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#james norrington imagine
hannaswritingblog · 2 months
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Imagine: Jack Sparrow and James Norrington getting jealous of you
Fandom: Pirates of the Caribbean
Suggested by anon [x] – I really hope that this imagine is at least close to what you had in mind and that you like it! And if you have any other suggestions, my inbox is always open. 😊
You're walking down a pier in the Port Royal harbour, trying to clear your mind. Everyone's been waiting for James Norrington to be promoted to Commodore for a while now and today, on a day of the official ceremony, the area is buzzing with excitement.
Being a part of James's immediate circle, you should feel that excitement too. Deep in your heart you certainly do. But at the same time you can't help but wonder how your life would've gone if you didn't abandon your life at sea. Your life as a pirate...
Lost in your thoughts, you don't realise you're not alone anymore until you feel a tap on your shoulder, forcing you to turn around only to see the soon-to-be Commodore next to you.
"Is something bothering you, Y/N?" Norrington says, smiling softly.
"Oh, it's... nothing, James. Nothing's bothering me. I was just thinking about... my past."
His smile immediately fades away, but he manages to keep his composure as he tells you:
"You don't have to worry about your past. Nobody around knows that you were a pirate except me, and I intend on keeping your secret safe, just as I promised."
"Thank you. But... you know who was my captain during my time as a pirate, right?"
A solemn expression crosses his face before he says:
"Yes. Yes, I know. And it doesn't change a thing."
Deep down you know it changes a lot, but neither of you is going to admit it. But even though his pride must be hurt, you appreciate that James is steady in his promise.
"I'm glad. If you could give me one more minute alone though. I'll join you soon."
"Of course."
He bows to you slightly and walks away. You wait for Norrington to be gone from your sight before reluctantly following him.
On your way out of the harbour you pass a familiar figure. It takes you a second to realise where you know the person from, but once you do, you can't help but turn around and call out:
"Jack!"
"Oh. So it really is you, Y/N," Jack Sparrow says, walking back to you. "Didn't expect to see you around, sweetie."
"As if it wasn't where you dropped me off last time we saw each other," you respond.
"Okay, so maybe I knew I'd find you here. But not in the company of an officer of the Royal Navy, for sure."
"Oh, Norrington? He's just a..." You stop for a second when you notice that Jack's usual sly smile is now gone. "Wait... are you jealous?"
"What, me? Jealous? Of some officer? Never." Only when you raise an eyebrow at him, he admits: "Okay. I might be just a little jealous. But if this is how you live now..."
"Yes. I believe it is."
"...then I won't try to change your mind."
Something in your heart stings, as if you wanted him to try. You almost ask him to, but instead you catch yourself saying:
"Thank you. I still hope you'll stick around; Norrington is promoted to Commodore today, it's a chance to have some fun."
"You should stop tempting me, Y/N. A chance to have a good time and be in your presence? I reckon I shall stick around."
Jack sends you a smile before you part ways. And that smile is how you know he's back to his usual self and besides the fun, you can definitely expect some trouble.
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whirlybirbs · 2 years
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100% support the slutty norrington one off <3
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WINE-EYED  ;  j.n.
summary: you loved him once. set during potc:dmc.
pairing: james norrington x f!reader
tags: unrequited love, angst, comfort, a dash of injury and worry, flashbacks to port royal & powdered wigs, a nice dock makeout scene
a/n: bro idk. bro IDK. had some pirate thoughts and then this 3.6k mess happened.
"You always did love her."
Those words, raw and cold from your lips, feel like salt in a wound — as stinging as the sea whipping James Norrington’s sun-split cheeks. The warmth of the setting sun does little to melt your icy disposition, and the ex-Commodore’s well-stoked and unbridled self-loathing rears once more.
He deserves that.
It’s evening, now. Most of the crew has settled below deck for well-earned rest and picking over supper — and you’re here, avoiding the raucous company in lieu of this. Quiet. Peace.
It’s not something you’ve had for weeks now, following Lizzy around the sea in chase of wandering loves and willful compasses and some still-beating heart in a long, lost chest.
She’s with Jack, now — chatting quietly in the evening air as they continue to plot a course by the stern. Far enough away that they’re in their own little world, as muddled and confusing as that thing between them is. Far enough away that James can stare, and wonder, and reminisce in heartwrenching loneliness.
At the sound of your voice, his head snaps forward along the horizon. He stiffens. James leans on the port banister and exhales.
“Have you come to mock me, then?” he replies in that same smooth voice you’d loved long ago — but it’s bitter and harsh, like the sting of an expensive whiskey.
You lean against the mass and cross your arms. The Eastern wind is cool — but it carries the edge of a coming storm. Give it two or three days, you reckon.
You cross your arms over your chest, and the barrel of your long rifle sways against your back. It’s cool through the thin cotton of your billowed blouse.
Your eyes slip coolly across his posture. The tumble of dark, salt-curled strands are pulled loosely into a blue ribbon. He doesn’t turn to face you, and instead turns his eyes to the honeyed-rose sunset dwindling along the horizon.
You deserve that.
You push off the mast and swagger forward. You come to rest beside him, and plant your calloused palms on the weathered wood of the Pearl’s railing.
“Pray, how is that mockery?” you say lightly, though your tone is sharp. Confident. Sure as the setting sun, “It is but the God’s honest truth.”
For the first time since he’s come aboard, he turns his head and looks at you then — truly looks at you.
James realizes then that you are not the woman he once knew in Port Royal.
There’s a new scar on your cheek. Your hair is different — styled in a more practical sense than perfectly placed like he remembers. You lack ribbons and rouge and petticoats. You’ve dawned trousers and boots and belts and sashes.
The only thing he recognizes is that rifle on your back.
You always were an impressive shot.
Though sport was rare on the island of Port Royal, your reputation followed you from England. Your father, the Governor’s Treasurer, took every chance he could to boast about his daughter’s accomplishments. James remembers many a dinner where you sat, as soft and doe-eyed and girlish as could be, and sported a bashful smile at the praise.
You were different from Elizabeth.
You always had been.
While Elizabeth had been infallible — high, and unattainable on a pedestal he’s half-aware he built himself — you had been present and interested and kind. It was clear you held a spot in your heart from the Commodore, even then. Even when he was intent on having Lizzy’s hand. Even when his attention was always wrung from conversation by her approach.
Even when he left, heartbroken and intent on chasing pirates.
You can feel his eyes on you.
His words are slow and very serious. “I’m not in the mood for jests, my lady.”
The jab doesn’t land. You continue on, unbothered.
“There was a time I would do anything for you to look at me like that, you know,” comes your easy reply as you move to crawl atop the cannon to your right. You perch yourself with ease. There’s a moment of silence that settles between you and James feels an uneasy itch crawl into his heart, “God, I would have thrown myself from the Fort’s cliffs, even.”
You never admitted your feelings for him.
Not before now.
He knew, God, of course, he did. Of course.
But, he’d been blind, then. Ignorant to the devotion of one woman, eagerly chasing the untouchable affection of another.
Finally, you look at him, and he feels like it’s ten years past again — and you’re chatting in a quiet room at a boisterous dinner party over the ethics and intricacies of Queen Anne’s privateering laws. He remembers the candlelight and the companionship and the comfort.
You were friends, once.
Your voice is quiet, carried away by the wind. You watch him, albeit distantly.
“Now look at us.”
Two tired souls, each as lost as the other.
With a flick, your gaze finds his. James’ eyes are the color of sea glass — they search yours for a moment before his jaw tenses and he drops his gaze to the water.
He’s quiet for a while, and so are you. For now, it’s just the calm swell of the sea. The sun has all but extinguished now, and the stars are creeping up over your back.
His voice is softer now.
“I doubt an apology would mend much of anything.”
You screw your face uptight. You move to pull your knees up. You’re quick to placate the assumption with a dry laugh. “I didn’t come up here seeking an apology—”
James straightens his posture and turns, fully allowing you to occupy his attention. “Then why did you come to me at all?”
His voice was colder than he intended.
You wince.
Years of loneliness, of regret, of shame, of guilt — they’ve all eroded the soul he had before. He’s as changed as you. Propriety would once call that this conversation be chaperoned; now, he finds himself yearning for a moment alone with you.
His eyes snap away again.
“...It’s what I owe you,” he says — this time, purposefully softening each syllable to paint his intent; he tries to placate the ache he sees in your face, “You... You were always kind to me. Even when I hardly deserved it. Even now.”
His eyes are soft.
Your lashes flutter.
“...It was always impossible to be anything but kind to you, James Norrington.”
He’d forgotten how his name sounded on your tongue — coy, gentle and warm. Sweeter than he remembers now, punctuated by the briefest slip of a smile. It leaves with the passing wind.
With that, you slip down from your perch and slip away.
James watches you climb to the Crow’s Nest — agile and graceful — and wonders why he ever let himself forgo your affections in the first place.
⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆
The storm rears upon them sooner than anyone expected.
It’s as if in an instant, the Pearl is swallowed by clouds darker than it’s pitch-colored sails. The electric snap of lightning splits the sky open, and in the span of five minutes, the Pearl careens into the worst storm First Mate Joshamee Gibbs has seen in ten years.
The winds send waves high — and in the chaos of bone-rattling impacts upon the deck, the crew is sent into a scramble trying to maintain the heading. They’ll lose day's worth of travel if they let the storm have her way.
The rain is coming down so heavy that James Norrington can barely see — all he can hear is the hoarse barks of orders by Gibbs and the roar of the thunder and his own thoughts.
Tripoli. The Dauntless. Hundreds of men.
Tripoli. The Dauntless. Hundreds of men.
Tripoli. The Dauntless. Hundreds of men.
His back burns as his hands grip the sea-slick ropes and he heaves, pulling taut the mainsail with four men at his back. A wave slams them from the starboard side and sends a line of sailors tumbling — and James gulps for air when the ice water strikes him hard. But, he stands firm. Keeps hauling.
Tripoli. The Dauntless. Hundreds of men—
It’s your voice, suddenly, that cuts through the roar of the storm.
“HOLD FAST!”
The starboard side is being battered by the wind and the waves and the rain. Hit after hit, the crew tries to maintain footing as they adjust the sails to correct the heading — and now, you’ve planted yourself at the front of the line.
James’ head snaps to you — and he watches a wave nearly ten feet high slam down on the deck, directly atop your head.
Somehow, you stay upright.
But, it’s like drowning.
Your hair clings to you in wind-whipped tendrils of snarls. Your shirt is soaked through, and the chill is settling into your bones. Still, better down here than up in the Crow’s Nest. The mast, at that thought, groans loudly under the push of the wind. Your boots slip, and you stagger back as you try to haul the sails back to the position — behind you, Gibbs is braced.
