A/N:

So this is a short story focusing around Henry Turner, Elizabeth and Will's son, a new character who's going to be officially introduced on the big screen in the upcoming Pirates of the Caribbean film not until next year. It is purely inspired by the released teaser trailer after I saw the first glimpse of Brenton Thwaites' portrayal of Henry, and among my sky high excitement about the film my imagination just started to fly before I knew it and text started to pour out of me... Where in truth I've wanted to write a fic about Will's son for a long time.

Well, as the new film is not to come out for some time, this is not bound to necessarily continue further than four to five chapters max. Possibly at some point, but for now I regard this shortie as a writing assignment I gave myself to get rid of my inability to write by the suggestion of a certain person struggling with same issues :)

So if any of you reading this are interested to try this out, then enjoy!

Chapter One

Elizabeth released a pensive huff as tried to decide which of the fruits looked their best and therefore would be worth to spend a small fortune on, her mind shifting between oranges and apples but couldn't bring herself to choose. Both were equally delicious, but on the second thought oranges were less common to be found from an ordinary British market of a small town she'd settled to, and she hadn't had the taste of them since leaving the Caribbean years ago. In the end her giving in under the temptation of both and turning to her left to gain some assistance from her son who was loitering a few paces away, keeping a watchful eye of the townspeople like it would've been the first time he accompanied her to the market.

"Which ones do you want Henry? Apples perhaps? You haven't had a decent pie in months now have you?" she called out, jesting as was fully aware of the type of food the sailors were served during long voyages at sea without a chance to acquire fresh ingredients. Her then frowning as she watched the young man to start tossing her newly acquired ball of yarn in the air repeatedly as a sign of boredom after rolling it in his hands, Henry making an indifferent shrug as a response.

"I'm good with anything you buy, mother. Anything is an improvement from the food I've been eating lately", he stated, giving her mother cause for amusement by thinking the exactly same thing as she just a moment ago, throwing the yarn in the air once more until Elizabeth walked over to him to confiscate the item. Her eyebrows rising for vexation as she directed a chiding look into his eyes after a fleeting smile.

"Be careful with that! I had to save money to buy it."

Henry lifted his hands apologetically but almost instantly sighed, the low breath coming out jaded as he kicked a rock on the ground, watching Elizabeth to return back to the fruits. His palms now finding their way into his pockets. "You, save money? Sure mother, whatever you say…But will this take much longer? I wish to get to bed, I didn't catch much sleep last night."

"A few hours back and you're already complaining?" Elizabeth remarked quizzically, letting out a sigh herself as next waved her son to come closer, shoving the purchases into his arms for his evident surprise.

"Make yourself useful. You after all are here to help your mother to shop", Elizabeth responded patiently, her attention once again drawn by the fruits until her eyes caught a sight of rather good looking carrots. Her taking one in her hand to evaluate it, as Henry gave the ingredients an incredulous glance.

"What is with you women? You always buy too much, mother, and it is I who has to carry it all", Henry told her, as well partly joking as his voice was well-meaning regardless of its cavilling edge, him taking a peek into one of the packages as much as his full arms let him. Elizabeth making a matter-of-fact expression as ended up choosing a bunch of those carrots and added them to her purchases.

"You do want to enjoy some cooking of mine after those terrible weeks spent on nothing but dry bread and salted fish, don't you? You just got back, so I thought it would be enough reason for a small celebration...And besides if I buy more at a time, I don't need to visit the market all that often. That said, act your age and quit whining. I'll be ready to leave soon."

Henry hold back his objections and obediently resumed his wait by the nearest stall, the fabrics it sold actually then gaining his mother's interest and she stopped to admire their colours and textures for his frustration. Like any woman would imagining the several possibilities into what kind of gowns those diverting types of designs could be sown, where Henry bettered the position of the purchases as focused to eye at the crowd that had filled the marketplace again. After wandering about aimlessly among the sea of familiar and less so faces suddenly his attentive gaze however hitting on a strange lot of people that had taken over the other side of the square. Henry soon assuming to have reached an accurate conclusion of their nationality by the sight of their clothes and dark skin along with instruments several of them were holding. It not taking long for music start to play that was extremely distinctive to their tribe, violins and guitars accompanying a beautiful female voice that now rose above the murmur of the townspeople, who all turned their heads to the direction of the merry melody. Leading these out of place people to a lively dance as soon as the song caught up and the tempo evolved to faster paced, it soon becoming evident that they were celebrating. Their camp like residential area decorated with rich fabrics and flowers, and as Henry followed the riveting merrymaking he noticed a young couple to be at the centre of the dancers. One look at their showy clothes informing him that it was a wedding.

"Gypsies? How long have they lived here?" he questioned in astonishment, lifting his brows as looked to his mother in wonder before his irises trailed back to the women who had taken over the dance, twirling around in wide circles as clapped their hands together. Scarves vibrating in colours and adorned with bells filling the air as new voices joined the rhythmic tune, Henry finding himself to be rather fascinated. This was the first time he'd seen these kind of people and even more witnessed their culture with his own eyes instead of learning about them from a book of some sort.

Elizabeth followed her son's gaze as dropped the turquoise fabric she'd been admiring, smiling a little. "They've been living here for years, dear", she clarified, Henry blinking for surprise as they then both watched the bride and groom to return to the centre of the dance floor, two elderly women then binding their wrists together with a pure white sash. "They've just stayed out of sight mostly. Gypsies tend to get on better amongst their own kin and don't mingle with the natives. I was honestly surprised myself once I learned them to have relocated to town."

"You wish for the contrary, mother?" Henry asked, his expression tantalising but his question had been serious. He didn't know his mother's stand when it came to nomadic people such as gypsies who'd been generally considered outcasts all over the world for hundreds of years. But Elizabeth only shook her head as took Henry's arm.

"Not at all. I don't regard them as negatively as many do. They bring needed life to our town with their unique culture, and they are just people who try to fit in with the rest of us. No different from you and me."

They then shared a concurring smile, Henry squeezing his mother's knuckles until he started to stare at the cheerful gypsies again carefully, sighing.

"They're amazing to watch, their lifestyle and plain exuberance. It's out of this world...It must be wonderful to be free like that, to be able to wander to whatever place you desire without anything holding you back."

