Cian steered the 70' houseboat toward the mooring, checking the boat's run with a reversing thrust of the engines, then slipping them into idle. He quickly headed out onto the foredeck, collecting the boathook on the way to pick up the mooring's rope and fasten it firmly with a few flicks of the wrist. Once sure it was secure he returned to the wheel and after checking all the gauges, pressed the kill button, and the motors fell silent. Even though they were hardly an intrusion upon the conversation and laughter that had been flowing around the vessel that morning, it was still a noticeable quiet that seemed to draw all conversation to a momentary halt, the silence washing across the decks and stillness enveloping them for a brief heartbeat, before the small dinner gong was struck by the waitress who had been preparing lunch. Instantly the conversation levels were reignited and Cian turned to give Sylvia a grin and wink only to find a woman standing there, between him and the galley area.

"Afternoon ma'am, how are you enjoying the day so far?" he asked conversationally. He could see Sylvia starting to guide the others to the large selection of fresh salads, breads, cold cuts and seafood that was prepared and ready for the lunch.