Your hands are bleeding.
Lightning cracks close, and you try to breathe.
“BRACE!” suddenly comes the hard call of Gibbs in your ear — but it’s neither too late nor too soon, it’s simply not enough.
The rogue wave hits the Pearl hard.
You hit the deck harder.
In a tumble of limbs and shrieks and pain, you’re rolled violently towards port — and as you gasp hard to try and get up again, you’re slammed with another cold shock of seawater. It seizes up your lungs.
It’s a whirlwind of panic that seizes you the second your back slams against the port siding. It’s water and wind and thunder and the dizzying confusion of pain crawling up your temple — and then, it’s James.
James is there.
James is there, wild-eyed and soaked and holding your face in his hands as he’s shouting something — but your ears are ringing and you’re trying to see his mouth in the downpour.
Then, just like that, the world swims back into focus.
“GET BELOW DECK.”
All you can do is nod.
He helps you, with a bruising grip, towards the lower deck’s hold — water is pooling down here, up to your ankles, and it sways and rocks with each pitch the Pearl takes. Your knees wobble as you descend, and you spare James a single, long look back as he slams the deck door’s shut with a rattle.
The animals one level down are panicked.
There are a few souls down here — most nursing injuries, some praying.
Your stomach tumbles as the ship lurches again and you stagger into a bunk on the wall. Your hands grip the ladder tightly, and it’s then that you realize you’re still bleeding. You haul yourself up, muscles still burning, into a vacant top bunk. It’s nearly dry here — but the noise of the storm and creak of the ship’s bones does little to bring comfort.
Your head is pounding.
And so you stay there, in the lonesome dark, and try to remember the quiet psalm some tired soul is whispering into a rosary. A sailor’s prayer.
Slowly, as time creeps a half past the hour, the violence of the storm begins to subside — and on the seventeenth repetition of the prayer, sunlight begins to peek through the slats in the deck overhead.
You’ve turned your eyes to marvel at the warm rays pooling into the water that has gathered below deck. Little flickers of light dance around the space — and it’s almost heavenly. Peaceful. Quiet.
Then, James.
He’s fast to make his way to you — as the rest of the crew dwindles down, wrought with exhaustion and pain. His hands are as bloody and spent as yours; torn to shreds from the coarse ropes. And still, despite this, his touch is so gentle you swear you could cry.
“Are you alright?” he asks, in a desperate whisper, as his hand finds your knee and he gestures for you to come down from the bunk.
Your nod is far from convincing.
Truth be told, you’re off. Dizzy and confused and your entire back aches. Your ribs protest with each breath.
James sees it.
He’s gentle — and suddenly, so gentlemanly — when he slips his hands beneath your arms and gently helps you down from the bunk.
You slip down his front, hands tangled around his shoulders.
The act is enough to wind you.
You plant your forehead against the sopping wet cloth of his jacket.
This moment is enough; it placates the yearning you’ve stoked for years. It’s horrible in that way — that you’re allowed this now, after so long. After so much. But, James doesn’t pull away.
Instead, his hands slip to push matted tendrils from your temple.
Worry is heavy in his deep voice. “You’re bleeding.”
You’re exhausted.
And so is he.
What he’d give to collapse into his own bunk now — to sleep for a day, or maybe more. But, his heart won’t let him. Not when you’re here, and when he... when he almost thought he could have lost you.
...But, truly, he never really had you to lose.
Nor you him.
And maybe that’s the poetic part of all this.
Suddenly, Elizabeth is calling your name from atop the deck.
You slip away, hands brushing his chest as you do.
His hands trace your arms, and you’re gone.
⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆
You have no idea where you are.
All that matters — however — is that the Pearl is docked, your feet are firmly planted on land, and you’ve got a warm helping of food in your stomach.
The crew needed this after that storm.
You lean back in your chair, arms crossed, and loosen your grip on the bottle in your hands. It’s rum — cheap rum. But, to the dear Captain’s point: rum is rum is rum. You watch him, and Gibbs, and Elizabeth, and Marty converse about something with animated intent.
From across the crowded tavern, Lizzy offers a smile.
You honor it with a commemorative swig.
The bar is busy — working girls flit in and out with men on their arms, venturing upstairs for privacy. There are card games between tables, a fight in the back alley, and music blaring loudly from the corner. All in all, for being a small little port in the middle of nowhere, it’s good business.
Not very quiet, though.
James, all the while, is trying to ignore the gnaw of yearning the sight of you brings.
He’s staring — openly, now — from his position on the balcony. His own bottle is nearly half-gone. He’s by his lonesome up here, pestered every now and again by a woman or two promising a lovely evening. But, each time, he passes. And each time, his gaze lands back on you.
Had he been so stupid?
Had he been so damn blind?
He could have had you — you, beautiful and witty and charming and sharp. You, kind and gentle, as devoted as the sun is to the moon. He could have had friendship and love and all the things touted in a marriage.
But, no. He couldn’t have Elizabeth. And so, he went and he left and he fell apart at sea. He lost what he was, and drowned the man he used to be.
Sea-green eyes watch you stand from your table. You shrug on your rifle, drop your hat atop your head, and toss a few coins down for the barmaid.
So, James swigs the rest of his drink and follows.
The port is quieter — but still, the noise from the tavern bleeds into the town’s night air. Here, with music droning on as the waves lap at the dock, you find a bit of peace.
“Mind if I join you...?”
You turn, eyes pulled away from the moon.
James’ eyes are soft.
You give him a consenting nod.
It gives you a moment to take him in.
The two days in port have done him some good. He’s washed up, taken a bath, even shaved. But, the shadow of a beard has already begun to creep back along his sharp jaw. His hair is long, swept neatly away, and a few stray strands move in the cool breeze. His hands hang on his belt, loose and easy.
He’s always been tall — imposing. Very handsome. Even in that god-awful wig.
You remember that sandalwood cologne he favored back in Port Royal. Clean. Warm. Pervasive. Expensive. The sort of thing the salary of a Commodore could allow for.
Now, he smells like gun powder and rum.
His arm brushes yours as he sidles up beside you on the dock.
“It’s dangerous to be out here alone.”
Your eyes flick up to see him watching you — and you see humor there in his eyes.
You scoff. “Come to save me, have you? Once a dashing officer of the King’s navy, always one.”
His face twists into a bitter scowl. Like he tasted something sour. “I am inclined to disagree.”
You nudge him with your arm. “Fine. I amend everything from that previous statement, up to and not including the dashing part.”
For the first time in years, you hear him laugh.
Truly laugh. A real, low, thunderous chuckle creeps from his chest as he ducks his head and smiles.
It spurs you to muster your own laughter. You try to tamp it down, to keep it quiet and easy and light. The smile that digs into your cheeks intends to remain. The ache there is sweet.
He’s watching you again.
This time, you feel as though... as though this sort of look is different.
When he speaks, his voice is tender. His words are as sweet as a summer breeze.
“...I’ve made many mistakes in my life,” he begins, “But, I now believe forsaking you may have been my biggest.”
And it feels as if someone’s plunged a knife into your chest.
You aren’t sure how to respond to that. How could you have ever been prepared for that? In a thousand, heartbroken, lonely years, you never imagined you’d feel the returned affection of the man before you. And yet, here he is, bending to take your rope-burnt hands into his own.
“I am sorry.”
And again — and again, and again. The knife is twisted, and suddenly you feel months' worth of agony rush up. Words whispered between men at the docks, the HMS Dauntless was lost on the coast of Tripoli. That Commodore Norrington was declared lost at sea. He had left with barely a word. Hellbent and heartbroken.
You never imagined an apology.
His thumb brushes over your knuckles and your swallow roughly.
“James—”
Suddenly, there’s a hand on your cheek.
“Do not protest this,” he says quietly, “You know it is what you deserve. After all I’ve done.”
You’re shaking your head when his thumb traces the curve of your cheekbone. It’s enough to make your head spin. You find both hands clinging to his own now as you shake off the dizzying thought of him in your space.
You feel like a girl again.
“You had a duty—”
“To you,” he corrects sternly; his eyes are set in a serious manner, framed by dark brows that pull taught as he brushes his fingers against a stray lock by your ear, “And I should have seen that. And I didn’t.”
It’s then that you finally look up at him.
It’s his turn to be robbed of breath.
You speak quietly.
“...You’re a good man, James.”
“You need not lie to me,” he whispers back, the space between you both enough to send the moonlight spilling over your entwined shadows.
“I would never,” you insist, your hands moving to brace flat against his chest. Your thumb brushes a bare patch of skin just along his sternum. He feels as if he’s been set on fire.
“Then, tell me,” James breathes as his nose nudges yours, “Would you allow me this?”
His eyes flick to your mouth.
All you can muster is a nod.
And then he kisses you.
His fingers hold your chin, and the kiss is as chaste and gentle as any — it’s slow and kind and warm. It’s punctuated by a deep breath as you both sink into the feeling of one another’s hold.
He... He feels hale and whole.
In a thousand, heartbroken, lonely years, you never imagined you’d feel his lips against your own. And yet, here he is, bending to break your composure with a hand that ventures around your waist. His other cradles your jaw. You cling, and allow the chasteness to dissipate into a feverish sort of chase.
It’s your tug on his lapels, the bunched grip of your shirt, the stagger of boots against the deck as he bends at the knee and nips at your bottom lip. Your arms swim around his neck, and you try to kiss him like you’re not halfway to the depths of love.
You’ve tangled your fingers in the hair at the nape of his neck, leaped onto the tips of your boots, and allowed for his hands to grip the curves of your waist tightly as he hides a desperate kiss into your smile.
And then, a voice.
“’Bout time, I’d reckon.”
Captain Jack Sparrow — in all his glory — stumbles by.
And James Norrington has to try not to kill him then and there.
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profeyandere · 1 year
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𝐉𝐀𝐌𝐄𝐒 𝐍. ─── ☾ 𝐁𝐑𝐎𝐊𝐄𝐍 𝐇𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐓
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Masterlist || Pirates of the Caribbean Masterlist || Wattpad
Word Count: 2.7k
Pairing: James Norrington x Fem!Reader
Warning: Angst, death mentions and unrequited love
English is not my native language, so I apologize for any mistake and if you can help me improve it, I will greatly appreciate it. I hope you enjoy it :D
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The dull sound of metal striking the strong, rickety wood of the Dutchman made Norrington, still gawking at Elizabeth's falling form into the sea as the whisper of the shot slowly dissipated in the air, turned the other way to find himself with the strong back that belonged to you, being able to easily see how most of your muscles were flexing to maintain your defensive posture and thus keep him safe from the sudden attack it couldn't have been stopped by one of David Jones's sailors. The ex-commodore was stunned because, although he did not remember having seen you in Elizabeth's crew, he swore to have distinguished the strong flash of your eyes among the shadows of the ship that now belonged to his former love.
