Your spy and empress are definitely going to appreciate the metaplot that's gearing up in the next 2 months. The spy can definitely put their talents to use in the less than friendly places they visit, particularly on landfalls where the aim is to acquire knowledge, tech or allies. There's also going to be a power shift within Keeliai itself and we're hoping to have PC characters actually step up and take on positions of power within the city, so like... councilors and such to help guide how the city rebuilds itself so that would probably suit the empress char best.

As for the pterosaur, you could always make them a baby turtle parent! What better incentive to stay than a needy bus-sized hatchling to love and teach? (We had full-sized dragon characters be turtle parents before, and I can affirm it's hilarious.)