Time:10 am Location: Heading towards the Helius-Ironhold Interactions:, Rue [@Potter] Bowyn [@Helo] Equipment: basic travel pack, medical pack, foot soldier armor, foot soldier shield and weapons. 849 Amas Dwarves were a very close knit race. To the outside world they looked like mass produced humanoids with very little difference in their height, build and way dress. Yet, this worked for the benefit of the dwarves. Only true friends and companions would be able to notice the slight differences between the various citizens of Ironhold. This meant that newcomers to the fortified city would be easy to spot and track. Most merchants were either dwarves or the few other races that traded with the Ironholders had developed a working relationship with the inhabitants via a long and slow relationship building. The city itself was slow to change. Buildings were erected in order to stand the test of time. The city had no dilapidated buildings and even new builds were erected quickly and efficiently. Stores were passed down from generation to generation. It was not strange for family names to double as brand names. The customers in markets around Avalia could easily recognize the handiwork of dwarven crafter’s by name. Armor, weapons, metalworks, masonry work etc were the major exports of the dwarven country. Blood sweat and tears were often put into crafting and dwarves did not put their name on anything that was not perfection. Despite the love for consistency and permanence that was the backbone of Dwarven society, innovation was the passion that burned in each of their hearts. It was this reason that marvels such as cannons, steam works and the marvelous flying vehicles know as Hellius had been born. The magnificent marvel rested on the launch platform. The station was efficiently and effectively run. There was no milling crowds. Chaos was not tolerated in dwarven society. Probably why bars and fighting was the only way to relieve stress. Few dwarves had a sense of humor and those that did were often annoyances to the stoic and rowdy race. This was the reason why Arn’s face showed confusion when the white haired male had countered his offer to purchase his and the pretty elf lady’s passage. The young dwarf’s eyebrows met over the bridge of his nose as if conferring with each other as to what the inebriated fairy might have meant. The medic’s eye tried to absorb any and all body language the lad was portraying. His ears strained to detect tone and infliction of the words. What the poor dwarf did not know is that there was such thing in human, elven, or fairy speech that was called sarcasm. [color=00aeef]“Why would it be a pleasure to buy tickets for someone else? Trying to get a favor out of us in return or is throwing amas around a pastime of yours?”[/color] The young soldier replayed what Bowyn said in his mind yet again. Had he offended the fairy by offering to pay? Was there something in fairy culture that prevented one from accepting favors or gifts? Arn did not care much for riches unlike the rest of his kin so he had utilized his military pay only for necessities. The legions had housed, equipped, and fed him for those decades he spent in the service so there as not much he could spend money on. Arn shook his head, confusion still on his face. He figured he should explain his rasoning and answer the questions posed by the white haired lad. [color=0054a6]“Uh..No Mister Bowyn. The intention behind my offer had no ulterior motives. In my culture, you repay one favor or good will with something else. I said it would be my pleasure because I wanted to somehow coax you into truly being my companions….”[/color] He stopped a pensive shadow crossing his face. [color=0054a6] “I guess I did have ulterior motives… My apologies to you both. I did not mean any disrespect. You see, I have never travelled outside the borders of this realm. I figured that you two might have more experience and wanted to leverage that. Also, if I am being completely honest, I did not want to travel completely alone.” [/color]He bowed apologetically to the two winter fairies accepting both of their refusal. [color=00aeef]“If they take issue with Moony joining us, inform them that an angry wolf and two equally annoyed fairies who could freeze certain parts of a Helius that probably shouldn’t be frozen are much more of a problem than one well-behaved wolf aboard a Helius.[/color]” Again a concerned look appeared on the young medic’s face. He did not know why Bowyn would be so aggravated by his suggestion to ask if there would be any issue regarding bringing Moony in the main cabin instead of in the cargo bay. Turning towards the ticket house and the security gate beyond, the dwarf did not see the value of the young fairy’s threat. [color=0054a6]“Well Mister Bowyn, I believe that if you do raise an issue or threat then they will simply not let you into the aircraft and deprive you of the opportunity to carry it out. However, I do not believe the station will have an issue. As you stated, your animal companion seems to be well behaved. I am sure they will that your word and that of Miss Rue at face value. I trust he will not be distressed by the effects of flight?”[/color] Arn brushed his beard as he admitted shyly. [color=0054a6]“If he is, he will not be the only one who dislikes the flight…”[/color] [color=0076a3]”They didn’t have a problem when I arrived here. Why would they have a problem now?”[/color] Arn turned with an apologetic look to the pretty lady. [color=0054a6]“Indeed Miss Rue, but I am afraid that strolling inside the Iron Curtain’s merchant district is a bit different than in an enclosed space while an aircraft is flying high above the ground. I do hope you can see why it is normal to be wary of a creature that is normally wild. However, as I have already said, your companion is much calmer than most dwarves after somebody has spilled their drink.”[/color] The young soldier attempted an awkward smile at as he looked up to the pretty face of the white haired lass but he quickly turned away. With that he turned in the direction of the ticket office. He purchased his own ticket and moved on to allow the other two to do the same. Even the ticketing process was ingenious. The ticket was a thin metal plate with specific dots in specific patterns etched on them. The security gate would not only verify that no suspicious looking people tried to board but also where the travelers presented the ticket into a machine. The machine would read the ticket the same way a musical box is able to play music. If the incorrect metal plate was introduced the door to the platform would not open. The boarding attendants took one look at the wolf and then looking up at the two fairies. Due to Arn wearing his military clothes they looked at him. “They with you?” The medic turned to the fairies slightly and then looked back at the attendants. “Aye they are. I know you will ask it so please be assured that the wolf is quite domesticated and will be of no concern in the main cabin.” The boarding attendants looked once more at the calm wolf and then nodded. “Alright, please proceed. We should arrive at Riverport with no issues.” It was not long before the cabin was filled and the engines started. The soft hum of the propellers and the slight vibration could be felt through the whole air craft. Due to the excellent design and the forethought of sound proofing the cabin, very little of the powerful movement of air could be heard from the outside. The high glass windows allowed the passengers to see up and down. The journey in a Helius was meant to be an experience too. The day was perfect for travel. The Helius slowly ascended and the city began to seem smaller as they gained altitude. From this vantage point, one could see the configuration of the Tri-Murum with the Iron Curtain enclosing the busy market. The mountains looked stunning with their white caps and the cold clouds covering the tops of some of them. Moving efficiently, the Helius ate the miles faster than any mortal being could. The landscape gave way from mountainous terrain to fertile river valleys and lush forests. The mighty rivers that traversed the continent crossed the terrain. They had their birth in the mountains of the north and fed the various lakes that dotted the land. Especially the great lake that commanded the south west are of the continent. Food and drink was served aboard the aircraft but as promised, the poor dwarf was not able to eat. A greenish tint was mostly hidden behind his brown beard. His eyes were watery and kept close most of the time except for the times he was addressed. Landing could not come early enough for the poor dwarf. [hider=expenses] -100 Amas for Helius Tickets [/hider]