Worrisome Flirtations

Writers: AL, Devin
Date Posted: 24th March 2009

Characters: Jerroll, Edele, Sehana
Description: Jerroll goes to see an old friend and Edele watches as they flirt.
Location: Elsewhere on Pern
Date: month 2, day 5 of Turn 5
Notes: Silver Sails

"Look who found his way back." She tossed her hair over her shoulder.

"Hello, Sehana." He leaned against the table of her stall, grinning. "Did you miss me?"

"Hmm ..." She set a hand on her hip. "I suppose I've thought of you once or twice."

"I suppose I should be grateful for that much. A lovely woman like you must have many admirers." His fingers played idly with a bracelet.

"But I always enjoy having one more."

She had some how lost sight of him in the bustle of the people at port. Edele hadn't worried too much, she would find him eventually, so she had stayed behind to take a lingering look at various wares. She had eventually extracted herself, a few small items in her possession and began her search. When she found him, she stopped and watched.

Had he simply been talking to a woman, she wouldn't have minded. Even if he had leaned against her stall for support, that wouldn't have been a problem. No, there was something in his manner, in the way he leaned toward her, the twinkle in his eyes, the flash of his smile, that told Edele there was more than simple idle conversation.

"So do I," Jerroll said. He lifted a ring and watched as it caught the sunlight. "Looks like you're doing well for yourself."

"I get by," Sehana answered.

Edele drew a little closer and shifted into a crowd so she wouldn't be noticed. She sifted through some fruit a vendor was selling, glancing over at the other stall, though her view was mostly blocked thanks to the bodies. She could, however, hear every word.

"Would you be willing to discuss these fine items with an old admirer?"

She leaned on the table. "Not _that_ old."

He lifted an eyebrow. "Trying to flatter me?"

"Telling the truth." She twined a finger in her hair.

He wasn't really doing anything _wrong_, Edele kept telling herself. They were just talking. It wasn't like he was walking off with her and bedding her. They were just talking. It was obvious they knew each other from previous excursions.

"An honest compliment, then." He took her hand and kissed it. "Thank you."

She smiled. "If you want to talk seriously, we should go somewhere a little quieter. Just give me a moment to close up. I doubt I'll have a better customer today."

Edele's hand tightened over a redfruit that she had plucked from a bunch and she glanced in the direction of the couple. She couldn't see them, a rather tall and large man was standing right in her line of sight. She could hear them, though, and Edele was beginning to wonder if that was a good thing.

"I'll help you," Jerroll offered.

"You can keep your hands to yourself." She smiled and started putting things away in a box.

"You didn't have a problem with that before."

"It depends on what you're touching."

"Ahh ..." He smiled. "I'll have to keep that in mind."

Edele stared at the redfruit, fingers white as she gripped it hard. He said he would try. Was that him trying? It sounded like he was trying something, all right, but not what she had in mind.

In a short time, Sehana had the box filled and secured the latch. "Shall we?"

Jerroll made a little bow. "Lead the way."

Edele was torn. Part of her wanted to follow, to see where they went. Part of her didn't. She wasn't sure what good following him would do. He might not be with the woman, but that wouldn't stop him from being with some other woman at some other port. She turned to look in Jerroll's direction, still squeezing the redfruit. The man moved and she could see him following the woman.

She waited until they were out of sight, paid the merchant for his redfruit, spoiled by her clutching and then made her own way back to the ship. Edele wasn't qutie sure what she was going to do when Jerroll returned, but she needed time, at least, to think.

Last updated on the March 25th 2009

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Worrisome Flirtations