Somewhere in the Atlantic, Summer, 1754


The wind blew steady over the open sea, causing the great ship The Bellany to progress fast. It was a peaceful day. Only the sounds of waves crashing against the wooden hull were heard, as a bright sun stood high in the sky. Sometimes, the sound of a child's laugh would be heard in the wind. Strange, you might think? Not on The Bellany, where eight year old Nerissa Bellany sat on the railing watching the waves.

"Careful, Nerissa," a big scruffy looking man told the girl. The child giggled. "I am careful, James ? I won't fall," James sighed as he walked over to the stubborn, dark-haired child. "You better not ? I think the captain will feed me to the sharks if you'd fall" he leaned his meaty arms on the railing next to the kid, who looked up at the man and giggled again. James shook his head and laughed as well. He had know Nerissa since she was a small child and he had joined with the ship's crew, now almost four years ago. He had watched her turn more and more into her father day after day. Which was not a bad thing, not at all. He liked his captain and the captain's small family.

"The waves come high today ? the wind is picking up" Nerissa said and glanced up at the sky as clouds gathered slowly. Her father had taught her enough to realize that chances of storm weather were increasing, fast. She glanced next to her and saw James smiling at her. "You're right, kiddo ? You're getting good at this." He knew the child was smart, very smart. She always picked up these things easily. Like tying knots, he never heard of an eight year old that is able to tie every knot necessary to run a ship as large as the Bellany. Nerissa gave him a bright smile and jumped of the railing. "I'm gonna tell dad" she said and before James could answer, the little rugrat sped off.

James chuckled before walking downstairs and fetching more men. The ropes must be checked and strengthened in case the storm would hit the ship.

Nerissa jumped down the stairs that led to the captain's cabin and threw open the door before walking inside. Two accusing pair of eyes met hers from where her parents sat at the table. Nerissa looked at her feet. "I know, knock before I enter," she murmured and glanced up. Her mother shook her head and smiled towards her husband, who flashed a grin back. Nerissa saw this as a good sign and walked over to her mother. Maria Bellany hugged her daughter and kissed her dark head. "You're forgiven" she said and watched lovingly as her child walked over and hugged her father. Most would never believe that the captain could be so tender.

Captain Samuel Bellany was a huge, mountain of a man. Well over six feet with toned muscles from a hard working life, he was intimidating to say the least. His graying raven hair was long and unkempt as it hung freely around his shoulders. An old pirate's hat rested on top of his head. His cleanly shaven cheeks gave him a boyish and handsome look on his strong face. But it was his eyes that made most freeze in fear. They were a cold, electric blue that gained a silver shade when he was angry and turned warm when he felt loved. It seemed his daughter inherited those eyes, something he was very grateful for.

Nerissa looked up at her father. "I think there's a storm coming up" she said suddenly. Samuel laughed. "Really?" he said. "Let's go see then" He stood up and watched his energetic daughter nod and run outside. The huge man gave his wife a soft kiss and both of them stepped outside and climbed the stairs.

As soon as the captain stepped outside, he knew something was wrong. "Stay here" he said to his wife as he stepped out on the deck. The sky had turned an eerie dark color and the wind was blowing hard. Samuel saw some of his men putting on storm ropes. He saw Nerissa helping them but noticed that she had trouble fighting the wind. He feared that she would be blown into the wild and stormy sea. Making his way over, he stopped one of the men. "Dylan, get the rest of the crew. We'll need them up here," he said "Aye Captain," Dylan replied and made his way to the lower deck to fetch the others. Samuel glanced back at his wife and saw her standing at the stairs, holding the railing tightly. She gave him a worried look, making him continue his way.

Suddenly, it began to rain heavily, soaking everyone to the bone. The captain reached Nerissa and told her to get her mother and seek shelter downstairs. Nerissa frowned but then nodded, understanding that she couldn't do much here. She grabbed her father tightly as they stumbled to the other side of the deck. Halfway however, flashes started to appear on the sky and mere moments later, the first lightning bolts crashed down from the sky. One hit the back of the ship, blowing away the steersman and rendering the vessel out of control. Another blew away part of the bow, making the men seeking cover. Moments later, a third snapped the main mast, sending it down onto the deck. Samuel tried to grab his daughter and run, but it was too late. The enormous mast hit Samuel on his leg, trapping him beneath it as he saw one of the smaller pieces hitting his daughter full in the chest, sending her overboard. "Noooooooooooo!!!!" he yelled loudly, trying to get his shattered leg free. He heard his wife yelling for her daughter, her wails carried by the wind.

Nerissa didn't know what was happening. She knew she was in trouble when the beam hit her and knocked the wind out of her. Then she was suddenly engulfed by the ice cold water and dragged beneath the surface by her soaked clothing. She panicked and tried in vain to swim, but her lungs ached and black spots came before her eyes right before all turned to darkness. But somewhere in her mind, she reacted by grabbing hold of some driftwood and floated to the surface. The current slowly took her further away.


One day later?


The sea had turned calm again as The Bellany slowly drifted on the water. The ship had taken heavy damage during the storm. The main mast was down, the bow was shattered and the quarter deck had a nice hole. Captain Samuel stood on the deck, leaning slightly on his wife. His leg was braced with pieces of wood and he clearly was in pain, but he felt that he needed to be here, right now. Maria gave in. He had sent his men in three lifeboats out onto the sea to look, and now his sad blue eyes watched as the last small boat was lifted onto the ship. "Anything?" he asked, trying to keep his voice from breaking. James slowly shook his head. Maria broke down into a sob and sought comfort in her husband's arms. Samuel closed his eyes and wrapped his arms around his wife, burying his face in reddish-brown locks. He couldn't help the tears falling from his eyes.

The crew surrounded them and silently stared at the unforgiving sea. They had taken off their hats and held them to their chest, in respect of the life being lost. After a moment, James spoke. "What will we do now, Captain?" the man said softly. Samuel looked towards the man. "Prepare the ship and set sail towards Tortuga," he said. James nodded and watched the broken couple head to their cabin.

Without words, the men started to work with fixing the ship. They all knew what was waiting for them in Tortuga or Turtle Island, a pirate hideout. There, they would fix the ship completely while trying to forget and prepare for the next journey ... if there would be one.


Miles away ?


"Man overboard!!! Man overboard!!!" A young fisherman, a mere boy, yelled and hung over the railing of the small ship where he could see a figure in the water. An older man looked as well, cursed loudly and ran inside to get ropes. Three other fishermen ran over and took the ropes from the man. They tied it to the railing of the ship and one of them climbed down into the cold water. He swam towards the girl, tied another rope around her and waved to his friends to pull her up. Then he swam back and climbed back on the ship.

"Is she still alive?" the boy asked, his voice showing his discomfort. The older man shut him up and checked the pulse of their strange catch. He nodded "Roan, set sail to the village. We need to get her home ... Bill, go inside and get dry before you catch a cold." The soaking wet man nodded and went inside, while his friend took hold of the rudder and headed home. He pointed to the third man and told him to get blankets.

The boy kneeled next to him. "Where do you think she's from?" he asked the other man who shook his head. "I would guess from a ship that was caught in that bad storm yesterday," he said and then took the blankets the man gave him. "Thank you Jon" he thanked him and started to remove the girl's soaking wet clothes. He saw Jon frown and sighed. "I know, my boy. But pirate or not, we can't let her die," Jon nodded, stood up and left.

The boy remained silent and took in the girl's clothing. Loose white shirt, black trousers and black boots told him that this was not an ordinary girl. He helped taking her boots off and then wrapped a blanket around her cold form. "Will she be alright?" he asked. The older man checked her pulse again and sighed. "I don't know ? She's been in the water for a long time. But she's breathing and her heart is beating, even if it is weakly." With that, he stood up and watched the harbor coming in sight?

Many days later, electric blue eyes slowly opened. She took in her surrounding with a dazed look in her eyes. A sound made her look towards the door where a young woman entered together with a small blond child. The woman smiled when she saw that the dark-haired girl was awake. She had feared that it would never happen.

"Hello" she said softly, her voice was sweet. The girl didn't move as the woman sat down on the edge of the bed. "My name's Anna ? and this is my daughter Sarah" she said as the small child stepped closer towards her mother. "What's your name?" she asked. Blue eyes widened as the girl crawled further under the blankets. Sarah crawled on the bed and lay down next to her, staring at her. "Don't be 'fraide ? Mommy won't hurt you" Sarah said, causing the blanket to lower a little as blue stared into the green of the smaller girl. "I don't know" a scared voice admitted. Anna frowned. "You don't know what?" the woman asked, still with the same soothing voice. "My name" came as answer.

Anna was silent for a moment and then asked. "You don't remember anything?" The dark-haired child shook her head sadly. She was scared. "Where am I?" Sarah crawled closer and hugged the other child, sensing her fear. Anna stood up. "It's Ok ? You're in a fishing village in Cornwall. You're safe here." She leaned over and wiped a lock of hair out of the girl's eyes. "Rest, it'll come back to you ? If you need me, I'm next door, Ok?" The girl nodded. Anna grabbed Sarah from the bed and they left the room. Blue eyes looked up at the ceiling, trying to remember. But her mind was like an empty black hole. There was nothing but the here and now. Soon her eyes fluttered shut and the girl fell into a deep, healing sleep.


Cornwall, Spring, 1769


Two young women sat staring at the sea. Sarah, now 21 years old, glanced towards her stoic companion. Electric blue eyes met her greens and then faced the sea again. Sarah smiled towards the girl she had named Bailey. Memories took her 15 years back, when she had sat on the bed of the still recovering girl, who would soon turn out to become her best friend.

"You need a name" Sarah said boldly, causing the dark-haired child to frown. "I have a name ? I just can't remember it now," she answered. Sarah smiled "I know, but we need something to call you until you remember your name." The girl thought about it and found it reasonable. "Ok, you find a name for me" she said. Sarah nodded, jumped of the bed and paced the room, thinking. Suddenly she stopped. "I've got it ? Bailey!" she almost yelled. The child frowned for a moment, and then smiled. "Ok, I like that," Bailey answered. Sarah crawled back onto the bed and held out her hand. "Hi, I'm Sarah," she said. Bailey laughed. "I'm Bailey ? but only until I remember my real name" she said and shook hands with the other girl while they both giggled. Bailey never did remember ?

"What are you thinking about?" the low voice interrupted her thoughts. Sarah smiled. "The origin of your name" she said and almost immediately regretted it when seeing the distant expression filling those expressive eyes. "I'm sorry, Lee" she said sincere. She knew how much it still hurt her friend not remembering. Bailey smiled towards her friend. "S'Ok ? I have to accept that I'll never remember, right?" she said sadly before standing up and stretching her muscles. Sarah couldn't help staring at the tall frame. Bailey stood slightly over six feet, taller than most men from the tiny fisherman's village. Doing heavy outside work turned her body muscular and gave her a golden tan that fit perfectly with her raven black hair and made those eyes stand out even more.

Bailey turned and held out a large, callused hand to help her friend up. "We should head back. I still have to finished Ms. Megan's roof ... and didn't you have a date with Roger?" Sarah rolled her eyes, "I don't know what came into me to accept that. Roger is a nice guy and all, just plain boring." Bailey snorted, "Understatement of the year" she murmured, causing Sarah to giggle. They started to walk back to the village, close together, sunken in thoughts.

Evening found Sarah, who just endured hours of boringness from her 'date', watching her friend finishing up her work. Bailey sat on her knees at the edge of the huge roof, sinking nails in the last wooden board that would cover the hole caused by last winter's storm. Ready, she stood up and climbed down from the roof. Waving at Sarah, she first knocked on the door and waited for the elderly woman to appear. "I'm all done, Ma'am," she said as a graying woman opened the door. Megan smiled, "Thank you, Bailey," she said and handed the young woman some coins. Bailey flashed a smile back, knowing that those coins would buy her dinner that night. "I fixed that huge hole out front and two leaks out back. If there should be something else, you know where to find me." She walked away with a wave towards her friend.

