*TWO WEEKS PRIOR*

It was a momentous day for River, regardless the sun wasn't even up.

She awoke before anyone else, snuggled deep in her blankets as the York kept her feet warm and Boston was like a seal pointed teddy bear in her arms. Stretching, disturbing her sleep inclined bedfellows, she slipped out of bed to prepare for her first day back in the sky.

Three weeks had been agonizing, for she yearned to be back up at the helm, the rush of breaking atmo into the tranquil black. The others had kept her busy, for she was a cussed little thing when bored. Simon had unpacked her sketchbook and gave his consent for her to ride out on Willow anywhere on the ranch. That way she could frolic, sketch, practice her deadly fighting skills, meditate or do whatever pleased her convoluted heart. Mal seconded the motion as well as suggested to keep training her cats so she could open her own small traveling circus. Kaylee employed her one day to help run a quick diagnostics on Serenity so she was sky worthy. Zoe showed her the proper way to break down and clean a gun, and finally Inara continued to urge her practice of dance. Taking all of these into consideration, River had taken off on Willow, figured how to take Boston along since he hated being left, and ventured off to explore the wonders of the outdoors. No one knew where she went, nor what she did, but that was the way she wanted it. Out of sight and out of their minds.

Taking her time, like a ritual, she traded her nightgown for her navy frock. Then a jacket Kaylee had handed down. It was black canvas, mandarin cut collar with the hem at the bottom of her torso, and the Kaywinnnet Lee touch of pink cotton fabric on the inside and a few colorful patches on the shoulders and back. It actually fit her well, not baggy like most other things while she went to her trunk. Opening it, River picked out her brush and took the time to rightfully comb the bed snares out of long silken hair. Once that was done, she grabbed the army bag Zoe had given to her so she co