The Lore Wain and Her Nephew Pt. 52

They all enjoyed the music as it was played, most of them forgetting about all their worries in that moment. The sound of Echo laughing and clapping to the music was heard in the background, adding a dose of cheer that no one else could match.

Cynthia tried to clap her hands along with Echo but found it was much too frustrating for her to do so. She pulled her talons into her lap after several attempts and stared down at them with a little bit of grief.

A gentle tap on her shoulder was felt and she looked over at none other than Zarabean, who saw her frustration while the others were enthralled.

With one look, the ridgerunner knew Cynthia hated her talons. They were the same talons that had scratched his shoulder some nights prior but despite this, he wasn't afraid of Cy. He knew there had to be a reason for her having them and it clearly caused her pain that she wouldn't wish on anyone. All he could do was offer her comfort.

Zarabean gently took one of Cynthia's hands in his and held it tenderly. He didn't say anything to her, he only held her hand and sat beside her.

Oddly enough, this was enough to comfort her and Cynthia was able to enjoy the music along with him.

The music continued into the evening as there wasn't very much to do on their long trip. It was oddly peaceful since the interaction with the sea dragon but it felt as though this wouldn't last forever. Something was on the horizon with the news of Echo's dream reaching their ears and the underlying doom sat in wait for their celebrations to be over.

After dinner, most of the crew retreated into the belly of the ship to get some rest while a handful of them stayed on the deck to make sure the ship was steered properly in the right direction.

Among those who went below deck, Zarabean, Cynthia, Ramger, Nibble, and Kinabrick took their leave by getting in their slings and bed rolls in hopes of getting some rest that night.

Each of them had their own routine before sleeping, even if their routine was simply breathing. As big as the belly of the ship was, it could easily become tiresome to be in close quarters without privacy.

Unlike the other night, Ramger had no bedtime quarrels with Nibble about his scalies or Alagatha about her late night munchies but instead he was oddly quiet in a tranquil-like state. He truly believed he had found his long lost son and because of this, he most likely would have the best night's sleep he had ever gotten since the day he lost Clef. Ramger got into his hammock and quickly drifted off to sleep.

From nearby, Kinabrick observed Ramger and pondered if perhaps he had been too hard on him upon the reveal of Clef being Hendrik. After twenty-four years, he surely had a good reason to be skeptical of a rogue who used to be a vicious criminal happening to have Ramger's family crest, right? Whatever remaining thoughts Kinabrick had, he laid them to rest as soon as his head hit his bed roll.

As for Zarabean and Cynthia, the two of they stayed up a while talking about the music and how sweet it sounded. Cynthia told Zarabean all about her home in Torrboro and how much the music made her heart yearn for her family's loving embrace once again. Zarabean comforted her by saying they would be there soon and that he would personally help her find her parents. Cynthia, while doubtful, still admired his kindness and thanked him. Once their discussion had ended, the two of them turned in their usual places- Zarabean in his special hammock and Cynthia in her bed roll beside his hammock.

Lastly, Nibble hopped in his hammock and thought nothing of the days he's had or even the two others chatting nearby. He immediately fell fast asleep without a care.

Above deck, Clef was steering the ship while Celeste was tucking Echo into bed in the captain's cabin. When Celelste came out of her room, Alagatha came up to Clef and took the wheel from him so he could go get some rest with the others downstairs.

The two young adults met by the captain stairs that lead up to the wheel and shared a conversation.

"Are you alright?" Celeste asked, knowing it had been a long day of music and... surprises.

"Yeah... It's a lot to think about but... I think I just need a good night's sleep at this point. If you don't mind, I'd like to think about it by myself before I discuss it with anyone else..." Clef said with an exhausted expression on his face before smiling at Celeste. "How about you?"

"No worries." She replied before sighing. "And don't you get me started..." She tried to smile as she looked up at the stars. "I can't... I can't believe Echo isn't... how do I even word this..."

"I know what you mean." He replied, understanding there really wasn't a proper way to express the shock of an infant suddenly becoming a six year old child.

"I just- how could a song have that effect on him? I don't understand... Where did Ramger hear it from anyway?" She questioned, seeming easily razzled after everything had happened to her.

Clef gently rested both his hands on her shoulders and gave her a light squeeze to comfort her. "If I'm being honest..." He replied after a pause. "I don't think the song is what did it."

Celeste looked back at him. "Then what did?"

"I... don't know. But I don't think Ramger had anything to do with it. Even if it did, wouldn't it have had more ill effects since it's supposedly related to that... one song?" He asked, thinking outloud.

"Well... I suppose it would, right?" Celeste thought a moment about the infamous song. "... You know... We do technically have two fangs on board our ship... if this song is still floating around."

Clef looked at Celeste curiously. "Besides Nibble?"

"Yes... Cynthia has claws too, remember?" Celeste sighed again. "I can only imagine the horrors she's been through... But the good thing is that she remembers and knows who she is. Nibble... He doesn't remember what who was like before his change..."

"Huh... I hadn't really thought about it much but now that you mention it... Maybe their stories are somehow connected. Didn't Echo say he saw grey fangs in the vision the dragon gave him?" He asked as he rested one hand under his chin in thought.

"Yes... and that has me concerned..." Celeste became quiet before gasping. "What if Sealen has the ancient stones and he's using them on the royalty of Aerwiar?"

Clef's expression hardened and he replied with a dark tone in his voice. "If that's the case, could he be building some kind of army?"

"I don't know about army but it seems like he's grabbing for any control he can." Celeste folded her arms. "If that's what he's planning, he'll have to go through me before he hurts my nephew. I don't understand what's happening but I vow he will never be harmed under my watch."

"Then I vow the same." Clef added as Celeste looked up at him in shock. "If he is your charge, he is mine too. I'll do everything in my power to protect you both."

Her shock softened into a thankful smile. "Clef... Thank you. I can always count on you."