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Taff smiled softly seeing the dragon all protectively wrapped around its rider and looked at Morgan with a nod of satisfaction.

The fact that the angry dragon had come empty handed was indeed a good sign that the bond between rider and dragon was indeed complete, for no dragon would leave such priceless treasure behind easily

Calico winced softly, feeling the soothing breeze of the dragon's breath, looking up at the mighty beast that curled around him as if he were its little chick.

"Thank you... Sendara.... here I did get a treasure for you as promised" muttered Calico digging into the shirt and offering the red glowing rubi with his hands

Sendara lifted her head a bit, turning to gaze at the red gem which Calico held before her, though she seemed more glad to hear his voice. It is beautiful. she finally said, nosing the gem and shifting some so that the pirate could stand, though she remained watchful of the others aboard. She eyed the warlock suspiciously as well, sending a puff of steam his way. Somehow her mind always became muddled when he was around, and she woke up odd places. She was beginning to think she should keep a greater eye on that one.

Shifting a bit she stretched her wings, then dipped her head to inspect her underbelly, where the Phoenix had gotten in it's attack. Any other animal would most likely be unable to rend the scales, yet several long tears could be seen, seeping a bit of black. The phoenix's golden talons had cut through the scales.

Taff came closer despite the puff of hot steam seeing the puddle of black liquid on deck.

"Be still.. I will heal you..." offered Taff digging the hand into the pouch to take out a handful of golden pixie dust

"It will tickle but will not hurt..." muttered Taff handing it to Calico for him to scatter on the dragon, clearly, the beast being on the defensive was never a good moment to approach.

Calico nodded and came over Sendara, sprinkling the golden dust whilst she played with the storm seed, surprised at the glowing wounds as the black blood mingled with the pixie fairy dust to rebuild the damage as if it had not been there before

"Look... look... it is making you better" smiled Calico relieved sprinkling more of quickly until there were no wounds left and handing the pouch back to Taff so he could embrace his dragon

"Want to come for a final flight?" asked Calico seeing Morgan wasted no time to change course and head back to their capital city at last, the man more than keen to regain his freedom, his position of power and reprimand the pirates that dared make him a captive

Sendara didn't like the warlock approaching, a snort emitting from her nostrils, yet she calmed when Calico was the one to apply the pixie dust. She eyed the stuff quizzically and suspiciously as it mended her wounds wondering where it came from and how the warlock had it in supply.

Once she was mended she rose, stretching, though keeping a close eye on the red dragon seed not about to let it out of sight. Feeling the ship rocking, changing course, she lifted her head and eyed her rider. Where does the ship go now?" she asked within his mind softly, feeling a sense of foreboding.

With her mind split between Ryiah's and her own, she had no recollection of others within her family, nor of the duty compelling the princess to finish her quest. Now, through the growing bond between her rider and herself, Sendara could tell there was an underlying current of tension between others on board, and the pirates, as well as danger that lay ahead. She growled softly beneath her breath and curled a bit around Calico again.

Taff let the pair remain close together before gazing at the dragon

"Thank you... Sendara.... you helped very much" assured Taff soft and gently holding a thick elegant hooded cloak to conceal the princess and escort her to her rooms, the storm seed resting on deck.

"Would you accompany me to your quarters, your highness?" asked Calico politely and by the book, strictly following protocol to gently guide Ryiah back to the high position she had been born with in the first place.

Ryiah awoke as herself once again, a hooded cloak about her body. She was beginning to get used to the disorientation she felt as she regained her human body, the achiness which shot through her, and the confusion with where her memories of the last few hours had gone. Something had changed, she could tell as she quietly followed Calico back toward her quarters, her gaze going to Morgan and the men as they turned the boat about. Had they collected the last seed abroad then? An unidentified emotion slid through her at the thought and she almost reached out to Calico, her inaticts still bonded to him, but checked herself as he addressed her as princess, as if in reminder.

Pressing her lips together she entered the room, holding the cloak shut at the front as she sat gracefully down, chin lifted as she considered the pirate captain before her. As the door closed she felt a moment of panic. Was her freedom upon the sea ending? Would she forever have to sacrifice for her empire, love and life? The call of the sea had a firm hold by now, and she felt loathe to leave it.

"What is it?" She finally asked, trying to keep her gaze neutral, her back straight, though wondering what Calico had on his mind.

Taff came into her quarters helping select a proper elegant dress and assist the princess in getting ready

"Captain demands your presence to dine with him at his quarters" explained Taff briefly "If you care to follow, I shall escort you and lead the way" offered Taff, no different to the very first supper Ryiah had when she first came onboard

Calico was standing over to his desk where the map was and sighed seeing the map no longer had a solid destination marked out, rather the storm seed was on the move, on the ship itself, as was expected.

Ryiah wordlessly let Taff help her select the dress, dipping her head when he said Calico expected her.

As Taff turned his back she slipped into the more formal dress, unsure what was going on, her orange amber eyes confused and a bit worried. She kept her chin up though, keeping her nerves hidden. Once Taff helped her lace and button up the dress, which fit her body well despite it being her mother's, she took a breath, slipping on a soft pair of shoes, and brushing her hair. If she was going, she may as well do it right.

