There's no answer to the first knock. A minute after the second, the door opens. Lólindir's is standing there, cald only in hs bed things , which are nothing and nothing. He smiles at Lu.

Do come in. I was a little worried you were going to be one of the sailors. You .. are Luthielien aren't you? It's hard to tell in this light.

Lu smiles and steps inside the room. Dropping her voice to a whisper, she replies
And what if I'm not Luthielien?

He winks and smiles Then you'd better not tell. He steps aside for Lu to walk in.

Uh huh.Lu smiles.
The door closes. It's a good morning.

It's a good morning well in to noon. THen they sleep through most of the day. Lu does notice that Lólindir never says a name. but by his grin, he's probably doing it on purpose.

You enjoying your little game, Lólindir?Lu punches him lightly in the arm and then rolls out of the bed and gets dressed.
Let's go up on deck and get some fresh air and some food. I'm starving!Lu laughs at the expression on Lólindir's face but pulls him up and finishes getting dressed.

Yes, I am. I hope you are as well.

He dresses quickly. As he doesn't wear much, it doesn't take long.

On deck, it seems hotter than yesterday. Most of the sailors have their shirts off. Those that don't are sweating on them heavliy. Lu realizes that she as well is already sweating.

Looking for Ky, Lu wanders the deck, singing softly to herself.

Lu finds Kyla up on the castle. She's wearing one of the loose cotton tees, but tied up to jut under her breasts, with the arms all the way back. Being whit cotton, it leaves very little to the imagination. But it looks like it breathes a lot better than Lu's, suddenly very sstufy feeling, leather vest.

Lu! Can you believe this heat! It's just like the bath houses in the kaer. The sailors say we're getting close to the Mist Swamps, and that it'll get worst the closer we get. They say it's al lthe water from the swamps mixing with the Death;s Sea. Al lthe steam goes way up, up to where we are. You can feel it for miles . It's supposed to be cooler on the ground, but then you'd have to pass the swamps on foot.

Lu is reminded of the tales her aunt used to tell of the Mist Swamps, leaning over the railing, Lu scans the ground eagerly.
Do you suppose we'll see any dragons, Ky?
Suddenly, the ship pitches to the side and Lu remembers her fear all over again.
I..uh, I'm going to go look over here. Walking to the middle of the ship, Lu stands and watches the horizon.

Kyla follows. No, that's why we're going over the swamp. The Captain says that the Servos is home to a number of dragons. And that the Great Dragon Aban doesn't really care for visitors. And to the south is the Death's Sea. So the airships fly through the Mist Swamps instead. It's to hot for most flyers as well. So even though it gets to hot for the crew to do much of anything, it'll be to hot for anything to attack us too.

Lu nods, understanding the reasoning behind the decision.
Still, doesn't leave a lot for us to do, does it? How have you been entertaining yourself?

Not alot to do. So I'm just enjoying the glistneing body. Athernon says that when we get over the swamps, most of the men just completely strip. Everyone just lays down, because the air gets to thick to breathe. No one's supposed to be below decks wither, because without air flow it's too stiffling. We should be in for quite a show.

Oh, wow. Should be interesting. Can you imagine what Father would say if he knew?Lu laughed.

Yeah, well, we'll leave this part of our 'daring adventures' out. You know, like the part where you spent all night and all day in a cabin with a man you just met yesterday. Father's head qoould explode if he knew his fey had been with a man, a swordmaster no less!

The day does indeed get hotter. The men break out water barrels, and put clothes over bowls to catch more water. They say that they sweat so fast, even in the steam they can die from dehydration. Over the next few hours, Lu begins to believe it.

All the men strip down to the waste. After a while, they strip down to their small clothes. As the day wears on, it gets harder and harer to breathe. The sun gets blocked by the clouds of steam.Lu's whole body feels gummy under the clothes. Kyla eventually gives up and simply strips on deck. Suprisginly few of the men pay attention. They're set on making sure the ship is prepared to fly straight and ture, for when they begin to lose conciousness.

Captain Jonthen and Athernon are at the helm, shouting orders as best they can. They've already prepared a rope to tie to the wheel in an effort to keep them on course. Lólindir strips as well .Lu can only enjoy the sweaty man for a while before her head begins to swim. Most of the crew has begun making pallets for them selves on the deck. Lu's whole body feels drawn and worn.

