Claudia Norrington: POTC

James' Promotion Ceremony

Claudia's POV

My name is Claudia Norrington and I am one of the best sword fighters in the world. I am thirty three and travel the seas collecting bounties on pirate heads. Not that my younger brother James Norrington knows anything about it. He's in the royal navy and is five years younger then me. I practically raised him after our parents died. I made him the swords man he is today. But I can still beat him in a sword fight.

Anyway today he is being promoted to commodore. I missed his last promotion from Lieutenant to Captain. Due too a job in the China sea. But I refused to miss this one or any others in future. So I caught the first boat I could find to Tortuga and then borrowed a ship. I sailed it to Port Royal.

When I arrived I noticed someone else arrive also. But ignore it. I'm here for my younger brother, not on a job. I go to the dress store and buy a pink dress. Then change in it, for going the corset. The store owner then did my hair for me. I paid her for the dress and hair. Then placed my normal clothes in my bag. I go to James' house.

"Still have to wear that ghastly wig I see" I state. When I find my brother in his room preparing for his promotion. In his new commodore uniform with a white wig on.

"Claudia!" he cheers and giving me a big hug. "I was beginning to think you wouldn't make it" he states when we pull away. He grabs his hat.

"And miss my little brother's promotion to commodore? Never" I tell him smiling.

"You missed my promotion to captain" he reminds me.

"You know I feel bad about that and why I couldn't make it" I tell him.

"I know, you were at a wedding in China. I'm just glad you're here" he tells me. "Do you have mum's old ring still?" he asks me hopeful.

"Has my baby brother finally found a lover?" I ask him smiling.

"Yes, I plan on proposing to her today at the party after my promotion" he tells me.

"Tell me all about her" I tell him.

"Her name is Elizabeth Swann, she is the Governor's daughter" he tells me.

"The same governor you brought here eight years ago?" I ask him.

"Yes, Elizabeth has grown into a fine woman. With soft golden brown hair, brown eyes. She reminds me a lot of you personality wise" he explains with a smile.

"Well I look forward to meeting her" I tell him. "Any girl that makes you smile like that is worthy in my book. Here you go, don't lose it" I tell him as I hand him our mother's ring.

"I won't and thank you Claudia" James says and hugs me again. "I have to finish getting ready, the ceremony is being held at the fort" he tells me.

"I'll see you there" I tell him and leave. I go to the fort and spot the governor with a young beautiful woman. She must be Elizabeth. I decide to introduce myself. "Governor Swann?" I ask.

"Yes" he says.

"I'm Claudia Norrington, James' older sister. I thought it best I introduce myself" I tell him.

"An honour, this is my daughter Elizabeth" he tells me.

"Good morning Miss Norrington" she says and curtsies.

"Please call me Claudia" I tell her smiling. "Is it ok if I stand with you both during the ceremony?" I ask them.

"Of course you may" the governor tells me. I stand beside Elizabeth and notice her thin waist.

"Corset?" I ask her in a whisper and she nods her head. "Looks like your maids did yours to tight" I state. She nods her head. "I can loosen it later before the party if you want" I offer.

"No, I'm sure I'll be fine" she assures me.

"OK, but the offer is there if you change your mind" I tell her. The other guests arrive and Governor Swann goes to the stage. The ceremony begins as the soldiers line up in two lines.

"Two paces march! Right about face! Present arms!" a soldier shouts. The soldiers in the two lines do as they are told. James walks up between the lines. He smiles when he spots me with Elizabeth, who is fanning herself. He reaches the stage and the governor gives him a new sword.

I must say, it is finely crafted one. I must go to the local black smith and have him fix my swords. They both are a little bent and need a good polish. The ceremony ends and James is now a commodore.

Elizabeth and I go talk to some other ladies. That Elizabeth introduces me too. I was telling them all about my old home in England when James approaches us.

"May I have a moment?" he asks Elizabeth and she nods her head. He escorts her to the platform over looking the ocean. I leave the girls and start to wonder around the crowd.

"Miss Norrington, where will you be staying?" the governor asks as he joins me.

"With my brother" I tell him.

"Well if you ever need a place, our door is always open" he tells me.

"That's very generous of you Governor, but I won't be staying long" I tell him. Before he can respond we hear James shout Elizabeth's name. We look and see him with some soldiers running to the docks. We follow close behind.

A/N

Picture above of Elizabeth with her father and picture on the external link of James Norrington.