Rolling in the Deep Chapter 4: Chap 4: The Devil and the Deep Blue Sea, a labyrinth fanfic

Rolling in the Deep

By: Nikki Kelly

Disclaimer: I do not own the Labyrinth or any of the other movies, video games, etc. that I reference… Sigh, but a girl can dream can't I?

Chapter 4: Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea

It had only been a month before Alyx realized that staying at the keep by herself might not have been the best idea in the world.

Morven had been right about the oncoming blizzard because the very night he left, the darkening skies had erupted with snow. The wind howled and the temperature dropped so low that the snow began to not only build, but freeze as well. Weather like that was what made Alyx glad that the small stable for their livestock was attached to the keep and she did not have to risk getting lost out in the blizzard to feed them. The storm continued for a full week. Alyx used that time to study her new botany books and practice on her new guitar. About the time she was getting close to going stir crazy, the storm abated. She was able to bundle up in her furs to make small excursions into the Wood for supplies and fresh air. The snow was still in deep and icy drifts, so she couldn't venture very far from the keep. None the less, it was nice to be outside again. Within a few days, she was able to fashion some snowshoes and they made it easier for her to travel further from the keep. On those trips, she was able to catch wild game to store in her larder and she often carried a basket for any odd bits of bark or moss she could find. Morven's horse didn't return, but she chalked it up to the foul weather.

She had been foolish to believe that.

In this time, she also made her rooftop greenhouse flourish. She had starts of many basic medical plants and even moved on to a few of the poisonous ones. Once the storm stopped, the Leshy from four glens over came to visit and was impressed with her green thumb. He suggested that she had a knack for forest magic and offered her many more seedlings to build up her herb garden. He was the one who also suggest that she grow a few flowers to help with pollination amongst the lifesaving herbs. With a little bit of magical encouragement, she managed to produce a small, but beautiful jasmine plant. Though its blooming petals filled her heart with longing for her Goblin Prince, they made her smile just the same. More often than not, she was toying with the key that was forever at her neck. Jaron was not often far from her lonely thoughts and there were more than a few times that she found herself crying herself to sleep after a long day. Sleeping was becoming a bit of a challenge some nights and that in itself made the girl become more and more exhausted each day.

That was probably why she never noticed the warning signs before the attack.

She had been alone in the keep for nearly a month and after opening the small stable door for the chickens and the cow to graze in their enclosure, she decided to go out into the Wood in search of some more barks and herbs. Some of the snow had melted and she no longer required her snowshoes, so it made it much easier for her to travel further in her foraging. Unwilling to wear her itchy wool snow suit, she donned her glass slippers, which dressed her in a thick warm long sleeved dress and a fur cloak and hood. Hooking her basket handle onto her arm, she strode out into the wood, headed for a distant meadow that was ripe with yew trees and winter berries. She had packed a hearty lunch, so she didn't really pay attention to how long she had been gone until she realized the sun was beginning to set. She cursed her tired mind and began the long trek back to the Keep. There was no way she was going to make it home before dark if she didn't hurry. In her haste, she did not notice the strange tracks in the snow that occasionally crossed hers from before. It wasn't until she heard a twig snap in the darkening woods that she became nervous. She increased her pace, her heavy breaths fogging the air in front of her face. Soon she was a near run, but her heart lifted when she saw the lights of the keep in the distance. It fell again when she heard the unmistakable crunch of a foot in snow behind her and she spun around to face the sound. There in the dark were a set of amber eyes and a low growl sounded. Alyx knew that growl. She had faced its owner's kind before.

It was a werewolf.

Turning, Alyx abandoned her basket and took off at a sprint for the keep. The werewolf howled and more answered as the pack pursued her. Her breath come in ragged bursts as she hitched up her skirt with both hands, pushing herself beyond her own endurance. She was within yards of her door when she noticed that the entire animal pen was stained in still steaming blood. The pack had already been here and slaughtered her livestock. Something heavy slammed into her back and knocked her to the snow. The werewolf snapped and clawed at her, catching its teeth in her fur coat. She shimmied free of the garment and rolled over to kick the beast in its ribs. It yelped in pain when her boot connected and she heard the snap of a rib bone. The beast retreated and she scrambled to her feet, drawing the dagger from her waist. Of all times for her to not carry a proper weapon! She cursed herself as three other wolves stalked from the dark and began to surround her. She tried to slowly move towards the keep, but another cut her off from her escape, completing the pack's circle around her. She spun wildly, trying to watch all the beasts at once as they snarled and snapped at her.

Yes, staying at the keep alone had been a horrible idea in hindsight.

Taking a deep breath, she took her stance and raised her dagger for the attack. With a primal scream, she charged the nearest werewolf.

Zefiryn stood over a map of the underground, studying it intently. She had sent out the Knight of Death in search of the Girl Who Saved the Goblin Prince, but the fool barely missed her at the nuptials of the Goblin King. The Knight had returned with a sob story of being attacked by the Goblin Prince and losing the girl. The Knight was a powerful Lich, but Mab found a way to punish him soundly before sending him out in search again. Zefiryn had sent werewolves to comb the Enchanted Wood for signs of the girl, and sent their vampyres to the coasts, hoping to find the girl mid-travel. Tapping one finger on the map, she rose and sauntered to a nearby table that hosted a crystal wine decanter and set of glasses. She poured herself a glass of the blood red wine and gave the wine a gentle sniff. She smiled, delighted in the bouquet and took a sip.

She had missed the finer things of life while banished.

The Swamp Hag had no intentions of letting her daughter-in-law keep her crazy talons into the Unseelie Crown. It had infuriated her enough when the chit had banished her from the Court, but to leave her to wallow in the swamps was a slight that Zefiryn could not ignore. For decades, she had festered in her swampy prison, dreaming for the day she could enact her revenge. The minute the bratty Queen had called upon her, Zefiryn began to set into motion the wheels of her demise. Without an heir, Zefiryn would have all rights to take over as the Queen of Air and Darkness. The very potion she had been brewing when Mab came calling was a poison. A poison of the worst sort.

Years ago, she had come across an old fanged grimoire, which incidentally, she had later given to the young Goblin Prince, Jaron, when he had first spent time within the Dark Court as a boy, as per royal custom. Like most in the Underground, she was delighted by the mischievous little tramp and showered him with darkly lavish gifts. The grimoire had been filled to the very brim with many ancient curses, hexes, and potions. She had thought it a perfect gift for the devious little prince. As she had wrapped the gift by binding the biting book with strong leather straps and a chain, a small slip of parchment fell from the binding. Written in an old and ancient scrawl was a potion. A potion for the poison of all poisons. She had tucked the slip of parchment away for a rainy day and at long last that day had come.

Like all good poisons, this one worked slowly and Zefiryn relished in that fact. She would be able to fully enjoy her revenge. Since her arrival to Magesblood, she had been serving Mab a glass of wine laced with the poison each day. It was delightfully designed, this poison. It slowly infected the victim's mind, causing them to steadily slip into an uncontrolled madness. Lucky enough for her, Mab was half-way there to begin with. In the months since Zefiryn's arrival, Mab had slipped further and further into insanity. The Mad Queen was now torturing on a daily basis and half of the Court had fled in fear of her. When she was not torturing, she was staring into a mirror, mumbling madly.

When the Knight found the Girl, Zefiryn would serve Mab with the final dose of the poison. Both Mab and the Girl would bleed out on the Crooked Altar stone altar at the Plains of Crom Cruach. Though Mab's death would be a sight more painful, thanks to the poison. She would bleed from every orifice and it would feel as if her insides were melting under the flame of a mad dragon. Once the Mad Queen's eyes had dissolved in their sockets, Zefiryn would let Lil Liche practice her dark arts upon Mab's organs and tell the future of Zefiryn's return to the throne.

Zefiryn chuckled at the thought and took another sip of her wine. It really was delightful to have the finer things in life again.

"Willow!" Zefiryn called towards the open door and the girl appeared in the doorway, her eyes meek and fearful since the last time the witch had opened her veins. "Don't be a mouse, girl. Come here."

With wide eyes the girl approached and Zefiryn gave her a smile. "Where is the Queen?"

"Asleep at her vanity, Your Grace. She has been mumbling to it since lunch."

"Of course she has." Zefiryn took another sip from her glass. "And our Lord Harkin, how does he fare?"

"He is much better, Your Grace. He has returned to active duty."

"And the Sorceress?"

"Pouting in her tower." Willow frowned. "She won't even come out to take her meals with the Court."

Zefiryn laughed. "Morgan le Fey pouts for no one, dear child. Best to remember that."

"Your Grace?"

Zefiryn moved to sit in the plush chair near the fire, swirling the wine about in her glass to breathe as she did so. "She is not pouting. She is plotting. The Sorceress knows there are big plans afoot and is preparing to make sure that things come out in her favor. Morgan is always out for Morgan. If she were inclined, she would have made an excellent Queen of Air and Darkness, but such things never interested her like her magic does. Well, and the fact that she is not willing to cut a few throats to get her way."

Willow cocked one eyebrow at her words. "I don't believe I follow you, Your Grace."

"When you came to the Darkling Court, what was your goal, child."

"I merely wished to serve our-"

"Do not lie to me." Zefiryn ordered, setting her wine down on the nearest table.

Willow's mouth snapped shut and she swallowed hard. "Power, Your Grace."

"Excellent answer. You will go far in my Court, child. Providing that you are willing to follow my orders?"

"You are my Dowager Queen. I could not deny you any request."

"Wonderful. Here." Zefiryn held out a scroll to the girl. "Send this to our Lord Harkin, with my happiness at his full recovery. Then you will go to Morgan's tower and send her to me. I wish to confer with the Sorceress."

Willow nodded and left with the scroll. Returning to her wine and her thoughts, Zefiryn relaxed in her chair. The young Fae girl Willow was dense and loyal to any who promised her power. Zefiryn she could use that to her advantage in the future, providing things went according to her plans. She had barely finished her wine when Morgan strode into the room, swathed in layers of black lace.

"You summoned?" Morgan gave a mocking curtsy, the long sleeves of her dress trailing the floor with each move.

"Can you not even pretend to be glad that I am here, Morgan?" Zefiryn pouted. "I was a much better queen than your current monarch."

"Well, that depends on what your definition of 'better' is. Smarter? Slightly. Saner? Doubtful. Eviler? Definitely." Morgan crossed her arms over her chest, looking annoyed. "Want do you want, Zefiryn. I have potions brewing."

Zefiryn ignored her attitude and crossed back to the map. "I have werewolves searching the Enchanted Wood as we speak for the Girl Who Saved the Goblin Prince. There are vampyre's lurking up and down the coasts for her. Even now, the Sluagh rides the entire Underground in the hunt for her. It is only a matter of time before I have her and perform the ritual. I will find her."

"You can try. The girl is crafty." Morgan smirked.

"You like her."

"I admire her." Morgan countered. "She has passion. She deserves a better death than the one that you have planned for her."

"Her passion is her power and I shall relish every drop." Zefiryn replied and filled another glass of the dark wine.

