Ok. Since [@TheDarkTemplar] and [@Keplo] appear to be MIA, we're going to assume that the pirate side of the story is continuing behind the scenes and the focus will now be on Anise, Simon and Chris.

Templar and Keplo, if you're still with us I'd love some feedback on where your characters are at now -- I can totally backtrack and rewrite if the turn of events isn't working for you. Just trying to give your characters the best opportunity for quick development. :)

Edit: Aaaaand banged out a post! t2wave, let me know if you have any questions about the scene you've been dropped into. Essentially you're in a forest at night, with a very battered and dusty princess holding a blue lantern, and a black wolf the size of an elephant.