Safe Return [Annelise]

[James Norrington]

Though James was fairly frequently stationed at Rumrunner's Island these days - by his own choice, no less! - he did like to venture out and serve actively as part of the Navy much of the time. So long as he didn't have to cross paths with Cutler Beckett, then he'd live - particularly because every time he crossed paths with the man, it felt like he was one thought process closer to crossing swords with him instead. The man was unbearable. James liked people who were practical, active, useful and rational - Beckett seemed to be none of these things, except where his own gain was directly concerned. James liked to think he had grown to become an excellent judge of character after all his experiences; whether he was or he wasn't was difficult for him to say, but he certainly seemed to be able to pinpoint people with some accuracy these days. He just didn't like where his internal compass pointed him where that unbearable, spineless East India Trading Company wench was concerned, and in his eyes that was really saying something. Rational thinkers were supposed to be able to tolerate any sort of dimwit, and James was an extremely rational thinker. Go figure.

The point was that today, he wasn't moored up on that little island of his, as pleasant as it could be there. No - this evening he was overseeing the conclusion of an excellent raiding case they'd managed to nip in the bud just outside of Tortuga. Normally it wasn't the kind of thing the Navy had the time to be concerned with - frustrating, because James really did like the idea of helping people - but thankfully there would be a profit involved given the large amounts of haul they'd recover, so they were permitted to take action. There were a few women that had been taken aboard, presumably for... well. It need not be spelled out. The point was that these women had been recovered, presumably before any real harm had been done, and in James's eyes that was an excellent result for what was supposed to be a protective military force. Naturally, it would be very dangerous to pull up the Fortitude in Tortuga bay, but they were happy to intervene in the affairs of the island so long as they didn't have to sail too near it - operations like this, he felt, reminded the little hedonistic haven that they were not safe from the arm of the law, and that depravity would not be rewarded with a blind eye.

One of the women who had been taken aboard the raiding ship had apparently been quite unpleasantly affected by the ordeal. The others seemed fine to sit in the company of his junior officers, but on the advice of his health official, he had decided it would be poor behaviour to send the frightened girl to sit with them, too; presumably there was a chance she'd feel in a similar situation. Instead, she had been permitted to attend his quarters - he was busy with his ship's log, and had instructed them to inform her so lest she begin to think he fancied her company for another reason entirely. There was hot cocoa waiting for her on the side-table, as hot cocoa had been waiting for all the girls; when he heard the door open next, he presumed, without looking up, that it was her. or at least her being delivered.

"Come in," he told her, with the same stoic tone that he usually wore in professional situations. Well, an Admiral had to sound suitably sensible and serious, didn't he? "You may sit in the chaise longue if you prefer; we don't want you feeling faint after your ordeal. If you require assistance or a chaperone, there will be a guard waiting outside that you are welcome to disturb." With that, he continued with his writing, merely in the hope that he wouldn't trouble her. Really, James was well beyond his years of lusting after the company of disease-riddled whores - and nothing was to say this wench was diseased, of course but you could never tell outwardly, could you?

[Annelise LeBelle]

a yelp escaped from between her rose colored lips when the sound of gunfire shot off above deck. Sitting in the brig, her dark dress material was more than soggy as salty water dripped onto the brunette from in between the cracks of the main floor boards overhead. Having nearly been stripped before the heathen men whom took her captive on this ship, Annelise Meredith LeBelle sat high on an empty rum barrel, white petticoat coming to a stop at mid-calf, watching the grimy water below her lazily roll from one side of her cell to the other. Feet concealed in two modest black, flat shoes, Annelise held her knees to her chest as the yells pulled her out the dream like trance the which the water had seemed to suck her into.

