Chapter Three: Collapse

Duke:

"We need ta get ya ta port," I said as I grabbed my dress shirt and vest and went behind the changing screen standing in the corner of the room.

"What does that have to do with anything?" She questioned while getting up now.

"She saw ya, an' if she thinks you're with me her curse may affect ya as well. I'm not sure what her spell will do, but I'm not lettin' someone else pay for this," I answered while pulling my night shirt off and quickly tugging my fine dress shirt on.

"Why would it effect me?" She asked from the other side of the screen.

"You can hear her magic, an' ya shared that dream with me. It's more than likely a warnin'. Starmaids are famous for their jealousy, an' it won't matter to her that we're basically strangers or not. She'll see ya as a threat an' try to remove ya as one," I explained while slipping my vest on now and stepping out to see Heart looking to me while trying to take in my warning.

"Duke, did you have any feelings for her at all?" She then asked me with caution in her tone.

I looked to her a bit thrown off by this question. Though in her eyes anger was absent, but concern had found a home in their glistening blue depths instead.

I shook my head, "No sweetheart. I didn't. I guess this charm of mine really did get me in trouble didn't it?"

I attempted a weak chuckle before furthering my answer with, "I tried ta tell her when we met that I was only there for a short time, an' that I wasn't lookin' for love. An' before ya ask, no I didn't take advantage of her broken heart in that way."

Heart, though slightly thrown off by that abrupt bit of information, didn't waver in her understanding tone, "I didn't think you had captain. Pirate or not you don't seem to be the type to do something like that?"

"I'm not," I assured firmly before easing my tone, "I'm not. None the less it seems I'll be payin' for this if I can't find a way out."

"Your crew doesn't know?" She inquired.

"Avarin knows in a way," I admitted quietly, "I'm not sure how much of it she believes, but does understand what to do if somethin' ever happens to me. Seein' how she'll take my place in such a situation."

"It sounds like you've already given up?" she replied quietly.

I gave a sigh while glancing at the crossed out charts stuck onto the walls and rubbing the back of my neck a bit, "Not exactly. I jus' wanted ta have a plan just in case. I still have to consider the crew in any way I can."

"Do you have any leads at all?" She asked while walking up to the hanging charts and looking them over as well.

"This isn't somethin' for ya ta worry about Miss Flashblade," I told her firmly before giving a more confident smile and a shrug, "I'll figure somethin' out after we get ya safely to port. Perhaps an idea will come fort after we get some supplies an' a brief rest from space."

Then I looked at the young woman I had rescued only the day before as I realized, "Speakin' about that, I have to admit it surprised me to wake up next to ya? I thought you were goin' to stay up?"

Heart gave a shrug as I wondered briefly over this. For a moment I couldn't help but smile slightly at this, "I hope I helped ya feel safe at least sweetheart?"

Then I shook my head, "Though if ya get too close it won't be safe for ya, I'm certain of that."

"We're just acquaintances?" She pointed out.

"That won't matter to her. Trust me Lady Heart," I assured her, "An' that's why we need ta get ya ta port as soon as we can."

"Did you know," she asked while looking up at me still, "yesterday when you said that. You knew this might happen?"

"I've been feelin' the phantom shackles she locked on me grow tighter over the last few days," I admitted, "It was only a matter of time before she began her song."

"How long has it been?" She inquired.

"About a year," I replied, "Since then I've looked for anythin' I can ta break her hold. I've poured over charts, books, maps, anythin' I can. I've read over legends an' myths, listened to songs about them. The only thing I've uncovered is how possessive they are an' how strong their charms can be. Lesser men have lost their minds when pulled in by one."

With every word I watched unease settle in over her as it gripped me as well. Lifting my tone I said with a casual smile, "Even still I've kept my crew happy an' enjoyed the time I have left while I can. If it means they stay in the dark so they don't worry then so be it."

"I have a feeling they will be rightfully angry when they find out! They seem rather fond of you captain, don't you trust them?" she pointed out.

"Lady Heart, let me be concerned over that okay? You jus' worry about findin' your brothers. It's a well used port, they're bound ta show up sooner than later," I told her while trying to evade the pressing subject.

"Duke-"

"Heart...please," I requested softly as I looked over her, "Besides ya belong with your family an' the crew ya started out with; not with a bunch of pirates."

