Summary - 4/28
Not soon after Cathena and Eric make it into Bucca's waters, they spot two ships. One is definitely the Graceful Frog, moving in from the West in a futile attempt to intercept them. The second is soon to be recognized as one of the Bucca's patrol ships, the Broken Chain. Cathen and Eric meet up with the the Broken Chain and are able to exchange some information, with the two ships sailing into Bucca together. Neither knows what happened to the Graceful Frog.

As Cathena and Eric sailed into port, Eric became concerned about his own fate once they made it to Bucca's land. Cathena assured him that all would be well and that she'd protect him. After all, he's been her only allie for the last couple of harrowing weeks. Not only that, she promised not to spread around that Eric as also a spy for Queen Elaine. However, being Avalonian, most people would assume that anyway.

Once in port, Cathena stops long enough to look for the Just Rewards but is unable to find the ship. Then, she warns the dockmaster that the Frog is in Bucca's waters. The dockmaster thanks her and promises to send out a couple of ships to dissaude the Frog from coming any closer. After that, she takes Eric home with her.

Once at home, Cathena is greeted by her much relieved father, Don Luis. When she introduces Eric, she has to talk very quickly before Don Luis skewers Eric as the man to captured the Sassy Lass. After explaining that Eric saved her life a couple of times, as well as saved the Just Rewards from the Graceful Frog the first time, Don Luis calms down and they all talk.

During the discussion, we discover that Jove left the geneaology book at the house for her and, much to Cathena's dismay, hat her brother, Javier, and Jove took the Just Rewards back out, looking for her. Cathena quickly explains the importance of the book and the fact that Duke Anjou is looking for it and the need to complete the original mission of the Sassy Lass.

They decide to call a counsel meeting for the next day, consulting with Captian Allende and the other Buccaneers as to what to do about this book and figuring out who sent the Sassy Lass on the mission in the first place. In the meantime, Don Luis sends Cathena up for a bath and fresh clothing while he and Eric 'talk.' Cathena gets a wee bit petulant with her father, telling him that he'd better not hurt Eric and that Eric is a guest in their home. Don Luis promises her that it is nothing more than just a chat and sends her up to bathe. Finally, Cathena relents and leave Eric alone with her father.

Summary - 4/29
When Cathena returns from bathing, she makes a big entrance, wearing an exquisitely fitted crimson and black outfit with her hair styled perfectly. After Eric regains his senses, he is sent off to bathe and dress. As soon as he leave, Cathena turns on Don Luis, demanding to know what her father did to Eric. Much to her shock and his amusement, her father demands instead to know what -she- did to Eric. He goes on to explain that all they did was discuss the adventures and that Eric spoke non-stop about her. It was clear to Don Luis that Eric was quite smitten with Cathena.

She was definitely surprised by this turn of events, but she decided she didn't mind it at all and though her father could not say he approved of Eric, it was clear in his demeanor that he did. The two spoke a bit more, having a heart to heart about the situation. In the end, Don Luis told Cathena to follow her heart and he would never be angry as long as she did.

Don Luis sent Cathena to fetch Eric for dinner. She gathered some of her brother's clothing to give to Eric, only to discover that Rosa, the maid, took off with Eric's old clothing and all of the used towels. Cathena fetched a towel for Eric and took great delight in making him blush as she gave it to him. Then, she relented, leaving so he could get dressed.

During dinner, the pair regaled Don Luis and Rosa with the tales of their adventures in escaping from the Graceful Frog and making their way home. After dinner, Don Luis allowed the two to remain in the sitting room together where things got a wee bit steamy as Eric decided to tell Cathena how he felt about her and Cathena accepted his affections with Castillian passion. However, Cathena, wanting to take it slow, broke things up before they got too hot and heavy, leaving to go to bed - in separate bedrooms, of course.

The next morning, everyone was reunited for breakfast where Don Luis made some sobering comments about the upcoming counsel session. Both Eric and Cathena were to speak, but there were some on the counsel already wanting to brand Eric a liar and to take revenge for the loss of the Sassy Lass. Eric promised to answer any and all questions but warned he would not betray Avalon nor Queen Elaine.