"So, how was your date?" the tall woman asked her best and only friend. Sarah rolled her eyes, "Sucked ? Roger is such a loser. Boring and plain dumb ? your typical fisherman" she said and laughed. They walked towards the stables, where Bailey had a small room. "Your father likes him" she said and Sarah snorted, "Right, they're completely the same. No wonder they like each other," Bailey sighed. She didn't like Sarah's father one bit. But she owed him her life. Jon was one of those fishermen who picked her out of the sea. But for some reason, he really hated her and acted just plain mean when Bailey was around. She wondered why.

Opening the door to her tiny room, she stepped aside to let Sarah in. The blond woman sat down on the bed and once again shook her head at the way her friend lived. "You know, I still can't understand why father wouldn't let you stay in the house. That room was never used again." Bailey lifted her shoulders and then dropped down on the bed. "It's Ok here," she murmured, knowing that it was not completely true. The room was barely large enough for her small bed, a chest to keep her clothes and stuff in and a small place to wash up with ice cold water from the well. Especially during winter it was hell to live there. When it was really cold, she had to sleep in the stables with the horses or freeze to death. But it was understandable in her mind. She was a child with no family who was stranded in a poor village. The stable master offered her the room if she would clean out the stables every day. Bailey agreed.

Sarah knew most of this, but couldn't do anything to help her. "Don't you ever dream of a day that this will change?" she asked softly, glancing over at her friend. Bailey sighed, "All the time ? But then I remember that it will never be possible. I'm not educated, I don't have a nickel to my name and everyone just plainly hates me for some reason." Sarah moved closer and placed her head on the taller woman's shoulder. "I don't hate you" she softly said, making Bailey smile. "Yeah, I know ? But everyone else does, I have no idea why."

They sat in silence for a moment, basking in the peace they felt when they where together, before Sarah stood up. "I better get going ? Dad will be angry if I'm late for dinner." Bailey nodded, "Ok, see ya tomorrow," she said softly and stood up as well. Sarah gave her a hug "Bye Lee," she said and then left. Bailey stared at the door for a moment before removing her boots and dropping down on the bed. Lacing her hands behind her head, she stared at the ceiling and sunk in thoughts. She realized years ago that Sarah meant more to her than a friend. Every time the woman mentioned a date, she felt jealous. Every time they sat close together, she felt her heart soar. But she knew that she could never say that out loud. She knew it was frowned upon and would ruin Sarah's life and their friendship. Yet, she couldn't understand where her understanding came from, where she learned that it was Ok to feel this way. Sighing again, she closed her eyes and fell asleep.

Sarah hurried home and walked inside just as her mother placed dinner on the table. Her father gave her an angry look and Sarah was glad to see other people at the table. Three other fishermen, including Roger, watched her. "I'm sorry father," she said quickly as she took her place next to her mother. "Where have you been? Roger said that he brought you home hours ago" Jon's low voice asked her. "I was with Bailey," she answered softly and watched her father turn red. Anna placed her hand on her daughter's leg to calm her down. The expected "Again!!" was being yelled by Jon and Sarah rolled her eyes. She learned long ago to stand up to her father. Anna interfered, not wanting another fight at the dinner table, especially not with guests. "They have known each other since they where children, Jon ? they're just friends." Jon leaned back and stared at his daughter. He was proud of his daughter, because she was smart and had good looks, but the stubbornness was sometimes too much to handle. And he wished she would finally find a husband and settle down.

"You should not be friends with that ? woman" he said controlled. Sarah crossed her arms over her chest. "And why is that?" she asked, clearly not impressed by her father. Jon sighed and softened his tone. "She's a bad influence ? she shouldn't have stayed here in the village in the first place." That was it. Sarah stood up quickly, tossing her chair against the ground. Anna rubbed her face; she knew this would happen sooner or later. "Now you listen to me. Bailey is a sweet woman who works very hard every day for everyone who needs help, even though she lives in a small room at the stables where she nearly freezes in the winter. She can't help it that she lost her memory and has no place to go. She has done absolutely nothing wrong and still everyone hates and avoids her ? Why? Father, I see in your eyes that you know ? Why?"

Jon knew that there was no way out now. "She's a pirate" he said softly, followed a by gasp from Sarah, who picked up her chair and sat down. She shook her head. "Impossible ?" she muttered and glanced at her mother. "It's true," Anna said, "She wore pirate clothes when they fished her out of the water." Silence followed for a moment. Jon broke it, "It is in her blood ? Being a lowlife thief and murderer ? One day that side of her will come forward and ?" he was interrupted by Sarah "Enough of this. Why didn't anyone tell her? We all know how she longs to remember who she really is ? it won't change her to know." She stood up but was stopped by a hand on her shoulder. "Don't ? not tonight," Anna begged her and she nodded.

Silence followed as they ate. Sarah wasn't hungry and asked to be excused after taking a few bites. Anna nodded and she bid her goodbyes to everyone, before heading to her room. She slowly changed into a nightshirt and crawled into bed. But sleep didn't come for hours as she thought about what morning would bring. How would her friend react to the truth? She feared that Bailey would leave this place, leave her. What should she do? She couldn't live without the woman. Slowly, sleep came and dreams of Bailey filled her mind, making her feel safe and loved in the dark of the night.

Around midnight, Bailey started to toss and turn in her sleep. She sat up suddenly, breathing deeply. The smell of the sea still filled her nostrils and that sweet voice still lingered in her ears. She jumped out of bed, put on her boots and grabbed an old dusty jacket to protect her from the chill. Walking outside, she started to walk to the harbor. Once there, she stood in the wind and stared at the endless blackness of the sea. She had those dreams once in a while. Dreams of the sea, a ship and three people. She never remembered enough to make sense of them. She realized years ago, that the key to her past was the sea. But the sea was endless. Where should she begin? Frowning, Bailey sat down and hugged her knees. She started to hum an old lullaby, one she heard in her dreams many times, as a lone tear fell from her eyes.


The next morning ?


Bailey woke up from the sound of a boat horn. She groaned when standing up. Her muscles ached from sitting in the cold all night. Her faded trousers and old jacket didn't do much to ward off the cold. Knowing that she looked like warmed over horse dung, she made her way over to her room. Once there, she stepped inside, closed the door and had to brace herself against the wall as a wave of dizziness came over her. Shaking her head, she remembered that she hadn't eaten anything since breakfast yesterday. "Smart Bailey, really smart ? No food and no sleep equals six wooden boards and a hell of a lot of dirt as a new home," she murmured and felt the floor give away under her. Dropping onto the floor with a thud, darkness overcame her.

Sarah woke up early for a change and washed up before dressing. She walked down the stairs to see her father just leaving. He needed to get his boat out. She walked into the kitchen and found her mother cleaning fish. "You're up early," Anna teased her daughter. Sarah kissed her mother on the cheek and walked over to the counter. She grabbed a piece of bread; some dried meat and fruit and filled up a small basket. "Going to feed the hungry again?" Anna asked. Sarah nodded, "I'm going to see Bailey" she said and then sighed before turning to her mother, "Do you think I should tell her?" Anna stopped her work and placed the fish down on the table. "I don't know ? I like Bailey, I always have. And I still remember that child wondering who she was. Wishing she would someday remember ... But know that the fact that she was dressed as a pirate means nothing. She didn't carry any marking to tell who her captain was. It will still be impossible to find her origins," Sarah nodded, understanding. "I'm gonna tell her ? She has the right to know." Anna smiled at her daughter and continued her work. Sarah grabbed the basket and walked outside.

A man walked over to her. "Have you seen Bailey today?" he asked angrily. Sarah shook her head. "She was supposed to fix my shed this morning ? If you see her, tell her to get started as soon as possible." With that, the man walked away, mumbling under his breath. Sarah frowned and fastened her pace. It wasn't like her friend to forget an appointment. Reaching her room, she knocked and called her name. Not getting an answer, she tried the door and found it unlocked. Opening it slightly, she peeked in and saw the prone form of her friend face down on the floor. "Bailey!" she yelled and stepped inside. Crawling over her friend, since the floor was almost completely filled by her frame; she checked her pulse and sighed in relief to find it beating strongly. She leaned over and carefully ran her hand along her cheek. "Wake up Bailey" she said softly, calming down since she knew what happened. It wasn't the first time her friend would collapse when she didn't eat and sleep. Shaking her shoulder, she heard Bailey groan and then smiled when blue eyes opened. "You goof" she said softly as she stood up and helped Bailey sit on her bed. "You should know better."

Bailey shook her head and smiled meekly, "Yeah, I know ? I just wasn't hungry last night and slept badly," she said. Sarah sat down on the bed as well and placed the basket between them. Bailey's eyes widened as she could smell the freshly baked bread, "You are truly my guardian angel," she said with a smile when taking a piece of meat from the pile. Sarah smiled and shook her head before grabbing some food and eating in silence. She was wondering how and when she would tell Bailey what she needed to tell her.

She glanced to the side to see her companion watching her with a frown. "Where did you just disappear to?" Bailey asked her. Sarah frowned, "There's something I need to tell you ? But not here. Do you have a lot to do today?" she said. Bailey thought, "I need to fix Barney's shed and clean out the stables. But that won't take long. I'll be done by noon probably. Maybe we can meet for lunch somewhere and then we can talk," she said. Sarah nodded, "Why don't we meet at our spot. I'll bring lunch" she said, referring to the lone tree on a hill that had a great view of the sea. Bailey stood up, "Sure, great ? but I better be going now. I'm already late. Barns will have my hide if I don't hurry." Sarah smiled, "See ya later then" the blond said and waved. Bailey winked and ran out of the door.


Just before noon ?


Bailey ran home with a bucket of ice cold water from the well. She just finished cleaning out the stables and didn't want to smell like horses for lunch. Entering her room, she placed the bucket down and searched the chest for a clean shirt and trousers. Finding it, she stripped, washed and dried off while shivering from the cold. Donning the fresh clothes, she ran out of the door and towards the sea, where Sarah would be waiting.

And she was. Leaning against the big tree and munching on an apple, Sarah sat, obviously in deep thought. She looked up and smiled when she heard Bailey approach. "Hey," she said and tossed another apple towards her friend. Bailey caught it and took a bite while sinking down next to Sarah. "Hey yourself," she said, still munching on her last bite. They chatted a bit while sharing a meal of cold chicken, fresh fruit and salted fish. Bailey did notice that her friend was not her usual chatty self. Finishing up her meal with a healthy swallow of water, she looked at her silent companion. "Ok, out with it Sarah. What did you want to tell me?"

Sarah stared at the ground. "I found out something yesterday ? about you," she began in a soft voice. Bailey frowned but remained silent. Sarah peeked at her friend. "My father told me that the day they found you ? you uhm ? you wore the clothes of a pirate." Bailey's eyes widened and she faced the sea. Sarah moved closer and placed a hand on her shoulder, pulling it back when Bailey tensed. "I'm sorry. I didn't know, Lee. You have to believe me," she tried. Bailey slowly looked at her. "You mean that the reason everyone hates me is because I'm a pirate?" she said, not really asking. She sighed and rubbed her face. Sarah tried again to touch her and was relieved when her touch was welcomed.

"You know, I always knew that the sea was the key," Bailey said softly. "Now I know where to search." Sarah gasped, the meaning of those words sinking in. "You're not leaving, are you?" Bailey looked into her green eyes. "I think I have to," she said softly. Sarah fell into her arms and started to sob. "I don't want you to go," she murmured while burying her face in Bailey's neck. Bailey wrapped her arms around Sarah tightly and closed her eyes, savoring the feeling. "I would have left sooner or later anyway ? My place is not here" she said slowly. Sarah moved back a little and stared into Bailey's eyes. "What about me?" her voice was breaking. Bailey smiled sadly, "You'll find someone, get married, and start a family. Then you'll forget about me ? I don't think I can wait around seeing all that." There, she finally said it.

