"Hmm. Then to be safe, I'll make her one of each." Easy way to deal with that situation, no hit and miss. Fork in motion once more, she was always amazed at her ability to bake. "Just to let you know, I had only learned how to cook about two years ago." Stated in between bites and sips. Then a chuckle to his last comment, followed by a smile. "I'm glad to hear it." Slight lean towards him. "Though I promise you, my food won't never be poisoned, but I've been blamed for it causing belly rumbles and gas." This of course was meant in a playful nature, and another showing of how the docks were rubbing off on her. A mixture of propriety and brash behavior, though she did know to keep it tasteful, in certain company kept.

"Soak the beans in baking soda then first." Chuckle came with a wink as he had leaned in closer then back when she did. "You and she could exchange cooking skills as she was taught at an early age by her mother who was renowned in the lands especially for her baked goods. Here too, Sally can eat well and not have it go to her waist for how busy she keeps. I sometimes swear she took the clean clothes out from my drawers after a week and had them washed so they were fresh of scent." Not adding her teasing him it was so if he met a pretty lady he would not offend.

"I would be willing to judge the collaborated results of a cooking feast." Grin hitching again before finishing off the last of his pies. A new linen taken up to wipe off any residue before set on the plate and he to sit back. "If you'd like to take walk I can show you the apple orchids then the lake can be visited just below. I have a canoe there."

Having finished off her own pie portions, and the last of the cider drank. She rested back in her seat, hands moved to rub over the fullness of her stomach. "Soda, hmm?" Head tilted. "I'll have to remember that." The men wouldn't be able to accuse her anymore, of being the source of their ...putting ... around on the docks. Just the thought caused her to chuckle. Then a smile to his idea. "That's an excellent idea, Draven. The ship's cook, Mister Hane, is the one who taught me. Perhaps it's time I learned of a woman's touch in a kitchen." Resting her head back against her seat. "Never know when it might come in handy." Bit of a grin to now appear. Sitting up properly, a nod in agreement. "A walk is a wonderful idea." Head tilted slightly. "I've never been in a canoe before, I'd love a chance at the experience." It would afford them more time in which to talk, and spend time together. It had been a wonderful evening so far, and she felt deep inside, it could only get better.

He was up as he slid the chair back under the table then around to offer his arm in escort. "Then from apples to canoes we shall roam until the cows come in from the pasture." Which was the old saying amongst the Irish as he was both Irish and Scots. They would enjoy their time for as long as the day waned left to them and even share a sunset while in the canoe out in the middle of the lake. Sally would clear up everything and extra left in the pantry if when they got back they were hungry again. Depending on how late they were he would see to a guest room here for the night or ride back with her to the cabin. He'd let the night determine that but all bases were covered. "You have made this a very wonderful evening for me already and I see it continuing for a few more hours." He couldn't remember the last he had such a time with another and was enjoying it and her thoroughly.

Standing from her seat, her arm would link with his as she stepped to his side. "As have you for me, Draven. It's a night I truly wish, for once, to not end." She meant those words spoken. She felt comfortable with him, which wasn't something that was easily found. A glance up at him, then out towards the lake. "I've never felt as much at home, as I do in these lands, and with the people here." Speaking of the territory as a whole. All stations of life were in her circle of friends. She had the best of both worlds, hopefully the time will never come, when the two might clash. Looking back up at him with the warmth of her smile. "Thank you Draven, for everything. I don't think I can say that enough." A lift up to apply a light kiss to the corner of his mouth. "Ever have dessert in a canoe?" A whispered tease, before she was flat footed once more. Moving at his side as he lead her from the porch, to the well worn path, that would carry them through the orchard and eventually to the lake.

