Corresponding notes: Part twelve: River

[bookaddict43]

Title: Corresponding notes: part twelve: River
Author: Bookaddict
Characters: River, Crew, OCs
Rating: PG13
Timeline: post the dance at Ma’s place
Disclaimer: Firefly and all its characters are the property of Joss Whedon
Word count: 1020
Comments: Because Ma started writing to Kaylee and River too I had to write this off-shoot from the Letters series.
Previous chapters here. Thanks to cantonheroine for the wonderful banner and icon.




Dear Ellen,

We have made our delivery safely and received payment. All went well and no-one was injured.

Thank you so much Ellen for arranging the dance. I enjoyed it as did everyone else. I was especially glad to see my brother and Kaylee dancing, they were in accord and looked so happy.

Despite our worries for Kaylee we again enjoyed our visit with you. Your home is so welcoming and you have no reservations about any of us. It is refreshing.

Your recent cooking lessons have paid off. I successfully produced a whole meal for the crew yesterday! Cooking is very much like chemistry I find and I was always good at chemistry. My meal included roast chicken, potato cakes, a mixture of vegetables and raisin buns. All the ingredients came from your garden and were delicious, I’m sure they helped make my meal successful.

The new mechanic is scared of me, but despite this seems to be doing a reasonable job. Neither the Captain nor Jayne like him, so I predict he won’t last long on board.

Of course his major sin is that he isn’t Kaylee. Everyone does miss her so. I hadn’t realised how close we had become and am glad of the letter she sent to me. I distract myself and Fifi by carrying out the tasks she left for me to the best of my ability.

The Captain and Zoë have negotiated another job for us; on a moon renowned for its wet season. It’s so long since I saw real rain; I’m looking forward to it greatly.

Look after yourself dear friend,

Love River

Dear River, Congratulations on the meal I knew you could do it. Kaylees still pretty weak but never complains. It did my heart good to see you all dancing my boys included. Jayne didnt cause one fight or go off with a girl I was glad to see it. Dont worry about that mechanic he doesnt know what a wonderful girl you are. Love Ellen

Dear Ellen,

I’m so sorry for my delay in answering you I’ve been unwell.

Unwell! Ellen the word doesn’t cover it.

I’ve never really been ill before. Of course I was badly treated at the Academy but that wasn’t illness. I was only sick for a little while, how do people who are constantly sick cope? How did Mattie co-exist with such illness all these years? It’s amazing. Also Ellen, I respect you all the more for your nursing skills.

Sadly I don’t have any. As soon as I was better I tried to assist the lion with his duties. But I upset the Captain and spilt Inara’s soup and disturbed Simon more than I nursed him so Jayne banished me to the piloting and cooking.

Fifi was banished too, her following got on his nerves. She assists me as I spend my time making invalid food and checking our course. Zoë now keeps me company, she is weak but improving. Jayne says that’s because I didn’t get the chance to nurse her. But he is teasing Ellen. At least I think he is.

It’s disturbing that the two who have recovered, Zoë and Brad, are the two I didn’t nurse. Clearly nursing will not be a career choice.

Your boys are both good dancers, you can be proud of them. I confess I was surprised at Jayne’s skill and enjoyed Mattie’s. You don’t mind Ellen that he danced with me so much? Your boy’s attentions made me feel light and airy. I did like that and would love to repeat it sometime.

We are due to land soon and Brad has decided he’s leaving. He didn’t acquit himself well in the last fight and didn’t enjoy the sickness. I don’t think any of us will be sorry to see him go.

Thank you for thinking me wonderful, I think the same of you.

Love River

River girl I do think youre wonderful and kind and dont mind you dancing with Mattie why would I? You two might be good for one another if you choose to do more I would be happy. Its your choice though not mine remember. Kaylees improved some and is working out on the porch now. That girl is easy to nurse. But looking after sick folks aint for everyone girl Jaynes had plenty of practise and shouldnt tease. Mattie coped just by being him I think everyones different. Love Ellen

Dear Ellen,

Your words make me so happy. But I wonder if you might retract them now. I’m sure you’ve heard what I did to the new mechanic?

He made me so angry Ellen. Zoë had already warned him about being mean to Fifi, but he hit her anyway! I was outraged and returned the favour by kicking him. I know where to kick to cause the most damage and did so without hesitating. I misused my knowledge and my power and it worries me.

Perhaps I reacted more violently because I’m worried for Simon too. He has pneumonia now and it frightens me.

We have been all to each other for so long. What if something happens to him? I consider the others my family and they look after me too as a family member. But he is my brother, my only blood kin as you would say. I don’t want to lose him.

We have completed a smuggling job and earned plenty of money. Our goal is to buy better medications for Simon and that may help. While the medications do their work we are to rest on Haven for awhile. Hopefully this will work.

Give my love to Kaylee and Mattie. I hope to have better news soon.

Love River

Dear River, Child don’t worry by yourself tell the others your fears. It helps to share them you know. Maybe you were violent but I wouldve done the same and protected whats mine. Id be more likely to use my gun though and so would some of the other folks on your boat remember. I hope Simons feeling better and you are too. Love Ellen

Comments

[guinny-hamilton.livejournal.com]

First things first: You. Cannot. Kill. Off. Any. Of. The. Characters.

That includes Simon, Mattie and Fifi.

That being said: oh how I love this series!!

I think I like River's letters best now!

[bookaddict43.livejournal.com]

*cringes from the threat* *giggles evilly*

I'm glad you're enjoying the series still and liked River's letters so much! :)

[lvs2read.livejournal.com]

Aww...poor River. *pets* Even though we've already seen all of these events through others' eyes, it's nice to see her thoughts. *hugs*

Hope Simon gets well soon. *g*

Looking forward, as always, to the next installment.

[bookaddict43.livejournal.com]

River's view of events is sometimes a little different than others *grins* and I think Simon is recovering *reassures*.

[ladytalon1.livejournal.com]

Yay, another letter! But won't Jayne be upset at Simon moving back into his territory after the letters? :p Let's hear something from Kaylee or Jayne next! ....pleeeeeeeease?

Wonderful as always, it was a good distraction from my joint pain ;)

[bookaddict43.livejournal.com]

Awwwww *huggles you*, hope the joint pain is a bit better? Jayne's up next, then Kaylee...

[mercsgoodgirl.livejournal.com]

I agree, I've enjoyed reading all the different perspectives on situations. I love Ellen's practical, down-to-earth nature and how affirming she is. (In fact, she reminds me more'n a little of my own late mama.)

[bookaddict43.livejournal.com]

Ellen reminds you of your Mama? *smiles happily* I try to make her all those things you said - I'm glad you think it worked!

[ceslas.livejournal.com]

As soon as I was better I tried to assist the lion with his duties.

My little secret heart squeees every time she calls him lion...cause, well, you know... >;0)

River's letters are the best, she exhibits just enough of a sideways view that you can see her brilliance even when she isn't trying to be anything other than normal.