Lu takes a flying leap off the side of the ship. The first second is exhilirating. Then she looks down. Her stomach leaps in to her throat as she falls straight at the ground below. No way she can survive, and only a bunch of wound together threads keeping her from that fate! idiot!

She falls fast, the wind whipping through her hair. Then the rope catches, and she starts to swing. She sees the bottom of the air ship!

How in the hell does that thing stay up there anyway?

Briefly Lu wonders how she can be wondering that while she's swinging to her doom.

Then she's swing ing upward. Almost instinctively she twists her body, giving her more momentum. She grabs the rope with her hands and pulls t okeep her self swinging the right way. With another lurch, the rope goes slack....

Then she falls...

and plops on the deck.

There's a cheer from the sailors as she lands on the deck, Vincentruns over to where she landed.

See! Nothing to it! Wanna try again?

Exhilirated, Lu just smiles from ear to ear, hugging Vincent and kissing him passionately...
Oh, Yes!
If Ky could see me now!

Vincent, completely shocked, just stands there for a moment. But , being a sailor, he recovers quickly and makes the most of the short moment.

Alright, well, since the ropes aroudn this way, ti's easyy, jsut get a running start, and jump the other way.

He checks the harness, taking his time to make sure all the knots are tight still and that nothing ahs sliped ot of place. Once he's .... satisfied, he gives her the go ahead.

Still feeling that rush, Lu nods. Running, she leaps again.. .

Dexterity Test

Swinging back around, Lu has the chance to enjoy the rush this time around. The stomach swalloing feeling of weightlessness, evertyhing crashing down, the wind howling, the swing, the flying upward, and then dropping back to the ship. Almost too quickly it's over, and she's back on the ship, feeling wildly exhilerated. She pants for breath as crew men rush over to her. At elast this time she landed on her feet.

I can't believe people do this! How do you stop? It's amazing! How can you even bear to land?Lu laughs, her eyes wild with delight.
Grabbing Vincent's arms, she spins him in a circle.
Show me something else... show me something else you do. Lu's eyes cast around for something to try, finally settling on the rigging lines.
Show me how to do that!Lu points.

I was just going to. Uhhh... most of the men don't wear shirts because it can get caught in the lines or a pulley, but worst, it catches the wind. Maybe you should change in to something .. tigheter first?

He had the decency to look embarassed at least. He had a point, that was true enough, but he didn't have to look so excited about it.

I think I have something that will work. I'll be right back... Don't go anywhere.Lu practically flew down the stairs and into her room. Going through her bags she finally found what she was looking for. It was a thin leather halter style top with thongs that wrapped around her waist. Ky had a matching one, they often wore them to practice as it gave them complete freedom of movement. Donning it, she hurried back upstairs.
Will this do?

Vincent smiled Yeah that'll do. Come on!

A practiced sailor, he scurried up the rigging lines. p the main netting was simple enough. Just like a ladder that bounced .... 5,000 feet off the groung. He showed her how to climb through it quickly, and then went out on to the main mast. He showed her which lines to hold, which knots would stay, how to move your legs to walk comforably. Soon the pair were standing on one of the battons, a rope one hand, staring out in to forever. She could see for days, literally, as the groudn they covered and coudl see acros would take days to cross. To the East lay the great Servos Jungle, a great green swathe. It stuck out to the morth as well, with mountain tips far in the distance.The south was the great storm clouds of the Mist swamps, and she knew, Death's Sea. Up here was true freedom in the world.

Lu sighed, her eyes scanning the horizon.
Vincent, how do you ever even come down? It's beautiful. It's so... free. I feel like there's nothing I couldn't do.
I feel like I'm on the edge of some truth up here. Like there's more to this world then all I've seen, there's more to this world then I've been taught. I don't know what it is I'm feeling, but I feel like it's something big, something more then me.
Lu's arms ache from all the climbing and swinging, but she can't seem to make herself want to go back down.

Getting down's the eay part. It's staying up that's hard. Your body just gets too tired after a while. It's best to go down before that happens. otherwise a a high wind can hit you just when your hand isn't gripped enough, or to tired, and that's it.

Come on, we should head down. You're not used to this yet. We'll come up again later.

Reluctantly, Lu nods and begins the climb down. When she finally reaches the deck, she hugs Vincent.
Thank you. That was amazing. I would have never thought I could do something like that.

Yeah, well, falling is the easy part. come one, let's get something to drink. And get some water on your hands so they dn't blister too much.

The rest of the day passes with various crew member showing Lu the tricks of the trade. Kyla accompanies her, genuinely interested. The crew seems to have certainly warmed to the pair. The swordmaster isn't seen as much however, while Ordet stays on deck, watching Lu.

Lu, noticing Ordat watching, scrambles down the rope she's currently swinging on.
Walking over to him, she smiles.
Vo'harr, Ordat.

Vo' arr Luthielien. You learn quickly. You elves pronounce your "H's" to ostrongly for smooth trollic, but that is all right. You seem to be enjoying your self. Maybe you should go to a troll clan to learn to be a sky raider.