"Or is it the beautiful girls and their charms that have ensnared you so?" Elizabeth inquired in amusement, letting out a snicker as saw Henry to actually blush as he turned to return his mother's stare in denial. Although clear smile caused the corners of his lips to twitch, giving him away, which told Elizabeth to have been at least partly right, as there truly were several fair gypsy girls who would've caught any man's eye while moving about in their wide skirts, their each move purposefully sensual and alluring to the point that it had the power to attract everyone's attention as the guitars rang in the air magnificently. Not even spearing Henry who was staring at the dancers, male and female in a stunned awe, the vibrant mix of drums and guitar filling him with excitement and turning him notably joyous as his body wished to become part of the music as well. Elizabeth watching his lips to spread into a full smile as he noticed a group of local children to join the dancers, some of them receiving small instruments like tambourines and bells from the gypsy women, who danced them around in a grand circle before their indignant parents pulled them away.

But as Elizabeth was then eyeing at her grown son more and realized him to remind her so much of Will by the way he looked and acted, all the time more by the years that passed, she was filled with abrupt but all too familiar melancholy and yearning that not even the presence of Henry could dispose of especially now when he was away from home so often. Feeling however the deepest pride and joy, her then sweeping a lock of brown hair away from his face, the young man glancing at Elizabeth questionably.

"What's wrong?"

Elizabeth broke into a loving smile in turn as he looked deep into Henry's eyes that also were exactly like Will's, with that same look of worry in them that almost caused her to laugh. Her then letting out a breath as inclined her head. "Just thinking about how much I love my son. And wish me to be as dear to him."

Henry smirked at her reassuringly. "Don't worry mother. Even if I'll meet a girl who'll sweep me off my feet, you'll always be the most important woman for me."

Elizabeth bent her head in agreement, laughing. "Good to hear that. But I believe you'll find yourself breaking that promise when the right girl crosses your path, perhaps sooner than you think. You're after all already seventeen. Ideal age to fall in love..."

Henry gazed up to the distant church-tower in ponders. Yes, maybe someday...but he couldn't imagine a love so powerful that it would go before everything else in his life, including his mission to save his father from the curse that kept him tied to the Flying Dutchman. That had kept him away from his mother and him as long as Henry could remember…

He'd met his father only two times, first being long time ago when he'd been but ten years old, and that meeting hadn't been a long one. And he was now old enough to fully understand the story his mother had told him to explain why his father had left so soon before the following morning had even dawned and never returned since, but the older he became he found himself start to detest his father's assignment. Even if it had saved his life and made sure Henry to at least have a father, the curse the Sea Goddess Calypso had placed upon him had so far lasted over fifteen years, with no sign of disappearing and allowing his father to return back to them. Because of this him starting to find out everything he'd could about his father's fate and about three years later since last meeting him Henry had sought him out himself and sworn to find a way to save him from his curse…Such determination to have carried him all the way to the day about two years past when Henry had decided to finally act, with twice as much drive continuing to dig out all the information he'd found about the legend of the Dutchman and the curse, scouring the seas preparing for a solution, prepared to even summon the Goddess herself to somehow free his father from her power when his continuous aspirations to find the only object he'd believed to be able to bring an end to the curse hadn't been successful. The Trident of Poseidon that was considered naturally to be but a mere myth and plain superstition that couldn't be found, like his father had also warned him before sending Henry away from the Dutchman on that particular night Henry had pinpointed the ship and revealed his plan to his father…But like all those other tales his own parents had proven true, Henry knew the trident was real…As real as his father's curse, and he was prepared to do anything to bring him back to them…As Henry wasn't at all as oblivious as Elizabeth at times deemed, knowing her to miss his father even more than he did.

"Wait here with the purchases, Henry. I just remembered we're out of flour. I'll be right back", Elizabeth said unexpectedly, Henry's eyes darting to the woman's direction, him making a face while shaking his head as watched Elizabeth walk into the surrounding crowd.

"Really, mother?" he stated with emphasis, sighing. He wished only to get back home and bathe before falling asleep into his bed, which was much more comfortable than a feeble hammock that had left him all tense. It had been tough last twelve weeks and his mother was nevertheless carelessly using him as a beast of burden... But there was no room for more complaints as Elizabeth had already gone, Henry letting out another sigh as leant against the stall.

But as he let his eyes roam about again for a moment they soon found something else worth of his interest at the outskirts of the gypsy camp. Him straightening his posture as walked forward to get a clearer look of that which had briefly come into view amongst the fluttering scarves, not anticipating how wrong he'd been just a moment before, as he waited the object of his attention to be revealed behind the dancers. His curiosity for some reason aroused so that he noticed to truly want to see that what was concealed from his sight with every convenient arch of a rising arm, him trying to see better through the cavorting people, until finally the curtain of scarves gave his expectant eyes way and he was presented a short glimpse of an another young woman. Standing at the sidelines, like him following the dancers.

She was no different from the rest of her kin by looks, her hair tied out of her face to a thick braid which fell over her shoulder once she bent down to take something from a basket she was holding, from which she then started to hand out food to a group of gypsies that seemed to know her well. Her overall appearance completely plain from that simple brown dress to her jewelry free bearing, nothing making her stand out from the people around her. Besides to him, as how and why he couldn't tell, like his mother had said it was in that utterly unforseen moment that after examining the girl long enough to know her smile by heart as well as the grace he then found so compelling about her mediocrity, after watching her to laugh and sway to the beat of the song, he found himself wishing that smile that in an instant had enthralled him so to belong only to him. The simple but so swiftly snaring appeal of it causing him to break into a wide smile too the longer his eyes stayed focused onto this stranger he'd never met and yet felt so drawn towards, him eventually placing the purchases on top of a barrel by his side as without noticing his legs were taking him through the mass of people. Closer to the creature who drove his heart into a strange race without any rational explanation, him not being able to hinder the sensation of compelling admiration that had taken over him like the gypsy music before as he approached the source of this inexplicable marvel he felt, understanding only that he had to get close to her. Talk to her without even finding a reason for it... And so it had happened that even at the time unaware of it due to his dazzling rapture, Henry Turner had found himself love-struck, completely unwillingly and much quicker than he'd anticipated.

But even before he'd managed to exchange any words with the subject of his abrupt infatuation, in some part of him he already knew it to be too late to put out that spark of affection that had possessed him with a single look. Him now slipping behind a flower stall that stood but small distance away from the gypsy camp, just as his mother pushed through the mass of people.

