Disclaimer: I own not the Pirates of the Caribbean or James Norrington but any OCs be mine so stay ye away, yar! –Brandishes hook hand-
Title- Incendie en Soufre (Fire and Brimstone)
AN: Takes place after all three movies. I've mentioned this before but I'll say it again. I have not seen nor heard of the third movie, only rumors and an interesting picture. Any of the events mentioned in this plot are purely of my imagination and are safe bets as to what happens in the third movie. Kind of a follow up to "Not A Pirate." It may be helpful to read it.
Some events may be left unexplained until later chapters. I haven't a clue as to the exact time period PotC takes place in so forgive me if my composers and music selections are a bit off.
Summary: The entire pirate fiasco is over with and things have settled down in the Caribbean. The pirate scourges are all but wiped out, Jack Sparrow and his crew and Davy Jones the only real ones left. Will and Elizabeth are married and the focus has turned to Commodore James Norrington. This is his tale; it is one of action, adventure, and possible, uncalled for romance.
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Chapter One – Prelude in E, Mr. Chopin!
The music could barely be heard over the dull roar of party guests carrying on conversations. The blank expressions on the string quartet's faces meant they didn't even register the lack of listeners. But, they were getting paid to play and that's just what they did.
From one corner of the room, a man was actually watching the display of deft musicianship. They were an amiable group, to be sure, but he'd seen better. In one hand was clasped a delicate wine glass, the crystal shining in the lamp light. The wine being swirled lightly in it was a deep, rich crimson. The other hand rested idly on the hilt of a delicately wrought sword that hung from his belt.
The man was easily identifiable- naval uniform, white wig, commodore's amulet around his neck. There were several other officers there at the party, all of them Port Royal's and the King's Navy's finest, but they answered to this one man – Commodore James Norrington.
The wine glass was raised to his lips and he was beginning to take a drink when someone shouted a greeting and slapped him heartily on the back. "James old bean! It's been ages!"
Sputtering and trying to avoid getting the red wine on himself, Norrington wiped his mouth with the back of one hand. The large bulk of Richard Stephens came around from behind him, the round, ruddy face of the man split in a grin. Stephens was also a commodore.
"I suppose it has been ages, Richard," James began, trying to keep a sour expression from wrinkling his features. He and Richard had gone into the navy at the same time and knew each other by family ties. Both of their fathers had known each other for years but John Stephens was passed over and Edward Norrington became a commodore. There little love lost between the two men but it wasn't obvious unless you knew the whole story. "I could've sworn you were still in England? What brings you to Port Royal?"
"This 'lil get-together, actually. Mum knows the guv'ner who knows Anderson. And ye know me, always willin' to go to a party!" He took about half of the spiced rum in his glass in one gulp.
"Indeed," James replied, trying to keep the annoyance from his voice. There were few humans who grated on his normally iron-clad nerves but Richard Stephens did it with a jagged file. It was hard to believe this seemingly ignorant man who spoke in the same mannerisms as a pirate was a commodore.
Richard navigated his rotund frame around to stand beside James. He found he had to look down to see Richard's face. Had the man always been that short? "'Ow's the wife search goin' for ye, Jim?" he queried. James tried to keep from sneering at the nickname. Richard took it for a reply to his question. "Oh, no luck then? Bloody unlucky, man." He puffed his already large chest out a bit. "Just hooked me a bonny lass not too long ago."
"Congratulations. I can barely contain my enthusiasm for you." The large man guffawed at the sarcastic comment and gave James a playful punch on the shoulder that knocked him off balance for a moment. The contents of his wine glass sloshed over the rim and onto his hand.
"Ye're such a cad, Jim." Finally, the man fell silent. James glanced up towards the ceiling, mentally thanking God for the welcome silence. But, it was short lived. Richard's large elbow entered his side. "Wot about that one for ye?" he asked, gesturing to a woman across the room.
"That's Mrs. Anderson, Richard," James said slowly. No one could deny the Lady Anderson's good looks and equally classy, sophisticated style. Edmund Anderson was incredibly thankful to have her as a wife. Richard winced, grinning.
