PMS 25

	<Halifax>	[Halifax who is still as pale as a sheet even though she acts normal (aside from the occasional cough) rides side saddle next to Ariel back down to town. The silence is peaceful if a bit awkward at first but it is at least calming. The sky is overcast white, and icy winds blow. Whatever light making it through the clouds reflects brightly on the icy ground.]
	* [k]Ariel	ride alongside her captain in silence. She's kinda happy being alone with Halifax, but with the condition her captain is, she feel that being happy is a bad thing.
	* Halifax	smiles a bit awkwardly.
	<[k]Ariel>	...
	* [k]Ariel	feel so useless in this situation.
	<[k]Ariel>	um... I don't know a proper way to ride a land horse, but for seahorse back in southblue, I can lie down on its back.
	<[k]Ariel>	You might feel better.
	* [k]Ariel	glasses shifts.
	<Halifax>	heh... I guess I might.
	* Halifax	musses her hair.
	<[k]Ariel>	or alternatively you could ride with me and rest on me.
	* [k]Ariel	*ahems*
	<[k]Ariel>	because it will be bothersome if you fall off the horse during your sickness
	* [k]Ariel	tries to keep a straight face.
	* Halifax	looks seriously at first the trail ahead and then herself.
	<Halifax>	Ah, I... "feel" okay. But then again, I felt okay last night. And now I can't remember parts of it...
	* Halifax	guides her horse closer to Ariel's
	<Halifax>	I probably should take some precaution...
	* [k]Ariel	brace for impact. Here it comes!
	<[k]Ariel>	Such a bother...
	<[k]Ariel>	Come. Take my hand.
	* Halifax	hesitates for a moment in nervousness. She takes Ariel's hand.
	* Halifax	. o O (Why is my heart pounding so hard?)
	* [k]Ariel	then helps Halifax get up her horsie.
	* [k]Ariel	keep her mouth shut or else her heart might bounce off.
	<[k]Ariel>	Sigh... you can't really do anything right without me around, can you?
	* Halifax	laughs
	<Halifax>	I guess not
	<Halifax_>	I guess not
	* [k]Ariel	position herself behind weakened Halifax, taking the reins with shaking hands.
	<[k]Ariel>	rest assured. I'm in control now.
	* [k]Ariel	leads Halifax's horse behind.
	* Halifax	relaxes. Her shoulders slump.
	<Halifax>	Thanks... I had a rough night...
	* Halifax	says a bit drowsily
	* [k]Ariel	is in bliss.
	* [k]Ariel	use her free hand to slowly ruffles Halifax.
	<[k]Ariel>	Now it's my turn to take care of you.
	<[k]Ariel>	just like you did to me, back in the days...
	* Halifax	practically purrs
	<Halifax>	Well, you get along with the others too now, right?
	* [k]Ariel	rolleyes.
	<[k]Ariel>	That's not an easy task, to tell you the truth.
	<Halifax>	Huh? But you're adorable! I didn't think you'd have trouble getting a few friends among the crew...
	* Halifax	sounds honestly worried.
	<[k]Ariel>	They are annoying bunch.
	<[k]Ariel>	but if you really go out of the way and ask me like this...
	* [k]Ariel	turns other way, blushing a bit.
	<[k]Ariel>	How could I deny you?
	<[k]Ariel>	guess I can only try. No guarantee though.
	* [k]Ariel	rides slower. Trying to keep this moment to go on forever. Even if she feel bad doing so.
	* Halifax	is breathing slowly. Is she nodding off?
	<[k]Ariel>	hm? are you asleep?
	* [k]Ariel	tries not to be too loud, as that might disrupt her cap'n's sleep.
	* Halifax	definitely looks asleep. Her body slumps against Ariel's. Her full lips part slightly as she breathes.
	<[k]Ariel>	...
	* [k]Ariel	look left.
	* [k]Ariel	look right.
	<[k]Ariel>	....since I'm doing this much, I should be able to take some form of payment...
	* Halifax	mumbles in her sleep. Something about money.
	* [k]Ariel	move her face closer. That lips are inviting her.
	<[k]Ariel>	...I'll take the advance.
	* [k]Ariel	steal a kiss like a sea rogue she is.
	* Halifax	eyes open as she feels lips on her own. She soon realizes what's is happening and closes her eyes again before it is over.
	* Halifax	pretends to be back asleep.