"You underestimate her… Just like Mab did. She let down her guard and the Girl snapped the Goblin Prince up from right under her nose."

"I do not underestimate her. I am well aware of Mab's mistakes in her dealings with the Girl, but when it comes to the end of the day, she is just that… A mere girl."

"A mere girl?" Morgan laughed. "That mere girl has drank from the veins of a living dragon… That mere girl killed an entire battalion of trolls and werewolves in one night… That mere girl dared to take on the entirety of the Sluagh. Alyxandrea has already defeated one mad Queen… What's stopping her from making it two?"

"I have the knowledge of centuries behind me and this girl has been Fae for, what? Ten years at the most? She is merely a child by our standards. She had been blessed with blind luck until now, but I am no mere Mad Queen. I am Zefiryn, the Swamp Hag and the Dark Witch of the Forked River Swamplands. I will not only defeat this girl… I will obliterate her from existence. With her blood, I will bring about a New Golden Age to the Unseelie Court and a new dark age upon all the Kingdoms of the Underground."

"My money is still on the Girl." Morgan replied, flippantly, unwilling to show any nervousness to Zefiryn.

"I will enjoy wiping that smug smile off of your face when all is said and done. Perhaps, I will let you be the one to let out her veins for me during the ritual?" Zefiryn mused with a delighted smile. "It would be a fitting honor for your services to the crown."

"What do you want, Zefiryn? I doubt you summoned me just so that you could gloat about your evil plans all evening."

"Of course not. How silly of me. I am sending you to Hexenringe to the Libraries Under the Sand…"

"Ugh…" Morgan's nose wrinkled. "It's so sandy there…"

"… And you will bring back the only tome there that is bound in the bloodstained hide of a white stag. I must have it for the rituals."

"I'm not leaving until after my potions are done." Morgan snapped in return. "There is one that I have had brewing for five months!"

"Of course, but do make sure that I have the tome before the Girl Who Saved the Goblin Prince is laid upon my feet."

Morgan turned on one heel, obviously irritated at the dowager Queen. Zefiryn merely smiled at her huffy exit. She knew that Morgan was likely to tell the Goblin King anything he wanted to know and he would resume his hunt for the girl with earnest. Everyone knew that goblins were the worse sort of gossips, so soon Zefiryn could count on her quarry getting wind of her plans. She hoped to scare the girl into fleeing from her hiding place and snap her up like a rabbit on the run. Yes, indeed… Everything was going exactly as planned.

Within thirty minutes all four werewolves were dead in the snow. Alyx limped away from the last one, her dagger held limply in one hand. She was covered in blood and not all was just from the beasts. One had cut open her thigh in two separate places. And another had left a deep gash on her upper arm that was definitely going to require stitches. She spit out a mouthful of blood, glad she had not lost any teeth this time. Growing back teeth magically hurt. Almost more than stitches. Smearing blood from her wounds in the snow, Alyx temporarily reset and strengthened her wards, before limping into the keep. It took all her strength to lock the door, but she managed with only one undamaged arm.

Slumping onto the bench at her kitchen table, she ripped off what remained of her sleeve to study the wound on her arm. She winced at the sight of it and immediately grasped for a towel to staunch the flow of blood. She wrapped it tightly with ripped strips from another towel and reached for the bottle of rum in the center of the table. She took a deep swig, coughing at the burn and then reached for her medical kit. She produced her suture needle and thread and took another, longer swig of rum. Pouring a glass, she began to sterilize her equipment, already feeling the effects of her blood loss. Peeling back the bandage, she was unhappy to see the blood flow remained the same. Taking another healthy drink and pouring some of the rum over the wound, she nearly screamed at the burn.

Gritting her teeth, Alyx readied the needle at the edge of her skin as her vision blurred. She shook her head to try to clear it and the room began to spin. She collapsed as the adrenaline wore off and her body realized its blood loss. Tumbling from the bench, she hit the floor and blood began to pool under her arm. A slurred mumble came from her lips and it was a name.

It was nearly a day after the attack when the Knight of Death finally tracked the werewolves to the keep. He snarled when he found their bodies and it took him hours to tear down the magical defenses to be able to burst through the door of the keep. He saw red when he found no injured girl, but only a tacky blood stain upon the floor. He sniffed the air and caught the scent of wild magic. Someone had come and saved the wretched girl before he could get here. He cursed and turned to leave to begin his search anew.

Alyx slowly awoke to the sound of a crackling fire and the weight of warm furs upon her. She felt cozy, warm, and safe. Then she remembered her battle against the werewolves and awoke with a start. Sitting up quickly in bed, she groaned at the pain of her sutured arm and then she began to get dizzy.

"Easy there, love." Gentle hands were upon her, trying to get her to lay back down. "You've been hurt."

"I'm gonna be sick." Alyx groaned and the hands swept her hair back and helped her to lean over the side of the bed. Instantly, she retched into the bucket, heaving until her stomach was empty. Then there was a glass of water pressed against her lips and she rinsed her mouth before taking several careful sips.

"Not too much or you'll get sick again." The voice warned.

Weakly, she tried to lean back up and the gentle hands were there to help her to lay back against the pillows. Her vision swam as she tried to focus on the face above her. "What happened? My arm…"

"I stitched it, but you got an infection. You been in and out of it with a fever for about three days. I thought I was going to lose you once or twice." One gentle hand smoothed back her sweat drenched hair. "This is the most alert that I've seen you since I found you in a pool of your own blood."

"Who?" Alyx asked, weakly and reached out to grasp them by the forearm. She squinted her eyes to try to focus on her savior's face.

"You said my name in the darkness and I heard you." The voice was one she knew and loved.

"Jaron…" Alyx breathed and one weak hand fluttered out for his face.

"Shhh… You need to rest Alyx." Jaron's voice was calm, but betrayed how exhausted the Goblin Prince looked. There were dark circles under his eyes and he looked gaunt in the dim firelight. His hair was haphazardly plaited down his back and his beard was unkempt and no longer braided.

"You came…"

"How could I not?" Jaron replied, a weak smile playing at his lips. "You saved my life once or twice, if I remember correctly."

"You look absolutely wretched." She returned his weak smile and noticed the flash of silver in his hair. She reached up to touch at his hair line. "You've got a feather in your hair."

He caught her hand before it could touch his face and pressed a kiss against her palm. "You're a fine one to talk. Nearly gave me a heart attack when I found you. Your skin was so white that I thought you were dead. Do you think you could try to sit up again? You need to eat."

She nodded, slowly, and let him help her into a seated position. A wave of nausea came over her but it subsided quickly after he produced a few simple crackers for her to nibble on. He held a mug of warm broth to her lips and encouraged her to take gentle sips.

"How did you hear me?" Alyx asked after she had drank enough to satisfy him. "I have so many wards and protection spells-"

"We share dreams, remember?" Jaron replied, checking at the bandage on her arm. "Do you hurt? I have a potion for the pain if you need it."

She shook her head. "It will make me sleepy again. I thought you stopped the dreams."

"I did… At one time." Jaron peeled back the blankets to inspect the wounds on her legs. "Your legs look much better today. As does your arm."

"Jaron, I-"

He ignored her. "Of course, your keep is no longer a safe haven. I took the liberty of transporting us to somewhere that I knew was safe."

Alyx looked around the unfamiliar room, warily. "Where are we?"

"A brothel in Firth, called The Bucking Pony. Closest and safest place I could think of. I've sent word to the Merrow Wind. Morven will be here soon."

"Jaron, thank you." Alyx reached out for his hand and gave it a squeeze. "Thank you for everything. I wish I-"

"Ah, Ah, Ah…" Jaron put one finger on her lips. "Careful what you wish for, eh?" He helped her to lay back down and tucked the blankets around her. "I took the liberty of packing some of your things for you at the keep. Your glass slippers, axes, sword and the like."

"You're leaving?"

"You're in good hands here, Alyx. It may be a brothel, but the owner is a close friend and ally to the Seelie Court. Morven is only a day out at sea. By the time that he gets here, you'll be ready to travel… It is my advice that you disappear again."

"I'll not abandon my keep. It's my home."

"Aye, and the Dark Queen knows that now." Jaron gave an exasperated sigh. "You can be stubborn as mule and I love you for it, but, for once, do as I say and disappear. You are not safe."

Alyx opened her mouth to retort and, instantly, he was pouring vial down her throat. She coughed and nearly gagged at the sickly sweet medicine, but immediately began to feel the effects. Her eyes began to droop and her voice slurred. "Cheater…"

"That I am." His voice was as sad as his face as she drifted off into a dreamless sleep.

Sarah stared into her mirror, turning this way and that, studying her reflection. Ashe watched her with curious eyes and cocked his head.

"Ugh, I look fat in this dress. I swear I've gained ten pounds since the wedding."

Ashe chirped and she gave him a wry smile.

"Well, I guess all that seafood in the Genkis didn't help. Ugh… Food doesn't even sound good right now."

The griffin, merely, stretched and pranced out to her balcony to take flight. She frowned at his attitude. She hated when he starting acting more catlike. Sarah pulled the dress over her head and was in the process of trying on another, when Jareth appeared in the room.

"Sarah, what is taking you-" He stopped short when he saw she was trying to undress. "By all means, precious… Continue…"

Sarah laughed and shrugged off the dress. "I'll be ready in a minute."

"Your breakfast is getting cold."

"That's okay. I-" Sarah turned green at the thought of eggs and raced to her bathroom.

Jareth followed, concerned for his bride, but she waved him back with one hand. He left her bathroom and in a few moments, she returned, wiping mouthwash from her face and giving him a weak grin.

"I think I know why my dress doesn't fit anymore."

"What in the name of Rumpelstiltskin are you talking about?"

Dressed only in her underwear, Sarah held out her arms and gave him a beaming smile. "I'm pregnant!"

Jareth's jaw nearly fell to the floor. His sputtering response was cut short of a giggling Sarah leaping into his arms.

"I think that waterfall and cavern in the Genkis really sealed the deal! My period is late and this has got to be morning sickness. Of course, we'll need a healer to veri-"

Jareth did not reply, but merely crushed his lips to hers. Sarah moaned against his mouth and tangled her fingers in his hair. His strong hands supported her as he made his way across the room and to their bed. Her hands moved down as they kissed to tear open his shirt. Gently, he deposited her in the bed, never once separating from their kiss. His long fingers danced over her still flat belly, and he smiled against her lips.

"A father… I get to be a father." He whispered and kissed her again. "Thank you, precious."

"I'm so glad that you are excited!" Sarah ran her fingers through his long and silky hair. "A baby, Jareth… We're having a baby!"

Jareth sprang to his feet. "There is much to do, precious! We must ready a nursery and I must have the tailors produce a wardrobe. Then-"

"Jareth, calm down!" Sarah laughed at his enthusiasm. "We have months to do all of it."

Jareth gave her another smile, and soon was covering his body with hers. "Months you say? Why then, we have all the time in the world…"

Hours later, she was still in his arms, both of their nude bodies tangled in the sheets. Her head was upon his chest, listening to the rapid beat of his heart. She snuggled against him and sighed in contentment.