Sarah arched an eyebrow. "Why?" she asked softly while staring into those blue eyes that held her soul. Bailey swallowed, preparing herself to speak what's in her heart, thinking that she would lose Sarah's friendship anyway. "Because it would break my heart to see you in the arms of another," she closed her eyes and braced herself for what was to come.

Sarah smiled lovingly and ran a hand along Bailey's jaw line until confused blues opened. Then she lowered her face and gently brushed her lips against Baileys. "I'm not as naïve as you might think, Lee ? I feel the same way," Sarah whispered before pressing her lips back against Bailey's, who gently placed one of her strong hands at the back of the blonde's neck. Sarah shifted and straddled Bailey's lap as she slowly ran her tongue along Bailey's lips. Both of them moaned softly as their tongues met in a slow sensuous dance and their eyes fluttered shut. Bailey placed a hand at the small of Sarah's back, pressing her closer, while the blond grasped her shoulders tightly.

Long moments later, they separated slightly in need of oxygen. "Wow," Sarah murmured and watched blue eyes open. The love she saw shining there made her heart skip a beat or two. Bailey kissed her again, softly. "I love you ? I always have" she admitted shyly. Sarah smiled, "Ditto" she said, causing both women to laugh. Sarah sat back to the side again, still in Bailey's arms. She laid her head against the taller woman's chest and listened to the strong beating heart. Bailey rested her chin on top of Sarah's head. They sat in silence, watching the waves and thinking about what would be in store for them.

About an hour later, the sun slowly disappeared between rising clouds. Bailey looked up and groaned, "It's going to rain ? really soon," she murmured. Sarah stood up slowly and watched Bailey do the same, just as the first drops began to fall. "I wonder how you do that?" the blond began as they rushed back to the village, laughing as the rain started to fall heavily. Bailey just shrugged. She always had this skill to pronounce the weather, a skill only used by sailors.

They reached Bailey's room already soaked and shivering. Bailey quickly ushered the blond inside and closed the door after she had entered herself. Breathing hard, both woman laughed as the brunette shook her head like a dog to get the water out. Bailey saw Sarah shiver from the cold and grabbed a towel and a fresh warm blanket. Handing both items to Sarah, she frowned, knowing that the blond would freeze in her wet dress. Sarah started to dry her hair and then turned her back to Bailey. "I have to get out of this dress ? Can you?" she pointed at the buttons on her back. "Uhm, Ok," Bailey answered and took a step closer before starting to undo the buttons with shaking hands. Sarah noticed her shaking fingers and smiled shyly.

Short moments later, the last button was undone and the dress fell from Sarah's shoulder. Bailey's breath hitched as her eyes took in the slender form before her. Realizing she was staring, she quickly turned around. Sarah dried off quickly and wrapped herself into the blanket before sitting on the bed. Even from her point of view, she could see the nice shade of red her companion sported and she smiled brightly. "I'm done," she said and one blue eye peeked back. Bailey quickly grabbed the wet dress and hung it over the end of the bed to dry. Then, she was at loss and stood still with a frown on her face. Sarah tossed her the blanket that was already on the bed. "Get out of those clothes before you catch your death" she said and then turned her face to the other side. Bailey swallowed before tossing off her boots. She turned her back to Sarah as she started to peel the soaked and sticky fabric from her skin. Sarah fought an internal battle not to look. A grunt came from Bailey, causing her to take a peek. Bailey struggled with her trousers and Sarah had to bite back a moan when seeing the back of those strong thighs. She quickly faced the other side again as Bailey finally succeeded in removing her clothing. Bailey wrapped herself in the blanket and sat down next to Sarah.

They sat in silence for long moment, their breathing the only sound in the room. They each stole glances at each other, not daring to take the next step. Bailey looked to her side and met green eyes. A strange fire burned within them and Bailey felt like she was drawn to them. Inch by inch, they moved closer together until their lips met again. Sarah wasted no time and tangled a hand in Bailey's long raven hair, pulling her closer and pushing her tongue inside her lover's willing mouth. Someone moaned, but neither care who it was. Sarah fell back, pulling Bailey on top of her as they kept kissing. Breaking up for air, Bailey stared into Sarah's eyes. The love she saw there made her heart soar. Sarah smiled and placed another soft kiss on her lips. "I love you, Bailey" she murmured, noticing the darkening of blue eyes. Bailey kissed her as well, "and I love you" she said sincerely.

Small hands traveled between their bodies as Sarah unraveled the blanket around herself. Bailey raised herself on her arms slightly as her lover undid her blanket and tossed it aside. They moved to lie side by side, staring openly at each other's body. Soon, shy hands slowly ran along the other's skin, watching goose bumps appear in its place. They moved closer and kissed passionately as their legs entwined. Bailey placed soft kisses on Sarah's throat who moaned softly. "I've never done this before," the blond whispered. Bailey kissed her jaw and beneath her ear, "Neither have I," she whispered in answer. Sarah moaned again and pressed her body closer to Bailey's while claiming her lips again. Bailey's thumb found Sarah's nipple and softly caressed it, moaning softly when feeling it harden under her touch. She moaned again when Sarah copied her actions and again when the blond let her hand caress Bailey's abs and ran through soft curls. "I dreamed of this," Sarah murmured before she dipped her fingers in Bailey's wetness. Bailey opened herself wider and copied her lover.

They pleasured each other, learning what their partner liked, while exchanging soft kisses and soft moans. They both felt the end nearing as they locked their eyes and simultaneous entered each other. A flash of pain crossed them as their vaginal veils were broken, but vanished quickly as their hips started to grind together. Their mouths met and they swallowed each other's cries while they shuddered as the waves rushed through their bodies.

Bailey rolled on her back, pulling Sarah on her chest while they both tried to get air back into their lungs. Sarah straddled her lover and pressed her passion against Bailey's. Both of them moaned. "I don't know what I'm doing ? but it feels too good to stop," she said in a hoarse voice and thrust her hips again. Bailey bit her lower lip and shook her head, "Don't stop" she begged. Sarah thrusted a few more times before groaning long and loudly and collapsing on top of her lover, the juices dripping from her sex causing Bailey to climax a second time as well.

Sarah nuzzled Bailey's neck, who stretched out a hand and pulled the forgotten blanket over them. No words where necessary as they basked in the afterglow of their lovemaking. Bailey softly ran her fingers through blond locks, causing Sarah to fall asleep. Smiling at her lover, Bailey closed her eyes and followed her into a deep, peaceful slumber.

Hours later, blue eyes fluttered open and Bailey looked down at the tussled blond head on her chest. Running her hand up and down the naked back, she smiled when Sarah moaned and blurry green eyes opened. Sarah leaned up and placed a soft lingering kiss on Bailey's lips. "What time is it?" she asked softly. Bailey shook her head, "I have absolutely no idea." Sarah placed a kiss just below her ear and then sighed. "What's wrong?" Bailey asked. "I'm scared, Lee ? What will happed now?" Sarah whispered softly. Bailey made eye-contact, "I don't really know. But we'll think of something ? I love you, I always have and always will." Sarah smiled shyly "I love you too. And you're right, we'll think of something." They lay together for a while, not wanting to let go.

"I think I better get home," Sarah said, "Father will be mad if I miss dinner." Bailey slowly nodded and watched as a very naked Sarah stood up. Her eyes ran along her lover's flesh. "You are so beautiful," she murmured, causing the blond to blush. Sarah grabbed her now dry dress and slowly put it on together with her shoes. Bailey sat up and watched Sarah lean towards her. Pulling her closer, Bailey kissed her, trying to put all her love into the kiss. Moments later, Sarah left the room, slightly out of breath and flustered.

When Sarah came home, she knew something wasn't quit right. She found her parents in the living room, together with Roger. Her mother looked at her sadly, while the two men carried a bright smile. "What's going on?" she asked. Her father pointed towards a chair and Sarah slowly sat down. "Daughter," he started and Sarah was immediately on guard. Whenever her father used 'daughter' to name her, it wasn't good news. She glanced at her mother and saw that she was staring into nothing. Frowning, she faced her father again. Jon stood up, followed by Roger. "Daughter, about an hour ago, Roger has asked me for your hand," he said. Sarah's eyes widened, "What?!" she exclaimed. Jon held up his hand, silencing her. "If you say that you have a boyfriend, I won't be mad and will allow you to marry him; whoever he is. But you are 21 years old and your marriage is already overdue. So I ask you now, do you have a boyfriend?" Sarah mutely shook her head and saw Roger's smile widening. "It's settled them. You'll marry Roger before the week is out," Jon concluded before slapping his new son-in-law on his shoulder. Sarah stood up and looked at her mother, "Mom?" she asked softly. Sad green eyes met hers, silently sending the message 'I'm sorry'. She walked out of the room, thinking that this is not happening, that it's just a bad dream. But when she looked back and met with Roger's longing stare, she knew it was the truth. Running up the stairs, she dropped down on her bed and broke out into sobs.

That's how Anna found her hours later, still fully dressed and sobbing in her pillow. The elder woman sat down next to her daughter and slowly rubbed her back. "It'll be Ok, Sarah," she said softly and watched as red-rimmed eyes looked up. "Roger is not a bad man," Anna stated. Sarah wiped at her cheeks. "But I don't love him," her voice broke. Anna smiled tenderly at her daughter and sighed, "Honey, love only happens in fairy-tales. It's not real." Sarah remained silent and lay her head down into her mother's lap. She knew that wasn't true and thought it was sad that her mother never knew how true love felt. After a short time, Anna stood up and gave Sarah a kiss on her forehead. "Don't worry too much. It'll be Ok" she whispered and left the room. Sarah lay awake and begged to whoever would listen for answers. What should she do? She couldn't marry Roger, she was totally in love with Bailey. She gave her innocence to Bailey mere hours ago. Then it hit her. Bailey said that her place wasn't here in this village and Sarah now knew that her place was by Bailey's side. If she stayed, she would lose her dark-haired lover and have a miserable life.

She made up her mind and crawled from her bed. Taking a soft leather bag, she began tossing some clothes in it and donned a dark cloak over her shoulders. Taking a small chest, she checked it and saw that her coins and some jewelry where still there. Tossing it in her bag, she sat down at her desk, lit the candle and started writing a short note to her mother:

Dear mother,

By the time you read this, I will already be on my way. I have realized that my place is not here, in this small village, and not on Roger's side. I know I have brought shame and sadness on you and father by doing this. I am sorry. I know that you can't understand why I'm doing this, but I do ask your forgiveness.

Maybe I'll return someday, maybe I won't. I don't know for sure. But do know that I'll always love you and even father, cause I know that he just did what he thought was right.

Your daughter,
Sarah O'Connor

Folding the note, she scribbled her mother's name on top and placed it on her desk. Blowing out the candle, she pulled the hood over her head, shouldered the bag and opened her window. Ever since she was a child she used her window and the tree next to it to escape at night. Her parents never found out. She easily climbed down and landed on the dirt with a soft thud. Quickly, she made her way towards the inn, where she knew Bailey would normally be at this time of the evening.

Bailey was there indeed, finishing the last of her dinner. She sat with her back against the far wall, able to see everything before her. So she quickly spotted the dark cloaked figure hesitating at the entrance. Bailey recognized Sarah easily, since it was not the first time they did this, and tossed a few coins on the table before walking out. She walked casually towards her room and saw the dark figure there. Unlocking her door, Sarah slipped in, followed by Bailey. Sarah tossed of her hood and threw herself into Bailey's arms. She immediately began to sob. Bailey moved to the bed and sat Sarah down. "Let me make some light first," she said softly and quickly lit a candle near the door. She then sat down next to Sarah and pulled her into her arms. Sarah buried her face in Bailey's neck and continued to sob for long moments.

"It's Ok Sarah ? I'm here" she whispered soothingly in her ear. Sarah's sobbing slowly halted, but she still held on to Bailey in a death grip.