Following the orders of the captain until she feels she can no longer move, Lu goes below, almost passing out from the heat. She manages to come back with a few sheets, helping another sailor limping down the hall.
Back on deck, Lu spreads the sheets out on the deck for her and Ky to lie out on.
Soon, the heat becomes too stifling for even the tiniest of movement. Lu strips completely and lies out on the sheets, panting. She can see the heat radiating off of her body and for a moment she swears she sees faces in the heat waves.

The heat waves wash over Luthielien again and again. The faces continue to appera. Luthielien remember stories of spirits of the air. Perhaps these are such and the heat angers them . Or perhaps her brain is just coming to a slow boil.

Soon her breathing is labored, coming in short gasps. The heat is over whelming. Everything seems to slow to a crawl.

She crawls through the forest. Everything is green and alive and vibrant. Life pulses every where. Vines climb great trees that have grown for centuries. Animals roam the forest. Everything is moist. Everything is pulsing, like a heartbeat. She crawls through the moist soil, coming to a great centenial tree. Something falls and alights on her face. it is a leaf. It's moist where it touched her forehead. Luthielien reaches up to touch the dew spot. When she pulls her hand away, it is bloody.

The tree is bleeding. The bark is not dark from age or shoadwos, but from dark blood slowing rolling down the sides like molasses. She looks down at her naked form crouching on the ground. Her knees are ref, her feet and ankles up to her calves. her arms up to the forearm. The ground is covered n blood. Where her hands leave impressions in the soil, the blood moist soil, blood fills it in like some corrupt rain puddle. The vines and the trees and the animals and her.The thorns. The thorns of the vines and the forest floor have cut her. She feels moist all over. Moist from the blod. She collapeses, then screams again as she realizes she's convered in blood. Blood everywhere! covering her! She wet from it everywhere!

The forest calls to her . Luthielien. Luthielien!

Luthielien! By the passions I thought she'd died.

It takes a moment for Lu to realize what's going on. Captain Jonthen is standing on the deck of the Cloud Leaper. She's lying on the deck. The ground is wet. her body is wet. She's covered in sweat. She's thirsty. So very thirsty.

The captian hands her a large mug, and helps her to sit up. Water. he says. Everything sounds like it's coming second hand.

The sister's awake too now

Somewhere nearby, Lu hears kyla moan.

The captain rubs her fore head as he lays Lu back down on the deck. Rest now. You need rest.

Lu nods weakly. She feels her self drft lightly. Luthielien drifts.

She wakens some time later. It's cooler now, although the sun is up. Kyla is beside her. She's covered by a sheet, and not much else. Athernon is sitting beside her, smoking a pipe.

He notices her eyes are open.
How'd ya' sleep girlie?

What happened? I thought we had landed, there was.. wait, that doesn't make sense, there was blood and there was... oh. I'm all right. I had strange dreams. Is Kyla all right?

Lu touches her sisters brow, frowning at how hot her skin still feels. Taking the mug of water beside her, Lu wets her sisters lips with her fingers, scooping the cool water onto her skin.

She'll be alright. She just had a hard time of it. Us elves often do. Not as hearty as men. I'm just a bit more used to it is all. Your friend is below. Apparently he took exception to me and the lads watering you, pulled out his little sticker. Was actually kind a funny watchin' 'im try ta stand and fight after being so worn. You'll wanna stay down a bit longer. Water yer sister if ya like. It's hard to get an unconsious person to swallow, so we mostly spread the water over yer body. Nothin' ta be embarassed about. Have to do it to a few o' the lads to. We're all mates here mate.

Thank you, Athernon, for everything you and the Captain has done. I had terrible dreams, dreams of thorns and a tree that bled. Lu shudders, lying on her side and drawing her legs up underneath her. It was terrible... we get these dreams more then most, it's our punishment. A gift that was given and became a curse.Lu's words slur a bit as the exhaustion takes her again. She closes her eyes.

Lu awakens to the feel of water on her body. Ordat is sitting next to her. He's clothed again. Slowly the whole exoperience begins to come back . The heat, the thick air, undressing t breath, the sheet, getting lost in the halls...

You're getting better. The sheet is covering you. Do not worry about that. Once it was clear that you would live, I replaced the men watching over you. Being a troll, there is little chance of me trying to take advantage of you. Although I do not think they would try, men can be strange. They have no honor.
Your sister awoke just minutes ago. She went below. Can you stand?

I think I can, Ordat. Thank you. Standing, Lu feels her legs shake for a moment but then remain steady. Clutching at the sheet, Lu tries to wrap it around her.
Have we come out of the Mist Swamps? Where are we now?

Ordat wraps the sheet up around her, and tucks it in to it's self. The friction, and the moistness, holds it in place.