	* [k]Ariel	does not realize that Halifax is awake by her doing.
	<[k]Ariel>	...sigh.
	<[k]Ariel>	'Like a flower on a lone island. Bloom without witness, wither without fertizile.'
	<[k]Ariel>	...heh. I can be a poet.
	* [k]Ariel	then focus on her horse riding, absentmindedly stroking Halifax's hair.
	* Halifax	's chest is pounding... Her mind races. She didn't know Ariel felt this way...
	* [k]Ariel	hums some cheery theme to keep her spirits going.
	<Halifax>	[The two ride into town as the snow really starts to fall. Looks like everyone in town is locking up. Some people are still out side picking stuff up though.]
	<Halifax>	<LocalMan> STORMS COMIN'! STABLE THE HORSE AND GET IN TA SHELTER!
	<Halifax>	[It seems kind of weird with that guy yelling like that. It's not even a blizzard. Just kind snowing fast.]
	<[k]Ariel>	Oh well. Better do as they told. Locals are really good at this kind of things.
	* [k]Ariel	asks that guy.
	<[k]Ariel>	Is there anywhere we can take a shelter?!
	<Halifax>	<ThatGuyWhoSCREAMSEVERYTHING> OH NOT FROM AROUND TOWN? I GUESS THE INN SHOULD BE FINE. DOUBT THEY'LL HAVE TO MANY TOURISTS THIS TIME OF YEAR. BUT WHAT OF YOUR FRIEND THERE? SHE LOOKS ILL?
	<[k]Ariel>	No. She's perfectly fine. Just being sleepyhead. Thanks for the info!
	* [k]Ariel	head to the local inn
	* Halifax	wakes up from that guy shouting. Or at least pretends to with an overly elaborate yawn.
	<Halifax>	Aaaaaah, that was a nice nap. Oh we're here already? I must have slept the entire way! I hope I wasn't heavy. So how bout this weather?
	* Halifax	babbles
	<[k]Ariel>	You slept the entire way alright.
	* [k]Ariel	hope that way.
	<[k]Ariel>	It's snowing and we have to seek immediate shelter for the time being.
	* Halifax	coughs harshly.
	<[k]Ariel>	and get you something warm to drink, maybe.
	* Halifax	shies away a bit. The spiders are disgusting enough, let alone with someone watching...
	<[k]Ariel>	?
	* Halifax	nods turning away.
	<Halifax>	[The two make it to the stable and leave the horses as a stable boy is setting up large walls and piles hay for them, throwing large blankets over them. He reassures they'll be safe through the night and that he'll be with them the whole time.]
	<Halifax>	[The two make it to the nearby inn.]
	* [k]Ariel	is fine with cold weather. The frigid northblue sea where she left can be very cold when it wanted to be.
	<[k]Ariel>	Excuse me, innkeeper. we want a room.
	<Halifax>	<Innkeeper> Ah a couple of the girls from two days ago! Ducking out of the storm aye? Well We got a spare room so I'll give you half off. Can't swindle people just trying to not die of the cold now can I?
	<[k]Ariel>	How sweet of you. Thank you.
	* Halifax	Innkeeper looks as jolly as ever.
	<[k]Ariel>	As a reward I'll keep my door unlocked at night~
	* [k]Ariel	seducing gesture.
	<[k]Ariel>	Just kidding!
	<Halifax>	<Innkeeper> Ah, I did say, there is only one spare room didn't I? But you're both girls so it won't be to awkward sharing a bed eh?
	* Halifax	Innkeeper ducks behind his counter and scrounges for the key.
	<[k]Ariel>	I DON'T MIND AT ALL!
	* [k]Ariel	's enthusiasm RISES!
	* Halifax	is finally piecing all of Ariel's mannerisms together. Was it always this obvious?
	* Halifax	blushes
	* Halifax	Innkeeper rises from behind the counter and holds out the key for someone to take it. He jangles it.
	* [K]Ariel	takes the key and thanks him.
	<[K]Ariel>	Where to?
	<Halifax>	<Innkeeper> First floor. End of the hall.
	* Halifax	Innkeeper points
	<[K]Ariel>	Let's go, cap'n.
	* [K]Ariel	takes halli's hand.
	* Halifax	's hand is taken...
	* [K]Ariel	leads to room, etc.
	* Halifax	just nods and follows. Her heart isn't ready for this...
	<Halifax>	ummm... Ariel?
	<Halifax>	I-i...
