Caleb refrained from mentioning that his return to Eagletown was still far off.

"I'll be right back." Valentino was quick to dive his head beneath the waves leaving Edward, Caleb, and Rainbow to their own devices once more. The ragtag duo of sailors were soaked from the storm while Ribbon was panting heavily thanks to their abrupt journey. The younger of the pair was still shaking though there was something unusual on his face: a smile. A genuine and actual smile for the first time since departing from Eagletown. Since massacring the dwarves on that island. It would be a long recovery from [i]that event[/i], but it seemed as if the first steps had already been taken. Maybe it was from the sudden adrenaline or maybe it was from Edward's appearance, but something about this situation made the boy feel a little lighter on his feet. Even if he hadn't noticed it quite yet.

"We'll be in trouble if we leave this place without Edward, won't we?" Rainbow left no time for his companions to respond. An absent-minded green hand had settled onto Ribbon's head. The dog's tail whacked against the bottom of the ship as the green land-dweller spoke again: "We'll probably have to go back through that Storm Spot again."

"Well, not [i]entirely.[/i]" It was jarring to hear how child-like Edward's voice was at times. "I may know another way, but you know the deal! If I'm going to bring your boat anywhere, I want to hear more stories about the Eegull and Prince Hector. Especially about the Eegull. He sounds so cool and awesome and. ."

"Oh! I have so many more stories that I can share with you. In fact, there was this one time when I was a little younger and--" Caleb was cut short by a head popping back up from the water. [i]That was quick.[/i] Even still, Valentino was there with a bundle in his hands as he swam closer to the boat. Said bundle was placed at Rainbow's feet before being curiously sniffed by Ribbon. "What's that?"

"A pearl for Eldridge. He'd often ask of my homeland and I always told him that I would send something back to him. I never really got around to it though." The merman's eyes suspiciously narrowed as he inched back from the boat. "You can never be too certain about what could happen to a precious treasure in the hands of strangers. I'd rather that it went with you two. Please don't lose it and send Eldridge my regards when you can." 

"We will!" Caleb was eager to scoop the pearl into his arms and he was back onto his feet before long. That airy smile popped back onto his face once more. The bundle was soaked though preciously cradled in the boy's arms anyway. "Oh, right! We were just wondering if it would be okay if--"

"I heard you talking from below. You don't need my permission. I'm just Eddy's friend." Valentino shakes his head towards the hippocampus. Then, there was a hint of a smile on it. "If he wants to go with you, then he's more than welcome to."

"I do, I do! I want to hear all about the Eegull and Prince Hector and all about land dwellers!" 

"See? Looks like you have your answer." A forlorn glance was tossed behind the merman as a storm was brewing at the edges of their domain. Luckily, they would be safe here, but journeying in that direction was out of question. Rainbow still had his doubts about trusting Edward after last time, but one look at Caleb's expression was enough to quell his doubts. [i]For now.[/i] "You three should get going though. Another storm will be starting again sometime soon."