Finally, if Taff deemed her ready enough for the occasion, she would walk with the warlock to the captain's quarters.

Taff smiled and bowed before the princess, lowering his chest forward and rising up, calmly walking to Calico's quarters.

He opened the door and announced her entrance.

"The crown princess Ryiah Bet'Luna..." announced Taff keeping to protocol and holding the door open for her with a warm smile on his face

"Ahhh your highness do come in" greeted Calico lowering a knee to the ground to salute her formally "I am pleased to inform you that I have been... persuaded... to return you to Capital City. Sir Henry Morgan has given me assurances to ensure your protection and good graces towards lord Pentre, the regent king." explained Calico calmly

"I have insisted on your innocence from any wrongdoing and the lord commander accepts such" smiled Calico "We must thus celebrate the return of our princess" toasted Calico raising a goblet

"Please do take a seat, your highness, we shall have fine music and supper..." invited Calico offering the best he had onboard in terms of food and wine.

Ryiah paused as her gaze swept the fine table settings, Calico's attire, and listened to his explanation. She didn't know how to respond, her feelings tightly wound and she felt as if a noose were closing around her throat, keeping words from escaping. So, she just nodded, dipping into an elegant curtsy, her head bowing as well before rising up and taking the seat offered.

Trying to remember the meaning and purpose in her return to the empire, her hues glittered a bit as she finally turned her gaze to the pirate captain. The bond between them implored her to fight to stay by his side, yet she remembered his impassive words before. He returned only to die, he wasn't looking for a way out, and never had he indicated a bond other than that of the dragon. Her jaw worked a bit, as she tried to find words. "Thank you for the fine meal, sir." She finally said, voice soft and resigned, betraying none of her inner turmoil. She could be diplomatic when she needed to. Her chin lifted and she offered a polite smile, "it was thoughtful indeed." She could play his game as well.

She offered thanks to Taff as well as they were served, goblets filled, and she took a sip of the fine wine, savoring its flavor. If music were indeed offered she would sit quietly listening, though much of it would fall upon deaf ears, her thoughts on the future.

Calico smiled and sipped his wine

"If I may say so, you are as beautiful and breathtaking now as when I first laid eyes upon you..." assured Calico watching Taff go over to the map.

"I will take that back now that you know where the last one is..." offered Taff briefly

"No, no, leave it a little longer, you can have it when we dock at the port." granted Calico watching Taff leave the room to let them eat and talk in peace.

Ryiah couldn't help the soft blush that rose to color her cheeks at Calico's compliment and she dipped her head, glancing down to recover her composure. "Thank you." She saod softly, taking another sip of wine and feeling suddenly awkward. Why did this feel so different than their other conversations? She couldn't think of a single thing to say that wasn't trying to talk him out of returning.

Her gaze fell to the map on the table, and she studied it quietly for a time, eating her food slowly. It seemed it would take several days to return. Nerves at the thought of her return settled in her belly. Would the people accept her, or would they still think her a traitor?

"I don't think I can do it." She finally whispered. "Lead a whole empire.."

Calico gazed at the map, the dot moving in a pulse at the same pace and speed and direction of the ship.

"Well at least this last one doesn't require us to go and find... it is already here" smiled Calico raising his goblet

"I am sure your highness will do a fine job, it is what you were born to do, what you were raised to do after all. My ships will remain at sea, protecting the ports from brigands as we have been doing all along... albeit the odd raid for provisions here and there" smiled Calico briefly

Ryiah blinked. Had she known that? Confusion settled over her face as she looked at Calico. "What do you mean, it's already here? Where?" She rose from her chair slowly and bent over the map, staring more closely at the dot.

The signal was indeed moving in the same place as the ship, the map obviously enchanted to show their location. She traced it... her finger slowly brushing the paper of the map, then sighed and retook her seat, sipping her wine once more, a much longer sip.

Calico raised his hand over his chest, patting right over his heart.

"Right in there..." explained Calico calmly not at all frightened about it. "It is ready for its task too" assured Calico "This is where Morgan will be ever so helpful and needed to your cause and the kingdom as a whole" commented Calico

His eyes gazed at the sea, the calmness of the still waters, the shining full glowing over the waters.

It was indeed as though Taff prepared the perfect final meal and night together.

He was suited to a proper lordly standard, she on the other hand wore a very elegant dress, they had oysters for starters and a full four course meal including strawberry and chocolate dessert even with a touch of relaxing merfolk music and fireflies flying discreetly across the room discreetly to compliment the candlelit meal and enhance the romance up in the air.

Despite Calico's calming tone and the ambiance provided by the warlock, Ryiah's face hardened, a frown tilting her lips downward. She shook her head almost imperceptibly, a glistening in her eyes. It couldn't be like this....

Her mind finally, irrefutably came to a decision. Standing up Ryiah moved to stand before Calico. "I will not begin my rule with bloodshed, no matter how willing the sacrifice." Her voice was sad, but steel laced it, as she meant every word. "Should I ever take the throne, it will not be to follow in my father's footsteps." She dipped down low in another cursty before the man, her gaze upon him.