"We shall have to tell Mother, I suppose." Jareth chuckled. "They shall invade us, you know. We shan't know a restful moment from here on out."

"Hey, we'll be glad that they are here when the baby gets here. What with all the 3 am feedings, diaper changes, and the like… We are going to be exhausted." Sarah replied, laughter in her voice.

"It will be a piece of cake." Jareth grinned as she mock punched him in his ribs.

"Keep it up, mister, and I'll let Jaron baby sit." She teased.

Jareth groaned. "Gods no… The last thing I need is darling Uncle Jaron corrupting my offspring. My mother with spoil them enough as is and once grandmother gets her hands on it… All hope shall be lost."

"You're absolutely right." Sarah sighed, contentedly and snuggled close against her King.

The next thing Alyx knew, it was days later and she was upon the Merrow Wind with Firth left far behind them. Morven was overjoyed to see her alive, but angered when she immediately tried to go to work around the ship. He ordered her to light duties and the rest of the crew kept her to just that. He did not press her about Jaron, but merely expressed how thankful he was the Goblin Prince showed up when he did. The days turned into weeks and Alyx began to regain her strength. Her wounds healed and it did not take her long to fall back into the life of a ship rat. Morven dared not let her off the ship when they docked, insisting on leaving her in charge while Krollin and himself handled the sales. Although it irritated her, she understood why it was best if she was not seen in any of the ports they frequented. It wasn't until they docked on the Forbidden Islands that Morven even let her roam around on the deck while they were docked.

Alyx was idly watching over the crew and making sure that they were loading and unloading the proper merchandise. Morven, Krollin, and Quigli had attended a late night poker game and had only staggered in a few hours before dawn. Movement from the dock caught her attention and her eyes widened as she saw a strange pirate striding up the gangplank towards her. The tatterdemalion vagrant owned a tall body that was encased in tattered black coat, but she saw a flash of the red scarf at his lean hips. His dark tricorne was pulled down low against the sharp wind, and he had drawn the collar of his coat tight around his face. She also noticed the blade in the scabbard at his side. Her hand went immediately to hers, but she froze when the tip of the stranger's blade poked her nose and backed her onto the ship.

"I'd stay yer sword, whelp." The pirate's voice rumbled as she froze against the cold blade. "You'll not be the first nor last cabin boy to fall from this blade."

Fire flashed in her silver eyes and she huffed. "Cabin boy?! Why, you bilge-sucking addle-brained rat! I'm no bloody cabin boy!"

Slapping the sword away from her face with one hand, she drew her own sword with the other. He regained his composure and in seconds both held their blade to the other's throat.

"Drop yer blade 'fore I give ya a Havelock Smile!" The stranger ordered.

"I'll slit ya from nuts to neck first!" Alyx retorted, angrily.

"Oy! The pair of ya knock it off 'fore I 'ave ya both keel-hauled!" Morven yelped as he strode towards them from the bow of the ship. "Ya dunderheads hear a word I'm sayin'?"

"Lower yer sword." The stranger hissed.

"Kiss my ass." Alyx hissed back.

Morven shoved between them, a frown upon his face. "Are ya daft and deaf? Put them pig-stickers away! Pair of bloody twits…"

Reluctantly, the pair sheathed their swords as Morven gave them disapproving looks. The stranger dropped his pack on the deck and began to unbutton the high collar on his coat. With each button, Alyx finally saw the stranger's face. Though she knew she had never seen the Fae before in her life, he was oddly familiar. His scarred jaw line was clenched in anger as he tilted back his hat to reveal an ornate leather eye patch covering his left eye. He produced a flat packet tied with twine from some hidden interior pocket and held it out to Morven with a scowl

"Here ya are, ya cheatin' wretch…" The pirate spat into the sea. "Enjoy yer bloody spoils."

"Oh, trust me, I will! Not a thing like getting' me a new helmsmen fer half the price." Morven peeked inside the parcel with a grin. Plucking free the signed ship contract with flourish, he tucked it into his own pocket. "Aneurin meet our new helmsman, Mister Patch."

"New helmsman?!" Alyx whirled to face Morven. "What do we need a new helmsman for?"

"Ol' Saltie retired last season. Since you've been gone, I've been forced to do all the work 'round here an-"

Alyx frowned. "So, Saltie retires and you just hire some fool you beat at cards?"

Patch moved so fast, Alyx didn't even see it. The next thing she knew, her back slammed against the mast and his hand was wrapped around her throat in a firm grip. He gave her throat a gentle squeeze and leaned in to focus his one blue eye on her through his mop of shaggy red hair.

"I'm no fool, whelp." He snapped.

"And I'm no whelp!" Alyx struggled against his grip on her throat. "Let me go!"

With that, she slammed one booted foot down upon his foot, and Patch released her with a snarl of pain. Free from his grasp, she shouldered him in his stomach, knocking the wind from him. Moving to draw her sword again, she was surprised to feel an arm wrap around her throat, holding her against the pirate's body. She struggled against his grasp and he tightened his arm, cutting off her airflow.

"Oy! Knock it off, the pair of ya!" Morven ordered, harshly. "Patch, let me First Mate go."

"This runt is yer First Mate?" Patch's voice was filled with surprise as Alyx renewed her struggles. He tightened his arm again and she gasped. "Yer pullin' me leg."

"If only I were…" Morven said, sourly. "Mind lettin' 'im breathe a bit? Anuerin is pretty handy most o' the time."

"Now, Squall, ya know as well as I do, if I be lettin' him go, he's gonna go fer his sword an' I'll 'ave to cut him down." Patch replied and Alyx renewed her struggles in his arms. The pirate seemed tempted to block off her small supply of air completely, until Morven clucked his tongue at him.

"Don't ya dare kill me First Mate, Patch. Good ones be hard to come by."

Patch grinned. "I weren't gonna kill 'im, Cap'n… Just want to knock some sense into 'im is all."

Alyx's eyes rolled into the back of her head and she went limp in the pirate's arms. He loosened his hold around her neck, and her bright eyes snapped back open. Grasping his arm, she used her stance to her own advantage, and flipped the pirate over her shoulders. He landed, soundly, with his back upon the deck and she was above him in an instant. A sharp dagger glinted in the sunlight as she slammed it into the deck next to his head. A thin line of red blood appeared along his already scarred cheek, as her dagger pinned him to the deck by his hoop earring.

"Runt am I?" Alyx snarled, her knuckles white around the hilt of the dagger.

Patch barked out a laugh and Alyx's steely eyes wavered when she felt the tip of his own blade pressing against her breastbone. One thrust of the blade, and he would have it imbedded in her heart. He cocked his eyebrow at her with a smirk.

"Yer move, runt." He snarled back.

"Oy! Why don't the pair of ya just whip 'em out an' see who's got bigger jewels, then?" Morven thundered from above them and grabbed Alyx by her collar to throw her off of the other pirate. "I thought I told the pair o' ya to put them pig stickers away?!"

Grabbing the handle of her dagger and freeing himself, Patch got to his feet. He wiped at his bleeding cheek with the back of one hand and looked down at the blood staining his skin. He smirked at Alyx as she slowly got to her own feet.

"Been awhile since someone made me bleed me own blood." Patch tossed her dagger in his hand to offer it to her, hilt first. "A pleasure to meet ya, Master Anuerin, First Mate of the Merrow Wind."

Eyeing him warily, Alyx took her dagger from him to return it to the sheath at her hip. Morven gave her a hard nudge and nodded his head in Patch's direction.

"Go on then… Kiss an' make up or I'll be forced to make the pair o' ya into Siamese twins 'til ya get along." Morven warned.

"The pleasure's mine, Mister Patch." Alyx returned through gritted teeth.

"There's me lads!" All grins, Morven slapped a hand on each one's shoulder, jovially. "Now that we gots that settled with minimal bloodshed, Patch stow yer gear an' find Mister Quigli at the helm. He'll be explainin' yer duties to ya."

"Aye-aye, Cap'n." Patch gave Morven a small salute and grabbed his things to head down below deck to the crew's quarters.

Morven turned to Alyx with a proud smile upon his face and held his arms out. "Now that be a pirate! Am I right?"

Alyx threw her murderous glare at Morven. "What in the bloody hell are you doing hiring a lunatic like that?"

"What?" Morven smile fell a little and he shrugged. "I like 'im. He's got character."

"He tried to kill me."

"Oh, well, he does that… I remember a time or two he held a blade to me own throat…"

Her eyes widened in alarm. "Morven!"

"An' I seem to remember yer mouth a-runnin' being a part o' all this mess. Relax, kid. He's got a temper to rival yers, but he be the best helmsmen in all the Emerald Sea. An' the lout be in me top five favorite people in all the Underground. He's been part o' me crew before… Give 'im some time an' he'll warm up to ya… Or he won't."

"He's a psychopath."

"Pirate, remember?" Morven smirked.

"I'm starting to regret coming back aboard this ship." Alyx pinched the bridge of her nose, mimicking a move that she had often seen the Goblin King use.

"Wuss." Morven was cheerful as he used some of the Aboveground slang that she now regretted teaching him. "Listen, we needs 'im, so Patch stays. End o' discussion. Savvy?"

"Aye-aye, Cap'n." Alyx grumbled.

"There's me mate." Morven wrapped an arm around her shoulder. "Trust me, Anuerin. That man be invaluable to any pirate ship an' I managed to not only beat the pants of 'im at cards, but, as per our wager, I gained 'im fer the season at less than half his normal take. 'Innit great?"

"Whoopie…" Alyx returned, sarcastically, and twirled one finger in the air. "My heart is all a-flutter."

"Why, it's a steal fer 'im to be workin' fer so cheap! An' wait 'til ya hear the plans I gots fer this season!"

She groaned. "I await with baited breath."

"I'm thinkin'… Sea serpents."

"No."

"Hear me out. Now, not all them slimy beasties lay eggs. I figure we get some o' the live birthed ones an' we train 'em with fish an' what-not."

"No."

"I'm not finished. We trains 'em an' then we sells 'em as a kinda guard dog fer other ships."

"No."

"There's more! We trains 'em so good, that when they see us comin', the beasties let us at their owners an' we pillage an' plunder to our heart's content!"

"Morven, I said no."

After the display on the deck, the other pirates gave Patch a wide berth as he stalked below to claim his own hammock in an isolated corner. Dropping his pack against one wall, he felt at the cut on his cheek again. His hand came away wet with blood again and he used it to draw a set of runes onto the wall nearest him. Once he finished the ruins glowed golden for a moment and then faded away. Satisfied with his handiwork, he left his things and went above to join the crew.

There was rejoicing throughout all the Labyrinth. The Goblin King and Queen had recently announced the Queen's pregnancy, and although Goblin's will find any reason to drink, they considered this a quite special holiday. So began a two day celebration that outshone even Heep-Heep the Rhymer's last birthday extravaganza. Though it was midday and the weather was perfect, not a body moved in the Goblin City. As Jareth made his way down the streets, he nearly groaned. His kingdom looked like a war-zone. There was confetti and chicken feathers everywhere, not to mention the hundreds of stone-cold drunk Goblins that had passed out in the mess. Jareth smirked as he sidestepped around a pile of snoring Goblins, and the thought of launching them with his boot did not even cross his mind.

