Lu laughs and dances with the man, then changing partners, then back with the man again.
Suddenly, a strange thought comes to her. If I ever owned my own ship... I think I would call her Revelry in Motion. She laughs and shakes off the thought, still dancing.

The young man is gone, but the revelry continues on long in to the night. Lu dances with partner after partner, even Kyla a few times, and downs drink after drink. The night becomes a beuatiful swirl of exultant revelry.

In the morning, Lu wakes to the sound of a bird chirping. Confused, she sits up and blearily wipes her eyes.
She's still on the deck, as are half the crew. Ky is nowhere to be seen but Lu seems to remember her spending half the night curled up with some burly looking human.. so she's probably somewhere with him.
Lu feels someone stir against her side and looking down sees Vincent's hand curled around her waist. He's still asleep. She smiles down at him and then looks around. Seeing Atherton at the helm, she makes he way to him, stepping gingerly amongst the sleeping crewmen.

Good morning Luthielien. Get any sleep?

I must have. How about you? Lu stands beside Atherton, watching the ground pass underneath them. She runs her fingers through her hair, absentmindedly brushing out the tangles. Going to need to talk to the Captain about borrowing his bath..

A little. I've mostly been concentrating on keeping the two ships together. I'll get some rest when the Captian wakes.

We'll be putting in to Kratas in about 6 hours. I expect we'll stay a week or two, taking on more crew there, as well as off loading a bit of our extra cargo.

May I ask, what are your plans?

Well, Ky and I have business in Kratas itself. We have an ork to find. Then, a little.. treasure hunting, I think. After that, I've decided to return to the ship and try my hand at air sailing. I still have to speak with Ky. I cannot speak for what she will do.

It would be hard to imagine one of you without the other. But it would certainly be a blessing on this ship for you to return. I'm glad that we'll be seeing more of you. Lots to do now, especially with two ships....

Will you be training as an Air Sailor then?

I would like to, if someone on board would see fit to train me. When I first boarded the Cloud Leaper I wanted more then anything to feel the ground beneath my feet again... but, now... I don't want to land. It's a strange feeling, but one I've finally decided to accept. I'm hoping that Ky agrees with me. Sometimes the Longing get so bad... I can't imagine what it would be like without her... Lu trails off, realizing that being an elf, Atherton would be one of the few people on board who would understand the pain of the Longing.

He nods The pain at our loss always seems easier with others of the people around. I did not have many elven friends, and so I took to the skies. The freedom of the open winds fulfills that need for me now.

My family were once courtiers of the Queen, favored by her above all others, especially the women. She showed her favor by gifting the women of my family with hair the shade of hers. When she spurned Throal's aid before the Scourge, my family left... and the 'gift' became a curse. Each female member since has died prematurely, wasted away by the Longing. My father and mother rejoiced when we were born... our hair lighter then other generations. They took it as a sign that we would be spared.
Our Longing is intense but nothing compared to what our mother suffered before she ... before she died. Lu stares out at the horizon, images of the Wood and her mother filling her head. Then she seems to snap out of whatever reverie she had fallen into, and smiles at Atherton.
Maybe your cure for the Longing could be mine as well.

He smiles again. I certainly hope so. I have known a few elves that have taken it upon them selves to restore the Wood. Always their elders tell them to leave the cursed place be, but they never listen. They always go. None of the ones I know have ever returned. I would hate to think of you and your sister falling to that fate.

It's been some time since I've seen someone feel the Longing as strongly as you. Perhaps you only need what I needed: something else to fill your heart.

She smiles at Atherton and nods.
That's what I'm hoping for... you know, it's strange, but for the longest time I wanted to journey to Sereathra and see the City of Spires. To put my name forward as an applicant for the Knights of Crimson Spire... but now, I suppose dreams change.

People do change. Especially up here. When they get this high up, they see not a world of lmitations, but of possibility. They believe that they can achieve more than they ever thought possble on the ground.

Besides, from the scant rumors I have hear, Sereathra fell to the Scourge. I do not know the truth of it, but I have hear od no more tales of Crimson Knights afte the Scourge passed. It's a great loss.

Lu's face falls. It.. fell? The Knights are gone? Lu stumbles back a bit, deathly pale and actually physically reeling from the news.
She sits down on a coil of rope. I would have thought we'd have heard... how could they fall? What hope do we have if the Knights fell? Tears spring to Lu's eyes. It feels as though where joy had once been in her heart now sits a ball of molten lead. She shakes, wrapping her arms around herself.

Athernon ties the wheel off for a moment, putting his arms around her.

The worst is past now. That is the hope we have. The world is ours to remake, rebuild. We have an oppurtunity our ancestors never had. We have hope ahead of us, where they, they had only darkness. Look forward to the light. To many of our people have wallowed in the darkness of our past and been consumed by it Luthielien. Do not be another.

