Fact or Fishin'

[rassafraggin]

--[ Wounded Ward ]---------------------------[ Mandrake Charity Hospital ]----

Liya is sitting up, in a hospital bed. There's a blanket drawn up to her waist, but she certainly is not looking harmed at all, from the waist up. Her hair is neatly braided, and she has a tray of what looks to be breakfast. Whatever's got her in this hospital, it's not easy to spot at first glance.

A boot-heeled step is heard clocking its way up the hall, distinct and heavy in this place of shuffling slippers and skidding rollers. Merrisol's head appears in the doorway as the man leans in to quickly check around, and a random patient chooses that moment to unleash a long groan. "All right, fine, I'll go," growls the red-coated Captain, but his gaze falls on Liyandra presently.

Liya winces a bit at the groan, shaking her head. "And people wonder why I want out of here," she mumbles. Though as she hears the growl and glances up, a grin crosses her face. "Kerfuffle!" she calls out, before her head ducks and she shifts a little, bringing a wince. "Sorry. Captain Merrisol, do come on in. Have a seat. Unless of course you're here looking for someone other than me, that is."

Merrisol steps in and straightens up at the invitation, ignoring the sound of his silly nickname resonating through the large open ward. He does give the groaning patient a short shrug of apology; he's staying after all. "I hope not," he replies to Liya, approaching the bedside and reaching to position the available chair at the bedside a respectable distance off. "One wounded friend is bad enough. Although technically... I have three." He sits, adjusting his trousers at the thigh and flicking his coat skirt back so as not to be sat upon.

Liya chuckles. "Shao and Maggie?" she asks, though then she says, "And they've both stopped in to see me." She has no signs of the burns or the bump on her head she got during the fight to free Maggie's ship. They're gone as if they'd never existed. Liya's blue eyes dance with amusement for a moment. "And the walking wounded made it to visit before the uninjured, how interesting." That's just teasing though, and obviously so. "It's nice to see you, and I'm glad you're not injured."

Merrisol looks at her seriously throughout the teasing, as though attempting to determine whether there is real hurt hidden behind a cheerful facade. "I must have taken a wrong turn and gotten lost. I was certain I'd beaten them here," he says with the same straight face, however. "Minus five points for me."

Liya grins at that. "Oh, surely not," she says. "Only one point, I think, at most." She seems rather happy to see the man, glad he's stopped to visit. As for real hurt, it's more like surprised and pleased he's here. She didn't exactly send out invitations after all. "I'd offer you a drink, but I don't know where they keep such things, and I'm not supposed to get out of this bed yet."

Merri huhs at that last bit, affecting an elaborately disjointed blink. "Forgive me. It's strange to hear you use that word in reference to yourself. -Supposed-." He blinks again the clear away the dazed look, then finally smiles a bit. "It's also very odd to not see, or hear, Mayhem around here. Can you tell me what happened, Liya?" he asks gently, even going so far as to use her short-name. "I'm not very clear on what's fact and what's fish, er-.. fiction, in the tales I've heard."

Liya laughs, as she hears the fish word. She moves the blanket, perfectly decently covered, in fact. But that shows the copious amounts of bandages on her left leg. "Getting out of bed is still somewhat painful," she admits, with a bit of a sigh. "Or else I wouldn't be here any more. And Mayhem is safe at home. I'd left him behind when I went into Arden to gather some herbs." She takes a breath, and then says, "And while I was gathering herbs, I was attacked by a large cougar." She pauses there, wincing a bit, at the memory. "It mauled my leg, but I managed to get away, and then had to walk back to town. I got so far as the fish seller's square, before Moxon found me, scooped me up and brought me here."

He gives the outline of bandaged leg a brief look, which is enough, and nods back to attend her recount. "Moxon.." he says tentatively. The name is familiar but he cannot place the face... all he comes up with is a nose. "That's ah... harrowing and unfortunate, I'm awfully relieved you made it back to the city. And how did the cougar fare?" he has to wonder, perhaps thinking back to his most vivid recent memory of her, running at a huge sea devil with her knives, quipping all the way.

