Table for One Options

[fistandantilus4....]

Yeah, 'course. Where you need it to go?

[Lady Door]

It will need to be sent to Kaer Vendroll. It's a 5 days' ride to the South. Thank you, Quipp.
Sealing the letter, Lu hands it to Quipp and then turns to Ky.
Well, sister. It looks as though our business in Travar has been completed. I guess it's time to go.
Ky nods, her attention diverted by a handsome blonde human man in tight leathers at the bar. Lu glances over at Quipp and smiles. Noticing that Ky isn't paying the least bit of attention to her, Lu speaks again..
Ky? Did you hear a word I just said?

[fistandantilus4....]

Huh? Oh yeah, Quipp has business in the south and you wanna take a letter to father. Really Lu it'll just be a lot easier to give the money to Quipp and have him send the letter, so that we can catch the ship.

Kyla rolls her eyes, and tosses Quipp 20 silver.

Keep the change. Maybe incentive for you to cut a good deal. We just about set? We should get up to the docks and make sure we've got a cabin.

[Lady Door]

Lu smiles at Quipp and rolls her eyes.
Thank you, Quipp for all your help. I don't know what I.. we would have done without you. Maybe we'll see you again...Lu's words are cut off as Ky, impatient and ready to be off, yanks her out of her chair and into the din of the bar.
The last Lu sees of Quipp is his smile.
Standing outside, Lu looks up at the docks above.
So, we're headed up then? Let's get going.

[fistandantilus4....]

They've got these amazingly lifts that some wizard levitates for people to go up, instead of taking the stairs or the stupid rope lifts! It costs ten silver but the view is amazing!

Kyla weaves through thecrowds, her eyes set on the docks above. Apparently this is some place she's been to more tha na few times. She heads for the lifts without hesitation. A number of people are jostled out of the way as she pushes through the crowd. Apparently not many people expect an elf girl to be very strong, even if she is wearing mail.

Kyla and Lu arrive at the lifts soon enough. There is a booth next to a large platform. Sitting in side is a man in the over - done robes wizards seem to favor. Kyla hands him 10 silver without hesitation, and quickly steps on to the lift excitedly. The wizard, some what less exuberantly, gets up slowly, and moves to the lift. He waves his hands slowly as Lu leaps on before she's left. The lift launches up in to the air, ascending quickly. Kyla shouts with joy as the city quickly drops away beneath them, the people being lsot far below.

Above, the docks come nearer. It seems almost as if they're reaching for the clouds them selves. Wind whips by, pulling the sisters hair, chilling the skin. The air is cooler up here, and the wind much more powerful.

Kyla leaps off the wooden platform, clunking ion to the wooden docks hundreds of feet over the stone streets below.

We're looking for a small boat called Cloud Leaper. They're headed for Kratas, either tomrrow morning or the nwxt. I forget which. There's about eight ships up here so it shouldn't be hard to find.

[Lady Door]

A warrior is afraid of nothing. A warrior is afraid of nothing... A warrior... IF I HAD WANTED TO STAND HUNDREDS OF FEET ABOVE THE GROUND I WOULD HAVE BECOME AN AIR SAILOR!!
Cursing Ky silently, Lu makes a point of not looking down, instead she looks up, searching the sky for the Cloud Leaper.
Making out a name on one of the bobbing ships, Lu points.
There it is, Ky.
For a moment, Lu's fear is gone. Replaced with amazement and awe. The ship is beautiful silouhetted against the midday sun. Then, as another ship docks, the wooden planks heave and jolt under her feet.
Fear is back, fear is back. A warrior is afraid of nothing.. a warrior is afraid of nothing..

[fistandantilus4....]

The Cloud Leaper is a Travarian ship, part of the city's fleet. She's 60' long, with a great mast up the center, and guide ropes tor the guide sails. THe boat isn't made for speed, but is quite maneuverable. It's crew are all paid by the city for trade, and are there fore honest hard working men with great pecs. Lu learns all of this and other wonderl details about the crew from Kyla of course.

Kyla leads Lu up to the gang plank of the ship, where a an elf man is shouting out orders to men loading up barrels in to nets to go aboard ship. Kyla walksright up to the elf.

