A birthday party on Aiur, Thursday

[moonbrain_tam]

It was her birthday today, and following Kerrigan's advice, River had let Raynor know a few days ahead. She had just mentioned it briefly, but he couldn't keep his plans from her; he was planning a birthday celebration.

It was a very human thing, and camouflaging as human she would have to seem happy.

She had climbed up a tree and now sat on a thick

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[on_her_korhal]

"River?" Jim called, digging through the jungle. It wasn't as dangerous out here as it used to be, but he was still gonna be worried when the kid took off. "You out here, sweetheart?"

[on_her_korhal]

"Heh."

It was good to get a smile out of the girl. And maybe a lot of it was the fact that he'd spent so much time trying to get smiles out of Sarah Kerrigan, and this was pretty much-- her kid.

So what. Raynor grinned. "You get to your cake first, hun."

[moonbrain_tam]

River turned towards the cake and cut herself a large piece. "Thank you," she said quietly; to Raynor, to all of them. And in that moment she meant it.

But her zerg self - her true self - was moving under the surface.

[on_her_korhal]

"Let's just call it a 'welcome to the Raiders' party," he said, moving by her so he'd be able to get himself a nice chunk for himself.

[moonbrain_tam]

"Thank you," River repeated, feeling the human emotions shift and move, returning to their proper place. "You make me feel at home."

[on_her_korhal]

That got her a big ol' smile off Jim's face. "Hey, if we can help you out," he offered, warmly. "I bet even old metalface outside'll pitch in."

[moonbrain_tam]

She giggled. "But he can't dance," River said.

[on_her_korhal]

"Wouldn't stop him trying," Jim chuckled. "Ignore the poshy Protoss speak. Guy's as big a dork as I've ever seen one. Good man in combat, too."

[moonbrain_tam]

She nodded, smiling. "I know." Then she held out her hand. "But you will dance with me first."

[on_her_korhal]

"Fine," he said, taking her hand. "Just this once." And spun her once. Not a lot of space in the barracks, no.

[moonbrain_tam]

She laughed. A lot of space wasn't necessary. River attempted to spin Raynor around in return, then let go of his hand.

[on_her_korhal]

He moved with the spin mostly to humor her, chuckling all the while. "You go, River."

[moonbrain_tam]

"More cake," she said, reaching for another piece.