I am enjoying myself. Things are different here in a way that I didn't expect. I'm enjoying the freedom. A sky raider? I can see it. Lu smiles and moves closer to Ordat.
Are you enjoying the journey?

I am.. more so now. I am hoping for some battle though. It is strange for me to be in the air for so long and not smell blood. I do hope they plan to raid something soon.

Why did you expect something different? Or I should say, what did you expect?

And would you like to be a sky raider?There have been a few elf raiders, in other clans. They are very rare, but they are usually well respected, because they have earned it.

It is not something I have ever considered. Within my family, my people, we follow the way of the Sa' mistishsa. Within the Way, you follow only one discipline at a time. It is believed that by following only one discipline at a time and progressing through the ascribed disciplines that we ascend through our path with a higher knowledge of all things. Right now, I am following the Way of the Mes ti'Meraerthsa or the Way of the Warrior.
It is what has been done for as long as I can remember. It is just that since leaving home and seeing more of what the world offers, I have wondered if the way I have learned has limited us. Has confined us within our traditions.
Lu laughs. Listen to me, I am even speaking of philosophy, something a Warrior does not have time for. Perhaps, I am a different kind of Warrior then...For a moment, Lu seems lost in thought before smiling and continuing.
To answer your question; I don't know. The idea of earning the right to be called Sky Raider is thrilling. But, I must temper the idea with the knowledge that such a departure from my path would divide me from my Father and my family.
Lu's face is troubled. In her eyes, it's as if a sadness settles.

By honoring your father's wishes, you show great honor to your family. Within troll culture, the three great honors are the honor of self, family , and clan. If I were to suggest you become a sky raider, knowign what I now know, I would be insulting your family honor. I apologize for suggesting otherwise before. Perhaps, after you finissh your path.

But do not trouble your self for being a philosophical warrior. A warrior who does not think will not be a warrior, or living for long. A Warrior must think on such things , such as why he fights. The Why is as important as the Who. The Where and When are not what matters in a battle, although many young warriors seem to think it is everything.

KNow they Why. Know the Who. Then when you learn those, you can move on to the How, Where, and When. These five great questions are the secret to winning a battle, but they must be asked and addressed in this order if the Warrior is to be vistorious. Other wise he is not a warrior, only a killer. That is what seperates a Warrior from a name Giver holding a sharpened piece of metal.

Thank you for your wisdom, Ordat. Lu smiles but it doesn't quite reach her eyes.
He's right. The three great honors.. honor your parents. What have I been thinking? Giving up my path just because of one flight on an airship? What's wrong with me? But, still... stop it.
Ordat, it has been a while since I have had the opportunity to practice my skills. May I borrow your cabin? You have more room then I do.

Of course, although truely it is not mine to give. It is the captains. You may have better room for your blade on the deck. If you remember, there is not quite so much room in the hold for wide sweeps.

Distracted, Lu just nods.
I'll wait until later. Thank you.Lu turns and heads downstairs, heading for her cabin.

Ordat looks confused but says nothing.

Back in her cabin, Lu lies out on her bed. Her thoughts are chaotic. Staring out the porthole, Lu can't help but wonder if this is part of it all. The wondering, the discovery, if this is all supposed to test her. The thoughts carry her through long into the evening.

Sometime after dark, kyla comes in to the cabin.

You looked upset. I thought I'd give you some time , but you've been down here a while. What's up Lu

I've just been thinking, Ky. Don't worry about me. How are things above?
Lu sits up and swings her legs over the edge of the bed.

Well we're in a boat, and we're somethnig like 10,000 feet off the ground. And somehow we're still up here. You know, I can't help but wonder how we get down....

So what's bugging you?

I've just been thinking about the way things are. How our lives are so defined. We'll be Warriors, then Elementalists, Troubadours.. I mean, it's all already there. Our lives have so little mystery. There are so many disciplines, so many different ways of life. Why do we have to be so confined?
I guess it's just been wearing on me. I'll be fine. Just give me some time, all right?
Lu smiles and gets up.
Should we go get a seat at the table before dinner?

Alright, but let me know if you decide you want to talk about it.

The twins head up to the galley, and get some food. Dinner is always a boisterous affair, but Lu remains quiet for most of it.


That night there's a rap at the door that awakens Lu.

Lady Luthielien, It is Lólindir. Are you awake?

Looking over at Ky's sleeping form, Lu gets up, wrapping the sheet around her. Going to the door, she opens it and slips outside.
What is it, Lólindir? Is everything all right?

To an extent I suppose. Nothing is wrong. I was hoping for your company. Give me you answer, then I shall let you know if everything is all right.

Lu smiles and nods.
I would be happy to share company with you, Swordmaster. Should we take this to your room? Mine is taken.

Of course.

He smiels, and leads Lu down the hall.

The morning is a bit warmer with someone beside her. The morning light is comign through the window. Well, hopefully it's still morning.

Up on deck once she's dressed, Lu sees that they day is indeed a bit later than she thought. Not too much though. Kyla is already on deck, and waves. Ordat is on deck, as Caprian jonthen, Athernon, and of course, Vincent, up in the rigging.

