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"Yes, I do, because we're friends." Adrian said firmly. "I know that Miss O'Teale teases you and is very comfortable around you, probably a lot like one of your sisters, but she's not a man, Terence." He searched his friend's eyes. "That display was teasing, aye. You didn't mean much or anything by it, but it was unnecessary, and--"

He looked out to the ocean for a moment to compose his thoughts and then looked back at Terence, "Well, look at yourself, man! You've made a fool of her, and yourself, and she a lady! You'd do well to start treating her like one!"

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Terence nodded in agreement. He knew Adrian was right. "Yes, I know what I've done...It's just that...there's something about her. I don't know what it is, but it makes me toss all caution to the wind."

He laid a hand on his friend's shoulder. "I upset her and I don't intend to do it again, if I can help it. She seems to get annoyed by the tiniest things, though..." Terence shook his head. "Don't fret, my friend. I'll treat her like the lady she is."

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((OOC: This is the way I pictured the ship when I wrote this part, and I thought I'd share it, just so you have a general visualization of where Shay is and what I mean by "forecastle deck." ))

Shay admired the ocean from her vantage point from the forecastle deck. They were sailing along smoothly, which explained why Terence didn't feel seasick yet.

Speaking of Terence... she was starting to feel the familiar dislike of him creep back in for the first time since boarding the ship. Ever since the shipyard, she had somehow dropped her guard. She had become comfortable with him. Too comfortable. Well, that was about to change.

She walked to the edge of the deck and looked at the two men talking below on the main deck. Adrian was talking to Terence, and, whatever he was saying, she hoped it had hit its mark. As for her, she wouldn't jest around with poking or prodding or forward remarks, or at least she wouldn't try. She needed to return Terence to more of an acquaintance status. The overboard incident had taught her that much.

From now on, she would ignore him as much as possible, and hope that she and Adrian could have pleasant conversation to replace her exchanges with Terence. As much as he amused her (and annoyed her all at the same time), Terence Rowland was not good for her health.

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"You can't help what annoys her, Terence-- but you can stop teasing when you know that she's upset. I know that you see it," said Adrian, trying not to be too harsh. "Alright then. If that's square..." He looked around the deck, "We may be able to pick up some supper in the galley."

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Terence cleared his throat, glad to be rid of the subject. He would have preferred a different second subject, but at least it was better than the first. "I think I'll pass, my friend. Food doesn't appeal to me right now. I might get some rest in my hammock...and maybe do some deep thinking..." he mumbled the last part as he walked toward the ladder that led below.

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Adrian nodded and watched as his friend walked away, feeling a bit concerned for him. But he'd be alright, Adrian reassured himself. He usually was. He walked up to the forecastle to look for Shay, and found her looking at the ocean. "Are you hungry, Miss O'Teale?" He asked her as he approached.

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Shay watched as Terence skulked away, then tried to mask her surprise when Adrian came up to the forecastle. She had expected Terence to follow her; not Adrian. She shrugged at his question. "Not very, though I suppose I should eat something."

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"Alright then," Adrian said, and politely held out his arm for her to take, "I was just going to go down to the galley just below us to see what all of the smells are. It's about time for supper, I think." He thought that he might be able to bring some hardtack down for Terence later. Crackers usually helped upset stomachs.

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Shay stared in confusion at Adrian when he held out his arm. What am I supposed to... Ohhh. She'd seen enough gentlemen offer their arms to other ladies, but it hadn't ever happened to her. She took his arm with a small, polite smile. "Now that you mention it, I am getting hungry. It smells delicious." She waited for him to lead the way before heading down to the galley.

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Terence sat down on his hammock and exhaled. He ran a hand through his hair and then laid back, crossing his arms behind his head and using them as a pillow. His brown eyes stared up at the hammock above him, watching it sway back and forth. Back and forth. Back and forth...

After a while, the motion made him feel a little queasy, so he closed his eyes and listened to the shouts and others sounds that the sailors made while they worked on the ship.

In 10 minutes flat, Terence Rowland was asleep.

25 minutes later, he was on a sunny beach, sitting on the sand with his toes buried beneath it. Sparkling, aqua-blue waves lapped at the smooth, white sand in rhythmic motions.

Lightning flashed again, momentarily blinding Terence. When he regained his full vision, all he could see was the petite blonde in front of him. A wicked look filled her eyes as she lifted a knife and plunged it towards his heart...

Terence quickly sat up on the hammock with a loud, surprised yell that could have been heard all over the ship. The hammock swayed violently with his motion, tipping him. He landed on the wooden ground below with a thud.

He stood with wide eyes, one open hand placed against his chest, checking for any knives or wounds.

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The pair walked down the steps, managed their way around a crewer carrying an enormous barrel, and got into the galley.

The place was full. The tables and benches were bolted to the floor to allow for the swaying of the ship, and food covered them along with plate. The noise and sounds of eating filled the air; for Adrian, this felt like home.

He led them over to a less crowded table and motioned for Shay to take a seat. There were plates a-plenty near them, along with one of the trays of fresh meat (as they'd just left land) and boiled potatoes.

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Meanwhile, in the galley, Shay had no idea how much fear she was currently causing Terence. Instead, she followed Adrian to their table, deftly navigating through the swarms of people until they found an open table. She sat down on the wooden bench and helped herself to some meat and a potato, then turned to Adrian. She had to shout to be heard over the clamor in the room. "How soon do you think we'll reach the Capitol?" she asked. "Even with all my traveling, I've never been before."

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Adrian thought about it. "Seven days, I'd say. Maybe less, if we have fair winds." He took some food as well and a thought occurred to him, "More, if there are storms or pirates."

-----

It was night, and Jean had made his way to the top deck. It was quiet now, in the time after the timekeeper rung the bell of the fourth watch-- his watch.

He saw a figure at the wheel, steering the ship through the navy waters, made black by the lack of light. The waves were becoming choppy, and the wind blew hard. There would be a storm tonight, if Jean didn't guess wrong. His fingers wrapped around the sturdy rope rigging that led up into the crow's nest. Heaven help him stay safe! Aye, and wasn't it a blowsy night?

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"Storms and pirates?" Shay tipped her head as she nibbled on a potato. "That could potentially get interesting." She shrugged. "I've been in my share of storms, but pirates would be a new experience."

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Terence sat on his hammock, shaking his head. You're being ridiculous.

A chuckle escaped him and he ran a hand through his hair. It had been a dream and nothing more. Standing, he stomped toward the ladder. Maybe it was a good idea to get some food. After all, he hadn't eaten much lunch. He blamed his crazy dream on a lack of food.

Once he was up the ladder, he headed toward the galley, got some food and sat down at a table next to Shay and Adrian's, nodding to the sailors that were already sitting there. "Evening, gentlemen."

With a glance at Adrian and Shay, he said, "I got hungry..." He shrugged.