The day before they planned to set sail, James invited those closest to them aboard for a tour of the Enterprise. Pike was impressed by the soundness of the ship and made note to himself to have longer talks with Scotty about improving Riverside's own ships. The Queen was slightly surprised to hear all of the crew referring to her son as Captain rather than Prince, but accepted that without questioning it. Cinderella and Rapunzel both pleased Scotty tremendously when the Enterprise was deemed the finest ship that either had ever sat foot upon.

The evening meal was early since the ship would be sailing at first light. Everyone made an effort to keep the mood light. While still not happy about the circumstances, the Queen had faith that her son and his companions would be able to not complete their mission within the witch's time frame, but would finish far sooner, It seemed only fair that when they finished that the witch's own curses would rebound on her and no-one who heard that story felt any sympathy for the enchantress. The sun had not been set long when they bid one another goodnight and left for their chambers.

As they rested in each other's arms later that night, James sighed heavily.

"While I dislike the distress my mother is suffering over the curse, I cannot help but feel excited about the travels ahead of us, Leonard."

Leonard held James closer.

"Being miserable and dreading the voyage will do no good. Since the journey must be made, we may as well enjoy it as not, James. Besides, doubtless the witch will be watching our progress and our being cheerful is likely to sorely vex her. After all, she did not curse us to please us."

"Wise as always, my Leonard. Now we must try to get such sleep as we may. Morning will be upon ere we know it."

Content and comfortable, the two princes were soon asleep and did not stir again until a knock sounded at their door to rouse them. James moved to the door and thanked Pavel for knocking before moving to the window and pulling back the curtains to reveal the still dark sky.

Stretching, Leonard yawned hugely before speaking.

"You were right, James. It seems as if I had scarcely closed my eyes a few minutes ago."

Despite how short the night had seemed, both men were quickly moving and soon ready to leave. Except for what they were wearing, their clothing and gear had been taken to the ship already.

A light meal was awaiting the companions in the kitchen as the servants who had known James since his childhood had insisted on preparing it as their own way of wishing them luck on their journey. Christine even saw them to their horses and offered over a basket filled with some tastes of Riverside in the form of a variety of preserved fruits and pickles.

Even though the hour was early, a number of citizens had gathered to extend their own hopes for a quick completion of their task. Prince James was well-loved and his people showed him that his presence would be sorely missed.

James was humbled by their affection, speaking to and touching as many as he could without delaying their departure. Finally, he simply had to call out a farewell to them all and wave as he led his horse aboard to be settled in the hold with the others.

Coming back to the top deck as the sails unfurled, James was a bit surprised to see that it was Hikaru at the wheel with Scotty standing nearby. Seeing James and Leonard, Scotty's face broke out in a wide smile as he waved them over.

"Did you know that this lad's grandsire was one of the finest helmsmen on the seas? He says he learned at his grandfather's knee, so I asked if he'd care to be the one to take us out of port."

The answer Hikaru had given was obvious considering both where he was standing and the gleam in his eyes. Scotty called for the anchors to be raised and it seemed that the Enterprise herself was anxious to be away as she speed away from the dock as the wind filled the sails.

Going back below with James to where the others were looking over maps, Leonard remarked.

"It turned out to be a fortunate thing that Cinderella and Rapunzel brought back the news that they did. They gave us a starting point where we would have had none."

Hearing his voice, Nyota looked toward the door as they came through.

"While that may be true, Prince Leonard, had they not told you my tale, you need never have been cursed in the first place."

"Only Leonard, dear lady. We are all companions here. And I regret nothing involved in the ended of such an unjust curse."

James nodded as he took one of the chairs by the table.

"Nor I. How far must we sail before we reach the forests where the wolf dwells?"

Pavel looked up and pointed to a spot on one of the maps.

"By ship, we will reach the nearest port in four days if the winds hold, Captain. After that, we are looking at nearly as many days on horseback."

Instead of sitting, Leonard leaned on the table to get a better view of the map.

"Does the area have a name?"

It was Spock who answered.

"According to Lady Rapunzel, the locals called it Rothaube."

Nyota looked at Spock, puzzled as she automatically translated the name.

"Red Hood? What a strange name."

Spock gave a nod of agreement.

"Indeed. Lady Rapunzel said the name came from the fact that all of the children - from when they can walk until when they are wed - wear either red caps or hoods over their hair whenever outdoors. It is part of some ancient superstition that no-one that she spoke with could remember . The details seem to have been lost to time, yet the habit still remains."

Leaning forward to place his elbows on the table, James rested his chin atop his joined hands.

"I wonder why red?"

Lowering his finger to lightly touch the map, Pavel shrugged.

"It is a very noticeable color. Perhaps sometime in their past, they needed to be able to find their children quickly?"

Leonard reached over to lay a hand on Pavel's shoulder. He had grown to feel toward the young man as if he were a younger brother.

"As good an explanation as I could arrive at. Perhaps we will have opportunity to speak to an elder there that may enlighten us."

"We will not be getting answers until we arrive. Leonard and I will be topside tonight and so will be taking a rest after the midday meal."

Spock nodded before speaking.

"Pavel and I will be attending to our mounts while Nyota works on translating a log that Scotty requested she look at."

Approving fully that everyone had a task, James smiled.

"Most excellent. If we all keep busy, our journey will pass all the quicker."

As if summoned by those words, one of the crew sheepishly came to the door to request the healer. Well maintained as the Enterprise was, removal of splinters from feet and hands would be enough to keep Leonard well occupied during the voyage.