The three travel to the counsel house where all of this is to take place. Once there, Cathena tried not to show it but she was very nervous for Eric. She knew how bad it must look and her only hope was that they would listen to her testimony on Eric saving both the Just Rewards and herself multiple times. Silently, she promised herself that she would not let anything happen to Eric.

Summary - 4/30
Cathena and Eric are separately questioned on what happened to the Sassy Lass, the Just Rewards and escaping from the Graceful Frog. The questioning is intense for both of them, ending with Don Luis being required to take Eric into custody to allow him to remain free. Cathena was mostly questioned on what happened to the Sassy Lass and the book of bloodlines while Eric was heavily questioned on his role in the loss of the Sassy Lass as well as his thoughts on the book, its relationship to the Inquisition and Duke Anjou.

After a late meal, some tense discussion and (after Don Luis leaves) some passionate necking, the pair head to (separate) bed to await the summons of the Counsel the next morning.

The next morning, there is still no word from the Just Rewards and the dock master has closed the port to outbound ships, due to the Graceful Frog wanting to pick a fight, for the time being. This time, when they are summoned to the Counsel, all three of them, Don Luis, Eric and Cathena, are invited into the Counsel chamber for the Counsel's decision. Apparently, they had been up half the night deliberating.

Cathena is complimented on her heroic feats in killing the Montaigne Captain, freeing her crew, capturing the Just Rewards as her own, outwitting the Graceful Frog and sacrificing herself for the good of the crew. All of which made Cathena feel very proud. Eric, on the other hand, is found guilty of attacking and destroying the Sassy Lass, killing half of her crew and the imprisonment of the survivors. However, in light of Cathena's testimony to his attempts to make amends by saving both the Just Rewards and Cathena Rivera, instead of being hung, he is banished from Bucca, never to step foot on her shores again. If he does, the original sentence of death by hanging will immediately be carried out. Since the port is closed for the moment, Eric is to stay in a cell under the port reopens.

In the matter of the book of bloodlines, it is to be kept on Bucca indefinitely until the Counsel can decide what to do about it.

After the Counsel's remarks, Cathena requests a few words. She expresses her opinion that the book of bloodlines should not stay on Bucca. That it is just asking for trouble and that she doesn't want to see blood spilt on home soil. She then requests to finish the mission that the Sassy Lass started. The Counsel hears her words and tells her that if such a mission is created, she will be considered for it.

The second point Cathena brings up is that the Rivera family can take custody of Eric as they did before. He had saved her life numerous times. She gives her word as a Rivera and a Buccaneer to keep Eric in custody until he can be removed from Bucca's shores. With the Riveras being a well respected family on Bucca and Cathena so recently commended, the Counsel easily agrees to the custody but do warn her that she does need to make sure that Eric is off the island as soon as possible. Then, the Counsel is adjourned.

While Don Luis has Cathena and Eric wait for him, Eric expresses deep sorrow at having to leave Bucca and Cathena. On the other hand, Cathena is jubilant that Eric is safe. She impishly points out that the Counsel only said that he could not step on Bucca's soil again. They didn't say anything about Bucca's ships and anything not expressly forbidden is permitted. Eric cheers up a little as Cathena continues on about how they would simply have to find another ship to sail on and whenever she had to come home for something, he could just stay on the boat. They talk about the sail boat that they stole from occupied Castille and decide to take a long trip somewhere, just the two of them.

When Don Luis returns, he hurries his 'kids' out of the Counsel house and home again. It is proven that Cathena gets her gumption from her father when he gives the book of bloodlines to the pair to study during Eric's 'incarceration.' Seems the book just, somehow, ended up in his vest upon leaving. Cathena is highly amused at her father but doesn't look a gift horse in the mouth.