You, thanks to your espionage and concealment skills, had been able to sneak onto Sao Feng's pirate ship, watching and listening from the shadows for anything that was of special interest to you, barely being able to make out anything he was saying to Elizabeth, but discovering how he made her captain of the ship that had been under his command for decades and made her the owner of one of the eight coins necessary for the Brotherhood. As part of that select group, you couldn't help but be confused for a brief moment, but you saw in Swann a pirate like any of you could be.
Returning to the subject of how you had been able to reach the Flying Dutchman, all you had to say was that you appreciated the speed with which you moved and the innate balance that had allowed you to cross the long ropes that linked both ships without making a small threat of fall
"What are you doing here?" James asked with some fear. In his voice, you could feel that state of nervousness that the situation in which you were involved had caused him.
"Save your life," you answered, snorting and taking all the air you could to regain the strength that you were gradually exerting to win the fight in which you had gotten involved with the sailor.
You felt the sweat trickling down your forehead, encrusting your brows to prevent the drops from falling into your eyes, while your calloused hands gripped the handle of your short sword, which, being more than a decade old, had been the only weapon you had. It had truly given you the confidence to take on some of the most feared pirates in the Caribbean and the stormiest seas in the world. The adrenaline had been the icing on your little cake because, although you had started to run like a rag through the thick ropes between the two ships, you had not realized how serious the situation was until you had seen the father of Will Turner, already eaten away by the curse of the octopus man, trying to attack the man who, from an early age, had made your heart beat a thousand per hour; James could be many things, he had even disappointed you greatly when he had given the heart of David Jones to the disgusting aristocrat who had martyred pirate minds so much, but the one who backed down and thought better about his actions to try to amend his mistakes, was what truly he impressed you and made you act on his behalf.
The fact that you had come between him and death had been a mere matter of luck and the work of your badly wounded heart.
The simple fact of remembering the brief kiss that he and Elizabeth had shared made you draw more strength from yourself to be able to separate the sailor from you, being able to free your sword from the prison that had been the enormous wooden stake, causing the pirate took a couple of steps back and there was a small space between you. A sigh left your lips, but you quickly felt the lack of air present when you saw yourself surrounded by several pirates belonging to Jones's crew.
"Back to back, James," you ordered seriously and in a lower tone than usual, feeling a soft weight on your back after a few seconds. "I can't believe I am going to die like this."
"I still don't understand how you got here," the admiral muttered as he exchanged glances with the monsters who were the Dutchman's crew. "At what point did you think it was a good idea to follow Elizabeth or cross that stretch of sea to come here? You have condemned yourself to certain death."
But, what James was not aware of, was that Jones always left a survivor.
"It seemed like a good idea to me the moment I found out she'd been captured," you explained. "She might have been already dead but, knowing that you were in a certain way in charge of the Dutchman, I knew that you would protect her and avoid such a cruel fate."
Norrington couldn't help but frown at your words for, while they were sweet because of the obvious feeling he harboured for Miss Swann, they had come out of your mouth as if you had tasted the most disgusting morsel in the whole world and, it was not to be least, because the love triangle that had formed between the three had been so notorious that even Jack Sparrow had joked with you about it and Elizabeth had not tried anything more than to guide James towards you to see if he could see your sweet and friendly interior. You had tried, and you had not won the battle to win James's heart and, like a good loser, you had accepted defeat at the hands of the blonde.
"And was it worth it?" Norrington questioned. "She made it out alive and now we're stuck against a rock and a hard place."
"It was completely worth it, Commodore," you stated with a certain mockery, smiling slyly and leaning slightly forward to prepare yourself for the attack. "You're still alive, so it's been worth something to get here."
James wanted to correct the title with which you had mentioned him, but it was the sudden presence of the captain of the pirate ship that made both of you completely stunned. There wasn't much surprise on the admiral's part, but you couldn't help but smile at Jones as soon as you saw him appear due to the nerves you felt, well, with the surprise and how intimidated you were to finally meet that legendary pirate, you face was distorted until making a grimace of happiness that was too strange for those present; for a moment they had thought that he could have given you some type of cerebral infarction and for that reason, you had shown yourself that way.
"You're smiling?" Norrington questioned in surprise. "Have you lost your mind?"
"Don't blame me," you answered, still smiling, "it's because of my nerves."
"Your reaction is fascinating to me," the captain commented, moving closer to you until his huge body covered in marine elements was inches from yours. "Can someone explain to me why neither of them is dead?"
"Her," Bill stated, raising his barnacle-strewn hand to point at you, causing you to suddenly shrug to take the blame that he hadn't done his job properly. "She has crossed through the ropes and prevented me from following your orders, our Captain."
David Jones's face resolutely showed a look of confusion, perhaps fused with irritation, and he didn't hesitate long before meeting your gaze with his, trying to search deep within you for the reason why you would commit such a heroic act when one pirate would have let another die; if you had been like him, perhaps you would have helped Elizabeth to have someone on your side, but he did not understand why you had prevented the death of Norrington, one of the main enemies of the pirates.
The half-animal man bent down to be at your height and to be able to make eye contact with your flashing eyes that, illuminated by nerves and anger, did not match the bright smile you showed him, in which your teeth were the main character. Perhaps, he did not fully understand why you acted, but it was not until you unconsciously moved your right hand towards the admiral so that he would remain still in his position that he understood the desires that had led you to act that way.
"Love, huh?" Jones spoke, confusing his entire crew and causing your smile to begin to diminish until your lips were completely united forming a straight line and thus a serious grimace was shown on your face.
James, at that moment, felt upset because, despite having heard the captain's words, he did not understand their meaning. He didn't know what he meant by what he said and it wasn't until he noticed how his body slowly relaxed little by little that the pieces of the huge puzzle that had been forming in his mind didn't fit together.
The two of you had known each other since before he travelled to Port Royal with Governor Swann and his young daughter, you had found him interesting and had too much fun bothering him, so you quickly saw yourself as number one on his list of pirates to capture. Your slippery skills had gotten you off the gallows more times than he cared to remember, and you had always taken something of his with you that, while not of much use, caused him a great deal of irritation. Of course, once he became a commodore and was involved in the adventures of Jack Sparrow, he had much more contact with you when he was forced to work with pirates to rescue his beloved Elizabeth, which greatly increased your teasing and affection for him. to this day.
In a second he managed to understand that your taunts, your little plundering in England and Port Royal, together with your inconsiderate taunts towards him and the British army, were nothing more than a way to get his attention and be with him. That had been one of your ways of making him understand that you loved him. Your kindness when he was part of the crew of the Black Pearl, how you had gone to the trouble to feed him properly and detox from the rum, as well as taking care of his hygiene when no one else had seemed interested in it even if it stank the whole ship, made him see that all that was what you could offer him if at some point you declared yourself. It had been a pity not to have made sure of it beforehand because, as much as it hurt him to tell you now, it was too late for it and not precisely because death was an inch away from both of them.
But because his heart already belonged to another woman.
"Are you so surprised to meet a pirate in love?" you asked defensively, frowning and gripping the sword handle tightly. "I seem to remember that you had the same feeling for a woman that caused you to tear out your heart."
"I'm not going to deny the obvious, my dear," he said mockingly, straightening up so he could look at the admiral. "But he didn't expect it to be a sentiment that could be evoked towards a Royal Navy Admiral, much less if he works for the East India Company."
"It's not a matter of choosing the person," you murmured, sighing. "I wish we could choose who to fall in love with to avoid suffering, don't you think, captain?"
The tone with which you had addressed him, spitting out his title as if it were disgusting, ended up irritating him.
"Are your feelings unrequited?" He questioned, shifting his gaze to the man who was behind you and who seemed so shocked that he seemed to have suffered some kind of shock that had prevented even the movement of his eyes, causing the simple look they directed was enough for Jones. "He doesn't love you, and that's why you've come to my ship, to take his place in my crew."
"I perfectly remember that your crew member's decision was not that," you mentioned. You always leave a survivor, don't you? Asked. "Let him go and I'll take his place."
Suddenly, a strong hand on your shoulder made you take a couple of steps back until you were next to Norrington, who with his eyes seemed to ask for one last moment before the final decision was made. Your eyes met and, although it was obvious that you did not need words to communicate, it was obvious the discussion wanted to start with your sudden courage.
"Are you crazy?" He asked seriously, gently squeezing your shoulder. "You can not do that."
"Why not James?" You questioned back, surprising him by the sudden use of his name for the first time. "I have nothing to hold on to in this life and you still have so much to live for."
"What life am I going to have now?" he questioned. "I will never be forgiven for all the crimes I have committed, and while a pardon will not absolve me of them, at least you could continue your life calmly as if nothing had happened."
"If you die, don't hesitate to think that he would fight against everyone present to avenge you," you indicated, sighing one last time before surreptitiously placing your real eight in the pocket of his vest. "I love you and seeing you die would be my downfall, respect at least my last wish."
"James!"
Elizabeth's deafening scream made the name turn around, panicking at the thought that something bad was happening to him, and it was then that you decided to push him overboard so that he would have a chance to escape so that he could speak for you in that great meeting in which the pirate lords would be the protagonists and thus ensure that the pirates could live in peace and harmony after joining forces and defeating Lord Beckett.
James, who fell from a considerable height, plunged into the water once he had been pushed into it, emerging from the turbulent waters to find himself in the worst scene he could imagine in his entire life. Before he would have tried by all means to kill you, put a rope around your neck and end the suffering that pirates like you caused in the population, but now he felt a huge wave of nausea when he watched your body being mercilessly impaled with your sword; the only thing that the admiral could hear in the background was the scream of Elizabeth who, terrified by the scene that was happening before her, had not been able to do anything but scream your name with sadness and anger.
Norrington watched as the huge figure of Jones seemed to approach the edge of his great ship and, unceremoniously lifting your body to the outside of the ship, drew your sword, causing you to fall into the sea like a rag doll, just as he had done it a couple of seconds ago. Fortunately, or unfortunately, you had fallen relatively close to him, so he quickly submerged himself in the water in search of your body to be able to rescue it and to be able to heal the wounds that the bloodthirsty pirate had caused you, who was surely laughing at his cowardly feat.
