sixwordstories | (no subject)

In so many ways.

I did my best to redeem myself, in the end.

And you did, I owe my life to you.

I would do it a thousand times over, Elizabeth.

James. *closes her eyes for a moment* I'm sorry for everything.

There is no need to be. Destiny cannot be controlled.

You should have had a more fitting end, you should have been loved.

It's the way of the world.

For better or for worse, do you imagine?

I would say worse, though I apparently redeemed myself in the end.

That's all that matters, ultimately. At least in my opinion. What was there to redeem?

Everything.

But was it your fault that there was anything to redeem?

Sadly, yes. At least partly my fault. My pride, and my jealousy, and my foolishness.

Pride is not always one of the Seven Deadlies. I've found more often it's a virtue. It keeps one alive when they've reached the lowest lows. A weak man breaks and a proud man lives and is humbled.

It depends on what it leads you to do. Sometimes it is best to break, for the greater good.

Perhaps in your case then it was for the greater good. What did it lead you to do; If I may be so bold?

*pauses, thoughtfully* I'm Isabella, by the way. Isabella Santiago.

Well, I died. Which is certainly an interesting way to help undo the wrongs you have caused.

James Norrington. I was a Commodore, once. Then an Admiral. Now...now I'm not entirely sure.

I'd wonder why you were alive if I weren't coming to think that death meant nothing.

Which title do you prefer? I will call you by whatever you choose.

I prefer Commodore, but James will suffice, thank you. It is a pleasure to meet your acquaintance.

James then. You may call me Isabella then, if you'd like. The pleasure is mine.

Out of curiosity? Why do you prefer Commodore to Admiral?

Oh, that is a simple enough question. I prefer the person I was when I was a Commodore.

Sometimes it's the simplest questions that offend the most. A most valuable lesson: Never question East India Co.'s chairman. Ever.

The East India Company? Ah.

My family has business with them. More so now than before.

Indeed. Well, I must admit I'm far from fond of the EIC.

*smiles* Any enemy of the EIC is an ally of mine. Though I suspect it's near heresy to say such a thing in these times when the EIC all but owns the seas and ports.

This is why I prefer Spain.

That is interesting to know. Cutler Beckett seems to make as many enemies as allies.

You have no idea, James. *amused quirk of the lips*

That's what you get for spending too long in the bath, Yank.

I'm English, actually, sir.

Well, even the Brits take baths every once in a while. I should hope.

Whooooooooooooooooooooo!!!!

Time and tide change us all. Some for worse, some for better. Some just changed.

An inevitability I'm afraid. Time changes everything it seems.