Stopping before the door of a woodworking shop, Jareth strode inside. An old spindly goblin with a monocle looked over the chair leg he was sanding and grunted.

"Good afternoon, Grimble."

The goblin grunted again.

"I have a task for you, my most diligent little goblin."

Grimble cocked one eye at the king and spat a wad of chewing tobacco on the floor.

"Yes, indeed, I have chosen you to prepare all the furniture for the birth of my firstborn and heir." Jareth poked the goblin in his long nose. "And I expect it to be perfect! Because if it is not, I shall dip you headfirst in the deepest part of the Bog of Eternal Stench."

The goblin swallowed hard and focused his eyes from Jaron's finger on his nose and then back on Jareth's smirking face.

"Do we have an understanding?"

Grimble grunted and nodded.

"Excellent." Jareth produced a small packet of papers from one pocket and a small bag of gold. He sat them before Grimble. "Here is what the Goblin Queen wishes to be built and a small bit of coin to get you started. You shall report to her with any questions… Agreed?"

Nodding again, Grimble began to sort through the packet.

"That's a fellow!"

Without waiting for a response, Jareth transported himself back to the Castle Beyond the Goblin City. At the moment, he had a castle full of visitors. His mother was ecstatic to finally become a grandmother and his sister was overjoyed to be an aunt. Both had come, dragging along their respective spouses, to spend time with Sarah and bask in this good news. Besides them, he was still playing host to both Telyn Squall and Mina Caradoc and their entourage. He could not remember a time that days in the Goblin Castle had been so lively. Before now, most days it had only been the goblins and himself, save occasional interruptions from Jaron's practical jokes. He wondered what Jaron would think of becoming an Uncle.

He appeared in his private study, intending on going over some business before he was to meet Sarah for lunch. Shock settled into his face when he found Morgan le Fey waiting by his window. Quite unlike her normally garish self, she wore a dark hooded robe and stood far enough away to not be seen from outside the window. She turned at his appearance, her face worn with worry.

"Congratulations are in order, Goblin King. I hear you are to have an heir?"

"Danu, Morgan you look like hell."

"Enough pleasantries, I have very little time." Morgan moved to his side to grip his arm, tightly. "Zefiryn had sent me to Hexenringe to retrieve the tome for her ritual. Tell me that you have Alyx in your safekeeping."

"Alas no. I tried to keep her here after the wedding, but she vanished into the night. I think Jaron helped her leave."

"Damn. Is he with her?" Morgan violet eyes flashed.

"Doubtful. Last we saw of my brother, he was off to Dublin to frolic with a mortal girl who 'liked his beard'." Jareth returned, dryly.

"Of course he is." Morgan cursed. "Mab has sent her Knight of Death after Alyx. The Sluagh and everyone Unseelie is looking for her. She has offered a Lordship, lands, and an unsightly amount of gold to anyone who brings the girl to her. Someone will find her soon and drag her back to Magesblood. She needs to be in the protection of the Seelie Court."

"The girl will only refuse. To her our protection feels more like a prison."

"When was the last time anyone saw her?" Morgan asked.

"Our wedding… Over two months ago." Jareth's features grew dim and he lowered his voice. "I have not told Sarah yet, but some of my Goblin's have returned from the Enchanted Wood with tales of werewolves in the night. There was even talk of someone finding a scene of an attack somewhere in the southern Wood. I fear it could have involved our Alyx."

"No, I would have heard tale of it already if she was caught. You must find the girl and keep her safe. The things that Zefiryn plans to do to her are insidious and Mab… Mab has gone completely insane."

"So the Goblins have told me. Most all have abandoned the Unseelie Court and have taken refuge here in my city. Our population has nearly tripled in size."

"You must send for Jaron and send him after the girl. If anyone, she would listen to him, surely."

"No one knows where in the Above he is. He claimed to be going to Ireland, but he's just as likely to be in Tahiti or Siberia!" Jareth claimed, exasperated.

Morgan cursed again and gave him a stern look. "I've tarried here too long. I must return and deliver the tome. You must find her, Jareth, before Zefiryn does."

"I shall double the efforts to search for the girl, but I fear it will be for naught. You know how clever Alyx is."

"Not nearly clever enough, I'm afraid." Morgan replied, grimly, disappeared in a wisp of smoke.

As soon as the gangplank dropped at the docks of Teardrop Island, Alyx was there excited to finally be free of the confines of the ship. Morven still wouldn't let her leave the boat when docked at the mainland. Even when in the Forbidden Islands, he haunted her every move on shore. So this time, she had made sure she was ready and got off the boat before her could stop her. Or so she thought.

"Oy! Where do ya think yer runnin' off too?" Morven yelled from behind her and clapped a strong hand on her shoulder.

She groaned. "Morven, I can't bear to spend another minute stuck on that ship!"

"Not without escort, yer not!"

She pinched the bridge of her nose. "It's Teardrop Island, Morven. It's literally a vacation resort. Nothing is going to happen."

"Just the same, I'm comin' with ya."

"I'm perfectly capable of taking care of myself."

"I donn-" Morven was cut off by the crew accidently dropping a net full of cases with a loud boom. He snapped in their direction. "Oy, you dunderheaded bilge rats! Watch what the holy hell yer doing with me cargo!"

He turned back to reprimand Alyx more and the young woman was gone. He frowned and looked all around, but she was nowhere to be seen in the crowds on the docks.

"Bog dammit…" He grumbled and, knowing that looking for her would be in vain, he returned to ordering about his crew.

After escaping Morven, Alyx ducked down the streets until she was deep in the city. She had kept her Anuerin disguise, knowing that no one would recognize her, aside from her crew. Once she was sure that Morven had not followed her, she relaxed and began to roam the random stalls. She order a hot sugar spice tea at one stall and a crumbly berry muffin at the next. Sitting on the edge of a large fountain, she began to eat and watched the crowd around her. She had barely finished eating, when she spied Patch across the crowd. The half-blind pirate didn't even notice her as he made his way through the throng of people. She frowned and sipped at her tea.

Alyx did not know what to think of this new Helmsman. They had managed to mostly avoid one another on deck. In fact, the pair had not even said ten words to one another since their fight upon his arrival. She watched the pirate flirt with the pretty elf that was running the stall. The elf blushed at him and handed the man a small bag full of items for his coin. Patch tipped his hat at the giggling girl, and moved on through the bevy of stalls. Every once in a while, something would grab his attention and he would stop to haggle. He bought a bit of citrus that Alyx didn't recognize at one stall, and stopped to peel and eat the fruit, quickly. That was when he noticed her at the fountain and watching her. A look of recognition crossed his face and then he disappeared into the crowd. Alyx frowned and scanned for him, but saw nothing. Uneased by his sudden disappearance, she rose and began to make her way out of the marketplace. Once she had moved away from the fountain, unseen by her, Patch stepped out from the other side of the fountain, his green eye glinting as he watched her leave.

Though seeing the helmsmen had unnerved her, Alyx made her way to one of her favorite little dive taverns on the Island called the Wandering Narwhal. Within moments of getting her drink, Alyx coaxed the faun bartender into sharing news of the mainland with her.

"Oh, things are tense, you can be sure of that, what with werewolves running rampant in the Wood and tales of shadows stalking women in the cities, but at least them Goblin's are all happier than a pig in its trough."

"Oh? What's got them so cheery?"

"The Goblin Queen is expecting the heir."

Alyx nearly choked on her ale. "Pardon?"

"She's pregnant with the heir to the Goblin Throne. They say them Goblins partied for days when they heard the news. Drank nearly a year's worth of ale too. The little blighters caused my own orders for alcohol to be delayed and I nearly went out of business…"

Alyx was caught up in her own shock at his announcement. Sarah was pregnant! How she wished that she could go to her friend to congratulate her personally. She knew that Sarah and Jareth were going to make excellent parents. She forced herself to return her attention to the bartender and sipped at her drink.

"'Course, the Fairy Folk are already betting on whether the Queen with throw a lass or a gent. Odds are on a boy for the Goblin Monarchs."

"Either would be a blessing to the family, I'm sure."

A glove covered palm clasped Alyx's shoulder and a thick Scottish brogue made her tense up.

"Barkeep! Drinks for me an' me friend here! We've some celebratin' at hand!" Roland gave her a wink and held out a bag of coins to the bartender. "Yer finest shine, garcon."

"Of course, Prince Roland! Right away!" The bartender scurried off to do the Highland Prince's bidding and Roland returned his attention to Alyx. Roland gave her sour look the return of a broad smile. "Good day, Anuerin. Miss me?"

"Like a sore thumb… Did you hunt me down or do I just have the worst luck and timing in the world?"
"A wee bit of both I'm afraid. I was lookin' fer ya, but walkin' in here to see ya belly up to the bar was pure happenstance." Roland accepted his drink and toasted to her. "So ya 'eard 'bout Sarah and the babe, then?"

"Just now. How is she?" Alyx asked, eager for firsthand news about her dear friend.

"Fit as an ox and prettier than a speckled pup in a wee red wagon." Roland quipped and grinned around his beer. "Now why don't ya ask me 'bout who ya really wanna know 'bout?"

"Oh, good Lord…" Alyx rolled her eyes at his knowing grin and sighed. "How is Jaron, Roland?"

"I haven't the foggiest." Roland returned with a teasing grin.

She gave him a glare. "Then why make me ask?"

"To see if ya would." Roland wiped ale from the stubble on his face. "Truth is no one's seen much of 'im since the weddin'. He's been crossin' the worlds again an' spendin' a lot of time Above."

"Are you just here to torment me then?"

"A bit, but that ain't exactly why I'm here either." Roland suddenly seemed slightly, nervous. He cleared his throat and she gave him a questioning glance. "Listen, I gots somethin' important to ask ya."

"Okay?"

He cleared his throat again and took a deep breath. "Listen, yer the closest thing to family that Telyn has an' that practically makes ya the gal's mum o' sorts. Now, I know tradition dictates I go to a lass's pappy, but I figured this was somethin' I gotta go to you for… Now me an' Telyn 'ave been spendin' a lot o' time together an' before I went an' made it official with the lass, I wanna be sure that ya approve of us."

Alyx jaw dropped. "Are you askin-"

"I wanna court Telyn." Roland cut her off with a sheepish grin. "I've been crazy 'bout that lass ever since I met her in Honah Lee, but I want yer approval before I start pursuin' her in a romantic nature."

"You're asking me for permission to court Telyn?" Alyx asked, still in disbelief.

"By your grace…" He gave a dramatic bow.

"Does Telyn know about this?"

"Not yet. I've only been flirtin' with her 'til now. The lass donna know that I've been huntin' for ya. She thinks I'm in Amarantha doin' princely stuff."

Alyx surprised him by leaping into his arms to hug him, enthusiastically. "Of course you can court Telyn! I can't think of anyone better for her!"