However looking at her betrayed me in some way.

"It's a shame though," I gave a slight smile, "I've enjoyed havin' your company thus far. An' seein' ya in that dress, even in a dream, was quite a treat."

I watched as her cheeks became a soft pink.

"It was quite warm with ya beside me," I mentioned to her playfully while stepping closer to her and sweeping up her hand, "If things were different I..."

"Isn't that what got you in trouble in the first place?" She questioned with a raised brow.

"Not exactly," I said to her with a wounded tone.

She wasn't convinced. Yet she didn't turn away from me either. In fact her sapphire eyes held concern still as she looked at me.

Still I couldn't help but smirk as I held her hand up a moment. Her cheeks became a deeper shade of pink as she watched me, encouraging me as I chuckled, "Ya know, a pirate lives in the moment sweetheart. While I have my freedom perhaps...?"

Yet even as I said that I felt my nightmares haunting me and I trailed off. The golden eyes from that memory peered into my soul it and I quickly backed away from Heart. With a bit of regret I shook my head as I said to her, "Sorry...I don't know what got inta me there. Here I am sayin' ya shouldn't get too close an' I'm actin' like this."

"You're scared," she stated quietly.

"I guess in a way. I don't really know what her spell will do once it's sung. The stories I've heard only warned me of men bein' driven ta madness by such enchantments, their personalities shifted ta meet the desires of their keepers, their freedom stripped away," I admitted as a chill ran through my very core.

"Please don't give up," she then said, catching me off guard.

"Heart?"

"Your freedom. Don't give up, if nothing else than for your crew," she told me earnestly.

I couldn't help but smile at this young lady, "Ya know it's not every day I get to play the hero rather than thief."

Heart didn't say anything to this. Instead she stepped away and looked over the charts a bit longer. For a moment I wondered what she was trying to find, that is until she said, "I wish there was a way I could help you. Whether a hero or a thief, you don't deserve this fate."

"There's plenty of others out there that would say I deserve it Miss Flashblade," I commented dryly while slipping my coat on and fixing my sash around my throat.

When she turned around and found me fully dressed she tilted her head with curiosity in those eyes of hers, "I was wondering why you dress like that? Wouldn't you prefer a more modern look?"

I gave a light chuckle at this question. Then with a growing smile I answered, "My crew an' I are quite fond of the tales told hundreds of years ago. I guess it's our way of bringin' those tales back to the present. Though I'll admit I kinda go all out. Do ya think it would be better for me to change my style?"

To my surprise and delight she shook her head and replied, "I think it suits you."

Then we both headed out onto the deck. Outside we found my crew going about their tasks as the morning hours stirred them awake. Upon seeing us Irving walked over with a playful smile over his burlap face, "Spent the night with the captain did you Miss Flashblade?"

I noticed Heart's unamused expression as this was said to her.

"I was just teasing," Irving said before giving his report, "Stars ahead look clear captain"

"Thanks Irving," I said with a bit of relief.

"Be sure to get some breakfast before Catalina or Marestella find you with an empty stomach captain," Irving warned before climbing his way back up to his perch.

Unamused by this remark I just shook my head before turning to Heart briefly, "I need to see to some things. Feel free to explore the ship or mingle with the crew as ya like."

"Is there anything I can help with captain?" Heart asked.

To this I said with an eased heart, "Jus' hold onto that hope ya seem to have. That'll help enough for now."

With that I left Heart to venture along the ship. Meanwhile I went and found Avarin up at the helm of the ship with some of our maps.

"How much longer 'til we get ta port?" I asked casually.

"We'll be there late tomorrow morning by home's time if we can keep this pace Captain," she informed me.

"That's good ta hear," I said while looking out over the deck.

Avarin followed my gaze to find Heart talking with Melodia and Norelle. From what I could tell by the human girl's reactions she was learning of her home realm. The gnome was all but too eager to share her stories of home, and Heart couldn't help but give a curious listen it seemed.

"You don't care for her company L'Orange? You seem rather eager to be rid of her," Avarin commented from behind me, "Was there a problem last night?"

"Actually, ya couldn't be further from the truth," I laughed while watching her still.

"After a day?" Marestella raised a brow as she came up the steps and further teased, "I know you've left a trail of broken hearts behind you, but this seems rather quick captain?"