A small whimper was heard from across the cell causing Anna to look toward the source. Green eyes came found a huddle of four other women, aging from seventeen to about twenty eight. Each grasping the other, Annelise could tell they were clinging to each other for comfort...was it? or perhaps, holding on out of fear? Whatever it was, Annelise kept herself separate from the group, simply because she did not recieve the same experience or relief that the other four women found in each other. No, Annelise was too concentrated on the loud, familiar sound of footsteps dropping heavily in a steady rythm, someone making their way down to the brig. Swallowing, Annelise suddenly felt her eyes begin to sting. Tears sprung into her eyes, threatening to fall as she imagined what was about to come next. Who where they going to choose this time? And what of the girl that had been taken on deck a moment ago? she didn't not hear her cries. Shivering, she remembered when they had attack the small island Annelise had called home. It was stationed not too far from Tortuga, the wicked pirate city. It had been like something out of a nightmare, pirates full of lust and seeking treasure, picking up women when they could snatch them. That was how Anna managed to become stuck aboard the dirty vessel. Holding herself tightly, Annelise shut her eyes and hoped that somehow she would disappear before whomever was hastily making their way down into the bowels of the leaky ship.

However, it was to Annelise's surprise when she felt a gentle hand on her shoulder, softly shaking her, attempting to gain the brunette's attention. Upon opening her eyes, Annelise found herself looking up into the eyes of a royal naval officer. It wasn't too long after that when many more naval men appeared, assisting Annelise and the other women out of their cells and up onto the main deck of the pirate ship. Feeling dirty and wanting nothing else but a meal and a hot bath, Annelise was greeted by the hot Caribbean sun upon emerging from the ships depths. Green eyes squinting, she made quickly to tie her brunette locks back with the same black ribbon she had worn when she had been taken from her dwelling. And yet, the main emotion Annelise was feeling was the sense of relief. She thought that the worst was coming for her. Her for to be taken against her will. The thought made her sick to her stomach. Taking a deep breath of fresh air, Annelise was escorted from the ship she called Hell to a naval vessel.

Feeling panicked, Annelise felt her arms and legs begin to tingle as her breathing became shallow. Even though she tried, her body refused to let oxygen flow throughout her. Swallowing hard, her jaw clenched as the overwhelming sensation of feeling faint washed over her. Eyes rolling back into her head, Annelise dropped to the deck of the new ship she had just boarded, naval men rushing to break her fall. While she was only out for merely a moment or so, when Annelise awoke she immediately felt anxious. eyes darting around at the faces above her, Annelise shot straight up from her position on the floor boards and took a run for the railing of the ship. At once, a few men where on her, holding her back from dipping off into the stormy waters below. Fighting for a few moments, Annelise finally gave in when her body admitted exhaustion. Almost collasping in the arms of a sailor, a hand was extended to Annelise. Looking up at the man cautiously, Annelise asked with suspicion;

"Please not the brig!" She started, "I'll do anything, just not the bri-"

"Please my lady! please! If you would accept my offer, I shall take you somewhere quiet"

Confusion lingering on her delicate features, Annelise reached out and took his hand carefully, still not sure if she should follow him. Looking behind her, Annelise saw that they other girls where being taken to the far end of the ship, mugs being haned out to them. With curiosity slightly building, Annelise was distracted when she appeared before a cherry wood door. Peering at the wood, she found the name Admiral Norrington engraved into the thick door. opening her mouth to ask a question, Annelise found herself cut off when the man who escorted her turned to face Annelise while clearing his throat.

"This is the quarters of Admiral Norrington. You have his permission to enter."

And with that, the man stepped aside, leaving nothing but open space between Annelise and the intimidating door. Jaw clenching again, Annelise fought the feeling creeping up on her. More panic. However, it was to even Annelise's surprise when her own hand made contact with the smooth wood, door slightly opening at her touch. Peering past the door, Annelise pushed it open a bit more and cleared her throat, hoping to make her presence known. The last thing she wanted was to come upon someone who wasn't expecting her. Green eyes looking about the furnished room, her eyes finally landed on the who Anna assumed was Admiral Norrington. She found him busy writing away at the large desk which he loomed over with clear dominance. unsure if he had heard her, Annelise made to announce herself once more when he looked up from his musings and at her.

"Come in, You may sit in the chaise longue if you prefer; we don't want you feeling faint after your ordeal. If you require assistance or a chaperone, there will be a guard waiting outside that you are welcome to disturb."

