Time for a new story! Although, once again, I haven't actually played Sunshine Islands yet, but I've been studying up on videos and heart lines. Will is my new favourite bachelor. He's just so hilariously over the top :')

My other story is still my top priority though, so updates on this one will be much slower.


Will was forever being told he had everything a person could want out of life. Money. A privileged upbringing. Money. Good looks. Money – that was a very popular desire, apparently. Yet, even with his luxurious lifestyle, he couldn't help questioning if there was more to life than what he had.

When he'd asked his father – who was stern, balding slightly, and whose dark hair and fair complexion gave him a rather foreboding appearance – he suggested that Will see the world. He reassured him that after he broadened his horizons, he would be grateful for what he had and these doubts would disappear.

Naturally, being a young man, Will had already started to develop a thirst for adventure. He hadn't done much in his life, after all, especially without his parents' supervision. And it would be interesting to see how people from other walks of life lived, it would even help him empathise with them – while his servants were pleasant and caring people, he often heard them grumble under their breaths, "They have it so easy," as they went about their work. The idea of travel was sounding more and more appealing after each passing day.

So when the New Year rolled around, Will took his father up on his offer. He took the smallest yacht his family owned, a modest vessel a mere 85ft in length, gathered his most reliable staff and set off across the seas. Of course, Arthur, his horse and trusted companion for as long as he could remember, came along too.

For the first time in his life, he saw the world with his own eyes. They stopped in many places: cities with tall skyscrapers that disappeared into the clouds, small country towns which were so green and filled with life, to beaches and port towns that were perfect for a relaxing vacation. But even though he'd seen so many different sceneries, Will still felt something was missing.

It wasn't much of a benefit to him, travelling around like this. He never spent enough time in one place to ever make a lasting connection with anyone, nor was he experiencing another lifestyle first hand. What was the point? The thought surfaced in his mind on occasion, when his thoughts grew too idle or when the loneliness became too much to bear and he began to long for home.

One night, Will consulted the only person in his immediate family who had any experience living away from the privileged, his Uncle Regis. Some time ago, he and his daughter Sabrina relocated to a small island community. While he could be as stern as his father, Regis seemed to understand his plight and did not hesitate to suggest a solution.

"Pay me a visit William, here at the Sunshine Archipelago," He had said, "Stay the month. I guarantee you won't want to leave."

Though his uncle had sounded serious, Will laughed. Eccentric Uncle Regis, he thought. But he also thought, why not? His yacht was berthed not far from islands and it wasn't as if he was sticking to a strict schedule.

Follow the winds of life! that was what both his mind and heart told him.

And so, at the beginning of Summer, Will changed his plans, on course for the Sunshine Archipelago.


Imperfections


Today, Will was an adventurer about to explore a new land.

Well, not exactly. He was hardly the adventuring type, especially when dressed in his designer clothing, and Sunshine Islands wasn't a new uncovered land at all. He'd actually been on the island two days now, though he had yet to see any of the scenery beyond his uncle's mansion, something he intended to remedy once he ate breakfast.

After a hearty first meal, Will headed down to the stables to see Arthur. The majestic horse seemed restless this morning, pacing back and forth in his small living space. Perhaps from the excitement of arriving in a new place.

Will gently patted his muzzle. "There, there Arthur … shall we head out for a walk? It would be nice to stretch our legs, wouldn't it?"

The horse whinnied, throwing his head back as if he was nodding. Will chuckled and retrieved the saddle and reins. In no time at all, the horse was prepared and ready for a day of riding.

They made their way out to the dock, departed the yacht and ventured out to discover the unknown land.

Sunshine Archipelago was unlike any island Will had seen in his travels. Not tropical or a vacation getaway, the small group of islands were sparsely populated and the wide open spaces reflected that. The soil seemed fertile, good for agricultural work. Only a portion of the land was in use, mostly by the small businesses set up by the inhabitants. His uncle had the biggest house, of course. The townspeople were amicable and welcoming, hard working too – if a little… plain. They all waved to him as he passed by, happy to see a new face.

All in all, the Sunshine Islands seemed like a quaint place to live, although Will had yet to see this great appeal his uncle spoke of.

It was a good thing he considered himself an optimist!

However, the excitement of this new place was already wearing off. One thing he immediately noticed was how slowly the time passed. It felt as if they'd been wandering around for hours, when it was barely midday.

They reached another stretch of dirt road, which seemed rather deserted. Rather similar in appearance as well, he noted bleakly.

His thoughts drifted. To nowhere in particular; he just let his mind wander, enjoying the crispness of the fresh air, the warm sunlight on his skin, the rhythm of Arthur's movements. One thing this island had over the others was its constant relaxing atmosphere.

Beneath him, Arthur receded, hesitant to go on.

"What's wrong?" He tugged gently at the reins, slowing him to a walk, "Settle down, boy. There's nothing to be afraid of…"

He glanced ahead to see what was disturbing the horse. His eyes widened slightly. They weren't alone on the path after all.

