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Calico collected the gems carefully, holding them close to the dragon as if to offer them up.

"Wait... wait a little... my precious..." soothed Calico to tame the dragon a little, its sharp fangs and sharp tail clearly showing her ready to attack

Taff took a lavish fabric and came over to the menacing dragon as if merely tending to the princess. "Thank you... Sendara... that'll be all" smiled Taff casting the large fabric to give Ryiah a fair degree of modesty and privacy.

Calico still stood by the princess , helping her inside no sooner she was a woman again, guiding her into the tent and closing the curtains so Ryiah could compose herself.

"Don't you dare disrespect her with your filthy eyes or else... they're out!" snapped Calico tossing Rufus, Robin, Mark and Haldor out of the tent without the least thought, the men scrambling quickly and bringing the beduin master out too, just in case.

"Aye aye capt'n" nodded Robin

Calico waited for Ryiah to come out in her own good time, letting Taff keep the seeds whilst he patted his horse to bring Jack over

"Harrishim... this is indeed a very good horse... the best one I ever rode... " congratulated Calico as if merely picking the conversation where they had left it previously

Ryiah once again replaced Sendara, her own conciousness coming to the forefront, Sendara diminishing to a mere flicker of remembrance. Awakening in her naked human form, Ryiah felt the achiness of the change shoot through her, but pain more than usual centered aroundhl her ankle were a clear and still raw burn encircled it where the cuff had once been. She grimaced, which then turned into a furious blush as Calico moved over to help her toward the tent.

She was grateful, yet even though she felt a connection to the man, her embarrassment could not be squashed. She said nothing however, and once she was left alone, she sighed with relief, glancing at the clothing she was left with, donning it without qualms. Anything was better than nothing.

Finally, she bent dowm to examine the burn more closely before sighing and moving back out toward the tent's entrance.

---

While Ryiah changed, the bedouin leader looked Calico over, clearly surprised the man was alive. "It is a shame that you won the race, I was looking forward to keeping your princess here with us. Another beautiful woman is always welcome. Alas, you have won her fairly, and courageously. The horse is yours as well." The man allowed with a dip of his head, reaching forward to shake hands should the pirate wish.

"You are welcome back here for another race any time you wish. The setting may be more.. agreeable next time." The man flashed a grin, then, as Ryiah emerged from the tent he turned and offered her a bow. "Beautiful as always." He murmered.

Calico stretched the hand in a firm and friendly if honorable gesture

"Jack is yours sir... a horse wouldn't fare well on sea and it would be a shame to waste such mighty horse" rejected Calico politely returning the reins to its rightful owner

"The setting will certainly be more agreeable, you won't suffer no more quicksands, arid heatwaves or raging sandstorms, rather light rains will allow these arid lands to no longer be so, you shall see your produce will be more abundant and this land more fertile" smiled Calico

"For now, you kindly provided us with some clothing to the princess and some provisions before the race, which staved off starvation, I will pay gladly pay in gold for some more provisions and be set on my way" explained Calico looking at Taff meaningfully

"Yes... of course...." muttered Taff taking up stones to return them in solid gold, leaving a neat pile before coming to tend to the princess ankle.

"What curse... did that cuff have?" asked Taff curious if cautious looking at the bedouin

Ryiah felt all too happy to be preparing to leave tbe island, to get back to the freedom of the sea and the quest. She allowed Taff to look over the burn in her ankle, which might leave a scar behind, a memory of the adventure. She glanced to the bedouin Harashim, curious of the answer as well.

"It was a spell to counteract any magic which may cause your princess to change form. I wanted her merely to stay in the lovely form she curreny possesses." The man bowed slightly. "I am sorry it caused you pain my lady."

Ryiah glanced to Calico, then to Taff, her cool gaze leaving the bedouin leader. "Let us be off.." she murmered, feeling impatient. "The burn will be fine. It will heal." She added, pulling away slightly. Turning back to the bedouin leader she pulled a modicum of patience and a somewhat respectful demeanor together and dipped her head to the man. "Thank you for the provisions. We will be able to continue on because of your...hospitality."

