Knock on Wood

Coran laughed as Nance squawked. "They take punishment."

Clara bit her lip, trying not to laugh at the poor boy's expense.

"I see."

"Alright, now," Rudy laughed, seemingly coming to Nance's rescue. He pried the brothers apart, holding each of them at arm's length and herding them a good distance away.

"Thanks, Rudy," Nance gased, rubbing his scalp.

The bulky pirate dropped them both, acting as if he hadn't heard. "If yer gonna tussle, do it where ya won't go hurtin' nobody."

Nance gaped, and had time for a simgle, pitiful wail before his brother had tackled him to the ground.

Clara laughed, stepping out of the boys' way.

"Don't hurt him!" Clara cried as they wrestled on the floor.

"I won't!" Coran assured her.

"You ARE!"

"Ah, you're tougher than you think, little bro. You can handle it."

Lorelei stood and came to join the group, raising a brow at the brothers.

Clara bit back a smile, casting Lorelei a sheepish look.

"Leave them for five minutes." she said with a shrug.

"That's usually all it takes," Lorelei nodded. Turning to Clara, she smiled. "Seems like you had an interesting trip, then?"

"Interesting...yes." Clara nodded. "Frightening...moreso."

"But everyone's alright, and that's what counts," Booth said.

Lorrie nodded. "Yes... Thank that Goddesses that you weren't recognized, lass." She smiled to Minikin, who grinned in return.

[You know what would be fun? Last name misunderstandings. XD]

Clara frowned. "I do wonder, though...one of them addressed me. Wanted to know what I was doing with all the wood. I didn't want to incriminate myself, so I said I was repairing a boat, plain and simple."

She paused. "He seemed satisfied, but the thing that bothers me is the look he gave me, and what he said. Told me something about how I didn't look well enough to be on any boats..."

{{Haha, much. ^^}}

Lorelei snorted in an unladylike fashion. "That's Duvall for you. If you aren't up to his standards, you aren't good enough for anything."

Clara laughed quietly. "Least of my worries. I was hoping he didn't think me odd enough to want to investigate." she said, frowning.

"Would he suspect something, do you think?"

Lorrie shook her head slowly, thoughtfully. "I wouldn't think so... He thinks we sunk, hopefully. So I don't see any reason for him to suspect anything..."

Clara nodded. "I'm paranoid, I suppose. There's just been so much that's happened today, and from what you told me...well, rather safe than sorry, yes?"

Her smile widened. "But enough about that. When do you want to start repairs, Lorrie?"

Lorelei rubbed her temples. "With Duvall within range, sometime soon, I'd think. But we'll have to keep sure he doesn't catch wind of us."

{{Does Glen know that this is crap-hush?}}

Clara nodded. "Of course."

[[I do not think so! I will review, just to make sure, but as far as I know...]]

{{Why did it censor that...? Oh. crap. H-u-s-h-i-t-y. Gotcha.}}

:::::::::

Charles Duvall watched the horse-drawn wagon approach, drumming his fingers on his sword hilt.

[[XD Oh snap. I didn't even realize]]

Glen reigned the horses towards his shop. Whistling, he unhitched the beasts and stabled them.

"Shopkeeper's back, Cap'n," sniveled a ratlike ship's hand, glancing out the window.

Duvall nodded. "I can see that."

Glen entered the shop, a small bell above the door ringing out his entrance.

"How'd things fare, Mark?"

"Just fine." the young man said. "How was Miss Clara?"

Glen sighed. "She's fine."