(Untitled)

[politestpirate]

The weather is not cooperating for ship repairs. Particularly when the area you have been working on is up in the rigging. (It is one thing to go up there when needed- only a fool goes up there when he does not.)

Thus, Wellard is at a table, comparing things from a book on the weather- the section on atmospheric layers, and a book on early

Comments

[msmartha]

Martha has a book, as well, though it's a work of fiction and nod a technical one. Still, she spares a smile for the man at the table as she passes by, slowing.

[msmartha]

"Aye."

The word's a little quiet, and she ducks her head, clearly embarrassed.

"Has tha seen him about as well?"

[politestpirate]

"I just met him here, yes." Wellard nods slowly. "He thought he was in Italy, when he first arrived."

He reaches over, touching Martha's arm. "Is there something amiss with his being here?"

[msmartha]

"Nay, not in the least. Simply-"

She looks up at him, smiling at his hand, at him.

"I dinnae want him to think I have been deserting my duties at the manor, you see."

[politestpirate]

Wellard raises an eyebrow, puzzled.

"I know that Mary comes and goes back and forth from here at Milliways to her home. So unless you are bound here and unable to get back, you'd hardly be neglecting things back there."

[msmartha]

"I do not neglect things; time does not pass there while I stay here."

Her voice is insistant. It's one thing to know that, it's quite another to explain such a thing to your stern employer.

[politestpirate]

Wellard nods slowly, then smiles wryly. He can imagine trying to explain such a thing to Archibald Craven, also.

"He did not quite seem... focused, so with any luck he won't notice you if you don't wish him to."

[msmartha]

"Aye, that is my hope."

And then she smiles again, for Martha finds it hard to be unhappy for too very long.

"What books is tha reading?"

She tilts her head sideways, looking at the titles.

[politestpirate]

"-Oh. Early aviation, and things on the atmosphere. I'm trying to figure out how exactly to tell how high up you are, when flying. They've mentioned all sorts of devices, I just hadn't realized how much such a thing would be needed- but I guess I should have had." He smiles wryly.

[msmartha]

Ships, Martha knows about (even if its only through reading). Animals and flowers, Martha knows about.

Flying? That is something foreign and wonderful.

...or perhaps crazy.

"Is tha going to try to fly?"

[politestpirate]

"Going to try to, certainly." Wellard grins. "I was working on building a ship for it earlier, though lately I've been helping with repairs for the ship on the lake out back, here."

[msmartha]

Martha somehow manages to keep her jaw up off the floor.

"I've not been out on the ship."

She's not been on any ships. They're so large.

[politestpirate]

"Oh- you'll certainly have to see it, one of these days." Wellard nods. "Specially after we finish with all of the repairs."

[msmartha]

"Would the gentleman whose ship it is mind?"

[politestpirate]

"We've had quite a few people out there already, to see it." Wellard grins. "And Captain Sparrow is rather fond of his ship, so any chance to show her off..."

[msmartha]

"I think I should enjoy that a great deal, Master Wellard."