"I thank you for the voyage, sir. I thank you for protecting my honor, and for sailing my ship. It is no longer my Nonesuch . She is yours. Part of your reward and mine to rightfully give no matter my status. I also thank you for the wonderful dinner, the music, the wine..." her voice choked a bit and she turned away. She moved toward the door, apparently not intending to sit back down.

Before she left, she stopped again, turning to once more face the captain. "Your fate is your own, your choices your own as well. I cannot stop you, nor sway you. But know that it is not for me you do this. I don't wish it, and I will not take the throne in the wake of your death. Someone else will have to claim it."

Her amber hues deepened, fire burning within. "Once we reach the empire, if they do not arrest me upon sight, I will find another ship to sail away on...." her voice fell to almost nothing. "And I won't be back."

She would miss her home, but regret her decision she would not. With another curtsy she turned to leave, preparing to return to her own quarters.

"And you would let innocents be slaughtered? Fathers, mothers, sons and daughters?" Quizzed Calico raising an eyebrow.

"I am sworn to the empire's greater good... Pentre knows what I carry inside which explains all the royal warrants. I can only perish once it would be good to know it wasn't for nothing.... your father must return at all costs before Pentre start the extermination of the poor... without you... there no one can or will stop him, sorcerers only die by dragon's fire naught else" muttered Calico gazing at the sea

"Better one pirate dies than hundreds upon thousands... Morgan is well trained ... he will be quick" muttered Calico

Ryiah was halted by Calico's words before she could leave, and she turned to face him, anguish plain on her face. "No, I don't want others to die. I don't want anyone to die. You are as important to me as any other... more so if I am honest with myself." She had to stop speaking for a moment to try and regain her composure. If Calico weren't so blasted calm about it all maybe it would be easier. No.. it wouldn't. Not really.

Taking a breath Ryiah continued. "Have Taff change me into a dragon, and we will fight Pentre and his men. We can regain the throne that way. Spill blood that is not innocent and protect what is, together. I am not afraid to fight. But I will not claim the throne through sacrifice that can be prevented."

She wouldn't be talked out of it. She would stay, help fight for her people, she wouldn't run away - Calico was right about that, she could at least try to save some of her people. And they were her people, whether she held the throne or not. But she wouldn't accept the sacrifice. Not willingly.

Calico smiled at her broadly "I thought your highness was about to jump ship and sail away... never to return?" quizzed Calico teasingly in an inquisitive eyebrow "... and you do know in the world of pirates you would be heading to, compassion could get you killed?..." asked Calico motioning for her to sit down

"If you have indeed changed your mind, by all means, princess, do take a seat and talk about it... I am all ears" grinned Calico

"How exactly do you plan to enter the gilded cage where Pentre is hiding in safety? Do you not know the royal palace walls and grounds are enchanted to prevent dragons taking up true form at all? Taff cannot possibly turn you a dragon whilst the curse upon your people lasts. You need the ten storm seeds to lift such curse and void the palace's protection too.

See... the great palace you have been living at all along... was enchanted by Taff himself alongside Pentre... in return for sparing the dragonoids lives, including your own..." muttered Calico seeing she clearly was rather clueless

"It is not a case of preference, your highness, it is a case of duty to the kingdom and its people that some losses shall take place for terrible ones to be prevented and I knew this and I accepted it. Pentre must end and together we can and we will make it happen." encouraged Calico in a supportive voice

"No one can enter the royal palace of course, more so whilst they are on guard, but... I was thinking to convince Morgan to arrest the both of us and take us directly to lord Pentre's presence for judgment.

I shall plead guilty of course, then... let us act quickly, let us make it all happen with the least bloodshed... Morgan is very well trained with the sword, it will be quickly done, painless even. At the time, I shall have Taff bring in the storm seeds, he is a manservant, nobody questions them carrying parcels around the palace, whilst Morgan delivers us straight to our foe's presence to put an end to this and to him once and for all.

For me... I think Sendara would kill Pentre in her mighty wrath and the dragon's fire. It will bring about your father's return, it will bring about Pentre's demise and the dragonoids shall be freed and the common peasants and the poor shall be spared, much good will come out of it all..." explained Calico

"If you wish to sail the seas after... my crew is all yours to command..." smiled Calico "I couldn't have chosen a better captain" grinned Calico looking back at Morgan who was making his men row on the double to get back all the sooner

Ryiah, exasperated with Calico's smiles and cajoling, crossed her arms over her chest and stared at the man. "I have not changed my mind. Rather I will not run away entirely. If you force me to do so by insisting on dying, very well." She took a breath. "If Taff cannot change me into a dragon at the palace, have him do it now, and I will spend the remainder of the voyage as Sendara. Then I will kill Pentre when we arrive. If it takes time, I will still do it. Pentre does not stay within the castle all the time, and when he comes out, I will be ready."

Rather than taking a seat, Ryiah began to pace a bit, her gaze going to the floor, her back still straight and her movements elegant.