"Alas, the cougar got away," Liya says, flushing a bit pink. "This time." Though there's a determined look on her face that does say this might be only a temporary victory for said cougar. She looks back up to meet Merri's gaze, and then says, "And I mean to try to finish this one on my own, but if I need help, I'll ask for it." Pre-empting what she thinks will be the next topic. "Did Maggie get her boat excorsized yet? I think I heard something about that?"

Merrisol's gaze on hers is uncertain, though probably not for the chivalrous reasons she might be suspecting. She didn't say she was planning on -killing- the cougar.. did she. So -yes-, the man is rather imagining a future sight of Liya strolling back into the city with the massive cat docilely on a leash. "Uhh," he says aloud, coming back to realize the topic shift. "I believe not yet. She has been looking for the Knight Taleyn to conduct an deeper investigation into the sights Doc Mordecai claimed. According to him, there are quite a few spirits in residence, not all former crew of the Captain."

Liya then pauses to say, "Moxon is one of Maggie's cousins." Probably not helpful. "And I suppose Taleyn would be able to help, though I hadn't thought about it before. Taleyn is also looking to see if we can find out anything more about Mayhem, since he does seem to be a bit odd for a cat." The idea of said cougar on a leash, while really amusing, is also somewhat disturbing. Better to not go there, really. "It seems a bit odd that there are all those ghosts aboard, though not unheard of, apparently."

Definitely not helpful. Now the mental image is Maggie's face with Moxon's nose. "I know next to nothing about the communal habits of spooks on ships," he confesses distastefully. "However if she can get them to speak, we might be able to uncover more clues to explain the lack of survivors, bodies, blood, although all interior damage suggests a real doozy of a battle. That mystery remains rather frustratingly unsolved. But, odd.. Mayhem? How so?" he wonders finally with a brow lift.

Liya doesn't know anything about the ghosts either, truthfully. So with a delicate shrug, she leaves that topic. The blanket, if it hadn't already been, is returned to cover her legs, and keep warm. She turns to the topic of her favourite cat with alacrity, pleased with the topic. "Well, when we found Mayhem, he was about the size of a half grown house cat," she says, to start with. "And he seems to have growth spurts, but doesn't seem to finish growing." She thinks for a moment, and then adds, "And he likes both climbing and swimming, which is strange for a cat."

Merri sits forward enough to prop the heels of his hands atop his knees, too big and tall to really find any comfortable position in a hospital's visitor chair. "You did say before that he -might- be a species of Jaguar, possibly from Shadow? At least he has manners vaguely in line with house cats," he points out. "How would Taleyn be able to tell you more.. does she have an affinity for animal speech as well as spirits?"

"For sure he's from Shadow," Liya says. "We found him in Shadow, either trying to hunt or drown, we're still not quite sure which." She takes a breath and then says, "Not that I know, but Taleyn does apparently have an affinity for research. Which might help out in finding if there are any mentions of any cats like Mayhem. We are wondering if perhaps proximity to Amber is encouraging him to grow or something like that."

"Don't big cats grow, no matter what? But it will reach an end," Merri says with a grin. Did for him! "I suppose there'd be a problem if he overreached all possible expectation.. is that a concern? I don't know the law of the city concerning domesticated wildlife."

Liya laughs, as she considers that. "Well, that is what I was thinking, but there is some concern about just what we have living with us, since he /was/ found in Shadow. Cibola has jaguar gods and the mere thought is enough to put a little caution into most of us." She thinks for a bit, and then says, "I don't think there'll be a problem with city ordinances. I've heard that Duke - I think he's a duke - Gilgamesh has large cats of his own, but I've not met any yet."

Merrisol nods casually, like it hasn't really occurred to him to be uneasy around the cub, although... mental note, buy bigger ribbons. "Gilgamesh.. Gil.. Yes, he's a Duke of Karm, I've heard it mentioned by a member of that House." He's seated a little uncomfortably in a standard hospital visitor chair, by Liya's bedside, in the Wounded Ward.