Roland laughed and patted his chest jokingly. "Ah, lassie, ya nearly gave me ticker a start. I expected ya to be furious at me!"

"Of course not! You two will be perfect for one another!"

"I'm glad ya feel that way lass. I suspect Squall won't 'ave no objections either then?"

"Of course not! Morven will be thrilled. He'll insist on giving her away on your wedding day." Alyx raised her glass to Roland with a genuinely happy smile. "To two of my favorite people finding love together."

He tapped mugs with her and gave her a sad smile. "It's not too late for you, lass… Ya just got-"

"Yes it is." Alyx interrupted him, wiping ale from her lips. Her eyes went distant and a little sad. "I think we all know that. 'Sides… What does a gal like me need with love anyways? How would I have my adventures if I was barefoot and pregnant all the time?"

"You canna just give up so easily lass. Weren't there a poet from the Above that said 'the course of true love never did run smooth'?"

"A playwright…" She nodded a small smile at her lips. "A Midsummer Night's Dream by William Shakespeare. Your grandparents are characters in that play."

"And as well ya know, them is nothin' like me Grammy and Grampy."

"Yes, I know…" She cupped her palms around her mug and took a deep breath. "Roland, I won't deny to you that I love Jaron. If there is such a thing as true love, then, hell… He and I have it… But him loving me has almost gotten him killed far too many times for my liking. It's safer for both of us if we just stay as far away from one another as possible."

"Jaron would die for you lass."

"I know and that is not a risk I'm willing to take." Alyx rose and dropped a handful of coins upon the bar. "You have my blessing, Roland, and that is all you will get today. Goodbye. Do not try to follow me."

"I never would… 'Sides there be no point when yer concerned. You'll be gone with the sea spray before I could blink. Goodbye, my friend."

Roland remained in his seat, sipping his ale as Alyx slipped out the door of the bar and into the street. Angry at herself, she wiped at the tears burning in her eyes and strode towards the docks. Her heart ached to do what everyone around her wished and go back into Jaron's loving arms, but her fear for his life overweighed her need to be near him. Even if just barely.

As much as she tried to conceal them, her feelings betrayed her, because when she returned to the ship the entire crew gave the distraught girl a wide berth. Even Morven merely watched her pass by. On account of her being his first mate and in an attempt to hide her sex, Morven had long ago had a small cabin made for her near his and this is where she retreated to in an attempt to avoid their curious eyes. Once in the privacy of her small cabin, Alyx leaned with her back against the closed door, tears fighting past her clenched eyes. A choked sob erupted from her lips and one hand flew to her throat. She slid to the floor and let her grief take her.

She did not know how long she sat there, slumped against her cabin door and sobbing into her hands. Feeling the movement of the ship as they set sail, she made her way to her hammock and curled up in it. New tears threatened to fall from her closed eyes and she squeezed them shut tighter. When she opened her eyes, she was bathed in moonlight. The night air was cool and still, save for the singing crickets. A light breeze washed over her and swayed her in the giant jasmine vine hammock that she rested in. She was wrapped in a rose colored and flowing Grecian style gown that left one shoulder exposed. Her hair was an elegant mess of curls and braids that was spread out over the plush pillows below her. All around her were vine covered ruins with lightning bugs and fairies dancing among the leaves.

"Allerleirauh… I must be dreaming…" She whispered and touched a jasmine flower with one tentative finger. Slowly, she sat up in the hammock and rested her bare feet in the dewy grass. Fairies began to titter all around her and dance in her hair. "Jaron?"

At his name all of the fairies giggled and flit into the air to fly around her in glee. She watched the happy fairies with open curiosity.

"Alas, I am not." A low voice came from the shadows and she gasped.

She reached for her dagger, lamenting when she realized that she was unarmed. When she was at her feet in a moment, the unseen figure gave a throaty chuckle.

"I knew that if I haunted these ruins long enough that I would get a glimpse of you." A beautiful young woman stepped into the moonlight and smiled. "Hello, Alyxandrea."

Alyx took in the beautiful Fae woman before her. She wore a belted houppeland style dress made of beautiful green velvet that had long bag sleeves with slashes. Her long pale arms extended through the cream fur lined slashes and were incased in delicate white lace. Her long golden hair hung in beautiful curls around the pale planes of her face and a thin golden diadem labeled her as nobility.

Despite this, Alyx eyed her, warily. "Who are you?"

"I am Lady Wren of Nairn and I am Prince Jaron's betrothed." The girl blinked her sky blue eyes.

Her words stung Alyx and made the girl wince. Jaron had told her that he was engaged, but she had never expected to run into the woman. Especially in dreams that she normally shared with Jaron. She curtsied to the woman. "A pleasure, Your Grace."

"Please, you may call me Wren. I have been quite hoping to meet you. People say that you often dream walk here… With Prince Jaron."

"I have little control over these dreams." Alyx said, warily. "I simply fall asleep and sometimes find myself here."

"You need not be so coy. My betrothed's affections for you are well known throughout the Underground."

"I denied him."

"Hence why he is marrying me." Wren gave Alyx a wry smile. "Trust me, it thrills me not to be forced into marrying a man who loves another, but one must do what one must."

"Then why do you seek me out?"

"I was curious about the girl that interests my betrothed so… The Girl Who Saved the Goblin Prince. Please know that it is not jealously that made me seek you out. I know that someday Jaron will grow accustomed to our marriage and learn to love me in his own way, but I was very curious about the girl that he gave his heart to."

"Well, here I am." Alyx held her arms out and shrugged. "This is me."

"Indeed… I would hope that we could be friends Lady Alyxandrea. You seem to be someone who could use a good friend."

Alyx gave her a confused look. "Well, I-"

"Oy! Wake up and open yer bloody peepers!"

Alyx blinked at the disembodied voice. "Did you-"

"Please, don't go! I -just-" Wren began until the voice cut her off again.

"Show a leg there!"

Alyx closed her eyes and she felt like she was falling.

"Oy, I said wake up!"

A sharp slap to her cheek, made Alyx start awake out of her dream. She gasped and nearly tumbled from the hammock that served as her bed. One strong hand grasped her shoulder to steady her and her gaze flew upward to see Patch standing over her.

"Are ya awake? Do ya hear me?" He grasped her face with both hands and forced her to look at him. "Mister Anuerin, do ya ken what I'm sayin?"

Albeit a little shakily, she nodded against his hands and he gave a satisfied grunt. "Yes… I'm awake."

"Good. Ya was screamin' bloody murder in 'ere. Morven an' me drew straws on who was to wake ya…" He added, glumly. "I lost."

"Well, obviously if you were the one to wake me, you addled bilge rat. Now get outta me quarters 'fore I have ya tossed overboard." Alyx spat back, annoyed by the pirate, and rose from her hammock.

"Where was you?" The pirate asked. "You was thin when I gots here to wake ya. Like ya was halfway 'twixt places. Where did ya go adventurin'?"
"Get out." Alyx hissed and the pirate threw up his hands in defeat. He retreated from her cabin grumbling about ungrateful louts and she slammed her door shut behind him. She rested her back against the door and thought back to the woman in her dreams.

Jaron's betrothed… Why in all of the Underground would the woman want to be friends with her? What could that cause the poor girl but more harm? Alyx had no want to be friends with the woman who was to marry the man that she still loved with every beat of her heart. In fact, she could think of a million other more stupid ideas. Like wrestling wild Bavol Boars or trying to steal a Red-Caps infamous cap.

Someone banging on her door interrupted her thoughts and she jerked the door open to find Krollin waiting there.

"Can't anyone get a few hours sleep 'round here?" She groused.

Krollin blinked at her. "Ya been asleep since we left Teardrop Island… That were two days ago."

"Really? I didn't realize…" Alyx rubbed her head. "I must have been exhausted. Why did no one wake me when I didn't arrive for my duties?"

"The Cap'n ordered the crew to leave ya be. Told 'em ya were nursin' the mother of all hangovers after celebratin' news of yer ward's betrothal." Krollin gave her a small smile. "Prince Roland met with the Cap'n after seeing you."

"Oh." Alyx winced. She had meant to be the one to break the news to Morven.

"I wished to leave ya to yer rest, but ya might be wantin' to come an' see this." Krollin said, a smirk upon his scarred lips.

"Is someone dying?"

"No? Well, not as of yet."

"Is someone bleeding?"

"Again, no, but there be a really good chance of both things happenin'."

"Then let me go back to sleep."

"Best you come an' see this." Krollin leaned in close, his voice only for her ears. "Alyx, I promise ya… You'll be wantin' to see this."

She studied the steward, curiously, and groaned. Shrugging on her jacket, she followed him out of her quarters and onto the deck. They were already far out to sea, with no land in sight. With her thoughts occupied and the brightness of the midday sun blinding her, she failed to notice the runes drawn in blood above her doorframe.

The pair made their way to the rear of the ship, where Quigli was standing at the wheel to the ship, staring out over the anchor behind him. It was only then that Alyx realized that the ship was not moving. They had dropped anchor and were merely adrift in the waves. As she approached, Quigli gave her a wink and puffed on his pipe.

"Good day, bucko." Quigli gave her a rare smile.

"Why do I have the feeling that it isn't?" Alyx replied, dryly.

Quigli chuckled and merely pointed out to sea behind the ship. Her eyes followed and she was not shocked to see Morven doing what Morven did best.

Something stupid.

"Row faster. We gots to get further from the ship fer this to work right." Morven ordered.

"Ya know…" Patch grunted as he rowed harder against the waves. "We'd go a wee bit faster if ya had grabbed another set o' oars an' helped."

"Well, it's a bit late fer that insight, doncha' think?" Morven replied, jovially, from his position in the rowboat. He had his feet propped up and was resting beneath a large and brightly colored parasol.

"How did I let ya talk me into this again?"

"Ya ain't got the sense ya were born with?" Morven offered, helpfully.

"Ain't this a job for yer First Mate?"

"'Course not. Can't 'ave both me an' me next in charge out here. Who'd run me ship?"

"Good to know what me own life be worth, then."

"Pshaw… Yer worth yer weight in fire grass an' ya know it. 'Side's Anuerin would never had gone along with this."

"The runt be smarter than he looks."

"Aye an' ya'd do yer best to remember that. Now, less chattin' an' more rowin'. We ain't nearly far enough away from me ship." Morven tugged out the cork from the dark bottle in his hand with his teeth and spat it into the sea. He took a long swallow, relishing in the burn of the alcohol. He jiggled the bottle towards Patch. "Row faster an' I'll give ya a sip."

"How can I say nay to such incentive?" Patch replied, the muscles in his bared arms flexing with each pull of the oars. "That rum then?"

"The very best… Brewed in a clam shell under a fool moon an' stirred with a mermaid's tit."

"Sounds fishy."

Morven chuckled. "See, now that's why I like you. Yer always one with a joke."

"Hardy-har-har…" Patch tossed a glance back at the ship. "Doncha' think we're far enough out or do ya wants me to row us to Atlantis too?"