Slowly, Sarah began to find her voice. "My father has married me off to Roger," she murmured and felt Bailey tense. Looking into those magnificent blue eyes, she tried to send her love and felt her lover relax slightly. "Come with me, Lee ? You said that you didn't belong here. Neither do I. Let's leave, now" Sarah said, full of hope. Bailey stared for a moment. "Where would we go?" she asked. "If we walk through the night, we would reach Plymouth by morning. They have a big library where we could search information about pirates. Like where we would find them. Maybe we'll get lucky and find someone who knows you," Sarah grabbed both of Bailey's hands in her own. "I can't stay here; I'd lose you for sure then." Bailey slowly nodded, "you've been thinking about this, haven't you?" she asked with a sigh. "This won't be easy. But I guess we have no choice. Are you sure you are willing to leave this all behind for me?" Sarah smiled and moved in for a soft kiss, "Yes, I am." Bailey stood up and grabbed a pouch from under her bed, "I have enough coins to buy us food for a few days. That's it though," she said and then went to her chest. Grabbing a bag, she filled it up with clothes and warm blankets.

She turned to Sarah again as she pulled on a short jacket, "Your father will start a search for you as soon as he finds out. We have to hurry and stay unseen." Sarah nodded, "I love you" she said, causing a smile to appear on Bailey's face. "Yeah, I know ? I love you too" Bailey grabbed Sarah's smaller bag and shouldered it together with her own. Sarah frowned but a glare from her lover stopped her from protesting. She blew out the candle, throwing them in darkness and opened the door slowly. Seeing that the coast was clear, she slipped out of the room. Bailey looked around at the room that was her home for the past 15 years before walking outside. The two hurried trough the village, glad that most people had retired for the night. Soon they found themselves standing on a hill, looking over at the village. "Strange to say, but I will miss it here," Bailey said softly. "But the best part is coming with me," Sarah smiled brightly at her lover, "That counts for me too," the blond said and they hugged each other tightly. Then they started down the path that would bring them to the next town.

Morning found them, tired, cold and hungry, just outside the town of Plymouth. "How about we get something to eat first?" Sarah asked her companion. As on cue, her stomach roared. Bailey snorted, "Yeah, we better feed the beast before it comes out and eat someone," she teased. They quickly made their way towards the large building where the sign 'Inn' stood out in bold letters and entered under the suspicious looks from the barkeep. Bailey squared her shoulders, making her look taller than she actually was, trying to scare off unwanted attention. Sarah stepped forward and leaned on the bar, "Can we get breakfast here and something warm to drink?" she asked nicely. The barkeep, flattered by the nice blond, nodded and pointed at a free table in the corner, "I'll bring it right over," the big man said. Sarah thanked him, before dragging her imposing friend over to the table. "Easy there tiger," Sarah murmured and pushed Bailey down on a chair "I forgot you've never left the village before."

Bailey shrugged, "It's just the way they looked at us when we entered, like we have no business here" she said, dimming her voice. Sarah shook her head softly "that's normal. We're new and we got here awfully early in the morning."

The barkeep arrived with two plates and slowly placed them on the table. He left and returned shortly with two steaming mugs of unidentified liquid. "What is this?" Bailey asked. The man smiled, "Specialty of the house. Don't worry, it won't kill you" he said, laughing at his own joke. Bailey frowned as she picked up the mug, blew to cool it and took a sip. To her surprise, it tasted very sweet and slightly minty. It was also very strong and Bailey felt it burn down her throat and warm her from the inside out. Pointing her gaze at the barkeep, who stood carrying a confident smile. "Not bad," she said and watched him sporting an 'I told you so' look. The barkeep held out his hand "That'll be ten for the food plus four for the drinks" he said. Sarah nodded and grabbed their bags. Searching, she found her little chest and took out 14 coins. Handing them over, the barkeep thanked her and then left the two women alone to eat.

Digging in, their plates filled with bread, cheese and dried meat; they quickly scared away hunger. Sarah took a gulp of her mug, coughing as the liquid burned down her throat. "Don't drink so fast, Sarah. Take sips, it won't burn that way." A short while later, with no further incidents, they finished eating and left the inn. Sarah led the way, having been here years ago, towards the center of the town where a huge building stood, "This is the library," Sarah said and started to climb the stairs out front. Bailey hesitated and stared at the high roof, never did she saw something that had more then three floors. "C'mon Lee ? we don't have time to waste" Sarah yelled. This interrupting Bailey's daze so shaking her head, she followed the blonde inside. What she saw there surpassed her wildest imagination. It was a large room, the walls covered with books. Thousands, maybe millions were held by large sturdy shelves that went all the way to the top. Aisles with ladders ran around the room, making it possible to climb almost to the roof. A few people walked here and there, searching the shelves or studying at one of the tables.

She quickly caught up with Sarah, who was heading over to an old, grey man reading a huge book at one of the corner tables. The man looked at them with friendly brown eyes, "Welcome to the Plymouth Library. I am Meachen, how can I help you?" he said. Sarah smiled at him, while Bailey still looked lost in a daze. "We are looking for books about pirates," Sarah said. Meachen nodded and pointed above him, "Check there, two and three rows up. You should find what you're looking for there." With that said, he gave them another smile and picked up his book again.

Sarah turned to Bailey and waved a hand in front of her eyes. Blinking, Bailey focused at her. "Overwhelming the first time, huh?" she said and chuckled when her lover only nodded, "Ok, let's get started. You check the second row, I'll take the third." She turned and started to walk to the ladder, when Bailey stopped her. "Uhm, Sarah? ? I should have told you this before, but I uhm ? I can barely read," she blushed slightly. Sarah chuckled, "I have known you for the past 15 years, I know that ? just look at the pictures. Anything that looks like a pirate, bring it with you," Bailey sighed in relief and nodded. They climbed to their level and started searching.

Pretty soon, Sarah climbed back down with a pile of books in her arms and settled down at a free table. Bailey followed her and started to scan through a huge, picture filled book. Pictures and drawings of famous pirates where shown and Bailey studies them all. None ringed a bell, until they got to one of the last ones. The portrait of a handsome man seemed to look back at her. His long hair and old pirate's hat, together with a boyish smiled looked so familiar to Bailey. She turned the book around and nudged Sarah, who looked up. "Who is this?" Bailey asked. Sarah looked closer and read what was written under the picture, "The legendary Samuel Bellany, Captain of 'The Bellany'. Born 1716, date and place of death unknown. Why?" Sarah asked. Bailey turned the book again and shook her head, "no reason" she murmured. She closed the book, stood up and went to place it back. Reaching the proper shelf, she looked at the picture again. There was something about this pirate that called out to her. Shaking her head, she climbed back down and joined up with her lover.

Hours and many books later, Sarah gave a yelp. "I think I got it" she said, answering Bailey's questioning look. Bailey stood up and moved around the table to sit next to her. "Look here" Sarah said, pointing at a passage in the huge book. "In this part they talk about a hideout called Tortuga. It is said that all pirates go there once in a while for supplies and for fun." Then she frowned "They also say that only pirates know where to find it." She groaned and buried her face in her hands, "We'll never be able to find it without help, but where will we find help?" Bailey suddenly stood up and walked over to a lower shelve containing scrolls and maps. She took out a scroll and rolled it out on the table as Sarah walked over to her. Studying the map carefully, she glanced up at Sarah before pointing at a little dot north of Hispaniola, at the other end of the great ocean. "Tortuga, Turtle Island, Ile de la Tortue," she murmured. "Dangerous waters, shallow and rocky. Only safe side to the harbor is from the North" Bailey looked at Sarah with scared eyes. "How do you know this?" Sarah asked her. Bailey shrugged "I don't know, I just ? know" she stammered, calming down when Sarah placed her hand on her arm. "Guess it's proven, huh?" Bailey said softly, Sarah nodded. "Let's get out of here, get a room and try to think of a plan," the blond offered. Bailey gladly agreed and after placing all the books and scrolls back on their places, they left the library and headed back to the inn.

They paid for their room and settled there in silence. Bailey sat down on one of the beds with a sigh. Sarah slowly walked towards her and kneeled in front of her lover, placing her hands on strong tights. "It'll be Ok, Lee ? You're starting to remember" she said softly. Bailey looked up at her, "I don't know ? It's scary. I don't remember where I learned that, I just know." Sarah stood up and sat next to Bailey, "We have to think of a plan, fast" she said and Bailey nodded, "First we have to get out of here. Your father will start a search and if we stay here much longer, he will find us," she said and lay down on the bed, pulling Sarah with her, who immediately nestled on Bailey's chest.

"Hmmm, what do you think we should do?" she asked sleepy. "We should check out the harbor here and maybe we get lucky and find a ship that goes to Spain or something. There are still pirates that pass through there, I've heard." Sarah nodded "Good enough ? Let's get dinner now, head to bed and leave early in the morning" she stood back up and pulled Bailey up with her. They headed downstairs to get a meal. After an early dinner, they went back to their room and went to sleep, curled in up each others arms.

The next morning, Bailey awoke just before dawn. She smiled down at the blond head on her chest showing no signs of life. Slowly, she shifted until she could slip out of the bed without waking Sarah. The blond made soft protesting noises, before grabbing Bailey's pillow and sinking back into oblivion. Bailey chuckled softly, "you are so cute" she murmured before washing up and dressing quickly. Once ready, she slowly walked outside and went downstairs. The barkeep was already busy behind his bar. He looked up in surprise when seeing his first customer, "You are an awfully early bird," he said. Bailey just shrugged, "Can I get breakfast for two?" she asked and the barkeep nodded. "Just a sec" he said and disappeared into his kitchen. Moments later, he appeared with a tray. Bailey nodded her thanks and left some coins on the bar. She grabbed the tray and headed back.

As she expected, Sarah was still dead to the world. Smiling, she placed the tray on a table and walked over to the bed. She leaned over and slowly kissed Sarah's lips. The blond moaned softly but remained asleep. "C'mon love, time to wake up" Bailey whispered in her ear before placing a soft kiss below it. Sarah shifted and blurry green eyes opened. She yawned and stretched, "Morning" she murmured as she rubbed her eyes. Bailey chuckled and sat down at the table to start eating. Sarah almost jumped out of bed to join her. "Hungry?" Bailey asked teasingly. Sarah stuffed some bread into her mouth and nodded. It didn't take long for them to finish their meal. Then, Bailey carried the tray back while Sarah washed up and dressed. When Sarah was ready, she started putting their stuff back into the bag and was almost done when Bailey got back. "I asked the barkeep about where we could get a ride on a ship. He said that it won't be easy, but that we should ask for a guy named Yaibal. It's the barkeep's brother. He should be our best shot," Bailey said after she entered. Sarah nodded and tossed her the bag, "We can't pay him much ? but maybe he could use a hand on his ship. You know those things, right? And I'm a fast learner" she noted while pulling her cloak on. Bailey put on her jacket and they left the room. "Good idea" Bailey said and watched Sarah head over to the barkeep to thank him. Moments later, they headed out towards the docks.

The dock could be seen yards away by the large buildings and cranes. You could also hear it even further away. Boat horns, yells and curses made sure no one could be mistaken, it was a dock. Sarah and Bailey walked close together between the mass of people unloading a small ship. Sarah stepped to a few people, trying to have them listen to her, "Excuse me ? I'm looking for someone ?" They never stopped to listen. Bailey stood next to her and pointed at a guy carrying a heavy load on his back, "Hey you! ? The lady asked you something!" she yelled. The man, impressed by Bailey's imposing stature and her guts, stopped. Sarah shot her lover a grateful look before heading towards the man. "We're looking for someone named Yaibal," she asked. The man gave her a suspicious look, "What'cha need him for?" he said and dropped his pack. "We need to go somewhere. The barkeep told us that maybe he could help us get there." The man laughed, "If my brother would tell ya that, means he likes ya. I'm Yaibal. Where do ya need to go?" Now it was Bailey who spoke "Spain ? Or somewhere around there," she said. Yaibal nodded, "I'm goin' to Ireland to pick up a load for the harbor of Porto" he eyed Bailey "One of me men quit. Ya look strong enough, can ya sail?" Bailey smiled "I am good with my hands. Though I only worked on fishing vessels, I learn fast. I'm also not afraid of hard work," she said and that convinced Yaibal. "Good, ya work on the ship until Porto and I get the two of ya there safe and sound." Sarah smiled brightly at Bailey who gave a nod in agreement. Yaibal grabbed his pack again and started walking. Sarah and Bailey followed.

