Chapter 1

The Commodore was approaching us quickly, and as he came, he kept his gaze on me. It was almost as if he had found something new and of interest to him. His eyes seemed to pass fleetingly over what I wore, only momentarily casting a glance in Major Gate's direction before returning to look at me.

Though I should have felt uncomfortable under his intent gaze, I did not. Strangely enough, it seemed as though I had found a friend within the gathering and he was just now approaching only to say hello. It took several moments for me to finally meet his eyes, and as I found myself finally making eye contact with him, a small smile graced his somewhat stern features, softening his expression and rather surprising me. I tried pulling my gaze away from the man approaching us, but I found I could not. It was as if he had a hold of my entire being.

"Romola, I'm assuming we will resume this conversation tonight?" I heard Major Gates say. His hand moved softly against the soft fabric of my gown, snapping me back to attention. Prying my gaze away, I turned to him and smiled.

"Yes, of course, my lord."

His eyes darkened as he turned to return my gaze. "Samuel." He answered. "Samuel."

"Samuel." I answered, a small smile on my face. His lips turned up slightly in a smile before turning his gaze back to the Commodore. By then, the officer had come within calling distance of us, and I noticed as he bowed his head slightly in my direction before looking towards my fiancé.

"Good evening, Commodore." The Major said, never once smiling once at him. "I didn't expect to see you again so soon. I'm glad to notice that you're still up and about. I trust that your men are alright?"

It was a dry conversation they had, devoid of any genuine interest or attempt. But, that was how it always had been in the upper echelons of society. Samuel awaited the Commodore's answer in patience, his lips turning up in a small smirk as he noticed the naval officer's eyes brighten at the inquiry.

I looked back towards my new object of interest.

And he nodded before responding. "They're doing rather well, at least when I saw them last this afternoon. And you, Major?" he asked. How resonant his voice was when he spoke. Such an authoritative air about him, it almost rivaled that of Major Gates.

"Oh, by the by, I think I'm making it through the night rather well it seems." Major Gates answered. "I'm glad to see you seemingly enjoying the evening so well. Those endless days upon the H.M.S. Dauntless must drive you crazy, you are all but devoid of suitable company all while you are on the ship." Samuel said. "It is good to see you enjoying some animated conversation." The Commodore nodded slightly in affirmation.

"Oh, of course." The Commodore answered. "Conversation can be rather dry while on ship, but I must say that my officers and men are more than willing to provide some good conversation. Such stories they like to tell." He continued, smiling. Samuel's eyes darkened somewhat, realizing that he had slighted the Commodore's men.

"I did not mean to slight your men, Commodore. Please accept my apologies." Samuel said.

"No apologies are necessary, you are simply pointing out a fact that you felt was true." The Commodore answered. Though the Commodore did not look back at me as he spoke to my fiancé, I still kept my curious gaze trained on him.

From his officer's hat he carried in the crook of his arm to his freshly polished buckles upon his shoe, he seemed the epitome of a naval officer. His uniform had been cleaned and scrubbed, all evidence of salt removed from its surface, leaving nothing but the deep blue of the cloth to greet us. The gold buttons and decorative officer's ranks he wore had been polished to perfection, providing him with a soft glow as the light hit him from certain angles.

Samuel interrupted my thoughts before I could examine our guest a little more.

"I'm glad…" Samuel answered. "I'm glad." Several moments of silence passed before Samuel, or Major Gates, finally turned to me.

"Commodore, I would like you to meet my fiancée, Romola Polignac, daughter of the Duquesa of Arcos." I smiled and nodded at the Commodore, who regarded me with a curious glint in his eyes before taking my hand and greeting me.

"A pleasure." The Commodore said, smiling. "So you are the Miss Polignac that I have heard so much about?" I nodded and smiled.

"I hope so, unless there is another woman of the same name who the Major has found worthy enough of his affections." I answered, my eyes trained upon him. I saw his eyes widen slightly, amusement at my casual remark obvious in his reaction. He released my hand with a charming smile, and bowed. When he stood once again I found him to be only slightly taller than Samuel, though he cut just as fine a figure in a blue naval officer's uniform as did Samuel in his red.

"Romola, I would like to introduce Commodore James Norrington of Port Royale. He has been so generous to allow me to travel with him to his home when it comes time to accept my commission." Samuel continued. "If you wish to make the trip with me as well, he has already been kind enough to offer you his quarters for sleep."

I nodded. Though I had already learned his name earlier, it took several moments to realize who he truly was.

I widened my eyes in surprise. He was the same Commodore who hunted piracy. The same one who had let the infamous Captain of the Black Pearl, Jack Sparrow, make his escape. He was the same man whose offer of marriage had been refused by a pretty young governor's daughter named Elizabeth Swann. It had been quite the scandal here in London when news had reached our shore that she had married the son of a pirate.