The pair stay up pretty late, studying the book. One thing is clear - most of the Montaigne noble houses have sorcery within them, including Duke Anjou's family. They surmise that Duke Anjou is desperate to get his hands on the book in order to protect himself, his family and his peers from the Inquisition. Not only that... if the Church found out about Duke Anjou's sorcery lineage, they would stop supporting him in his quest to overthrow Le Emperor - a little something that Eric had discovered in the coded messages and that Cathena had forgotten until now.

This book would allow the Inquisition to go on the largest witch hunt the world had ever seen. Eric ponders the situation, wondering if they should blackmail Duke Anjou with the information or if they should give the book over to the Inquisition or if they should just destroy it out of hand. He doesn't seem to notice that Cathena is in a much more pensive mood... owing to the fact she has discovered that there is a strong trace of sorcery in her own line, through her mother's side and that either she or Javier could be tainted with sorcery's sin.

Cathena makes excuses of tiredness and hurries off to bed to think about this most disturbing discovery.

Summary - 5/01
The next morning, Cathena looks like something the cats declined to drag in due to the fact she had been tossing and turning the whole night, thinking about her discovery. Obviously, Eric and Don Luis, being astute men, sensed that something was wrong. When questioned, Cathena did admit to some discomfort, then got the book of bloodlines for her father to read.

Sensing that Cathena needed some time alone with her father, Eric quietly excused himself. Cathena pointed out the sorcery taint on her mother's side of the family. Don Luis commiserated, admitting that he knew of the family's dark secret. One of the cousins had fallen in love with, and married, a minor Montaigne noble and it had started it all. Although her mother did not seem to have the taint, the Riveras who kept in contact with their Montaigne relations discovered that the talent of fire control seemed to remain mostly in the female line and occasionally skipped a generation - meaning that Cathena might be tainted.

Cathena, horrified at this idea, was forced to feign unconcern when Don Luis became worried for her. She assured him that she was fine, reminding him that it was not possible for her to have this 'gift' because she had suffered burns before and obviously could not control fire. She left to clear her head and to keep from worrying her father anymore.

Wandering to the garden, she found Eric there, who greeted her with concern and sympathy, offering an ear for whatever troubled her. Instead of coming out and telling him, she questioned him on what he would do if he found out something horrible about his family and himself. He gently reminded her that while he worked for Queen Elaine, he did come from a family of cutthroat pirates and spies. She asked what if the terrible secret involved Legion itself? Eric was confused by the comment but Cathena would not elaborate. Finally, Eric left Cathena to sort things out, letting her know that he would be in the sitting room if she wanted to talk.

After an hour of moping, Cathena decided to prove to herself that she was not tainted. She gathered a candle, took it to her bedroom and began to experiment with trying to command the flame....

Summary - 5/02
Cathena tries making the candle flame obey her but nothing seems to work. She is much relieved, but there is one last test she needs to try. Expecting to be burned, she thrusts her hand into candle flame. There is a moment of pain, then, it disappears, leaving nothing more than a tickling sensation. Her cry of distress at discovering the candle flame does not burn her brings Eric and her father to her door.

Handling this discovery poorly, Cathena angrily shows both Don Luis and Eric that she is tainted by El Fuego. Don Luis handles this badly as well, dropping into prayer and immediately leaving. Eric cannot figure out what the big deal is. He has grown up around glamour all his life. He was amazed that Cathena thought that her having a sorcerous gift would cause anything to change between them.

Eric gets angry, blaming the Vaticine Church for their brainwashing. Cathena protests that there must be some reason that the Prophets condemn sorcery. They would not have done so without a good reason. He continues to argue with her that she made no pact with Legion and that she is not tainted, she is gifted.

Cathena becomes distraught, thinking that her father might disown her because this. Eric's anger at the strange situation becomes concern as he consoles her. The two discuss the different cultures they grew up in. In contrast to Castille, those with glamour in Avalon are welcomed. It is nothing more than a heritage and a blessing in his country.