You found yourself semi-conscious and, although you tried to move your arms and legs in search of propelling your body towards the surface to look for air, you found that they did not respond because of the great loss of blood that you were suffering at times. You did not make sure of the huge wound that was in your belly, somehow the seawater managed to mitigate the pain you felt, and it wasn't until you spotted a dark figure trying to approach you that you finally remembered the reason you were sinking into the sea.
Your beloved James Norrington would live, perhaps not a dream life, but one full of love and adventure that would not have any element sad enough to destroy his good person of him.
A slight spasm ran through your body and you stopped thinking about the moment you felt a strong burning in your belly, although that stinging was unbearable, you knew that it would never compare to the pain of your broken heart.
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shuckfacedcarrot · 1 year
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Thought I had a great new idea for a book only to figure out it's basically just a James Norrington fanfic. Then again who doesn't love Commodore Norrington? I haven't written fanfiction in ages but if anyone's interested I might just go ahead 👀
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random-of-random · 9 days
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The Pirate Queen
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Author’s Note:
Here is the start of my new series. I hope you like it!
Chapter 1: The Viscountess
The string band was playing a lively tune and the wine was flowing as everyone who was anyone from Port Royal enjoyed the party that Governor Weatherby Swann was hosting. They all were waiting to see her. The noblewoman. Just the day before, a new woman had arrived in town and took up residence in the mansion next to the Governor’s. It was mere hours before the town knew - a noblewoman from England had come to Port Royal. Her husband - a Viscount in his own right - was the third son to Baron Somers. The news had been that Somers and his son, the Viscount, were looking to buy land and start harvesting crops.
What was known of his wife, so far, was that she was sent ahead with a small contingent of servants and a bodyguard. The husband was to sail in a months time and join his wife.
Captain James Norrington listened to the gossip with interest. Why would a nobleman with no ties to the Navy want to come to Port Royal?
“I have only spoken with her for a few moments, but she is delightful and very beautiful.” Governor Swann said with a smile.
“I am interested to hear of the business prospects her husband has in mind.” Norrington added.
“Come, come now Captain Norrington,” Governor Swann said with a chuckle. “Be more hospitable to our new Viscountess. If they enjoy it here and the soil is plentiful they could bring people like them to the area. Plus, should they have children you can encourage them into the Navy.” A few people around laughed and James gave a curt nod but a small smile. He knew, as well as the Governor knew, the nobility in England very much looked down on the islands - no matter how much money they made them. “Ah, here she is.”
Walking gracefully through the crowd, Viscountess Frances Somers was gorgeous. For a moment all James could do was stare. Her dress was the color of the deep ocean with a golden pattern throughout, with winged sleeves it came together it joined at the top of the shoulders and under was a corset and dress the same ocean blue. Her dark hair was tied up in and intricate design.
Behind her and to her side, in an even darker blue, was a man who’s eyes landed on everyone in turn. Her bodyguard, James guessed. He wore a sword and a pistol.
“Viscountess Somers.” Governor Swann walked forward to greet her.
“Governor Swann, it is lovely to see you again.” She spoke with a posh accent, common among the nobility.
“We are delighted you could come. I am sorry we could not have put on a proper party.” He apologized and the Lady did her best to hide a small amount of shock before covering it with a gracious smile, but not before Norrington caught it.
“Governor Swann, your home is beautiful and this party is a very kind gesture. I would not miss it for the world.” Her voice was soft and kind, but she was absolutely intriguing to James. Something about her seemed to not fit. Like a puzzle with a missing piece. Governor Swann put his hand behind his daughter’s back and slightly moved her forward.
“This is my lovely daughter, Elizabeth.” Elizabeth curtsied and so did the Viscountess in turn.
“Elizabeth, it is wonderful to meet you. Your father speaks so highly of you.”
“Thank you, Viscountess.” Elizabeth started with a kind grin.
“Please, dear Elizabeth call me Frances.”
“I do not believe I could be that informal.” Elizabeth said quickly and her father looked on proudly.
“Then I insist on Lady Frances, how would that be?”
Elizabeth gave a small laugh. “Wonderful, Lady Frances.”
“Good! But in no time at all I am determined to have to call me Frances.” The more she conversed with Elizabeth the more her eyes calmed.
“Lady Frances, your dress is beautiful. I don’t believe I have seen anything like it.” Elizabeth’s voice seemed strained in the compliment. As if it was one not really thought of by her, but that she was asked to say. Lady Frances ran her hand down the sides proudly.
“It’s called a robe battante.” She explained. “They are currently the talk of all things fashion in Paris.” A few people gave an ‘ooh’ as she had drawn a crowd around her. “You know, Elizabeth, I brought several with me. They are new and I would love to gift you with one. You could pick the color you like best and a seamstress could fit it to you.”
“Oh, Lady Frances, that’s incredibly kind of you.” Governor Swann said brightly.
“For all the hospitality you and Elizabeth are showing me, it is absolutely no trouble at all.”
“I would also like you to meet Captain James Norrington.” Swann indicated James. “He is one of the best Naval men on the island.”
Frances eyes lit up. “It is wonderful to meet you Captain.” He took her hand and kissed the top of it. The rush he felt go through him was expounded when he looked into her eyes. What looked like brown eyes from across the room were in fact Amber, he imagined they would look almost gold in the sunlight.
“The pleasure is all mine Viscountess Somers.”
“If I am not mistaken, Captain, you are going to be promoted to Commodore within a short time.” It was true. There had been talk of it for nearly a month. The date had, not yet, been set for him to receive the official title.
“How did you hear that?”
“I have only been here a day, Captain. However, small towns seem to be built for gossip.” Her eyes shone in a different way when she was talking to him. It was the same calm and genuine ease she had with Elizabeth as well. Governor Swann moved her toward more people he insisted she must meet and Norrington’s eyed followed her.
“Sir.” Lieutenant Groves walked up to him. “Have you met her? Everyone is talking about her.”
“She is quiet lovely, Lieutenant, but-“ he stopped talking to think for a moment.
“But what, sir?”
“I can’t seem to articulate it, Lieutenant. It is like she is acting in a play around certain people.” In her interactions with Elizabeth he noticed she wasn’t as tense. She talked calmly. When she talked to others is was a false sense of confidence. As if she was putting on a show, and Norrington didn’t know why.
“With all the people a noblewoman has to meet, I expect she is in a way.” Groves responded.
“Quiet right, Lieutenant.” James replied, She stayed merely an hour before she decided to leave, blaming it on the extraordinarily long travel time. Governor Swann, of course, said he understood and she promised to dine with Elizabeth as soon as she was available. Before she left the room her amber eyes found him she gave him a small nod. He nodded back, already looking forward to seeing her again.
Lady Frances’ bodyguard walked her securely toward the waiting carriage, even though the house she rented was a mere minutes walk. If nobility don’t have to walk, they wouldn’t. When they were out of earshot Edward Gorman let out a low whistle.
“They all hounded over you as if you were the last piece of meat among a pack of dogs.”
She laughed in return before dropping her posh accent. In reality her accent had been a mash of different cultures. Growing up in the colonies had afforded her to know people from various walks of life. The closest she came was Irish, having been born in Ireland and brought to the new world when she was just four.
“All they want to eat is the power that comes with my ‘title’ and we both know that would leave them starving.” With a low chuckle Edward helped her into the carriage and they headed for their temporary home.
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As James Norrington sat at his desk in Fort Charles his mind kept wandering to Lady Frances. Her surprise at the Governor saying they party wasn’t grand enough, the difference in her countenance between people. He was missing something, and he couldn’t grasp at what it was. Part of himself reasoned it was just nobility, as Groves had suggested. It wasn’t as if he had met many, or any, real nobility direct from England. But then he remembered the way his heart raced and her eyes seemed to pierce through him. For that he felt guilty. He had already made his intentions toward Elizabeth known to her father.
In that moment a woman’s laugh rang out in the corridor followed by the tone of Governor Swann. He rose from his seat and entered the hallway to find the same woman he had been thinking about. Her hair still pulled back but in a modest green dress that somehow made her eyes even brighter.
“Captain!” Governor Swann said with a warm smile.
“Governor. Lady Frances.” He bowed toward her and she curtsied back. “I didn’t expect to see…. It’s highly irregular to have visitors at this time at the Fort. Especially women.”
“Captain-“ Governor Swann started but Frances interrupted.
“Oh, please don’t be cross with the Governor. I wanted to see everything that Port Royal has to offer and I asked to see the Fort.”
“I understand, Lady Frances, just that this is a prison. And we do have inmates, some of which are pirates,” She gave a small, almost imperceptible, smirk but he caught it. “Are you sure your husband would be comfortable with you being here?” Once again something in her seemed to shift as she gave him a genuine smile.
“I assure you, Captain, my husband knows I can be impetuous. Plus, I am standing here with the Governor and a Captain. Some of the best soldiers the Royal Navy has to offer are in this building. Even with my bodyguard outside, I don’t think I have felt safer in quite some time.” James couldn’t help but give a small smile. “I would be honored, if you aren’t too busy, if you would join us on this tour, Captain.”
He thought for a moment of the work he had, but then he looked at her again. The hopeful expression on her face won out. “It would be my delight, Lady Frances.”
They walked through the fort, skipping the actual jail cells - Norrington couldn’t even begin to think about bringing a Lady near the scum they had in there - as he showed her around the rest of Fort Charles. He talked about the history of the Fort and the Royal Navy. Showed her the battlements and the courtyard.
“Did you know,” Governor Swann started, “Captain Norrington’s father was the famous Admiral Lawerence Norrington?”
“An admiral?” Lady Frances asked. “As they say, talent begets talent, Captain. Though I suspect your success is your own.” He looked at her with surprise. In fact he almost stopped walking. Most everyone in Port Royal based who he was on his father, especially when he was starting out. He worked hard to make his own path and step of out the shadow of the man that came before him. Yet here was someone who saw him without a second thought.
“Thank you.” He said with a small nod.
As they turned another corner a messenger came. Slightly out of breath, it was clear he had run part, if not most, of the way from town.
“For Governor Swann.” He said as he handed him the note, and the Governor began to read it.
“Nothing serious, I hope.” Frances said softly.
“No, thank heavens not.” Governor Swann responded. “Though, I must away. Captain could you please continue the tour, and then escort her to her carriage?”
“Of course, sir.” Norrington answered and Swann said a hasty goodbye. “Probably a dispute among the merchants. What a busy and trying life he leads.” He said when Swann was around the corner.
Frances laughed, such a genuine laugh. Now Norrington was sure she was putting on a show for some of Port Royal, but he was determined to see the real side of her as often as he could.
