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Hidden 4 yrs ago 4 yrs ago Post by PapiTan
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CYGNA HALL | LITOR'S OFFICE | 18, 1Sm; 844


Cygna had been bustling with news the past two weeks, and for good reason. The Fornacis, former champion of the sky, ship of the mighty crew that struck Ysir down where it stood four years prior, was preparing to set sail after years of silence. Four years of turning into nothing more than a whisper on the wind, and it was seeking members to join its ranks for what was certain to be another venture that would take center stage in the world. Between the sudden throngs of people that would try to steal a glimpse of the preparations taking place on the ship and the influx of paperwork submitted to Cygna Hall for fresh-faced recruits to try their hand at joining the crew, Litor couldn't say that xe'd been given much breathing room.

Xe almost wished that rejoining the crew were more of an option, but taking the mantle of Izma's keeper meant sacrificing those kinds of wishful fantasies. Regretful as it were.

The leader leaned back in xir seat, eyes set on the ceiling after too many hours of looking at scribbled script and fine print. The dream had kept Keeper Rumatin from much sleep as of late, anxieties of experiencing it a second time pressing on the mage every time xe tried. Fatigue was starting to take its toll in the form of a throbbing headache and a veil of exhaustion.

"I really should have expected them to make a scene by simply showing their faces..." Litor couldn't help but smile fondly to xirself. Despite it all, the Fornacis was still home to good memories. Slender fingers flipped through the completed paperwork absentmindedly, their contents already long since memorized. Permits, request forms, confirmations. It had taken the better part of the week after Delphini had sent word to xir, but things were all in order for a trip to Lucidia. The skies were easy, the trip short--a good first trip to check for supplies that were hard to come by. A good first trip to see how many of their new crew members could handle being on the ship, and even better to see how many of the old could remember what it was like to be in a crew long dormant.

Litor would probably have done the same thing, had xe been in Delphini's shoes--but then again, xe was certain that there was a level of sentimental value that the taruva was denying in his decision.

"Well, there are worse ideas than borrowing a few pages from Xander's book."

Delphini would owe xir big time for this.


THE FORNACIS | OBSERVATION DECK | 20, 1Sm; 844


For the first time in four years, the Fornacis's engines came to life amid a gathering of empyreans eager to catch a glimpse of the ship before it departed on its voyage. Not the usual, dull drone that simply kept it aloft while docked in Cygna, but the full roar that allowed it to carry its heft into the skies. Delphini settled on the outer deck of the Fornacis, the wind a welcome sensation as the airship began to rise through the sky. Weather was favorable for their trip--the first blessing Delphini could say he was given in the past few years. Power coursed through the ship, a sensation that was familiar to the taruva, comforting in comparison to the sheer number of unknowns from the past month.

The new crew members. Lucky's letter. The dream.

He wasn't sure what the other members had made of the dream, but it had felt like a premonition of death for him. When the darkness had encroached on his territory, on his crystal, Delphini thought he might be torn apart at the seams. It kept him on edge, more aware of the presence of the crew on the Fornacis and more aware of how uncertain he was about the journey ahead of them without any of their old leaders and so many new bodies.

But Lucidia was an easy first leg, at least. It was a small island not far beyond the border of Mehrnez, its only civilization a small town of settlers with a penchant for producing top notch tools. It was home to rare herbs too difficult to find, even in a hub like Cygna, with a multitude of purposes and creatures that could be hunted for meat and materials. Xander had always trusted the materials from the island, even with its untamed qualities, and Delphini had every intention of following that faith.

Two days to the island.

He took another breath of the winds he'd abandoned for four years.

It was a good first step.


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Hidden 4 yrs ago Post by Chasers115
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Alix Westwynd


The Fornacis | Main Deck | 20, 1Sm; 844


Hidden 4 yrs ago Post by GreenGoat
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Robert James Morgan
Fornacis' Deck


The heavy thump of his boots upon the wooden deck, the fresh breeze coursing through his hair, the uneven footing as the ship yaws slightly in the wind. The wind seemed to chill his bones, the deck sometimes seemed to be nonexistent, falling far far below him, and the very ship seemed like it was about to throw him off.

But this, he welcomed these feelings, for the skies was where he belonged.

To be grounded was a far worse feeling than this. But for his luck to turn suddenly, to have the opportunity to make a name for himself again... His fortune had not run out yet.