Lu, this is Athernon, the first mate of the Cloud Leaper. That means he's second in command. He's the one that gave me the price for the fare. He says the Captain , .... Captain .... Jonthen is always happy to have adepts about , especially on way to Kratas, and that we may be able to lower our pay a bit with a bit of extra work. Isnt' that right Athernon?!

Athernon, comlpetely taken by suprise and facing the other way when Kyla began her little recital, quickly catches up, and nods.

That's correct. The Captain can always use people of skill. Lots to do aboard ships all the time, and having more bodies handy when we rach Kratas will be an even greater boon. Captain'll give you a good price if you're willing to work for it, I don't doubt.

Athernon is a tall elf, wearing a loose fitting white cotton shirt, and loose britches. His hair, like many of the air sailors, is worn long, but tied at his nape. Kyla is right ... good pecs.

Make your decision soon though. Captain is planning on leaving before dawn tomorrow. In a bit of a hurry this trip.

You there, get those blasted crates in the net! They aren't going to move them selves. Get them pushed or I'll push you!

Sorry, but this boat don't run 'er self. Gotta get these dogs a' workin'.'Scuse me.

Kyla turns to face Lu, absolutely beaming. Well, what do you think!? Isn't the ship just amazing? I say we pay the coin, get our gear, and get bunks!

[Lady Door]

Still trying to gain her balance and not look like a fool in front of the sailors, all Lu can do is nod.

Ecstatic, Ky darts away, presumably to speak with the captain, or perhaps to bed him. With Ky, one never really knew.
Rolling her eyes, ... Ugh, don't roll eyes.. ship rolls with them. Lu places one hand on the deck railing and manages to turn and watch the activity aboard the ship.
For a moment, she forgets all off her fears as she watches the crew scurry aboard their tasks. Some men hang from ropes above nothing more then air and repair boards underneath the ship, others are scrambling up the rigging ropes like they were the monkeys her father had told her roamed the Servos Jungle.
Fascinated, Lu watched as a dwarven Elementalist tested the sails, waving his hands back and forth, commanding the winds to mimic his movements.
A sudden dip in the prow sent Lu back to hugging onto the railing. Snapping her head around to see what had caused the near tragedy, she spied three orks climbing aboard. One of them, seeing her rooted to the spot, elbowed the others and laughed.
Lu effected her most haughty glare and tried to look as dignified as she could while not letting go of an inch of railing. It was difficult, but she felt as though she was managing.
She was practicing letting go and standing beside the railing (Don't look down, don't look down... oh, look at how far up we are. DON'T LOOK DOWN!)when Ky returned, slapping her on the back and practically causing her to fall overboard. Lu stifled the sudden scream that rose into her throat and turned to throttle her sister. Unfortunately, Ky had moved out of reach and was hocking spitwads down at the crews below.
Spoke with the Captain. We are good to go. Got us a great rate too.*wink* Oooh. Got one! Ky jumped back and smiled. We got a bunk and everything. C'mon I'll show you where it is. With that Ky turned and flounced away. The urge to throttle Ky returned.
Passions, help me to find the woman we seek. Help me to find the shield. Passions, help me to reclaim our families honor, but most of all, help me to not kill my sister.

[fistandantilus4....]

The pair return to the Docket briefly to collect their horses, and are quickly on their way back to the docks. The wizard there uses a spell to calm the horses almost to sleep before raising the platofrm again. Lu almost asks him to do the same to her.

Eventually the horses are put in to the animal hold along side a few others. Kyla is running about the deck excitedly, the men are watching the twins appreciatively, and Lu is grasping the rail dutifully.

Sun set and the night sky above the airship are breath taking. Even more so for watching the sun set behind the great towers of Travar. The city lights come on eventually, looking like a thousand will-o-the-wisps far beneath them. The twins simply sit out on the deck for some time, blanketed between twin sheets of sparkling diamonds on black.

I think I would like to have diamonds one day Lu. Lots of diamonds. What about you?

Kyla continues to stare off in to the distance like she's barely even aware that she has spoken. Not a few of the sailors are doing the same on other parts of the ship.
It gladdens the heart to know that even for these hardened men, the night sky still holds wonders.

[Lady Door]

Diamonds would be good.
Lu watches the night sky pass over them, mesmerized by it's simple but enchanting beauty. When she does finally tear her eyes from the sky, she notices the stares of the men around her.
Smiling she tugs on Ky's arm.
Ky, don't look now, but we're attracting a bit of attention. Maybe we should retire to our quarters.