Morven rolled his eyes. "Fine, but this gets me ship sunk an' you'll be the one payin' debt to Davy Jones to raise her back up again."

Patch stopped rowing and took the dark bottle from Morven's grasp. Downing a third in a few harsh gulps, he used his one good green eye to study Morven intently. "Yer sure ya wanna do this then?"

"Absolutely." Morven gestured towards the crate at Patch's feet. "At yer leave, Mister Patch."

The other pirate eye the crate and with a great sigh took another long draught from the bottle in his hand. "This is because I nearly choked the life outta yer First Mate, innit?"

"'Course not. I've forgave ya fer that.' Morven waved one hand dismissively. "'Sides, Anuerin can hold his own."

Patch took another look at the crate at his feet and took another swig from the bottle in his hands.

"Hey, I said ya could 'ave a sip not the whole bloody bottle. Keep it up an' you'll drink all me stash! I only brought three bottles!" Morven replied, snatching the bottle back from him.

"Hey a man's got to be drunk fer work like this!"

"Stop arguing an' get to work."

"If this goes tits up, yer not pinnin' it on me." Patch pointed one warning finger at Morven.

"It ain't gonna go tits up, I swears it."

"That's what ya said in Darkwood Copse an' the next thing I knew we were in a witch's dungeon an' bein' fattened up fer her ovens."

"I got us out of there didn't I?"

Patch laughed and pulled out a cigarette from behind one ear. "Oh, aye. Ya got out once ya starved yerself thin enough to slip betwixt the bars an' get to the key. Then when ya found out it were 'round her wrinkled ol' neck, ya were gonna leave me an' save yer own sorry hide."

"Oy! I came back for ya dinna I?"

"Yeah, ya did…" Patch lit the cigarette and took a lazy drag. "After ya realized me family'd throw ya in gibbet if ya didn't."

"Belay that! Point is, I gots us out. Now will ya stop yer bellyachin' an' gets to work?"

"That's what ya said the first time ya got us both cursed with Wheezing Dragon Pox when we was stealin' from the golden trees of Sirocco Forest." Patch clenched the cigarette between his teeth and pulled off the lid of the crate. He let out a low whistle at the sight of the pile of tiny bombs inside. "Dancin' Stars? Where'd ya find these? Dinna think there were any fools left that made 'em."

"Ahem, I'll 'ave ya know that I be that fool!"

Patch held his hands up, refusing to touch the bombs. "Nope! I'm swimmin' back to the boat."

"Oy, Dragonfly herself taught me, I'll 'ave ya know! Ain't just witcher's that

can make them fancy bombs."

"Why do I gots me a funny feelin' that I'm gonna lose a finger or two today?"

"Yer wastin' daylight with yer bellyachin'. Now start living dangerously an' light that sucker."

"What in the name of the Flying Dutchman are you doing?!" Alyx's roar rang out over the water to them, almost causing Patch to drop the bomb in his hands.

"Don't look now, but we've been had." Patch grumbled as both turned to see Alyx leaned over the railing of the ship and glaring at them.

"Just shut up an' get to work." Morven hissed.

"Morven Squall, ya answer me!" Alyx yelled again.

Morven groaned and yelled back to her. "We're fishin!"
"What?!"

Morven gave her a cheery wave and turned back to Patch. "Fire when ready, Mister Patch."

"Aye-aye, Cap'n." Patch used his cigarette to light the fuse on the dancing star in his hand and tossed it overboard. Patch huddled down, covering his head with both arms and yelled. "Fire in the hole!"

The Dancing Star exploded under the water with enough force to shake the Merrow Wind. Alyx gripped onto the railing tightly at the surge of waves following the explosion. The waves acting like a small tsunami to the smaller rowboat, and nearly flipped the boat over in the water.

"Are ya tryin' to kill us?!" Morven yelped at Patch, his knuckles white as he gripped the sides of the swaying rowboat.

"I ain't the fool that put a five second wick on a Dancin' Star bomb!" Patch retorted, his cigarette clench between his teeth.

"Well, if ya didn't take yer merry old time throwin' the damn thing overboard, ya wouldn't need more than five seconds! An' toss 'em over the other side! Yer throwin' 'em too close to me an' me ship!"

"Are the pair of you insane?!" Alyx screamed from the ship, her face red with rage. "You drunken fools are going at worse sink the Merrow Wind, if not only yourselves!"

"See, I told ya to row out further!" Morven snapped at Patch.

"Yer the one givin' me orders to live dangerously." Patch picked up another Dancing Star.

"I said 'live dangerously', not to blow up my bloody ship!"

"Same thing." Patch shrugged as he lit the next bomb and tossed it overboard.

Another explosion rocked both ships. Both men shielded themselves from the onslaught of the waves the best they could while trying to keep the rowboat from turning over. The force of the waves rocking the Merrow Wind were enough that time to nearly knock Alyx off her feet. Morven had one hand clasping his hat to his head as he peered over the edge of the rowboat.

"Must of double loaded that one…" He said, wide eyed.

"Ya think?" Patch replied, sourly as he slicked back his bright red hair. "I lost me hat."

"You bring that rowboat back here or I'll sink it and make the pair of ya swim back to the ship!" Alyx threatened.

"I tol' ya! We're fishin'!" Morven returned.

"You don't even have poles!"

"'Ave so!" Morven yelled back at her and gestured towards the back of the rowboat. Floating about ten foot behind them was a brightly painted barrel buoy.

"What in the name of the Gods is he fishing for like that?" Alyx hissed, angrily, and prepared herself as she saw Patch tossing out another bomb.

Krollin braced himself as another wave rocked the ship and gave her his reply. "Dancin' Star Bombs are often used to rouse sea monsters from their dens."

Alyx's turned to Krollin and said. "Load one of the cannon and sink them."

"Now, Anuerin, ya donna want to-" Quigli began.

"Too late now. They've caught something." Krollin cut him off and pointed out at the rowboat.

Something under the water had grabbed tight to whatever bait Morven had attached to the barrel and drug it under. The coil of rope was unwinding rapidly from behind Morven and soon it reached the end that was attached to the rowboat. With enough force to topple both men to the floor, the boat lurched forward and began to cut through the water like a knife. Morven's parasol fluttered away in the wind as something large dragged their boat through the choppy seas. Soon the ship was moving so fast that both men were holding on with both hands against the swells. The boat even went airborne a few times as it bounced over the waves.

"WHOOOOHOOOOOOOO!" Morven hooted with glee, barely noticing that their catch was dragging them further and further away from the Merrow Wind. "We gots one!"

"Cut the line, ya jack ass!" Patch yelled. "'Fore ya get us both killed!"

"Nonsense!"

The boat began to creak and moan with the battering their sudden ride was taking on it. Water began to slowly leak in at their feet and Patch scrambled over Morven to where the buoy was attached. With the flash of his dagger, he cut the buoy free and the boat slowed to a halt in the churning waves. The brightly colored buoy reappeared above the waves close to them and they eyed it warily. Shortly after, a horse's head covered in green scale broke the surface to snort at them. The creature stayed above the swells by using the webbed hoofs at its front. It gave another indignant snort and with a flip of its finned tail, it dove back into the deep.

Patch collapsed into the bottom of the boat, one hand clasped over his chest. "Thank sweet Danu… It's only a hippocamp."

"Well, that's no good. I need a sea serpent." Morven pouted. "An' the bloody beast got me bombs all wet. Now they're ruined."

Patch groaned, wearily. "Good Gods…"

"What you groanin' 'bout?"

"The next time ya gots a crazy idea like this, remind me to refuse to accompany you."

"No deal. You've always encouraged me in me best ideas."

"That's only cuz ya get me three sheets to the wind 'fore ya ask me."

"True…" Morven looked towards his ship in the distance. "How long do ya think 'til they come get us?"

"As mad as yer First Mate is… Sometime next to never… I'll start rowin' now." Patch replied dryly and got back up into his seat. He frowned when he saw that they had lost both oars on their wild ride. "Or not."

Though she had been tempted to leave the pair to their own devices, Alyx gave orders for the ship to retrieve them, but she made sure they took their damn time doing it. The sun was setting on the horizon by the time the pair was back aboard the ship. As she came down the steps to meet them, she gave them both her fiercest glare.

"What were you thinking?" She hissed at Morven, looking him over for injuries.

"I told ya my plan 'bout sea serpents-"

She cut him off. "You're lucky it ain't mating season and these waters ain't rolling with them! What were you going to do with a sea serpent if you caught one?"

"Well, Mister Anuerin, this were a trial run on catchin' one o' the beasties." Patch explained. "It were gonna be a catch an' release sort o' thing."

"Exactly! I ain't even got nothin' fashioned to store one o' them yet!" Morven added, as if it were an obvious fact.

Alyx put one hand over her face and groaned. "You can't be serious?"

"To be honest, it ain't the worst idea, I've 'eard come out of 'im." Patch took the pipe that Quigli offered him to steady his nerves. "'Specially when he explained the system of pulleys an' levers to-"

"And the nets! Donna forget 'bout the nets!" Morven added, enthusiastically.

"He actually put a wee bit more thought into this idea than normal."

"If I catch either one of you doing this again, I swear to all the Gods of the Underground that I will stage a full scale mutiny myself, declare your rowboat an enemy vessel, and sink it to the depths of the ocean. Savvy?" Alyx returned, poking one threatening finger at them.

"Fine…" Morven groaned, miserably. "All me good plan's gone to waste."

"Once I'm off your ship, you can do whatever makes your stupid heart happy, but you ain't getting me killed before then."

"Spoilsport." Morven returned, good-naturedly. "No sense of adventure."

"Isn't that why you made me your First Mate?" Alyx countered. "To keep you from killing yourself?"

Time moved strangely in the Underground, weeks swept by in mere minutes and summer found the Merrow Wind heading for the northern waters of the Emerald Sea. Luckily by then, Morven had given up his idea of training sea serpents, and had moved on to other money making schemes. Resorting to pillaging and plundering, they took the haul from three different merchant ships on their voyage north, but were able to unload the cargo safely in coastal towns along the way. It was peaceful for a time.

Fanning herself with a great feathered fan, Sarah watched Telyn and Mina swim in the river before her. A freak heat wave had hit the Goblin City so the ladies had traveled into the Labyrinth and to where the Rune River through the Firey Forest. The girls had made a beeline for the cool waters of the creek, but Sarah and Ashe had opted to relax in the shade. Upon arriving the griffin sniffed, disdainfully at the water and curled up next to her. Her green shift dress clung to her barely protruding belly and she gave the bump a gentle rub. A soft smile came to her lips as she felt the quickening in her womb. Aside from some early on morning sickness, the Goblin Queen had fared well in her pregnancy.

"Sarah! You must get in! The water is divine!" Mina called from the river, squealing, gleefully, as Telyn splashed her.

"Are you kidding me? With this belly, I'll look like a bobber out there!" Sarah laughed and the girls returned to their merriment.

There was the gentle brush of a breeze and the rustle of feathers and Jareth was next to her in the shade. She had not seen him since early that morning before breakfast. He looked exhausted.