Robert had once thought he'd make a name for himself on that military skyship long ago, but it was naught but a dream so long as he was doing but only the most menial of tasks, patrolling the skies with barely anything to do. After being discharged, the whaling boats were more exciting, the sheer thrill of the hunt, the danger that surrounded such a job that threw them head to head with a monstrous creature. And now, now he would have to see.

Would fame and fortune await, or will that take a bit more coaxing to do?
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LEGENDARY



@banjoanjo | @bubsy 2
THE FORNACIS | CARGO HOLD → KITCHEN | Ravt - 9, 1Sm; 844




DELIVER-ROOD



@Lasrever | @banjoanjo | @bubsy 2
THE FORNACIS | KITCHEN | Halt - 10, 1Sm; 844





LOCK AND KEY



@banjoanjo | @stone
THE FORNACIS | KITCHEN | Halt - 10, 1Sm; 844




SPICY



@banjoanjo | @bubsy 2 | @ERode
THE FORNACIS | KITCHEN | Sky - 11, 1Sm; 844




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Hidden 4 yrs ago 4 yrs ago Post by Snagglepuss89
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Birds of a Feather?

Rhain

Alix

The Deck of the Fornacis






Sips of Pain

Rhain

Kerry

Some Hallway or Something



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FORNACIS | MEDICAL BAY





FORNACIS | MEDICAL BAY


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A Mechanical Opener
THE FORNACIS | ENGINE ROOM



Hidden 4 yrs ago Post by GreenGoat
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Sam, Cain, Robert talk about things.
Mess Hall



Sometimes, the mess hall of the Fornacis was pretty empty, and everyone could sit at a corner of the room, brooding over their meals quietly. This particular time, though, was not the time, and as coincidence would have it, three individuals unlikely to sit together found themselves sharing the same table, the same pitcher of beer. And while lesser men may simply sit awkwardly, content on eating their meal in their corner of the table, Cain was neither lesser nor man. He was a greater superman, and he shirked not from sharing tables with strangers.

"Hey," he said, flashing a lopsided grin. "Name's Cain, who're you guys? Old crew?"

"Name's Robert James Morgan." A slight emphasis on each word of his name. The table shook slightly as his metalic right arm lay upon it, grasping a mug of beer. His voice deep and gravelly, no doubt from alcohol, smoking and bellowing orders. "An old sky dog, but new to the crew. Came to make my fortune, or what little of it I can before I kick the bucket."

Samuel tipped his hat up with a smirk as he got an eyeful of the other two at the table. He adjusted the collar of his leather jacket before speaking up. "Samuel, 'course y'all can call me Sam." He stated right before taking a swig of his beverage. "Been with this crew for a long time, wise choice joining on up; we're a reckless bunch." He chortled while he briefly flashed a crooked smile. "Welcome aboard."

"Thank'ee kindly. I suppose Cain is an old hand hisself?" He sipped at his beer instead, not following Samuel's example.

Cain took a swig of his beverage as well. It was just water though. "No no," he said. "New hire too. Used to work at the Karadez, over in eastern Yuncay. Pretty famous, think we were destined for glorious greatness, even. Alas...the honorable captain could handle the ship, but not his dick."

"Oh?" Sam, keen with interest, took another swig of his drink. "Sounds like you got some stories to share their friend."

"Oh, aye. That certainly sounds intriguing." Taking another sip, Robert pointed a finger at Cain with the hand grasping the mug. "How'd ya lose the ship? Had he a fling with the barmaid there? Heard she be the guard captain's daughter, last I was at port there."

"Pretty sure the ship wasn't ever lost or anything, but the crew...well." Cain grinned, before polishing off his own mug and calling for another. Non-alcoholic, lukewarm water, of course. "As young empyreans are wont to be, the crew of the Karadez had more than its share of beauties, from 'respectably' proportioned humans to 'remarkably' flexible sanyans to 'impressively' sized phuvatas. A treasure trove for the eyes, in a way that gold and barmaids aren't, y'see. And of course, correlations between leaderships and physical attractiveness, as I'm sure our friend Sam can attest to, certainly exist."

Cain paused, and his tone shifted, from relaxed to dark, a voice full of regret and world-weariness.

"My dear, former captain, Marcus Argonis, was certainly an attractive man. He's disarmed as many pirate crews with his charm as with his scimitar, and he's one of the men who I could say literally has a barmaid in every town. But on Karadez, his eyes were meant only for one: his fiancee." A sigh, a shake of his head. "He always kept his fiancee's identity a secret, of course, and damn did he not do it well. No matter how drunk we got him, he'd always make up some description to get us off his back, throw us off the trail. Terribly frustrating, at the time."