"Oh." Richard quickly found something else to yammer about. "Oi, that band there ain't 'alf bad, eh?"
"I suppose," James said. "I've heard better."
"Eh, I s'ppose ye have, being a music connoisseur 'n all." James managed to roll his eyes wearily without Richard noticing. The other commodore began to say something when a female voice called out.
"Riiicchaaard!" The voice trilled like an opera singer's and an equally large woman materialized out of a group of ladies and headed over towards the two commodores. The group of women looked over wearily; it was obvious they were glad to see the woman go. One lady sent James an apologetic look.
"Oi, here's me lady now," Richard said grinning and elbowing James in the ribs again. He was careful to keep his wine glass steady this time. The woman came to a stop before them and curtsied, smiling coyly. "Jim, this is Mrs. Susan Finn Stephens. M'dear, this be my good ship mate, Jim Norrington. 'E's a commodore like me." Richard had thrown an arm up and around James' shoulders. The action pulled him down several inches and sloshed more wine over his hand. By the end of the night, his cuffs would be stained permanently. Wonderful.
James removed Richard's arm and bowed slightly at the waist, giving her one of those polite smiles reserved for parties like this. "It's certainly a pleasure, Commodore," she said.
"Likewise, Mrs. Stephens," he said civilly. The woman beamed at him. Richard elbowed him again.
"Oh, lemme tell ye how we met!" And he started off on the tale. James actually stopped paying attention but he nodded every once in a while and laughed when they did. He never thought he'd make it through the entire story for Richard kept going off on something else and elbowing him with a guffaw every time there was a joke. His free hand was about to reach for his pocket watch with the intent of looking at it and falsely declaring that he had to be somewhere when there was a tap on his shoulder.
The Stephens' story halted as they turned to find a woman maybe in her late twenties had come up as well. She flushed slightly as she met their gazes. "Oh, I beg your pardon. I didn't mean to interrupt. I merely came to ask the Commodore for a dance," she said apologetically, gesturing towards James. She was a striking woman with dark brown hair and eyes and the complexion of a Spanish maid. The subtle scarlet hue of her dress complimented her dark features.
James looked at her, mildly surprised. It was a well known fact he couldn't dance to save his life and yet here she was with a dance intended. He cast a quick glance at Richard and Susan before turning and setting his almost empty wine glass on the table behind them. "I suppose I cannot refuse," he said, pulling a smile. This smile was easier to execute; he may not be able to dance but it was a good excuse to get away from the yammering couple.
The woman smiled and took his arm as James offered it to her. As the two moved off, Richard sighed and looked after them with a smile. "'Bout time! Those two make a nice couple, eh missus?"
Susan gaped at him. "You mean he's not married? How absurd for a man of his stature not to have a wife yet! But yes, they do compliment each other."
Once out of earshot, James let himself sigh in relief. They had paused before the dance floor and he turned to her. "I-"
"You're welcome, Commodore Norrington."
"What?"
She grinned, a slightly mischievous one. "You don't mean to tell me that you didn't want to be away from them?" she queried, nodding towards the Stephens who had moved off to bother someone else. James blinked.
"Well, I must say I hadn't expected a rescue to come in such a form." She laughed, the sound liquid and tinkling.
"How gentlemanly. Again, you're welcome. Now, you will repay me with a dance," she said smiling. He snorted.
"I have two left feet I'm afraid."
"Not a problem," she said, dismissing it with a wave of her hand. "I'll lead."
"Oh good. May I know your name, miss? You already know mine."
"Melissa Hart," she replied.
"A pleasure, Miss Hart," he said, bowing at the waist. She laughed again and led him out onto the dance floor.
AN: Tell meh how ye like it! If ye don't, may ye be cursed! He he, just kidding folks. But seriously, review. Only me second one, if you can call one shots an actual story. I want to see what the Pirates writers think of meh little plot. It's in fledgling stages now but not to worry; it'll grow!