Chapter One

AN 1- Here's Chapter One! Thank you for all the feedback and I really appreciate it! Posted on Tumblr and on Ao3. The profile names are in my bio.

Ellie sat by a table filled to the brim with plants and various other tools needed to fulfil the task given to her. Agnes had tasked her with replenishing the herb stocks and making various other poultices, teas and salves needed for the slightly accident prone residents of Port Royal.

As she was grinding a mixture of herbs for a salve, she contemplated her life in Port Royal during the course of six months when she had arrived first. Agnes, the kindly healer of Port Royal had taken her in as an apprentice. Under her masterful tutelage, Ellie had the chance of expanding her knowledge in the intricate and vast art of healing and medicinal plants. She flourished quickly and was soon helping Agnes out with the majority of her work.

Life here was a tad uneventful. Early morning chores, breakfast, the daily home visits to the older patients and grocery shopping in the morning. Lunch, patient visitings and medicine preparations in the afternoons. Herb collecting, an occasional dip in the ocean (In secret of course! Imagine the scandal and the toll it would take on the delicate hearts!) in the evening. Dinner, preparations for the next day and a well deserved good night's sleep.

Ellie got along quite well with the other residents of Port Royal. She was liked and especially adored by the children who would help her out with the herb picking. She would sometimes join them in their games and help them with their frequent cuts and scrapes they bore. She was quite a hit among the older women who she treated for their chronic pains. Ellie was also the frequent target for the women who would constantly ask when she would settle down with a man and have kids on her own. She had to turn down countless suggestions from the concerned women who would try to set her up with their sons and brothers. She was in a bit of a predicament with the women her own age as Ellie has refused to gossip with them whenever they meet each other. If there is one thing Ellie hates that is gossiping. Yes, it may have it's uses occasionally but it is an awful habit. It put her at odds with them. They did not understand her and she did not understand them (though she has made an effort to do so) but she was on talking terms with the others so that was satisfactory.

"Good God child! Have you been taking dips in the ocean again? Look at your hair! Absolutely drenched! Haven't you heard of a towel? Go wipe your hair this instant! I do not want you sick with a bad cold as a result of your negligence." Agnes's ringing voice snapped Ellie out of her reverie.

Ellie laughed. "Of course my lady. Apologies for the trouble." She caught the towel Agnes threw at her and began towelling her hair.

"Have you heard the news? Apparently the new Governor is to arrive today from England. The governor, his daughter and a contingent from the Royal Navy. The pirates are getting out of hand it seems." Agnes grinned at that. "Do not towel so hard child. You are supposed to be gentle."

"Is that so?". Ellie's mind drifted to Jack. She hoped he was doing fine and knowing Jack and his daredevil schemes and plans she kind of worried about him but so far she has not heard of any ill news regarding him so her mind was at ease.

"Have you finished- Who is it?" Agnes was interrupted by a sharp rapping on the door. "I will get it", Ellie said and ran to the door.

On opening the door, she was greeted by the sight of two children and a Naval Officer. A Lieutenant, she mused to herself. The boy was looking a bit worse for wear and the girl had a concerned look on her face.

"Are you Miss Agnes? I was directed here by the dock men saying the healer lives here."

"You have come to the right place. Agnes is here and no I am not Agnes. I am her apprentice."

"You are Miss..?"

"Carter. Eleanor Katherine Carter. Bit of a mouthful. Call me Ellie. Sorry for the ramble and ah! Here's Agnes!"

James had to beat back a smile.

"Speak of the Devil! Has the Governor arrived already?" Agnes inquired.

"Yes Ma'am. We arrived a few minutes ago. Regarding Young Mister Turner here. We picked him up from a shipwreck on the way. Brought him here to check on his well-being." stated James.

Ellie observed the boy who looked to be around twelve years of age. She ran a practised eye over him. He had no physical wounds, though she suspected that he might have some mental wounds from his encounter. He was looking thin and some good meals would do him good. Other than that he was fine.

"What is your name, little one?" she whispered while kneeling down to his level.

"William Turner", the little boy stammered out.

"Is Will alright?", the girl announced, finally making herself heard.

"The lad will be fine, young lady. He needs some good meals and a good rest. He will be as right as rain in a couple of days." exclaimed Agnes, confirming Ellie's thoughts.

"What is your name, young lady?" Ellie turned to her and looked at her expectantly.

"Elizabeth Swann. I came with my father and Mister Norrington."

"And you Lieutenant?" She turned to James and she saw surprise flash across his face and she swore she saw he blushed a little.

"James. James Norrington."

"It is an absolute pleasure to meet you all. This as you all know by now is Agnes", Ellie threw an arm around her, "the resident healer of Port Royal and here's the apprentice", she gestured to herself.

"Does the young lad have a place to stay for now?" Agnes queried and the atmosphere toned down a little.

"I am sure we could keep him for the time being. Besides, we could monitor Will for a couple of days." Ellie suggested and looked at Agnes for the final verdict.

"Of course!" the kindly healer replied. "We will keep him for a couple of days till suitable accommodation is found for the lad."

"That is incredibly generous of you both. Thank you. I will inform the Governor of this. We will be off. Take care Mister Turner. Goodbye Miss Agnes and Miss Carter." James touched his hat in greeting and walked towards the door.

"Bye bye Will, Ellie and Miss Agnes. I will see you soon!" waved Elizabeth frantically and joined James by the door.

Ellie went up to the door and saw them off. Agnes was taking Will for a hot bath when she looked at Ellie with a twinkle in her eye.

"What?"

"Oh it is nothing", replied Agnes still with a secretive grin and the damn twinkle in her eye.

Ellie sighed. This would be a meeting to remember.

AN 2- This was fun to write. Hope I got the characterisation alright. Comments, Likes and follows are welcome!