"Turns out though, that was the truth. What we didn't realize was that Marcus had courted not one, not two, not even fucking three. But somehow got his hands on a whole three-quarters of the fairer sex aboard the Karadez, with full knowledge of pre-existing relationships and even marriages. It was a hell of a scandal, but while it certainly lit the flame in the powder keg, it also shed light on an entire network of illict, clandestine trysts and relationships that crisscrossed more densely than a spider's web!"

At this, the minstrel took another sip.

"It was a bloodbath that I care not to remember. Friend turned to foes. Brothers by bond turned to brothers by hole. The emotional carnage wrought upon the ship was greater than anything that the beasts of the sky have done before, and in the aftermath, there was not a single person aboard the ship who could look another in the eye. Perhaps if we had been more mature, we could have talked it out. But we were a young crew. It was easier just to go our separate ways, than continue to air out our humiliations and dirty laundry."

"And thus ends my tale of woe," Cain concluded, with a melodic exhalation. "What dreary fate has lead you to this crew, dear Samuel?"

Sam nodded to attest to that, and listened to the story with interest. "My, well that is something." He chuckled. "Dreary? No friend, I sought this on my own. Back in my better years, I was a rancher. Most 'adventure' on my home island was just making sure the cattle kept in line and the occassional beast or bandit didn't cause trouble. It was dull, and I wanted more." He paused to refill his drink, taking out his own bottle of liquor from his side to pour into. "Though I will say, life as a rancher wasn't much easier. Met a nasty bear once, gave me this scar." He pointed to his right cheek that bore a claw-mark. "Fucker was twice the size of my horse, but I got it between the eyes with my side-arm." He boasted.

"Gahaha~!" Robert took a drink, listening to their tales. "Won't blame the poor bastard from legging it. Scorned women can be more terrifying than facing down a gun at ten paces."

Taking in a bit to take in Sam's tale, he raised his mug at Sam, nodding a little bit. "Aye them beasts can be a terrifying. Takes a whole lotta shot, more than one might think. Better than fighting pirates though. Beasts'll rend ye then eat ye; those unsavoury bunch will take every little bit from you, burn the rest, then have fun with your screaming body before throwing you overboard into the deep blue sky."

He seemed deep in contemplation at that, silent for the moment.

"Sounds like you've got quite the tale too, Robert." Cain flagged down one of the bartenders for another round of drinks. "Care to tell, or shall we all get a little deeper into our mugs first?"

"Why not both? Story goes great with ale. Going 'round the table, Robert, lets hear a tale on your end."

Finishing his own mug and gladly accepting the next one, Robert took another swig, pausing dramatically for effect. "Tis an old story, but one I'll always remember." Reaching into his overcoat, he pulled out a pistol butt first onto the table. It was an old gun, looking nicked, weathered, but still well maintained. It was a single shooter, taking some time to charge up between shots, but those who were familiar with these sorts of weapons knows it has a powerful punch due to that. "This pistol was taken from the very hands of the Dread Pirate himself, the captain of the Red Mary. As to how I got it..."

He leaned forwards onto the table, an intense look upon his face. "We was hunting for skywhales near Crinvellis, a small port'n the south of Araceli. Captain Hookman heard from a skifter there he spotted a great beast floating near the Belt, wellfed and studded with all sorta minerals. We raised anchors immediately, our engines sputtering in the fresh air. Too fresh. I recall telling my Captain 'Captain, I don't like the smell of the breeze. Me'thinks theres a storm a'brewing.'"

"Course, a storm was nothing new to whalers, but I'd a bad feeling about it this time. I made sure to mention that to the Captain, and he looked me straight in the eye and said 'Robert, this is the big one. We catch this one and everyone here can go home a rich man.' I didn't say much else fter that; bad luck to speak of accidents and incidents afore a hunt. But, when we finally found the beast, the storm was already hitting us, windfronts strong enough to throw one overboard and yaw the ship, the wind currents wild and unpredictable. Aye, twas only through my experience that I managed to even keep the ship straight."