"Ya're just in time, ya know. We're setting sail in an hour" Yaibal said as they walked down one of the docks towards a large ship called 'Tsunami'. Bailey lifted one of her eyebrows and gave Yaibal a questioning look. "Your ship is named 'Tsunami'?" she stated, not asked. Yaibal grinned "Best way to ward it off. Ya'll don't think a real tsunami would attack its namesake, huh?" he said and laughed. A young man appeared on deck and ran down towards them. He grabbed the pack from Yaibal and carried it on board. "That's me son, Dereck" Yaibal proudly said and watched the young man walk back to them. "We're all set, father" Dereck said and immediately, Sarah noticed that he didn't have that strange accent like his father. Yaibal stood next to his son and pointed at them. "These two will join us 'till Porto. Will you show Miss ? I'm sorry, don't think I asked ya names yet," Sarah smiled. "No problem, I am Sarah O'Connor and this is Bailey," she said with another sweet smile. Yaibal turned back to his son. "Will you show Miss Sarah and Miss Bailey the spare cabin?" Dereck nodded, "Follow me please," he said politely.

Sarah and Bailey followed him up the board onto the ship. "Drop the Miss, Ok Dereck?" Sarah said and he smiled, "Ok, Sarah" Dereck answered. He led them downstairs into a small corridor with two doors. Pointing to the first, he said "that's where my father and I stay. If you need help with anything, just call." Bailey noticed the man staring at Sarah and rolled her eyes at those words. Dereck moved further and entered the next cabin, making way for the two women, "This is where you'll stay. Sometimes we have passengers with us and they sleep here. But we're not supposed to have any passengers for a while, so it's yours," with that, Dereck walked to the door. "We leave in about an hour," he quickly said and then walked out.

Bailey dropped her bag and looked around the room. It was small, but still big enough for the two of them. A bed stood on the left side under a porthole. The right side was filled with a small cabinet and a small desk. A small cot was folded under the desk. "Nice," Sarah said softly with a smile. "Yeah ? we'll be staying here for a long time," Bailey sat down on the bed. Sarah sat down next to her, "What will happen when we get to Porto?" she asked. Bailey frowned "I don't know. Guess we'll see when we get there. You're having doubts?" she asked softly. Sarah looked at her and smiled "No, I don't. I have to choose between boring Roger and gorgeous you. I trust you and want to spend the rest of my life with you." She leaned over and softly kissed Bailey's lips. "Thank you," Bailey whispered and kissed her lover again.

The sound of a boat horn interrupted them. "We're probably departing in a few minutes," Bailey said and stood up. Sarah pulled her down and placed another kiss on her lips before she stood up and led a flustered Bailey out of the door. They took a moment to compose themselves again before they climbed the stairs to the deck. Seeing Yaibal and his son, they walked over to them. "There ya're, right on time" the captain said. He was now dressed in a captain's outfit with a hat on top. He looked at his son "take the wheel, head for the open sea." Dereck nodded and ran to the back of the ship. Yaibal then looked at the five other men standing on deck. "Raise the anchors!" he yelled and they sped off to lift the two huge anchors out of the water. He glanced at Bailey "They could use ya help. They're a bunch of sissies," he said with a grin. Bailey quickly ran towards the group that was now pulling on chains with the help of a pulley. Taking her place between them, she helped them pull the huge anchor up and safely secure it. They moved to the back of the ship and did the same. When they were done, Yaibal called the "Full speed ahead!" and they where off.

Long moments later, Yaibal called both Bailey and Sarah to him. "Bailey, me son will show ya around and explain the work that needs to be done on a ship daily. If ya have any questions, ask him" Dereck motioned for him and Bailey left. Sarah looked after her until she disappeared downstairs and then looked back at Yaibal. "What should I do?" she asked. "Can yah write?" he asked. Seeing Sarah nod, he continued. "Well, I can't and I really could use someone to write some stuff down for me," Sarah smiled. "I can do that," she said. "Great, we have an agreement then, aye?" Sarah nodded again with a smile. "Follow me then, I'll tell yah what's it about" the captain said and they walked to his cabin to talk.

Evening found them utterly exhausted in their cabin. They just enjoyed a good meal with the crew and found that the rough looking men were quite gentle and funny in nature, good company. Bailey locked the door and then looked at Sarah who was busy reading an old diary the captain had given her. Walking over, Bailey stood behind her lover and placed a kiss on her check. "What are you doing?" she asked softly. Sarah shut the book and placed it on the desk before turning in the chair. "It's a diary from the captain's late wife. He can't read nor write but wants to have his biography written down for his son. He asked me to help him," she said with a big smile. Bailey lowered her head and Sarah met her halfway in a lingering kiss. When it ended, Bailey leaned their foreheads together. "I love you" she murmured "And if I wasn't so tired and sore, I'd prove it." Sarah chuckled, "I believe you ? and the feeling is mutual, very mutual," she said with a grin and then stood up, leading Bailey to the bed. She helped Bailey step out of her boots and made her sit on the bed. Then she slowly took of Bailey's shirt and told her to lie on her stomach. Bailey did so and rested her head on her arms. She sighed as Sarah began to run her hands over her shoulders and back, massaging out the kinks formed by an afternoon of hard work. Long moments later, soft snores filled the cabin. Sarah slowly slipped off the bed and undressed Bailey completely before tucking her in. She walked around the room while blowing out the candles and the oil lamp on the desk. Then she undressed and slipped under the sheet, placing her body tightly against her lover. Very quickly, she followed Bailey into the dream world.

It was barely dawn when Bailey awoke from the shifting of the ship. She yawned and felt Sarah shift. "What was that?" the blond asked her. "Just a wave knocking against the ship, nothing to worry about. Go back to sleep" she stretched her body like a cat, causing the blanket to fall down. Sarah took in the naked form, clearly visible by the light from the porthole. "Sleep is the last thing on my mind right now" she said in a smoky voice. Bailey blinked in mild surprise and then sported a sexy grin as she moved to cover Sarah's body with her own. "Good, cause it's the last thing on my mind too" she said, right before capturing Sarah's lips in a passionate kiss. They broke up for air and lay panting while looking into each other's eyes. Bailey sat up and slowly ran her hands down a heaving chest. Sarah moaned softly as soft lips replaced the fingers. Ever so slowly, Bailey kissed her way down the valley between Sarah's breasts and towards a hard nipple. "Please Lee," Sarah begged. Bailey complied and took the nipple in her mouth while caressing the other with her fingertips. Sarah moaned softly, digging her blunt nails in her lover's shoulders. Bailey switched to the other breast and Sarah gasped as the cool air hit her wet nipple. She tried to push Bailey down to where she needed her. Bailey sucked the nipple one last time before cupping both breasts in her hands and kissing her way down a flat stomach. She slowly and teasingly dipped her tongue into Sarah's bellybutton causing her to giggle; it turned into a soft moan when Bailey kissed the top of soft blond curls.

The musky scent of her lover was almost too much to take and Bailey shifted, now resting completely between Sarah's tights. She glanced up and met with dark green eyes, "I love you," she said and slowly lowered her head for a first taste of her lover's passion. Both moaned and Bailey grabbed Sarah's tights to hold her still as she slowly lapped up the great amount of wetness. Sarah thrashed of the bed, moaning and murmuring unintelligent things. Bailey slowly entered her with two fingers while sucking the sensitive bundle of nerves. Sarah tangled one hand in Bailey's dark hair while the other one searched the bed for a pillow. Sweet moments later, Bailey felt Sarah fall over the edge. Screams were muffled by the pillow as the two slowly rode out the waves of passion. Bailey slowly pulled her fingers out and crawled up Sarah's body. Sarah pulled her down for a kiss, moaning when she tasted herself on Bailey's lips. Bailey placed her head on Sarah's chest "One more move and I'm done for," she said in a strained voice. Sarah wasted no time and pushed Bailey on her back. She moved between her legs, licking the inside of soaked thighs. "Mine," she growled as she slipped her tongue between Bailey's folds. She knew her lover was close and didn't have the heart to tease her. So she sucked Bailey's clit into her mouth and instantly felt her come, straining against the screams. Sarah inserted two fingers, hitting that special spot deep inside, causing Bailey to come again with a growl from deep within her chest. "Sarah, no more," she said weakly and held out her arms which Sarah crawled into willingly. They lay silent for a moment. "Interesting way of waking up, don't you think?" Sarah said, causing them to laugh softly. "Get some more sleep, my love," Bailey said softly and she felt Sarah nod. She hugged Sarah tightly, closed her eyes and drifted off to sleep, quickly followed by her lover.

About an hour later, Bailey woke up and carefully slipped out of bed, placing a soft kiss on Sarah's lips. She dressed and left the room. On deck, she met up with a few men she got to know yesterday. One of them was a skinny young man with fierce red hair named Merrick, but everyone called him Pyro. He was born in Ireland and would not go on the trip to Porto. He would take some time off and visit his family. Pyro motioned for Bailey to go to him, "The top sails need to be checked and the guys asked me to do it. But I'm scared of heights ?" he said softly, blushing slightly. Bailey smiled at him, "No prob, what should I look for?" she asked, "Anything that is starting to rip, rope that starts to fray, wood that's rotting. Things like that." Bailey nodded and walked over to the main mast. Looking up, she grinned and jumped for one of the thick ropes. Catching it, she pulled herself up and climbed all the way to the top with ease under the surprised looks of the crew.

In the meantime, Sarah had awoken in an empty bed. Shrugging, she got out of bed and decided to dress in a pair of trousers and a shirt from Bailey. She stepped out of her room and onto deck. There, she saw all the men focusing on something above them. Following their gaze, she felt her blood run cold when seeing her lover. She walked under the mast "Bailey!!!! If you fall and break your neck, I'll never speak with you again!!!" she yelled angrily. Bailey looked down and almost lost her footing when seeing her lover dressed in her clothing. Getting herself together again, she finished her inspection and then made her way down. She jumped from one rope to another like she never did anything else in her life. Even Sarah was gaping at her when she got back down. "One of the ropes is starting to fray and there is a tiny rip in the right corner of the top sail. I'll fix that in a minute" she said to Pyro, who nodded. She looked at Sarah and saw anger in her eyes. Grinning, she lowered her mouth to Sarah's ear "You look damn hot dressed like that ? And even more now you're angry," she whispered. Sarah shook her head "What am I to do with you?" she murmured. "I can think of a few things," Bailey answered with a silly grin of her face, before she turned and walked towards Pyro again, "Get me a large needle and some thread, so I can fix it," she requested and then winked at Sarah, who shook her head again and turned to walk to the captain's cabin. Maybe she could start working on that writing.

Five days passed this way. Bailey helped the crew while Sarah worked with the captain on his book. They made love in the evening, morning, afternoon ? whenever they found time and privacy. Many times they sat together on deck watching the sky, thinking about the future. Each now knew for sure that wherever it would lead them, they would be together. On the sixth day, the harbor of Corck, Ireland, appeared on the horizon and Yaibal called everyone one deck for the hard assignment of docking the vessel.

It took a long time to safely dock, but the crew succeeded without problems. Yaibal faced his crew. "Ok, men ? we leave again tomorrow morning, so ya'll are free as soon as the goods are on board. Pyro will leave us for a while ?" he looked at the red haired man "? be safe, me friend and until later," Pyro shook hands with his friends and also greeted Bailey and Sarah, "Maybe we'll meet again sometime," he said and both of them nodded and smiled. Yaibal spoke again, "The goods are in storage one, have fun tonight and be careful. Don't get drunk, don't get into fights and always remember that a one-night-stand might be over in the morning, but most of those nasty diseases stay fer life," the captain said and then dismissed his crew. They disembarked and headed for the goods. Yaibal took of his hat and looked at the two women. "Ya're part of the crew, so the freedom counts as well. Though I'd really like it if I knew someone would stay on board tonight. You'd be all alone," he wiggled his eyebrows and walked of the ship laughing at the blushes the two women now carried. Bailey shook her head and chuckled. Sarah soon joined in. They looked up as the first men appeared with packs on their backs and started to help putting the load downstairs in storage.