Liya is still in the bed, not looking too mobile, though she /is/ otherwise looking totally uninjured. No burns, no bumps, no cuts or scratches. Just that mauled leg holding her back now. She nods her head to Merri, as they get their facts straight on the Duke of Karm. "Right, I even met him, but I think he might also be related to one of those Amber Royal types too." Scary how those Princes and Princesses get around. She stretches out her one leg, and then gingerly tries the left, frowning a bit. "That doesn't hurt nearly as much as it used to," she observes.

His peacoat under his arm, Shao appears in the doorway. The sleeves of his wool pullover are rolled up to his elbows, showing clean gauze bandages. He bows in silence, risking a smile.

Gosh, no fooling? Merrisol almost can't be bothered to look tired of royal-this and royal-that talk, anymore. He does sit up more attentively as Liya tries moving about. "Good.. good. Will you be on crutches next?" he asks. "I'd be pleased to join you on practice walks when you do." With another glance around the oppressively pained nature of the ward, he manages to spot Shao near the entrance. Raising a hand, he gestures him over. "Master Shao.. nice new dressings."

Liya is settled in the bed, though she's pushed the blanket aside, so that it is obvious that her left leg is quite bandaged up. Not yet two days into it, and she's moving slowly to turn and settle on the bed, letting her bare feet down. She winces, the pained look on her face obvious even through the determination there. "I guess so," she says, with a bit of a nod. "The doctors were muttering something at me last time they changed the dressings, but I wasn't really paying attention," she admits. And then as Merri looks over and greets Shao, Liya looks that way too, a big smile crossing her face. "Shao-san, do come have a seat. How are you doing?"

Benedict is not far behind Shao; his footsteps are just footsteps, but the silhouette in the door is very recogniseable.

"Hello, thank you," Shao greets as he walks in, to side with Merrisol. "Stitches are off. Cabbage and sausage today, on the Wind Dancer," he sums up, with a great big smile. He looks at Liyandra, especially her legs, until Benedict comes into view. He rises to bow.

Liya catches sight of Benedict, and she takes a breath, fingers clenching into fists, as she stands up. She does not put weight on her left leg, more than for a split second. "Your Highness," she says, the sound of her voice husky with the pain.

Merrisol is just getting up to let Shao take the visitor's chair if he wishes.. like it's one of those priority seats on a city bus in some Shadow or other. Always make way for those without use of arms. And speaking of... "Highness.. good day." The Captain turns to the archway after noting Shao's bow. He offers a formal nod. The wary, resentful light of past meeting has dimmed somewhat noticeably in his regard of the Prince.

Benedict says, "Really, no-" and then Liyandra is up. "Don't do that," he tells her. "You need not." Shao gets a nod, and so does Merrisol, but Liyandra gets most of his attention.

Shao holds his breath when Liyandra tries and rises. It is unclear if he approves or not, for he manages to both frown and smile at the same time. "Your Highness, all Amber wish you are in full health," he greets. No, he is not offering Liyandra help.

Liya remains standing for a moment, but then she lets herself settle back onto the bed, relaxing somewhat. "Too late," she says to Benedict, with a hint of a smile. "I will be fine," she adds next, to all three men. "Do please have a seat, if you can find chairs. Or well - " She pauses, sort of caught in the net she's managed to weave.

Benedict tells Shao easily, "Most of them, anyway. I will stand, but please do not feel that makes this occasion ceremonial - I simply prefer my back to a wall." He walks by the foot of Liya's bed so that he can be on the other side and have the door in his view as well as the bed's occupant.

Sidling back to the foot of the bed, Merri takes a quick look around in response to Liyandra's invitation, and walks to retrieve another such chair from another bedside, with a polite murmur to the occupant. As Benedict expresses his intentions, the seat is placed instead beside its mate on the opposite side. "Would you like a drink, Ms Liyandra, anyone? I'll fetch something... tea, if you like."

