post-AWE prompt fics
I didn't post very much (at all?) last semester, but on the other hand, I have been writing. On the other hand, it's not very good. On the other hand (as Elerrína turns into Tevye) I have pretty much finished the prompt list, which is a bit of a novelty for me. Good at starting things, not so good at completeing them =)
Anyway, stories.
Title: Admiral/Admirable (I know, I do apologise. No excuse for it, really.)
Prompt: 23, One good deed
Rating: G
Characters: Norrington
Length: 200 words
Summary: Some of Norrington's slightly angsty musings, just prior to his death
He had been so certain, once; so confident in the judgements he meted out, in his definitions of right and wrong, good and evil. Punishment he understood very well; redemption less so, while forgiveness…forgiveness was something reserved for those occasions when Elizabeth-Miss Swann-looked up into his face and made a laughing apology for some misdemeanour or forgotten appointment.
A lifetime of keeping the rules, that was what he had to his account; a lifetime of doing good in the eyes of men, of keeping to the code of morality and gentlemanly behaviour.
Then that pirate-not the best he's ever seen, but the most engaging-swaggered into his town…and a grey, hitherto uncharted land of middle paths and shadows opened up before him, step following step until at last, he did what he knew to be wickedness and the promise of redemption turned to ashes on his lips. He believes now that a man's life can turn on one deed, and he has been lost for so long; lost until a bright face and sharp words cut the mists about him, the steep road ahead becoming clear once more. What means of atonement is offered he will take.
Title: The one less travelled by (borrowed with thanks from Robert Frost)
Prompt: 21 Off the edge of the map
Rating: G
Characters: Elizabeth, Will
Notes: cut-quotation taken from Lois McMaster Bujold
She passed the last borders of civilisation long ago.
All the books of advice ever written for gently-born young ladies had been entirely unable to offer her any useful counsel on the subject of a proper response to kidnapping and imminent death; the rules that had loomed so large in the drawing-rooms of Port Royal were of little use in determining how to cope with obnoxious pirates and effect one's rescue from desert islands.
She had left the neat paths of social scruples on the high wall of the fort and stepped into a vague wilderness of disasters and desires. And now she pays the price: unable to give logical account for the pounding of her heart as he approaches, with no explanation for the ache that fills her as they face each other, almost touching but so distant, separated by her promise-the words she has spoken and cannot speak. The pre-ordained course is far away now, the ground crumbling beneath her feet.
These are uncharted waters.
Title: Not all treasure
Prompt: 19 Currency of the realm
Rating: G
Characters: Elizabeth, Teague
250 words
“My father used to say that loyalty was the currency of the realm, the fortune upon which our strength rested, an account built up between the men who lead us. Apparently times change.”
Even to her own ears, her voice was scornful, evidencing more bitterness than she had realised still lingered, another wound festering in her heart. Her fingers brushed the small pile of gold upon the table and plucked an English guinea from among the coins. For a few seconds she gazed at the portrait of the late monarch engraved upon it before, lip curling, she tossed it back to join its fellows.
“On the other hand, it has always been common knowledge that the only motivation pirates possess is the acquisition of material goods, through fair means or-preferably-foul. So tell me, Captain: if the proud, noble British standards of trust and justice have been eroded by sugar and silver and slaves until dukes and ministers hold the values of pirates-what becomes of the pirates? What now holds worth in my kingdom?”
Beneath the brim of his hat, Teague's eyes were dark and wise, bright but shuttered.
“Wit,” he said slowly. “The ability to survive, and keep your men by your side, in every sense that matters. You may not believe it, but even thieves need their heroes.”
Again, those eyes took her measure, finding she knew not what.
“Oh aye, and a few pieces of shine always help.”
She was almost sure that Teague winked.
All comments and/or criticism are welcome, as always!