He showed her the little things that only the soldiers really knew about. Talked about battles and traditions. However, slowly the conversation shifted and they were just talking. About the town, about the sea. He was surprised, yet delighted to find out how much she loved the ocean. He couldn’t think of a time when he had a more agreeable and pleasant conversation. When the topic of family came up again, they were on their way out of the fort.
“You seem to be able to see through me, if I may say so, Lady Frances.” He started, surprising himself with his own words. James Norrington was not one to show what he was thinking or his emotions. That had been trained out of him by battle.
“You’re referring to Swann bringing up your father.” She guessed.
“Yes, I am.” She seemed to give his arm and slight squeeze.
“Truth be told, Captain. I have never heard the name Lawrence Norrington before now. I judge who I see in front of me. So, you are your own man with me.” His eyes turned to her. She was looking straight ahead as they continued to walk. No hint of sarcasm, no sign that she didn’t genuinely mean what she was saying.
“That’s refreshing to hear.”
“It is I, Captain, who am grateful. Really, thank you for showing me around. It was made better by your addition to it.”
“I was happy to.” He replied quietly as they made their way outside. Somehow, talking to her made her even more of a mystery.
He could see the same bodyguard waiting for her by a carriage. A coachmen sat at the front.
He was right. Her eyes looked golden in the sun. The two of them seemed to walk slower as they didn’t want the interaction to end. The bodyguard climbed in first and James took her hand to help her in. When she was seated and turned toward him their eyes locked. His eyes were such an intense green that she couldn’t recall having seen a shade like that before. Neither wanting to look away. “I hope you enjoy the rest of your day, Lady Frances.”
“You as well, Captain Norrington.” He took a step back and the carriage headed off. Norrington stood in place for a few more seconds watching it go.
In the carriage she leaned back against the seat letting out a slow breath.
“How was the walk about Port Royal?” Edward laughed. “It’s the same small island town we have seen before.”
“I expected as much. The fort is pretty similar to everything else. The battlements are higher. It would be foolish for anyone to assault the city directly.”
“They say it’s one of the safest.” He eyed her a moment. “You were in there longer than expected.” His tone took on a teasing note. “Enjoying the company of Captain Norrington, are you?”
She took a deep breath and promptly ignored the question. “Any idea what the men got?”
Edward shook his head with a laugh. “They were out and headed to the house before I got back. Charlie says he found something you will like, though. Didn’t ya Charlie?” He tapped the top of the carriage.
“Just wait and see, Captain.” Charlie called back.
Captain Alice Buckley. She had several nicknames, but the crew just called her Captain. It had taken months of planning to come up with Lady Frances and to forge the correct documents that would secure her everything she needed. Now, the plan was in full swing and everyone had to play their part perfectly. If the authorities of Port Royal figured them out, they would end up locked in Fort Charles awaiting the noose. And she already didn’t want to see the look on James Norrington’s face if he found out who she was. For she hadn’t been able to have that good and calm and pleasant of a conversation in quite some time.
They made it to the house within several minutes. Edward got out first and held his hand out for ‘Lady Frances’ to keep up appearances. The two of them, followed by Charlie, walked into the house.
The house that Lady Frances and her Viscount husband were supposed to move into was enormous. Three stories of imported stone, many bedrooms, and the kitchen was set for a master chef and his team. The view from the balcony, out to the ocean, was the only thing Alice really loved. The grand staircase was easily eight feet across and the chandelier in the front room was magnificent. Off to the left were French doors to the massive dining room. They were currently open. The table, which could easily sit up to twenty people alone, was covered in many different papers that five men were pouring over. They turned when she walked into the room. She pulled her black hair down from it’s design and let out a long sigh.
“Captain.” Giles Dolan called to her. He had been sailing with her a long time, only a year less than Edward. He first sailed under Blackbeard, then Sam Bellamy, then he chose to sail under her.
“I know you respect the command, Giles but please call me Alice for today. If one more person calls me Lady Frances I’m going to vomit.” There were a few chuckles. “Elias.” “Alice.” He said with a smirk and she gave him a nod. “What did you find.”
“Not enough.” He answered in a disappointed tone. “We confirmed the routes the Navy takes to get to the different islands. They’re sneaky. They take alternating routes and change it every few weeks.”
The fact was the Royal Navy had made it their job to end piracy. Sam Bellamy had died in a storm. But Blackbeard was killed in the colonies and Stede Bonnet was hung. Anne Bonney disappeared (most fellow pirates believed the Navy had her locked up in a prison somewhere), and Black Bart was killed in battle. The Navy was winning. And aside from just robbing the crown, something that the crew and Alice had come to love doing, they hated the East India trading company. A company that stopping seeing the profit in alcohol and started seeing the profit in trading people. Sam Bellamy had made it his job to go after slave ships - something Alice Buckley was proud to continue.
“That doesn’t sound like nothing Elias. That sounds like something that will give our ships and advantage. Good work.”
“I know there is more in there.”
“I found something.” Charlie announced. “This one I didn’t even copy down, I just took it.”
“Are you trying to get us caught?” Robert Murray asked. Once a member of the Royal Navy he took the opportunity to jump sides when Alice and her crew raided his ship.
“They had more than one. Trust me.” He pulled the paper from his pocket and opened it slowly. They all started laughing at Alice’s wanted poster.
Under a poor drawing that looked nothing like her read:
“Wanted: Dead or Alive
Alice the Enchantress
Also known as Mad Alice.
She is described as having black hair and eyes so dark brown they look black.
150£ REWARD”
She was laughing. “Guys, are my eyes black? Have you been lying to me this whole time?”
“Everyone who’s anyone knows,” Edward started, “anyone who gets too close to Mad Alice to see that her eyes are golden won’t live to tell the tale!” The men cheered and Charlie handed her a glass of whiskey from which she took a sip.
Carefully sitting at the table she took a deep breath in, trying to move with the corset she was wearing. It was rigged specially by a seamstress in Tortuga. She could get out of it and into it completely on her own. Save the guys from having to try to tie it every morning.
“So, the question is, how do we get back into the fort to try to find out more?” Edward asked.
Charlie asked the next question. “What specifically do we want to know?”
Alice took another sip of whiskey before speaking. “We want to know if they know about any pirate havens and which ones. If they have any spies on the islands, who and where. And, lastly, what they know specifically about The Banshee and the Wild Cherry.” She listed the two ships in her fleet.
She had left her first mate, James Callahan, in charge while she and a small crew came to Port Royal. The Navy would love to know they had men working for them that reported information to pirates. And right now the Royal Navy was pouring money into Port Royal. They needed to know everything the Navy did.
“Plus, we need to find out if any one man or set of men has been assigned to find our ships and our captain.” Giles said seriously. “We don’t want to get caught in the open like Blackbeard did.” They were quiet for a few moments.
“I can’t ask for another tour.” Alice sighed. “Norrington is smart. Smarter than the Navy deserves. Too bad we couldn’t make him a pirate.”
“He wouldn’t turn?” Edward asked.
“James Norrington?” Robert said with a laugh. “Son of Admiral Lawerence Norrington? Not in a million years. Lawrence Norrington made it his goal to catch and kill any pirate he found. It doesn’t surprise me James is smart. His dad was smart. Ruthless and cruel and smart.”
“I don’t think James Norrington is ruthless,” she replied as she remembered his green eyes and his kind smile. “but I don’t think he’ll be hosting the colors any time soon either.”
“We can’t go at night.” Elias said quickly. Elias was the stealthiest man on Alice’s crew. They joked he could be in a room full of broken glass and someone still wouldn’t hear him coming. “We don’t know any of the guard rotations, or how many their are.”
“Maybe we could change that.” Alice said quickly. “We throw a ball. Norrington is going to be named Commodore soon, and that would give the island a reason to celebrate.” She looked to her men with a wide grin. “We invite the entire Royal Navy on the island. Very few aren’t going to accept. The Fort will be at minimal guard and all of the big hitters will be here.”
“Are you sure that’s going to happen any time soon?” Giles asked.
“Governor Swann is a nice man, but he does like to brag for nobility.” Alice explained. “He mentioned Norrington’s promotion and that he is having a sword crafted for him. So, it must be happening within a fortnight at the latest.” They knew they were on a deadline. Their forged paperwork would only work for so long. Should someone get word to the crown and the crown send word back they would be forced to flee. They gave themselves a month.
Edward smiled. “Could work.”
“We would have to make this place really look like a noblewoman is living here.” Charlie pointed out.
“Well, we already have the furniture.” Robert said. They had rented it as is, and the person renting to them was easily fooled and manipulated. “We carefully hide any of our actual property, hire local servants and caterers. I am sure the Swanns have recommendations.”
Alice gave a nod. “Let’s put it to a vote. All in favor of a ball?”
Eight voices said in unison: “Aye!”
The knock at the door made them all uneasy for a moment. Charlie, still dressed in his coachman uniform headed for the main door while Edward and Elias closed the French doors and the curtains.
They heard low voices and the door shutting again before Charlie let himself into the dining room. “That was a servant from the Swann residence. The presence of Lady Frances is requested at a dinner tonight. They made sure to mention it would be a small dinner. Only fourteen including yourself.”
Alice leaned her head back. “I was looking forward to getting out of this.” She motioned to the corset.
“Of course you will.” Robert said with a shrug. “You can’t wear the same outfit to dinner that you wore to tour the Fort. What kind of noble are you?” The men laughed as Alice threw her crumpled up wanted sign at him.
“Careful with that!” Charlie said smoothing the paper. “I want to bring it back to the ship.”
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luciadiosa · 1 year
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For my inspiration @umgatochamadopercyval
Maybe i will write some more short chapters/memories. I will upload it under the titel
"The Wish of kissing you"
James Noerington x fem!reader
If you like it: Like, reblogg, comment it and now -> Enjoy :)
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He was talking and talking and the young soldier was listening. He could answer in a proper way and he listened him. The potential father-in-law.
His eyes was pinned in the distance while he listened to Weatherby Swann till the moment you rushed in. It wasn't even a second gone and he looked to you.
He watches you storming around, chatting to your friend, who talks more then you and then it happens. You stand there in the corner, both of you with tea cups in your hands. With your nice dresses. Your friend talks to you about the newest gossio. Which girl have been caught with which boy, what the young ladies wear and what bachlor is in.
He stares at you. He. And you notice it. Slowly you raise your. With your eyes you look above the edge of the cup to him.
His blue eyes hooks into yours. For a minute both of you forget to listening. Like a horse with blinders follwing the path, like a human in trance of a hypnotist, he smiles at you.
