Nan's Jewel

Nan's Jewel~ Chapter 23 <3 Zillah

AN: Not sure how good this Chapter is. I am on my knees begging you to comment! Thanks to all of my phans who have stuck with me since the beginning!

<3 you all! PS: This is the dress Zillah wears later on.... I don't think its this chapter though...

Kaitlin

Offwards to the story!

Chapter 23- Zillah

When I saw the island disappear I was sad. I had made many friends there, and there was little chance I would ever see them again. I was also elated, because Aaron was still there. I figured he would follow us, but I hoped we would be in Vienna before then. I tried to deny to myself what had happened, but it was impossible. The damage was done, and it was irreparable. Not even the love of Edward could heal it... Not that I cared about his love. When I awoke it was pitch black in the cabin. I stood and started towards the door, only to trip over a body. My first thought was that Aaron was back and he had killed Edward. I screamed. Edward jumped up, and wrapped his arms around me. I could hear my ragged breathing.

"Zillah? What's wrong?"He asked, quickly lighting a lantern.

"I tr-tripped over you and thought he was back and had killed you..."I confessed.

"Oh Zillah. Come on, let's get you cleaned up."Edward said.

Edward called to Johnny, and the three of us slowly walked through the ship to where the treasure and everything was. Johnny found an elegant, but simple midnight blue gown. It had a white diamonds showing through the sleeves, and a forest green "v" shaped bodice, framed in silver/ grey lace. The sleeves also had a gold band around them. Edward hauled up the tub, while Johnny loaded water. I stayed down looking for a few things. I found dark blue, soft satin slippers, and several pins. Another box revealed a clean brush, and a simple jade colored circle necklace on a long silver chain. Edward had said I could take anything, so with these I walked back up to Edward's room to find the tub waiting for me.

"Let me know when you're done."Edward said as he left.

I slid into the warm tub, and washed off the dirt, salt, and fear of the past weeks spent on the island. When I was done, I decided to brush my hair out first. When I looked in the mirror I almost screamed, my hair was so knotted. Knowing it would be easier to brush when it was dry I left it to dry. Even though my hair was thick and it was humid, my hair dried very quickly and I slipped the gown on before opening the door. I went back to my hair and forced the brush through it for at least two hours. Eventually my normal copper hair was pinned up from my face, and I went on deck. I found Edward with his black hair flying all around him, and laughed.

"What now?"He groaned.

"Need help?"I asked, starting towards him.

"No, I got it."He said, just barely getting all his hair tied back. He found a blue green bandana, and managed to keep the rest of it back.

I stood off to one side admiring him. He stood tall, at least six feet, and held an air of command. His black hair still flew around, through the ponytail and bandana, but it was out of his face. He wore an emerald green silk shirt with his normal black breeches. I moved to the other side of the ship, and found that from there all I saw was a silhouette of him. He was tall, muscled, and very handsome- What was I thinking? Edward turned to me, and led me over to the edge of the ship. Together we leaned out over the cool, clear water, and things felt right. I found myself almost forgetting what had happened. Edward and I laughed for a good while until Edward was called away by his crew. After he left I stood by the railing, enjoying the feeling of a ship beneath me, wind and ocean around me.

The days passed quickly, and soon Nan's Jewel was docked at the Port of Vienna. I was sad at having to leave the ocean behind. Over the past few weeks it was all I had known, and I had grown to like it. It was when I stood in front of the large three story manor that my wits dropped away. From what Edward had told me, it belonged to his parents. It was a lovely pale blue that seemed to reflect the ocean, even though it wasn't in view. I sharply inhaled when he opened the door. The inside was a dark mahogany, with wooden floors. I could tell his mother handled the furniture by the feminine style that was around.

"Mother!"Edward called.

I looked up to see a beautiful woman. She was older, but was beautiful nonetheless. Her grey hair was pulled back and flowed down her back in gentle waves. At her roots it was still a pale brown. After hugging her son, she stepped back to admire him. I saw her eyes were the same grey as Edward's though they were missing the blues. She seemed very kind and welcoming.

"Mother, this is Lady Zillah Taffton."Edward introduced. "Zillah, this is my mother, Lady Abigail Dubois."

I curtsied quickly to the older woman, and looked up to meet her inquisitive stare.

"Good afternoon Lady Dubois."I said.

"And to you Zillah."Mrs. Dubois said.

"Where is Father?"Edward asked, pulling the attention back to him.

"I saw him in his study earlier. Working like you should be."His mother said, none too happy.

"Please Mother, not now."Edward said, pulling me along.

He led me up a stylish white staircase to the second floor, and past a hall filled with doors, to the only shut door. Edward boldly knocked, and was answered by an annoyed voice.

"I told you Abigail, I don't want to eat!"

"Father, it is I, Edward."Edward said.

"Edward? Edward? Come in my son."The voice said.

Edward pushed open the door and led me into a masculine room. The walls and flooring were dark, with dark colored furniture and many books, as well as a roaring fire.

"Father, may I introduce Lady Zillah Taffton. Zillah, this is my father, Lord Stephen Dubois."Edward introduced, pointing to me and then his father.

"Pleased to make your acquaintance Lady Zillah."Lord Dubois said.

"And yours too milord."I answered, sweeping into a gentle curtsy.

"And pray tell who are your parents?"Lord Dubois asked.

"My father is Lord Chandler Taffton and my mother, Lady Paige Taffton."I answered.

"Ah, very well known Christian people."Edward's father thought aloud.

"And Edward, why is this young lady traveling with you? Alone?"He asked.

"Long story."Both Edward and I answered.

"Quite outspoken are you?"Lord Dubois asked a hit on disapproval.

"It has to do with the time spent away from society on that ship!"Lady Dubois said.

"Mother!"Edward complained.

"Momma, who's here?"A child called, coming into the study.

She had the same black hair as Edward, but the same blue eyes as her father. The child hurried over to her mother and clung to her purple skirts.

"Catherine!"Edward's face lit up. "Do you remember me?"

The little girl looked up at Edward with her bright blue eyes.

"Edward?"She asked cautiously.

"Yes Cat, it's me."Edward sad, causing the little girl to run into his arms.

"I missed you Edward."She said, hugging him.

I watched as she pulled out his pony tail, and backed away.

"You little rascal!"Edward cried, his hair falling around his shoulders. Little Catherine just laughed.

I looked from Edward and Catherine to see his parents. Lord Dubois was running his hand through his pure white hair, while Lady Dubois looked on, her eyes much kinder than they had been.