Absence and Memory by meddow (PG)

[gwynevere1.livejournal.com]

Fandom: PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN
Pairing: Elizabeth Swann/James Norrington
Author on LJ: meddow
Author Website: Fanfiction Masterlist on LJ
Why this must be read: I adore the pairing of Elizabeth Swann and James Norrington—and I love what fanfic authors do with it even more. In “Absence and Memory,” meddow writes two prequels—one to Curse of the Black Pearl and one to Dead Man’s Chest. Although these could easily be two separate tales, the author intertwines them in such a way that reflects the nonlinear nature of memory. In meddow’s lyrical, sensual prose, Elizabeth struggles to understand James—something she only accomplishes in his absence.

I also admire the author’s depiction of Governor Swann, a character often overlooked in the drive towards romantic pairings. Here, he’s warm and insightful, yet clever and resolute.

This is one of those stories which has entered into my personal fanon. I can’t imagine James without the character trait meddow reveals at the end—and mourn it as something else lost in the hurricane.

Absence and Memory