"Commodore?" I asked Samuel, somewhat surprised. I turned to face my fiancé, the shock evident on my face as he looked calmly back at me. "The same Commodore?" Samuel smiled and nodded.

"You know you are rather well known here for your exploits at sea. I hear Captain Jack Sparrow gave you a run for your money." I said turning back to face Commodore Norrington. "I'm rather happy to have the honor of finally meeting you." Norrington smiled wistfully. Though I knew much more about the sordid details of his ill-fated engagement, I said nothing choosing, rather, not to point out the embarrassing fact of his rejection.

"You are too kind, miss, with your wording. 'Run for my money' is not quite the appropriate wording in that situation. I would say out and total war would seem to be more suitable." He answered. I laughed, hearing his description. How could an English naval officer be at war with a common pirate? Noticing my doubt, his eyes twinkled.

"I see from your expression, you do not know very much about what happened. I shall be glad to tell you someday, if you would like to listen." He said. I nodded.

"I shall be glad to hear it, Commodore." I answered.

"Good, I will be happy to oblige your wish." He said, nodding his head slightly in my direction. His eyes locked upon my own, and it was then that I noticed that they were a dark brown, almost black. For several seconds we regarded each other with a curious gaze, but before he or I could say anything more, his name was called suddenly.

He turned, his white powdered wig shining in the candlelight. A simple black ribbon kept it in place, allowing it to fall gently down to just below his shoulders.

A fellow officer had called out to him.

He turned back towards me and smiled. Looking towards Samuel he nodded. "I'm afraid I must make my exit. It has been a pleasure, Miss Polignac. I hope I shall have the pleasure of seeing you soon. Maybe you will find some time to hear my story?" He asked, taking my hand and kissing it gently.

"Of course, send me word that you are coming and I will be sure to be ready to hear it." I answered, smiling warmly. The happiness written upon the Commodore's face, when I saw it, I could not help but blush at.

"Major, until tomorrow then?" Commodore Norrington said, when he had turned his attention finally away from me.

Samuel nodded. "Yes, of course. I will wait for you onboard the Dauntless."

With one final smile, Norrington eyes flitted back to me, lingering on my face for several seconds. Finally, he turned and made his exit. My eyes I kept trained upon his retreating form until I could no longer see him. What an intriguing man he was…

"Well, well, I suppose he has raised your opinion of sailors then?" Samuel asked when the Commodore had gone. I turned my head in annoyance.

"Of course." I answered. "He was nothing short of polite." Samuel laughed lightly.

"Come, it seems my parents are calling. We would not like to keep them waiting." He said. I regarded him with a curious glint in my eye before nodding and allowing him to lead me away.

"Why do you not come with me aboard the Dauntless tomorrow? They are going out to sea for some cannon fire drills. Perhaps if you finally experience the sea air and see the wind in the sails, it will encourage you to leave."

"I hardly think that a day upon a ship will allow me to all of a sudden wish to make a trip halfway across the globe to some godforsaken little island." I answered. Samuel's eyes darkened somewhat as we walked.

"So you were going to stay in London the whole while I was away? Why did you not tell me earlier?" he said. The sadness in his voice was evident as he spoke, like spikes in my side, they hurt.

"No, I never said I was not willing to go. I only have some trepidations about all this. What if we are shipwrecked?" Samuel laughed, stopping our walk and turning to face me.

"Everything will be alright." he answered. "The Commodore is an excellent sailor, and though I am not particularly fond of the Navy...namely for reasons of the disclipine of the men, I am sure that under the leadership ofsuch a knowledgableman, there can be nothing but enjoyment waiting for us when we do go."I smiled somewhat nervously, but said nothing.

"At least give it a chance." Samuel answered. "You will never know if you don't. Perhaps I can get the Commodore to give you a tour of his ship, he might be able to sway your favor."

I shook my head vigorously in denial. "He is an interesting character indeed, but I hardly think he will be able to affect any decision that I will be making. Anyhow, I will join you tomorrow, if only to amuse your whims." Samuel laughed

"I am glad." he answered. "But I am sure that the Commodore will be able to convince you, no matter what you may say."

Samuel was right. He would be able to convince me to make a trip aboard a ship I had never been on. He would be able to provide safety and peace whereI felt none.And all with a smile.

A/N:

So...what do you think? I sort of like this chapter, a great introduction for our intrepid hero, Commodore Norrington, lol. I've been working so hard on the story, and I feel as though it's coming out rather well, though I think some changes might be needed to make it a bit better. But, with the combination of work and paying cell-phone bills, I haven't been able to update as quickly as I might be wanting.

Next chapter is going to be wicked interesting, this is going to be the first conversation alone that the Commodore will be having with Romola...hehehehehe...hopefuly it will turn out well. And yes, Jack Sparrow and the others will be making an appearance! I know exactly how to work them in!

And finally, thanks to my first reviewer! I'm glad you like the story, and I hope to hear from you again soon, lol. .