"I'm not sayin' I'm in love with the girl," I said shaking my head, "Though if things were a bit different, an' she didn't have two brothers to possibly hunt me down, I'd consider askin' her to join us."

"You do have a way of finding wandering souls to weave into our merry band don't you?" Marestella grinned.

"You know that first hand don't ya Mare?"

"I believe I'm the one that found Marestella," Avarin pointed out.

"Or rather I found you maybe?" Marestella smirked.

"An' I believe it was my ship here that brought us to the moon ya met on?" I commented with a confident smirk, "So I still played my part didn't I? I'm also the one that approved of a new sailor on my ship?"
"L'Orange if you had disapproved of my good cooking and spirited nature I think you might have had a mutiny on your feathery hands?" Marestella laughed in a good humored tone and a wide grin on her sea foam shaded face.

"What was I to do then?" I shot back just as playfully.

"So then what of Heart? Why not ask her if she seems to fit in so well?" Avarin asked with a raised brow.

"I can't ask her. Don't get me wrong, I'm proud of all we've accomplished. You're the finest crew a drake could ever ask for. However, there's no hidin' what we still are...an' I can't ask her to live this life. We didn't have much choice but to take this life for our own reasons...but Heart has a chance with her brothers that I wouldn't dare try an' take from her."

I hoped they couldn't tell that my words towards the end had a double meaning. While it was true I didn't want to damage her reputation in regards to her future, I also didn't want to risk her losing the chance to get away before any harm could come her way. Despite her concern for a drake she'd only met yesterday, I felt it best she get away from me as soon as possible.

It was then that I decided what I also needed to do, and a part of my core twisted at the thought of it as I watched Heart. A plan began to form in my head, causing me to look away finally and go about other tasks in the meantime.

Heart:

As the day went on I spent my time getting to know the crew a little better. With no given task assigned I found myself assisting with cooking and cleaning with Catalina, Melodia, and Norelle. Every so often I would ask them of their adventures and they would regail me with tails of treasure hunting, pirates they had fought, and creatures they had encountered. Occasionally I would see Trent or Irving taking a brief break from their tasks to get a bite to eat. Though I still wondered how the latter of the two ate at all. While the former I worried didn't eat enough. Marestella and Avarin would also talk with me in between their tasks.

During all of this Duke would often go missing, sometimes to his cabin, and other times below deck. Once in a while I would try to talk to him, but upon seeing me approach he would quickly evade me.

"He's acting stranger than usual," Avarin commented during dinner that night when Duke vanished into his cabin with his meal.

I looked over to her while trying to hide the worry I could feel attempting to twist my expression. To the side of her Catalina shrugged as she ate Marestella's cooking this time around.

"You think so?" I asked.

"Usually he'd be eating with us for starters," Norelle mentioned, "Especially with a young lady to entertain."

I felt a question making my neck itch, "Does he just go from lady to lady?"

"Well, he's definately no stranger to wooing a pretty face on the dance floor. At port he loves playing the dashing hero when he can," Catalina remarked, "Whenever there's a tavern brawl he jumps in just to defend the tavern maids."

"Steals their feint hearts and their fancy jewels right from their grasps," Marestella added.

"I see," I said half heartedly.

"I tried to warn you," Avarin attempted.

I gave a shrug, "No, it's not anything like that."

"Uh-oh, has our bold captain tugged at your own heart strings lady Flashblade?" Irving asked with a cross stitched smirk and a folded burlap blink.

I hoped the low light would keep him from noticing my face was turning quite warm from this accusation. Then I said in a calmed tone, "I guess I was wondering if it's ever gotten him into trouble?"

"Nothing more than a slap here or there, though that's rare for him," Melodia shrugged.

So they really didn't know. However I did notice Avarin taking a pause from eating her meal at my question, but I didn't dare venture as to why. With me parting ways the next day it really wasn't my place to tell them what he was avoiding.

Though I also couldn't help but notice how these truths made my skin crawl a bit. How many ladies had been swayed by him? The very reason he was in such trouble was do to his being too eager to charm lady after lady. These confessions blended poorly with the recent memory of my first kiss, both recieved and given just yesterday.

"As to your question Irving," I then added without so much as a blink of an eye or a falter in my voice to mask this irritation, "No, I don't intend to have him play with my heart like some sort of puppet. He can save that for the next tavern girl he finds at shore."

