"Just because it's been served before doesn't mean it tastes bad. Practice makes perfect and all that," she said, shrugging and returning to her seat.
Jared continued to serve the soup to the sailors, dishing out less to the sailors he particularly didn't like. He couldn't wrap his head around the creaking. Was is someone? Or was it just his imagination?...
(@Proxy Would it be easier if we pretended that the meal that Jade and Cobiah were eating was actually dinner?) The crowd quickly made their way through the line, and finally, everyone was served. Jack flushed slightly, but he shrugged casually. "I mean, yeah."
Avice laughed nervously. "Then you're my best friend, too." She thought a moment. "It's funny how that can happen over the course of a day."
"Well, that, and I'm also a terribly unfriendly person," he joked. He shrugged and his face turned more serious. "Besides, I talked to you pretty consistently on this ship, even before we were partnered up, and you don't have the tendency to beat up other people for chocolate. That checks all the boxes." * * * Natalia entered the mess hall, and looked around. Her eyes rested on familiar faces. Jack, Ellia, Jared, Avice. They were all present and accounted for. She walked to the front and the room and cleared her throat. "Excuse me everyone," she said, getting their attention. "I appreciate all of your patience in dealing with the partnership today. I know that you may be unsatisfied with the results, but this is a serious problem, and we need to stay together to avoid any further incidents." She looked tired. Dark circles were under her eyes, and her hand trembled at her side. She balled it into a fist, and continued speaking. "Unfortunately, I haven't determined a concrete conclusion about the attacker, and so the partnerships will have to last until further notice. Stay with your partners at all times, and at night, make sure to securely lock your doors. We have shifts for partners all throughout the night that will be on guard duty. If they catch you outside your room past ten, then you will be taken to the Hold immediately. Are there any questions?"
Avice turned to listen to the captain, then thinking after she had finished. "What happens to the attacker after we catch them?" She spoke up, a curious expression falling on her face.
Natalia's mouth was set in a hard line. "It depends on how we catch them," she said smoothly. "If the attacker strikes again, and they are caught in the act, they will be taken care of immediately. If they turn themselves in, or are turned in, we hold a trial for them, and I will make the final decision with all of your inputs. Rest assured, there will be... consequences."
Avice nodded. She could not think of any more questions at the time. Turning back to Jack, she grinned. "We're not beating each other up for chocolate, yet."
"I told you," he said, nudging her. "Not a chocolate guy. I would fight just about anyone for pie, though."
"Pie? I'm not a fan of pie, but nonetheless, duly noted. I'm trying to imagine you fighting for a pie."
He looked up at her, frowning dramatically. "This is why we can't have nice things," he said, shaking his head in mock disapproval.
"Psshh. It's obviously my job to ruin the good things." She teased, taking a sip of liquor. "And pies."
"Pies are all I have left in this life of mine, Avice!" he said, clutching at his heart in mock agony. "I think I can truly say that they are the only thing that I ever loved."
"That's depressing. I feel bad for you." She laughed. "I bet there are other things, but it's probably weird. Like cottage cheese, or something.'
"Nah, cottage cheese is not my thing," he said, finishing his meal. "Too... clumpy. I'm telling you, Rohesia. I have no heart."
"Oh, now I'm sure that's not true. You definitely have a heart somewhere. How else would you like pie the way you do? We just have to find it!" Avice cocked her head, stroking her chin. Her food was half-eaten, but it was obvious she didn't want any more.
He only shook his head. "Try all you want. I promise, it's nonexistent." He nodded towards her food. "Not hungry?"