[fistandantilus4....]

Kyla simply nods, not really paying attention. She allows Lu to lead her away to the quarters wehre their bunks are. It's only in the halls that Lu notices the small streaks from tears on Kyla's face. She recognizes the look. The Wood Longing.

The twins retire to their beds quietly. Having little use for armor on an airship, Kyla has left it in the quarters, instead donning the loose white cotton shirts the crew prefers. She even acquired one for Lu, back on her first trip from the docks. Apparently she was quite set on the idea of flying, where ever they were headed.

Sleep comes slowly. It's hard to get used to the strange sounds of the ship, and it's crew men not far off down the halls. By the sounds, one or two is saying a "goodbye" to a "loved one". Eventually the rythmic swaying of the ship lulls Lu in to sleep, and brings dreams of waves and a saphire blue ocean.

She wakes in the morning . A very slow and confortable waking, as if from a very deep and pleasant dream. When she opens her eyes, Kyla is looking out the cabin window. Sunlight is streaming in, setting her hair in a light as if it were afire.Kyla looks over at Lu as she slowly wakes.

Morning Lu. I thought I'd wait for you before I went up on deck. The sun is brilliant up here.Go ahead and get your self dressed, Ill wait.

Kyla tosses Lu the white cotton shirt she's purchased for her, and a pair of doe skin breeches. She was wearing the same already. With her high boots, she looked more like a swashbuckler than a hardened warrior. Of course, with that smile on her face, she wasn't looking very hard at all.

"Real Adventure" Kyla had called it when they'd first set off from home. Well... they were flying, and they were off to go fight in a battle against an outcast troll and ork skorchers to reclaim a lost relic precioius to the family. It certainly sounded like an adventure.

[Lady Door]

Thanks, Ky.Lu quickly gets dressed, taking a moment to glance out of the porthole. The ship is hundreds of feet above the ground, cutting through the low lying clouds of the morning. The sun's light reflects off of the mist throwing a brilliant reddish orange over everything. Holding her hair up to the light, Lu smiles.
I think it means our journey is blessed, Ky.
Smiling, Ky nods and wraps her arms around Lu in a quick hug.
C'mon, let's go upstairs and see if they have anything to eat.Braiding her hair, Lu nodded. I suppose we'll need to speak with the Captain regarding what our duties are to be as well.
Ky turns on her way out the door, Oh, don't worry about that, Lu. I told the Captain we would service the crew.
With that Ky disappears through the door, leaving Lu standing there with her mouth hanging open.

[fistandantilus4....]

The twins come up on deck and get a face full of sun shine , cool wind, and warm air. It's a beautiful day. The temperature is just right , the wind is just chill enough to get the skin prickling, the sun washing the deck with light...

Lu and Kyla simply stand for a moment ,eyes closed, just breathing it all in.

When they open their eyes, men are looking at them. It's no wonder really. Gorgeous tiwns, eyes closed, backs arched, loose fitting white cotton shirts, full in the sun so that they're sihloutted forms show through clearly, the loose shirts flapping in the cool nipply wind....

Kyla promptly pulls her shirt in, grabs the nearest gawker by his loose flowing white cotton shirt, and throws him over a rail onto the lower deck.

Any one else wanna get thrown off something!?

Apparently no one does because they quickly get back to their work.

Ah! Ladies, so kind of you to join us on this ..fine fine morning. Luthielien, I have not had the pleasure yet. I am Captain Jonthen, Air Sailor of the Fifth circle, as your service. And glad I am to have you aboard the Cloud jumper for our journey. I hope you are looking forward to it as well.

The Captain is a human man , somewhere in his thirties. He, like his crew, is in fine physical condition. He carries a sword on his side, which most of his crew has eschewed. A fine sword in the t'skrnag style with a basket hilt. He's tall, good looking, with long dark hair, also tied back at the nape. He wears similar clothing to the sailors although of better quality. For some reason though, he doens't wear the feathery hat all captains are supposed to have in the stories.

[Lady Door]

Lu bows to the Captain, once again forgetting that the wind is blowing and her blouse is loose.
Captain Jonthen, thank you for your gracious hospitality. As I have never been aboard an airship before, I am very much looking forward to our journey together. My apologies, but my sister has neglected to tell me of our duties aboard the Cloud Leaper, what will you have us do?
Behind her, Lu can hear Ky giggle but smiles all the brighter and ignores her while mentally repeating her prayer to the passions.

