(Untitled)

[scourgeofpiracy]

Here's a boy who hasn't been seen for a while. He marches into the bar, stops dead, and then beams.

"I didn't think I'd ever be back here."

Comments

[try_corsets]

Spotting James in the bar is usually a sign that Will is close at hand, so those encounters tend to be very brief in nature. A quick hello, a shared smile, and Elizabeth is halfway to the inlet before James could say 'Pirate.'

This, however, is different. He's a boy. Furthermore, Elizabeth feels only the vaguest sense of familiarity when she notes his smile and says, "Nor did I, the first time."

[scourgeofpiracy]

"How long did it take you to come back?" he asks, wandering in her direction.

[try_corsets]

Pausing, she turns fully toward him and clasps her hands behind her back in the manner of someone used to keeping her balance on board a ship.

"Several months. Then I was not allowed to leave." She raises her eyebrows. "But I'm certain you won't have a similar problem."

[scourgeofpiracy]

"I hope not", he says, frowning slightly. "I didn't last time."

[try_corsets]

"Then it's probably fine," she assures him, already looking toward the lake.

But her eyes swing back around, because there's still that certain something capturing her attention.

"What's your name?"

[scourgeofpiracy]

"Jamie", he answers automatically, then looks abashed. "Midshipman Norrington, ma'am."

[try_corsets]

Ah.

The surprise is quickly managed, but keenly felt.

"I'm Captain Elizabeth Turner. Pleased to meet you."

[scourgeofpiracy]

"...are you a pirate?"

He can't imagine who else would let a woman be captain.

[try_corsets]

She hesitates, looking at him askance. It's not as if he'll remember this, or at least James never made mention of it. Still, it wouldn't hurt to be careful.

"Perhaps."

[scourgeofpiracy]

"Well, they don't let women in the Navy", he says reasonably, "so you must be either that or a trader."

[try_corsets]

"Perhaps I'm from a different time or place," she suggests, leaning forward with faint amusement. "It happens here."

[scourgeofpiracy]

"Can't be that far different", he says doubtfully, eyeing her clothes.

[try_corsets]

"You're correct."

She studies him, expression neutral.

"Do you hate pirates already?"

[scourgeofpiracy]

The boy's expression turns wary at that.

"Pirates are a scourge to be eradicated."

Funny how it sounds more like rote repetition than conviction, though.

[try_corsets]

"I imagine that's what you've been told."

It's not sharp, or particularly unkind. Comparing the man he'll become with the boy beside her isn't eye opening or astonishing in any great way, but it explains enough to soften her expression.

"Do I look like a scourge?"

[scourgeofpiracy]

"No", he's forced to admit.