(Fiona's POV)
Drums and fifes echoed up to the ramparts, over the heads of the crowd. The crunch of boots on gravel was faintly heard under the military music as the soldiers marched out onto the parade ground. They stopped as the music stopped, then turned with precision, moving together. The rifles moved up, making a point archway. Governor Swann stood on the stone stage-like area that stuck out from the covered area that went back into the fort's wall and grew up into a tower, dressed in noble attire, a blue suit with a rusty gold stitching. Elizabeth Swann sat up on a dais with other women, moving her fan back and forth and looking uncomfortable. And then, through the raised rifles, Captain Norrington could be seen walking towards Governor Swann, wearing his new Commodore's uniform. He was quite as he was before, in appearance, manners, and attitude. It was as though nothing had happened at all.
I stood on the ramparts, gazing down at the goings-on. I would leave that evening, my bags waiting in my room at the Inn. Mrs. Mason and Mrs. Archon had both broken down into tears when the heard I was leaving, and begged me to return as speedily as I might. Knowing I could make no promises at this point, I assured them I would do my best to come visit them.
Both Elizabeth and Governor Swann had been sorry to hear I was going, and afterwards Elizabeth had fled to her room and cried for an hour before going secretly to see Will to soothe her aching heart. Norrington had just stood there, gazing at me intently, sorrowfully. What had he been thinking? What had I done? Did he actually have feelings for me?
Norrington reached Governor Swann, who handed him a sword special made by Will and fit for a Commodore of his status. The officers behind Swann watched in awed and revered silence as the respected Captain tested the sword, going through the ceremony to becoming a Commodore. Watching this, I thought, This might be one of the last times I ever see him. I took a deep breath, making fists as the bitterness and anger rose. At the same time I was happy – Norrington was getting his desired promotion in his favorite career, and Will and Elizabeth could possibly have a future together if Swann allowed it. But would I be here to be happy with them? Unlikely.
A trio of huzzah's went up from the parade ground, and the ceremony ended. People moved, and the hired musicians began playing. I wondered if I should bother going down and making everyone I knew miserable with the thought that I would soon be leaving and might not be coming back. As I turned towards the sea and docks, a peculiar sight caught my eye. Just beyond the Interceptor, I saw the very top of a mast with a blue, white and red flag sticking out of it, sitting in the water. No ship, just the very top of a mast sitting a few inches from the end of the pier. I stared for a few moments, then turned away, shaking my head. Not possible, I thought.
Despite my wanting not to make anyone miserable, I went down to the covered area, looking for a familiar face. Swann swooped down on me almost instantly.
"Commodore Norrington is looking for you," he said with a note of pride in his voice. "He seemed very anxious that you be here."
"Do you know where he is now?" I asked, surprised that he would be looking for me. I was under the impression that he was still silently irritated at my leaving.
"Right over there, near the musicians, with the officers," he pointed out, and being discreet about it. I thanked him and went to Norrington. As I approached, his glance moved to me, and he smiled slightly, then excused himself. He directed me up to the ramparts where I had been only moments before.
"I did not see you at the ceremony," he said.
"I was on the ramparts," I replied. "I didn't know you were looking for me."
"Shall we go there now?" I took the offered arm and climbed the steps to a semi-secluded area. At that moment, we were glanced down on the crowd, unwilling to say anything that might cause more unpleasantness than necessary. He rotated on his heel, staring out to sea and then down at the wall, leaning on it. I put my hand over his, squeezing it. He glanced over, eyebrows raised. "Shilling for your thoughts," I said softly. His eyes went back to the wall while his fingers intertwined with mine.
"You know my thoughts."
"Do I?" He was silent. "Lawrence, look at me." He turned to me obediently, and I took his other hand. "I want you to remember what I'm about to tell you, even if I don't wind up coming back, all right? I may not get another chance to say it." He nodded. "I love you, Lawrence Norrington, and nothing will change that. If I could have my way I would wish away all my grief and everything that's gone wrong and stay here with you." His eyes closed, breathing shaky, and tears began trailing down his cheeks. My brow furrowed as I understood that he really did care a great deal, that his heart was breaking. He hastily wiped away the tears before drawing me into a darkened corner and placing a faint kiss on my lips.