Benedict shakes his head, in a no. He waits for input, but does not break his silence.

Shao finds back his more placid expression as Liyandra rebeds herself, nodding for Benedict's choice of placement. "Yes, a marvelous idea, Kerf. Please."

Liya takes a breath, and then she says, "I had a little run-in with a cougar in Arden." A pause and then to Merri, she says, "You don't have to - I'm sure there'll be someone coming through shortly to check on us. It's nearly that time. Thank you for the chair, that was very kind." She has a hand on her leg, a couple small spots of red starting to show. Though there are far fewer than yesterday. Benedict gets a sidelong glance, a little hesitently, and then Liya glances over at Shao, giving him a rueful look.

Benedict asks, "How did the cougar take it?"

"I am still here," Liya says, softly. She looks studiously at her leg as she speaks, not quite looking up.

Benedict says, "Indeed. A relief to many, no doubt." Although he says it lightly, it does not seem like a joke. The kicker that he adds is, "Did it bite down on your sense of humour?"

Merrisol hesitates, with one for, and two against. He shrugs a bit to Shao, yer outta luck pal, and takes a seat in the new also-too-small chair so's it's not all men looming over the reclining woman. He stays quiet as well, watching the window for a moment while boss speaks to employee.

Shao remains stoic, missing the pun altogheter. He opts for sitting down.

Liya's eyes widen, her gaze swiftly raising to Benedict's face, leg forgotten. "Possibly," she replies after a moment. "Though I suppose we won't know for sure until I am recovered fully." Seemingly serious, her expression as bland as she can make it. "Or until I manage to say something funny, whichever comes first."

Benedict looks grave. "Be sure to let me know if you think you have," he replies.

"Of course, your Highness," Liya says. "Especially if it will net me a raise."

Shao is searching for something in a pocket of his peacoat, now spread over his knees. His arms move stiffly, probably because of the nature of the wounds under his gauze, at the elbows.

Benedict says, "You can raise yourself. You just demonstrated that."

Liya's lips twitch and then she laughs, the sound warm and light, at least. "True enough, Your Highness," she says. "But I'll probably tell you anyway."

Shao finds a small square of folded paper, which he palms, for now. He smiles, happy to hear Liyandra laugh.

Benedict says, "No doubt you will," with a delicate shade of sourness. "Is there anything you require for the moment, that your friends cannot provide?"

Merri's glance moves back to the action, such as it is. Liya's pending answer seems of interest. Yeah, what can the Prince do, that they can't! Hmm!

Liya takes a breath, glancing at Shao. Her head tilts as she looks at the paper he's got in his hands, and then she spares Merri a glance, even if he's being tall silent and brooding sea captain. "The only thing I can think of, Your Highness, is Mayhem."

Benedict stands with his back to the wall. On the side of the bed by him there is Merrisol in a chair, and on the other side is Shao - Liyandra, injured, is occupying the bed itself.

Benedict says, "He is missing you, but he has company."

Liya inclines her head. "Company is always a good thing," she says simply. "And so long as his caretaker is taking good care of him, then I am content." She pauses a moment, as she looks over at Benedict, before she says, "I - " Her words cut off as a tiny golden flying frog wings in through the door and drops a small box at the foot of her bed.

Benedict glares at the frog like he knows it personally.

Merri silently picks up the box to move it closer along for Liya to not have to reach far. "Go find Mayhem," he suggests to the winged amphibian, "to serve your second purpose."

Shao beams at the appearance of the peculiar messenger. "Ah, he is doing fine," he says softly.

This frog gets away with his life, since there is no large cat to eat him, as per Merri. Liya reaches for the box, opening it, and she finds a golden foil wrapped chocolate and a note. She reads it and laughs. "Still don't flirt, indeed," she says, shaking her head. A glance at Shao, and then Liya says, "Yes, it does seem that Dirk is doing well."