Late that night they sat on deck, wrapped in a blanket and watching the stars above. Sarah leaned her head back on Bailey's shoulder and sipped some sweet wine that they found in their room, probably a gift from Yaibal. "Aren't they beautiful," Sarah softly said as she placed her mug back down. "What are?" came the voice from behind her. Sarah smiled "The stars." Bailey softly moved Sarah's hair aside and placed a kiss on the now exposed shoulder, "Not as beautiful as you," Sarah turned and faced Bailey "You're a sweet talker," she said and kissed her lover softly. Bailey shook her head "I'm not sweet. This wine is sweet ? we should thank Yaibal for it" Sarah chuckled "Don't change the subject. But you're right, we should thank him" she placed her head on Bailey's chest. "I like him" Bailey said suddenly "though I barely understand what he's saying most of the time," this caused Sarah to chuckle. Yaibal spoke with a heavy Irish accent, one his son lost. It took Sarah some time getting used to it, but working with the captain so often helped. "He's a good man. As is his son," Bailey nodded in agreement. "Dereck has a crush on you," she said and Sarah looked at her again. "Do I sense a little jealousy there?" Sarah teased with a grin "There is no need. Haven't I proven that?" Bailey pulled her closer for a soft kiss, "You could always prove it some more," she said huskily. Sarah pushed her down on her back and attacked her lips. For the first time in their lives, they made love under the stars.

Morning came too quickly for the two women, as they woke up in each other arms. Luckily, Bailey had the good sense to move their lovemaking to the bed, as she could hear the men returning on deck. Sarah chuckled "I wonder how they would've react if we had fallen asleep on deck?" she said, Bailey just shrugged. Moments later, they both got out of bed, dressed and went upstairs. Yaibal saw them first, "Everyone's here, the load is safely downstairs. Ya ready to go?" he asked. Bailey left Sarah's side to help the crew with the last chores and helped them lift the anchors. "Dereck, let's go!" the captain yelled at his son who saluted in return "Aye Captain." Soon, the harbor disappeared and the ship set sail for Porto.

The trip was long but passed with no real problems. They got into a rainstorm once and Bailey got soaked, causing her to get ill. Sarah stayed by her side for two full days until she got better. Some time later, one of the sails ripped and they had to anchor the ship in order to take it down and repair it. But they got through unscathed and long weeks later, Porto awaited them. That evening, Bailey stood on deck watching the dark ocean. Yaibal stepped next to her, "We'll reach Porto sometime tomorrow" he said, Bailey nodded. She had gotten used to her captain's accent as well. He sighed and looked at Bailey "Where are ya really heading?" he asked softly. Bailey looked straight ahead, "Over the big ocean ... Tortuga" Yaibal frowned "Ya planning on becoming a pirate?" Bailey chuckled softly, "No, I am searching for someone ? or better, something." She looked at her captain "I'm looking for my past"

Yaibal smiled "Ya know, these past months I've start to like ya and ya other half. If ya think ya'll find your past on Tortuga, I might have something ta help ya. Come with me," he said and headed downstairs to his cabin, Bailey followed. Once inside, Yaibal reached into a cabinet for a long flat box covered in dust. He handed it to Bailey, who placed it on a table. Carefully, she opened the box and gasped. Inside was a long, slightly curved sword and a gun. Bailey slowly took out the items and also a well worn leather belt. She looked up at Yaibal. He shrugged "My father was a pirate. Those weapons where his, yours now. I have no use for them." He gave Bailey another small bag and an old dusty pirate's hat. "In the bag are some clothes that should fit ya. Porto has a pirate hideout. Dress like one and ya should have no problem getting information" Bailey didn't know what to say, "I don't think I can ever repay you for this," she said softly. Yaibal held up his hand to stop her. "No worries mate. Go on, get to ya room and change, Sarah as well. In the morning, the two of ya should take one of the lifeboats and head out alone. About two miles before the harbor there's a secluded place where the hideout is. It is marked that way, so ya should be able to recognize it." Bailey nodded, "Thank you, Yaibal. I'll never forget this" she said, gratitude in her eyes. She saluted Yaibal and left the room with the stuff she just received.

Entering her cabin, she saw Sarah sitting on the bed reading. She placed the stuff on the bed, under surprised green eyes. "What is this stuff?" Sarah asked. Bailey gave her a smile and started to tell everything that had happened. Sarah ran her fingers over the sword when the story was finished. "Wow," she murmured and looked at Bailey again, who now sat next to her. "So this is it, huh. We're out of here?" Bailey nodded slowly. "Yeah, and we owe it all to Yaibal," she said. Sarah smiled and started to search through the bag of clothes. Pulling out several items, her smile widened. "This'll work perfectly," she said and tossed some stuff to Bailey, "Put that on" Sarah ordered her. Bailey sighed and started to change clothes. When finished she wore black trousers that fitted her form perfectly, a loose white shirt and a sleeveless dark brown jacket. Finishing the look where black fingerless gloves, her own black boots and the belt with the sword on the left and the gun on the right. Sarah stood on the bed and pulled her before her. With a leather thread, she weaved Bailey's long hair into a ponytail, letting a few strands escape and placed the hat on her head. "Ok, let me look at you," she said and Bailey turned to her. Sarah grabbed her chest "My god, you look great," she gasped and then chuckled when Bailey started to blush. "No, it's true. You were truly born for this," she continued as she jumped of the bed.

She picked up some clothes she had selected for herself and started to dress. It was about the same style Bailey was dressed in, only with light brown trousers and a longer jacket. She wore no belt, nor gloves, and had a dark green bandana instead of a hat. Her blond hair was still loose. The trousers where tucked into dark brown boots that where slightly too big for her. "What do ya think?" she asked Bailey. "Not bad," Bailey said with a smile, "Not bad at all," Sarah stepped closer to her and softly kissed her. "We're ready then," she said. Bailey stood up and helped Sarah place what's left of the clothes in their bag. Then they slowly undressed each other and spent their last night on board feasting on each other's body.

Early the next morning, Bailey and Sarah met with Yaibal and his son on deck. Both men gaped at the two women. Bailey tossed their bag in the lifeboat. Yaibal grinned brightly, "Ya two look great" he stated. Dereck could only nod. Sarah walked up to Yaibal and hugged him. "Thank you, for everything," she said and then hugged Dereck "You too, Dereck, take care." Bailey held out her hand, which Sarah took and helped her step into the boat. She looked at the two men and dipped her head in respect and thanks. Yaibal laughed "Ya're getting the hang of it, kiddo" he said, stepping over to the ropes after Bailey got into the boat. Dereck walked to the ropes on the other side and together with his father, he slowly lowered the boat onto to water's surface. The boat shook a bit, but it got down safely. The two men leaned over the railing "Take care, kids" Yaibal yelled and waved. Sarah waved back, while Bailey took her place at the paddles. After Sarah sat back down, Bailey pulled them into motion with powerful strokes. It would take them about an hour to reach land.

And indeed, as the morning sun had chased the darkness completely away, the beach came into sight. "Look," Sarah said. A wide bay ran deep into the land, between rocks covered with trees and mosses. Bailey steered the boat in it slowly, not sure where it would take them. She glanced at the water "The water is surprisingly deep, given that we're so close to land. I'm sure that a fairly big ship could pass with no problems," she heard Sarah gasp and point at the rocks surrounding them. Drawings of ships, swords and skeletons covered it. "I guess this is the right spot" Bailey said softly, impressed by what's around her. Sarah nodded mutely. They sat in silence as the current took them further into the bay. Soon, the sound of civilization was audible and before their eyes, the bay widened into a great lake. Many ships where anchored everywhere, while small boats like their own covered the beach.

Large, wooden buildings stood between the trees of what seemed an endless forest. Bailey shook her head to compose herself and took hold of the paddles again. In moments, they stood on the beach.

"Wow," Sarah murmured "I never thought it would be this big," Bailey agreed. "Yeah ? but let's not stay here. I think that's a bar," she pointed at a large building where music, laughter and yells came from. Sarah snorted "I don't think that's a bar, I know it," Bailey shook her head but grinned anyway and started walking. On their way, they passed a few men sitting or laying on the ground, most unconscious, or in different state of inebriation. Just outside the bar, about seven men and woman lay in strange angles on the ground. Probably hadn't moved after they where thrown out, literally. "Nice crowd," Sarah stated with a soft laugh, right before they entered.

Eyes fell upon them the moment they set foot inside of the bar and Bailey felt a shiver running down her spine. The music stopped for a moment and some men stood up, watching suspiciously. Sarah kept her cool, though she felt extremely uncomfortable, and nudged Bailey, causing her to spot an empty table at the back. They quickly made their way over and sat down. The music and talking continued. An elderly woman stepped to their table and took their order. She reappeared with two mugs and then left the women to themselves. The crowd left them alone also. It wasn't the blond that caused that, but those piercing blue eyes that scanned the crowd every now and then from under the hat.

"What now?" Sarah asked softly after some time had passed. Bailey shrugged "I have no idea" she answered, doubt in her voice. Sarah smiled at her and placed one of her hands on Bailey's, "we'll figure something out" she said softly. Bailey gave her a small smile back. Suddenly, the smile fell of her face as her eyes shifted towards a behemoth of a man, now standing in front of them. Bailey fought to keep a grimace of her face as the stench of an unwashed body together with beer invaded her nostrils. The man leaned his dirty paws on the table and leered at Sarah, "How much for the chick?" he asked Bailey, his words slurred slightly. Bailey stared at him. "She's not for sale," she said. The men grinned "I always get what I want" he signaled some other men, who stood and walked over, ignoring the pleas of the woman behind the bar to keep out of it. Bailey stood up and felt Sarah grab her thigh under the table, "Get lost!" she said in a deep, threatening voice. The large man laughed and tried to grab her. Bailey stepped aside and around the table.

With that, the men charged Bailey, causing the entire bar to erupt in one big free-for-all battlefield. Sarah tried to stay away from prying hands by keeping a table between her and the angry men, while she kept watching the battle to make sure Bailey was Ok. But the dark-haired woman, though outnumbered, fought well. She dodged a fist, grabbed the offending arm and snapped it with ease, causing the man to yell in pain as the crack loudly echoed in the room. Then she kicked low, tripping another man and knocking him out with a well placed punch. Jumping on her feet, she couldn't dodge a fist in her side and felt something crack beneath it. Seeing someone charge at her, she stepped aside and used his own weight to send him crashing into a table. A chair hit her back, sending her down between broken pieces of wood. But Bailey stood up again and managed to knock two more men out, until, out of nowhere, a fist hit her right in her face. Bailey stumbled back against the wall while grabbing her nose. Blood poured from between her fingers. She heard Sarah yell for her right before she felt herself falling and was overtaken by darkness.

Sarah saw the big man sneak behind her lover and screamed when he hit her. She was running before she knew it but never reached Bailey. Large paws grabbed her from behind and pulled her against a meaty chest. "I'm claiming my prize" the behemoth said. Sarah kicked and screamed while tears ran from her face.

Suddenly, a loud yell of "ENOUGH!!" boomed through the bar and everywhere, the fighting stopped. Sarah looked at the entrance and saw a large, graying man entering. "I leave for two hours and this is what becomes of my bar?!" the man said and walked over to Sarah, "Let that woman go, Liam! Then take your men and leave. You don't want me to banish you from the island, huh? Where would you go to get drunk otherwise?" The behemoth Liam, growled, hesitated and then shoved Sarah forward. Sarah stumbled for a moment and then ran towards her wounded lover. Liam nudged his head and the men still walking grabbed their fallen comrades. They quickly left. Sarah fell to her knees next to Bailey and carefully cradled her head in her lap. She grabbed the bandana from her head and used it to try and stop the blood that continued to pour out of Bailey's broken nose. Her tears kept on falling as she saw the graying man crouch next to her, "I'll have some men carry her to my house, my daughter is a healer," he said before standing and pointing at two men. They nodded and walked over. The man helped Sarah stand and they followed the two men carrying Bailey outside.