His formal attitude was nothing less than what Annelise had expected from him...or was it? No, in her mind, Annelise had been preparing for the worst. While she had lived along side pirates before, it was simply the nature of the men that hit the brunette to the core. Never in her wildest dreams had she ever thought she would have ended up a victim of piracy. However, here she stood before her rescuer, and she was dirty with nothing but her name. Nodding at his words, Annelise remained standing as she looked at the beautiful furnishings of his quarters. Slowly working up the courage, Annelise made to find her voice.

"My honest thanks to you, Admiral sir." She replied, giving him a slight curtsy as she delicately walked over to the chaise longue, taking a seat, secretly thankful it wasn't that uncomfortable rum barrel she had called home for the past five days. "I appreciate your kindness, sir. I am in your debt." She spoke softly, hoping this was reality and not a dream as she took a small sip of the cocoa that had been offered to her.

[James Norrington]

Sometimes James wondered what it must be like to be female. Women were uneducated - officially, at least - and incapable of labour; they were considered to be weak both physically and of will, regardless of individual talents and strengths that some women surely bore. It was assumed that they were incapable as compared to their husbands, fathers and brothers. Frankly, there were often decent reasons for men to believe this - when Elizabeth had fainted off the battlements many years ago on the day of his promotion, it had been thanks to silly female fashion that she had done so. On top of that, it had been fast male reactions and resourcefulness that had saved her; even if those reactions did belong to Sparrow, of all men. He accepted, though, that it couldn't always be right, and that even if it was absolutely right in your case that it must be incredibly frustrating for everyone to simply assume it.

This woman had demonstrated the typical hysterics, too, which was a black mark on her card. Naturally, James was too rational to believe that this was purely a female trait. He'd seen naval officers - hardy young men, and good at their jobs at that - fall into panics during both training and real firefights and sea battles. He had seen men captured, and he had seen them look just as frightened as any woman would be expected to appear. This woman had manifested her feelings in a faint against her will; in James's eyes a cornered man would be similarly capable of doing so, and therefore he didn't hold it against her.

It took her a few moments to find her feet, predictably, and then she took her seat and her cocoa. So long as she didn't disturb him all that much or burst into hysterics again, he saw no reason to disallow her the privacy and comfort that would bring her to her senses more quickly. Her acceptance of her surroundings had come along with an expression of gratitude - only natural, of course. He bowed his head lightly a few seconds after she had said it, not feeling it necessary to say anything further in response. Only when she pressed on to say that she was in his debt did he change this opinion. After all, he certainly hadn't allowed her into his cabin in the hopes of receiving a favour in return.

"Quite the contrary," he said stiffly, continuing to mark co-ordinates and map references in his journal. This was the boring part of the job - logging his prospective journey along with its planned stops, potential emergency stops and potential obstacles, that was - but it had to be done. "As a serving member of the Navy it is my duty to ensure the safety of the public - whether a new, unranked officer or Admiral of the Navy herself. This is merely an extension of that duty." He understood, of course, that this was an act of kindness; he didn't have to extend this courtesy, and it certainly wasn't something he'd have expected of his superiors before his promotion. It was a weakness of character, certainly; he disliked it in himself. However, it really was no hardship to him to help her to this extent, and as such he had seen no reason not to offer.

"There are basic bathing facilities in the room to your right," it occurred to him to inform her. "You may use them if you so choose." It wasn't proper behaviour, of course, and the very idea of it would be rejected and talked about by high society, but they were hardly an average man and woman alone together. "I can understand your mind might jump to conclusions and concern you, but I assure you that you're at no risk. I'd thank you to trust the head of the Navy to escape depravity's clutches, if no other man."

[Annelise LeBelle]

"Quite the contrary, as a serving member of the Navy it is my duty to ensure the safety of the public - whether a new, unranked officer or Admiral of the Navy herself. This is merely an extension of that duty."

Color rose to cheeks as Annelise took a small yet and dainty sip of the contains within the mug. The warm taste of hot cocoa swirled around in her mouth, tongue tasting it's sweet, smooth taste as the Admiral replied to her. Finding his tone to be soft, she could clearly hear the authority in the gentle manner in which he spoke. She wasn't going to question him seeing as Annelise felt somewhat comfortable in his presence. Why? She didn't really know or cared to think of why either. She was just thankful to be in what she hoped would be safe hands. Taking in his words, Annelise had to fight back a small scowl that formed on her face. While perhaps he was merely preforming his duties, she still couldn't be more thankful for his ship coming upon the pirate vessel she had been held captive on. Swallowing the hot cocoa, Annelise shifted slightly due to the butterflies that fluttered about in her stomach. However, she took a deep breath as she tried to settle her nerves. Duty or not, she was grateful.

