[RL with James Norrington - Backdated to Last Week]

[carriesparasol]

[Alexia had no doubt in her mind that James would arrive for tea that afternoon, despite his protests and excuses. It was obvious he was troubled by the event that had transpired during the latest virus, and despite her love for interesting gossip, her intentions were of a pure nature. She simply wished to see James happy, though she anticipated there would be much work before anything like that were to occur.

As the hour of invitation was drawing near, Alexia settled herself down in the parlor while Floote prepared the tea.]

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[chapter_behind]

[James came -- mostly because he, too, had a friend harmed by the events of the virus, and he wanted to make sure she was alright as well. He nodded politely to Floote as the man let him into the parlor, ignoring the side-eyed look the butler gave him that said how clearly he didn't approve of whatever they were surely not doing. She should have a word with him about that.]

Alexia.

[He came over to press a kiss to her cheek.]

[carriesparasol]

[Alexia smiles somewhat, but does not make any motion of moving out of her seat. After all this would be her usual time to sleep now, not to mention she was still quite pregnant.]

Good afternoon, James. How are you feeling?

[chapter_behind]

"I am well." That was, essentially, a lie, but James wasn't going to say so. "How are you?"

Better -- much better -- to focus on Alexia,and not the emotions clouding his head and knotting his stomach in circles. He should know better -- should focus, instead on his work. And his riend.

[carriesparasol]

And Alexia knows him well enough to tell he is not being entirely honest, but she keeps that to herself for now. It was only polite to give him a few minutes to relax.

Instead she motions to Floote as he reenters the parlor with a tea tray. He pours them both a cup of tea, then leaves the tray behind with sandwiches and pastries. "Help yourself," she said calmly.

[chapter_behind]

"Thank you."

Hesitant, as if expecting a trap, James leans forward and takes one of the treats. He has a weakness for cucumber sandwiches, and they're never available onboard a ship. Especially not the Dutchman.

As if the virus hadn't been bad enough, Jack's subsequent return to the community, however brief, had James badly shaken. In some ways, his absence was soothing. If the problem wasn't right in front of him, James didn't have to address it.

[carriesparasol]

Alexia took a sandwich for herself before sipping her tea.

"Tell me. How has your work been lately?"

[chapter_behind]

Much the same. I am not exactly a welcome presence aboard the Dutchman.

[He sips his tea as well, trying to look as if he isn't bothered that everything he fought so hard for is -- well, let down.]

[carriesparasol]

"I feel there is much about this ship that I do not know," she said politely enough. "You share so little about it."

[chapter_behind]

"It is full of undead pirates. What, precisely do you expect me to share?"

Ship business is not suitable discussion with a lady. Especially at tea time.

[carriesparasol]

"The truth. You know I am not someone who would squirm at the details."

Honestly. He does realize her current living arrangements, yes? An entire pack of werewolves!

[chapter_behind]

Alexia, how scandalous!

"It's a cursed ship. It stinks of fish and there are angry pirates everywhere, Alexia."

[carriesparasol]

"I imagine there is never a dull moment."

[chapter_behind]

At that, he actually laughed -- though not exactly joyfully.

"It's a ship at sea. Long spans of tedium interspersed with chaos. The crew despises me, since I won't let them kill anyone."

[carriesparasol]

"What exactly is it that keeps them at bay?"

[chapter_behind]

"The heart I took from Sparrow. Whoever has it controls the Captain."

James had stolen the heart to buy his way back with Beckett. He'd never intended to use it. The Dutchman epitomized everything he despised about pirates.

[carriesparasol]

"I see." She is quiet for a minute while she sips her tea. "Do you think that a wise decision?"

[chapter_behind]

"The alternative is to let Jones sail unchecked, pillaging his majesty's ships along side all others."

He didn't have much of a choice, wise or not -- this was the job Beckett assigned him.

[carriesparasol]

"Perhaps. It still seems a risky move. If something were to go wrong..."

She did not continue. Instead she let the pause speak for itself. Certainly James could, and already had, thought of the consequences in such a situation.

[chapter_behind]

"I have to trust that even should that happen, the grace of our government is still a more responsible power than a group of undead, ragtag outaws."

Maybe he was being harsh, but it was only because James secretly felt he'd made the wrong decision, too.

[carriesparasol]

"I see."

She nods, and once again her other thoughts hopefully go without saying. She thinks it a terribly foolish hope given the odds.

[chapter_behind]

He knows he made a poor decision, Alexia. Must you rub his face in it?

[carriesparasol]

She simply wishes to make sure that he is aware of these things.

"Should any trouble arise, you will always find safe haven here."

[chapter_behind]

"I appreciate that, Alexia."

But there is no way he could abandon his duty. Whatever poor decisions he made, he made them, and he's not one to back out now.

James hesitates, looking to the side and clearing his throat slightly. "How are you?"

Hey, it's worth a shot.

[carriesparasol]

She will allow him a pass this time. Alexia is always gracious, of course.

"Well enough. Certainly ready for this child of mine to make their entrance into this world."

[chapter_behind]

James smiled faintly behind his teacup.

"Much better for the rest of your family when she's out squalling and raising a fuss. At least she's only keeping you up at night, currently."

[carriesparasol]

"That is exactly it. I should not be the only one to be kept up by their nightly whims."

She looks quite serious about this matter, of course.

[chapter_behind]

This only makes James grin broaden, though he does his best to hide it.

"Lady Maccon, your kindness and compassion is truly what sets you apart," he teased, his voice and expression very grave.

Obviously, no one had ever taught James not to bait a pregnant woman.