Of course it was now that Duke had slipped out from his quarters. Hearing me say this I thought I caught a glimpse of hurt in his eye before his expression shifted to a forced smirk, "All the more reason ta get ya ta port right Miss Flashblade?"

"Duke, that's not what I meant," I attempted as he approached us, "I'm sure you have plenty of women clammering to tie you down. I simply don't need to become one of them."

Duke raised a brow at this statement as he asked sharply, "Are ya jealous darlin'?"

I felt the blood in my veins boiling the further this went. He knew what I had seen. He had stated he wanted to get me far from them. Yet now he was teasing me?

"I'm not going to be another broken hearted love sick maiden you leave for the stars! I just met you for one, and I have a family to find! You have your own burdens to escape without me distracting you!" I told him.

At this point I was barely aware of the others watching us quietly. Norelle, Irving, and Melodia tried to slink away. Irving drank his cider somehow in an attempt to ignore us. Trent went on writing as usual, though he did shake his head a moment. While Marestella and Avarin exchanged glances of concern.

"Well Miss Flashblade ya won't have ta worry about distractin' us as ya say for much longer will ya?" Duke assured me in a near bitter tone.

Then he gave a confident smirk as he asked, "Though we do have one more shared night in my cabin ta look forward to. Ya think you can resist a captain's charms again?"

My blood ran white hot when he disregarded with how he was addressing me so suddenly. He knew what I did now. He had seemed to appreciate how concerned I had been for him. In spite of our brief meeting thus far I had given him my trust.

"You know captain, you already stole my first kiss from me! I don't need you stealing anything else from me!" I snapped as I got up from the table and quickly stepped away.

I didn't stop until I reached the front of the ship just before the bowsprit. Once there I leaned against the railing and tried to regain my shaky composure. While gripping the railing I tried to take a deep breath while looking up at the stars and galaxies in the distance. My blood still ran hot it seemed as I stood there.

When I heard Duke walking towards me I nearly bolted, even looking towards the shrouds briefly wondering if I could climb away quick enough. Yet despite the itch to run I stood there and listened to his attempt as he stepped over to me cautiously, "I'm sorry Miss Flashblade."

At first I didn't answer him. Instead I kept my focus on the stars ahead of us. Though I did notice him keeping a respectful distance from me.

"You know, when we met yesterday I warned myself you were like the pirates I had heard of in stories. A lady like me would be considered another notch on your belt and not much more! I resisted you and you mock me for it now? You claim to be a gentleman and tease that I am jealous of other women?"

With every word I felt my composure unraveling. My face grew hotter, as did the rest of my body gradually I soon realized.

"Lady Heart, I wasn't tryin' ta hurt ya," he tried again.

In my stomach a peircing sensation now burned its way in. Yet I thought it was just from being so upset.

"You're no different than those stories! You don't learn your lesson! You have that curse on you for chasing girl after girl! I'm not falling for it and I'm not falling for you!" I told him.

"Heart-"

"When we get to port enjoy your freedom while you have it captain! Chase how ever many girls you like, dance with them, have a good time! But don't you dare include my heart in your collection!" I snapped as the pain suddenly ran up my chest.

As the sensation struck through me I felt myself collapse onto deck. My hands tightly gripped my stomach as I writhed at Duke's feet. While my vision began to blur I heard Duke's voicce fading as he called out to me.

Duke:

"Heart!" I cried out as she crumbled to the floor.

When she wasn't responsive I quickly called for Trent before kneeling down beside her, "Heart!"

The young woman before me gripped her stomach while gritting her teeth. In seconds Trent was behind me looking her over as well.

"What happened?" Trent questioned urgently as he checked her over now.

"I-I don't know. She and I were talkin' an' she jus' hit the floor!" I explained.

Then I felt my blood ran cold as Heart looked at me through barely opened eyes. A tune we apparently could only hear slipped through the air to us.

Conversing with a young lass

Who seemed to be in pain

Saying, L'Orange, when you go

I fear you'll ne'er return again

"Heart I'm sorry!" I told her as I watched her writhe in response to the lyrics.

Trent briefly looked at me with a bewildered and furrowed brow. It was clear Heart and I alone were aware of the starmaid's presence.

