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An eyebrow rose in response to Morgan's blatant words, and the man's lips curved upward slightly. Saying nothing for a long moment he considered the turn of events. He wasn't certain how happy his ruler would be if he returned with one, of high rank no less, from this kingdom. Yet they were within their rights for asking such dealings, especially given the severety of response to any negative answer to their demands.

"Very well, you shall accompany us back to mine ruler's kingdom. We have nothing to hide, and perhaps you will get a glimpse of the army we have should your negotiations not be... to our liking." The man knew full well, however that their leader would not have their full army numbers for display, preferring most likely to keep such away from prying eyes. Such would keep their advantage. But some of the force would be in prominent display, as if in warning to any who wished to retaliate. "I will send word ahead to alert His Eminence of your accompanying us. We will leave at dawn." The man shrugged a bit as if loosening his shoulders and began to turn away, pausing, "Will that be all? Oh... you will be a...guest of course during our journey back and at least until such time as negotiations are concluded, given you comport yourself as a guest would."

Morgan looked at the man steady eyed

"Best we depart right away, the journey is long enough and I am more than keen to meet the man who seeks a portion of our kingdom. Her majesty will be very occupied with her marriage tonight and festivities that follow, your presence will undoubtedly sour the events..." explained Morgan calmly

"I wish not to delay the return least your ruler were to grow restless awaiting an answer" commented Morgan

"I am ready to leave, you have an hour" informed Morgan formally kicking the man out of the kingdom in a rather direct way.

"This is a land of dragons, were these dragons to hear of your threat I would struggle to ensure your safety and rumours, you know how quick they travel through the winds... for your own welfare best we leave right away" smiled Morgan as if doing him a favour

Calico readied himself, the time was at last at hand and he could not deny that nerves and tension were starting to creep up. The thought of marriage suddenly felt a steep task to accomplish, more so with the entire realm staring at him and her.

He took a deep breath and let the servants and assistants fuss around him, clothes, accessories, final touches, hair, everything accounted for and taken very good care of.

On this occasion he would be facing the kingdom, not as a rogue with a taste for freedom and stern command, but as a rightful lord of the realm accepting the queen's hand. He could only hope fulfill his part to the best of his ability for her sake if nothing else, certainly the king's steady eyes did nothing to ease the pressure and nerves but he would have to grow accustomed to that, over time.

Ryaih could not contain her nerves. It was as if butterflies had been set loose under her ribcage and she couldn't seem to draw a full breath to ease rhe nerves. Despite her maids murmerings of praise as they put the finishing touches upon her, making everything look picture perfect, from her hair to her gown, to her jewelry, Ryiah couldn't help wondering what Calico would think when he saw her.

The wedding day had finally dawned, the events of the previous evening forgotten for the time being in the happy rush before the wedding that afternoon. Ryiah had been alerted that Morgan and the ambassador had left the previous night, and were perhaps well on their way out of her empire, which eased her heart a bit and allowed her to better focus on her upcoming marriage. What would it be like to be wed? And to a pirate no less. she grinned at the thought. She knew without a doubt she'd made the right choice where her heart was concerned. The man might be a rogue sometimes, and frustrate her to no end, but it was clear he would prove a trustworthy mate, and his passion had been evident as well.

Excited, Ryiah faced the mirror, ready at long last.


Her dress was pure white, sleeveless, with lace at the top of the bodice and many swoops and tucks on the voluminous skirts, a few beautiful flowers accenting the fabric. At her shoulders was clasped a long sheer white and gold cape, intricate in detail. Around her throat was a golden chain, with a petite and finely wrought figuring of a dragon, wings spread as if in flight. Her hair was done partially up, partially down, and adorned with braids and jewels, as well as her crown.

Making one last attempt at a deep breath, her maids murmering to her that it was time, Ryiah Sendara Bet'Luna made her way out of her rooms, and carefully to the grand hall where music already played, and she could hear a throng of people from the other side of the closed doors.

This is it she thought, finally ready for the next step. Her father arrived then, his emotion well hidden as usual, though she could see his pride hidden within his glittering eyes. Offering her his arm, they turned toward the doorway together just as the large wooden doors were pushed open, and she heard the announcer proclaim her arrival.

Calico had been growing restless waiting for her, when the hour came, he was being escorted by armed royal guards dressed in his finest attire all the way to her presence.



