Mind Your Manners (2)

Writers: AL, Devin
Date Posted: 21st November 2008

Characters: Jerroll, Edele
Description: Jerroll and Edele spend a bit of time together on deck.
Location: Elsewhere on Pern
Date: month 12, day 8 of Turn 4

"If it turns out you _can't_ swim, I promise to rescue you." He grinned.

"Why don't you go first and test the water then?" Edele stuck her tongue out at the First Mate in a childish gesture. "Then you can tell me how the water is!"

Jerroll lunged and grabbed her around the waist.

Edele screeched and playfully banged her fists against his shoulders. "Ack, I should have you walk the plank for this!" She stated, trying somewhat unsuccessfully not to laugh.

"And how are you going to make me do that?"

"Who, exactly, is going to cook for you if you throw me overboard?" Edele pointed out, then added, "And if you do and get me back, I'll not make you any more treats!"

"Both good points ..." He leaned her over the rail.

Edele squealed and renewed her efforts to get away. The waters loomed below them, lapping hungrily at the sides of the ship. "Jerroll, this is going too far!"

He laughed and set her down. "I really don't feel like going in after you."

"Well I suppose that's to my advantage!" Edele reached up to straighten her hair which, in the bit of fray, had come undone a bit, tendrils falling across her face. "Really! I would have thought you would be more of a gentleman!"

He gave a dramatic shrug and smiled. "Pirate."

"I suppose that's true." Edele wrinkled her nose. "But a pirate should have manners at least toward his own crew!"

"I _do_ have manners. I was just teasing, which doesn't count as being unmannerly."

"You seem to enjoy teasing me by putting me in danger." Edele lightly poked the first mate in the arm, her nose wrinkling as if in distaste. "I'm beginning to think you don't like me."

He smiled down at her. "Quite the opposite, my dear cook."

Edele picked at her hair once more and clicked her tongue as her fingers played at her tresses. "You certainly have a funny way of showing it!"

"I like to tease people I like. If I was stiff and formal, then you'd have a reason to worry," he said.

"Well, I'll keep that in mind." The woman glanced over the edge and into the water. "And I'll do my best to stay liked. I've seen what you do to those you don't!"

Jerroll's voice was low. "That wasn't about liking."

"Yes, you're right." The atmosphere had turned somber. She shouldn't have mentioned. Edele shivered though the air wasn't really cold. "I'd best get below. I still have some cleaning up to do."

"Alright." He smiled slightly, trying to dispel the dark mood. "When you're done, maybe you can come back and enjoy the stars with me for a few minutes."

"I might get done faster," Edele stated softly as she moved past the first mate, "If someone comes and helps me."

"And then you can stay with me for the whole first watch," he suggested as he followed her.

"I don't know about that." Edele laughed as she picked up her pace, a smile playing over her lips. "You might have to convince me."

"Is spending time with me really that much of a chore?"

"No, but I need my sleep." Edele stated as she moved below deck, her voice tinged with amusement. "Unless you want me to burn not only _your_ food but everyone else's as well.

"Half of it, then."

The giggle that followed seemed to be an affirmative reply and Edele led Jerroll downward and to the waiting dishes. She had to admit, she did like Jerroll's company and...well...she supposed she had best enjoy it while she could.

Last updated on the November 22nd 2008

Welcome to Triad Weyrs!

Mind Your Manners (2)