A warm smile which let you admire him even more. You grin shy behind your cup but he could see you smile because of the bigher cheek. With the procelan vessel you toast forward to him, which reveals your shy smile.
Caught, he quickly looks at your father and clears his throat. He wasn't here to make eyes at you and silently flirt. He's here to marry your sister. Expressing interest after both dads had discussed it and have been for years. Elizabeth and James Norrington sounds good. Both from noble and influential families. With good genes and reputation. Perfect for each other. James, too, persuaded himself of this and made friends with the idea.
But soon, like a cat in the dark, you crept through his head. You who are not good enough and out of the question. Because you were adopted. A poor girl with no pedigree. If he followed his heart, throwing everything rational overboard, it would probably break his mother's heart and his father would be disappointed.
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To read more: Masterlist or follow the tag:
The wish of kissing you fanfiction
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madhatterbri · 7 months
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You Again | J.N.
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Summary: James Norrington saves a girl from his past.
Author's Note: Happy birthday Magic Kingdom. Your present is a James Norrington fanfic cause I have daddy issues. ❤️🧎‍♀️
Warning: Mentions of gallows and having a rope around your neck but no one dies.
"Your father was a pirate. He deserved to hang from the gallows,"
Those words stuck with you ever since a boy you once called a friend uttered them to you. You were twelve years old when you saw your father hang. His limp body blew in the wind after fighting so hard to live. Your friend glared at you before leaving you behind with his family.
Fearing retaliation, your mother left with you and your siblings as stow aways. The next few years proved to be a hard time in your life. As a woman, men looked down on you. You fought to be noticed and even became captain of a ship. Yet you still wondered about the boy you once called a friend.
His name was James. A boy that always had your back. James would never let anyone hurt you. Boys would tease you for your poorer status but not him. The comment about your father was unlike him but it hurt enough for you to never speak to him again. Not that you had a choice.
Now you were about to meet the same fate as your father. A crowd was forming around the gallows. People were throwing food and other things at you as two guards led you through the crowd. Shaky legs took you up the stairs and in front of the hanging rope.
These last moments were the same your father felt. Your stomach sank. You sacrificed yourself to let your crew escape. Maybe they will tell your story to future pirates. One day you knew another woman would be captain.
A man read the charges that were stuck to you loudly. The crowd had several opinions about you and they weren't afraid to speak them. As you looked through the crowd familiar faces appeared. Large hats covered their faces but you could recognize then anywhere.
The rope was suddenly wrapped around your neck. If they were going to do something they needed to do it now. The men asked if you had any words. You spat on their face. The man raised his arm to slap you yet stopped.
"Why delay such a fitting end for a pirate whore?" He asked. He walked to the lever that would drop you. The impact would break your neck and you would gasp for air. Just as your father did.
As he pulled the lever, the rope around your neck was cut. Chaos broke as your crew attacked the guards. The floor below you gave way.
You fell to the ground with a loud thud. The pain shot up your leg. A loud scream could be heard in the crowd. People wondered if you died under the gallows. The past few days starting to weigh on you. Any hope of escape was dashed as you laid on your back. Tears ran down the corners of your eyes.
A man suddenly stood above you. His black hair tied back. A few loose strands blowing in the wind. His eyebrows furrowed together to show concern. Dark brown eyes remained on yours. He had a mustache and beard, a sharp contrast to the guards. He was dirty like her from head to toe. Yet he somehow looked so familiar.
"James?" You asked weakly.
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127-crew · 6 months
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How they would comfort you
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Jack Sparrow:
• Jack Sparrow has a habit of trying to fix problems on his own, and when he wanted to fix whatever had you bothered, you ask him not to, that the best thing he can do for you is just to remain by your side, so he obliges
• Jack will try to get an image of how you’re feeling, but it’s a challenge when it comes to reading body language rather than hear it through words
• Jack isn’t very good at reading others, even you. You always have to tell him, which you honestly didn’t mind doing.
• Jack never was good at offering good advice once you’ve finished telling him. By doing this, Jack seems to be a good listener.
• He offers physical affection, his actions are stronger than words when it comes to you and sometimes that was better, all you need to see that everything is okay and will work out in the end
• Physical affection would include running his fingers lightly through your hair, and that often did the trick in making you feel so relaxed that you begin to doze off
• The next step in physical affection would be taking you into his sleeping quarters and the both of you would be cuddling as he continues to comfort you
• Pulls you close to him
• Promising you in a hushed tone that he would always be there for you
• Once you begin to feel better, you begin to speak
• “Can we stay like this for a little while? It’s nice.”
• Jack would release a small laugh as he agrees to your request
• He loves you to pieces and hated it to see that something has bothered you so much
• Jack had a way of making it all seem not so bad
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Hector Barbossa:
• To see you so upset, the very first thing that Barbossa would often think you were upset because of something he has done
• It took a lot for him to finally ask you if it was anything he did and would try to comfort you with apologies before giving you the chance to explain what was going on
• Once you confirmed it had nothing to do with anything he had done, it was a huge relief for him as he tries to help you through whatever was troubling
• Unlike Jack Sparrow, he uses words as a tool for comforting you, he’ll say the sweetest things to you, in which you know he is very sincere and is true to them, no matter how long in time
• “I’m glad you came into my life.” he would say, causing you to blush
• Upon seeing that, he waited until you were ready to tell him what was going on that made you upset
• When you did tell him, he pulls you in his embrace and pulls you close while you continue on telling him
• “I’m here for you.” is how it all starts, and you think it’s the best place to start.
• sometimes he will try and tell you stories from his past adventures
• Your favorite ones to hear about are the ones about Jack Sparrow
• Whenever you feel this way, Barbossa would know how to take care of you and help you to feel better
• He often doesn’t say it, but in this case, he said it again, almost as if he was taking back in time where the two of you confessed feelings for each other
• “I love you, so much.” he would say, followed by your own feelings for him.
• “I love you, too.”
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Davy Jones:
• It doesn’t take long for Davy to pick up on the fact that something was wrong, or that something seemed to have upset you and he was determined to get to the bottom of it and find out
• One of the signs he picked up on was the fact that your ability to remember things had seemed to gone out the window
• Next, if you have messed up just the slightest, no matter how small, you seemed to get easily irritated and even close to very emotional, which is very unlike you
• The last part of it was you have suddenly fallen ill, even though the day before you were perfectly healthy
• Of course, Davy didn’t want to find out just by asking so at first, he asks some of the most trusted crew mates to look after you and report back to him if they notice anything
• When that didn’t work, he had no choice but to come right out and ask you, and he worried that it would upset you
• It did a little in the beginning, but you don’t spill everything out at once. So every night as you’re recovering, he comes to visit and you just take baby steps in telling him everything. During that time spent together, you’ve become closer as he gets to know you better
• After learning what’s going on, Davy’s soft spot for you only grew, as he now isn’t afraid to spare you the treatment in front of everyone from now on
• Comfort shows more from his actions than words, but he’s very good at it
• A couple of times, you’ve noticed Davy keeping an eye on you if you’re not close by, he just wants to make sure you’re not in any kind of danger, keeping you safe from harm
• The crew now respects you a little more than they have before
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Will Turner:
• If you’re upset about something, it’s easy for him to tell, it’s nearly impossible to hide anything from Will
• He knows just by simply holding your hand brings you calm and comfort, so you’re often seen around holding his hand
• If you have to part ways for even just a few seconds or minutes, he’s always reluctant to leave your side, even with knowing you’d still be there when he returns to you, almost like he never left for a brief moment
• “Don’t go where I can’t follow!” he’d say, but that would be when you go off on your own a little bit
• Hearing Will say that never failed to bring a smile to your face. Upon your return, Will sometimes is overly dramatic with greetings. Usually he greets you with a hug that tells you he thought he’d never see you again.
• You don’t complain, you return the hug before going off with him
• Will was very protective of you, especially during those times you would get upset and often, he would think it was because of something he had done
• “Don’t lie for me, (Y/n).” he’d say.
• You were always truthful with him
• You both work together on looking for ways to get rid of whatever it was that was making you so upset
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James Norrington:
• No matter how hard you may try, it was just too easy for James to pick up on the scent that you were very bothered by something
• Once it was confirmed, he would ask you what it was, nearly demanding answers from you
• However, seeing as upset as you were once he started asking, he allowed for you to take all the time in the world that was required of your need to compose yourself just enough to at least.m tell him what was going on
• He refused to leave your side once he knows and tries his best to comfort you in ways he believed would bring you comfort
• And it worked
• You’re hardly leaving his side and he’s hardly ever letting you go out of his sight
• Unlike some, James Norrington was very understanding and sincerely cared
• From than on, he wasn’t afraid to put you first before anything else
• Even though it may have gotten him in trouble a few times, he continued and didn’t care about the trouble it got him in
• You would ask for him to worry about you later, but he wasn’t having it
• “Not a chance in the world.” he’d say.
• Which only made you fall in love with him even more
• It was those awful nightmares that was bothering you, they seemed to never have any plans on ever going away
• If anything, they got worse each time you had one
• One night, you had a real bad one, one that made you scream and thrash around in your sleep
• Of course, that woke James up and he comes to your aid as he begins comforting you
• “I heard you screaming again, is it the nightmares?”
• You nod as you feel like you couldn’t breathe and that’s when James started his mission to comfort you back to sleep
• “Hey, just look at me. Breathe.”
• You did and soon, you started feeling better and laid back down to go back to sleep.
• Just as you were about to enter sleep, you were awakened a short minute at the feel of James Norrington’s hand in yours
• “Hold my hand. You’re going to be fine.”
• “I could use a hug.” you say sleepily.
• The last thing you remember before falling asleep was seeing the smile form on his lips, followed by the feel of him holding you
• Finally, a peaceful sleep takes over
***
@127-crew
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black--cherryy · 4 months
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Pirates of the caribbean Reactions
☁️ Fluff ☁️
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Jack smirking cuz u look so adorable and small trying to sound serious before u leave to go on land.
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Him realizing that u won't see each other for 10 years and u leaving with tears in ur eyes.
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U wanted to hear the truth about his feelings towards u so he proved it while the two of u were alone.
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Jack caught him staring at u and yelled it through the whole ship making him pretty uncomfortable and embarrassed.
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Him smiling at u for the last time before u leave to go with Jacks crew on the sea.
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U brought Jacks compass that beckett desired so much and he smirked at how faithful u are.
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U injured ur leg really badly while walking to the fountain of youth and couldn't walk further so Philip offered to help u.
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Ahoy and hello,
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Welcome to the pirates of the caribbean writing blog. Here, you'll find fanfics, oneshots, headcanons, imagines, and moodboards.