Benedict eases up only a little on the frown.

Benedict asks, "Should I be enquiring after his health, too?"

Merrisol is with Ben on this one. Zero things to say on the subject of Dirks... oh wait. So it's just him. "Sir," he says to the frowning man during a pause in Dirk-scussion, "May I ask something.. is your Knight, Lady Taleyn, to be found in the city this week?"

"I don't think so?" Liya says. "Far as I know he is well." She then goes a bit quiet as Merri asks his question.

Benedict says, "I do not know if Knight Feldane is in residence; she may by now be in confinement, but I have no word if so."

Merrisol listens, inclines his head in acknowledgement. "All right. Thank you anyway, Sir."

Liya thinks and then she shrugs a bit. "I haven't heard anything from Taleyn lately either. I do hope things are going well, especially if she is - " her words come to a stop, not really needing to be said. For the record, there are a few small reddish spots on the bandages on her left leg, but she otherwise seems to be uninjured.

"Kerf, I have some shopping today, I will ask people," Shao offers.

"Wouldn't it help to just go to the Feldane manor and ask?" Liya suggests.

Benedict looks very grave again.

Liya is mildly distracted as an orderly type comes in, bringing water. He pauses at the guests Liya has, and then just walks around them to go check on the other patients.

Benedict says, "If you need nothing else, I have work to do." Clearly his small talk has run out.

Shao clears his throat. He rises and bows for Benedict. "Thank you, Sir."

Merrisol, having sunk into thoughtful silence once more, glances to and fro. "It's not urgent, Master Shao. I'd just thought to see to one of the current issues with Captain's ship. It will keep." He considers Liya then. "Suppose if it comes to that, we will." He looks up, and also takes to his feet.

Liya nods to Benedict, though this time she doesn't rise. "Certainly, Your Highness," she says softly. "I will be back to work as soon as I can. And likely back to my regular sense of humour before then."

Shao makes no move to leave. "I will be at the Wind Dancer for diner," he informs.

Benedict says, "Good day," simply ignoring Liya's implied threat to be happy.

Benedict walks out, with no particular spring in his step.

Merrisol stays standing, in thought, then moves the chair back over to the other patient's bed. Someday... one of these other folks will get visitors. Then they'll show you, Liya, they'll take ALL chairs. "I hope it won't be long before you can leave here. I'll be back soon enough if not, Liyandra. Shao, I have to finish moving some things from my room in the city, to the Dancer. Will you stay or come with?"

Shao bows for Liyandra. "I will be back today," he promises Liyandra. He nods to Merrisol. "I can walk with you a moment, Kerf."

Merrisol smiles. "All right." He nods as well to the resting woman, in farewell.

--[ Lobby ]---------------------------------[ Mandrake Charity Hospital ]----

Merrisol strides an easy pace along through the hospital, something one doesn't have to jog to match. This place brings back strange memories of being memory-less. It's a sort of relief when they get out, even if it is the rundown Damsel's Rest out there.

Shao follows in silence, offering a headbow to someone he recognizes. He seems to share Merrisol's same expression.

--[ Damsel's Rest ]-----------------------------------------[ Amber City ]----

Merrisol's gait remains constant here, for to pause or look even a little uncertain which way to go, is sure invitation for panhandlers and day-trawlers to descend upon the reasonably dressed men. "Do you put much stock in ghosts, Shao-san?" he mutters sidelong as they go.

Shao chooses to ignore the beggars' requests, offering them only polite nods for sustenance. "Yes, there are many tales of ghost in Jade. It is wiser to not ignore a warning," he answers.

Merrisol glances briefly to the side. "Did you see a warning aboard the Dancer? I mean.. a warning from spirit realm, specifically?"

Shao shakes his head, moving his lips silently in search of the right answer. "No, only Doctor Mordecai's words, until the fog giants boarded the Wind Dancer," he says, growing concerned. He rests his right wrist at the butt of his tanto, to discourage sollicitors to insist.

