Title: Black Rose

Author: Irish Avalon

Genre: Romance

Pairing: James N/Elizabeth E

Rating: T

Summary: The rose, a symbol of love and passion, the thorns of pain and grief. I am one who can only tell you the story of what was, what withered, and what could've been. Listen to me. I know a story, only I can tell.

Author's Note: Irish Avalon in the house, people, give way! hehe.

Yep, may I take a moment to say that I changed the age gap between James and Elizabeth (it just wouldn't work if I hadn't) so besides that, there's nothing else major you need to know about…

I hope you still enjoy and continue reading! Updates will be made only every week though, due to school. :'(

Does this sound all right? Review, and any criticisms you would nicely like me to know about will be forever appreciated. Squee!

Chapter 1: The Letter

14th August, 1773

Admiral Leonard Norrington,

Before we see to matters of business, might I inquire to you and your family's health?

The British Fleet has been established for years, even much longer than I have since become Marine, and it is delightful news when more and more young men desire to be in the Navy and serve the country to the extent of their abilities. It is also my great joy to announce that your son, James Norrington, Midshipman of the Lady Elinor, is hereby promoted to the rank of sub- Lieutenant. His promotion ceremony may be arranged to your liking, and you shall decide whether or not you would like it to take place this winter.

Godspeed, Admiral.

With regards,

Admiral Thomas Sewell (Admiral of the Fleet)

This is where our story begins, for only a few months after the Norrington household received the letter, young James Norrington had been promoted to his well-deserved rank; he being one, or if not, the youngest officer in their fleet. Months had passed and England was approaching winter's-end, spring again. James had carried on his career in the navy, patrolling the seas every-so often under his own father, the Admiral, of the HMS Dauntless, a ship newly built and was proven seaworthy, most especially in dreaded storms; the ship was soon nicknamed the Power of the Waters, as most of the officers would say, including James's fellow, Andrew Gillette, another sub-Lieutenant, who had only began rank a week earlier. And in present time we stand.

Morning at the fort overlooking the British seas, Norrington peered over his work to answer a knock at the door, "Enter," said he, softly but with command. Gillette stepped into the office, and politely took his hat off, "Lieutenant," he greeted. The two friends had agreed that when at merriment, they could be merry, but when at office, they were lieutenants, "A letter from the Admiral of the Fleet."

Norrington furrowed his brow thoughtfully; it was rare when the Admiral would carry on a letter of such importance, and in the morning, of all times; Norrington found it peculiar, and by the look on his friend's face, so did Gillette.

"Of what matter is it?"

"A letter regarding a party at the mansion of the governor of Jamaica."

"Governor Weatherby Swann?"

"Aye."

Norrington shrugged as Gillette handed him a crisp white envelope, saying that it was the letter the governor had sent the fort, only those with ranks of lieutenant, to Admiral of the Fleet were to attend, though James had no intent to do doing so.

"Something the matter, Lieutenant?"

Gillette's query had Norrington staring blankly at him before he realized the light interrogation.

"Nay, Gillette," said the lieutenant, "You may tell the Admiral that I have received the news, and shall leave early for the…event."

With a nod, Gillette wore his hat and silently left the room, which always irked Norrington, for silence in these situations was rather…daunting for him; woe to him, so it seemed, he was daunted because of the name Swann.

Though activity was not only limited to the fort, for in the governor's mansion was activity like that of the navy's as preparations took place for the party; only a few days had passed since they had arrived, Governor Swann and his daughter, Elizabeth, for another leave from Jamaica. England had been Elizabeth's first home, and therefore became an area of recollection for her and her father during the holidays; Elizabeth was more than ecstatic to meet her old friends at fortnight tomorrow, for she had not seen them in years, and she noticed such changes in England since she had left her early childhood here. Now, she was grown woman, exiting a little more of her youth as days pass, she was now a young adult, beautiful, with manners well-bred, and most to her father's amusement, quite headstrong. Elizabeth was spirited, in a strange way for you would not see such attitude from nobility.

"Oh! father," said Elizabeth that morning, while pacing around in her father's study, "When will fortnight arrive?"

The governor chuckled, "Elizabeth, do be patient, for the moon will shine even before you know it."

"But it so painstakingly long to wait, and I am too impatient."

The governor chuckled again, his daughter had spent most of her young years in Port Royal, Jamaica, and had left her many memories here; the old man knew how she must feel, "Why don't you head out to the library, I had some your favorite Shakespeare brought over."

Elizabeth had not heard, for her heart longed to dance, and sing! She wanted to run and see England again, and yet, here she sat, waiting another day away. Governor Swann remained silent for a while before he said, "Have you seen the gardens, Elizabeth?"

Elizabeth cocked her head to look at her father, "Nay, father. May I?"

"Of course! But take care not to stay out too long, and bring your shawl, lest you freeze."

"Aye, father!"
Elizabeth laughed and left the room.

Author's Note: Opinion! Opinion! I need opinion! Yes, YOUR opinion!

(holds breath while waiting)

Oooohhh…..who is the 'Swann' James is so nervous about? And what happens in the next chapter?

Well, if the reviews come, so will the update, ok?