The man inclined his head, ordering his men to collect yet more provision to make sure the group was stocked for the next leg of their journey.

Calico frowned at hearing Taff speak of pain upon the princess, at the man apologizing and the princess disregarding the matter as if it were nothing.

In all but a quick moment he had beheaded the two men that had been standing as her captors and her guardians for failing at the task of taking greater care of her.

"Now then... who placed that cuff?" quizzed Calico cold and calm, Rufus merely eyeing the sorcerer whose head was removed in all but one strike, Haldor and Mark executed immediately after for the two pirates that had been standing closest to her, his dripping sword returning into the scabbard.

"Thank good fortune the princess is pleased with your hospitality, else not even the horses would be spared" muttered Calico looking at Rufus and Robin meaningfully

"When I commanded not to take your eyes off her, is to ensure no harm befalls her... either" remarked Calico watching the two men nod "Aye... capt'n" muttered Robin not about to tell him they had watch her undress and all.

Calico returned his gaze at the leader. "Upon our next visit, take greater care of her majesty. I never consent to failures, never mind harm where her safety is concerned...." advised and warned Calico waving Morgan to part ways

Ryiah eyes flew wide at the show of carnage and anger from the pirate captain. Stumbling back a few steps she put a hand over her mouth, staring at the heads of Calico's own men, who'd only tried to protect her.

Speechless, her eyes next flew to Calico himself, his sword now bloodied. "How dare you spill their blood? She said, finding her voice which was very soft as if she struggled to form the words. "Those men tried to follow your orders, even when I told them not to." She couldn't look anymore and she turned a rigid back, her gaze going to the boat. The quickness with which the pirate had acted, caused fear to coil slightly in Ryiah's belly, despite her attachment to the man due to her dragon's bond with him.

How could she sail with him now? "The burn is only that. A burn. It will heal. It wasn't worth a life." She had been angry and humiliated at the treatment she'd endured here, yet she hadn't felt the desire or the need to kill. These men had somehow been honorable as well. She didn't remember how close Sendara had come to killing them as well.

"Exactly... princess.. tried... under my command, no one in the imperial army merely tries... never mind Calico Jack's crew.

Taff will restore the burn as if it had not been there at all, I assure you your highness shan't be in the least discomfort on my watch or vessel" explained calmly and unphased, watching Morgan pick up the pace, ordering his men to march on the double least Calico had the idea on his head his captives were merely trying too.

"Good day to you... Harrishim" nodded Calico respectfully, hand resting on the sword least any of those men had the least intention to so much as raise a blade.

"G..good day to you sir." The man replied, his gaze darkening slightly further at the killings, yet not taking up arms against the man as they were severely outnumbered.

Ryiah's own gaze hardened even more at Calico's words and the orange amber hues glittered with anger. Lifting her chin, she looked at the pirate, "No. I think he will not. I choose to keep the burn as a reminder of what happened. All of it." Her posture stiff still she turned away from him then and began walking back toward the boat without another word, nor glance around. The man thought he could simply take lives on her behalf with no thought.

Her mood turned morose and she stared at the sea as she walked, the rain still coming down lightly and making the journey not an unpleasant one. The sand was much cooler under her bare feet than it would have otherwise been.

Ryiah was not unfamiliar with her father's methods for keeping his imperial army in perfect obedience, yet he did not waste his men unnecessarily. She had wondered often though, why such harsh means were reached for so quickly. The sight of it here caused memories to surface, threatening to keep her mood sour for hours.

Calico raised an eye brow at Ryiah.