It's not likely anyone gets in Merri's path.. luckily for him, today he doesn't have to make good on a threat and plow right on through a rabble element. "Do you mean to say those devils had something to do with the disappearances, which left no trace but for slashed walls and overturned furnishings?"

Shao nods, twice. "Yes, this is what I believe, unless Lady Taleyn says something else. The giants had odd skin that make a blade slip," he says. "And mabye the dead sailors went with the fog. The Wind Dancer was in a weird place."

Merri frowns deeply, listening. "And so... after the first visit, they returned to find more on board? Might account for the unnatural movements of the ship while we were there," he nods. "Myself, I had been wondering if perhaps... given the former relationship between Captain and crew... there had been a mutiny of sort. It would account for the evidence of fierce fighting. And perhaps was the catalyst for Maggie taking a head injury and knowing no more until she awoke in Arden by the sea."

"Yes, all of it possible," Shao agrees, frowning with equal effort. "Sorry for my little help, Kerf. I am not a person of magics. Maybe it is better to ask a wiser man."

"I know no wiser men," Kerf snorts. "You are it." Awww.. sad. "It is only that I'd like to have some knowing of what we might find if Maggie manages to get Lady Taleyn or some other Feldane to give the spirits a voice. It might be something damning, and we'll have thrown those cages overboard to little avail."

Shao ohs, surprised. "Yes, I can see what you mean to say. Maybe there is more to find, in Captain Flame's notebooks? Or we can talk the Captain away from speaking with ghosts," he offers. "I worry more about you, Kerf."

The cries of hawkers and purchase negotiations rises to a low cackling roar as they draw closer to the lower city's open marketplace. The smell of raw fish and spotty winter vegetables engulfs the senses. Kerf nods, exactly.. more mundane sorts of investigation are in order, before involving magic. Always a sound call. "There really isn't any use in that, Shao. What else is there to do but live life, now. There have been no new memory Epiphanies. So be it. Where are you doing your shopping?" he wonders then, glancing at the market, then pointing farther down the cobbled road opposite the old docks. "My room is just above that office."

Shao does not seem overwhelmed by Merrisol's refusal for help but he smiles mildly, nodding. "I can shop here. Six cabbages, sausage for twelve and a big basket with shoulder straps," he reads from his mental note. He looks to where Merrisol is pointing. "Yes, it looks like a good place to live," he appraises.

"Shoulder.. straps?" Merri echoes. "Oh yes. Right." He frowns slightly, looking for the sarcasm or subtle backhanded compliment in Shao's words. "It's not the Golden Goose Inn, but it fulfilled its function," he says. "There's not much to gather in any case, so I'll meet you back at the ship." He nods faintly, then starts across the street.

Shao forces his smile wider. He bows for Merrisol, in a semi-formal way. "Yes, another time. I am moving out of the Rose and Crown, myself. I live on the ship now, as cook," he informs. "I hope to see you at dinner time, Kerf."

--[ Docks ]-------------------------------------------------[ Amber City ]----

Raphaela walks the docks, oddly not misfit as she should be as noblewoman.

The Wave Dancer is gradually being restored, reoutfitted, restocked, repainted. The work crews file on and off down the gangplank on their way for lunch or materials. A blot of familiar crimson against the cloudy sky can be seen beyond the rail, as Merrisol watches a repair to the foremast's yardarm go about, up high.

Raphaela pads over and watches the people work. Or, waits to be noticed.

Merri doesn't look around much, but someone else notices. "One side, boys. Her Ladyship comin' through," orders a foreman, and the workers hasten off the gangplank and stand at dock's edge. Kerf pivots to look, perhaps expecting to see Maggie. He straightens then, offering a smile and incline of his head.

Raphaela rewards the kind man with brilliant smile, gesturing men to be at ease "I'm not here to interrupt you..." she waves up at Kerfie "How are repairs?" she remains on dock. She really is taking that not come on board without permission seriously.