Their conversation is interrupted by Rosa. There is a messenger at the door for Don Luis but he is not answering his door. Cathena tells Rosa that her father is not feeling well and she will talk to the messenger. It turns out that messenger has a message for Don Luis and one for Eric as well. First, the Just Rewards will be coming into port tonight. Both Jove and Javier are well, though her brother is injured from a fight. Second, the port is now open again and Eric has until midnight to leave. If he is on Bucca come dawn, he will be hung.

Cathena is understandably both happy and sad. She goes to tell her father the news but Don Luis does not answer, look at or acknowledge her in any way. Feeling extremely rejected, she leaves to go shopping with Eric for clothing and other essentials. The two have much less time than they thought to plan their trip. Unexpectedly, the afternoon passes pleasantly as the couple shop, talk and make future plans.

Once they return home, the two go to pack their respective bags. Feeling a great bit of trepidation, Cathena gets ready for dinner, knowing it might be the last dinner she has with her father. She is determined to make it a pleasant one. However, much to her surprise, Don Luis and Eric are already at the table, chatting amiably. Her father greets her warmly and playfully chides her for leaving with Eric so soon after arriving.

Eric intervenes and mentions the information about the Just Rewards returning to port and the strange way time runs away with itself and how Don Luis does not seem to remember anything past breakfast. At first, Cathena is confused. Then, she realizes that her father has chosen to 'forget' her dirty little secret. This both relieves and angers her. It seems that the family's sorcery heritage will continue to be a hidden part of the Riveras. However, she remarks on the strangeness of time, agreeing with her father.

Eric is a bit uncomfortable with this strange dance between father and daughter and makes his excuses to get the boat ready for the evening tide. Cathena is sad at having to leave so soon but she understands, promising to meet him there. Then, she and Don Luis have a pleasant conversation about everything and nothing while she pens letters to Javier and Jove. Hopefully, though, they will get within hailing distance of the Just Rewards on their way out.

As evening falls, Cathena realizes that she has to go. Her father makes her promise to write and bids her a fond farewell. As she hurries to the docks, she is overcome with the irrational fear that Eric has already left without her. However, the boat, and Eric, are where they are supposed to be and she boards their ship. Eric is obviously relieved to see her and admits that he was afraid she was not coming. She playfully chides him for his silliness while keeping her own silliness to herself. Soon, they are off.

Cathena tries to swallow the feeling that she will never see her father again while scanning the horizon for the Just Rewards. The pair decide to go to Avalon next. Eric would like Cathena to meet his family. Cathena is very interested in this. Unfortunately, there is still no sign of the Just Rewards by the time they make it out into the open sea.

Feeling extremely disappointed at not getting to see neither her brother nor Jove, Cathena decides that it would be best to sail by day, hugging the coast line for a bit. That way they will be safe from larger ships like the Graceful Frog. She tries not to sulk on this first day of a new adventure.

Summary - 5/03
When night falls, it becomes extremely foggy, so they take shelter in a cove. Cathena and Eric snuggle up in the one bed and, virtuously, only go to sleep. Though, at first, Eric has a bit of hard time falling asleep with Cathena curled up to him. Many impure thoughts abound on both sides of the bed, but both are just too shy and polite to do anything about it - for now.

Morning comes as a shock as the pair awaken to the sounds of men's voices. It is still so foggy that neither of them can tell what time it is, nor can they see this other ship. However, they can hear the sounds of hammer and saws. It sounds like a ship being repaired.

While Cathena and Eric discuss in whispers who it could be and what size of a ship could get into this cove, Cathena realizes that they have not named their boat. She prompts Eric to do so who names it the Lucky Dog. As they discuss whether or not to call out to this obviously larger boat, Cathena hears an almost familiar voice speaking Castillian. She tells Eric and is eagerly beginning to think that it just might be the Just Rewards!