"I can't find any injuries, but she has quite a fever. It seems her temperature is continuing to rise?" Trent informed.

Heart tried to breath as the heat took a hold of her, growing hotter still. Just resting my hand against her I could feel her skin sweating from the sudden high fever.

"Heart," I heard myself attempt as I reached out and carefully lifted her up into my arms.

She tried to resist at first, but quickly gave up when the pain drained her of what strength she had as well as her anger for the time being.

"Captain..." she moaned as she writhed still.

"It's goin' ta be okay Lady Heart, hang on an' we'll get ya some help somehow," I assured her while holding her close against me.

"We're still a little ways from the port and any real medical attention we could get her," Trent said grimmly, "Perhaps we can help her sweat the fever out. Get her to bed and use whatever blankets you have to cover her. In the meantime I'll see what medicine I have to help her."

"Make sure we're takin' the fastest route. Do what ever ya can ta get her off of this ship!" I ordered as I carried Heart to my cabin.

"Of course Captain," Trent affirmed before heading back to the others and then to his study below deck.

Once inside my quarters I carried Heart over to the bed and set her carefully upon it.

She turned her face from me as though trying to distance herself. Guilt washed over me upon seeing her this way. Her words before she collapsed lingered in my head as did her sapphire eyes that had glared at me while saying them.

I quickly pulled away from these thoughts and found every blanket and sheet I could to cover her. Still she held onto her center in an attempt to ease some sort of infliction we couldn't find. Yet I had a strong hunch what had caused these symptoms, and I hated myself for it.

"Heart, please listen ta me," I said to her as I knelt beside the bed and reached over to brush her hair out of her eyes to feel her now burning forehead, "I didn't mean ta hurt ya! Hang in there an' you'll be free of this an' her spell. Once you're away from me you'll be safe."

With a pained breath she turned her head to face me. Tears of anguish stung her narrowed eyes as she still fought. However the heat of her very skin continued to rise as she moaned weakly, "Cap-Captain...?"

I nodded my head while caressing her crimson cheek, "Hang on okay? I think I have a way to fix this."

Without a second to waste I pulled away from her and hurried to my desk to begin rumaging through my papers and maps. In a mad rush I tossed aside forms, books, and charts in search of what might be have been able to help her.

After some digging I came across a chest I had tucked away. As I went to open it a sudden scream from Heart made me jump. Looking to her she was fading from consciousness as she gripped her stomach. She screamed for her brothers...Wildwing and Nosedive each with tears in her pain stricken eyes. Not taking another moment to second guess what I was possibly giving up I unlocked that chest to find a small crystal charm hidden away within.

While sweeping up the rose quartz attached to a silver chain I hurried over to Heart. Sitting at the edge of the bed I pried one of her hands from her side to then take the charm and place it firmly in her open palm. Then I carefully placed her closed hand as it against her torso as she tossed and turned beneath the blankets.

"This will help ya," I told her as she begged for her family through her tears.

"Duke...?" she asked shakily in a thin voice now.

"Stay with me darlin', I've got ya," I assured her calmly while slipping onto the bed a bit more.

I then carefully lifted her up slightly to pull her into my lap a bit. With her head resting on a pillow now over my lap I began running a hand over her forehead, gently stroking her hair. As I did I felt the sweat beading on her face as a fever threatened to pull her from consciouness. While I held her against me I repeated softly to her, "I've got ya sweetheart."

"Duke...Dive...Wing..." she pleaded while clutching the gem and turning on her side and into me a bit more.

"You're goin' ta be okay Heart, I promise. Jus' try ta focus on the charm I gave ya," I instructed while watching her legs curl up against her stomach.

"What...what do I do?" She asked weakly as I slid my hand against her back to give better support as I held her.

"Hold it close an' pray for it ta take on the pain ya feel," I explained softly while feeling her free hand clutch the fabric of my vest.

I watched her hand clench the charm tightly as she tried to hum a prayer of some sort through her now labored breathing. Yet the pain kept her from focusing. Seeing this I closed my hand over hers and said in an urgent, but gentle tone, "Please endure her pain. May your body of rock break to save hers of flesh an' blood!"

"Trade your existance ta save hers. Free her of this spell by casting your own!" I prayed for her as she clung to me now.