As soon as his eyes set upon the bride, he tightened his fists concealing the ring and the pendant he had made for her for this grand occasion. He did his best to contain his nerves and eagerness to run and pick her up, kidnapping her in proper pirate style. She looked perfect in every possible way, causing him to stare rather speechless at the beautiful emperess, she truly did look breathtaking.

Upon reaching the great hall, Calico offered her his arm and walked her over to her father the emperor, kneeling before him, at her feet and taking her hand into his, ring gently picked up from the pillow, a ring he had commissioned just for her, with a dragon shape that wrapped around the finger and curled around a skull, the pirate's symbol.

By my honor, I so swear,
and by my oath too,
that I have one heart to give
one truth to uphold
one life to live
one body to offer you
and no other woman has,
nor ever shall another be
mistress of any of it
save for you alone.

I offer you an unbreakable bond of love
that forsakes all other maidens,
and oath and surrendering
that leaves me your entirely,
seconded by this exchange of rings,
witnessed by the emperor himself
with Emris the dragonlord's blessings
the ever watchful keeper of the magic realms
I hereby proclaim you,
empress Ryiah Sendara Bet'Luna
my wife, if you would have me....

Upon finishing his pledged he held the ring between his fingers ready to slide it into her hand if she would accept the ever honest offer that he was making hand on heart.

Eyes shining brightly with unshed emotion, Ryiah watched Calico as he spoke his eloquent refrain, her chin lifted, posture elegant and regal, looking for all the world as an empress, yet feeling inside merely like a girl becoming a woman on her wedding day. Warm happiness rushed through her and she couldn't keep the smile from lifting her lips and radiating her joy, nor did she want to. Today was their day, hers and Calico's.

When Calico paused to see if she would accept, Ryiah nodded wordlessly, extending her hand for him to slip the most beautiful ring she'd ever seen upon her slender finger.

Finally it was her turn. She didn't feel half so eloquent as her counterpart, yet she spoke from her heart.

Calico Jacksworth Pont-de-Ter, my rogue, my pirate, my love. You already hold half of my heart, but today and forevermore I give you all of it. No more will I be merely Ryiah Sendara, but I will be yours in mind, body, and spirit, freely chosen, and wholeheartedly accepting of your unbreakable oath.

I offer you my own oath, combined with this token, which symbolizes my love, that I will never betray you, nor seek another's love. In your arms I will always be content. Neither war nor conquest, fire nor ice, shall ever come between us, save perhaps for the fire of our passion.

With the words drifting off into an echoing silence, Ryiah took from the proffered velvety pillow, the ring she had chosen and ordered for Calico,
A ruby gem surrounded with intricate gold, a slendar serpentine dragon curled around the gem, and a crown near the top.

Finally she met Calico's own gaze, her voice becoming a whisper as she asked the question, unable to speak louder as a tremor ran through her voice and body alike.

"Will you accept this ring? And my oath?"

Calico nodded and coughed lightly to clear his throat which seemed stuck with a knot at her chosen honest words.

"Whilst undeserving of the grace thy majesty generously bestows upon the most unworthy of thy vassals, I earnestly accept thy gift and shall forthwith call thee mine, to have and hold, from this hour forward, in sickness and health, freedom and captivity, richness and poverty, safety and danger alike till death do us part" nodded Calico extending his mildly trembling hand, for nerves are treacherous at such events, waiting for her to place the regal ring upon his finger.

Still beaming, eyes moist yet fighting to keep the tears from rolling free, Ryiah slipped the ring on Calico's finger, echoing his last words herself and ending with, "And so do we become husband and wife."

With that, she took a half step back to offer Calico room to rise if he had not, her gaze dropping almost expectantly then to his mouth, waiting for the kiss to seal their union, and all the while wondering what it would be like. She had not found reason to offer such a gift to anyone else, and her mind went back to Taff's words, telling her of the seriousness of a dragoness's kiss, and the seal it represented. A kiss that was an oath in and of itself.

When Calico would move in to take the kiss, Ryiah would be ready and willing, offering her own in response, and relishing the sensation of butterflies it sent moving through her.

Calico rose up, taking her into his arms and sharing a passionate kiss, one that caused the largest band of scallywags and brigands, pirates and marauders to burst out in a chuckle and laughter, clapping their hands together in celebration



"Go get her, boy" urged Smithy

"At last one can say the pirate has indeed stolen the crown jewels in the name of love and law" cheered another one wolf whistling and clapping too, taking out a gun to shot up in the air without aiming at anyone, soon followed by the royal canons that replicated the celebratory shots

Onboard the ship, the more notorious captains held their peace, respectfully waiting for the confirmation that the wedding was indeed done and sealed before shooting their own cannon balls out to sea.