"Henry, I managed to find those pastries you like so much...Henry?" Elizabeth rejoiced, only to frown in bemusement when she didn't see the boy anywhere, seeking her vicinity with confused eyes until her gaze eventually found their purchases that had been abandoned on top of a barrel. Elizabeth letting out a frustrated sigh as Henry was nowhere to be seen, the woman shaking her head at her son's disregard as then called his name several times. Elizabeth wondering where on earth had the young man gone in that short time she'd been away as he after all didn't appear, where at the same time Henry was spying on the girl who was conversing with a woman close to her age, the older one taking her hands and pulling her towards the dancers.

"Come now, Carmen, dance with me! You haven't done so in ages, and today you have more reason than ever to join us. It's a celebration!" the woman urged, Henry's smile widening due to the sound of the girl's name as watched her to decline her friend's invitation with a headshake. Smiling also as freed herself from the woman's grasp.

"You know very well that I can't, Adriana. I just came to visit and will be leaving shortly", Carmen replied gently, inclining her head apologetically where Adriana wasn't listening to her objections. Shaking her curly head vehemently.

"I'll have none of that. This is a wedding and no one to attend is not to dance. Carmen, you're a good dancer, it's such a waste should you not join us."

Henry straightened his posture, a thought occurring to him that he truly wouldn't have enjoyed anything more than seeing Carmen dancing with her brothers and sisters, but once more the girl expressed her denial with a patient smile. In turn taking Adriana's hands as looked into her eyes.

"I'd wish nothing more, Adriana. But I am not permitted, you do know that. I miss it as much as any, but have made my choice, and won't be breaking my promise even today. Go, enjoy yourself without me. I come to see you again soon."

At the sound of this Adriana made a small resigned nod before claimed an arm of a young gypsy man and indeed did as Carmen bidded, joining the dancing with her partner as Henry's attention remained at the other girl. Him wondering the strange words she'd said to her companion a moment past and not understanding their meaning, then however starting to smile again as he reckoned the moment to have come that he had the chance to go to her. Him not feeling the least bit nervous about stepping right in middle of the camp of these "outcasts" like many would've, as so determined he was, Henry taking the first steps towards Carmen whom he now saw to kiss the cheeks of the bride and groom who briefly passed her in the heat of the dance that had grown much more animated during the past minutes. Him however halting to pilfer a flower from the bouquets spread onto the counter of the stall beside him, letting out now slightly trepid sigh as pushed the stray curls out of his eyes. Making sure his regrettably not the neatest appearance was at least as groomed as possible before presenting himself to her.

But he after all couldn't make much out of his chance, as suddenly the music was cut like all the strings of the guitars would've been broken, and the square was filled with oppressive silence when Henry noticed a group of soldiers to march forth from the multitude of spectators. The festivities ceasing immediately due to the sight of the military men approaching the wedding venue, the marines spreading amongst the gypsies who by the looks on their faces were aware of what was happening, where Henry was completely confused as he saw Carmen to gasp due to the sight of the commanding officer who was the last to emerge from the throng. Henry wrinkling his brows as followed her to glance to her sides as if looking for an escape route, everyone at her vicinity stiffened to their spots as Commander Basset, whom Henry of course also recognized, stopped at the other side of the venue to give it a tedious lookover before walked directly towards Carmen. Henry filling with even greater bafflement as he retreated back into his hiding, Commander Basset intentionally kicking down a vase full of flowers as a clear sign of scorn as was then approached by a couple of gypsies, who tried to prevent him from reaching the girl. The soldiers however forcing them to keep their distance with the pointy ends of their muskets, where Commander Basset went straight to Carmen, whose expression then turned from nervous to serious as she shook off the deterring hand of her presumed father to meet with the officer halfway. Half leering at the man.

"What right do you have to come here and interrupt this celebration, Commander?" she asked, in disdain herself as looked into the man's eyes. Henry measuring Commander Basset's bearing and finding it but annoyed, inexplicable smothered rage hidden under his calm expression as he then smiled at Carmen significantly. Her cringing back once he explained himself.

"Your celebration is disturbing the public peace of this area, so I have every right to put an end to this deafening racket should I wish to", he responded, Carmen letting out an indignant breath as the man now stepped forth. Causing Henry to flinch in turn as he grabbed her arm tight, bringing her closer a sudden dark look in his eyes. People around them attempting to intervene again, but were once more forced back by the marines.

"Regardless as you probably have already guessed, I'm not here for this petty little gathering, but solely for you. I received a word that you'd been seen skulking about this part of town, away from your sanctuary... Did you really think that without that sacrilegious robe of yours I wouldn't recognize you, even after two years, Carmen?"

Henry was surprised as despite of her evident fear after leveling a swift glare at the man Carmen slapped him across his face most readily, hard enough for him to release her as the townspeople who'd gathered to witness the unfolding scene released a shocked exclamation, not believing their eyes that this gypsy girl had the impudence to assault one of the most powerful men in town. However now freed Carmen instantly turning around to run towards the tents she'd thought of escaping through, her intentions cut short by a pistol holding officer who stepped in front of her, Henry letting out an incredulous breath as emerged from his hiding again. Watching Commander Basset to yank Carmen back, his steel hard stare drilling into hers after he'd swung the girl around to face him.

"As much as I've missed that temerity of yours, I will not keep playing this game any longer. Tell me where the boy is and I will gladly forget you ever laid your hands on me", he prompted sharply, pointing at the reddish mark on his cheek, where she simply stared back at him defiantly. Clearly not going to cooperate with him, this angering the man visibly as he narrowed his eyes at her bravery, feigning patience. "I only want the boy. Tell me where I can find him, and you'll be left alone along with your little flock."

Henry blinked. A boy? What boy were they talking about?

"I will never tell you where he is", Carmen spat as a response, however turning scared the next minute the Commander straightened his posture even more enraged, his hate towards gypsies more than evident as he now shoved her into the awaiting arms of his subordinate as himself took hold of a small child that had ran too close to him while chasing a stray puppy. Carmen's expression turning from resolute to utterly terrified as the Commander took out his sword, Henry not believing his eyes either now as he witnessed the man to use it to threaten the boy.

"One last time, or you'll be responsible of this child's entrails seeping to the ground. Where is the boy?"

