Here's another question somebody might be able to answer for me; what is a c2? I've noticed that I've been labeled under somebody's and I have no idea what it is!

We had an ice storm last night, all the trees look like they are coated with a thin layer of glass! Pretty, but dangerous, especially for driving.

SarahKOM: language, language…well, here's a chapter…

me-heart-long-4-ye-SPARROW: read on and find out!

Kiara: obviously you have never met my niece, she is capable of doing those things and she is younger than Sera. Besides, Sera is SUPER KID!!!

AKAfredandgeorge: free time, my dear, is what I use up to write this story. And I put those 2 in b/c they are my original characters.

Starsplash: thanks, I will endeavor to do so.

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Kipp saw Viscount Alistair approach Katrina and bow, displaying his oily smile. Anger welled up in Kipp, the viscount was known for his less than ethical practices, many women finding the attentions of a handsome young lord intoxicating. And now he was trying to make Kitten one of his conquests?

He saw Katrina's wariness in just being near the man sand he noticed the way that Viscount Alistair's eyes seemed to wander. Something in what Alistair said made her shake and look offended. Kipp decided that was it, he wouldn't just stand there and do nothing, he started forward.

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Viscount Alistair looked at the new comer.

"O-of course Captain Norrington."

Katrina spun with wide eyes. He bowed to her, prompting her to curtsy and they started dancing.

For a while they just stared at each other, Katrina was too stunned to speak, and he was content just to look at her.

"Did I ever tell you I thought your eyes are captivating?" he finally asked.

"N-no." Katrina breathed.

"I think your eyes are captivating." He smiled.

"Thank you, Lieutenant." Katrina dropped her eyes.

Daniel smiled. "Not a lieutenant any more, it's captain now."

"Oh?" Katrina looked back up at him. "Congratulations, Captain."

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Kipp stopped suddenly when someone else reached the two dancers before he did. Evidently he wasn't the only one that thought Kitten needed rescuing. He watched Danny waltz off with Kitten with satisfaction, knowing that he would treat her right. His satisfaction was short lived though when he looked back at the viscount and he decided he needed to "talk" to him.

"Lord Alistair," Kipp tapped him on the shoulder to get his attention. "could I have a word?"

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Two minutes Kipp reentered the ball room, lightly shaking his hand, not sure if it would get bruised at the knuckles or not. But he was sure that Viscount Alistair had gotten the message. The latest song was drawing to a close and Kipp was already on his way to claim a dance. Katrina looked up and gave him a surprised smile which he returned with his half grin that so mirrored that of his uncle's.

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Katrina saw Kipp coming and was surprised that he came, much less dressed in evening clothes that where of some of the finest quality in the room. She smiled at him, gaining one of those cocky grins that she was beginning to realize was one of his trademarks. She turned to Captain Norrington to thank him, catching something out of the corner of her eye. Lilly Amelia sat in a chair by the wall in a simply elegant gown and she was watching the dancers wistfully from under her eyelashes, trying not to show her different colored eyes too much.

"Captain, can I ask a favor?" she began.

"Anything." He replied instantly.

"Ask Lilly to dance? I haven't seen her on the dance floor all night. I'm afraid she is almost painfully shy." Katrina motioned to the little wallflower.

"As my lady requests." He gave a small bow and a playful grin before approaching the young lady. Katrina watched the interaction between the two. Lilly was very reserved and Daniel was as charming as possible, at the end he persuaded her to join him.

"My lady Kitten." A low voice pulled her from watching the scene. "Would you care to dance?"

"Captain." Katrina, faintly breathless, dropped a curtsy. Kipp looked up with a devilish smile that would make any girl weak at the knees, causing Katrina to blush. With a wink Kipp swept Katrina into the swirling couples about the dance floor.

"You look enchanting." Kipp told her simply. "I'm sure you've heard that all night?" Katrina nodded absent mindedly. She was thinking what a nice looking pair Lilly and Daniel made. "Then I must tell you that I almost prefer you in pants." Katrina's startled gaze flew from where she was watching Lilly and Daniel dance to Kipp's mischievous one.