Lu just stares ahead, hearing his words but unable to process them for a moment.
I think.. I.. I just need some time to think, Atherton. Lu gets to her feet uncertainly, and makes her way down to her room. Opening the door, she doesn't see Ky. Still walking on auto-pilot she makes her way to her bed and lies down.
In her head, she can't help but imagine what it must have been like when the Spire fell. How many were killed? What happened? Lu chokes back her tears and a sob. She rolls over, burying her face in her pillow.
For a long time, she just cries.

Lu is awoken later by Kyla.

Hey, sleepy, we're here, we're in Kratas. The ships have landed just out side the city. The Captain said that it's a bad idea to land inside. More chances of someone sneaking on board.

Get your things together, we need to get going.

Lu nods and stands up, running a hand through her hair. Crossing to the bureau she pours some of the water into the washbasin and splashes some on her face. Looking at her reflection, she remembers everything from the night before but remains stoic. Atherton was right. There's no use in crying over what has already happened. The past is the past. The future is here. Lu towels off her face and dresses, surprised again at the weight of the armor after so long spent in the light leathers. She pulls her cloak around her shoulders and fastens it with her brooch.
Fully dressed and armed, pack in hand, she heads up to the deck. Once above, she takes a deep breath of the fresh morning air and is surprised to note that she can tell the difference. She can tell they are within range of the city just by how the air tastes. She smiles slightly.

Lólindir and Ordat are both on deck when Lu and Kyla come up. Ordat is wearing his armor, heavy piece meal, with parts of plat, chain ,and crystal. Lólindir is dressed as he always does, in light flowing fabrics that give him room to move, and extra cloth to dramatically be cut by blades.

Lólindir walks up to greet her with a kiss. We've arrived, and with enough time left in the day to find a semi-decent Inn. I assume we'll be taking lodgins before heading out to find our Lady Warlord?

Lu nods. I'm not sure exactly what we can expect from Kratas, but I think a safe spot to work from would be best.
Turning to face Ordat, Lu smiles. And what of you, Ordat? Where will you go now?

We are bound for the same destination. I had inteded to travel with you. Besides that, I am a Warrior of a higher circle than the two of you. I thought perhaps you may be interested in learning the Talents of the next circle, as you have already demonstrated a complete knowledge of the Talents you now know.

Kyla simply beams.

Lu echoes the smile. Thank you, Ordat. We would be honored to learn from you. The thought of learning a new discipline reminds her of her most recent decision to become an Air Sailor, and how she still hadn't told Ky.
Ky... perhaps before we dock, I could have a word with you?

Kyla laughs and points over the side, at the small, impromptu dock set up, as the ship floats some 40 feet off the ground.

Little late for that sleepy head. What's up?

Well, Ky. After we get the shield, find the gold and return it all to Father... well, I'm not going to stay home. I'm coming back to the Cloud Leaper. I'm going to learn the Way of the Air Sailor. I want you to come with me.

Ok, sounds great.


.... that it?

Lu smiles broadly and wraps her arms around her sister.
That's it? You're not upset? You'll come?

Kyla hugs her back fiercly
Of course I'll come. You think I didn't know what you've been thinking about the last few days? I can't leave my baby sister alone now can I ? Someone might try to take advenatge of you or something She says it with a wink, knowing full well how Lu has begun to eye a few of the sailors.

Besides, who would be your first mate when you Captain your own ship if not me?!

Lu hugs her tighter. I've already been thinking.. if Captain Jonthen gives the 'Maiden over to Athernon to crew.. then he's definitely going to need us. AND with the money we're going to get from the dwarf kaer thing... well, we could buy our own. I want to call it "Revelry in Motion". What do you think?

Sounds a little kinky to me honestly, but you're better with that sort of thing. But if we do get our own ship, we're going to find some of those fire cannon things I've been hearing about. None of this 'flying about trying to catch up so we can hack each other apart like civilized people' crap. Ok?

Deal... as long as we occasionally get to hack each other apart like civilized people. She laughs. Let's get going.
Lu looks over at the crew, scanning for Vincent.

He doesn't appear to be on the deck at the moment. Looking around, she does see him on the deck of the Maiden.

Before getting off of the 'Leaper, she leans over the edge and yells out his name.
Vincent! When he turns, she smiles and blows him a kiss.

He smiles and waves back, then yells Don't be gone to long!Kyla laughs again as she climbs off the airship, down the ladder, again in her full armor, with an additional small parcel on her back.

The swordmaster follows Ordat down, leading Lu. Finding a place shouldn't be too much trouble. Finding accomadations that will house Ordat and still be comfortable, and affordable, might be a bit more of a trick.

The walk through Kratas is a stark realization for Lu and Kyla about the true state of the world. Compared to the majesty and wonder of Travar, Kratas is a sickness, a boil on the land. Everywhere they turn, people eye each other hungrily. The city is over populated and bustling with activity. Hawkers shout their wares as in Travar, but here they seem almost hostile. Beggars line the streets everywhere they go, the buildings look old and worn, refuse lines the alley ways.

