Love On The Waves

I. Arrival

Tortuga was always busy but mornings were the calmest time of day, the Sun illuminated ships on the horizon. Cloè made her daily trip out to the docks to watch the sea. She knew she couldn't leave her mother to run the tavern alone, but she couldn't deny the calling waves.

Cloè noticed the incoming ships about to make port and began to return to the tavern to get ready to open, casting one last wistful glance at the changing tides.

"Cloè! Où ètiez-vous?" Her mother called, the broom coming to a stop as she stared expectantly at her daughter. Cloè sighed with a smile, taking the broom from her mother.

"Les quais, mère." The older woman shook her head and went inside her business to sort the alcohol for the day.

Cloè allowed her eyes to wander as she continued to sweep, noticing the growing number of people, mostly merchants and weary pirates looking for supplies. However, she noticed a man she hadn't seen before. He had a messy white wig, and a rigid posture. With a gasp she realized it was a Navy man, but not a French one, an English one.

The man was walking towards her, and she involuntarily stiffened. Probably the pirate blood running through her veins. Her mother used to wonder aloud if the British Navy was who was responsible for her father's death.

"Good morning, sir," she greeted, setting the broom against the wall. Her hazel eyes met his stormy green ones.

"Is there somewhere I can get a meal?" Cloè almost laughed, but gave him the benefit of the doubt, the man probably hadn't been on an island like Tortuga before, and getting good food in crowds of drunkards was a hassle if you didn't know where to look. Not to mention, he looked terrible. The wig was tattered and dirty, she wasn't completely sure why he still wore it. By the looks of it, he hadn't eaten much either. She nodded, and ushered him into the tavern following after him.

Her mother, thank heavens, had gone back upstairs. This allowed her to serve without pestering.

"We need to go shopping before we open at noon, but I have some fruit if that's okay?" Pulling out the box below the bar counter, she grabbed a mango and two bananas. She also grabbed a half of loaf of bread to slice. Her mother would have a fit no doubt, if she had come down and saw what was being done, but Cloè paid no mind. She'd have to go to the merchants and get more supplies anyway.

James Norrington was surprised at the civility offered to him, but didn't show it. He reached for the banana and bread and began eating. He was extremely grateful for her generosity. This wasn't something to be taken for granted.

"Can I ask why you're here?" She asked as he cut the mango. "I mean, on the island. I'd hardly expect to see a respectable man like you taking a vacation on an island known for piracy and rum." His hand came to a stop.

"There was a time when I would agree, but now I'm not so sure." He resumed eating, trying to avoid the negative thoughts running through his mind, and instead concentrating on the feeling of food in his mouth and in his stomach.

"I'm sorry, it was rude of me to pry. We normally don't offer rooms but I'm going to guess you may need one. Come back here before closing if you want." Norrington shook his head and placed a couple of coins on the counter.

"Thank you for the meal." He stood and walked out the door, feeling slightly better since he had food in him.

Cloè stared after him, curiosity surging through her.