"W-what?" she squeaked.

Kipp chuckled lightly. "That got your attention."

Katrina dropped her gaze, her face growing warm with his teasing. "Sorry." She murmured.

Kipp's face broke into that half grin that was becoming such a part of Katrina's life. "No need to apologize, Kitten. You look a bit flushed. Why don't we get some air?" he said as they danced near the doors that were open to let in the cooler air of the night. Before she had a chance to reply he had swirled them through the doors and out onto the terrace that was dimly lit with colorful glass lanterns.

Katrina took a grateful breath of the cooler air as she moved to the waist high carved stone railing and leaned her palms against it, reveling in the feeling of the light breeze coming from the ocean as it teased the wisps of hair curled about her face. She hadn't realized how warm it had grown in the ball room. She closed her eyes and smiled. "It is nice out here."

Kipp moved from near the door where he was watching her and placed his hand on one of hers. "The company is better."

Katrina turned to him and opened her eyes.

Kipp tucked some stray hair behind Katrina's ear, studying her face. All teasing was gone and a gentle smile touched his lips.

"Why do you look at me so?" Katrina breathed, not certain how to respond to this new side of the young captain.

"You are so beautiful, Katrina."

"What did you just call m-" Katrina was cut off by Kipp's lips pressed over hers, gently kissing her, one arm circling her back, his other hand still covering hers on the terrace's stone railing. The kiss was tender and sweet. Katrina's startled wide eyes drifted shut and she was surprised to find herself responding to it. Kipp broke the kiss and Katrina was instantly sorry he did, for she missed the warmth of his lips, even though hers felt like they where on fire.

"What's wrong?" she asked, concerned by the stunned look on his face.

"Nothing." He whispered a bit unsteadily.

"Then why did you stop?" Katrina reached up to push aside some loose lock of black hair, but placed her hand against his cheek instead, surprising herself by her boldness.

Kipp groaned and grabbed her hand, quickly pressing a kiss her palm before dropping it and leaning close so that his breath was teasing her ear. "Because if I didn't stop, I wouldn't be able to." He gave her a moment to allow his words to sink in. "You do something to me Kitten. Something I've never felt before and it turns my world upside down when ever I'm near you." He continued in a husky voice. The fire spread from her lips to across her cheeks. The night air wasn't so cool anymore and her already restricted breath was more difficult to obtain than before. Kipp began to release her but she grabbed the front of his shirt, her knees suddenly weak. Kipp grinned and bent down, picking her up the same way he had on the island.

"Put me down." Katrina hissed, heat flooding her face again. "What if someone sees us?"

Kipp pouted playfully, but he set her down on one of the stone benches placed at intervals along the terrace and sat down next to her.

"Katrina?" a voice called her name. "Are you out here?"

"You really do look like an angel." Kipp whispered into his ear before he slipped away.

"There you are!" Briony exclaimed. "You shouldn't walk out on your own party." She lightly scolded Katrina, who stared straight ahead, not responding.

"Katrina?" Briony lightly shook her shoulder, snapping her out of her daze. "Are you alright?"

Katrina blinked and looked at Briony's concerned expression. "I-I just needed to get some air." She finally supplied lamely.

"That so?" Briony's eyes danced with knowing laughter. "You will just have to tell me all about him at the picnic I'm kidnapping you for tomorrow. Now, let's go back inside before others realize that you have gone missing."

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That morning, the parlor was overflowing with flowers, the smell practically making Katrina's head swim.

"What are all those flowers for, Uncle?" she asked, walking into the breakfast room and finding the governor already partaking of the food supplied by the staff.

"Hmm?" Weatherby Swann looked up. "Oh, they are for you, dear girl."

"For me?" Katrina asked, astonished.

"From admirers." He gave her a broad smile. "I must say, I am most pleased with how well last night went. It was positively a success." He looked at her again. "Don't just stand there, my girl, you must have breakfast and then get ready."

