[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.]

Comments

[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.