"But we saw it," He gestured to emphasize his words, trying to convey its side. "The largest beast you'd ever see, back riddled with minerals and the likes, so fat and well fed it was twice the size of our ship from bow to stern. Worth a king's ransom." Robert sighed heavily. "Blinded us so much that I was the only one who noticed the red and black ship emerging from the clouds. The shots roared like thunder, barely did I manage to shout out a warning. I ran to the main deck as they boarded us, and faced down the Dread Pirate himself. His blows were like lightning, and twice as strong. I could barely defend myself, meanwhile the crew was getting cut down around me. He pulled out, this, very pistol, on me," he emphazied every word in that sentence. "but instead of cowering, I rushed him, pulling that pistol out of his grip, fore he kicked me straight in the guts, and shot me with another gun. Afore I know it, I woke up on one of the deserted islands in the Belt, gripping this pistol, and a bloody shoulder."

"Survived there for a few weeks before I made my escape." With one final swig he finished his drink. "Old tale that. Heard the pirate died and brough his entire ship and crew to haunt the skies now."

"A bastard for sure." Cain stroked his beardless chin, before spooning himself a big heap of spiced rice. "Usually the captain goes down with the ship, not the other way around. With any luck, Robert, you'll get your vengeance yet. 'magine killing a ghost with their own gun!"

"Skywhale hunting?" He scoffed. "That illegal aint it? Not that it matters too much here. Still that beast sounds like a fearsome foe, perhaps we might even see it on our voyage." He scoffed.

"F'course it aint! Jest need to find the right ports is all!" Robert shook his mug at the man. "Tis unlikely we'd find the thing ever again. Some drubbin anchor lumpet probably already pegged it and is living like a bloody king on some floating rock. As to shooting the old ghost with its own guns... Well, that might be a hard undertaking."

"Can't be as hard as reaching the ends of the sky and then returning alive, can it?"

"Well since we're a crew now we certainly can help you finish the job eh?" He leaned in forward, offering to clash mugs in cheer. "Looking forward to working with y'all."

With a raucous cry, Robert put his mug up, as they turned to other more trivial talks. It was an interesting crew so far, and Robert had yet to meet the rest. There was something more to be gained on this job after all. Perhaps next he should take a look at the bridge and see what he was working with.
Hidden 4 yrs ago Post by ERode
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Two Normal People Having A Normal Conversation
Outside the Captain's Quarters

It was only just a door– a standard door like any other on the Fornacis. No golden frills, no heralds announcing guest entrances, and certainly no standardized bowing and scraping as one entered. So why was this door the most formidable one Steph had ever encountered?

She dipped her mop back into the bucket. It was the night of the 16th. Most of the other crew had gone to bed. To the left of the hallway, nothing. To the right, also nothing. It was the perfect chance to investigate.

Investigate my ass! She was normally above such crude language, but a few days on the ship surrounded by unruly crewmembers had already sullied her vocabulary, nevermind her mood. The damned door was locked. Locked! What kind of a captain never shows their face to their crew?

It was a mystery all too perplexing. All of a sudden, a cadre of crew members of the legendary ship had come back after complete silence for years with no leader in sight. There was that Taruva, but from what Steph had seen of him, he didn't seem the type to go launching a call to adventure like this. No, the answer had to lie within the captain's chambers. Something, someone had pulled the most powerful Empyrean crew ever to exist back to its home.

"Mmm?"

A voice, from the shadows. Velvety, calm, and yet, unmistakably deadly.

"Whatcha doing there?"

Smooth movements, totally relaxed. A man with hair the color of midnight, and a suit custom-tailored to his proportions. There was a smile on his face, unbothered and unthreatened, and he closed in without causing a single floorboard to creak.

"Lookin' for something, Miss?"

Steph nearly slipped in her own mop water. "Ah! No, nothing at all. I'm just, erm, cleaning the floor!" She hurriedly splashed some more cleaning fluid on the floor, nearly skimming the man's shoes with the soapy fluid.
I didn't hear him approaching at all?

"Cleaning the floor?" The tall man nodded, swaying on his feet. "Industrious, ain'tcha? Trying to get into that room too?"

"N-not at all. I wasn't doing that. Trying to get into the room, I mean. I most certainly am cleaning the floor. Trying to get into the room would be something far above the station of a janitor like me."

"Eh...you don't clean inside rooms?"

"Well... this one's locked. It's bothering me a lot." Steph said. "Oh, um, because of my janitor's soul! I can't stand knowing that there could be dust or grime or dirt on this legendary ship. It simply doesn't do! I've already tried knocking, getting a key, looking for anyone to follow inside, and–" she realized her words and shut her mouth fast.

"Mm, can definitely approve of that self-starting attitudeee." He nodded heavily, arms crossed. "Still, it's too late for you to be working, ain't it? Can't recommend that at all..."