Looking out over the side, Lu sees green. The ship is above the last point of the Servos jungle . Only a few more days on the ship.

Lu sighs and smiles, turning to face the Captain.
Well Captain, another day closer to ridding yourselves of the twins Calaelen. Soon enough for you?

Hardly. I'd keep you two aboard if I could. Some fools thikn women on a ship is bad. Fool superstition, or for sailors stuck at sea you ask me. if nothing else, you're a wonder for morale. And quite a sight better to look at than the restof the crew. I only hope that we have no need for your true skills.

Well, thank you for that, Captain. So, when are you and I going to have this dinner you keep talking about?Lu winks, holding onto a piece of rigging.

Captain Jonthen smiles I thought I'd wait for you to take me up on the offer first. You don't put the net out for the fish until it bites at the bait after all. Tonight then. It would be my pleasure.

Most of the day passes slowly. As the winds do not blow as stronly over the great Servos Jungle, the ship ambles along it's course. The weather is hot and humid here. Most of the sailors are again wearing mostly just pants or shorts, and seeming quite comfortable.

Around three in the afternoon, the look out gives a shout. Sailors look up to see where he's pointing, which turns out to be down. Running over to the sides of the ship, the crewmen start shouting for arms to be taken.

Kyla runs over to the edge, and looks back at Lu It looks like dragons Lu! Three of them!

Athernon shakes his head as he runs by.Not dragons, wyverns. No fire or spells, but they've got poison and claws!

Athernon runs past them, opening a locked cabinet against the aft castle. Inside are a large number of spears . he moves to the next three cabinets, opening them to reveal bows, swords, and shields. men race across the decks arming them selves. Lólindir comes on deck a moment later, sword already in hand.

Finally!Lu quickly draws her sword and takes another look over the railing. Seeing the wyverns closing in, she searches for Ky and takes a battle stance at her back.

Jonthen shouts to his crew They'll come at three sides, coming in with feints, like wolves! Bowmen to the center, spear men, support the swords! Don't let them land on the deck! Support each other so no one gets pulled off!

He has his sword in hand, while he shouts out positions for his crew to take up. Ordat steps in beside the twins. He is holding his great sword one handed, a spear in the other.

We should aling against one. We are adepts, and less liekly to be taken down in a single swipe. that will leave more crewmen to handle the other two.

He moves forward, and begins clearing crewmen from one side, makng a tempting lone target for the wyverns. A number of bows twang as the great beasts swoop up the side of the sip. One over eager bowman leans over the rail to get a shot at one, and is picked up in the wyvern's claws as it swoops p the side of the ship. He screams horribly as the claws impale him, then let him go, to be devoured later on the ground.

Bows contine twanging until the first volley is fored. The wyverns come in, one headed straight at Ordat.

initiative 15

Initiative = 9

The wyvern comes in claws slashing at Ordat, scoring hits . A long slice across the chest, and another on his arm. The troll roars in response and stabs in with the spear. The troll stabs forward, the spear slamming in to the beast beneath the wing joint. It sreams and tries to flap away, but the troll holds it with the barbed spear.

As the wyvern's claws score Ordat's skin, Luthielien thrusts up and in, cutting into the wyvern.

Melee Weapons

Attack Damage

Luthielien scores a hit at a leg joint, managing to cut inbetween the armored scales. Kylathien comes up next on the beats's flanks, stabbing at it's baack, driving her blade in deep. The beast screams in rage and pain.

Initiative 12

Seeing the beast floundering in pain, Luthilien attempts to strike again.

Initiative: 10

The wyvern slashes out at Ordat, who manages to hold it at bay wth the spear. Lu comes in for the strike,when out of nowhere, something slices acorss her leg, deeply. The wyverns tail pulls back, dripping black venom and blood.


Kyla slashes out with her sword, trying to buy Lu some time to recover, The wyvern, injured but not defeated, slips past the blade.

Reeling from the slice in her leg, Luthilien swings her sword high and hard.

Melee Weapons


Broadsword Damage

Intitiative 13

Initiative: 1

Attempt to Avoid Blow

The syvern continues to slash madly at Ordat, who's doing everything he can jsut to hodl it in place for the elf warriors to cut it down. Again, the tail darts in, cutting a deep slash, this time across Lu's shoulder .



There's a shriek to Lu's right, she turns , as a second wyvern barrels past the sailors, coming to aid it's fellow. One of the sailors jump in it's way and sets his spear against the ship boards

The wyverns own momentum drives it on to the spear, even through it's armored hide. The spear digs in deep, and the wyvern shrieks. It lases out with it's tail . The sailor dodges to the side, the tail slashing a thin slice from his arm.

Kyla comes in to aid her sisteer, slashing at the tail


Kyla's keen blade cuts a large slice from the wyverns darting tail. It's bleeding heavily, but still vicious in its death throes. The second wyvern is thrashing madly at the man holding it back with his spear.

Luthilien can feel the poison racing through her system, without some kind of aid she'll soon fall. Concentrating, she focuses on staying strong, remaining rooted as the tree. Her skin begins to harden.
Wood Skin