I come bearing gifts...chapter 2!!
Title: Sapphire Eyes
Rating: PG
Pairing: Will/Alanna
Chapter: 2: Showing the Ropes
Summary: After seeing AWE, Alanna Livingston could only dream of being in the world of swash-buckling pirates. Little does she know her dream is about to become a reality
If any of you have noticed, I'm trying to be consistent with this whole three-days-per-post deal. This chapter is really cool because the adventure is finally beginning! So don't just sit there...go check it out!
A.N. Hello all. While having the house ALL to myself, what better to do than write about somewhere you're longing to be? That's my challenge. All you guys get to do is relax and enjoy. Lucky you! Lol anywho, on with the next installment of my tale...
Showing the Ropes
By the time the sun began to make its westward descent, Alanna was well informed of every part of the ship and their roles. From bow to stern, and everything above and below, you could say she was well on her way to becoming part of the crew. Throughout it all, Will was thoroughly enjoying himself. Not only was this woman beautiful, she was well educated and learned quickly. Still, the lustful glances from his crew could not be ignored.
“Beg pardon, miss,” he said, guiding her toward his cabin. “But I fear my men are looking at you a little too closely.”
Still craning her neck to better gaze at the cluster of men and rope above her, she barely noticed Will’s remark.
“Hm?” she asked.
Will smiled as he opened one of the chestnut doors. “You’re a bit conspicuous,” he admitted. “I think it’s best we find you something a bit more…appropriate.”
One glance down the gown she was wearing told her Will was telling the truth. She shrugged and followed him into the shade of the cabin. The room was spacious, bordered by long, angular windows, supplying a rather blurry view. A long table of polished wood sat closest to it, displaying a bowl of fruit. A faded silver chandelier hung above it. Though it was late afternoon, there were a few candles stacked about the cabin, keeping the room at a decent temperature. Convinced this was it, Alanna was surprised when Will disappeared around a corner.
“Come on…there’s more,” he called.
Smiling despite herself, she rounded the corner of the short hallway. Behind the thin wall were the captain’s sleeping quarters. The bed was nothing fancy, but it didn’t need to be. Being brought up at sea, Will was a man who was easily satisfied. The wall across from her was not much of a wall at all, for beyond a pair of doors was a narrow balcony overlooking the sea. To her right, Alanna noticed a wooden desk, a series of charts and maps stacked upon it. To the left side of the bed was a simple oak chest, from which Will was now throwing assorted clothes to and fro. Eventually he threw a pile into Alanna’s arms.
“Put those on,” he said, his back still turned. “They may be a tad loose but they’ll do. I’ll be outside when you’re ready.”
Before disappearing, he poked his head around the corner and grinned. “Don’t be afraid, love. I’ll make sure you’re not disturbed.”
With another gracious bow, he turned on his heel and was gone. It wasn’t until she heard the door close, however, that she began undressing.
After twenty minutes, William could still be found pacing in front of the cabin doors. He never had the experience of waiting for a woman. Even Elizabeth didn’t take this long. A stab of pain struck his heart at the thought, and he shook it away. Instead, he pictured his new female guest attempting to fasten his too-big belt around her slender waist. His grin broadened when he heard the door finally open. If he had any image as to what she would look like, it vanished when Alanna stepped into the sunlight. She now wore his white shirt, which she managed to fit into nicely. Over it was a pale blue vest, embroidered in a rather fine fashion. Below a fat leather belt, black leggings hugged her legs, while a pair of dark brown boots adorned her feet. Now having the opportunity, Will took the time to fully take in her features. Her skin was a delicate shade of ivory; he smiled wryly. That should change within a week he thought. Her golden-blond hair was now dry, falling beyond her shoulders. Atop her slim neck sat an elegant jaw line, full, pink lips, high cheekbones, and above all else, those eyes. They were a deep sapphire blue, and Will felt as though he was staring right into the ocean itself.
“Will this do, captain?” she asked, bringing him back to the present.
“Hm?” he asked distractedly. “Oh yes…yes this’ll do. This’ll do fine.”
Still, his staring continued until Alanna began to blush. “Sir, I believe you’re setting a bad example.”
“How so?” he asked, taking an unconscious step forward.
Alanna matched his step. “You’re staring,” she informed him. “It’s not proper.”
Will grinned, but took the hint and stepped back. He inhaled and turned to his crew, who were still busy preparing the ship for night.
“Now that you’re properly outfitted,” he said, looking over his shoulder. “I think it’s time you properly met the crew.”
For the next few hours, Alanna was supplied with so many names and faces she could barely keep up. The ones she remembered were mostly the ones she had recognized from her “welcoming” party. One was a blond youth named Christopher Penin, the one who accused her of being a mute. He had been in Will’s service for four years, taking the position of maintaining the sails. He was also known as the ship’s cook, and a brilliant one at that. Alanna found out quickly that a lot of the men aboard the Dutchman had many secret talents. An Irish sailor by the name of Arthur Cummings was a fabulous fiddler. As the moon rose, he treated the crew to a series of songs, one of which he dedicated to their newest member. Christopher spared no expense in the galley, using every fine dish in his possession to create a lavish feast for them all. The makeshift initiation party carried well into the night, which Alanna was not used to. Eventually she asked Will if she could retire. Reluctant to leave the party, he set his cup down and led her back to the cabin doors.
“Forgive me,” she said, suppressing a yawn. “My sense of time is a bit skewered.”
“There’s no need to apologize,” he said, lighting a lamp. “You’ve had a long day. Anyone in your position would feel the same.”
She stood silent a moment, though her head cocked when he began moving his bedcovers aside.
“What are you doing?” she asked.
“Well I can’t very well let you sleep with the crew, now can I?”
“I’ll sleep anywhere,” she protested. “I have no preferences.”
“Aye, but I do,” he countered, walking toward her. “As captain, I strongly suggest you take my advice.”
Too weary to argue further, she made her way toward the bed and sat upon it.
“Wait what about you?”
He turned again and smirked, though touched by her genuine concern.
“I’ve spent plenty of years at sea, love,” he murmured. “Don’t worry about me. Now get some rest. I shall see you in the morning.” Hopefully he added silently. He prayed with all his might that he wouldn’t wake up to find this day to be naught but a dream.
“Goodnight, Ms. Livingston,” he whispered, and left.
As Alanna settled into the covers, she sent up the same prayer, unbeknownst to her rescuer.
“Goodnight…Will.”
As the Dutchman sailed on, with the sound of Arthur’s fiddle floating on the night wind, little did they know they were being followed by another mystic vessel, one of a far darker reputation…