We are past the Mists. It wil lrain soon. Depending on which way the wind blows, there is always rain around he swamps, where the mists cool. Today it is to the north. It makes for very fertile land. I would stay on deck if I were you. it is a very impressive sight. But I will help you below if you are not feeling well.

Wrapping her arm around Ordat's waist, Lu smiles up at the big man.
No, I will stay and watch with you.

Ordat nods. The air is warm now, and slowly grows cooler. The skies darken, and the clouds thicken ahead. Men move about the decks again, most clad only from the waist up. Soon, the wind picks up, blowing in to the sails and speeding the ship along. Then it begins to rain.

It's a warm rain, coming down at an angle while the wind hits from the back. rdet stands as a windbreak so that the wind sweeps aroun Luthielien, sweeping her hair around. The rain comes down thick and fast, but not hard. It doesn't sing. It's like a pleasant spring shower in the fields. The air smells new.

The rain continues for a long time Many of the men stand an enjoy the site and marvel as well in between their work. A few of them stand in the rigging, arms out wide, mouths open to catch the rain. Two men even run around the deck naked, arms wide.

They're celebrating being alive. It is a tradition among my people as well. The Mists are created by melding the living swamp with Death's Sea. Many believe that sometime, the mingling of life and death lets some psirits go free, and they are the ghosts we see in the deep mists. They cannot escape because the mist gives them life. Sos they wait for the Mists to claim anohter life, and take the body for their own. When a ship emerges from the Mists, we celebrate being alive.

When a troll dies, we reutrn to the Earth and the Rock that spawned us. My people believe that the windlings retunred to the air that birthed them as well. Trolls and windlings do not get along very well. I believe that is why we have storms . Angry Windlings.

The celebration continues in it's many forms for hours, as the rain goes on and on, no end in sight. Men contiune to hang from the rigging, daring death and shouting thier joy at life. One man asks Lu to dance.

Lu laughs at Ordat's explanation but then stops short when she sees he's serious. Standing there with the big man, she feels remarkably solid. She can feel what he's saying, she feels alive.
When the man asks her to dance, she bows and accepts. Twirling through the rain, holding her head back letting the rain flow into her mouth and down her skin, she feel jubilant. She smiles and laughs with the man, dancing wildly about the ship.

the man bowes deeply to Lu for the second dance. he stands, pulls the sheet loose, and continues with the dance. It is then she realizes that he is an elf. he was human before. And not one of the sailors she recognizes. He laughs with elight, and continues the wild dance, full of joy and revelry. Luthielien canot help but find it inspiring.

More men join in the dance, some of the shedidng clothing, even throwing things over the side. Sailors revel with wild abandon, full of exhiliration. Only Ordet seems to know let him self completely go.

Dance! Dance for the freedom of your souls! Today you live, like only those who have escaped Death's clutches truely can! The man continues to chant, and sing and dance. The lights of his eyes leap as if filled with an inner fire.

Giving into the spirit of celebration, Lu dances with the man. Smiling and laughing, throwing her head back and singing with the rain. For this moment, this wonderful moment, she is no longer bound by the Wood Longing, or by her fathers oaths, for just this moment she belongs only to herself, and she dances.

The revelry lasts for hours. Kyla joins in at some point, as does Londril. The celebration goes on in to the night, dancing and frollicking. Good drink soon passes among the revelrs. Ale, whiskey, wine, and honey mead are all passed Lu's way and through out the party. The mysterious man is no where to be seen at times, and then returns just as suddenly.

After many long dances, exhilirating kisses, and an interesting bit of being tossed about by the sailors, Luthielien finally collapses from exhaustion, but still filled with life. Captain Jonthen hands her a pint, sits with his arm around her, and proceedsd to drink the night away.

Luthielien awakes to the first light of day.her head is in the Captian's lap where she fell asleep. The Captain is still asleep as well ,as are many of the men. Kylathien is asleep with her head on another sleeping man's stomach. Ordat is awake and watching the skies.

Lu stands and kisses the Captains' sleeping face. Going to Ordat, she stands beside him and without thinking, wraps her arms around his waist again.
Good morning, Ordat. Tell me what you are thinking?

Floranus is a wonderful passion.

It must be wonderful to be able to lay with any person you please. Trolls have less options. I believe few trolls leave the moot homes, because few troll women leave the moot home.

You looked like you very much enjoyed the party. Are you a Questor of Floranus, or do you simply enjoy the revelry? I have heard tales, that the elves often dance like that. I have never seen it before.