"Would you like to come up and see for yourself, my Lady?" he invites, not permits. Good enough?

Raphaela nods and pads up "I don't want to interrupt, captain..." she looks around "Very nice ship."

Merrisol shakes his head as other heads turn. "I'm no Captain aboard the Dancer, Lady Raphaela. Mister Merrisol will do.. or Kerf if you can manage to keep your voice down."

Raphaela grins "No fuffy?" she whispers "Mr. Sol." she nods, satisfied.

Merrisol frowns down at her. "..not an option, Your Excellency," he warns.

Raphaela smiles "Fine fine. M'lord. Just lady will do, no need to rub it in."

Merrisol wins? He doesn't know how to feel about that. "She's a fast one. And Captain has made an order for a Storm cannon or two."

Raphaela hmms "Nice nice. Off for life od adventures. How I envy her." the ship? Maggie? Storm cannons?

He looks at her. "No one else can handle the business?"

Raphaela smiles sheepishly "I have trust issues." she ponders "And control issues. And I satisfy my needs for almost dying near home."

Merrisol waits through a particularly loud round of hammering, squinting upwards towards the end of it. "Was it satisfying?" he wonders doubtfully.

Raphaela asks "What exactly?"

Merrisol tilts his head, teetering his brows. "Almost dying, near home."

Raphaela contemplates and closes it by "I survived." whatever that means. "So are you a first mate, prisoner or...uhm...what?"

Merri pivots a little, turning his back on some nearby workers. "Both, technically." If anyone else here knows that, they aren't saying. "The Mate title is the more temporary of the two."

Raphaela nodnods "Lovely, you do make such a lovely couple." her voice obtains that level of clarity without being heard very far away, so easily. "Her hair matches your coat."

He startles a bit, cutting her a quick glare, then looks down at himself. "No, it doesn't. It clashes."

Raphaela's pale eyes study his reaction mildly and she sighs.

Merrisol restlessly examines a random point on the main deck, then draws in a slow breath, turning his gaze back Raph-wards. "Have you been hearing things, Raphaela? The appearance of impropriety would compromise Captain Flame's legitimacy as captor."

Raphaela shakes her head "I just observe things, and I'm rarely wrong. I have no reason to harm Maggie or you."

Merrisol eases away a step, so he can face her more directly. "No, but you're wrong this time. We're not attached. We both know she must take me back to Minos, then off to Begma to answer for my crimes."

Raphaela says "What does duty have to do with it?" she tilts her head "The two are entirely different matters. Liking someone isn't same as being with someone."

Merrisol shakes his head. "You're Shao'ing."

Merrisol thinks. "Or has he been Raph'ing all this time.."

Raphaela arches a brow "I'll take that as a compliment. He's perfectly capable of using his own instincts." she looks at him and says "You tell me that she feels nothing towards you and vice versa?"

His eyes open to center on hers, since she's looking. He's agitated, but not evasive. "I didn't tell you anything like that. It's besides the point." His frown firms up stubbornly for a moment, then lets go in a sharp, controlled sigh. "We are both well in control of ourselves, Raphaela."

Raphaela says "Oh, I suppose you are. It doesn't change the facts, though."

The Wave Dancer is gradually being restored, reoutfitted, restocked, repainted. The main event is the yardarm on the foremast, the one that keeps dropping the sails. The work crews file on and off down the gangplank on their way for lunch or materials. Merri and Raph are standing on the main deck, away from the spot work.

Merrisol's brow settles tiredly over top his eyes. "The facts don't change us." Speaking of change.. "All right, Lady Sleuth. Suppose I offer you a more challenging mystery against which to pit your observational powers.."

Raphaela arches a brow "Is that a challenge you offer? Aw!"

Merri looks confused. "Aw... yes?"

Raphaela grins "Alright." she leans agains the rail and watches him expectantly.