A bit about me
I've been a writer for 6 years, and writing is my passion and pirates of the caribbean is my hyperfixation. I've been researching about the 18th century because of the pirates of the caribbean, and I wish to continue that trend. By all means, I'm no historian, but the timeline fascinates me.
You may request anything at your whim.
Ocs, self inserts, and ships are accepted!
Send requests through the asks or submissions box.
Matchups are open! Matchups will include why I ship you, the outfit you'd wear (please describe your fashion style or link photos of what you'd likely wear), and relationship information.
Provide your pronouns and a small summary about you.
I respect and welcome the lgbtq+ community. I also welcome anyone who has a disability or is nuerodiverse. This blog is a safe space for all.
Requesting an oc requires information and summary, I need details on appearance and personality, clothing and and pronouns.
Self inserts require the same format. However, this will be in the form of x readers.
When requesting NSFW 🔞 and anything triggering, I will label warnings above or the "keep reading" so you may click to view at your discretion.
Since potc is based in the 18th century, age gaps are accepted. However, I will not go below anything under 18, especially in NSFW.
My limits are no under-age romance or NSFW fetishes (not that I have anything against it, I'm just not comfortable writing those topics), I will NOT write the potc characters committing dispicable acts of SA or abuse. Degrading anyone isn't accepted, homophobia, heterophobia, transphobia, biphobia, acephobic etc is not welcomed.
This will take place in the 18th, meaning I will use nautical terms and lingo. If you are curious, I will write the words meanings at the top of the page.
Toward any of the historians, I accept criticism, but please don't go on a rant if I get something wrong. As I said, I'm no historian, I'm just someone who researches on websites to get the meaning.
Raise the sails and request away!
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Note
Hii!! Could you pls write a James Norrington x Swann!reader where the reader is Elizabeth’s older sister who loves/fancies James Norrington but he doesn’t know that she loves him so the reader pretends to pass out but he catches her and carries her to her bedroom and waits for her to wake up and the he finally tells her that he loves her too and they get married at the end. (You can add what you like) thank you 😊 :)
Hello dear💖, thanks for your request.
James Norrington x Swann reader⚔🦢
A reconsidered proposal👰
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On this day was the ceremonial promotion of James Norrington, a man who served in the naval army for a long time. He served the Swann family. James was always by their side, he viewed us like family although—there was but one inharmonious part—the day the commodore had planned to propose to Elizabeth Swann. The commodore had always been close to Elizabeth although, before Elizabeth was born there was another, a girl who was bright and bold who had grown up with Norrington since they were younger. Y/n Swann. A fine woman who protected her sister from the beginning since the tragedy of their mother’s passing. The two sisters were opposites: one fantasying about pirates and the other fantasying of marriage. Y/n sided with her father and the commodore; she was set to be a lady. Though, since y/n was younger she had known the commodore more than Elizabeth. She had been their during his downfalls, worries and woes while spending her time making him fall high in laughter and joy. The commodore protected the family with honour and respect, the soon to be admiral will choose a betrothal to a fine woman.
Governor Swann had bid Elizabeth farewell to accept the commodores proposal. He turned to y/n wearing a gown with a fine layer of skirtings. She placed her hands together in a ladylike manner approaching her father. “Tis be quite a tremendous day y/n, Elizabeth will accept the commodores proposal and she will wed” Y/n’s father smiled.
“Indeed, though I can’t help but feel—rather—” y/n muttered although her father ended the sentence for her. “Happy for your sister’s occasion” he concluded.
The truth is, y/n didn’t exactly feel tremendous joy for her sister. It was hard to explain but, she had hoped the commodore would betroth her to his hand in marriage.
The Governor accompanied his daughter inside the manor, her heels clicked as she headed up the stairs into her bedroom. Only, at the door there was a knock. The servant opened the door to greet a commoner, he was smaller in height and his clothes weren’t of riches. His brown hair was tied back as his eyes were soft in expression. “Have you seen Elizabeth” the man asked. It was Will, the blacksmith. “No, Miss Swann had just left Sir, I suggest you leave your request with Governor Swann if you insist to visit her” the servant informed Will.
Y/n called out to Will “Blacksmith, I assume your work is going well?”.
Will turned his head up the stairs to see a woman in a dashing, fine silk gown. “Miss y/n, yes, indeed, I thought I would’ve caught Mrs Swann just in time”.
“Please Will, you know how many times Elizabeth told you to call her by her first name” y/n smiled kindly.
“Uh, yes but, perhaps there is a way you can pass my regards to Elizabeth for me” Will requested. “Certainly, Sir William” y/n politely curtsied.
Will was more acquainted with Elizabeth then y/n, the two had known each other since childhood. The blacksmiths past is rather a mystery, no one knew who or where he came from. The boy was caught adrift in a sea wreckage, he was taken in by a rather older gent who knew about the works of swords. Will had been accustomed to the family, every day he would pass by just to see Elizabeth. Their meetings were always rather short but, y/n knew, the blacksmith had feelings for her sister, even more, her sister had grown closer to the blacksmith. The commodore didn’t know, Liz always dismissed it. Will was a rather humble and kind gent, more than any other man y/n knew.
“I shall inform her once I see her, Sir William” y/n promised.
In the distance a carriage pulled up rather earlier than expected, out of the entry door, Elizabeth and the commodore climbed out. Y/n quickly rushed down the stairs, grabbing her skirtings to see what happened. “Elizabeth, dear God, what happened”. Elizabeth was dripping with water as her hair was soaking, the commodore accompanied her inside. “Get her warmed up and keep an eye on her” the commodore ordered the maid. “Yes sir” the maid helped Elizabeth to warm her up in any way she could. “Commodore, what happened, is Elizabeth alright” the Governor rushed out to find his daughter soaking wet.
“Indeed, we’ve just encountered a scoundrel, a pirate” the commodore informed y/n’s father.
“A pirate?” he questioned.
“Yes Sir, a no-good buccaneer of the seas, we gave chase and the pirate shall be set to hang” the commodore said proudly.
A pirate? A pirate? here in port royal? Oh no this is terrible news, if it weren’t for the navy, who knew what kinds of terrible things would’ve happened to poor Elizabeth. “I-I thank you commodore for saving my dear sister” y/n shyly showed her gratitude. “Fret not lady y/n, your sister is safe, we shall purge that pirate for his no-good deeds” the commodore stated.
Y/n fancied him, she always has, it was only a matter of time before she could tell him. “Commodore, I-“ y/n stuttered. James turned with curiosity, his face, holding a stern expression.
“I, I, I” y/n began to close her eyes as her body collapsed. James coming into action took y/n in his arms. “Y/n” the Governor had noticed his eldest daughter had fainted. The commodore informed her father that he will bring her up to her bedroom, even if it was inappropriate, he felt the need to protect the woman who had been there for him, for all those years. The commodore carried the woman’s body up the stairs into what looked like a white, elegant room. James placed y/n in her bed, he felt her forehead to make sure she wasn’t burning up whilst watching her chest move up and down. Now, it might’ve been selfish but, y/n hadn’t intended to use this action, rather, it was to gain the commodores attention. The bed was soft; the sheets made of cotton and silk; feathers filled the pillow. The commodore intently watched as y/n flickered her eyes open.
“Commodore, oh, forgive me” y/n muttered out.
“Lady y/n don’t burden your forgiveness on something you had no control of doing” James furrowed his brows. “I’m just glad your well” he addressed.
Y/n grabbed his hand, she wanted to tell him, all these years of growing together, spending time, and enjoying each other’s company. The commodore had always been protective of her and her sister. “I want to inform you of something—you see my mind was set on Elizabeth’s betrothal that, that I never knew” he paused.
“I had been paying my affections toward the wrong person” he looked into y/n’s eyes.
“Elizabeth is a fine woman but” James smiled. “You are, such a remarkable lady”.
“I must re-consider my proposal; would you wed me” James asked.
Y/n smiled as her eyes were full of happiness “Oh, James of course I will”.
Norrington smiled with genuine emotion, something he had only done when around her family. Y/n leaned forward from her bed, not caring if her hair was messy from the pillow. She leaned forward and embraced James in a kiss. He was caught off guard but leaned into it.
The commodore had potentially nearly made a mistake that caused him misery, he was engaged to y/n, a woman who had known him far longer. He had informed Governor Swann that his proposal was to be reconsidered, Mr Swann was rather hesitant thinking Elizabeth would be heart broken. However, she granted her blessings as she had fancied William.
On the middle hour, on the day of June, the commodore had awaited at the arch as many gathered. Y/n had said her vows as James spoke his and the rest you can say was history.
On this day, Y/n Swann was known as Y/n Norrington. The Commodores wife.
anyways that's all I have for now:
Ta Ta ✨
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demigoddessqueens · 2 years
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Imagining an AU where James lives….
But I can easily imagine a scenario where Norrington and his s/o are like that Victorian couple who break face and laugh while trying to hold still for a portrait
(He’d have the cutest smile 😁)
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lunarsaturn88 · 2 months
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Younger Swann- James Norrington
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Pairing: James Norrington X Reader
Imagine being Elizabeth’s younger sister and falling for James Norrington.
Warning: None
@thefandomimagine
Words: 325
You hadn’t expected your feelings for the man who had the love for your sister to be the one that you wanted to be with. You never thought that he would see past that. You thought that perhaps he would go to you since you were also a fine woman as well. But sadly that wasn’t the case when she made her choice to be with William who the two of you had rescued years ago. 
But here you were standing before him with him on the ground after being thrown out of the pub in Tortuga drunk off his ass. You slowly moved forward touching him softly on the cheek. “James.” You said softly. 
James looked up at you through blurry eyes. “Y/N…” He said softly leaning into your touch. 
“What happened to you?” You asked softly. “You could’ve just let him go…” You stoked his cheek softly. 
“What are you doing here?” He questioned slowly coming out of his drunken stupor. 
“I came with Elizabeth.” You said softly as you helped him up to his feet. “She is searching for Will.” 
“You should be home…” 
You shook your head. “No…” 
“Why not.” 
You let out a breath looking up at him. “Home isn’t much of a home.” 
“What do you mean?” 
“Beckett is in control at the moment. He wishes to see us hanging…”
“Because of Sparrow.” He grumbled out. 
You let out a breath and nodded your head. “But I couldn’t stay…” 
“Why?” 
“Because you’re not there.” 
James looked at you with a confused gaze. “What?” 
“It doesn’t feel the same without you.” You said softly pressing a soft kiss against his cheek. 