Eric hails the other ship and fortunately for all involved, it is the Just Rewards. Once the fog lifts, Eric and Cathena move their ship along side the Just Rewards and are soon on board, greeted by Jove and a slightly injured Javier. Both Jove and Javier are ecstatic to see Cathena, but she is forced to step in between Javier and Eric to protect Eric from her brother's wrath. Cathena, in her own passionate and definite way, is able to convince Javier that Eric really is a good guy who saved her life, whom their father approves of and has already stood before the Counsel for his crimes against Bucca.

Javier, faced with his little sister's unrelenting will, grudgingly concedes that perhaps Eric isn't so bad after all. He invites the two to lunch in the captain's cabin. During lunch, they exchange stories about having to deal with the Graceful Frog. It seems that the Graceful Frog has been dogging the Just Rewards for days.

Javier, upon hearing of the danger his little sister was in, commandeered the Just Rewards with less than a full crew to go looking for Cathena. They investigated the shore where she had headed towards but found no sign of her. When they decided to back track towards Bucca, they found the way blocked by the Graceful Frog. They could not face the Graceful Frog, head on, in a fight without a full crew. So, it became a cat and mouse game and that is how the Just Rewards ended up in this cove.

The only slightly tense part of lunch came when Javier spoke about taking Cathena home. She had to explain to her brother that she and Eric were headed to Avalon. That it was just too dangerous for her to stay in these waters with Duke Anjou seeking her and the book of bloodlines - which was safely on Bucca. Javier is clearly, and understandably, disappointed but reluctantly agrees. Hopefully, things will have cooled down in the few months it will take to get to Avalon and back.

After a fond good-bye between brother and sister, Cathena and Eric return to the Lucky Dog. The sun is shining high, the winds are good and water is clear. The Lucky Dog is definitely faster than the Just Rewards and as the two ships head toward the mouth of the cove, the Lucky Dog takes the lead. As they are almost at the mouth of the cove, the couple hears the cry from the Just Rewards, "Ship Ahoy!!"

Eric and Cathena now quite a distance ahead, but much lower to the water, cannot see past the mouth of the cove. All they can see is what is in front of them and behind. Then, emerging from the mouth of the cove they see the Graceful Frog bearing down on them from an unseen angle! Eric frantically puts up all the sail they have and makes for open water. Perhaps, they can outrun the Graceful Frog, but what of the Just Rewards?!

Utterly torn, Cathena falls back on her heritage: The Family comes first. She has Eric maneuvered the Lucky Dog right in front of the Graceful Frog so all on board can see her, trying to lure the Graceful Frog away from the Just Rewards. It works, the Graceful Frog slows, turning to cut off the Lucky Dog. Suddenly, the Just Rewards, cuts a deep angle out of the mouth of the cove, firing! The unmistakable sound of chain and grape shot as it sails over the small craft and into the masts of the Graceful Frog!

The Just Rewards is attempting to get away, the Lucky Dog is flying towards open water and the Graceful Frog is turning to cut off the Lucky Dog and clear their guns to fire on the Just Rewards. The Just Rewards' first shot has cleared a lot of sail off the Graceful Frog's rigging and they visibly slow down. They further lose even more headway by attempting a sharp turn to enable their port battery to fire on the Just Rewards.

Cathena and Eric can only helplessly watch as the Graceful Frog finally completes her turn and fires its' massive broadside at the fleeing Just Rewards. There is a massive roar of cannons and a cloud of smoke billows from the Graceful Frog's side, they turn to see how much damage it does to the smaller ship. Both Eric and Cathena wince at the damage they see.

The Graceful Frog aimed low and the body of the Just Rewards has taken many hits. They both have seen ship-t- ship combat and know what kind of horrible damage has just been inflicted on the Just Rewards. They actually see the smaller ship shudder under multiple impacts as wood and men go flying from the ship. The Graceful Frog fires again, but this next salvo falls just short of the retreating ship.

Cathena and Eric flee for their lives in the Lucky Dog. The Graceful Frog is dead in the water and the mortally wounded Just Rewards limps out of sight headed for Bucca. They know that the Just Rewards will probably make it as far as Bucca's waters, but that the brave ship has now sailed its last voyage.