"That's two less among the crew, first Morgan and now Calico... and both over the same lass at that!" muttered Blackbeard lowering his head to stare at his boots.

When the kiss was done, Ryiah lifted back, breathless, her orange amber eyes shining in wonder. Something had happened during the kiss, something had seemed to click into place within her, as if something missing had been restored, or something new added.

"You certainly know how a kiss should be done." She murmered with a wry smile as she turned to glance at the good natured cat callers, and listened to the cannons firing in the distance. It was a grand way to celebrate, she thought.

Then, dipping in a curtsy, Ryiah heard their dance song begin, and she moved forward to allow Calico to sweep her through the moves, their first dance as husband and wife, excellently executing the motions, graceful and elegant in each, all the while her gaze never left the face of her pirate.

Calico smiled as he danced, his eyes set on her

"When it comes to lovers I shall endeavour not to disappoint" nodded and smiled Calico an arm wrapped around her waist whilst he danced away.

"So... Will you expect a landlover out of me?" Quizzed Calico wondering how much change the wedding would bring about

Ryiah couldn't help the blush that rose to her cheeks as she heard Calico's words. Then she tilted her head a bit and laid it on his shoulder as they danced. "Of course not my pirate. I know you will always love the sea, and I do as well. Only take me away upon it as much as you can, or I fear being a ruler will consume me. There are so many responsibilities..."

She flushed again then. "I too shall endeavor not to disappoint." She murmered, then added ever so softly so no one else would hear, "I'm afraid that I am not skilled in that area."

The music lingered on its final notes, then slid into the next set, which was meant to be background music for others to dance to should they wish, while the two newlyweds were accosted by wellwishers for some time . Ryiah felt impatience flicker within her as she smiled graciously at each, her mind only on finally being wed to Calico. "In fact," she said to him in the brief moment between groups of people, "whisk me away right now. I long for the quiet of the sea."

"Quiet of the sea? among pirates? That'll be the day lass... not whilst sailing under Calico Jack!" chuckled Calico

He whistled loudly at the crew that was nearby, taking Ryiah in arms and over his shoulder and using the well placed ropes to carry out a proper royal kidnap at his own wedding, leaving stranded behind the emperor, the noble guests and the guards without neither bride or groom.

"Come on Smithy, the tide waits for no man and neither does the rope at the gallows!" urged Calico passing those from his crew who had simply been cheering on at the far back of the room as he left them behind to rush to his horse and over to the port.

"Better be on deck before I am least you want the cat'o'nine... lateness won't do!" reminded Calico back to business and his rather busy sailings.

Ryiah gasped at the suddeness of being swept off her feet, but couldn't help the soft laugh that eacaped her even as she was trussed up like a proper wench and carried over Calico's shoulder, the man not seeming in the slightest worried about sullying her wedding gown.

Eyes shining at the prospect of another voyage, even an impromptu one such as this, Ryiah felt her excitement grow even higher, and she forgot some of her initial shyness over suddenly being a married woman.

After a quick ride to the port, Ryiah was carried aboard the ship which seemed to have been a bit prepared ahead of time. She eyed Calico from her vantage point over his shoulder and wondered how long he'd been planning this, lips curved in a wry smile.

"I must admit I am not one to endure royal protocol and its stiff lavishness for too long, my dearest... the open seas, the cool salty breeze, I always wondered what punishment might befit the crime of abducting the empress. I guess I shall soon find out the price for royal theft" smirked Calico bringing her onboard and waving his crew to get rowing.

"I am taking you to Rome... my beloved... the kingdom next to yours is no ordinary foe they are hardened warlords and seasoned warriors and I am not risking them killing you" explained Calico as to where they were setting sail to

"Once you are safe and sound under Caesar's custody... I am travelling south to the warm lands and a peculiar island. One thing our neighbouring foes adore and rely upon are good horses to travel with. Their terrain is small, coarse and mountainous and there is only one supplier that produces horses strong enough to last beyond our border..." mused Calico

"That is of course... unless you intend to be wreckless as I am and come and visit some exotic tents with me..." trailed off Calico raising an inquisitive eye brow.

