'GANS ON ICE

by Lucille D'ecoupage

"Ah-ha-ha-ha... Unt, as it turns out, he is ze couzin off mein father!"

"No. Theissen?" Said Tarbin.

"Jah. Sheizzen!"

"Ah-ha-ha-ha..."

"Gentlemen!" It was the Captain. "Behave yourselves."

They had broken out a prize bottle of rum in order to welcome their new friends. Larsfeldt and Tarbin had consumed a fair amount, having just returned from their adventure and therefore quite invigorated by it. The hunters had never tried such a foul concoction before. They soon found it's effect pleasing, if not debilitating. The other three were more restrained and fearful should decorum be breached.

The Whaler had discovered that he and Tarbin shared a distant past in the Bavarian district of Kelp. They seemed to be developing a friendship, something about which Farthing was none too pleased. He regarded the interloper with suspicion. This arrangement could be little more than a trap. He struggled to keep his doubts from the surface. Caudal and Dickinson were faring somewhat better and appeared to be actually enjoying themselves. Perhaps this new connection was good for them. At the root of it, they knew they were not alone. It was a confused moment for Farthing. He could feel himself become light-headed, an expression of glee frozen in place. Voices and actions blurred. The night wore on. Drink more. Drink more. Soon they had established a display, in order to demonstrate for their audience the manner in which they had become lodged in this land. Farthing and Dickinson danced around, made elaborate gestures. Tarbin and Caudal playing each the Lord Admiral and a Member of the Gallery. The Whaler played a fish. The hunters laughed and slapped their knees - some hilarious myth of creation performed in their honour. They themselves performed a dance, Caribou and Eagle, welcoming the Spring. It offered hope for a new beginning, a message completely lost on the crew, who were now passed out at the table. The two hunters made themselves comfortable on the floor and fell asleep, heads swimming in strange new aromas.