"Hm? Who're you to be questioning my worktimes? It's a manner of pride for me to stay out of sight during the day. Workers must remain stealthy, inconspicuous so as not to disturb their superiors. I learned that from... my mentor."

He smiled, before taking off his hat and bowing slightly.

"I'm the Captain."

A pause. Steph's hurriedly closed jaw dropped.

"Just kidding. Cain Darlite, medic and all. Would rather not have to see you at the medical bay, y'know? Overwork's a killer."

"Ah. That was quite mean-spirited of you. I am Stephanie Erona, janitor. Pleasure." Her expression indicated that it was anything but.
"Do not worry for my health, please. I have trained for years to reach my current state of performance. This is perfectly within my limits. Have you much experience with those of the overworking sort?"

"Sorry, sorry. Thought a joke would lighten things up a bit, y'know? You're looking hella tense after all." Cain laughed. "Seems like everyone's some sort of nightowl, honestly. Just yesterday, I came into the kitchen to see Merry and Nia still going at it. And the head doctor basically doesn't even leave her office."

Another pause, this time more thoughtful.

"What sorta training have you been up to though? Never thought there was anything that'd allow people to work so late without longtime drawbacks."

"Endurance training. Of... the janitor kind. I also sleep during the day. How about you? Surely a doctor has better things to do than slinking about in the late hours of the night. Do you not have any patients to care for?"

"Nocturnal habits, I see. Noted, noted." Definitely noted. Gonna have to add that to the report. What was her name again...Stephie? "And nope, not anymore. Thought I'd walk off the buzz n get some sleep. Anyways, captain's sleeping too, so you'd probably do well to wait till they wake up before cleaning their room, yeah?"

"The captain is... sleeping?" Steph thought for a moment. "Hold on. Who's the captain? Do you mean former captain Branka?"

"Can't be former if she's still alive, y'know?" Cain shrugged. "Old crew's making decisions all Izma-style right now, cause no one wants to replace her."

"I... see. Do you know who called the crew back together, then?"

"The ship, obviously."

"You mean the ship as in the Taruva? Or like, the ship as in the boat itself? Forgive my question, but I'm rather unfamiliar with this sort of abstract speaking."

"They're one and same, are they not?" Cain brushed his magnificent hair back, and began to philosophize. "Soul and body, taruva and boat. We're all just pilots of our own vessels, whether crafted of flesh or wood or stone. When one speaks of your deeds, do they not mean both the intent of your spirit and the motions of your substance?"

"I... what?" Steph blinked. She'd never been one for philosophy, only bothering to go through the minimum motions at the Academy. "I suppose...? Mr. Darlite, thank you for the lesson. I'd never thought of it that way." She did a slight bow– it was only polite to do so after someone taught you something,.

"Oh no, Cain's fine," the slightly-drunk medic chuckled. "Honestly, I should be calling you Miss Stephie or something, considering seniority n all."

"Seniority? Oh, but you are a doctor, strange as you might be, while I am only a janitor. What sort of seniority is this?"

"The seniority of age? And technically, I'm an assistant. Super technically."

"Seniority of age? Why, I-" Steph stopped herself. She'd taken on a fake age for the sake of the mission, saying she was 25 rather than 29, but still... "Hmph. How rude. Were I not a woman of morals, I would put you in your own medicine bay."

"Oh, you too practice the Janitor Arts, capable of crippling a man with a single broom sweep?" Cain raised his hands in mock surrender. "Was jokin' bout the age thing anyhow. I'm like, one year older than you. But formality's just weird anyhow. We're both grunt workers, eh?"

"I suppose. Cain it is, then." Steph frowned. "I'm not specially trained, I simply go through life with adequate protection. Anyone working on a ship should be able to defend themselves."

"You'll be the first one I run to when the pirates start boarding then," Cain winked.

"...I've said too much," Steph murmured to herself. "Erm... it's been a lovely talk, but I think I must be going. Um. Back. Is that what people say? I need to... get to the top deck and clean there. Goodbye!" She grabbed her things and began to leave.

Ah, hold on a minute."

"W-what?" She stopped.

"A tip from one floorsweep to another: clean rooms during midday, cause it's real uncomfortable for a janitor to slip into your room at the dead of night."

