True Justice

"Mr. Rowland, I have always been stubborn, even when I was born. My life circumstances have only solidified that trait as time went on. I see it as a good thing as well, in myself at least. When others are stubborn, it's a different story..." She trailed off and looked pointedly at him.

Shay shrugged, making a second pile of shavings next to the first. "I didn't get much breakfast, so yes. I'm hungry. I'll head back to town to get something soon."

True Justice

Terence saw the pointed look and smirked. "You are much more stubborn than I am. At least I know how to yield when it's in my favor. You, however, are over their sweeping on a sprained ankle..."

"No need to head back to town. Millie should be here any minute. She usually brings extra." He chuckled. "I just hope Cecily hasn't brought her appetite. The girl's a beanpole, but she eats like a dog..."

True Justice

"I came here to work, and work is what I'm going to do." She swept even more vigorously. "Sprained ankle or not."

"I couldn't possibly take your lunch as well as your hospitality. But, I will yield when it's in my favor, just so you know that I'm not as stubborn as I may seem." She rolled her eyes and muttered to herself. "It's not like I could go into town anyway. I could probably make it with this ankle of mine, but not when there has been a traitor taken today. Too many people."

True Justice

"I would love to see you hobble around town causing havoc with a sprained ankle." Terence chuckled. "But I'm afraid I'm too much of a gentleman to allow you to do just that."

True Justice

Adrian chased after Zachary for a few yards, but he wasn't used to running and Aeryn's brother got quickly away.

He was angry, more angry than he had been in a while, but his mind was beginning to clear and he started to realize that this was Aeryn's way out. If the courts knew that it had been Aeryn's brother to betray the country and not Aeryn herself, they would have to let her go. He would do as the butler had asked-- he would go to the capital and save her. Purpose strong in his mind, Adrian ran out of the yard and back to the town.

------

Jean was slowly wearing the captain down. He began to use one of the knives to distract the captain and the other to dart in and win the fight. Then he switched to using his arms as well as his knives, using all of his advantages. The sword was beginning to slip out of Seranoy's grasp, and Jean followed up his advantage with hard knocks to the captain's sword hand.

True Justice

Shay slowly shook her head. "I wouldn't wreak havoc, I would simply look for something to eat. If it could be found. There's food back at the mercantile, but... it's closed." Shay shrugged. "So I'm stuck here." She grinned wryly. "Congratulations."

She tried to make small talk, but it came out awkwardly and forced. "So... what do you think of... this... weather?"

True Justice

Terence shrugged. "It's not too bad, thankfully. I'm sure it'll get warmer, but hopefully not too soon. I've always preferred winter and colder weather. The warm weather makes me ornery..."

True Justice

"It's really warm today, but I guess I can't complain. Cold weather makes it difficult to find work. I'm sure it's not pleasant making ships in the frigid weather either." Shay raised her eyebrows. "Ornery? I've noticed."

True Justice

Seranoy felt sweat bristling his brow, and his hand beginning to lose grip upon the handle of his blade. He retreated several steps, trying to avoid Jean's tactics, but was unable to in just a confined space. Just as he thought he might lose, there was a call from the top of the stairs.

"Cap't!" it was the first mate, yelling down. "Your presence is needed up here. We need ya to decide who is going to guard tonight!"

Lanon stared at Jean for a moment, fearing the mate might come down, and he would be humiliated. He stepped back sheathed his sword and went jogging toward the steps, scrabbling up them in a hurry.

True Justice

"Don't you dare come back," Jean called after the captain in a loud enough voice that the captain could hear him, but low enough that the mate could not. "I'll find out. I don't care if you throw me off your ship. Don't come back."

He watched the captain steadily until he was up the stairs and safely away from Jean. Then he sheathed his knifes in his wrist sheaths and moved over to Aeryn's cell. "Just tell me if he's bothering you again, all right?"

True Justice

Aeryn came to the door, and nodded to Jean. "Yes, I will. Thank you." she sighed, and looked at him with a grateful expression. "But, I don't want protecting me to cost you your position on this ship." She sighed, and hooked some hair behind her ear.

True Justice

Jinna stepped over the log after Elle and sighed. "Sometimes I think I will, and that is because, to answer your question, I am having the first lead to her I have had in years." A smile crossed her face for a moment, then faded. "But other times," she added, half-tripping over a root, and afterward returning her gaze from Elle to the ground once more, "I am so afraid that I am just going to end up standing by this lake, empty handed and empty of heart..."

Jinna suddenly stopped and leaned up against a tree. She pressed the back of her hand against her hot eyelids, trying to stop the tears, but her efforts were in vain. She slid to the ground, buried her head in her hands and sobbed.

"Oh, Elle!" she gasped, "What a fine pair we make; you without parents, and me with no daughter!" The sobs racked her body as she sat.

True Justice

"If you think I'm ornery now, just wait until Summer comes in full..." Terence said. He chuckled. "I always wish for a mild summer, but it is never granted..."

~~~

Elle turned when Jinna burst into sobs. Her brow lowered and a look of slight concern crossed her face. She sat down on a boulder and said, "If you find her, you will be happy then."

True Justice

"I agree. Summers are much too hot in Griande." Shay had half the floor swept already, in spite of the dull ache in her ankle. She tucked a piece of hair behind her ear and took a moment to catch her breath, then continued the job.

"What do you like to do in your spare time?" This time, the small talk came out a little easier.

True Justice

Jean shrugged. "It's not a very good ship, anyhow. I'll find work somewhere else." A smile tugged at the edges of his mouth. "With knife skills like that, how could I not?"

------

Meanwhile, Adrian managed to catch up with Terence and Shay's timeline.

His muscles were burning as he made it to the shipyard at last. His family wouldn't understand this. Terence was the only one whom he could talk to, who could understand, whom he could ask for help.

"Terence!" He called, looking around the yard for his friend.