"A wounded claw can make or break your quest, my dearest princess, in its dragon form, the emperor is no father of yours, rather a wild beast in its most dangerous form, no rider has ever tamed it and some fear no rider ever will. He knows no humanity, no heart, no compassion, no love. You will need to be at your fiercest and healthiest to battle him for the throne and even then we shall see if fate will consent to your success...." trailed off Calico

"I strongly recommend you heal, and you rest, you transform and let that dragon wrath of yours be unleashed and trained for you will certainly need it soon enough" warned Calico

Ryiah halted at Calico's words, turning to look at him, considering his words despite her anger. Finally, quietly, she gave a shake of her head. "The wound will heal on its own, and Sendara will be all the fiercer for it. I will let it be." Perhaps she was just being obstinate, angered by the pirates violence, or perhaps there was a flicker of pride beneath her words. She didn't want to go around depending on magic to heal her always. She would wear a scar proudly if it wasn't earned dishonorably.

She turned and continued walking, following Morgan and his men to the boat, not glancing at Calico to see if he followed. She was still glad he was okay, after his racing ordeal, yet it would perhaps be a while before she was willing to consider the attraction between them again.

As she walked she mulled over the pirates words. Fight her father? Was that something she must do? worry coiled within her. Could she do such a thing? Would she be willing when the time came? Her brow furrowed in worry, the ship drawing near.

Taff made his way to the ship quietly trailing behind, seeing Morgan quickly order his men to the oars, unwilling to loose even one of them, seeing Calico had not changed his harsh ways after all

Rufus took the helm, letting Prodius distribute tasks to the men as Calico simply went to his quarters with the bag of storm seeds to inspect the map yet again

Taff went to prepare the tea bringing it to Calico Jack quarters and later serving the princess as well, going back to the kitchens causally and keeping busy with servants chores, doing the laundry, dusting the cabin, scrubbing floors and what not, life returning to normality for a little while

When Taff came in to serve her tea, Ryiah looked atbthe warlock with a question in her eyes. "Taff..." she began quietly. "How strong is the connection between a dragon and it's rider?" Her brow was furrowed. There was no denying what seemed to be growing between her and Calico, despite their differences of oppinion. But how strong would it get?

While Ryiah had to admit that in a way she was drawn to the dangerous nature of Calico, she worried over the ease amd swiftness with which he changed between ruthlessness and mercy, honor, and the sudden urge to take wenches or anyone else captive. How would that impact her, being under his control when a dragonness, and somehow drawn to him when not?

She ran a hand over her face and downed the tea in one gulp, not minding the hot liquid. Her gaze fell to her ankle, which stung like a dozen bee stings. She hadn't yet changed out of her bedouin garb, enjoying the lightness of the fabric and seeing no reason to don anything else yet.

"Calico said I would have to fight my father..." Ryiah murmered then, changing the subject a bit. "Is that true? I had thought to just complete his quest.. "

"Yes it is true there can only be one royal dragon ruling in power, you will have to contest the crown when the time comes, through a fight of course" muttered Taff cautiously

"The bond between dragon and rider is a bond of trust and friendship...it grows stronger the longer you are together and the more dangers you survive together. At times stronger than lovers one, for him you will kill... for you, he will die" muttered Taff speaking matter of fact

"Why can't I just let my father rule? I'm happy to wait and not take the throne right away.." her freedom would last longer that way. Ryiah felt nerves and worry clutching at her with Taff's words. Her bond with Calico would only grow. Mixed emotions flared, and she looked down, one hand clutching at the fabric of her dress, running a thumb along it absentmindedly.

Finally, after a long moment of silence, she rose gracefully and turned to leave her quarters, thanking Taff for answering her questions. As she moved out under the sky she glanced up, wishing she could remember the feeling of flight, rather than merely watch it. Soon she would be both halves simultaneously... how would that feel? Who would she be then?

Glancing around for Calico, she would seek to join him in gazing at the maps for the next leg of their journey, to plan and find out what would be coming next. What challenges lay ahead?

Taff looked up surprised at her obvious question but indulged in humbly replying all the same.

"Why can't your father rule? Because the emperor is cursed, of course. For as long as he rules, your people will remained as you all are, split and locked into mortal human bodies. When you seize the throne, the curse shall be lifted, but if he were to rule again, without making amends, rest assured the curse will return and you will need to retake this very same quest to challenge and change that." muttered Taff concluding his narrative and listening to her gratitude.