With that, Cain dipped his head down in the facsimile of a bow, before disappearing down the hallway, humming a quiet tune.
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Hidden 4 yrs ago 4 yrs ago Post by PapiTan
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LUCIDIA | 22, 1Sm; 844 | ~1100


Lucidia was as vibrant as ever when the ship pulled into the only harbor. Even from a distance, nature had staked its claim on the island. Stretches of green, splashes of glistening blue, and even a mighty mountain with a shimmering peak stood out in the sky. As one of the few islands with a taruva that was… testy, to say the least, Lucidia didn’t have the population to give it many sweeping changes over the years.

The few ships that knew of the island usually brushed that off as part of its charm.

As the Fornacis pulled into the harbor, it was clearer than ever that nothing had changed in the small pocket of civilization since the last visit. No small feat, considering the seven year absence. Buildings had remained unaltered, still standing tall in the same places—even the residents seemed largely the same. Life was idyllic, if one cared enough to watch. There was a sense of safety blanketing the residents. They had never known danger, even with how overwhelming nature seemed from on high. They feared no beasts, no monsters, nothing but the hustle and bustle of their daily life.

Such a calmness was a decided difference from the firm—well, closer to hostile than firm—orders that came from Delphini through the halls of the ship.

“I need you all to find something to do while I make some physical adjustments to the ship.” The tone was harsher than usual, even with the less-than-friendly behavior that the taruva had exhibited toward the crew over the course of their short journey. “And yes, Kerry, that includes you. In case you forgot what happened last time Xander tried to sneak on the ship during adjustments.”

The incident included the former captain being stuck in a room that Delphini had removed entrance to for the sake of expanding one of its neighboring rooms to account for Yulana’s very large, very feral griffin. He had been trapped in the space for almost a full day.

An entire. Earthfiend tainted. Day.

The announcement was followed shortly after by a distinct inability to make use of anything that wasn’t a door, empty rooms locking and entire decks becoming inaccessible as soon as they emptied. Even for the densest and most stubborn of crew members, the message should have been clear:

Get off the ship, unless they wanted to run the risk of getting caught up in the adjustments that Delphini was making on the ship.

But at the least, there was plenty to do on Lucidia. From the stores, to the hunt, to the option to gather herbs, or even simply explore and catch up with friends that had been absent for far too long—there Lucidia was never lacking.


LUCIDIA | FORNACIS MAIN DECK | 22, 1Sm; 844 | ~1500


Delphini lounged on the main deck as he allowed his aura to push through every space of the Fornacis, his eyes shut as he adjusted the once-uniform rooms. Some were easy, left alone for their returning inhabitants, but there hadn’t been many. There weren’t as many as he would have liked, but a distant part of the taruva had to acknowledge an unfortunate truth: Branka had been leagues behind Xander when it came to her ability to unite and lead.

Some, of course, were loyal to no end, but even Delphini couldn’t deny that there had been plenty of reasons for them not to come back.

Every so often, he wondered whether he would have left too, if he’d been given the option.

“You’re still as moody as ever, I see.” One of the residents of Lucidia yawned, her voice pulling Delphini out of his thoughts. The taruva glanced around the area, finding no sign of the intruder and earning a laugh. “Up here, Del.”

He glanced up, the sight of a woman—’Ugh… always with the provocative features…’—floating above the deck catching his attention in an instant. Long, strawberry blonde locks fell past her shoulders, her less-than-modest clothing pulled tight against the surface of her skin. She gave a wave of her hand, slender digits looking entirely too pristine to have ever seen work a day in their lives.

“Didn’t think that you’d be coming by anymore.” The wide grin plastered across the woman’s face spoke volumes of her elation at the presence of the Fornacis. “First time in seven years, and you didn’t even hop off to greet me personally.”

“Since when did Ilaria, the star of victory, ever wait for someone to come to her?” Delphini rolled his eyes as he gave a dismissive wave of his hand. The blonde laughed, but took the movement as an invitation to make her landing. Heeled boots touched down lightly on the deck of the Fornacis, the clink as they made contact more a sign of confidence and authority than physics. Sharp, blue eyes settled on Delphini, skin lightly tanned from exposure to the sun, but unmarked by combat. As usual, she wore tight clothing that hugged to her form, bright colors and little left to the imagination while her proportions…

…well, Xander had always found Ilaria attractive. In his own, bumbling way.

“You always did know me so well. But you could have come anyways. Seven years is a long time, right?”

“Not for us.”

“Hmph, I think it is. You used to come at least a few times a year when…” And Ilaria paused, her confident expression faltering before turning soft. “I am sorry. I heard about your little one.”

“The risks are always high for Empyreans.” Delphini adjusted his weight, rocking back until he was pressed against the railing. “I don’t think he had any regrets, but his successor… she’s always full of them.”