[fistandantilus4....]

Well normally one doesn't discuss such things in such open company, but if you insist...

Your tasks will be rather simple. Dancing when appropriate, spending some time above decks to keep the men's spirits up of course, and serving me in my quarters, and my first mate on occassion. Your sister offered your "other services" but I assumed she would acutally leave that up to you.

She also said that the two of you wold be interested in trying your hands at the sword should something come up, and that would of course be fine with me. But mostly your tasks will be of a more .. refined nature.

The giggling behind Lu continues.

[Lady Door]

The smile on Lu's face falters for a moment, and she can feel the blood beginning to rush to her cheeks.
Okay, Passions, deal's off. I'm going to kill her.
Lu turns and smiles at Ky. Ky begins to look a little nervous. Suddenly, Lu grabs for Ky who chooses just that moment to jump back. Lu catches a handful of shirt and yanks, the sound of the ripping fabric seems to carry over the sound of the wind. Ky's momentum carries her forward as the seams of the fabric give out. Within moments, Ky stands shirtless in front of a startled Lu who is still clutching the shirt.

[fistandantilus4....]

Kyla's face sets, her mind focues. She lunges forward. Never one to be out done Kyla puts all of her efforts in to this one all important task. All of her years of warrior training go in to her one objective. It is not over until Luthielien's shirt is torn to shreds.

The crew is victorious.

[Lady Door]

*** Sometime Later ***

Having finally found a decent shirt to wear, Lu soon finds herself back on the deck of the swiftly flying ship. It appears that for the most part, the men have this time of the evening to themselves and most lounge around playing games, telling stories or bragging. Most of the time they do all three at once.
Looking for Ky, Lu spots her talking to a tall, handsome elven man. Rolling her eyes, Lu looks for a spot to perch out of the wind, finally settling on a length of coiled rope at the bow of the ship.
Watching everyone aboard the ship, Lu sighs. It seems so easy for Ky to make friends. Look at her. The only friend I've ever made was a 16 year old boy that only hung around because I paid him to do so. *sigh*
Determined to speak to someone, Lu looks up and around. Looking for anyone that might be able to spare time for some kind of civilized conversation. After a few moments of watching the men belch, throw knives and discuss sexual technique, Lu decides that maybe "civilized" conversation might be setting the bar a little too high.

[fistandantilus4....]

You seem disctracted. Something troubling you?

Turning around, Captain Jonthen was standing against the rail, watching Lu.

I came to apologize for earlier. Your sister paid me an extra 5 silver to along with her little joke. We were goign to tell you after we waited to see how you would react. Unfortunately the little display apparently shot all of that from her mind. Frankly, mine as well.

You and your sister are employed on the Cloud Leaper as Warriors, to fight along the crew against any enemy we face, until the time you are discharged in Kratas. Althouh after today's display I'd very much wish that you were my personal.... servers... that unfortunately isn't the case.

If you are still willing to serve on this ship, I would have your word now that you will serve. I in turn will make sure the crew stops talking about today's ... incident. They are already aware of your true purpose aboard. Are we agreed?

[Lady Door]

Smiling, Lu takes in the Captain's words.
Yes, Captain, I agree with pleasure. Do not worry about earlier. These things tend to happen with Ky and I. Blushing as she realizes how that sounds, Lu attempts to backtrack I mean, we tend to play jokes like that on each other. Being trained as a Warrior from such an early age, Ky and I soon learned that humor was really the only way we were going to make it through sane.
So, Captain, if you don't mind and it doesn't take up too much of your time, I was wondering if you could tell me a little about Kratas.

[fistandantilus4....]

Well, Kratas is certainly well named. It's essentially a city that was established as a Citadel before the Scourge, and fell. WHen the world awakened, they found Kratas destroyed. t became a haven for those that had no other place to go. Most of it's buildings were still in tact after all, the land around it was relatively fertile. It had been a wealthy and rosperous city.

What it became though was a den for thieves and brigands. The city was always full of battles between warlords in the city. Just glorified gangs really. no one really had the power to hang on to any one part. until Gartlthik One-Eye came along. Garlthik is a legendary Thief.That ork can steal anything. Your coin, a kiss, the very breath. Heard tale he once stole a lodies virginity, and she never even noticed.