"Jareth, you look wretched! Where have you been all day?"

"Searching the entirety of Ireland, Britain, and Wales for my darling little brother at my family's behest. I was unsuccessful." Jareth sighed and lay back so that his head was resting in her lap. He kissed her belly gently. "Hello little one. Did you miss me?"

"Why did they send you Above after him?"

"If I did not, Jorall was going to. Could you imagine him bumbling about in the modern mortal world?"

Sarah giggled. "Oh, I could only imagine. So there was no sign of your brother?"

"Only those that he wanted me to find. He is exceptionally good at hiding when he wants to. He will not be found until he wants us to find him."

"He's likely just holed up somewhere and pouting about Alyx." Sarah replied. "You all worry about him too much."

"Mother worries. I get exasperated." Jareth said, a-matter-of-factly. "But enough about my day. Tell me about yours."

Sarah gestured about with a smile. "You see it. After lunch, we girls felt like we were about to die in the heat so we came here to cool off. I spent the morning finalizing the nursery so that everything would be ready when our little one gets here. She was kicking up a storm this morning."

"You are convinced it is a girl?" Jareth smiled. "I have gold wagered that it is a boy."

She shook her head. "Abby told me an old Wood-Wife tale that any woman who craves sweets like I do is going to have a girl. I had two slices of cake for lunch today."

"You are trusting the superstitions of a Wood-Wife?"

"I just kinda got a feeling." Sarah shrugged and toyed with his long hair. "Would you be disappointed if it were?"
"Of course not love. I would love any child the Gods saw fit to give us." Jareth gave her a loving smile. "You are getting nervous about the baby."

"A little." Sarah confessed. "It's a huge responsibility, Jareth. We are going to be responsible for another life."

"Love we are sovereigns of the Goblin Kingdom. We are responsible for many lives." Jareth pointed out.

She gave him a sour look. "That's not the same and you know it."

"You worry too much, precious. Parenthood will be our greatest adventure yet."

In an effort to avoid walking in her dreams, Alyx had become quite the insomniac. Though she was exhausted, her plan worked, and when she did sleep, it was often so sound that no dreams came to her. Her insomnia had also encouraged her to resume her botany lessons, so the full moon found her reading on the deck. So absorbed in her studies, she didn't see him creep up near her in the dark. She choked back a gasp as a match lit beside her. She stumbled back a few feet as a throaty chuckle echoed in her ear. There was someone leaned against the mast beside her and could see the embers of a smoking pipe. The weak glow cast light on Patch's worn face as he glanced up at her briefly.

"All quiet on deck, Mr. Aneurin." He said, dryly, smoke rolling from his lips. "No need to raise any alarm."

She frowned, and adjusted the book under her arm. "I thought Quigli was on patrol tonight."

"Me an' the dwarf traded. He's in the hold, playin' cards with Morven an' the others… I expected you'd be there too." His eye drifted to the book under her arm. "A bit o' light readin' there, matey?"

She clutched the book tighter and changed the subject. "Go play cards, Mr. Patch. I'll take over your shift."

"Thanks , but no thanks. Our dear Captain has soured me tastes for gamblin'." As quick as lightning, he plucked the book from her grasp and studied the cover. "The Underground, by Wyntr le Fey… Studyin' up are we?"

"I'm readin' 'bout red seaweed and button moss."

He flipped it open with one hand and stared at the blank pages. "I had meself one o' these… A long, long time ago."

"Didn't everyone?" She returned, dryly.

He offered his pipe to her and she could smell the spicy scent of wild Fire Grass amidst the salty air. "'Ere, lad. Have a bit on me… As a bit o' a peace offerin'. I think me an' you be off on the wrong foot."

Alyx eyed him, warily, and he laughed. "Go on! It's not top of the crops, but it smokes just fine!"

"Okay…:" She accepted the ornate clay pipe and took a few healthy tokes.

"There's a lad…" Patch opened the book again and stared at the blank pages. She could barely hear his voice over the crashing sea. "Show me Allerleirauh."

The book took on a deep glow as the words began to write themselves and pictures began to sketch upon the page. He drew one gnarled finger across the sketching of the ruins of the Forest Gardens.

"So, you're from Allerleirauh then?" Alyx asked, innocently.

His gaze snapped to her and he closed the book. "I was… Once."

A deep groaning bellow sounded out over the sea and his attention snapped to the water. Alyx turned about warily, recognizing the bellow as one of a sea serpent. The pair rushed to the railing, straining to see out over the dark water. Patch's knuckles were white as he gripped the railing, and cocked his ear out to sea. His good eye scanned the dark waves.

"Maybe it won't bother us." Alyx could feel her heart pounding in her ears. "It's not spawning season yet."

"No, but-" The groaning began again, this time even closer to the ship. Patch drew his sword quickly, and Alyx cursed when she realized that hers was still in her bunk. He turned to her. "Go alert the crew… Now!"

Alyx turned to race for the hold as the bellows grew from beneath the ship. She could hear the waves breaking against the sides of the ship as something very big surfaced.

"Freeze!" Patch screamed and she stilled on the spot. Alyx' eyes widened and the sea serpent rose from the briny deep. Its thin body seemed miles long and flat like an oar. The length of its body was covered in dark grayish-green scales. Water sluiced from the massive creature's pointed snout and the pair of short horns on the top of its head. Its black, forked tongue flickered twice and its bright yellow snake eyes blinked once. Then its jaws snapped open in an ear-deafening roar. Venom dripped from the monster's fangs and its elongated body began to constrict around the ship.

"SERPENT!" Patch bellowed and attacked at the nearest part of the creature. Within seconds the hold erupted with men wielding weapons. The beast roared again and began to snap at the men hacking away at its body. Alyx rushed for the first fallen spear from an unlucky crewman that the serpent managed to simply swallow in one bite. Gripping the spear, tightly, she rushed at its head, hoping to sink her weapon into its eye. Swinging its mighty head, it knocked her backwards and against the door to Morven's quarters. Her spear clattered from her fingers as she hit, and the serpent advanced to try to swallow her up as well. There was the flash of silver and suddenly Patch was before her, slicing away at the biting beast.

"Get back, ya great slimy beastie!"

Thrusting the sword upwards, the helmsman managed to put the sword through the roof of the serpent's open mouth. Patch cried out in pain as one of the venom filled fangs sliced through the meaty part of his upper arm as the creature closed its jaws, pinning his arm in its mouth. It made to shake him as Alyx scrambled to her feet and slammed her retrieved spear into the serpent's eye, successfully this time. She pulled down hard, shredding its eye and breaking off the spear inside. The creature howled in pain, releasing Patch, but the sword stayed wedged in the roof of its mouth. As it thrashed in pain, Alyx hooked her arms under Patch's and attempted to drag the pirate to safety.

"Are ya mad?! Get outta here 'fore ya get killed!" Patch snarled as he clumsily got to his feet. He shoved her away as the serpent's head swung and slammed him against the railing, pinning him there. He grunted in pain and tugged at the broken spear in the creature's eye. Alyx lunged out, wanting to help the pirate, but Morven pulled her backwards and out of harm's way. Quigli was there in a moment, slashing away at the serpent's head

Patch howled and wretched the spear free. With flourish, he slammed the broken spear through the fleshy spot under the creature's jaw and into its brain. It mewled once, and then its great body went slack around the ship. Its head fell limp, pinning Quigli's small form to the deck.
"Oy! Get this slimey sea snake offa me!" Quigli howled, uncomfortable under the dead creature's weight.

Patch laughed, heartily, and threw his good shoulder into the serpent, freeing the dwarf. He staggered as he helped Quigli to his feet and the dwarf grasped his bitten arm, carefully, studying the darkening wound.

Quigli grunted. "Serpent venom. You'll need this looked at, mate."

"Oh, a bit o' rum and I'll fine." Patch brushed Quigli off and focused his eye on Alyx. "I guess I owe you thanks."

With that, his good eye rolled into the back of his head, and he fell to his knees as the venom began its work. Quigli and Morven rushed to the pirate's aid, supporting his limp form.

"Yer in charge, Aneurin. Get that damn beast offa me ship!" Morven grunted as he helped drag Patch to the Captain's quarters.

"But I-"

"Them's orders!" Morven barked back at her and she nodded, shakily. The captain and the dwarf disappeared with the patient, while she turned back to the crew.

"Well, you lot 'eard 'im! Let's get this carcass outta here!" Alyx yelled, trying to keep her voice steady and she went to work with the crew.

It took them hours to dislodge the serpent and even longer to repair the ship's masts, when working by lantern-light. It was nearly dawn when they had almost finished and she wearily trudged towards Morven's cabin. She was surprised to find the door locked when she got there and she frowned as she gave it a few swift kicks.

"Oy, let me in, Morven." Alyx demanded, loudly. "I'm exhausted."

There was a slight commotion behind the door and Morven was there, barely opening it a crack. "Did ya get that snake off me boat?"

"Yes! And fixed the masts and sails. Let me in."

Morven looked backwards at something she could not see and then looked back to her. "Now's not a good time."

"Morven, besides Quigli, I'm the most qualified healer aboard this ship. If you guys are having trouble-"

"Damn it, Squall, just let Anuerin in here!" Quigli yelled from inside. "I need help!"

Begrudgingly, Morven moved aside to let Alyx into the cabin. Quigli was standing on a stool, bent over Patch's body, which was laid out upon Morven's desk. Alyx about gagged at the rank smell that washed over her. The serpent must have had a powerful venom for the room to already smell of rot. Steeling herself, she crossed the room and began to roll up her sleeves.

"No time to scrub up." Quigli grunted. "Come on here, then."

Crossing to the desk quickly, she nearly blanched at the sight of Patch. He was stone still at the moment and covered in blood. Someone had cut his shirt away so they could work at the wound and it was a nasty bite. Flesh around the wound had begun to turn dark and she could see where the infection had traveled up his arm, leaving dark veins in its wake. He was pale, far too pale for her liking.

"That beastie 'ad a nasty bite, it did." Quigli explained. "One of the worst venoms I ever seen. I canna even stitch him up with what it's doin' to 'im."

"It's headed for his heart." Alyx replied, studying the enflamed wound. 'How long has he been unconscious?"

"Since the last time I decked 'im." Morven confessed, wincing as he rubbed his bloody knuckles.

"We had to cut 'im an' drain some o' that venom out. He fought us." Quigli added gesturing to the bloody bucket at her feet. She nearly vomited, when she realized the black ooze inside was a combination of Patch's blood and the venom. "I tried button moss an' red seaweed, but it dinna do no good."

"We need willow bark paste and rose nectar. It will help slow the venom. Get me my bag." Alyx gestured and Morven was there, giving her supplies. She grabbed two bottles and thrust them at him. "Go fetch some grog and mix these in it. Quick!"

Morven nodded and rushed from the cabin. Alyx let her eyes meet Quigli's and the look he gave her was dire. Quigli swallowed hard. "He's caught fever from the infection."

Touching Patch's forehead, Alyx gasped at how warm the pale skin was. "How long?"