A group of children rushes up to the two women, hands out begging for coin or food. As Lu and Kyla both reach for their coins, Lolindril stops them. Thsese are not children beggars, these are only small thieves in training. If you give them coin, they will note how much you have and report it to teir teacher. Then the more seasoned and older thieves, the ones that started just like this, will tail us through the city, and slit our throats for whatever we carry.
The children will go back to their warren tonight, and be fed their. An coin you give them will be handed over to their master, for which they will receive just enough food to sustain them. That way they will have to keep coming back. That is the harsh reality of a city like Kratas. I would suggest that while we are in the city, if either of you leaves your rooms, once we have them, you have myself or Ordat accompany you at all times.

Kyla's face falls as he pushes through the children, his hand holding his purse in one hand, and his kife in the other, for fear of it being stolen. They press on. The swordmaster inquires at a number of more upscale bars. The dining and wine houses seem to be the only places that people take the time to clean. Eventually they're given directions to an Inn called the Griffon.

Lolindril smiles at that, and turns to Lu.In any other city, it would be the "Gilded Griffon". But in Kratas, they'd then have to worry about someone stealing the sign.

Lu laughs weakly, still disturbed by the sight of the children from earlier.
I don't care what it's called. Let's just get inside. Lu keeps her cloak wrapped tight around her, with one hand resting on the hilt of her dagger, out and ready.
Once inside the inn, Lu drops the cowl of her cape and takes a look around.

The entry way and common room are clean enough, with carpeting in some areas instead of just bare wood, clean tables, and a reception area for potential guests. The ceilings are high enough to accomodate Ordat as well, and there does appear to be some troll (and dwarf) sized furniture. Lolindril takes point, bargaining with the "receptionist" over room prices.

Lu half listens while he bargains, anxious to pick up the skill. Her attention though is only half on him as she's also watching the room. Everyone looks suspicious to her, and Lu begins to actually feel a little claustrophobic. She's relieved when Llondir finishes.
In a whisper to Llondir: How much?

Thirty silver a night for each room, two to a room. Each room will have a pair of bathes. Normally it's just one. I got her to make a few concessions. We'll have dinner brought up as well. All in all, not a bad bargain. Here's your room key.

Shall we ladies?
Lolindril hands Lu her room key, and starts up the stairs.

Lu follows him up the stairs, eyeing any of the patrons that seem to pay them more then a casual amount of interest. It doesn't even dawn on her that they may be taking in an interest in the two beautiful elven twins. Even after the time spent on the ship, Lu still doesn't think that way.

The rooms are a welcome treat, especially after the ship. Lolindril was non-specific as to which room Ordat would be in, so he had purchased two rooms wit htroll sized beds. As soon as she saw it, Kyla leapt on to hers, grateful to be off of the tiny cot of the ship at last.

Okay, so Ky and I will take this room. You two can take the room across the hall. Lu pretends to not see the look of disappointment on Llondir's face and tosses her pack down onto the chest at the foot of the bed.
Llondir, how are we going to be on security? Do we need to make sure we have our things with us at all times or can we trust some things to the inn?

I doubt you'll have to worry much about your packs, and certainly not your shileds. Your armor you should wear outside. It will mark you as someone more formidable than most will want to deal with. People look for easy marks, not ones that stab back. Don't leave anything small or valuable lying around though.

Lu can't help but smile at the thought of not worrying about her shield.After all, no one's going to steal a shield... oh, wait... She chuckles to herself and nods.
Seeing Ky sprawled out on the bed, Lu can't help but join her. She smiles at the men and then quickly begins doffing her armor.
I don't know about you two, but I'm going to take off my armor, lie down on this nice comfy not a cot and then have dinner. Feel free to join me... well, on your beds that is. Lu winks.

Lolindril, heading for her bed, stops where he is, and looks dissapointed for a moment, then turns around and walks out, closing the door behind him.

Kyla bursts out in laughter, letting out what she could barely contain while he was still in the room.

Lu smiles at Ky and calls Llondir back, getting up to chase after him. I was kidding.. please, come back. Have dinner with us.
She smiles at him hopefully.

Lolindril spins, cathching her ff gaurd, grabs her, and dips her low, kissing her deeply as he does. After a good thirty seconds he stands her back up, then bows deeply with a flourish.We would be honored my Lady.

Ordat hrumphsI will never understand elves and their comfortability with such casual closeness. Do you even know which one she is?

Lolinrdil smiles. Why of course I do my large friend. This is Luthielien. Kylathian uses more tongue, Luthielien moans louder. He smiles beautifully at Lu.

Ordat just shakes his head.Thank you for proving my point.

Kyla laughs again, The elven way of love and passion is not hard to understand Ordat. We take what partners we will, enjoying the passion we share. If nothing else, it is a learning experience that one can take to a marriage later. Who would want a husband or wife that had absolutely no experience in the ways of love?!

Lu ponders this for a moment and then nods.
I wonder, Ordat, how you tell us apart?

By the way you speak. I had heard from others of my people that all elves look the same. I had thought that they simply did not pay attention. But now that I have met more elves, especially you two, you truely do all look the same. So I listen.

Kyla laughs again.

Lu smiles and moves to link her arm with Ordat's. She moves inside with him, moving out of the way so he can step through the doorway.
So, did they say when they wouuld be bringing up dinner?