Shao arrives from below with a tall pile of bowls at the nook of each arm, his peacoat traded for a cook's apron. After him, two workers he borrowed share the load of a full marmite. The trio walk the deck until Shao points 'right there', at the foot of the forecastle, where they set shop. Shao acquires the ladle hanged at the belt of his apron and lifts the marmite's lid, the two helpers smile. Shao smiles. *Dong! Dong!* Shao hits the lid with the ladle, gives it to First Helper, bows and leaves them to their fate.

Raphaela chuckles as she watches Shao, offering a small wave.

Merrisol explains, "The ship is found, and home safe and sound. The same can't be said for its former crew. Not a soul.. well no, I guess won't say -that-. Not a survivor or body to be found above or below decks, no trace of them except the damages left behind.." He looks around at the gonging, seeing the rigging shake as workers descend to the call of eats. Turning back to Raph: "We haven't been able to piece it together. If you take a look below, where the damage hasn't been repaired, maybe there's something we missed that you wouldn't."

Raphaela asks a simple "Have you asked a Feldane?"

Merrisol spots Shao near the chow line, and raises a hand.

Shao returns the waves with a bonus beam. He crosses the distance between him and his friend in brisk steps, for the deck is getting crowded very fast and he has to avoid collisions. "Hello, Lady Raphaela and Mister Merrisol," he greets, adding a quick bow for each of them.

Raphaela says "Nothing makes people happy as warm meal." she ponders. "Cook is best job ever."

Merri shakes his head to Raph, after which he gives Shao a nod. "Not yet, though we have been seeking for Lady Knight Taleyn. But it would be preferable to have a hint first of what she would find if she asked what unfortunate spirits might be hanging about. I do not want Captain Flame to be put in a difficult spot without advance warning."

Raphaela says "She just gave birth."

Raphaela gets a happy smile for her appraisal for the culinary field of employment. The joy is not equally shared by the two men who have to manage a hungry crowd fighting for stew. "I hope you feel welcome on the Wind... Did you hear that, Mister Merrisol? That is very happy news! I have to find time to send a gift," Shao say, quite moved and excited.

"Yes.. brilliant?" Merri has that baffled look again. Of course he's seen the Knight around a couple of times now, but... he'd not noticed her state, really. Even when she was struggling to protect Benedict at the noodle house a month back. Dang.

Which is strange since she was HUGE and that was the whole reason why Raph went and died to keep her away from two fighting princes. HONESTLY. "Yeah little Ash." she sparkles proudly "My idea." she grins impishly.

OOC Merrisol says, "At least now I have proof that Merri does not look below the neck. XD"

Shao manage to completely ignore any dimmed feeling coming from the momentous news. "Sorry to have to ask, Lady Raphaela. What is the custom in Amber, to congratulate the father?" Shao asks, his smile so wide you could use his mouth for a bird bath right now.

Raphaela grins at that smile and says "Well, Houses congratulate to the entire House for getting a new member. But both parents usually recieve congratulations and gifts."

Merrisol takes note of the advice attentively enough, but he's uncharacteristically uneasy about the whole thing. "I need to check on some things below, excuse me."

Raphaela looks after Merry and asks Shao "Maybe he has a kid he doesn't remember?"

Shao straightens up and provides the appropriate bow to Merrisol. "Mister Merrisol," he says. "There is better food in the galley, for officers, third cupboard top shelf, behind the rice," he informs. Shao blinks to Raphaela, furiously and several time, suckerpunched in the brain. "Yes, why not," Shao says, forgetting to smile.

Raphaela really lets her brain flow in all directions, careless of what it does to her surroundings. She perches the railing "So, how is you?"

Great, food. Now he can eat enough for two and ponder whether he merely assumed Taleyn was just one of those pleasantly fat Knights.. Merrisol waves acknowledgement to Shao as he strides for the doorway leading down to quarters and mess.

Shao joins his hands together at his back. "Oh quite good, busy and happy, Lady Raphaela. And you? You look healthy and full of youth," he says, smiling and nodding. "I am very glad to see you."