“I’m surprised you picked her. You said she was fragile.” Ilaria chuckled. “But apparently not so fragile that she couldn’t take out Ysir. Where is she, anyways? I got my boys to hunt down some lumiberries to thank her for getting rid of that Earthrotten pain in the ass.”

Delphini didn’t answer, but the tightening of his jaw and the silence was more definitive than any words he could have used.

“…I’m sorry. She was very young too.” Ilaria sighed, tilting her head back to stare at the sky. “…are you sure about this, then?”

“Yeah. We’re starting from scratch.” Delphini cracked the first genuine smile since the start of their little journey, a bemused smirk with a coat of mischief hiding behind the surface. “It’s not like you to be worried, Victory Star. Has your good luck run out?”

Ilaria pouted, her cheeks puffing in a way that didn’t fit with the maturity of her features in the moment.

“Hmph! I’ll have you know it hasn’t!” But the flare subsided as quickly as it came, and Ilaria drifted a few feet into the air, twirling a lock of hair around her finger with a sense of boredom. “It just won’t be the same.”

“I know, but better here than elsewhere.” Delphini ran his own fingers through his hair, pale eyes looking up to his companion. “So, are you up for it?”

Ilaria hummed to herself, a soft smile spreading across her lips as she leaned a weightless elbow on Delphini’s shoulder.

“Of course, dearest little brother of mine. Just give me the word.”


LUCIDIA | 22, 1Sm; 844 | ~1800


The sun had just started its descent, a canvas of colors playing backdrop to the sight of the Fornacis lazily drifting over Lucidia. Nothing out of the ordinary for crew members that had witnessed the process of adjustments before—after all, Delphini was attuned to the massive body in ways that others weren’t. It was much like a stretch before preparing for an extensive exercise—nothing really new.

At least, that was what normally happened.

The ship came to a halt at the summit of Lucidia’s highest mountain. Odd in and of itself, but nothing compared to the sudden sense of life that crackled across the island. An electrified tension blanketed the island, though its abrupt nature didn’t seem to startle any of its humanoid inhabitants. There was no denying that they had noticed, their attention drawn to the mountain for a moment before daily life returned with a surge of whispers.

If anything, they seemed excited at the sudden change.

Perhaps they had every right to be as a titan formed itself from an aura too powerful to belong to anything short of a taruva. The ethereal image of a woman settled at the peak, her expression disinterested as rested a hand on the Fornacis.

“Welcome, Empyreans. I hope you’ve been enjoying yourselves.” There was no malice in her voice, though the pressure of its authority was almost stifling in every syllable. “It’s been such a long time since I’ve seen the ship, and to think it’s gone through not one, but two captains. Really, I almost don’t want to relinquish it again.”

Another pulse of energy, another layer of tension in the air. Ilaria’s figure cradled the Fornacis in its hand for a moment.

“I think you could stand to have a trial or two. All of you, reach my chambers within the week. Leave no member unaccounted for.” It was a task more monumental than the original, but the circumstances were different. Ilaria chuckled to herself. “If you can’t do that, I’m afraid I’ll be keeping little Delphini all to myself—at least until you can manage it.”

She paused, and with a bright tone that resonated over the island, she added a few final thoughts.

“Oh, and do be careful. I don’t intend on making it easy.”

NOTES
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Hidden 4 yrs ago 4 yrs ago Post by stone
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Steph (solo post)


As the weight of the large image's words finally sank in, Stephanie felt her heart sink in her chest.

She's keeping the ship hostage!

That thought alone had her sweating. Mission failure leading to punishment, possibly even exile if her employers were found out afterwards. That would be too much to bear.

She looked up at the lady taruva again. The massive woman was in a lounging position, though she really sat on nothing. Just a projection, then. The taruva gazed lazily at the Fornacis, not really paying attention to the island itself.

Steph looked all around her. Her traveling group was nowhere to be seen–only a stray cat on the street she was on. A mote of panic struck her before a single thought rose in her mind.

I can make use of this situation!

She just had to get to the top of the mountain. Yes, islands like Lucidia were known for having monsters in their untamed wilderness, but thankfully Steph had the foresight to take her twin swords with her off the ship when the crew had disembarked. They were currently wrapped up in a canvas cloth alongside a single broom hanging off a strap on her back. Steph ducked into an alleyway, made sure nobody was watching, then undid the tie and revealed her weapons. She strapped the scabbards to her belt. Their weight provided a familiar comfort she didn't know she needed.

