milliways_bar | (no subject)

He tenses barely perceptibly.

"You returned to my world with Captain Sparrow, then?"

I did. *She examines her nails.* And not entirely of my own accord, but I quite enjoyed my stay. *Shrugging, she looks him in the eye.* Jack decided I needed a vacation. He was not entirely wrong.

"He..." Norrington stares at her for a moment, then starts to laugh. "Yes, that sounds like him. I take it you don't wish to make a complaint?"

*Alanna grins, relieved that the Commodore has yet to threaten Jack with the gallows. Again.* No, no complaint, save only that he did not take me to see Port Royal. However, I certainly understand why.

Norrington frowns slightly.

"Yes. Port Royal is not a place for a woman of any respectability. And I doubt Captain Sparrow alone could have protected you - you would have had difficulty protecting yourself, sword or no."

*Alanna coughs, using her hand to hide a grin.*

Do you think Jack would have protected me? *She decides not to mention how she "defended Jack's honor." His words, not hers.* I'm sure I could have held my own. We did sail to Nassau. Lively town. Interesting devotion to tavern brawls.

Norrington shrugs.

"He's not without honour. If he considers you a friend, and you were part of his crew however temporarily, I think he would have tried."

*Alanna nods.*

I agree completely. I'm just happy to hear you say it. He helped cure my seasickness, so I am in his debt. I'm sure he would have tossed me overboard had I soiled the deck of his precious Pearl. *She grins.* Beautiful ship. He let me steer, and I wasn't that bad at it either.

"A fine ship indeed", Norrington agrees. "I've seen finer... but not many."

Fast too. I miss the wind in my face. It reminded me a bit of galloping through the desert. Are you a rider, Commodore?

"Not for many years, I'm afraid. I did as a boy, on my family's estate, but I joined the navy at twelve, and there's no place for horses there..."

*She laughs.* I can't imagine why. I wish there was a way I could bring my horse with me when I return to the bar. I miss her. *Pausing, she looks around the room.* Was it your choice to join the navy?

"...More or less. You see, I'm the third son of relatively minor nobility... a career in the military was more or less the only way open."

Is that so? Interesting. Knighthood is really the only choice for first born noble sons in Tortall. Others follow my brothers route if Gifted, or also pursue knighthood. *She smiles.* We never had to deal with such concerns as Thom and I are twins. And, strictly speaking, I was easily taken care of. Or so my Father thought. He never knew.

He nods.

"My brothers stand to inherit the titles, in time. I will get a little money, but unless one of my brothers should die before me, that is all. Except automatic officer status in the navy."

*Alanna meets his eye.* But you've earned your own accolades, Commodore. You did not need to rely on anyone else. That is honorable, and no one can take that away from you. *She nods firmly.*

He smiles.

"Indeed, I like to think so. Thank you."

You are welcome. Are you still in touch with your family?

"We exchange letters. England is a long way from my present home, however."

I understand. *She smiles encouragingly.* I'm sure they would enjoy visiting your present home, however. It's beautiful.

He smiles back.

"Perhaps. Something to bring up in my next letter."

You should. I certainly loved my visit and hope to make another. *She grins.* Perhaps you should get married. That would inspire a visit, I'm sure.

He stills for a moment, then forces the smile again.

"No doubt I will, eventually."

*Alanna finally recalls one of their prior conversations and straightens.* I'm sorry, Commodore. I forgot. *She nods.* You will, I've great faith.

"If the matrons of Port Royal have their way, certainly."