"There are basic bathing facilities in the room to your right," it occurred to him to inform her. "You may use them if you so choose. I can understand your mind might jump to conclusions and concern you, but I assure you that you're at no risk. I'd thank you to trust the head of the Navy to escape depravity's clutches, if no other man."

Chewing on her lower lip, Annelise's attention was caught once more when his strong voice rang out into the silence of the room. Ah, so now he had a decision to make. Following his eyes back to where Annelise suspected the bathing facilities where, she looked back at the mug in her hand while his words played over in her mind. However, Annelise's decision was easily made since she did not fancy smelling like a pirate wench before a man of the Admiral's status. No, like any woman, she found him attractive and wished she didn't look like a rat's nest. It was embarrassing. Shrugging off the last thought, Annelise finished off her beverage, lightly licking her lips to snatch any remaining cocoa. Bringing her green eyes up to the man who was once more busy at his desk, Annelise couldn't help feel like she was interrupting something or was invading his space. However, was it no he whom had extended an invitation to her?

"Well sir, I must still give my thanks once more." She replied. Suddenly just wishing to be clean, Annelise's nervous voice rang out once more "Actually, If you wouldn't mind Admiral, a quick bath sounds lovely. I promise it won't be long."

She might have to put back on the current clothes she was wearing but she didn't care. sooner than later Annelise knew they'd be at port and then she could find a way to acquire new articles of clothing to wear. Whether the water was cold or warm, she wasn't too particular either. It was a matter of dignity. It was a matter of humiliation.

[James Norrington]

It didn't occur to James that he ought to provide her with some spare clothes to wear - even if it had, he wouldn't be able to do so, because of course there were no women on the ship other than those they'd just rescued. As such, there wouldn't be a single scrap of fabric that would be suitable. Probably better that he hadn't thought of it, then, or he'd fret. Of course, it wasn't really his fault that it hadn't popped into his mind, either. When had he really been around women in the domestic setting? There had been his mother, of course, but she had dressed and bathed separately to her son - as was proper, of course. As such, he had no experience of it. In truth, he would probably never come to experience it either. If he did marry - and it was looking less likely by the day - he doubted he'd be romantically interested in the woman, and it'd be unlikely that he'd intrude on her routine even if he did.

He bowed his head again as she gave her responses. Really, however she might feel, he didn't consider her to be intruding or irritating; he was used to plenty of commotion on the ship as he was trying to keep his log - having a woman sitting in the room would really make no impact on him or his concentration whatsoever. Some men might struggle to work with the notion that there was an unclothed woman in the room beside them, but James simply didn't have an interest in that sort of thing - not when there were things to be done, anyhow. He didn't have time for it; and anyway, he just didn't seem women of her class in that way. It wasn't so much a personal prejudice as simply the way he'd been brought up - women were automatically filtered into two main categories in his mind. Marriageable and unmarriageable. This woman slotted firmly into the latter label.

"If you need assistance preparing, call through and I'll have someone step through," he told her distractedly, though he doubted if she'd need anybody. It was only women of high classes that were seemingly incapable of preparing their own toilet, and he didn't truly need to reiterate that this woman was not of that higher class. "Otherwise I shall leave you to yourself." This was a clear dismissal; not that she needed it, really, but it was polite to offer one in case she thought he wanted further conversation before she went off. That was how it worked in his class, anyhow - not that this was a typical situation, but the principles of etiquette were still there.

In the meantime, he supposed he might be able to finish his log entirely. It was nearly complete, despite all the mess and bother today, and afterwards he rather thought he deserved a spot of good English tea. It was one of few tangible luxuries he afforded himself on his ship; after all, it was a fairly small thing despite its quality. Hot water wasn't one of them, to answer Annelise's unspoken question - the ship wasn't built in such a way that it could utilise the heat from the kitchens for the captain's water, and as such James went without. He didn't really mind - he might have suspected she would mind, if he had thought about it, but yet again it wasn't something that had crossed his mind.

