As the few slivers of morning sunshine slipped their way past the blinds of one Hydromancer's living quarters, a pair of intermingled bodies began to stir, one more actively than the other. "MMmmhey, don't you have some thing to do today? That thing with the airship...?" One of the bare bodies groggily queried the other, shaking the other awake. The browner, scarred body groaned and rolled towards the awake one. "Couldn't it wait a few more hours?" He asked in between a yawn. His eyes fluttered awake to the sight of this voluptuous long haired water weaver...whose name he couldn't immediately recall. 

"I dunno Joey, you said they approached you personally, right? It's probably important." She replied, sort of underplaying the appearance and relevance of the highly weaponized airship occupying the Academy grounds. Seemed like she knew more about the job than he did. The dusty Earthshaper chuckled, a free finger tracing a nude curve along the girl's body. 

"Why do you sound so right?" He sighed. "I'd rather just stay here all day." The girl took a liking to his words, and ran a hand through his curly locks. "Aww, i'll still be here when you get back~" She cooed. He sat up, meeting her at eye level. "Well, when you put it that way..." He leaned, closing in for a long lock. One of his hands began to explore under the covers. She pulled away ever so slowly. "Mmm, don't get too excited, boulder boy. You should get dressed." Joey smiled a thin grin. "You're right, you're right." He rose out of bed, retrieving clothes scattered about the floor. "You should look into some new clothes. I'm friends with one of the tailors, maybe we can get you fitted for a new robe." The Hydromancer suggested as she watched him dress. 

"Maybe...i've seen some'a the ones you guys wear...I dunno. They look a little thick for my tastes. Gimme ol' shawl any day." He added, draping the article over his shoulders, clasping it together at the front. "I could use a new shirt though. That's a pretty good idea Allison, i'll keep that in mind." He looked back at her with a smile. She, on the other hand, looked as if he'd just insulted her. Which, he kinda did. 

"Who? My name is Alexi, ya kidney stone." She spat. Joey began edging towards the door. "That's what I said, luv. A-Alexi!" 

"Get out of my room." She was fairly close to sending a volley of icicles at his face. Horatio kicked up dust as he made his hasty retreat. 

[hr]

"Where the hell even am I...?" He mumbled as he traversed the many halls of the Academy. Being there only a week hadn't given him much time to really figure out how the place operated. "Shouldn't be too hard to find an exit..." He continued, patting himself down to make sure he had all of his items. 

[i]"Gots me dagger, sack, and..."[/i] Reaching into a pocket, he quickly brandished a singular gold shilling. [i]"Hmph. The things some people just leave out in the open."[/i] He scoffed and grinned as he made the coin dance along his fingers. He remember nicking it from some vagabond roaming through the town he'd been to before reaching the Academy. A weird looking piece unlike any of the local currency. [i]"Wonder how much it'd go for..."[/i] As he thought, the sound of general commotion and loud droning engine noises got his attention. 

Finding the nearest exit, he could easily spot the airship located all the way across the field. He had to squint at the bright sun, mumbling an incomprehensible string of expletives at the time of day. He was almost beginning to regret committing to this job, though as he neared closer to the ship, and his eyes began to adjust to the blinding rays of light, he could notice the small collection of individuals chatting at the ramp. Some old guy and some fine, determined looked females. [i]"And each one a different flavor. Yum."[/i] He let on his most inviting smile as he approached his fellow mages. 

"Ladies, gentlemen. Wonderful day, ain't it?" He interjected the conversation with his own cheery greeting.