"Our known friend is a merchant... he can smuggle us into our enemies lands without them being none the wiser so we can see the real weaponry and troop counts, the real treatment of citizens and so on. I have no doubt they will put a display for my brother which is far from the grim and dangerous truth... merchants... however... get to see it first hand without qualms or quibbles" muttered Calico already throwing himself into the line of danger by trespassing unarmed, unguarded, without enough men into enemy's territory

Set down upon Calico's ship, Ryiah tucked a stray lock of hair behind an ear and gazed at her husband, a shy smile on her face. "Somehow I feel that your punishment for kidnapping me will not be too great." She offered a smile, which then faltered at thought of Caesar and Rome. Their relationship had been an odd one, the Roman Emperor trying to force her to wed him rather than Calico.

"I do not wish to be left in Rome, husband, not when we have just been married! Caesar could very well try to take me away from you, not that I would let him. No, I would stay by your side. If our honeymoon must be frought with danger, I would have it no other way than to be with you. Where you go, I will go." She wouldn't easily be dissuaded from her decision, and leaned in to offer another kiss to Calico... perhaps to add more power to her words, a sly smile on her face.

"Well seeing how quickly you disarmed me last time we somewhat disagreed, pirate, I very well yield this time round and save myself an injury or two beloved of mine" smiled Calico

"Besides there is no denying our beduin friend has a keen eye on your beauty and that may very well be the only way I can convince him to assist us" mused Calico gazing at Taff who was busily peeling potatoes for lunch just like any other cabin boy

"Mmmm." Ryiah murmered non-commitally, not much caring for the bedouin leader either. "Can't we just sail the opposite direction for a while, to explore and enjoy the sea?" She smiled, knowing the answer but trying anyway. "I mean... we deserve a few days of bliss right?"

With a soft sigh she gazed over the deck and the crew, her gaze sliding over Taff and offering him a warm smile.

In the deserts of the south, a Bedouin man named Nidar rode his stallion along a faint, sandy path to a port town. Ever since his leader, Harrishim, agreed to guard their neighbour's trade routes against bandits and the like, he'd been trekking up and down the territory - duty bound to a boredom filled task.

Nidar's jet black eyes caught sight of a brightly coloured caravan under attack by about three brigands in the distance. Grabbing the hilt of his scimitar and the reins of his horse, he kicked the stallion's sides and galloped at a breakneck pace to the caravan. Once within striking distance, Nidar leant to the side and unsheathed his scimitar, slicing a brigand's sword arm to the bone. Once that was done with, he turned to the remaining two.

"Anyone else feel lucky? I have been sat on a horse these last few days and could use a good stretch." Nidar said through his hood and bandana.

The brigands dropped to the ground with their hands behind their heads. "A pity," Nidar thought, "another set of fools that think cutting fruit gives them the experience of a swordsman." Nidar sheathed his sword and tied the men up to take to the nearest town, a port town no less. He always had a distrust of the ocean; no stable ground for miles and undrinkable water just didn't sit well with him. Though, his duty to his people and Harrishim was more important than a petty distrust. So, he grabbed the men's ropes and rode along with them in tow to the town - hoping nothing that would complicate the situation would happen.

Meanwhile, Zandyr Dencias, ambassador to his Lord and Majesty were long gone from Ryiah's palace, having left quickly after Morgan had approached him, gathering his men and gear as quickly and efficiently as they had arrived.



He now sat on his ebony hued stallion, his cloak closed over top his grey suit now to ward off the mornings chill. Dew had settled upon everyone and everything and the footfalls of the horses seemed slightly muted in the early morning. They had made good progress, having stopped little and ridden hard. Early that morning they had crossed from the domain of the Tellirin Empire into that of Zandyr's lands. His gaze was unwavering, his eyes, a light gold color ringed with darker hue, never leaving the road before them.

He didn't bother to make conversation with General Morgan during the trio thus far, nearly ignoring the man though his men made sure the General didn't want for food whenever they stopped for a meal, which was rare. More often they passed out and ate trail rations while in the saddle.

Enormous stony mountains now surrounded them, as they had left the open plains behind the day before. The towering faces of the mountain were both imposing and impressive as the group made their way through the small pass that would have been hard to find had one not already known of it.

When the day was reaching its end, and the group had passed to the far side of the mountain, finally, Zandyr would look at General Morgan. "Soon you will see the might of my Ruler. Soon you will be in awe of our city."