	<[K]Ariel>	What's the matter?
	<Halifax>	m-maybe i-I'll sleep on the floor
	<[K]Ariel>	No you will not.
	* [K]Ariel	say that with a serious face.
	* Halifax	see her eyes and then looks at her feet.
	<[K]Ariel>	how could i let a captain sleep on the floor while her crewmate sleep in bed?
	* Halifax	mumbles a "sorry, you're right" to the floor.
	<[K]Ariel>	And you are sick on top of that. Don't be a kid and behave already!
	<[K]Ariel>	Ahhhh! Man up, will you!
	* [K]Ariel	backslap.
	<Halifax>	ahn~
	* [K]Ariel	is startled by an unexpected reaction.
	* Halifax	really should have brought her hat along. She feels so timid without it.
	<[K]Ariel>	Now-
	* [K]Ariel	throw halifax onto the bed.
	<[K]Ariel>	stay there and be comfortable.
	<Halifax>	uwah!~
	<[K]Ariel>	I'll deal with the rest.
	* Halifax	is positively trembling. Excitement? Fear? She can't place the feeling.
	* [K]Ariel	disappears, and soon come out with a towel and warm water.
	<[K]Ariel>	Put this wet towel on your forehead.
	* Halifax	obliges. It's damp and she flinches.
	<[K]Ariel>	Wipe your face with it or whatever.
	* [K]Ariel	sits besides halifax. Waiting for order like a diligent crew.
	<[K]Ariel>	I'll nurse you good. So you should be glad and sleep.
	* Halifax	can't quite take a hold of the situation. She just wipes her face. And then does it again, when she can't think of anything else. She finally settles on at least kicking off her boots.
	<[K]Ariel>	With me around, everything will be perfect.
	* [K]Ariel	acts cocky.
	<[K]Ariel>	It's me after all. How could it not?
	<Halifax>	[The room starts to get chilly. Icy wind cuts through it. No wonder it was "spare". It'll be a cold night.]
	* [K]Ariel	notice the temperature drop and put her own blanket over hali's.
	* Halifax	smiles at this she lays down and squirms deep into the covers.
	* [K]Ariel	is a little bit shaken, herself. But she made no sound. halifax comes first.
	* Halifax	's head pops out at the top of the bed and rests on a pillow.
	<Halifax>	Y-you... should tuck in too...
	<[K]Ariel>	...are you sure? With me on the same bed it will be to crowded.
	<Halifax>	...
	<Halifax>	It's cold in here. y-You don't want to?
	<[K]Ariel>	Don't worry about me, captain. I'm fine if you are happy.
	* [K]Ariel	smiles.
	<[K]Ariel>	because loking after you is my happiness.
	<[K]Ariel>	*looking after
	* [K]Ariel	ruffles.
	* Halifax	tugs on Ariel.
	<[K]Ariel>	Stop worrying about me and sleep.
	<[K]Ariel>	So that--ah?
	* Halifax	sticks bottom lip out in an obvious pout.
	<[K]Ariel>	....i never expect to see this from THE captain halifax.
	<[K]Ariel>	Oh well.
	* [K]Ariel	resign.
	<[K]Ariel>	as your wish, el capitan.
	* Halifax	takes off her eye patch. And tosses it next to her boots.
	* Halifax	felt awkward with it on without her hat. Her other eye is actually fine.
	* [K]Ariel	gets under the blanket. The limited space of the bed forces them to be very close.
	<[K]Ariel>	..... You lok better without the hat and eyepatch, cap'n.
	<[K]Ariel>	*look
	* Halifax	is flustered. She doesn't think of herself as much of a girly girl. She usually just ignores compliments on her looks...
	<[K]Ariel>	I understand the need to keep a strong demeanor, but you are wasting your true beauty because of it.
	<Halifax>	a-ah... t-thanks...
	* [K]Ariel	brush a lock of hair off halifax's face
	<[K]Ariel>	...such a waste.
	* Halifax	doesn't know what to do.
	<Halifax>	[A chill wind cuts like ice through the room.]
	* [K]Ariel	is content with this. Pushing forward might destroy the bond between them forever.
	* Halifax	clutches Ariel close instinctively to avoid the cold.
	<[K]Ariel>	move closer, will you. You want me to freeze to death or what?
	<[K]Ariel>	Oh-
	* [K]Ariel	's face is dangerously close to hers.
	<Halifax>	[End session]