"Ready, Uncle?" Katrina questioned once again.

"Did I not tell you?" the governor looked surprised. "Captain Norrington asked me last night if he could take you for a ride today. I, of course gave my consent. I was quite surprised, he hasn't shown much interest in the ladies already here in Port Royal. He is considered quite the catch, or so I have heard. I am pleased that he is showing interest in courting you, my dear."

Katrina had been listening with half an ear while picking at her breakfast, but that last statement had caught her attention and her head snapped up. "Courting?"

"Yes, my girl. But if you officially start courting you will need a chaperone when you go driving. I wonder who would be best suited for the job when the time comes…" he trailed off, looking pensive.

Katrina looked at him, aghast, he was already planning her future, without her consent. "I believe I will go ready myself, Uncle." She stated, setting down her fork, no longer hungry and headed up the stairs, thinking how ridiculous it was to have to change her clothing for something so simple as a drive. She almost didn't do so, but she reminded herself not to be rash. She didn't want to embarrass her benefactor, even if she was upset at him at the moment.

So Kara helped her into a lilac hued riding dress and fashioned her hair, only to cover it up with a pale straw hat trimmed with ribbon that matched her dress. Kara's eyes flashed amusement as Katrina adjusted her hat to a slightly saucy tilt. "Oh, no, miss. Your uncle would certainly dismiss me for allowing you to leave the room thus." Kara quickly readjusted the hat to its proper place just as George appeared at the door and announced that the Captain was coming up the drive. Thanking him, Katrina hurried down the stairs to greet him.

"Miss!" Kara ran after her, handing her a lace parasol. "Do not forget this." Katrina suppressed the urge to role her eyes. She already had a hat on. And what protection could lace provide? Instead she flashed Kara a grateful smile, for diverting what would have certainly be a society taboo. "Go!" Kara shooed. "You must not keep your young captain waiting!" was there anything Kara didn't already know? Katrina mused as she made her way down the steps at a slower pace.

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Katrina was delighted to see that, although her horse was standing at the ready in the drive that Daniel Norrington did, in fact, have a phaeton hitched behind a pair of beautifully matched bays. (A phaeton is a type of carriage.) Grinning Daniel greeted her and handed her up onto the seat and joined her after securing her horse to the back. With a flick of the reigns and a word to the horses they set off down the drive to the road. Even though the road was not paved with cobbles as she saw in London, the vehicle was well made and a smooth ride.

"I thought I'd show you around town a bit, then take you through some of the country side if that is alright?" Daniel asked her while expertly handling the reigns. He had changed out of his uniform and wore clothes of the fashion. He was also more relaxed then Katrina could ever remember him.

"That sounds fine, Captain Norrington." Katrina nodded.

"Please, Miss Ellis, call me Daniel. I'd like to think of us as friends. We are friends, are we not?" he asked her.

"Of course we are." Katrina reassured him. "But if I am to call you Daniel, then you must also call me by my given name."

"I will do as my lady commands." He flashed her a grin.

As they neared the town Daniel lost his teasing tone of voice and grew more rigid. The change from his easy demeanor troubled Katrina, but she quickly forgot it as he pointed out things and places to her. He was a perfect gentleman, his chivalrous behavior drawing a few glares from some of the female population. There were also some envious glances from some of the men, many of which she remembered from last night. Daniel merely flashed them a triumphant grin and moved along. The crowds along the street grew thicker as the day got hotter and Daniel slowly maneuvered back out of the main streets and into the country. He kept up a pleasant flow of conversion and entertaining tales.

"I believe Briony told me of a ladies luncheon al fresco?" he asked some time around noon.

"Why, yes." Katrina remembered Briony's comment from last night when she was still in a bit of a daze.

"Then we should not make her wait." Daniel flicked the reigns, urging the horses into a trot from their walk. In short time they came upon a group of about half a dozen ladies sitting on a blanket spread beneath a tree near a stream flowing into a pond. Their hoses where hobbled nearby, nibbling on the grass. The girls' animated chatter stopped when Daniel pulled the phaeton to a stop near them and assisted Katrina down.