..... Not sure if that's really an acomplishment or not now that I think on it.

Anywya, Garlthik has controlled most of Krats for the last 10 years or so. He should be getting old now, but he hasn't lost his grip yet. Controls the city through the Force of the Eye, his gang, if it can even be called that any more. His biggest competitor right now is some blood elf, banished form the Wood, if you can believe it.

Anyway, we don't spend much time in the ciyt it's self. Mostly we just unload cargo, try and get what deals we can, and move on. Kratas isn't much if a place to remain for long if you're not a thief. Even pirates don't do more than pass through.

Anyway, I've taken enough of your time for now. Enjoy the day. This is your first time in the air, you should really see the air for the first time. Oh, and if you still want to, feel free to meet me in my cabins tonight for dinner.

And do something about that shirt. We don't care much for 'decent' clothing aboard Cloud Leaper.

The captiain gave Lu a wink and went back to shouting at his men. They seemed to take it as a great joke.

[Lady Door]

Laughing, Lu stood and made her way around the men lounging on deck. Going downstairs, Lu went into her cabin. Looking into the mirror, Lu turned this way and that, evaluating her image in the mirror. The shirt she wore was baggy, hanging from her slight frame and hiding every contour she had.
Hmmm.. maybe I should be more daring. Passions know, I can't fight in this.Lu gathered the extra fabric in hand and tugged.
Inspiration struck, and Lu pulled her sewing kit from her bag. For the next hour and a half, she worked. When she was finished, the shirt was now a vest. The sleeves were gone, instead being used as a second layer of the vest. The ties that held the shirt together now laced all the way up the front. The collar of the shirt still remained, though now it was cut to angle down and form a deep V in front.
Eyeing herself critically, Lu was pleased. She felt a little brazen but definitely pleased. From somewhere up above her, Lu could hear the chime of the dinner bell.
Well nothing for it now, time to see what everyone thinks.
Smiling, Lu headed out the door and up onto the deck.

[fistandantilus4....]

Well now, that is quite a change from , well from wearing nothing at all.
..... Not sure which I prefer really...

Looking dow nthe ship's hall as she left her quarteres, Luthielien saw an elf man regarding her from his own door way. He was tall, with long blond hair worn loose. He wore leather britches with high black boots, a loose white cotton shirt, and a brown vest. He also wore an elegant sword at his side, with a pair of leather gloves set in his belt.

The elf bowed deeply and spoke in Sperethiel I greet you my Lady. I am Lólindir Helyanwë, Swordmaster of the Fifth Circle, at your service. I do apologize for my frankness, but truely you grace this unworth vessel and it's crew with your.... openness.


Lólindir smiled as he stood. He had a very nice smile.

[Lady Door]

Smiling back, Lu bowed, returning the proper gesture. When she answered she spoke in Sperethiel.

You are well met, Swordmaster Helyanwë. I am Luthilien Calaelen, Warrior of the Third Circle, at your service... It is good to hear the elven tongue spoken so elegantly, I've missed it since we left home. And please, do not apologize for your frank words, I find them more to my taste then those with hidden meanings and intrigue. Though, I do hear that your Discipline is famous for both.
He has a really, really nice smile. *sigh*
Are you going above, Journeyman Helyanwë?

[fistandantilus4....]

If that is an invitation, then I would be most honored to lead you Lady Calaelen. And be assured, if it is frankness you crave, it is frankness you shall have. After lunch though I think. There are some things that should never be done on an empty stomach, and I believe frank conversation is one of them, as it can often lead to all manner of physical exertions.

Lólindir lead Luthielien to the galley, joining the crew for lunch. A crew member quickly made room for her next to Kyla, as she elbowed him off the bench.

Lólindir smiled again (that was nice).And this is obviously your sister. Astendar truely knew what she was doing when the two of you graced this Earth. Beauty such as yours could not be properly contained in one vessel, nor fully realized and enjoyed in just one sampling.

Kyla seemed to enjoy the compliment, becuase she was completely ignoring the other men at the moment. The other men had no idea what was happening, as none of them seemed to speak Sperethiel, and so their countenances towards the elf were unsuprisingly harsh.