Summary: We sit in on the final moments of a memorial service for James Norrington.
I don't think it requires a very high rating, there's nothing in it. Enjoy.
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"The great James Norrington, the noble and brave commander of ranks across the Caribbean has left the world which he guarded so diligently, to take his place in the next world."
Jack, from his point at the back of the church leaning against the old oak doorframe, tweaked his beaded beard and brought his hand up to his bandana for an unofficial, knuckle-heavy salute. No man could deny Norrington's sense of duty. Although Jack had always seen honour simply as an impediment to his line of work and existence in general, he found himself admiring those who lived with that level of personal responsibility. He also considered that they had a certain connection, he and Norrington. Both the best, both devoted, both willing to make sacrifices (although of vastly different types) in order to succeed, and neither willing to kill without reason or provocation. Sparrow sighed. A worthy adversary was hard to come by.
"He strayed from the righteous path towards the end; but no man can follow such a self beaten path without faltering. His actions may have been selfish to start, but the deep seated sense of right that carried him through so many hard times resurfaced, and he fell protecting those that he had betrayed."
Elizabeth stared at the small bump of her belly as Captain Gillette continued. She felt a little guilt gnaw at her stomach when she thought of his last moments. The desperately tender kiss they'd shared as he'd sent her on her way had been heart rending for her. Feeling his lips pressed to hers and knowing the tenderness with which he would have loved her had she given him the chance made her realise what she could have had, what she gave up for Will. She never regretted it while Will lived, but now he was gone, now he was sailing the earth for at least ten years, she realised she was truly alone. She may have been better accepting Norrington's proposal, a more chivalrous man was rare. She sighed. She knew she could not regret choosing will, her love for him was far too great for her to have denied, but she greatly missed Norrington as a friend, a protector, and a guiding force. It saddened her that he would not be around to teach her child the same virtues that he had tried to impart to her.
"And so we remember him as the man he once was, with all the respect and for some of us even affection that he earned. His leadership, his bravery, his kindness, all shall be remembered. He shall live on in his impact on the world around us."
Gillette folded up the piece of paper that he had been reading from and looked out across the congregated mourners that had gathered to see James to his rest. He sighed heavily, fighting back his own tears as he saw those in the eyes of Elizabeth. He noted Sparrow's presence at the rear, and felt almost happy that the infamous captain had come to quietly pay his respects. It showed how far his influence had reached.
"Ladies and gentlemen, his body lies at the bottom of the vast blue sea that was his home for so much of his life. He truly lies in state, for he is surrounded by the majesty of an entire ocean. It is more than fitting. It is deserved."