Equipment. She had her swords, some dried rations she'd brought onto the Fornacis, a fire-starting kit, and a mop.

She set the mop carefully against the alleyway wall. The space was silent, save for the caws of a passing crow overhead.

"Thank you for your service. I am sorry to leave you behind, but your presence would only slow me down. May you find good ownership and careful polish for the rest of your years," she whispered to it.

The mop continued its silence. Steph turned away and began to walk to the northern side of the town. She had to leave it before she started getting sentimental.

I can likely travel through the forest faster than anyone else. I'll need breaks every now and then... I can hunt food... rest at...

She estimated a travel time of a little over three days. Maybe less, if she didn't run into much trouble. Even though she had gone through the hardest magic training in the world, Steph still had her limits. She couldn't go at top speed the entire time–she at least needed to keep some energy in reserve for emergencies.

It'll be good to get some exercise in. These past few days have been rough. Nothing to do but clean floors and listen into conversations. I don't think anyone suspects me so far, thankfully.

Steph reached the town outskirts, then uttered a quiet curse. She really was getting so vulgar these days.

Stupid! You forgot to remain stealthy! What if someone saw you just strolling about in broad daylight with your swords on your hips?

She looked around. There were a few people around, but most seemed to pay little attention to her. Thank goodness. She breathed a sigh of relief, then jogged forward into the forest. There was an almost immediate difference from the well-maintained cobbles in town. Tangled roots and high trees greeted her at every juncture. It would be incredibly easy to get lost.

Thankfully, though, Steph would not get lost–not when she had her magic. As soon as she was out of sight of the town, she took a deep breath and activated her Pyxis. A swirl of ethereal golden chains coiled around her person, casting a slight light on the undergrowth around her.

Hello, old friend. I'll be relying on you from now on.

She chained herself to a branch high above, then shot away into the forest.


FOUR HOURS LATER

This. This was what being Special Inquisitor was all about.

Steph couldn't help but let out a small laugh as she soared through the trees. The grassy earth blurred beneath her as she chained herself from branch to branch. Chain, swing, chain, repeat. Each successive swing brought her closer and closer to her goal–the grey mountain ahead.

Still, it was starting to get dark. Steph landed atop a tree slightly taller than its leafy brethren. She gazed out across the forest, just taking it all in. The sun was starting to set on Lucidia, casting an orange-juice glow through a sky dotted by cotton-candy clouds. In the far distance, Steph could just barely make out the cookie-crumb roofs of the town.

Okay, so maybe she needed to eat. Thankfully, she had received some semblance of survival training.

She breathed out slowly, then focused her attention on her surroundings. Meat would be good. She would need to eat it fast, however. Wouldn't want too much trouble arising.

There. A slightly larger cat-like creature. Two golden eyes glowing slightly in the darkness down below the tree. She could barely make out some dark brown fur. It was about the size of a large wolf. Excellent. Steph didn't know its actual name–she hadn't studied biology, after all–but she did know that it was alive and healthy. She drew her swords carefully. Their sharpened blades scraped slightly against their containers.

The cat-thing didn't seem to notice her. She leaned slightly over the branches of the tree, chained herself to a point on its trunk halfway between her and the ground, then kicked off gently from her perch.

She didn't pull herself closer with the chain. Instead, she used it as a rotational axis to redirect her momentum. The rush of wind blew her hair past her face as she plummeted towards the ground, then swung inwards towards the cat-thing.

Unfortunately, she was slightly off the mark. The cat-thing stretched forward right as Steph's outstretched blades made a swing for its neck. The steel still bit into its fur, but the cut was far shallower than she'd anticipated. The cat-thing screeched and jumped forward, alert. Steph landed gracefully on the forest floor behind it.

It was... a lot darker down here than atop the tree. She shivered. A few drops of monster blood dripped off her swords onto the mosses underfoot. The cat-thing turned around, saw its aggressor, then made to flee. It turned tail and dashed away into the trees.

Not today, kitty.

Steph locked the cat-thing onto a nearby tree. A golden chain snapped into existence before wrapping itself around the cat thing and grounding it to a halt. Two more locks. Two more chains. It was fully immobilized now. Steph walked slowly towards the cat-thing. It screeched again, this time a howl of desperation as it realized its inevitable death had been brought closer by the attacker behind it. It bit at its restraints, but to no avail. Its sharp teeth could find no purchase on her magic.

Steph didn't miss the second time.
Hidden 4 yrs ago Post by Lasrever
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