While I wrapped an arm around her I felt as she held onto me desperately. In this moment as she continued to writhe I felt just how small her frame was. Her now frail form convulsed from the heat and agony she was at war with.

Then through her hand as I held it I felt the crystal growing hot. It soon caused her to nearly drop it, but I held her hand closed tight over it. When she moaned in pain as it burned her I said quickly, "If ya let go it won't work. It's the only way I can save ya from this, so I need ya to please endure it Heart."

"Duke..." she barely breathed.

All I could think to do was hold her when I saw her trying to stay awake.

"I'm sorry," I repeated as she clenched her teeth to keep from crying out.

Just then I heard the crystal cracking in her hand. Heart's breathing grew rapid as I held her even closer to me. Again she begged for her family in between those short breaths of agony.

Suddenly the crystal shattered in her palm, splintering into shards and sand that burned our hands a bit from the heat. Heart's body grew tense in my arms as I held her as tight as I could to support her. Then gradually, while she gasped for breath, her body began to cool. Her eyes opened a little wider to find me watching over her as she barely gasped my name.

"I've got ya sweetheart," I assured her while looking over her and caressing her cheek.

Her hand that had been clutching her stomach relaxed and her legs unlocked a bit as she uncurled her position bit by bit. Yet still I held onto her.

Her hand that had been clutching her stomach relaxed and her legs unlocked a bit as she uncurled her position bit by bit. Yet still I held onto her.

"Are ya okay?" I asked her as I swept strands of hair away from her eyes.

She nodded her head slowly, but her voice was still weak in her attempts to speak.

With a relieved sigh escaping my throat I couldn't help but hug her cooling form tightly, "I'm sorry Heart. Once we get ya ta port an' away from me you'll be safe from this."

"Duke?" I barely heard her ask.

"What do ya need Miss Flashblade?" I answered her softly.

"Earlier...were you trying...to push me...away?" She pushed through tired gasps.

Reluctantly I nodded my head, "That was the plan at first. I thought if she saw we weren't friendly towards one another that she wouldn't drag ya further in."

I winced as I recalled her words from earlier again. Yet then I looked down at her as she struggled to stay awake and said, "If it meant savin' ya from sufferin' like this maybe I should have stuck with it. For some reason though I couldn't stand the thought of ya hatin' me either."

"I couldn't hate you," she said softly through her growing fatigue, "Pirate or not,...you still saved me...and I am happy I met you captain."

At this I couldn't help but smile sweetly at her as I said, "Ya know darlin'. There's somethin' I failed ta mention before."

She looked at me puzzled through her tired eyes before I chuckled softly, "None of those girls were ever invited, let alone carried, inta my private quarters. You're the only maiden ta have that honor Miss Flashblade."

I then noticed her shivering slightly in my arms and asked her with a charming smile as I teased sweetly in an attempt to ease the lingering fear I found in her eyes, "Are ya sure I can't charm that heart of yours darlin'?"

She gave a quiet laugh before shaking her head as I knew she would. Then she drifted off to sleep in my arms before I soon gave in and followed suit.

At some point I would hear Trent trying to get my attention in the middle of the night. As I half slept with Heart still held against me I vaguely recalled our medic checking her over with a relieved sigh. Then he left the medicine and clean water on the bedside just as I drifted back to sleep.

I awoke to Trent calling through the door much later in the morning, "Captain, we'll be at port in an hour or so. How is Lady Heart?"

"She's okay now," I called back, "But that is still good news to hear."

"Very well Captain!" He confirmed before stepping away from the door.

It was now that I realized I had still been holding onto Heart in my sleep. In turn she was clinging to me as well it seemed.

"Heart?" I asked her as I gently grasped her shoulder.

At first she didn't stir and I worried briefly if the curse had come back somehow to claim her. Sitting up a little I brushed my hand over her cheek this time to feel she was still warm, "Heart?"

This time her eyes slowly opened as she looked up at me startled. Her cheeks quickly turned red once again as she found how close we were. In return I couldn't help but give a playful smirk as I looked over her, ignoring my worries for a moment, and said to her, "You're quite cute when ya blush darlin'. Ya know, we only have a little longer together, I could make sure ya never forget the dashin' captain that saved your life?"

To my surprise she didn't pull away from me, but she did shake her head again. With a slight smile I said, "I had a feelin'. Though I am glad you're alright."