"Commander, please", Carmen pleaded, letting out a startled breath as the man's grip of the child tightened.

"Where?! Tell me where, and I'll spear him."

Henry gazed around the clearing, incredulous that no one would step in to stop this injustice, several voices simply begging the Commander to release the small boy. Henry then suddenly spotting his mother from the crowd and taking notice of her horror stricken face just before the voices of the gypsies finally rose to protest the Commander's all but proper behaviour in unison. Also demanding Carmen to stay quiet and not give up the location of the man he was searching for. And she did stay silent, but her extremely hesitant expression inflicted pity in Henry who behold her turmoil, gazing at the crying child compassionately herself as took hold of the rosary that had been concealed under her collar. Trying to decide what to do.

"I'll kill him", Commander Basset warned, placing the blade against the child's stomach before smiled at the girl victoriously, knowing that she couldn't further resist him by letting the boy die. Not the way she'd been living these past years, quilt practically radiating from her as he observed her to try to choose which was more important; to keep protecting her lover and help him escape the verdict well deserved, or save this child's life that had been put in peril only because of the frivolous loyalty she still hold for the man.

"Excuse me, sir."

Commander Basset's gaze softened due to wonder as he turned his head on his right where the voice had come from, only to find himself face to face with an unknown young man who'd somehow managed to slip past his soldiers to address him. The lad's expression but polite as he bowed his head at the Commander, Basset measuring him for a moment until met his gaze in irritation.

"What business do you have with me, son?" he inquired. "Moreover, cannot you see I'm currently occupied with interrogating a criminal?"

"Criminal? I dare hope not", Henry answered, smiling at the Commander until beckoned to Carmen and the child, where his mother was stunned to see her son to walk right in middle of the skirmish. Getting himself involved to an incident that had nothing to do with him, therefore Elizabeth becoming uneasy herself as the woman by her side asked if the arrived lad was her boy, with a confirming sigh Elizabeth watching Henry to continue.

"But should she truly be guilty of something, she won't be telling you anything as long as this child's life depends on her answers. Because this, if you permit my boldness sir, looks more like blackmail to me than simple interrogation", Henry remarked, surprising the Commander as well as Carmen who was staring at him in bafflement. Naturally not recognizing him either nor comprehending why he'd intervened when no one else had, Commander Basset's eyes however swiftly gaining back their angry tint as he eyed at the boy who dared to fault him this directly.

"It's the only way with this type of rabble, lad. They won't be like proper Englishmen, they imagine to be above our laws with their own, lie and make a fool out of you with every chance they're given. Therefore they're ought to be reminded that our magistrate has its boundaries, at times forcing our hand to act more gravely should the situation require rigorous measures to be resolved for the sake of common good."

Henry glanced at the marines scattered about the premises before looked at Commander Basset, his face unreadable where inwardly he was disgusted with the man's discriminatory attitude. "But surely a man of such good reputation and the loyal servant of His Majesty the King like yourself should not go down to the same lowly level as them by using a child as a means of extortion. Such acts even if small in quantity will in time start to diminish your own sense of justice, Commander."

Elizabeth released another frustrated sigh upon her son's response, in her mind begging him not to say anything more, Henry's expression now bordering between earnest and contemptuous. Her not understanding what the boy was doing speaking against Commander Basset in such manner, only risking himself to get in trouble and in worst case to be thrown into jail for decrying an officer. Fearing this Elizabeth watching attentively with the rest of the onlookers as Commander Basset regarded Henry for while again until finally dropped the child down, releasing him, this time a breath of relief escaping Elizabeth lips as well as Carmen's as they then followed the gypsy boy to run to his distraught mother. Henry shifting his eyes to them as well with a ghost of smile, watching the woman to hurry away from the square through the gypsy camp her son tightly in her arms.

"Your name, young man?" Basset queried, trying to make something out of Henry's appearance that would've given him clues about the lad, him soon deciding the boy to be a sailor of some sort by the sight of his clothing, overgrown hair and suntanned complexion. Henry's smile widening to a half smirk, cheerful expression returning on his face as he bowed again slightly.

"Swann, sir."

"Military man, are you?"

"Why no sir, regrettably not yet, sir", Henry lied, thanking his luck that he wasn't wearing his uniform at the moment.

"Pity. His Majesty's forces could use a brash young man such as yourself...You have the right bearing, of a soldier. I should know, I've trained dozens of fledgling youths similar to you and today they're the pride of the whole British Army."

Henry saw Commander Basset to glance to his left towards the man who was guarding Carmen, Henry getting his point as the Commander let his flattery sink in. Sitting down to a barrel after slogging away the tea set that had been placed there after he'd taken a marzipan from a bowl of sweets among them, when seated examining the pinkish confection until threw it in his mouth. Turning back to Henry, sincerely curious.

"Tell me, Mr. Swann...What is it you find so worth caring about these gypsies to get involved in this matter which is but the concern of the British Court of Law I represent, and which you as a true Englishman should honor without questioning its methods?" he inquired, spitting the marzipan on the ground with a look of distaste. "What reason could you have to incur your undoubtedly unblemished reputation for unneeded infamy by caring for this girl, obstructor of justice who's willingly concealing information that would expose the location of a wanted man?"

Carmen closed her eyes in slight desperation briefly, praying to God to help her out of this predicament as Henry turned to look at her. Meeting her gaze and seeing the confusion that was written all over her face, as she was as clueless about his unexpected willingness to help her, a girl he didn't know. But as their stare lasted she saw something in this young man's eyes that calmed her, helped her to place faith in him as Henry then broke into another wide smirk. Him snatching an apple from a nearby tray and tossing it in the air before faced the Commander in turn, his voice but honest as he replied rather nonchalantly.

"She's a beautiful girl. And like any man I just couldn't simply stand by and leave a helpless maiden in distress", he remarked, Commander Basset frowning at his response that was far from like-minded he'd expected to receive, where Carmen's eyes snapped back up to Henry in dismay. Them exchanging a new stare until for Henry's amusement with slightly rosy cheeks she looked away briefly, his attention returning back to the Commander who appeared to reach a conclusion. Pointing his rapier at Carmen as smiled derisively.

