[JP] Lt. JG Marshall & Lt. Cmdr. Reynolds - Northern Lights (Part I)

[Jo Marshall]

((Vessine Glade Camping Site, Trill))

::The trees surrounding their camp whistled and sang in the gentle wind that breezed around the clearing, a honeyed sweetness on the air, like pomegranates and distant thunderstorms. Lit by a multitude of smaller campfires, and various lanterns that decorated the perimeter of their camp casting shadows of tall pines onto the grass, the party atmosphere continued to rage on well into the evening, with little sign of stopping anytime before daylight broke. Those few who did manage to break off, it was to sleep in the pitched tents, and that seemed like a waste of a perfectly good night on the wondrous planet.::

::It was with that in mind that Jo cradled her mug of whatever concoction was being passed around against her heart for the warmth, and sat down next to her hybrid friend.::

E. Reynolds: What have you got?

::Erin peered into the mug, wariness and interest in equal parts. The drinks had got more and more elaborate -- and deadly -- as the night had gone on, caution and common sense lost amongst the revelry. Suffice to say, there were going to be some sore heads in the morning, but that was all part of the ritual of shore leave parties.::

Marshall: It smells like a mixture of ale and rum. ::She offered it over.:: Any ideas?

::Erin leaned over, her blonde hair sliding over her shoulders as she moved, and took a cautious sniff of the concoction in Jo's mug. Her eyebrows shot up, and she pulled away, grinning at her friend.::

E. Reynolds: I'm not sure what's in it, but I'm fairly certain it's catatonia given liquid form.

::The quite accurate description drew an exhaled laugh from Jo, and she took another sip of whatever it was before cupping the mug with both hands.::

Marshall: Probably. I don't know where they manage to get this stuff from, it's like warp core fluid.

::She didn't relish the thought of being around when the bodies started dropping - spending time with her hybrid friend was much more appealing. The corner of Jo's mouth quirked up as an idea took form, then the familiar quiver skidded across her heart, teeth drawing across her bottom lip.::

Marshall: Can I convince you to run away with me? ::She found hazel eyes and smiled.:: Just for tonight.

::Startled by the unexpected request, Erin froze in place for a moment, wide eyes fixed on on Jo. Then, with tentative smile and a blush of rose blooming on her freckled cheeks, she nodded, quick and bird-like.::

E. Reynolds: Yes.

::As hoped for as it was, the one word answer still had the capacity to render Jo's vocal cords inert. A rising flush crept up on her cheeks, which she could blame the small amount of warming alcohol for, and she glanced over towards their friends and colleagues, mingling, talking, laughing.::

Marshall: What do you reckon our chances are of sneaking away?

::Erin followed her gaze, watching the crowd as they enjoyed the party. The firelight was warm, in temperature and colour, bathing the tents and the wilderness around them in shades of gold and ruby. She smiled, breathing a soft chuckle at some of the antics -- drunken and otherwise -- on show, and then she looked back toward the other blonde.::

E. Reynolds: I think a rhino could charge up in there and it would take everyone a while to notice.

::Jo laughed, finishing off the rest of what was in her mug before placing it down on the grass beside her feet. She looked over to their friends again, narrowing her eyes a little, knowing a perfect moment of distraction was never going to come. Decision made, she slid her hand into the hybrid's and stood up.::

Marshall: We can't wait around for a rhino.

::Erin bit her lip, entirely unable to wipe the grin off her face, and she nodded. Her cheeks were darkening from pink to tomato red, the freckles getting lost behind the bright colour.::

E. Reynolds: Let's go.

::Her brightening cheeks and infectious grin hit Jo solidly in the chest, and in that moment she only had eyes for the woman beside her. It wasn't until they were a few strides away from the camp that she remembered what the destination was.::

Marshall: You're going to need something warm. It'll get cold once the sun sets.

::Her smile didn't falter, but Erin cocked her head to the side, intrigued.::

E. Reynolds: Alright. I'll go grab a couple of layers from my tent. Meet you here?

Marshall: Sounds perfect.

::She gave the woman's hand a gentle squeeze before letting go, and moved off to find her own tent to find what provisions she had actually planned, but turned, walking backwards for a few steps.::

Marshall: And boots too. ::She smiled.:: You are going to love this, I promise.

TBC

--

Lieutenant JG Jocelyn Marshall

Operations Officer

USS Gorkon

G239304JM0

&

Lt. Commander Erin Reynolds

Chief Science Officer

​USS Gorkon

simmed by​

Rear Admiral Quinn Reynolds

Commanding Officer

USS Gorkon

T238401QR0