I did enjoy the party very much, it's nothing like I've experienced before. No, I am no questor, though after last night, I feel he lives within my soul. Catching part of Ordat's meaning, Lu blushes.
What do you mean, lay with whom ever I please? Did I? Was it? ... oh.Resting her head against Ordat's arm, she watches the sky begin it's gradual ascent into day.
May I ask why you left, Ordat?

I don't know if you did, it would not be my place to watch anyway. I do not understand why you seemed embarrased. Whom you take to your bed or do not is your business and no others. There is nothing embarassing about Passion, or your body. You are a beautiful woman. You should be proud of the gifts Astendar has give you. I was referring to my predicament.

I left because it was time to go. Trolls are made in and of the earth. But like the rock, sometimes a strong wind can up lift us. When it does, we roll, unti lwe find a place to settle.

You are very wise, Ordat. I am blessed to have met you.
Still standing there in the growing light, Lu turns to Ordat and holds her arms out.
Would you dance with me now?

I don't know any elvish dances, but if you lead, I can follow. We are both warriors. I can follow your steps. Ordat takes up position and squares off. For the first time Luthielien takes a good look at him square on. Like some of the others, he is stripped down to his leather britches, tight around his legs after drying in the rain. His muscles are massive. His chest is wide and muscled, his stomach is solid, his arms bigger around than one of her legs. The troll looks down at her, a look of concentration on his face, but a glimmer in his blue eyes.

Taking his hands, Lu begins the dance. A simple dance learned when elves are young, the dance celebrates Jaspree and the coming of spring. Twirling and twisting within his arms, Lu laughs. She picks up the speed as he learns the steps, making the steps more intricate as she goes.
Soon, the dance ends and Lu bows to the troll.
Thank you, Ordat. I enjoyed that immensly.

I did as well. You are a beautiful and graceful dancer. It was a pleasure, thank you.

Pulling him down to her level, Lu pressed her lips to his. The texture of the troll's mouth was so different, her lips stayed for a moment, exploring his. Then she pulled away and looked up at him, unsure if she had overstepped her bounds.

Apparently she had not, because Ordat soon picks her up, kisses her, and carries her inside the ship. It takes a minute to realize that he is carrying her to the hold, which is doubling as his cabin.

Once there, he closes the door again, sets Lu down, and regards her.

Eventually , Ordat takes Lu in her arms again, and carries her , finally exahuasted with the combination of the long night of steam ,and the day's exertions. he takes her in and sets her down in her bed.

Sleep. You will need your strength.

She awaknes later, stil lsoar from the entire day before. Kyla is in the room as well.

The Captian told us to take the day off. Might have had something to do with you falling asleep in his lap. I brought you some food and some of that honey mead. Why don't you eat up. You've had a long day

Looking around, Lu blushes and nods.
Thank you, Ky. How are you feeling?

Tired and soar, proably a lot like you. Not as bad though I'm sure.

AFter a long day of recovery, Lu finally starts feeling recovered. The Mist, the storm, and it's after math all took their toll on her. But as her father says, "what ever doesn;t kill you...."

Wandering abover deck later, Lu stops to watch a few of the sailors practicing a curious game called "hull jumping". Raising an eyebrow, Lu watches as the sailors place bets, tie the rope off and jump... sailing down and below and up and over, landing on the opposite side of the deck.
So, this is the life of an Air Sailor then?Lu laughs.

Vincent smiles up at her from the spot where he 'plopped' in his landing.

You bet. Ain't no better life. Live it as it comes, take what fun you can out of it. Get your fair share of what comes your way. No regrets, no looking back. IT is the best.

Wanna give it a jump?

He holds the rope up meaningfully and grins.

Remembering the night spent dancing with Floranus, Lu smiles. Impulsively, she darts forward and takes the rope.
Show me how.
What are you DOING? Really, what are you doing? This is not a good idea. Really...QUIET!

Vincet unties the rope from himself. It takes a while as it's tied in to a full boady harness. He carefully ties the harness back on to Lu.

The harness ties with the tope at the back, going acrocss the waste and back, under the armpitcs, and through the groin.

He shows you where to start. Run from one side of the ship to another, then jump. Try to get a good angle so tha you swing arond.

Taking a deep breath, Lu backs up to the other side of the deck. From watching the men before she can tell that the best way to jump is to jump while angling your body slightly.
Well, here goes nothing.
Lu takes off running, diving over the rail and angling her body down and slightly to the left.

Dexterity Test

Dexterity Test