"So it is mere desire that drives you then? I understand, they have a talent of bringing that out in a man", he stated, his words contemptuously stressed as he rose, coming face to face with Henry. Not an ounce of courtesy left as his exterior now signaled but authority that aimed to scare the lad off from further stepping on his toes. "But alas you should turn your attention elsewhere to more suitable company, as she certainly is not worth your chivalry. As I mentioned before, I can tell that you're a law-abiding man, Mr. Swann. So I suggest you to let the fleeting fancy fade and walk away without hindering my duties further. I'm sure you have a home and a family to attend to."

"That be right, sir", Henry admitted, directing a stealthy glance to his mother's direction until turned more earnest, his complimentary smile also faltering. "But I'm afraid that they wouldn't stand the sight of me should I allow you to oppress this girl any further."

Instantly after saying that Henry twirled around and threw the apple at the marine who was holding Carmen, the soldier letting out a pained moan as the fruit bashed to his forehead and forced him to release the girl. Startled Carmen stumbling back in surprise until her widened eyes found Henry's, her seeing the young man to take out his sword before he gestured her to move. Commander Basset as well as the rest of his men following suite after witnessing their comrade to fall down unconscious, the calm chat turning into a swordfight in a blink of an eye as the gypsies took Henry's stunt as their cue to get involved. Grasping the marines that were hurrying to their Commander's aid, who instead was about to attack Henry with a frustrated holler, him warding off his first attack until looked to flabbergasted Carmen again. Telling her to escape.

"Well run!" Henry exclaimed, beckoning towards the tents for Carmen's wonder just as Commander Basset delivered his second strike, him countering it with ease as Carmen stood still for awhile. Dithering again whether or not to leave her helper to fare on his own until her brother made the choice for her, running to her through the fighting figures and pushed her into the nearest tent. Telling her to return back to the abbey before she would be caught by Basset's men, with one thankful gaze directed at Henry over his shoulder Carmen eventually dashing to the back wall of the tent, where Henry had been completely drawn into the fight. Warding off three soldiers for the horror of his mother, until Carmen's brother along with two other gypsy men joined him. Taking each a marine for themselves and leaving Henry to battle only with Commander Basset, the older man letting out an annoyed grunt as the lad proved much more bothersome with a blade than he'd assumed. His greater experience in hand in hand combat however soon prevailing once Henry failed to be wary of the man after his sword had been deflected, the Commander using this as an opening to bump Henry down with his shoulder. Astounded Henry falling against a cask, watching the Commander to kick his sword out of his reach before the man came to stand in front of him, gloating. Nodding his awaiting subordinate to arrest him.

"Should you have been trained by the army you might've had a chance against me. And that in mind, without the protection of a military position you should've just minded your own business and avoided this resultant, most unnecessary punishment."

Henry met the Commander's gaze anxiously, glancing about as realized the situation not to have played out exactly as he'd calculated, noticing the gypsy men to have been apprehended and shackled. The rest of the marines starting to lead them towards the Fortress as Henry's eyes then noticed Carmen who'd apparently returned, with a surprised breath Henry following her to sneak closer under the shelter of the mob while carrying an armful of pears. The corners of his lips rising, his momentary plight whisked away the moment he then understood what the girl was up to by risking to be detained as well, handing some of the fruits to children standing by her side before she next came out of hiding. Henry lifting his eyebrows at the Commander.

"I'm just doing my civil duty, Commander. Protecting the innocent like the law obliges."

Commander Basset smiled, snapping his fingers for the irons. "Three nights in jail will be sure to rectify your perception of our laws."

Horrified Elizabeth gasped as suddenly another fruit flew out of nowhere, her hands falling from her lips in wonder as she saw it hit the Commander directly to his jaw. Facing the same fate as one of his soldiers not so long before, the man releasing his grip of Henry's collar as she as well as the infuriated military man twirled around to the direction of the caster. Commander Basset shielding himself with his arms as two more pears flew through the air, soiling his uniform, Henry smirking at his dismay due to the sight of stoic Carmen who stood a few meters away a new fruit clasped in her hand. Her however having time but to flee around the corner of the stall she'd previously emerged behind as Commander Basset pointed at her escaping form in rage.

"Arrest her!"

Once Commander Basset's attention was diverted elsewhere Henry flung himself to his right, reaching out to the apple tray that laid in another convenient wait on a table not far from him, him then jumping to his feet in a too swift instant for the Commander to react until Henry had successfully hurled the fruits towards him. Distracting the officer enough for Henry to rush to his sword to reclaim it before he was scurrying to the direction Carmen had disappeared to, Commander's voice roaring behind him to someone to catch him as Henry squeezed through the throng of townspeople. While passing by smiling at the gypsy children responsible of flinging the pears with Carmen, who were as quick to scatter as their confederates.

"Stop them! Stop them both at once!"

Elizabeth saw her son to vanish amongst the faraway stalls, immense worry causing her to turn even more uneasy as the marines had quickly ignored their prisoners and dashed after the gypsy girl Henry had saved as well as him. Her praying him to get away, as elsewhere Henry came to a sudden halt upon encountering an intersection of several paths, shouts of the approaching soldiers closing in on him from every passage that would've taken him away from the marketplace to safety. Henry however not being prepared for the arm that then appeared from within the protective covering of an empty stall next to him, pulling him inside, just as Commander Basset's men stormed to the pathway. Henry looking at Carmen taken aback as she peeked through the coverage, seeing the redcoats to stop in disorientation after noticing Henry to have disappeared without a trace, Henry following suite and holding back a laugh as watched Commander Basset to march to sight. All covered in sticky juice and his wig ruined, his hat gone due to an accurate throw of one of the kids that had knocked it right off. His face distorted for unspeakable frustration as he realized the young man to be gone as well, barking his men to find him.

"Search the square. I want both the boy and the gypsy found and brought to the Fort immediately!"

After confirmative replies from each marine the men dispersed to the marketplace in groups of two, Henry letting out a relieved sigh himself once they were alone. Closing his eyes before felt Carmen's hand to press onto his arm, surprising him again. The touch actually causing his heart to jump in his chest, tingling his skin even through the sleeve of his jacket, him turning all nervous for the first time when he realized how close they were while stuffed into the tiny area meant for the storing of sold products. Him not at first registering what she said as focused on counting the number of freckles he now noticed to spot her cheekbones.

"Could you please put your sword away now that they're gone?" she asked, Henry looking down in confusion and noticing his blade to be accidentally pressing against her thigh. Momentarily abashed Henry clearing his throat as met Carmen's amused gaze, sheathing the weapon as she slipped her head outside to see was it safe to leave their improvised hiding place.