"Captain, you were supposed to have Katrina here near half an hour ago!" Briony stood from her spot and admonished him, her hands on her hips.

"My sincere apologies to you, Lady Briony, and my regrets, Lady Katrina." He gave them each a bow as he addressed them. He turned and untied then hobbled Katrina's horse near the others before returning. He took Katrina's hand and bowed over it. "It has been a pleasure, my lady." He gave her a smoldering glance before straightening and driving off in the carriage.

"Katrina!" Briony called from her spot. "Come meet my friends." The ladies all stood as Katrina approached them and smiled at her as Briony introduced them. "This is Lady Raven Madde, her father owns a tobacco plantation to the west of town." A slightly cubs girl with extremely dark brown wavy hair and pale gray-blue eyes smiled happily at her. "Lady Brigid O'Brennen, her father is Irish, and has some very successful mills back in England." The girl with dark auburn hair and eyes the shade of spring grass, seemed to size her up and then nodded as if satisfied with what she saw. "Lady Amberly Shawe, her father is an ambassador in the French king's court, where I'm sad to say she has picked up some of the French aristocracy's mannerisms and thought patterns." The girl with dark brown hair and blue eyes flecked with green giggled without remorse at her friend's comment. "You have already met Lady Michelle Hart, her father owns a successful shipping company." The slender blond flashed her infectious smile, blue eyes twinkling. "And this is Lady Claire Dutton, heiress to one of the most prosperous and oldest titled families in England." The last girl had a mixture of light brown and dark blond hair that fell past her waist and blue eyes that regarded her frankly.

"Hello." Katrina nodded and they all sat down as Briony and Amberly passed around dishes of fresh fruit, croissants and cold meats. Within a matter of minutes Katrina was caught up on all the going ons and gossip about everyone in the higher circles of Port Royal society. It was, Katrina was sure, more then she ever wanted to know. The chatter moved onto dresses and styles, all which board Katrina' and she allowed her mind to wander. And it wandered to last night, a handsome captain, the kiss they shared and the look in his eyes.

"-rina… Katrina…"

Katrina looked up and saw all of the other girls looking at her. "Oh."

The girls all giggled. "You were blushing." Raven informed her.

"I-I was?" Katrina blushed again, making her companions giggle again.

"Were you perhaps thinking of a certain young captain?" Briony broadly winked at her and Katrina could feel her cheeks gaining even more heat.

"How did you-?"

"You were!" Brigid exclaimed.

"I found her out on the terrace at the dance last night." Briony had lowered her voice, though there was no one about save for the seven girls sitting on the blanket.

"Surely not!" Michelle said.

"Yes." Briony said excitedly.

"Captain Norrington would never-" Claire began.

"I bet he would." Amberly jumped in.

"Daniel?" Katrina said, she hadn't been thinking of that young captain.

"Oh, so it's Daniel now is it?" Raven asked.

"He asked me to call him that, but we didn't…"

"Oh, come now, Katrina." Michelle told her.

"No need to be coy. We know what happens on terraces at parties." Claire continued for Michelle as the others laughed at Katrina's rekindled cheeks.

"Oh, dear. I'm afraid we've embarrassed the poor girl." Brigid cooed which calmed the girls a bit, and soliciting murmured apologies came from every direction. The conversation was steered back to things that to Katrina were rather blasé. A sudden shower broke up the picnic in a hurry and the girls scrambled to their horse, promising to meet again soon before rushing back to their homes in hopes of saving their already partially soaked dresses from ruin.

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Well, looks like Katrina has some new aquantinces and possible allies in town. And ooh, she was kissed. Danny's stepping up to the plate too! Katrina sure does seem to blush easily.

Reviews are as good as:

chocolate birthday cake, which I had last night at my daddy's birthday party!

Quote:

"Not bad for a little fur ball."