Her words brought a dipping glance of blue eyes along with a hitch of a smile. His free hand moving to rest over hers briefly where it rested on his forearm. "Only consolation I have for that, is the evening isn't over yet. There is something special about these lands that has one to feel safe. A good place to raise a family. Thank you for this evening, it means a lot to me also." Wink added as he led her down the path to the apple orchard. One of them. The kiss came as a pleasant surprise and only had his smile growing more. "I've not taken anyone out in the canoe with me so far, you will be the first. Dessert there sounds very appealing to me. Peach and raspberry or something far more sweeter still." Teasing her some and yet not on the very last. Once to the orchard he released her hand so that she could move freely as with a sweep of his over the area was given with his comment. "It is very beautiful here in the spring when the trees blossom but this season has the ripen fruit which will be harvested soon and made into cider, pies and applesauce to can. The deer come here a lot in the evening to eat any that fall from the trees. It seems they love apples. I've watched them many a time over the years and never grow tired of the sight. They all have personalities. Chase each other, nip and even will paw at another over an apple. Such beautiful graceful creatures."

Warmly she'd smile, and even a soft chuckle to sound. "Seems like we both will be having our first in a canoe." Softly stated, then a long pause as she thought about what she said. A clearing of her throat and a blink up at him. "I mean .. well you know. First time for me in a canoe, and I being the first you've taken out in one." Better to clarify that matter. For one who didn't tend to blush easily, a touch of color now rested upon her cheeks. Moving along, focus would shift to their surroundings. The sun beaming down on fruit laden trees, had their scent to be heady within the air. "I'll be sure to be here when harvest begins, to gain a few bushels for the Dockside and my personal pantry." Head tilted slightly as she listened to his description of the deer at play. To that she couldn't help but smile, and a slow nod of her head. "I've noticed there are some creatures of the forest, that hang about the cabin too. I think they travel past, to get to the brook. I'm sure they're utilizing the pool created by the dam as much as I am." A glance back over at him. "Perhaps I should hide in the brush to watch the area, and see what types of antics and games they may play. I know the kits have a good time when they join me." Chuckles again. "Quite a pair those two are. Excellent companions and a source of entertainment during the evening."

Most don't bother humans. Those rascals you have adopted or have adopted you, will protect in their own ways. Warn if danger is around once you learn the difference in their chatter. They will attack if something or someone tries to attack you."

The apple was accepted with a smile, she'd await until settled before enjoying the sweet nectar of the fruit. Having taken note of the peering eyes from the woodline. The beach reached, she'd gaze over to the side in which she was more familiar with, then glance back at him. "Dangerous animals?" A moment in thought. "I guess I should stock up on supplies of balls and powder, for just in case of." A mental note made, as she spoke on this matter. Then another thought would come to mind. "Perhaps that's what I feel watching me all the time." It would be easy to assume, creatures of the wild, spying on her as they tried to figure out what, or who she was, and if a danger to them and theirs. She avoided commenting on the blush for a reason, once started, she may not be able to curtail it. Better to just brush off those weaknesses that tend to surface, at least that's how she viewed it. "There's a perfect tree, it rests about ten yards from the brook side. Heavy foliage in which to hide within. I know already how to use the earth to cover my scent." A soft chuckle then. "Though I might scare any would be visitors if seen."

"Be careful with those flintlocks, they're not all that reliable and you could accidentally shoot off your own foot." He knew such accidents to happen. Concern was growing more for this Lady he realized he cared about. "Do you know how to use a hunting knife? Bow and arrow?" Realizing he knew little of her in that area but would now find out. "I would like to come down and check the area myself. You could come with me and I'll show you how to track and scout enough to know what kind of animals are about by their waste and trails. Eventually you'll know everything that sets foot in a half mile radius of the cabin. It is something good to learn if you wish to live out in the wild." A chuckle came with the last as he moved to turn over the canoe and lift it enough in a push to put it three quarter's way into the water. "Most around here that visit would be use to the sight of one up in a tree observing." Blue eyes flashed leaving that trail picked up by the waning light of the sun nearing the horizon as a glance turned from his task to her. He straightened offering her his hand. "M'Lady, your carriage awaits you." He would help her in and make sure she was situated.