"I'm sorry... And thank you. You saved me", Henry told her, smiling in turn as after stepping outside from the crammed space Carmen swung her braid away from her shoulder, facing him.

"Just returned the favor. I should be thanking you instead, not many dare to stand up for people like me", she answered with a grateful nod, Henry watching her then to bend down to take out a basket she'd apparently also hidden within the stall before. "But you are welcome. I'm a gypsy so I'm accustomed to run and hide from Government Officials. This was nothing after what you did for me."

Henry returned her smile. "You're welcome then too."

Seeing it now from much closer Henry realized her smile to indeed hold a power to leave him speechless, after replying the boy seeking words for a moment to continue the conversation, until Carmen then curtsied to him as a sign of goodbye.

"I'll be on my way. Thank you again, and be careful on your way home. Commander Basset will not be forgetting your brashness any time soon."

"I'll walk you home!" Henry finally managed to say after getting confused by Carmen's remark, proving him wrong when he'd believed her to live with the other gypsies at the camp when he saw her to head to the opposite direction away from the market. Him therefore striding to Carmen's side, her turning to him in surprise as Henry's smile widened. "Where do you live?"

"Not far...which is why I'll be alright on my own", she said. Henry simply inclining his head as took a step back, bowing to her.

"I insist. Now that were both searched criminals we should stick together instead of splitting up."

Carmen thought about his offer for a moment in hesitation, until nodded in consent after finding nothing harm in sharing a simple walk with him of short distance, turning around to show him the way. But before she could leave his hand stretched out to stop her, and she was then bemused as Henry abruptly lifted the skirt of her cover dress. The fleeting gratefulness vanishing as she looked to the boy in slight shock, not knowing what he was about to do, but it didn't take long for a new, delighted smile to spread on her lips as she followed him to pull an apple under the fabric. With a thankful nod in turn Henry throwing it to the amazed girl over her shoulder, them locking gazes as he offered her a confident smile this time. Carmen's following laughter instead conjuring butterflies in his stomach as they headed towards the street.

"You took this from the camp too, didn't you?" Carmen berated after marveling over Henry's magic trick, glancing at the young man in mirth as he shrugged.

"I couldn't help myself. They looked so tempting all stacked like that...besides the pot's calling the kettle black, you took those pears from somewhere too!" Henry responded, lifting his eyebrows a gentle accusation imbedded into his gaze as Carmen looked at him significantly.

"I paid for them! I was supposed to bring them back with me, but you know how that turned out..."

Henry cast his eyes down as smiled, turning back to nervous as they spent a moment without talking. Him glancing at the girl walking by his side, who was measuring the fruit in her hand before looked up to him curtly, Henry turning his irises away instantly as tried to come up with something to say. Finding it extremely challenging now that he'd gotten the chance to meet Carmen after all, his wish from before fulfilled by enabling him to speak to her instead of simply watching her from afar wistfully.

"It's good to eat something after experiencing a great shock...at least my mother always says so", Henry said, although he'd meant it as a joke instantly regretting his gawky attempt of a conversation when his words then sounded so stupid when he thought about them. But while he was awkwardly rubbing his neck and blaming himself for letting such foolish things to slip his lips even he usually showed no difficulty in talking to girls, Carmen found his quintessential thoughtfulness but sweet. Examining him, his big and brown, inquisitive but innocent eyes and adolescent like features bordering masculinity added to the at times boyish behaviour telling her that he must've been still some years away from adulthood like her.

"You have other family?" she asked, interested.

"No. It's just me and my mother", Henry revealed, Carmen however detecting a flash of regret that shadowed his cheerful expression for a passing moment. "But I do feel bad for her. She's almost constantly alone these days when I'm away so much."

"Where do you go then? Are you a sailor?" Carmen inquired, taking a break before made her question, measuring Henry more carefully. Basing her assumption to his rather tanned bearing and clothes that weren't new, that had put up with as much sunlight as his skin, and which were a bit torn from some places. Not to mention the fact that he apparently hadn't had the chance to change them for some time, Carmen laughing at Henry's embarrassed expression when he noticed her to turn up her nose unwittingly. The lad sweeping his far too long hair away from his eyes.

"Something like that. I board different ships and travel around the trading routes and beyond, looking for my father...and a way to have him returned to us", Henry told her, puzzling the girl by turning more serious.

"He was lost at sea?" Carmen guessed, assuming the downcast look on Henry's face to indicate to something similar. Him now looking her into eyes as made a small smile that to her seemed to confirm it.

"In a way."

"Sea is a dangerous place. I'm grateful that I've never had to step a foot aboard a ship."

"You dislike them?"

"I fear them."

"Even you've never been aboard one?"

"Precisely why."

Amused breath left Henry's lips as he then fell to his thoughts, changing the topic as his curiosity took the best of his discretion. "What was that strife about at the market? Why Commander Basset was so bent on capturing you?"

Carmen froze shortly, taken aback by Henry's direct question and he noticed it, second guessing should he have asked as the girl avoided his gaze at first and looked down. Hesitant, eventually giving in with a deep sigh.

"I do owe you an explanation... You after all were willing to be imprisoned in my place for the kindness of your heart", she said with a weak smile herself, looking thoughtful where Henry tilted his head at her, holding back a new surge of embarrassment.

Or for something else entirely...

"Only should you want to tell me. It after all has nothing to do with me and I wish not to intrude", Henry responded politely, Carmen eyeing at him shortly in wonder until flashed one of those sweet smiles to Henry which indeed seemed to sweep him off his feet every time. Literally, him doing his best not to showcase any signs of blushing on his face when his emotions once more seemed to run wild due to a simple gaze of hers, him toning down the rush of different feelings with severity as started to listen to her tale.

"It's been like this for two years. It started back when our camp was still located outside of town...My brother was suffering from high fever and my mother had asked me to go to the market in her place, to do some reading from the cards to the townspeople for a small fee."

"You can predict the future?" Henry asked amazed, earning a whimsical look back from Carmen who was obviously teasing him, mostly at least when she answered but enigmatically.

"Among other things...Such skills are passed down in our tribe from one generation to the next and we find them important to teach to our children."