"Last hour or so. I'll 'ave to cut it again to drain more venom. I'll be needin' Morven an' Krollin to hold 'im down."

"I can do it." Alyx replied, stiffly.

Quigli picked up the knife and gave the girl a stern look. "Hold 'im tight. He'll not be likin' this."

She nodded and reached down with shaking hands to pin Patch to the table. "Just hurry."

Quigli cut into the wound, causing fresh blood to gush out into the bucket. At the first cut, Patch bucked, nearly throwing Alyx off of him. "Ya gotta keep 'im still!"

"I'm trying!" Alyx hissed and used all her strength to pin Patch back down.

The wounded pirate cried out in frustration and thrashed against her hold. "No more knives! Please!"

Quigli ignored his pleas and dug into the wound again, bringing forth more blood and venom. Patch groaned in pain and his eye snapped open. The green iris locked on Alyx and widened, considerably.

"Be still, mate. We're tryin' to help ya." Alyx tried to speak calmly to him.

With a cry of outrage, he bucked his body again, throwing her off and to the floor. He swung out at Quigli, knocking the dwarf from his stool. The pirate lunged to his feet from the desk, taking a defensive position.

"No more fucking knives!" He screamed, his one eye bright and feverish.

Alyx was on her feet in an instant and held out her hands in a calming gesture to him. "Easy there, matey. We're all friends here."

"No more knives!" His cries were almost like pleas now.

"You've been poisoned. We're tryin' to help you." Alyx continued, keeping her voice calm and steady.

"No more knives…" Patch's voice nearly broke.

"No more knives. I promise." Alyx replied.

The pirate gave a relieved smile and he fell to his knees. Alyx rushed to his side. With a grunt, she had his arm around her shoulder and was helping him back to the desk. Once she got him there, he stopped her with a hand on her arm.

"Yer a good lass." He slurred, his energy depleted for the time being.

Alyx's eyes went to Quigli in fear. How did this pirate know she was a woman? He had never once seen her out of her Anuerin disguise.

"Did ya get bit?" Patch asked, gripping her around her shoulders. He repeated himself more forcefully when Alyx didn't answer and shook her a bit. "I said, did ya get bit?"

She looked to Quigli for guidance. The dwarf threw her a blank look that conveyed that he did not understand how Patch knew she was a woman either. She shook her head. Patch grunted his approval and sat down on the desk, wearily.

"Good… Good…" The pirate waved one weak hand. "Mithridatum… In me coat… Though I ain't worth the saving…"

Alyx raised one eyebrow in disbelief. Where in the Underground did he ever find a vial of Mithridatum? It was an ancient antidote, supposedly invented by the King of Pontus during the times of ancient Rome. It was said to cure any poison, but had so many ingredients that few had ever succeeded at replicating it. Alyx had seen a vial of it once, in the home of very well off merchant in Havelock. Quigli dug around in the man's coat at his feet and with an awestruck look upon his face, produced a tiny honey colored vial.

"Sweet Danu…"

Patch snatched it out of his hand and downed the vial, quickly. He nearly gagged at the taste and coughed, heartily. Immediately, they could see a change in him. He was more alert and aware than before. The fever began to fade from his flesh and he gestured to Quigli. "Stitch me up, then."

"Yer skin-"

"If you ain't gonna do it then I'll do it myself." Patch cut him off, sternly.

"Let me do it." Alyx interjected, and began to gather the supplies. "I've got a steadier hand."

Quigli slapped a bottle of rum into the hand of Patch's good arm. "Drink up then, cuz Anuerin ain't gentle with a needle."

Patch laughed and brought the bottle to his lips. "Ain't no one gentle with a needle, 'cept them highborn Ladies in Merial. It's all that needlework they force on 'em when they start toddlin' about."

Morven returned to the cabin, his eyebrows quirked in surprise. "I see our patient is awake?"

"Donna think I don't remember that sucker punch ya gave me, Squall. I owe ya one…" Patch spat down into the bucket near his dangling legs. He grimaced at the messy bucket and took another long drawl from the bottle. "That all mine?"

"Aye, an' venom." Quigli pried the nearly empty bottle from his hand. "Enough of that swill fer now, lad. Least 'til we get some food in ya."

Alyx returned to Patch's injured arm and was shocked to see that the dark vein lines were slowly receding as the Mithridatumtook effect. Even the skin around the wound was returning from the rotten state before and to merely a deep wound.

"Since he looks like he's gonna come out of it, donna that mean I get this grog?" Morven asked, hopefully. "It sounds mighty nice and them herbs make it-"

"No." Alyx snapped. "Bring it to me to sterilize the needle and thread."

With a forlorn look, Morven gave her the mug and dejectedly moved to sit next to Patch.

"The only reason that he is still alive is because Patch was in possession of Mithridatum." Alyx added and gave them both a foul look as she began to stitch the wound on his arm.

"Oh, well that's good news, innit?" Morven brightened up, ignoring her foul look. He gave Patch a playful nudge. "What ol' haggish crone did ya 'ave to scuttle to get that?"

"Yer mother." Patch grinned and then grimaced as Alyx pulled on the wound with her stitches. He frowned down upon her. "Bloody fecking hell! Just do a few loops an' be done with it! Ya donna 'ave to spell yer bloody name!"

"Doesn't it strike you as a little bit odd that a mere helmsman would in possession of Mithridatum, Morven?" Alyx ignored the pirate and continued to tend the wound.

Morven gave a frustrated and exaggerated groan. "Well ask me arse, Anuerin, but mayhap, because the man's a bloody pirate?"

"I did steal it." Patch added, helpfully, crying out when she pulled a little harder than necessary on her last stitch. "Bloody feckin' hell!"

"Stop yer belly-achin'… I'm done." Alyx snapped and moved clean her hands at the small basin across the room.

Patch turned to study the arm with his good eye. "Bah, I've seen better stitching on a grain sack."

"I said, Anuerin had a steady hand, not a straight one." Quigli grunted and downed the last of the rum bottle.

Alyx sighed, wearily, and made her way towards the cabin door. She was in no mood for their banter.

Morven watched her walk away with a knowing smile. "What's climbed up yer backdoor, Anuerin?"

"Beggin' yer pardon, Cap'n, but I've had enough for one day!" Alyx replied gritting her teeth and stalked out the door.

Rolling his eyes, he gave Patch a bemused look. "I'd better go make nice, 'fore I gots me a mutiny on me hands. I'll expect the lot of ya to 'ave vacated me cabin in twenty minutes, that's an order."

"Aye-aye."

Hopping off the table and grabbing a spare bottle of rum, Morven paused at the door, waving one finger. "Belay that. The pair of ya don't move 'til I get back. We needs to 'ave a palaver."

Without waiting for their reply, he sauntered out onto the deck after Alyx. Sometimes it was good to be Captain. He found near one of the masts, seated on a barrel and looking exhausted. He thrust the bottle of booze out to her.

"'Ere, 'ave a go at that then."

She took the bottle and took a drink, glaring at him the entire time.

"There now… Feel better?" Morven asked, sarcastically.

"Not in the least." Alyx retorted. "I expect backtalk out of you, but then you let that mangy pirate talk to me like that and just encourage it?"

"C'mon, the man nearly died tonight. If anyone deserves a chuckle, it'd be 'im." Morven countered. "'Sides, he's an old mate o' mine. We go ways back."

"And I don't trust him. I watched him battle that serpent, Morven. The man is dangerous. Besides the fact that he had Mithridatum in his possession! Do you know what people will do to get their hands on that? I've seen throats slit just over a whisper of it and that greasy black heart has a vial on him? You don't think that's disturbing?"

"Listen, lassie… I know what this is really all about." Morven gave her a small smile at her bewildered look. "Yer jealous of me an' Patch…"

"I am not jealous!" Alyx snapped. "Who am I to care if you treat that old salt more like your First Mate than you do me!"

"Old habits die hard lass." Morven shrugged and took the bottle back from her to drink.

Alyx's eyes widened. She had heard that it had been many years since Morven had last had a First Mate, but she never thought she would actually meet him. "You've got to be kidding me. Patch was your last First Mate?"

"Aye, an' he weren't no you, but we had many a fine adventure together. Taught 'im up from a lad, just like you… Well, kinda like you, seein' you ain't no lad." Morven explained. "We've saved each other's lives more times than I can count."

"He makes me nervous. You said it's been years since you've seen him, so how do you know he's the same guy you knew before? People can change Morven and not always for the better."

"Not 'im. He's my mate." Morven replied, firmly. "Now enough o' this jealousy bit. Ya know yer my best gal an' me First Mate."

"Then quit taking his side."

"If ya don't like me Captainin', then ya know the way off me boat." Morven returned, a bit more testily than he intended. He was just frustrated with her attitude.

"Listen, I never wanted to come back on this boat anyways! I was perfectly happy in my keep!"

"Oh, yeah! Until a pack of werewolves nearly tore ya to ribbons!" Morven yelled back.

Alyx lifted her chin stubbornly. "I killed the werewolves."

"Enough! I'm not gonna be the one arguin' with ya tonight! You've got a burr in yer ass an' you'll not be takin' it out on me!" Morven rose from his seat, taking the rum with him. "I gots me enough to do, 'sides bein' yer punchin' bag."

He stalked off back to his cabin while Alyx fumed in her seat. After a few minutes, her face softened and she realized that she had been being overly stubborn. Perhaps she was even just a bit jealous of the new pirate's friendship with Morven. Sighing, she slid down off the barrel and began to trudge towards Morven's cabin to apologize. The door was open a crack, and as she approached, she could hear low voices saying her name.

"- enough of this nonsense. Ya nearly died. Maybe it's time we tell her-" Morven was saying.

"No!" She head Patch bark, angrily. "The girl is not to know why I'm here."

Alyx heart leapt into her throat and she froze. Somehow Patch really did know that she was a woman. She crept closer to the door so she could hear their conversation better.

"Oh, she'll bloody well find out sooner or later!" Morven spat back. "Ya know as well as I do, that lass ain't daft an' dumb. Now, I did ya a mighty big favor takin' ya aboard my-"

"Mates don't owe favors, Squall. We made that deal Above a long time ago." Patch replied, a little more calmly.

"Regardless, I don't like lyin' to the lass."

Alyx frowned. She had never known Morven to lie to her about anything. Ever. Why would he be lying to her about Patch and his intentions? She backed away from the door, slowly, not wanting to hear anything more. She returned to her barrel, her head buzzing with questions of why her friends were lying to her.

Shortly after her retreat, she heard heavy boot falls approaching. She looked up to see Patch standing before her. He had found a new shirt, but still held the tattered one and his coat in his hand. His good eye was studying her, intently.

"Thanks fer the stitches an' tryin' to stop the venom. Quigli told me, ya sent Morven fer willow bark and rose nectar. It'd taken time and luck, but-"

"I know my botany, Mister Patch."

"Aye, that ya do." He gave her a crooked smile. "Yer stitchin' could use work."

It took all Alyx had not to strike him as he walked away laughing, merrily.