Soon we were up and ready for our adventure through the upcoming town. Heart had changed back into her original clothes. Though I told her to keep the ones we had leant her while also giving to her a pack to carry them in. Inside of it I slipped a decently filled pouch of gold and silver inside to use for an inn and food for a good while.

"Isn't this is your own treasure?" She inquired out of surprise, "As well as the charm that from last night?"

"As long as you're safe I don't mind givin' up some treasure," I assured her as I took her by the hand and slipped something into her palm.

Opening her hand like petals on a flower she found a silver heart pendant encrusted with tiny crystals twinkling in the light. The chain attached was of braided silver with a clasp to hold it tight. She looked up at me with widened sapphire eyes. In turn I bowed my head with a slight nod as I replied, "Somethin' ta remember me by my fair lady?"

Adoration was all I could think when she blushed a soft pink. I then carefully took the charm from her hand while sliding smoothly behind her and clasped the chain securely behind her neck. A bit of pride and delight warmed my heart to see her clasp the pendant in her hand tightly before safely tucking it under the collar of her blouse. When I'd stepped back around she said while still a bit flustered by this gift, "Thank you captain."

"If circumstances were different I would ask ya not to be so formal...I'd like to hear ya use my name while you're not in pain," I sighed.

She looked to me a bit bewildered, "I...called your name?"

I quietly nodded my head, "You did. Then again ya didn't have much strength in ya to keep up formalities."

She seemed to ponder over this a bit, searching through what I was sure a foggy memory due to her fever, "I believe you...I just don't really remember."

"I'm sorry you were put at risk like that. Hopefully we can get ya safely away before anythin' else happens," I told her with a blend of regret and relief in my chest that I attempted to mask.

I thought perhaps her eyes would provide some sort of encouragement, a light of joy to possibly find her brothers, or optimism to be free of this. Yet she seemed just as distraught it seemed, if not more so? This forced me to give a smile to try and brighten the mood, "I wonder how the crew's doin'? I'm sure they were worried about ya?"

We then headed out on deck where we could see the space port in the distance. My crew cheered to see the promise of a well earned rest ahead of them. However as Heart and I looked at one another I couldn't help but feel a continuing reluctance as we neared the pale moon ahead of us. For it was the assurance that I would spend my nights alone once again, until my freedom was locked away as it were. In Heart's eyes in that moment did I see regret as well? I tried to give her a smile to reassure her this was for the better,

That is until we both froze as the chilling tune returned as softly as it had started before thus far.

My heart is pierced by Cupid

I disdain all glitering gold

There is nothing can console me

But my jolly sailor bold

Heart:

Upon hearing this next verse I turned to Duke with worry weighing my heart again. As I watched him I quickly noticed as his remaining eye lost seemed to lose it's light before he turned away from me.

"Captain?" I asked as I tried to reach out to grasp his coat sleeve.

Yet he slipped away from me and approached the helm to talk with Avarin. Though his steps simply didn't have the same grace as before. With every movement he tried to hold back slightly until he gave in.

"Is he okay?" Catalina asked as she came up behind me.

While turning to the young girl of ice touched skin I found that I wasn't sure how to answer. For one it wasn't my place to reveal what Duke was keeping from them. However I did reply in some way, "I'm sure I don't have to tell you this. You all seem to be thick as well...thieves?" I gave an awkward smile, "But...I think for some reason he.."

What could I say? To some relief she had smirked with good nature at my remark on their bond with one another, but how could I warn her somehow?

Then she rested a hand on my shoulder as I had turned to watch Duke again. While following my gaze she teased, "Are you sure our bold captain hasn't charmed your heart away?"

"I'm sure," I said firmly.

"What a shame," he sighed rustling my hair.

"Is that so?" I raised a brow at this comment.

To this she casually shrugged, "The Captain's been in an extra good mood, at least until whatever happened last night?"

She then looked to me and added, "I've never seen him act like he did. Something must be bothering him for him to say those things to you. Though it seems you two have reconciled?"

"Yes..yes we have. Perhaps he didn't get enough sleep the night before," I tried to give a half truth at least, "I don't hold him in any ill regard none the less."

"That's good to hear," she half grinned.