Carmen took another break before continued. "I did as she bid me, earning as much money as could in a day before returning at sunset. However once I was heading back to the camp Commander Basset appeared out of the nowhere and brought me along to a more deserted part of town…trying to assault me."

Henry was shocked, staring at Carmen for a fleeting moment speechless again, until even greater sense of revulsion took over him from before once he thought about the Commander who supposedly was an honourable man with immaculate reputation and manners. When Henry recalled the previous incident him though coming to reconsider this general view and finding such behaviour very likely, understanding well why she couldn't simply live at the gypsy camp where he could find her whenever he wished, the terrible truth starting to dawn upon him and he looked at Carmen in horror.

"Did...he...did something happen?" he questioned, Carmen's calm expression however relieving him.

"No. Pedro had been asked to escort me home and arrived just in time to save me from him", she clarified. "They got into a fight during which I ran to get help...My brother found them both unconscious from the alley and brought Pedro back with him, injured but alive."

"The man Commander was asking you about?"

"Yes. He bears a grudge against Pedro and the very next day sent his soldiers to our camp to arrest him, but we hid him. He's been on the run since, and when it comes to me...Commander Basset seems to believe I know where he's hiding and keeps accosting me for his location."

"Which is why you have to hide from him too?"

"Yes."

Henry eyed at Carmen, having noticed the sad tint in her eyes as they'd looked ahead even in slight shame when she'd recounted the events of that day two years past, him having an inkling that caused an uncomfortable sensation to curtly flaw his glee, as he then pushed his hands into his pockets. Rolling a detached button in his fingers, not knowing how to phrase the next question popping into his mind and had to make it to himself many times before presenting it to Carmen.

"Is he someone very dear to you?"

Henry tried to find signs from Carmen's face that would've signaled of greater attachment to this man in question, in the end not being able to make out her feelings for him clearly as her following smile was rather vague as was her voice, her inclining her head at him.

"Above all he's a friend. He grew up with me, and does have a special place in my memory till forever to come, as we used to be close. He's always protected me and earned my devotion as a member of my own family...So it may not be impossible not only Commander Basset to have come to suspect a stronger bond between us."

Henry didn't understand what that meant, however not daring to ask her to clarify as it after all had nothing to do with him, him still making a slightly demoralized nod as he could tell this man to be nevertheless important to Carmen even if she didn't directly say to love him, no matter the nature of their relationship. This trivial feeling of inferiority however vanishing when he then clung to a couple of words she'd just said, looking at the girl in interest.

"Used to be?" he repeated, lifting his brows, watching Carmen to sigh before she met his gaze with a small smile.

"I haven't seen Pedro in weeks. He used to come to see me frequently, but now it's been over a month since I last saw him."

Henry said nothing to that, offering an apologetic smile to Carmen who was clearly saddened by her friend's absence. His attention though then suddenly diverting to a somewhat different building that stood out from the usual houses they'd so far passed, one look at the highest tower telling him it to be a convent once he noticed the bell and the cross that hung above the entrance, directly above him as he came to a halt. By the design and the name of the place deeming it as Catholic, devoted to St. Virgin Mary, Henry looking upon a small garden until his irises followed the short pathway to the door of the chapel and focused on the stained glass windows that were the only adornment of the old work of masonry made completely from grey stone. The dilapidate facade proving that the abbey was quite deprived, even though the apple trees were filled with fruits and he could hear the noise of several animals coming from behind the concealed backyard.

After taking in the nunnery he hadn't ever before come across at that part of town Henry returned his attention back to Carmen, emboldening himself as turned around and lifted his arm to lean against the convent's gateway. Offering her the most charming gaze he could muster as his emotions took over him again, him this time allowing the overpowering rapture to take the lead so that he would have the courage to make his subtle advances, to make sure this not to be the only time they'd meet. It however not proving hard once he simply looked at Carmen but for a short while, it bringing a genuine smile over his lips like so many times before.

"You really are beautiful", he told her, like back at the marketplace but completely sincerely this time. Meaning it, not being able to help himself from blurting his thoughts out loud as didn't even know himself to be smirking like a fool, where Carmen turned her astonished eyes to him from the campanile. Clear embarrassment in her eyes which she however was able to hinder from showing on her face by hiding it under modesty, her soon breaking into an abashed smile before eyed at Henry thoughtfully. As if trying to decide whether to respond or not, her own smile widening eventually as she after all couldn't pass the chance to tease the lad.

"You don't look all that disagreeable yourself for a boy of seventeen", she answered, laughing at Henry's following dismay as she guessed his age exactly right, him blinking once as she tilted her head at his surprise indifferently. Henry letting out an amused breath as straightened to his full height.

"Did the universe tell you that?"

"Or God, who knows. Well, we're here."

Henry frowned in wonder, however then lifting his brows in even greater puzzlement as saw Carmen step through the gate, it taking a moment for him to realize why she'd entered within the convent grounds until his eyes fixated onto the rosary she was wearing. Henry making an understanding nod, though he did feel a brief sting of chagrin as the truth was revealed to him.

"You're a nun", he realized, making a half smile as finally comprehended all the clues that had been there for him to piece together long ago. Her very plain appearance and notably more reserved behaviour from other girls he'd ever talked to while with him pointing directly to the fact that she was not any ordinary girl. The Commander's certain remark finally making sense to him as well as some of the telltale signs in her speech.

"In a way. Does it shock you?" Carmen asked, Henry thinking a moment as they exchanged a stare, his obvious bewilderment amusing the girl until he did make a nod.

"Very. You certainly don't look like a nun", he told the truth, Carmen not replying but simply inclining her head apologetically as smiled. Indeed seeing the withheld disappointment deep in his eyes, but didn't know what to make of it.

"I should've told you."

"No, it's...quite alright. I probably should've figured that out myself by now. So the sanctuary Commander Basset mentioned..."

"Is here. After sensitised of my circumstances the Abbess of this convent was kind enough to offer me shelter, but as the abbey is small and there are constantly several others seeking refuge under its roof, the only way for me to gain asylum and remain untouchable was to join the nunnery as a novice. As long as I'm under the protection of the convent Commander Basset cannot lay a hand on me."

"Which was why he was so adamant in having you arrested today after finding you to have left the abbey."

Carmen made a confirming nod. "It was my sister's wedding celebration, so I simply could not miss to attend. Commander perhaps knew to expect me to make an appearance and had ordered his soldiers to keep an eye on the camp."