Just a short distance away, a young maiden had come to a halt, right in the middle of the road. She stared, eyes wide open, at the sight of what only could be described as a gallant handsome prince on a white horse.

Will eased Arthur to a stop and elegantly descended his back. The wind had ruffled his hair, leaving it standing on end so he ran a hand through it in an attempt to flatten it out – appearance must be pristine at all times, especially in the presence of a maiden.

The young lady approached them, curiously, with her hand held up in a shy wave, "Hi," She said. While she was traditionally beautiful, with brunette hair and deep blue eyes, her plain and muddy clothes was a shocking contrast.

Will inclined his head, "Greetings."

Her attention fell on his companion and she grinned, stretching out her hand to pat him, "And hello to your handsome friend here–"

Arthur flared his nostrils and neighed loudly. She instantly retracted her hand. Will frowned at his friend. Of all the times to be rude to a lady! He turned to the girl, "My apologies. He – Arthur – gets a little skittish when it comes to unfamiliar faces."

She shook her head, gravely serious, "It's my fault for being too forward. I'm very sorry Arthur."

The horse stuck his neck out a little, inching his nose closer to the girl. When he deemed her safe, he stepped forward.

Will laughed, "I think he's starting to warm up to you already."

"I'm glad." The young woman giggled softly, "So I've never seen you around before. You must've just arrived, right?" He nodded. She extended her hand, "My name's Chelsea."

"It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Miss Chelsea," Will took her hand, bent down and placed a soft, chaste kiss upon its surface. Usually, young ladies giggled and blushed at this action but when he straightened up, he saw that Chelsea's eyebrows had shot high into her hairline. She appeared to be rather… confused?

Then, she began to laugh.

Will stared, shocked and rendered speechless for a few seconds. "Pardon my asking but… why are you laughing Miss Chelsea? Do I have something unsightly on my face?"

"No, no…" She gasped out between chuckles, "I-I've never seen that done in real life before…"

"It's the proper way to greet a maiden…" Years of etiquette training had taught him that. It was one of the makings of a perfect gentleman.

"You can't be serious."

"Quite serious, Miss Chelsea."

She laughed even harder

"Oh, I'm being so rude. I'm sorry, I don't mean to laugh… it's just," She wiped at her eyes, "It's like you're a prince out of the movies or something."

"I have been told that before…" Will murmured. Although, he didn't add, it was usually said as a compliment.

This was not the first impression he'd been hoping for.

"What's your name anyway?" Chelsea asked cheerfully, once she'd calmed down. He noticed, in slight embarrassment, that she now held both of her hands close to her sides.

But he still had the chance to fix this!

"My name is… well, it's a little bit of a mouthful, but please, call me Will," He said smoothly. Clear concise words, perfect posture and a dazzling smile, all elements of the ideal first impression.

The girl grinned mischievously and pretended to curtsy. "It's nice to meet you, Sir Will."

His eyebrows lifted, "Sir? Please, there is no need for such formalities Miss Chelsea."

"In that case, you can just call me Chelsea," She said with a wink, "So, Will, when did you get here?"

"The other day…" He replied, "My uncle – Regis, do you know him? – invited me to stay a while. This will be my first time residing in such a small community." Now that he'd voiced the fact, he couldn't help feeling a little apprehensive about it, although if everyone was kind like Chelsea, he knew he'd adjust very quickly.

"I haven't been here very long myself, but it's a really nice place."

"Are you searching for the answers to life's questions as well?" He enquired. If other young people travelled around to find their true path in life, then maybe he wasn't so different from everyone else.

"Well… a little," She stifled a giggle with her palm, "But for now I'm just a farmer."

"A farmer? Surely you jest!" Will exclaimed. Her skin had felt so soft, hardly the hands of a labourer, "I cannot believe that you could have such delicate hands after toiling all day long on a farm!"

Chelsea shrugged, "It's true. I can even show you my farm sometime."

"Really?"

She nodded happily, "Next time you're free, just drop by and I'll give you the grand tour."

"Wouldn't that be too much of an imposition?"

"Nah, not at all!" Chelsea waved it off, "I love having visitors."

"Then I shall take you up on your offer, Miss Chelsea!" Will's heart was soaring. This was just the experience he was looking for! The chance to see how regular people went about their day.

The farmer seemed very amused by her new acquaintance, "I thought I told you to stop with the Miss thing. Chelsea is fine."

"I apologise, Mi–" He caught himself, "I mean, C-Chelsea."

She giggled again, "Well, I've got to get back to work."

"Oh, of course."

"I'll see you around, okay Will?"

"C-Certainly!"

Chelsea gave him one last smile as she passed him by, continuing down the dirt road. Will watched her retreating form until it disappeared behind a bend. He turned back to Arthur with a bright grin on his lips.

Suddenly, the prospect of living on Sunshine Archipelago for a while didn't seem so dull after all.