[Annelise LeBelle]

Stepping toward the bathing facilities, Annelise looked about the cabin, noting the pretty little things the Admiral had in his possession. From the teacups to the silver spoons, everything was set passed perfectly apart. The lady within her appreciated the clean presentation of the cabin, hoping the bathing facilities where just as pleasant. Rounding back behind a small wall of sorts, Annelise found the tub in which she assumed she was to be bathing in. A bit spacious and deep, the brunette reached down to touch the water within it, feeling the temperature. Finding it to me alright, the brunette swallowed nervously as she looked around her once more. Since she was in nothing besides her petticoat, there was no reason for Annelise to really need any assistance in getting out of her clothing. If she was still in her corset and such, perhaps help would have been appreciated.

"Thank you Admiral, however I think I can manage." She replied, looking at the water once more.

Exhaling, the brunette reached up to her right shoulder and gently pushed it down, pulling her arm out. Repeating the action with her left. Removing the material from her body completely, a shiver ran down Annelise's spine. wasting no more time, the young woman stepped into the water, relieved that she was able to bathe once again. Water stopping just short of her breasts, Annelise untied her hair, letting it fall to shoulders. Listening to make sure no one was coming, Annelise took a breath and closed her eyes, sinking into the water until she was completely submerged. Loving the feel of the water caring her weight, Annelise had to resurface when her breath threatened to run out.

Breaking the surface of the water, Annelise kept her head tiled back, allowing the liquid to soak her hair. As she sat there, she couldn't help but wonder how many other women the Admiral had allowed into his personal quarters. She began to ponder if this was really just kindness. However, her thought was pushed aside when another one entered her mind. One that caught her off guard. A blush creeping up on her sun kissed face, Annelise pushed it away as soon as it entered her mind. What of his marital status? It was silly really, especially since a handsome man of his status won't go for such a woman of a semi-lower class. So, Annelise banished it, focusing on her feet and the opposite end of the tub, frowning when her stomach growled.

[James Norrington]

Annelise wasn't the only one that was hungry - not that James knew she was, and not that he'd ever suggest they were equally so. His living conditions were good even out at sea; hers probably weren't as good even on land and not... well. Kidnapped. That was simply the standard Admirals were offered, and honestly he couldn't say it troubled him too much. It was nice to receive luxury in return for all of his hard work - and make mo mistake, it was hard work. It wasn't hard physical graft day in and day out anymore, no, but he had been through all of that before he'd worked his way up the ranks, and now the work was mentally challenging instead. That could be even more tiring - he could say that from personal experience.

The point was that he had come to the end of his morning now, and it was about time he'd need feeding. It did occur to him that his guest might consider it rude for him to eat without her, so he asked word to be sent to the cook to send just under half of his portion on a separate plate. He wouldn't ask his men to go without, but nor would he tarnish his good reputation by allowing a woman to go hungry while he ate in luxury. It wasn't ideal, especially as his stomach would probably complain afterwards, but there was really no other option.

Soon, both plates were delivered under silver cloches to keep them warm; he resolved not to begin eating until she arrived, though he decided not to inform her that their portions had been split. After all, then she might question why she had less than he did, and he could hardly say that he'd actually told them to give her less than half, could he? Women surely had less of an appetite than working men... oh, then again, she had been held captive, hadn't she? What a to-do. He sighed, acknowledging that his morals wouldn't let him take the larger plate. Still - he wouldn't mention it to her. She'd only feel awkward and apologise and thank him more, and he certainly wasn't fishing for more of that. There had been quite enough of it already.

Thankfully, he had not long since finished getting his log up to date, so the smell didn't have time to distract him before he had done so. Now, though, there was the horrible empty wait between now and when he could actually begin to eat. Maybe just a small glass of port to tide him over - yes. He didn't take any rational issue with that. He poured himself a small amount out; a small amount only because, of course, he had the rest of the day to get through too, and he was well aware that he wouldn't function at his best with too much of it in his system. It'd hardly to for his guest to see the Admiral of the British Navy in some state of intoxication, would it? No; not at all. Not that he usually did get intoxicated.