They walked towards a modest wooden house near the woods and just as they climbed the stairs to the porch, the door opened and a young woman stepped out. Her eyes widened when she saw them and she quickly braced the door, keeping it open, and helped the men carry Bailey inside and into a downstairs room. The man led Sarah inside and thanked the two carriers who quickly left. Sarah walked over to where Bailey lay on the bed and watched the young woman check her pulse. She nodded briskly and then lifted Bailey's eyelids to check her eyes. The young woman, who Sarah guessed was about her age, smiled at her. "She has a slight concussion and a broken nose that needs to be set. She'll be fine" Sarah sighed in relief and then remembered her lover being hit a few times before that. "She caught a chair on her back and some punches in the side." The woman nodded, "I'll set her nose first, then I'll check her out completely," she pointed at a chair next to the bed. "You can stay if you sit down there. I'm Lucille by the way, everyone calls me Lu," she said. Sarah smiled and sat down "Sarah and that's Bailey," Lu nodded and continued talking while she worked. "Bailey huh? Strange name. Where are you from?" she placed her thumbs at the bridge of Bailey's nose and in one quick move, snapped it back to align. The sound made Sarah cringe "Uhm, we're from Cornwall," she said quickly, watching as Lu skillfully braced and wrapped Bailey's nose. "And I chose the name Bailey when we where kids. She suffers from memory loss and doesn't remember anything from before they found her."

Lu listened and then frowned. "Must have been tough for her" she said as she started to remove Bailey's blood-soaked shirt. She smirked when she spotted small, fading bruises on Bailey's upper chest. She glanced towards Sarah, who now sported a nice shade of red. "Let me guess, a pack of vampire bats attacked her last night," Sarah lowered her head, hiding the fact that she blushed even more. Lu chuckled and started feeling up and down Bailey's ribcage. She halted at one spot that was turning blue. "Two cracked ribs here," she said with a smile "Nothing's broken." When she hit the spot again, Bailey moaned softly and blue eyes fluttered open. "Look who's back among the living," Lu teased. Sarah leaned closer to Bailey and softly kissed her on the cheek, "Thank god," she murmured. Bailey smiled and then groaned when a flash of pain crossed her skull, "Argh ? I feel like that time I got run over by the stable horses," she said hoarsely as she lifted one hand to hold Sarah. She looked at the other side when she heard a cough.

Lu gasped when those electric blue eyes met her. She quickly covered it by grabbing some bandage, "Let me wrap your ribs first. Then you can catch up with your ? friend. Think you can sit up?" Bailey nodded and, with the help of Sarah, sat up. Lu quickly tied the bandage around her ribcage and took advantage of Bailey's position to check her back. Bailey groaned when Lu hit a sore spot. "I think you're very lucky that the chairs at the bar are old and almost fall apart on their own. I don't see any damage on your back, only some bruising. It'll fade with time," Lu said and then helped Bailey lay down again and covered her up. Lu gathered her things. "Rest for now. I'll tell my father to leave you two alone for a while. But if you need anything, we're in the next room." With that, Lu left. Sarah stood up and sat down on the edge of the bed. Bailey looked at her "You look like hell," she said, causing Sarah to chuckle. Bailey held open her arms and Sarah carefully lay down. "You scared me," Sarah admitted silently. Bailey hugged her closer, "I'm still here, love. You should rest for a while too," Sarah nodded and both of them fell asleep instantly.

In the next room, Lu sat down in a comfortable chair and frowned. Her father closed the book he was reading. "What's wrong Lu? Something with the woman?" he asked. Lu shook her head "No, she'll be fine. With some rest and time she'll be back her old self. It's just something ?she woke up and looked at me. It's her eyes. I've seen them before." Now it was her father's time to frown, "You know her then?" Lu shook her head again, "No, I don't think so. It's also what Sarah, her friend, said. She said that she picked her name when they where children because Bailey couldn't remember anything. And they come from Cornwall. There's something about all those things together ?" she sighed "I don't know" she closed her eyes and let her head drop back against the cushion. Her father waited for a moment, "Don't you have work to do?" he said with a smile on his face. Lu sat up quickly, "Damn, Maria will have my hide" she exclaimed and ran out of the room. Grabbing her bag and coat, she ran out of the house. Her father chuckled and took his book to continue his reading.

A few hours later, Sarah woke up from hunger. Looking at the peaceful face of Bailey, she decided to let her lover sleep a bit longer and softly kissed her before walking out of the room. She looked inside the next room and saw the gray man reading. She knocked and waited until he looked at her. The man smiled and waved her in, "Feeling better?" he asked. Sarah smiled as well, "Yeah ? Bailey is Ok too, still sleeping though." She reached up and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, "I want to thank you. If you hadn't shown up, who knows what would've happened to us," her stomach rumbled. The man placed his book down and stood up. "I think we better feed that thing," he teased and then held out his hand which Sarah accepted. "My name is James and you're welcome. Now c'mon, follow me," Sarah nodded with a smile and followed James to the kitchen.

James rummaged through the cabinet and extracted some bread and cheese. Placing the items on the table, he told Sarah to help herself. "I am afraid that I can't offer more than this. I'm heading to town tomorrow to restock on food. I do have milk, lots of it. Lu loves it so much that I bought my own cows" he chuckled and grabbed a bucket from under the sink, "I'll go get some. It should be good for your friend as well." With that, he left the room. Sarah ate quickly and was nearly done when James came back. He walked over to the stove and poured the milk into a large black pot to boil. Then James sat his large frame at the table, "Should be done in a few moments," he said. They chatted for a bit until the pot started to hiss. James walked over and took the pot of the stove to cool. He opened another cabinet and extracted a tray and two mugs. Filling the mugs with steaming hot milk, he placed them on the tray together with some more bread and cheese. "For your friend," he said and handed the tray over to Sarah. "Thank you," she said and carried the tray into Bailey's room.

Seeing that her lover was still asleep, she placed the food on a table and sat down on the bed. "Time to wake up, my love" she whispered and ran a hand through Bailey's bangs. Getting no reaction, she slowly kissed her on the mouth. Again, Bailey did not move, but Sarah could hear a change in her breathing. Grinning, she stood up "Then I guess this delicious food is all for me," she said. Blue eyes opened as a stomach roared. Sarah chuckled and carried the tray over to the bed. She helped Bailey sit up and placed the tray on her lap. Taking the second mug of milk, she took place on the chair. She watched as Bailey sipped the milk and then heard her groan. "I don't taste a thing," Bailey said with a pout. Sarah laughed again "you have a broken nose, that's normal." Bailey kept on pouting, making Sarah laugh harder, "you're so cute when you do that" she said. Stuffing some tasteless food in her mouth, Bailey glared at her, "I am so not cute," she argued. Sarah ruffled her hair "Yes you are. But only around me and I love that," she knew that would stop their argument. She was right. Bailey smiled at her and continued eating, cause tasteless food or not, she was hungry.

Bailey's meal was gone as a knock on the door interrupted a sweet kiss the lovers where sharing. Sarah sat back on her chair but held Bailey's hand in her own. "Enter," the blond said and James walked in. "Hi there" he said "Lu asked me to check the swelling on your nose while she's at work. She'll be doing it herself this evening." He waited until Bailey nodded and sat up, holding the blanket against her bare chest. Very carefully, he unwrapped the cloth and the brace. Taking it all off, he stood before her and ran his big but gentle fingers around the sore area, "Not too bad," he said after a moment, "Lu did a good job setting it. You should barely see it once the swelling goes down." James stared a little longer before shaking his head and starting to wrap Bailey's nose up again. Sarah absently rubbed the back of Bailey's hand as she watched James work. "Lu did a great job indeed. Is she a healer as profession as well?" she asked. James nodded proudly, "Yep, she works in a small hospital near Porto. She learned it all from my late wife," he sighed sadly "Laura died of a strange illness nearly three years ago. It still hurts Lu that she couldn't help her." He finished bandaging and gave both women a small smile and a shrug, "As the French say; C'est la vie. It was meant to be," he said. Sarah and Bailey both nodded. Deciding to change the conversation, Sarah asked "So you've been in France?" James laughed, "A long time ago I was a pirate. I've been everywhere," Bailey looked at him. "You were a pirate? Why did you stop?" James took a chair and sat down next to the bed to start telling his story, "Like most, I was born a pirate. But my mother made sure that I grew up with morals and a healthy conscience. We traveled from place to place, until one day my parents decided that they had enough. They settled down here on Porto. I met Laura here, we had a child, but I always had the need for adventure. Lu was barely two when I met a great and noble man, the captain of a great ship. I joined his crew for four years. That fourth year, a tragedy happened on board and the captain retired. I came back home and opened this bar together with my older sister. That should have been ? 15 years ago."

Both women listened closely at the man's story. Bailey grabbed her head. "What's wrong Lee?" Sarah asked her. "It's nothing. Guess I'm just getting tired," Bailey hated lying. Luckily for her, James stood. "Then you should rest. I should be going anyway, check out on the bar," he said in excuse and left the room. Sarah frowned and faced Bailey again, "Now what's really going on?" Bailey shook her head, "You know me to well. But it really is nothing important. Just James' story, it sounded familiar to me. Gave me a headache," she smiled meekly. Sarah gave her a soft kiss and climbed on the bed, "Then you should rest. I'll watch over you" she said and snuggled up against her lover. Bailey sighed in contentment. She closed her eyes and slowly drifted of to sleep.

Moments later, Sarah carefully slipped out of bed. Placing a soft kiss on Bailey's lips, she left the room in search of James. She found him on the porch outside. He looked behind him and smiled when he saw her. Sarah sat down in one of the chairs, "Your story trigged something in Bailey's memory. Do you know her?" James sighed and sat in another chair, "Not one for small talk, you are," he took a pipe from his pockets, lit it and started smoking. "And no, I don't think I know her ... though, she does look familiar. But that's impossible," he started to mumble some things about Lu. "What about your daughter?" Sarah asked. James looked back at her, "Lu feels the same thing. She says it's her eyes that remind her of someone." He stood brusquely and stepped towards the railing on the porch, staring at the forest beyond. Sarah followed him, "Tell me," she softly asked. "Would Neptune have been so kind to save a child's life and bring her home after so many years?" James mumbled and then cleared his throat. "It was on my last trip about 15 years ago. Our ship was 'The Bellany' named after its captain Samuel Bellany. The captain had an eight year old daughter named Nerissa. During a heavy storm one of the masts came down and knocked little Nerissa into the sea. We never found her again," he paused taking another drag of smoke. "You think Bailey is Nerissa?" Sarah said. "To be quite honest, I don't know. But she sure looks a lot like Samuel. Raven hair, 6 foot tall and those eyes. Plus the fact that Bailey was found in Cornwall. The storm hit us at the south-west of Ireland. It's possible that the waves took her that way."

"You know who I am?" came from behind them, where Bailey stood, leaning against the doorway. James and Sarah both looked at her. It was James who spoke "Possibly ? Nerissa Bellany. Daughter of Samuel and Maria Bellany, who both live here in Porto; by the way" Bailey swayed and Sarah was immediately by her side to help her to a chair. Bailey buried her face in her hands for long moments, Sarah kneeled by her side. "You taught me how to tie knots," the dark-haired woman softly said. James grinned widely "Yep, I sure did and you were pretty good at it" Electric blue eyes looked at him before looking into happy green ones. "You remember?" Sarah asked. "Not really, just bits and pieces. Enough to know that it's true. Tell me about my parents, James, please?" James nodded "Let's go inside first. I'll get us something to drink and then I'll tell you everything you want to know." Sarah supported Bailey and they went inside.