"Fiona, I care a great deal for you," he began swallowing. "I have never been a very emtional person, since I was taught not to be. I once believed myself to be in love with Miss Swann, but it's probably better not to dwell on that now. You leaving to confront your father I am vehemently against because I do not want you to be hurt. If you were to be hurt, what would I do? I feel as though I may speak to you and say anything..." He frowned. "Marry me," he said, eyes pleading with me. "Put an end to my misery. Do what you need to do, but please, marry me." I stared, and for a moment my throat tightened with surprise. And I then began to breathe.
"Yes, I'll marry you, Commodore Lawrence Norrington," I whispered. His face washed with relief, a smile appearing slightly, eyes shining. He buried his face in my neck, holding me tightly.
Lifting his face, he produced a ring from his pocket. It was silver, a deep blue, almost black stone was set in it. A little bit of Celtic knot-work went around it, two pearls sitting diagonally across it.
"How did you afford this?"
"I can afford anything for the woman I love," he smiled.
"Commodore!" Lawrence whipped around.
"What?" he called back.
"Miss Swann, she's fallen!" We both ran down to the parade ground. Swann was in a fit of hysterics, and we were soon on our way down to the docks. Two redcoats were standing by the Interceptor as a dirty, wet man was kneeling over Miss Swann, who had been reduced to wearing only her undergarments.
Swann ran forward, helping her to her feet and putting his jacket around her. Swords came out and bayonets were pointed at the aforementioned man. Lawrence pressed his sword to the man's chin until he rose.
"Commodore, father, this man saved my life – there's no need for any violence," assured Elizabeth. The soldiers reluctantly lowered their weapons, and I watched between Lawrence and the man apprehensively. Lawrence lowered his sword.
"I believe thanks are in order," he said stiffly, and as his hand grabbed the man's, he tore back the sleeve, revealing a branded "P." "Pirate," he said, on the verge of sneering. The man flinched. "Jack Sparrow, I see," Lawrence said, revealing a tattoo.
"Captain Jack Sparrow," said the man, sounding like he was slightly drunk.
"Gillete, irons, now!" ordered Norrington, grabbing Sparrow by the arm and dragging him away from Elizabeth. "Men, keep your guns on him, make sure he doesn't try to escape." Elizabeth immediately protested, though I wasn't listening. I had my eyes on Sparrow. He didn't seem like the normal pirate. He was so – spacey-like. Like his brain wasn't completely there and yet was. He grinned at me in a suggestive manner, and I backed away. I had the urge to tell Lawrence to get a grip and just let Sparrow go, but the other half of me won. As I was walking away, a shout went up and, whirling, I saw Elizabeth being held "captive," if that was what you could call it, by Sparrow. I nearly ran into an officer as I walked backwards.
"Sorry," I muttered, then paused. "Hey, hold on one second. Gimme your pistol." He stared. "Give it too me!" He handed it over. "Is it loaded?" He nodded. "Thanks, be back in a minute." I snuck around behind the stone pillar so I would come around behind Sparrow. Reaching his back, I pulled the trigger and put it to his head.
"Let her go, Sparrow," I said flatly. "She isn't the navy." Lawrence and Swann were staring, and Sparrow had frozen. He dropped his pistol, lifting his hands and the chain from around Elizabeth's neck. She fled to Swann's arms while Sparrow turned around.
"Now, luv, let's be reasonable…." he began. I hauled my fist back and gave him a punch. His face snapped to my left before he crumpled to the ground. There was silence from everyone. I un-cocked the pistol, handing it back to the stunned officer.
"He's all yours," I said to Lawrence and Swann.
"Take him to a cell in the fort," said Lawrence, and two soldiers moved forward. "See that he's watched. Gillete, prepare the gallows for a morning hanging." Gillete nodded, and left, followed by a few soldiers. Swann moved off with Elizabeth. "The rest of you, watch for any suspicious ships arriving into the bay," said Norrington, and the soldiers dispersed. I took that moment to slip out of sight.