“Y/N…” 
You gave him a shy look knowing that it wasn’t your place to place a soft kiss on his cheek. You weren’t his woman or anything like that. 
“This is improper.”
You looked down feeling a pang in your chest. Did he not feel the same?
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writingsfromthevoid · 2 years
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Requests are open btw! Especially for anything brief and just random thoughts. Anything is fine though. Ask about characters if you aren't sure. I'll write for pretty much any of the same characters here that I do on my main blog. Admittedly (and I think most of you have picked up on this at this point 😂) this blog is mostly for mature writings. Obviously, only follow and request if you're 18+!
I didn't tag everything below but as I said, feel free to ask about characters! Or check my list from here or my main blog.
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random-of-random · 3 days
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The Pirate Queen
Chapter 3 - The Ball
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If anyone ever said pirates weren’t efficient, they should be told the tale of Alice and her crew getting ready to host a ball for a new Commodore.
Hiding anything suspicious was the easy part. The locked extra pantry was plenty enough to stow away any of the papers they needed to keep from prying eyes. Their gear was locked into trunks in their personal rooms.
What wasn’t easy was shelling out the money for caterers and extra servants to make the night perfect. While they had the money, Alice had made a fortune sailing with Sam Bellamy and then even more in her exploits, they all hated spending it on posh pricks who would more likely give them a bullet than the time of day under normal circumstances.
Most pirates on ships had duel roles. Everyone chipped in, and just like on a ship, the men dove head first into getting ready.
By the time the night arrived everything was absolutely perfect.
Three of the men would be carefully and quietly sneaking into the Fort while the rest of the town partied at the mansion, courtesy of Vicountess Somers. Their goal was it make it seem like no one have ever been there. They didn’t want to get captured, and they didn’t want to have to kill. Alice and her crew took a page from Sam Bellamy - they didn’t kill if they didn’t have to.
The men left before the extra servants arrived for the night, and Alice went upstairs to get ready. Edward stayed at the mansion, her even present bodyguard.
When he knocked at the door to her room to let her know guests arrived, he couldn’t help but smile.
“You may not be a noble, but you wear the outfits quite well.” She turned to look at him with a smile on her face.
“Let’s be honest, I look better in trousers and my jacket.”
He motioned to her dress. “I see you’ve picked your signature color.” The red dress was her most fashionable. Bright red, matching the bow weaved intricately through her hair. Instead of an updo, she wore her hair down. The black hair fanned across the red dress she had commissioned to match that bow. The dress itself was more old fashioned than she had been wearing and the corset fit just perfectly. There were no color accents except around the sleeves and chest, and was intricately woven with gold and red fabric.
“Well, I wanted to stay partly me.”
“I wish Sam could see this.” Edward said and Alice took a calming breath.
“Me too.”
“Where should I wait during dinner?”
“You’ll be next to me.” Alice said simply and Edward raised his eyebrows.
“I don’t think it’s proper to have your bodyguard sitting at dinner. Robert would faint.”
Alice laughed. “Tonight is our last night with these people. I don’t particularly care what they think and they’re not going to question a noble.”
“Sounds good, Captain.” Edward was dressed in mostly black, fine quality that most would expect of a bodyguard. “People are going to be arriving soon.”
“Alright, let’s get ready to play our parts.” She effortlessly switched into her posh accent.
There were murmurs throughout the party. The red was certainly making some heads turn. When Governor Swann and Elizabeth arrived Alice was there to greet them.
“Lady Frances, you look marvelous!” Elizabeth said with a smile. They two women held hands for a moment.
“As do you, Elizabeth.” Her dress was a light blue which paired with her quite well. Her hair had been curled delicately and put in an updo worthy of a coronation, she was sure of it.
“That is such a stunning color.” Governor Swann started. “You stand out, in the best way.”
“Thank you, Governor.” Alice replied, trying her best not to smirk. “I felt it was appropriate since the ball is on behalf of a member of the Navy. Navy blues seemed a bit too pompous, don’t you agree?”
Governor Swann searched for something to say as Elizabeth politely held her laugh behind her fan. “You look absolutely wonderful, Lady Frances.” He finally said. Safe, complimentary.
“Thank you, Governor.” From behind him she caught the eyes of James. “Please excuse me, sir. I want to wish the man of the night my congratulations.” As she made her way over, James couldn’t seem to even think. She was beautiful. James was in his Navy dress. An outfit that should send Alice’s anxiety shooting upward. Yet, she was sure she had never seen a man so handsome.
“Captain Norrington.” She curtsied and he bowed back. Alice knew that there couldn’t be a repeat of the night of the dinner. The best thing would be to treat James Norrington with civility and step away as quickly as she could.
“Thank you for your generosity with this night.” He started. “And, if I may say, you look absolutely beautiful, Lady Frances.”
“Thank you, Captain. It is a pleasure to celebrate you.” James could tell she was being more formal, putting more of a guard up. He had no right to wish for something different. To wish anything different was downright improper. “Please, enjoy yourself.” She curtsied again and turned to greet her other guests. The bow going through her raven hair caught his eye and something stirred in his memory. Just for one second a moment of fear crept into his mind, but he couldn’t, for the life of him, understand why.
As everyone made their way into the dining room, there were whispers at the fact that while Lady Frances sat at the head of the table, her own bodyguard was to her right. To her left was Governor Swann, beside him Elizabeth, and James was surprised to find himself placed next to her.
Once everyone was seated Lady Frances stood.
“Good evening. I hope you are all enjoying yourselves.” There was some murmurs of approval. “Tonight we are here to celebrate Captain James Norrington, who will not be called Captain in twenty-four hours. Now, I have only known Captain Norrington for a few short days. I could regale you all with the kindness and character he has shown me. However, I wanted someone who knows him more, who served with him, to speak here tonight. Lieutenant Groves, if you would please?”
A few seats down from Edward, Groves stood, and Alice took her seat. She knew her brain would betray her if she was forced to give a speech about James. She could hardly talk about how handsome he looks in the moonlight. She was supposed to be married. More than that, it was about to be James’ job to be in charge of hunting her and the people she cared about. The thought soured her mood considerably. More so when she realized she shouldn’t even be thinking about James Norrington. She should be wondering how we men were doing at the fort. By the time she came back into focus, Groves had finished his speech and she held up her glass in a toast before the first course.
Once the food was cleared and the band had begun to play, Alice whispered to Edward to go and be on the lookout for the returning men. The hope was they would be back quickly and efficiently. One of her men named Simon had offered to help in the kitchen. He had been a chef back in Ireland and then became the chef for her crew, and he would be waiting to move any papers to the locked pantry.
“My dear Lady Frances.” Governor Swann said as he walked up to her. “Would you honor me with a dance?” He held out his hand and she took it immediately.
“It would be a pleasure.” They danced to a lively tune. The laughter around the floor told her everyone seemed to be having a great time. She made sure they had enough stock of wine to last them, and making sure everyone was good and drunk could only help her in the long run.
As the Governor turned her she caught a glimpse of James who was dancing with Elizabeth. He was smiling, she was laughing. Alice felt a pang of jealousy go through her, but she quickly pushed that away. Any thoughts about her and James Norrington needed to stop at that moment. And, more than that, she knew he would make a great husband to Elizabeth. He was kind and gentle. When he showed emotion it was sincere. In the first night she had watched his eyes flicker to Elizabeth which such adoration. Alice knew she would be taken care of and loved. She couldn’t ask for more than that from two wonderful people.
The dance came to a close and there was a small round of applause. “Thank you for the wonderful dance, Governor.” He bowed. “If you would excuse me?”
“Of course.” He beamed. His cheeks were red from several glasses of wine and Alice found herself thinking that wasn’t a bad idea. Find a servant with the wine she took a glass for herself. When she turned back to the party she was surprised to see James walking toward her.
“Lady Frances.”
“Captain Norrington.” She acknowledged. “Are you having a good time?”
“I am, thank you.” He promised. “I came to ask if you would honor me with a dance.” She couldn’t say no. Maybe it was knowing that after tomorrow she would, hopefully, never see him again.
“I would be delighted-“ She was interrupted by Edward.
“I am terribly sorry, my Lady.” He bowed.
“What is it, Edward?” She asked.
“May I speak with you, privately?”
Her eyes turned to James. “My apologies, Captain.” She and Edward turned, heading for another room. James couldn’t pretend he wasn’t disappointed.
The study was a place she had wanted to spend more time in, if they had the time. It was dark wood with books lining the walls. Giles stood outside on guard to make sure no one came within earshot as Edward closed the door behind them.
“Is everyone alright?” Was her first question.
“Yes, everyone made it back safely.” Alice let out a sigh of relief. “They were in and out quickly, no one saw them. It’s what they found that’s concerning.”
“What did they find?” Alice asked.
“A list of spies for the Royal Navy and where they are located. Some are on Tortuga.” Her jaw clenched. “There’s also a few pirate havens that they know about. I think your Captain Norrington intends to go raid them after his promotion is made official.”
“Go, get Robert, will you?” She asked and Edward gave a quick nod before leaving. They would have a head start on anything Norrington had planned, which was key. She sat in silence for a few moments. If her mind wandered too far, she could almost feel tears threatening to spill. So, she pushed them down. Edward and Robert came back in a few minutes.
“Captain.” Robert acknowledged.
“I need you to get to the docs and get first passage that you can. You have to get to Tortuga as quickly as possible.” She put her hand on his shoulder. “Hopefully those pirate havens can be cleared out before the Royal Navy gets their hands on anyone. And make sure the right people in Tortuga know the names of the spies.”
“You can count on me Captain.”
“When you get to Tortuga send someone for us. We’ll want to leave late tomorrow night.”
“I will.”
“The winds be with you, Robert.” She shook his hand and he headed back out the door.
“What’s the plan?” Edward asked.
“Tomorrow, after the ceremony,” Alice started. “We will spend the day carefully packing, not drawing any attention. Once night falls we will gather everything up. We can’t leave a trace of us behind. Not a single piece of clothing.”
“Understood, Captain.”
“We will leave an urgent note with the Swann’s. My husband has taken ill and we were quickly recalled to England.”
“Will they believe it?” Edward asked.
Alice shrugged. “Once we’re back on the seas, it won’t matter.”
“I’ll start telling the men.” He said and she let out a soft sigh. “You should get back out there. The hostess will be missed.”
Alice seemed to clench her jaw. “I can do this for one more day.” He nodded before opening the door for her.
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luciadiosa · 1 year
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Pirates of the Carribean Fanfiction
Cutler Beckett:
Jade Princess
Enchanting Mermaid
James Norrington:
The Wish of kissing you
Other Masterlist
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