asked. "I've seen it up there. What exactly are you planning?"
Will laughed softly, giving her a hand up. "You'll see," he said, and worked his way up the rope without another word. Shrugging like 'what do I have to lose?' she followed him to the crow's nest.
The wind blew cool and hard as they reached the top. Huddling against each other, they stood together, looking into each other's eyes. Her eyes were ever inch as beautiful now, looking like the moon reflecting off the water. After a short kiss, he backed away a bit, brushing a tendril behind her ear.
"Alanna," he began. "I've known ever since we met that there is something…. magical between us. I've wanted to embrace it, but something held me back."
He cleared his throat awkwardly, hoping not to offend her by what he was about to say.
"As you've probably guessed," he said softly, afraid his voice would crack. "My heart belonged to someone else before I knew you. Her name was Elizabeth Swann, the governor's daughter. She was my world, as you are now. But apparently it wasn't meant to be. She…. loved another. The commodore, as it was. She was out of my life before I could do anything to stop her. I am a changed man because of it."
Alanna lowered her head. She knew all along. Though he tried his best to hide it, Elizabeth was a part of his life…. a part of the legend she knew so well. She looked up at him, schooling her face for his next words.
"Then, out of the blue, you come along,"
Unsure of where he was going with this, Alanna listened, curious.
"I don't need someone to tell me I've changed. I feel it within me. There's this ball of light within my heart… and it's because of you. Since we met, my demons are brought into the light…where I can face them. Alanna, I don't know what you've done to me, but it made me realize how precious you are. It's because of that that I feel an obligation to prove my love to you. Quite frankly, I couldn't find a more perfect way to do that."
Taking a breath, he felt inside his pocket and pulled the gift into the moonlight. It was a silver locket, much like the one Alanna had worn, but of a different design. Carved on it was an elegant S in the shape of a swan. Alanna gasped.
"I know it won't replace what you've lost," he said simply. "But accept it as a sign that I love you. You have stolen my soul, Ms. Livingston, and I never want to be parted from you from this day on."
Alanna, now in tears, bowed her head as he hooked the clasp behind her neck. He looked back at her, the utmost sincerity in his eyes.
"Well…say something!"
In reply, she smiled and gently kissed him on the mouth, pouring everything she felt for him into it. He understood, for when they broke away, his eyes were swimming with unshed tears.
" 'My bounty is as boundless as the sea," she whispered. "My love as deep. The more I give to thee, the more I have, for both are infinite.' "
The words she spoke were unknown to him, but it didn't matter. Her heart was in her eyes; that was enough for him. As the party continued below, Will leaned in and kissed her, casting the remainders of his past to the winds. Above them, a pair of shooting stars shot across the sky; a perfect end to a perfect night…a night neither Will nor Alanna would ever forget.