The two women took place in a wide couch as James disappeared into the kitchen. Sarah nuzzled her lover's neck, "So, Nerissa ? it's a beautiful name." Bailey sighed "yeah, I've been searching for it so long. I can't believe I finally know," she turned her head and softly kissed Sarah. They broke apart when hearing James enter. He placed three mugs on a table and sat down in his chair, "Ok, so what do you want to know?" James began, taking one of the mugs. Bailey followed his example, giving Sarah her mug also. "Everything," she simply said. James took a sip, "Let's begin at the beginning. I've known you since you where four. You and your mother lived on the ship. I remember that you where a bright child that never complained, worked hard and was always eager to learn. Your parents adored you and so did the crew. It pained us when we thought you were dead, disappeared into the unforgiving ocean. We went to Tortuga afterwards and after docking there for a few days, the captain told us that he had decided to retire. He would settle in Porto and try to start a new life. And to make a long story short, Samuel breeds horses now and Maria runs the hospital where Lu works. They have continued with their life but never really got over their loss."

Sarah soothingly ran her hand up and down Bailey's thigh, as she could feel how tense her lover was. Bailey said nothing, she stared into nothingness while sipping her drink. "I want to see them," she said after long moments. James smiled "I believe you should wait a few more days to rest. Then, I'll lend you some horses and you can check out the farm and the hospital. I won't tell them anything and neither will Lu." Bailey stood, Sarah as well "thank you, for everything," Bailey said and walked out of the room.

Sarah gave James an apologizing smile before following her lover. She found Bailey sitting on the bed. "Are you Ok?" she asked softly. Bailey smiled up at her, "Yeah, just feeling weird. You know, if we hadn't met James we would have taken a very long and dangerous trip to Tortuga for nothing. I would've dragged you around half the world for nothing," Sarah sat down next to her, "Stop it, Lee ? One, I choose to stay with you no matter how far the journey would be. And two, it must have been fate that we met with James. Think about how lucky we have been so far, with barkeep and Yaibal, now this. I believe you where meant to find them," Bailey kissed her softly. "You always know exactly what to say to make me feel better," Sarah chuckled "That's my job," she joked and they both laughed. They talked a little bit before Bailey's eyes grew heavy and Sarah tucked her in for a nap under great protest from her lover. Chuckling, Sarah left the room.

Lu had come home already and she, together with her father, were busy preparing dinner. She looked behind her when she heard Sarah come in and smiled. "Hi! How's the tall one doing? Must have been quit a shock" she asked, having heard the story from James. Sarah nodded, "Yeah, it was. But she's doing Ok. She had given up so long ago." Lu stirred into a large pot, releasing a delicious aroma in the kitchen. Finished, she placed the spoon down and turned around, leaning against the counter. "Dad was right, though. She should first rest a few days before taking on that extra stress. You're free to stay here, I'll even throw in dinner," Sarah chuckled. "It smells delicious" she said, already rubbing her stomach. "It's gonna take a little longer to be ready. Enough time for sleeping beauty to wake up from her nap" Lu sat down at the table, followed by Sarah and James. They talked for about an hour when Lu checked on dinner and informed them that it was ready. Sarah left the room and returned moments later with a groggy Bailey.

Though Bailey couldn't taste a thing, she enjoyed dinner and the conversation. The foursome talked and talked until the food was long gone. Afterwards, Sarah and Bailey retreated into their room. Cuddling together, they fell asleep quickly.

The following days passed on slowly for the two women. Sarah helped James a little bit while Bailey moped around the room. She was sick of resting. Her face had healed nicely, only showing a little bit swelling and some color now. She could taste again as well and found out in person that Lu was a very skilled cook. On the fifth morning, she made her decision. "We're leaving today" she said against Sarah, who grinned brightly. Bailey frowned, not understanding what the grin was for. "I never thought you would cope with this for as long as you did," the blond said teasingly and kissed her lover's cheek. "So today's the big day?" Sarah continued. Bailey stood up, "yep, and you knew ? that's why you washed our clothes yesterday," she accused teasingly. Sarah chuckled and donned a long shirt, tossing Bailey another shirt. "First we're going to take a bath in that stream in the woods," she grabbed a bag with towels and soap from the chair and headed out the door. Bailey shook her head, "She really knows me too well" she murmured to no one.

After their bath and some fooling around in the water, they dressed and headed back to find James preparing two beautiful horses; one palomino and the other a darker brown. Lu hung a saddlebag behind the saddle of the dark brown horse. "Some food and what was in your bag," she said when seeing them approach. "It's easier to use a saddlebag when riding a horse." Sarah smiled brightly and scratched the lighter palomino horse behind his/her ear. James handed her the reigns. "Her name is Destiny," he said and then handed the other reigns to Bailey. "This mare is named Faith. They're both of your father's best breed," he said as he rubbed Faith's belly. Since both of the women had learned to ride as kids, they easily mounted the mares. Sarah leaned down and hugged both Lu and James. "Thank you, again," she said softly. James waved it away and held out his hand to Bailey, "Head north until you reach the road. Follow it to east and you'll pass the clinic. Continue, and just outside Porto you'll see a farm surrounded by fields with horses playing around. And don't be a stranger, you know where we live," Bailey smiled with a nod. Soon, she and Sarah nudged the horses and they were off.

They easily found the road and barely an hour later, a large building came into sight. People walked in and out, no one really noticed the two women dismounting and tying the horses' reigns to a beam. "You ready?" Sarah asked her lover, who nervously nodded her head. They entered and stood in a large room with chairs and a desk. A young woman stood behind it and eyed them, "Can I help you?" she asked. Sarah walked over, dragging her lover behind her. "We're looking for someone, Maria Bellany," she said with a smile. The woman relaxed somewhat with the smile "She's checking her patients right now. Wait here and I'll notify her, I'm sure she won't be long," Sarah nodded and walked over to an empty chair. She motioned for Bailey to sit next to her. Bailey hesitated. She noticed the strange looks she was receiving and knew that it couldn't be because she was dressed as a pirate, with the hideout and all. And they would look at Sarah too, but they didn't. Bailey glanced at Sarah, getting more agitated and annoyed by the minute. The woman behind the desk hadn't moved an inch.

"Argh, screw this," Bailey said loudly, before storming off further into the building. Sarah groaned and quickly followed her. Bailey checked out room after room, ignoring anyone that tried to stop her. Then, suddenly, she stopped so brusquely that Sarah almost bumped into her. "What the ?" the blond exclaimed. Bailey silenced her quickly. Now, the soft sound of singing could be heard coming from a further room. "That song," Bailey murmured and slowly walked towards the source. It stopped and Bailey walked faster. She was about to enter the room as an elderly woman stepped out and bumped into her hard, knocking Bailey on her ass. Sarah had to stifle a chuckle and ducked to pick up Bailey's hat from where it had landed. "Who the hell are you?" the woman asked. Sarah was about to apologize, but stopped when looking towards the woman. Even with grey streaked reddish-brown hair, greenish eyes and a shorter stature, Maria Bellany was the spitting image of her daughter. "Cat got your tongue?" Maria asked and looked down to where Bailey was shaking her head, still dazed by the blow. Sarah composed herself and helped her lover stand up. They heard a gasp from Maria and Bailey turned to her. "By the gods," Maria murmured. Bailey just stared. Maria reached out and wiped an errand stray of hair from Bailey's face "Could this really be. Or are the gods playing with my head ? Nerissa" Bailey swallowed and nodded her head slowly. Tears poured out of Maria's eyes and she fell into Bailey's arms. "Mom," the dark haired woman softly said after a few moments and closed her eyes as she hugged the woman tightly, lone tears escaping her closed lids.

Sarah stood back, knowing that Bailey needed this. She wiped at her own tears, suddenly missing her own mother. Mother and daughter released each other, but couldn't stop staring. "I dreamed about this ? that you were still alive. But after all these years ? why did you wait so long?" Maria asked, wiping at her face. "I suffered from memory loss. I still don't remember much," Bailey softly said, glancing at her lover. Seeing her tears, she held out her hand and hugged Sarah against her. "This is Sarah. It was her father that fished me out of the sea." Sarah held out her hand and was surprised when Maria hugged both of them. "Nice to meet you," she said and Sarah immediately liked her. "Let's go home," she said. "What about the clinic?" Sarah asked. Maria smiled brightly, "I own the place, I can do what I want. Screw anyone that doesn't like it." She laughed and Sarah joined in. Bailey just shook her head with a sigh.

The two women mounted the horses and waited for Maria to return. The elderly woman appeared with a small chariot pulled by one horse. They continued following the road. Bailey glanced towards her mother shyly and then back to meet with the eyes of a smiling Sarah. The blond moved her horse closer to Bailey's. "You look a lot like her," she softly said and placed a hand on Bailey's leg. "Tell me about that song."

Bailey smiled "I heard it in my dreams sometimes. I think she used to sing it to me when I was little," she said and sighed sadly "I wish I could remember though." Sarah rubbed her leg "You have the chance to build new memories now, with your parents ? and with me, if you'll have me," she absently bit her lip; scared that Bailey would send her back home now that she found what she was looking for. But Bailey gave her a bright smile. "Of course I'll have you, I love you. I couldn't imagine life without you," she said softly. Sarah leaned towards her and kissed her lover softly. They continued their trip in silence. But unknown to them, Maria heard the entire conversation. She was truly happy. Now she had two daughters to spoil.

Long moments later, they could see horses running around in the distance. A medium large farmhouse stood at the end of a long driveway. Maria led her chariot towards the house, the two women followed. A dark figure looked their way when hearing them approach and started walking towards them with a slight limp. Bailey dismounted, helped her lover and then held out her hand to assist her mother. "Maria, I didn't know you'd be bringing company?" the dark man exclaimed when her got within hearing distance, slightly annoyed that a relaxing evening with his wife was out of the question now. Maria grabbed Bailey's hand and turned to him. "It wasn't planned, Sam. But I don't think you'll mind," Samuel frowned and got closer. He looked towards the blond who stood aside. Not knowing her, he focused on the other one. Maria nudged Bailey forward and two pair of electric blue eyes met. Father and daughter stared at one another. Maria walked over to Sarah, "Who do you think will break that stare first?" the elderly woman whispered, causing Sarah to chuckle softly.

It was Bailey who blinked first when seeing tears appear in Samuel's eyes. The huge man engulfed her in a hug and sobbed quietly. Sarah was shocked. Never had she seen a grown man cry and she certainly didn't expect the tough looking Samuel to be the first. She glanced over to Maria to see a peaceful, loving smile on her face. Bailey buried her face against the large man's chest and sobbed as well. She could feel it deep inside, home. She was home.


Epilogue: 6 months later


Autumn was running on its end as two lovers sat embraced against a huge tree under an evening sun. They watched the many horses run in the valley below and thought about the last year. Much had changed since then, when an outcast with no memory and only one friend lived in that tiny village. Bailey, well Nerissa now, still didn't remember everything. She did remember parts about her childhood and even some bits about the accident that caused all this suffering. But, as she looked down at the beauty in her arms, she knew that if given the choice, she would do it again. No, life was good. Sarah worked in town as a scribe. She also wrote stories and told tales to children. Nerissa helps her father on the farm and is busy learning how to read and write. Her learning progresses slowly, mainly because Sarah was teaching her and they both have better ideas for activities when they where alone. Maria and Samuel are loving parent to both their real daughter and Sarah. They easily accepted their relationship, a fact Nerissa was extremely grateful for.

"What are you thinking about?" Sarah asked Nerissa. "Us" was the simple answer. Sarah nudged her head back "I love you," she said and was rewarded by a sweet kiss. "You are my love, my life, my destiny. Now and forever," Sarah turned and now straddled her lover's lap. "Is that like a proposal, my dear?" she teasingly asked as she kissed soft lips again. "Mmmm, if that is the reaction I get, than yeah it was," Nerissa licked her lips. Sarah chuckled and lowered her head, claiming Nerissa's lips passionately.

And so the sun sets over the two lovers. Nerissa is complete now, she found her family, her soul mate and most important, she found herself.



The end

Finding Yourself
By Bacchuskiller
© September 2004