She would await until she was settled into the canoe, before replying to any of his inquiries. One hand gripping his, the other, with the apple, to collect the material of her skirt and lift it. Careful steps would carry her to the opposite end of the canoe, and settle upon the bench seat there. It was then her gaze would rest upon him. "I've been taught the use of the flint lock, and how to wield a rapier and dagger. Though my skill is limited, since I've not had to use them in quite some time." That first year on JD's ship, she got plenty of practice, which made her a fair shot, at the least. "I would love to learn how to track and scout. I think it would be beneficial in many ways." A smile to touch upon her lips. "Thank you for offering your assistance in this, and I'll take you up on it enthusiastically." Now a canoe and ship were far different in how they moved, and it had been awhile since she moved over the rolling decks out at sea. Though enough of a balance, that she maintained quite well in the smaller vessel.

"Good. Gives me a legitimate excuse to spend more time with you." Teasing laced the tone of his brogue and yet not as once she was settled she'd see just how strong the man was as he lifted the end enough to slide it easily the rest of the way into the water. Precise timing with the shove of his boot against the packed sand and up and in to the opposite end. "Whatever you do, don't stand up unless you are adept at being in a canoe. There would be that rocky motion as his weight was added and the oar taken up to help push them more into the deeper water where he could paddle. He would alternate sides with deep sweeps that had them headed for the middle of the lake. His eyes were as blue as the water under the late day sun and that of the sky combined. Maybe it was the black brows and hair that offset them so but they seemed to smile on her as the creases deepened to either side. He realized he didn't even know how old she was or maybe it was the way about her that set her off as a mature woman than young.

She watched as he set the canoe in the water, it wasn't hard to take note of rippling muscles beneath his shirt. She didn't mean to stare, but she did. A blink of lashes, her gaze would be drawn to his as he spoke and she'd smile. "Seems we were both thinking along the same lines, Draven." Adding a bit of her tease to his. Then a glance at the canoe, over to the water and back. "I wouldn't wish to rock the boat. I'm not dressed properly to go swimming." A soft chuckle to sound. It would then be over the water her attention would turn. "It's so peaceful out here. Don't have to worry about rogue waves, or current shifts, do you?" More a statement made, something she had learned to deal with when out to sea. Quite a hair raising experience, for one who lived through their first encounter.

They left a smooth wake behind them with the ripple of water to spread out like a V then gradually emerge with the rest of the body of water to settle. "There can be rough days with it gets windy. Strong enough winds and we'd be put ashore to the other side in a short time if not capsized." Once the center was reached, he angled the paddle to resist the water and brought the canoe to a stop. The oar then placed back in the canoe as he reached under his seat to draw out a cushion for her and himself. With a reach he tossed it to her to land at her feet before angling his behind him to the curve of the canoe. It was one made for rapids which had the ends curve up more than the usual canoe make. It also made it harder to tip over for the wider belly and length. There were two bars that ran across spaced out the distance between them as his boots were kicked up to rest over one near as he leaned back getting comfortable. It gave him the view of the sky and what a sight it was. It was obvious he was use to spending time like this to relax. "This lake is great for fishing too but I find I enjoy being in the canoe at night when the sky is clear and watch the stars. Those that are planets are a steady light while suns flicker." A dip of his chin brought that blue eyed gaze down a moment her way before lifting again. "There's a pair of eagles up there looking for fish to surface enough. They will dive right down into the water and back up with the fish in their beak." It was a spectacular sight in itself, a bird diving into water and coming back up like it was nothing.

A lean forward to capture the cushion that landed at her feet. She'd watch him for a moment, then mimic his motions in setting her own into place. Leaning back, legs would rise to press the bottom of her feet against the bar before her. Arranging the fullness of skirt, to keep decency in that position of comfort. A glance upwards at the sky, to take note of the birds of prey in flight. "Amazing the abilities that animals have. Their cunning, and stealth. The ability to survive under the most adverse of situations." Attention would return upon him. "Yet so many times I hear people being called animals. In a way, I think it should be considered a compliment." Lightly laughs. "If not for the fact I know they refer to their more barbaric mannerisms." The apple he had given her earlier, would now be lifted to take that first bite. Teeth pierced the tender flesh of the juicy fruit. She couldn't help the soft "Mmm." That sounded. She found it to be sweeter than any variety sampled before. "These will make excellent pies and jelly." Stated after that first bite was consumed. It wouldn't take long for the apple to be polished off, and what little that was left of the core to be tossed some distance away. Landing with a plopping sound, into the water that surrounded them.