The duck pond: Sunday morning

[moonbrain-tam.livejournal.com]

Simon had assured River that there was nothing wrong with her. Nothing that made it necessary for her to stay in the clinic anyway. He had increased the dose of some of her medications a little after getting the test results, and promised to make sure her doctor here had some understanding of what they were supposed to do.

River had suggested a picnic in the park. She had put on the hat Jane had given her for which the mun wishes she had an icon, and they had picked up some sandwiches and ice cream on the way.

River placed Berthold's blanket on the ground. "That was where I attacked Pippi," she told Simon, pointing at the exact spot. She sat down on the blanket.

[ooc: Open for visitors!]

Comments

[moonbrain-tam.livejournal.com]

Simon frowned. "Are you sure this is a good place for a picnic?" He kept standing.

[moonbrain-tam.livejournal.com]

"What better?" River asked. "Besides, I need to find a duck feather for the hat. Jane said I had to find them myself. And this is where the ducks live."

While she unwrapped the sandwiches some of the ducks began to take an interest.

[moonbrain-tam.livejournal.com]

Shrugging, he sat down next to River. If she was ok with this place there was no need for him to question it.

[mildly-super.livejournal.com]

A warrior did not let itself wallow in self pity. So it was that Saigo was in the park once more hoping to at least ease the division between himself and the flock.

Oo, look humans with food.

[moonbrain-tam.livejournal.com]

"Hello there," River said. "You have a feather for me?" she asked, holding a small piece of bread in her hand.

"I'm not crazy," River explained to Simon. "People talk to animals here. They even teach classes in it."

[mildly-super.livejournal.com]

Saigo looked quizzically at the girl. Not that most humans would pick up on that. //A feather? I have several, but why do you need one?// He took the bread gently and pondered.

[moonbrain-tam.livejournal.com]

"If you start feeding the ducks we'll soon have all of them here," Simon said, giving his sister an amused look. "Can't you just steal a feather?"

[mildly-super.livejournal.com]

//You could try.// Saigo said pointedly to the human who'd spoken. //I would not advise it however. Exile or no I will defend my people.//

[moonbrain-tam.livejournal.com]

"I need a feather for my hat," River told the duck. She poked Simon. "Don't insult the duck. He might get upset."

[mildly-super.livejournal.com]

//You should listen to your female.// Saigo advised, then examined the hat. He had to agree that there was nothing that didn't look better with duck feathers. He doubted most humans were so polite. That, and the feeding of him and his bretheren were definately working in her favor.

Were any of his feathers loose?

[moonbrain-tam.livejournal.com]

"Is he looking for a feather to give you?" Simon said jokingly.

[mildly-super.livejournal.com]

Saigo gave Simon another look. //Your male does not appear to be very bright.// he quacked to River.

[moonbrain-tam.livejournal.com]

"Stop insulting the duck, Simon!" River said, poking her brother.

[mildly-super.livejournal.com]

Duck's can't smirk, but Saigo would be if he could. Yes, he liked this human. So, he reached back, and felt around for any feathers that might, ah, yes, that one was definately ready.

He plucked it out and dropped it in River's lap.

//You do your species credit young human.//

[moonbrain-tam.livejournal.com]

"Thank you!" River beamed, and placed the feather in her hat. "Look Simon!"

[moonbrain-tam.livejournal.com]

Simon blinked. "That was.. strange."

[mildly-super.livejournal.com]

//You haven't been here long have you?//

[enginegirl.livejournal.com]

Kaylee wandered by and spotted River...and Simon. Of course, she had to go over and greet them.

"Good to see ya out of the clinic," she said to River.

[moonbrain-tam.livejournal.com]

"Kaylee!" River hugged her legs. "Have some food." She scooted over so that Kaylee could sit down between her and Simon.

[moonbrain-tam.livejournal.com]

"Hi Kaylee," Simon said, smiling. "I finally managed to persuade her and she suggested a picnic."

[enginegirl.livejournal.com]

Kaylee smiled. "Good. She shouldn't be stuck there."

She sat down. "Got any strawberries?"

[moonbrain-tam.livejournal.com]

"Couldn't find any strawberries, I'm afraid," Simon said. "But there's strawberry ice cream." He handed Kaylee a carton and a spoon.

[enginegirl.livejournal.com]

"Oh, well this is the best kind," Kaylee said, gratefully taking the ice cream from Simon.

[moonbrain-tam.livejournal.com]

"Have you seen the hat Jane gave me?" River gestured towards her head. "I need a feather for it. Trying to persuade the ducks to give me one."

[enginegirl.livejournal.com]

Kaylee grinned. "That's a very nice hat."

She peered at the ducks. "Maybe if you ask nicely."

[moonbrain-tam.livejournal.com]

River grinned. "I think I'll wear in on my date with Blair."

[enginegirl.livejournal.com]

Kaylee raised an eyebrow. "You got a date with Blair?"

She had to wonder how Simon felt about that.

[moonbrain-tam.livejournal.com]

Simon looked as if he really didn't want to know. "Blair showed me the way to the hotel when I first got here. He... bounces a lot. But I'm sure the hat will be fine to wear on a date."

[enginegirl.livejournal.com]

"Blair's a nice guy," Kaylee said as if trying to reassure Simon.

[moonbrain-tam.livejournal.com]

Simon said nothing, wondering if it was a good sign that the guy wanted to go out with a girl who broke his arm the week before. But then Blair seemed to genuinely like River. "I'm just trying to be the over-protective brother here."

[moonbrain-tam.livejournal.com]

"Kaylee has a new boyfriend!" River blurted out.

[enginegirl.livejournal.com]

"I know you are. Nothin' wrong with that," Kaylee said to Simon. Then she facepalmed when River blurted that information. It wasn't exactly how she would have wanted Simon to find out.

[moonbrain-tam.livejournal.com]

Simon suddenly took a serious interest in the ducks, and said nothing.

[moonbrain-tam.livejournal.com]

"His name's Joxer and he wears a funny hat too," River continued.

[enginegirl.livejournal.com]

"Don't forget about the armor," Kaylee said, shaking her head.

[moonbrain-tam.livejournal.com]

"Armor?" Simon asked, scratching his head a little nervously. He stil wasn't looking directly at Kaylee.

[enginegirl.livejournal.com]

"Um, yeah, Joxer's a warrior," Kaylee said awkwardly.

[moonbrain-tam.livejournal.com]

"Oh," was all Simon replied to that. Then deciding to try and lighten things up he added: "Well, there aren't exactly a lot of other people around on Serenity, so I can't say I've been equally lucky." It sounded really stupid even to him, and the look on River's face told him his judgement was right.

[enginegirl.livejournal.com]

Kaylee really wasn't sure what to say to that. She found the ducks to be quite fascinating at the moment.

[moonbrain-tam.livejournal.com]

"More ice cream?" River offered, enjoying being an annoying little sister again.

[enginegirl.livejournal.com]

Kaylee smiled awkwardly. "Sure."