"You are most welcomed, your highness" nodded Taff coming to scrub the floors of her quarters, clean, and dust the room and make her bed, having just finished working on Calico's chambers.

---

Calico dropped a knee to the ground, formally saluting the princess no sooner she came over. He had been talking with Morgan on how to best tackle the next undoubtedly eventful journey, he too greeted the princess according to royal protocol.

"Is all well, your highness?" asked Calico a calm and warm smile on his face

One must admit that the golden vessel was indeed quite a sight to behold, for it shone against the sunlight easily blinding those aboard and those away yet the men soon got used to it, far preferring wealth than comfort. It was certainly a ship fit for a dragon for sure.

Digesting the information Taff passed to her, Ryiah felt a reluctant smile grace her lips as Calico bowed, followed closely by Morgan. Indeed the ship was very different than before, and she was having a hard time growing used to the sight of the Nonesuch being golden hued.

"As well as can be expect." She murmered in response to the pirate captain, trying to move past their earlier disagreement. She offered a small curtesy to them, for once opting to follow proper etiquette as it felt right in wake of their own bows.

"What have you discovered?" She asked, voice soft as she joined them at the table, map spread atop. Her gaze moved over it, glancing over the course they had already charted, and taking in the upcoming waters. "What color is the next seed?" She asked, needing a reminder. She worried still about the last seed, the one that required sacrifice. More than ever she knew she couldn't allow Calico's life to be taken. Where would that leave her?

Looking at the man, concern drifted across her face before she masked it with a smile. "Are you all healed from your last ordeal?"

(OOC duplicate post)

Calico chuckled lightly

"For what little time is left, I intend to make the most of it... it is a blessing the vessel is indeed made of metal, no way we could have ventured into the volcanic waters we are heading to next.

"The next storm seed is red like a ruby, it can only be found in the purest of fires, volcanos and lava gallore. Our wooden vessel would not have taken such heat. As for the men I have them covering the shoes in wood and leather" explained Calico pointing at the map

"Seems... the storm seed is in the phoenix nest..." smiled Calico patting the books he had opened on his desk too "you know the birds of fire... Sendara shall feel right at home... but fighting a phoenix for its treasure is not something that can easily be done" muttered Calico

"One missed step and the fall and the lava will surely consign us to forgetfulness" muttered Calico getting patted by Morgan

"Well then you best make sure you don't slip" smiled Morgan briefly leaving the captain quarters to change direction yet again, having a straighter path that would save them two days sailing

Ryiah had indeed hear tales of the beautiful phoenix, the bird of fire, and seen pictures in her father's extensive library. Nerves twisted through her at the thought of facing one, but at the same time she reveled in the opportunity to see one for real, a bird of legend. Would it be vicious? Would it force a fight or give the seed freely? Somehow she doubted it would be easy.

As Morgan left, Ryiah turned to the captain. "Calico.." she murmered, feeling that she had to bring up the subject again, her earlier worry still heavy on her mind. "Is there other way besides sacrifice to collect the last gem?" Her orange anber hues flickered with barely kept emotion, too much looming on the horizon. "I will not allow you to be the sacrifice, even if there is no other way. I forbid it."

Calico smiled broadly at Ryiah

"You forget we have to return to port first... and... as things stand... even if you were to find forgiveness with Pentre by some miracle or other without getting killed.... I have more death warrants than parchments at the royal archives and libraries put together" shrugged Calico clearly not that troubled.

"Forget Pentre... Morgan won't live it down that he was ambushed and taken captive... by pirates..." chuckled Calico "And his is a duel to be reckoned with and not taken lightly in the least." assured Calico "unavoidable all the same..." muttered Calico

"Sometimes princess... duty calls... and this is one of those occasions" soothed Calico "Besides, it would be unbefitting a princess and empress to marry an outlaw, your father shall never consent. If he wanted my head for failures now he will want it with a vengeance for dishonoring his daughter" chuckled Calico clearly acquainted with the emperor, not about to loose sleep nor happiness over impending danger nor certain death