Henry looked at Carmen in true bafflement. He definitely hadn't expected this outcome even if it should've been obvious, and even though he did understand her reasons, he couldn't come to agree how such a young woman could willingly give over her whole life for the service of God, a being that hadn't even been proved to exist regardless of the worldwide faith people had had for Him for centuries. To some supposed divine being he didn't believe in the least. But as there was nothing he could do to change it nor to judge a decision Carmen had seen to be best for herself, ignoring his in an instant dispirited turned exterior Henry simply smiled at Carmen politely.

"Even Commander Basset cannot go against God."

Slightly awkward silence fell between them then until Henry saw Carmen to look down at the apple in her hand, recalling its existence, as then her face was lit up again by a new mischievous expression. Her looking into his eyes as took a bite from the fruit, for his following wonder next placing it on her palm before covering it with a handkerchief. Her in turn surprising Henry as after a few seconds of holding his gaze she yanked the tissue away, his eyes widening to the size of plates once the fruit vanished right in front of his eyes.

"Thank you for the apple", Carmen thanked him, like before noticing to be taking great amusement of the boy's nonplussed bearing when he'd witnessed the fruit to disappear. Her however not getting a chance to continue as familiar voice then called out her, interrupting her.

"There you are, my child. I was beginning to worry for you to have fallen into the clutches of the Commander after sending you to the market all alone."

Both Henry and Carmen were taken aback by the voice of the Mother Superior who'd arrived to the gate out of the blue, the elderly woman smiling at Carmen as came by her side, Carmen curtseying to her as the nun faced Henry a pondering look on her face. Bemused Henry making a hasty bow as the woman's attention was instantly focused on him in interest.

"Who's this boy, Carmen? Has he come for some remedies for his family?" the Abbess asked, Carmen lowering her head in respect.

"No, Mother Superior. This is Mr. Swann, he was kind enough to escort me back to the abbey after saving me from the Commander."

"Turner, Ma'am. My name is Turner", Henry corrected, for the curt confusion of Carmen, making a new bow with his head as the Prioress measured him for a fleeting moment. Paying attention to the way the young woman by her side was somewhat different from her usual self, livelier than in her whole time after coming to the abbey whenever she locked fleeting gazes with the young man. But a word from his lips bringing more color on her cheeks in a way the Abbess as a fellow woman recognized but had never witnessed Carmen to express before, her experienced eyes not either missing the clear attraction of the lad's that manifested itself in a form of alarming adoration when he studied the girl's features from the corner of his eyes in secret when she wasn't looking. After making her observations and getting convinced by them the Abbess then smiling at Henry, her expression utterly unreadable to keep her thoughts to herself.

"I thank you, my son, for your consideration. Not all would go as far as to resist a man as influencial as the Commander in an attempt to aid those in need."

Henry appeared amused, glancing at Carmen. "So I've been told, Abbess."

Henry then thought a moment. Looking at Carmen now directly but quite hesitant, as although he was now aware of her vows and the obligations a life of a nun therefore brought for her, as well as everything her pledge prohibited her from doing, he simply couldn't give up the exhilarating feeling being with her created in him. Seeing her smile at him so kindly only urging him not to let her go either even he probably should've, Henry therefore next taking a step closer to her as smoothed his neck again awkwardly, his eyes bearing a question when they looked into hers.

"Could I...um...see you again? I just got home and will be staying at least for a few weeks until I'll leave again. So it would be nice to...meet you before that", Henry asked, hopeful, in truth changing his plans after deciding it not to hurt if he stayed home for a bit longer for the sake of his mother, even he'd before aimed to leave within a week. Henry's eyes brightening for excitement as he could see Carmen's own to express the assent he desired to gain long before a reply formed on her lips. Them first spreading into a concurring smile, but just as she was to speak it was the Prioress who responded for her. Carmen's as well as Henry's faces dropping simultaneously for surprise upon hearing her words, the woman wrapping an arm around Carmen's shoulders lightly as smiled at Henry genially. Him still getting the feeling that her gesture was somewhat protective. Against him.

"I am sorry, Mr. Turner, but Sister Carmen is not allowed gentlemen visitors within the abbey grounds, nor to meet them outside of it. So thank you for all you've done for her today, and good day to you, my son. God bless you for your kindness", the woman told him bluntly, baffling Henry as after nodding her head at him and exchanging a steadfast stare with Carmen the Abbess started to walk back towards the nunnery. Henry shifting his incredulous eyes to Carmen who after gazing down for awhile looked at him too, smiling a little as curtseyed to him, for his grievance her expression also endorsing everything Mother Superior had just said.

"Goodbye Mr. Turner. Perhaps we'll meet again."

Carmen's tone had been sceptical. And even Henry after all knew the Mother Superior to be right about her, that they could never meet again after this moment, he still was but disinclined to comply with it. Not being able to hold back the dreary feeling of loss when after hardly getting to know the young woman he watched her to turn around and walk after the elderly nun. The temptation to demur the facts of their shortly entwined lives in the end proving too strong to resist, as Henry soon leant against the gate again a wide smile on his lips. Shouting after her with that same cheerful, warm voice that during that short walk even Carmen had come to find as agreeable as the rest of him, and what she deep within her heart was already sorry to relinquish so soon. Therefore instead of ignoring it, Henry's exclamation stopping her before her conscience had time to tell otherwise.

"It's Henry!"

Same flutter of a heart resulted when Henry followed Carmen to indeed turn around to look at him, after a short stare nodding in understanding, until the Abbess' voice called out to her to follow. Instead of that bleak feeling of blue Henry then filling with warmness due to the last stealth smile she sent him across the garden before walked inside the chapel. Him knowing it without a real thought even occurring to him that even if he should've let her go and never try to speak to her again, it was impossible. Because after coming to adore someone like this so strongly even after such a fleeting encounter, he couldn't bring himself to stay away anymore, realizing that there were no rules in what he was feeling towards Carmen. While thinking this Henry pushing a hand back into his pocket habitually, getting however even more greatly surprised as his fingers found an unknown object from within he knew for a fact not to have been there before, him pulling out the item. Amazed and half amused breath escaping his lips as he learned it to be the apple, one Carmen had apparently returned to him when he hadn't been looking.

Disclaimer = I don't own Pirates of the Caribbean, I claim ownership only over my original characters and made additions to the plot.