Deep in the Void

Chapter 6: Exhaustion

Arabella

When Ceris, had finished, Arabella leaned back and gave a light chuckle.
'Well...to think that the little girl I defeated at the Gloom Peninsula would become Queen of the End...I'm impressed'
She reached out to touch Ceris's face, but the other woman flinched away. Arabella frowned slightly, but, seeing that Ceris's eyes were rather wet, decided to leave her be.

Turning towards the prow, she could see that the two skiffs the crew had taken out were sailing back.
They were about 50 metres away when a white shape detached itself from the left one and flew towards the ship on scaly black wings.

Ceris

Looking up from the deck, Ceris saw the flying humanoid circle the foremost mast before coming to a heavy landing on the deck. Noticing her vision was blurry, she quickly wiped away her tears. There would be time for grieving later, she hoped. For now, there were more pressing matters.

Purple Reaper, the draconic. Ceris had never spared much thought to the reclusive species that populated the edges of some of the End Islands, but she knew they were immensely strong, grey skinned, with large dragon-like wings that allowed for flight. She repressed a shudder. Though she had nothing against the species, they resembled the man-dragons in Lance's army a little to closely.

The white light from Purple Reaper's pupiless eyes flicked over her briefly before settling on Arabella.
'We have finished gathering resources, captain. We have wood for repairs, and enough fresh water and food for a 2 month voyage.'
Arabella nodded.
'Have some of the crew salt the meat later. For now, tell them to get some rest. We'll leave in the evening. Singing in the evening is more enjoyable.'
Ceris almost interrupted to ask where the pirates were planning to sail, but thought better. Arabella was the power figure here, and would be best treated with respect, at least in front of the crew members.

Purple Reaper nodded and spread his wings, causing a cold gust of wind to swirl over the deck. Just before he took off, he glanced at Ceris.
'

I see our...guest is awake.'
'Obviously.' replied Arabella. 'We were just talking.'
Purple Reaper managed to look uncomfortable, an impressive feat for a being with half the facial muscles of an Enderkin.
'Pearl is...less than happy with her presence.'
Arabella looked half irritated, half exasperated.
'Tell Pearl she needs to stop whining every time someone even remotely powerful comes on board. She wouldn't leave me alone when I let that mage join.'
Purple Reaper hesitated, then nodded. Without another word, he took off from the deck, flying towards the 2 skiffs now floating on either side of the Great Orchid.
Arabella sighed.
'At some point they'll learn. Now then...'
She glanced at Ceris.
'Are you ok?'
Ceris put a hand to her temple. Somehow she'd failed to notice the throbbing pain building steadily behind her eyes.
She opened her mouth to say something – perhaps excuse herself to lie down – When the colorful chorus brick wall turned into a psychedelic mess of colour and she tripped backwards, feeling like her head was being smashed open.

Arabella

Arabella teleported behind Ceris, catching her just in time, laying the former End Queen's head on her chest as she cupped her face and murmured in her ear...
'Easy now. You've won't fully recover your energy for long yet. Let's get you downstairs...'