PARAGON

Qrow's quaint temperate climate and warm currents helped Paragon relax. The black ship continued to approach, but the silver vessel tried to contain her anxiety. They had plenty of time to purchase goods from Raj and retain a sizable distance between the magical ships.

Regardless, her crew was trying to be swift in their dealings. Well, as fast as haggling could go. Every delayed second was another second the black ship had to catch up. Paragon tried to refrain from thinking about the obsidian vessel.

She lifted her head to enjoy the breeze and listened to the seabirds as they scavenged the port for scraps of food or bits of rope for nesting materials. The soothing waves acted as the beat of the seabird's orchestra. The wind strummed taunt ropes and loose sails and added to the music.

Paragon allowed herself to relax within her element. The liveship lost track of time.

However, her peace was shattered when several crates magically appeared within her hull. She jumped a little when she sensed it happen but then calmed. She could sense the grain, coal, and a little jewelry, all safely stored in her hold.

Myrllen is getting good with that spell. Paragon mentally mused with a smile. She was proud of her crew and could see how much they had improved and grown Travis was a confident leader, and Myrllen continued to grow magically. Costastella was fulfilling her dream of exploring the world, while Marin was happy doing what she loved. Paragon loved them.

"I told you, you don't have to carry that, I have magic." Myrllen's voice traveled from the docks.

Paragon snapped into focus and looked out to her crew as they approached.

"I wantwed to cwarry it." Costasiella stated, "They said it was dwelicate." She carefully balanced the sizable crate on her back secured with several of her green tendrils and an additional rope tied around her neck.

Myrllen looked up to the figurehead "Paragon! Tell her it would be simpler if I just teleported everything into your hull."

"It depends on what it is," the figurehead answered. "Though overall the country of Qrow is low in magical potential, which is the most worrisome interference, some magic types do not interact well."

"I think it's nice that Costasiella wants to help." Travis smiled.

"There's also the point of efficiency. Marin added as she approached the gangplank.

"Did it slow you down?" Paragon asked.

"Well, no—" Myrllen started

"I kwept up!" Costasiella exuberantly nodded as she boarded the vessel.

"Then you lost no efficiency." Paragon chuckled softly as the dragoo grinned and cheered as she approached the grate in the deck. The liveship moved the lattice covering aside so Costasiella could carefully place the crate into the hold.

Myrllen looked a little downtrodden; his typically upright ears lowered into an admittedly adorable pout.

Paragon frowned softly and sent him reassuring feelings. "Magic is amazing, but it isn't everything. It is possible to use it too much." The liveship's mind momentarily lapsed into a memory of the Stellan War, but she quickly pushed Starport's memories aside and focused on the present.

"Says the one that is made of magic." Myrllen crossed his arms.

"I'm just as much made of magic as you are. I will concede that I move and think and live because of magic, but I'm not made of it. I'm mostly wood and metal like you're flesh and bone." Paragon smiled a bit. "And your help and skills are greatly appreciated. I can tell that your magic has improved! You didn't ask for help for the transport spell this time!"

Myrllen accepted her answer but was flustered by the compliment and silently boarded.

"We didn't buy enough to fill your hull, but I think it should suffice," Travis nodded to the figurehead.

Paragon nodded to Travis, "Yes, I agree." Her hull was about three-quarters full, but the liveship feared filling it further would slow her down with an empty hull, she was faster than her opposite counterpart. Fully loaded, she wasn't as confident. "Are we ready to depart?"

Travis nodded as he boarded. "Hoist the gangplank and set sail!"

Paragon nodded and complied, untying her moorings and slipping out of the port. She checked the map. The Black Reaper sailed towards them, the diminishing distance almost small enough to make the silver liveship nervous.

The white vessel pushed the thoughts out of her head and focused. It would be best to take the grain to Longhu. She willed herself to sail faster as she contemplated where to take her supplies and help the most people. She decided Longhu would be the best given the situation, so she adjusted her course to the island nation's northernmost port, Serdra.

As she slipped into the dock, her focus wandered to the black pin on her magical map. For now, the ominous object was present on her map, but the liveship knew it could vanish in an instant. She plotted the black ship's course in her mind's eyes, estimating how long they could stay before the pirates became uncomfortably close.

Paragon blindly allowed her fear to consume her mind.

Author Notes!

Paragon is not doing well, is she?

Do you think she will be ok?

I hope you enjoyed the chapter!