While risking another glance up at their captain I then heard myself say, "Pirate, thief, or whatever one calls him...he's a good man. I hope all of you and him have many more adventures among the stars. Perhaps in that way I'll at least get to hear about you again?"

"If you're so worried about that why can't you stay?" Norelle's voice chimed in as she approached with Melodia.

"I'm sure Duke would welcome you like he did with us," the mousefolk assured, "We're like an odd little family here on this ship. You could be apart of that?"

I shook my head despite the weight forming in my chest, "I have a family to find as it is. My brothers took care of me when I was just a kid lost on Puck World, I can't...I can't leave that."

"I guess it would be hard to explain to them that you joined a band of pirates wouldn't it?" Norelle sighed, "No matter how you slice it, we are what we are."

"While we don't hurt the innocent," Melodia assured, "We still don't hold to much in ways of laws. We all have our reasons to be aboard this ship."

"I'm sure you do, and I will never hold any of you in ill regard either. You've all been very welcoming," I promised, "None the less I have to find Wing and Dive."

"I guess we can't blame you there. I'm sure they miss you just as much as you miss them. We're just worried about the both of you is all," Catalina admitted while folding her arms over her chest.

"Really?"

"Well before you showed up our captain seemed rather off lately. He kept to himself more and more, even during meals," Norelle explained.

"Heck half the time when I retrieved his plate he'd barely eaten anything from it," Catalina remarked.

"Then when you showed up it was like he'd come back to us a bit," Melodia smiled encouragingly.

"He likes having a girl on his arm," I commented while remembering what I had been warned of before.

"While that might be true," Marestella admitted with a troubled sigh while joining in, "None of them hold his interest. Ladies at port with a quick dance or a kiss on the cheek are just that, a brief moment to him."

For an instant I clasped the pendant hanging below my collar bone with a bit of frustration harbored in the back of my head. These words were not comforting to hear in regards to the starmaid's curse. In fact even without her song I couldn't help but feel it wouldn't have mattered much.

"Then I'm sure this will be like that as well," I slipped.

Yet then I recalled the night before and how he had given a precious item to save my life. I thought of how we'd spent the night before that star gazing quietly for a long while. These moments made me pause in these pessimistic thoughts as I instead looked to find Duke stepping out to the bow of the ship alone.

We were coming into port by this point and he seemed to be watching the waves we had touched down into as they parted at the ship's contact. This was when I pardoned myself from the conversation at hand and followed after him.

"Captain?" I attempted when I was beside the drake.

"What is it Miss Flashblade?" He asked distantly.

"I just wanted to thank you for all that you've done for me over these last few days," I told him.

"There's no need to thank me," he replied with a distracted tone.

The light in his brown eye hadn't returned. His voice lacked the smooth nature I'd briefly grown familiar with. Even his expression seemed to be that of one simply waiting for an order of some sort. His gaze was fixed on the port ahead. I was afraid that her song had already rid him of his freedom, stealing away who he was. Something in my chest sank as he remained rigidly standing while I watched him gripping the railing of the ship. In one more attempt I rested my hand over his as I said, "I'll never forget that you gave me my first kiss, and in turn that you were the first I've ever kissed."

Still he said nothing and my heart sank to see him remain this way. Yet when I went to pull away from him I felt his other hand close over mine to hold it there. When I looked to him with surprise I watched as he shook his head. It were as though he were pulling his mind free as he turned his head to face me with a relieved smile, "Thank you sweetheart. I won't forget either."

"Captain?!"

His smile twisted into a confident smirk as he nodded his head before saying, "It seems you were able to save me this time around?"

"What happened to you?" I asked, "What did her song do this time?"

"I felt myself slippin' away. It were as though she were callin' me to go to her an' leave myself behind. I heard ya beside me, but I didn't care ta answer. I was simply gone..." he explained.

"I was worried we'd already lost you," I slipped before biting my lower lip.

This time he didn't pursue it. Instead he just said to me, "I'm goin' to find a way to keep this freedom with my crew."

Hope surged through me before he added, "First I need to get ya safely away from me before her song continues. I won't let ya be hurt 'cause of this again."

Behind us the crew gave a cheer as we suddenly reached the docks. My heart sank as they secured the ship and headed out with eager delight and relief to celebrate their time on land.

However I couldn't help but notice Duke and I both lingering on the ship.