James sat way up in the crows nest, strumming his guitar under the stars and humming the lyrics with a deep, melodic voice. He was tired, and achy, from today's work on the magic tree. Not only that, but the frustration of taking orders as opposed to giving them was beginning to take its toll. He missed his cabin, his lovely coat, his perfect hat- but, well, sleeping just under the stars wasn't so bad either. And besides, he mused, what' a few months sleeping beneath the stars and sky, to a life time of touching them? He smiled. There was so much hope in his dark heart. So much faith in the magic and himself. Ah, he would see to it that every star be touched and every treasure be- …wait. He stopped strumming and listened. The sound of a sad, tinkling bell. A sound as light as a spider thread, coming from the- ah. Of course. For down on the deck sat Zarina. Well, more like down on the edge of the bowsprit. James just rolled his eyes. Was she crying AGAIN? Come on, it's been a month sense her exile. One would THINK she'd be over it by now. Ah well, he thought. It seems our little captain needs some comfort, yes? James readjusted himself to where he was laying down in the nest: his head resting on one side, and bare feet and calves dangling over the other. Looking over the side to give the fairy a smirk, he strummed his instrument, and began to loudly, beautifully, sing.

"Hold me close and hold me fast

This magic spell you cast

This is la vie en rose…"

It worked. For only a few moments after he began did the chiming sobs stop. He had her attention. Now time to reel her in.

Zarina couldn't stop the tears. A nightmare. One single nightmare; was all it took to send the little pirate out the door across the deck and curled up on the bowsprit. To be fair the dream was awful. The tree grew thorns and impaled her crew. They blamed her before they died, but weren't angry. Then she walked home to Pixie Hollow, to find it empty and her old house on fire. And all the fairies had drowned. And all the pixie-dust gone. And the ocean hid a layer of thorns. Zarina held her head in her hands. She HATED nightmares. She hated her guilt. And well, naturally, she hated hersel- no. No it wasn't like that. She'd moved on. She made her choice. And she loved it. Reveled in it! She LOVED these guys! But still… she thought. Her crying didn't stop. Why was she so guilty? Why did she feel so conflicted and wrong?! Why did she hear music?! Wait music wait what? Zarina calmed her mind and quieted her thoughts. There actually was music. Coming from the crows nest. The tears fell in silence, for she was too focused on the beautiful sound. Then the voice. Was that-? It WAS! She flew closer, hiding just under the nest as he began on the next verse.

"Zarina what you do to me,

It's border line crazy,

It is la vie en rose…"