[IC]Clockwork Voyage

[Kristia]

Moroz Drakon


Lia looked at the mechanical guy and pondered about it ("It is odd to see such a free living robot or android, I wonder what is his purpose") she thought as her left eye made a quick inspection of his body ("Not too light, but neither too strong, looks like he can move easily and is quite talkative, that is something needed in long journeys from time to time")

"Let´s say we can help each other, I have a ship, but need companions that have skills, you need a ship to be out of here, but what can you do? I need useful people" she sent the deal to the mechanical guy

[SUSTIC]

Moroz Drakon

Mard seemed to grow interested in Lia's response. She does have an airship, something that can be helpful to him, but at the same time she needs something out of him.

"So a business proposition of sorts? Sounds fair, but that depends on what you need. For if you should know I can do lots of things! Do you need a musician? I know how to play a rather good fiddle! I also know a few magic tricks for entertainment purposes, but nothing to fancy." Mard replied as he looked happy, but within a split second that happy look became a more serious one. "People also say I'm a pretty good fighter in hand to hand combat. I don't know if its true or not, but I'm sure that isn't what you want now correct?"

[Kristia]

Moroz Drakon


"Well, it is good to have something to lighten the mood around while traveling and I will judge if those combat skills are enough to save your metallic behind, but you my mechanical friend will learn new skills, from cooking to navigating, I don´t want lazy people on my ship" she said with a small smile, but her right eye showed a glint of seriousness

"So what do you say? are you up for the challenge?"

[SUSTIC]

Moroz Drakon

Mard thought for a moment about her proposition, and after thinking for a quick moment he gave Lia a smile. "Sure thing. A good challenge now and then gives a new meaning to live like now tomorrow! Also metallic? Mechanical? Oh you flatter me! I'm not made out of metal silly human girl! I'm made of stone. Either way I accepted your proposition!" He said as he began to make his way up to her airship, and right up to Lia. He then outstretched his right hand for a handshake. His right hand compared to the rest of his body seemed to lack any paint, or any paint that was on his hand had faded away. In fact the paint over his left eye seemed to be missing, and there seemed to be 3 claw marks over said eye.

[Amaterasu no Akane]

Moroz Drakon

Thomas noticed that Lia was talking to someone outside the ship. He walked out to see a moving, talking statue. "HOLY CRAP!" yelled Thomas, "IT'S A TALKING STATUE!" Out of all the things that Thomas knew, magic was never one of them, as he never believed in forces of thaumaturge. "Crap, you scared me there," exclaimed Thomas, "Does magic even exist!?"

[Major Mario]

Jefferson Docks, Skylands Republic

---

It had been a hassle just to get to the Republic from Namishima. Safety, regulations, routine security checks and more were just a few of the issues that had plagued Troy Suchong's travels. Namishima was not as developed as other countries and did not have superior ports for travelers, so switching from a humble shack with a hot-air balloon service to a fully-fledged port with airships galore had thrown the monk for a loop. His nationality had attracted the wrong attention and stalled his travels, but after convincing the customs officers and other personnel that he was just a simple traveler and meant no trouble, his path was once again open to him.

By the next morning Troy had reached the city of Jefferson in the Skylands Republic. The trip weighed heavily on his mind and body, but not his spirit. He was overjoyed that he was able to reach the scattered sky islands to the east and appreciated that the officers and workers were very careful with who or what came across the 'border'. The sky was clear, the water below was engulfing, and the air was pleasant to his senses. Even the breeze was comforting, as were the people who shuffled about in the streets. It was a very welcoming city for someone like Troy.

The Galest monk stood outside of a coffeehouse and looked out towards the north where the dock district was. In Troy's hands was a cheap cup of green tea, something that was trivial to someone like a barista or tourist but to Troy it was a taste of home. It was different how the tea was brewed with steam machinery and churned out so quickly. Back in Namishima tea took much longer to prepare, but therein laid the novelty of it all. One could sit back and relax with a cup of tea that took much care and effort to brew. Here, however, the tea lacked that personal touch that made it memorable.

But Troy wasn't here to sample tea and contemplate on whether or not the barista was a perfectionist. He sipped the hot liquid and tipped his rice hat back to look up into the sky. An airship was coming into the docks, and where there were airships to be found, there were bound to be pilots willing to humor a monk suffering from wanderlust.

"If there's anyone who knows even a sliver of information, it would be someone who is one with the wind," Troy muttered. "Someone who knows the land they survey..."

[Kristia]

Moroz Drakon

Lia smiled at the guy's charming mood "Well, from afar you did looked like an android, but stone is pretty impressive too" she said as they entered the ship and sealed the door only to be met with an amazed Thomas

"Thomas, this is a piece of wht you will meet in your adventures, this stone living man will be good for the morale of the ship while he and you can learn everything to have something to do" The redhead explained

"Now, would you like to introduce to us, and how can we refer to you if I may ask?" The pilot asked the stone guy

[SUSTIC]

Moroz Drakon

Mard followed Lia into the ship, and almost immediately he began looking around, all the while ignoring Lia and Thomas's 'ramblings'.

"Very interesting ship. I must say I'm quite impressed. Maybe I should stick with these two for a while... Now if only it wasn't a bloody airship..." Mard thought as he seemed to get a slightly disturbed look on his face. However remembering that he was in the immediate presence of the other two in the airship. Almost instantly Mard's look went from a mildly disturbed look, to a more calm and cheery one.

"Oh yes how could I forget! You may call me Mard, for that is what I go by and what others call me! People say I'm mildly insane, but I don't think so! I prefer myself to be a open-minded person who is willing to do anything it takes to get the job done! I dabble in many different arts! Cooking, playing violin, hunting, and even magic tricks! You may call me a Jack of All Trades cause that is what I am! Now who may my fellow shipmates be? I am quite eager to know your names!"

[Kristia]

Moroz Drakon


You may calm me Lia, and welcome to my ship Mard, but if you will excuse me, I got to make sure everything is operational because we are leaving to Ravendale" she said walking to the piloting room

[Amaterasu no Akane]

Moroz Drakon

Thomas changed from a shocked look to a calmer look. "Ah, okay," replied Thomas, "I'm Thomas, nice to meet you! I'm a gun engineer that invented guns while I stayed in this island. I really didn't know that magic existed, though, so pardon the shocked look!" Deep down, when he thought at the phrase, "People say I'm mildly insane..." it kind of shocked him. Anyhow, if he were to cause trouble, it would be no big deal, as Thomas kept a set of explosive ammunition. Rocks hate ammunition. Although Mard shocked him a little, he thought about their destination. He wanted to ask about it. "Ravendale, never been there. Is it another island in the sky?" asked Thomas.

[SUSTIC]

Moroz Drakon

Mard just continued to stare blankly at Lia, and Thomas as Lia with a oddly crooked smile as Lia walked away. He then turned to Thomas. "Ravendale? Only heard about it in books... That I threw out after reading the first paragraph. Other than that... nope! I ain't got a single idea as to what this Ravendale place is like." He answered as he turned to look out the window. As he looked out the window he got a nervous look on his face as he backed away. The thought that he will be high up in the air unnerves him. "If you'll excuse me I'm going to be... exploring this ship." He said as he walked away, ready to explore what all the ship has to see, as well as a place where he can feel at least more calm.

[Major Mario]

[IC]Clockwork Voyage

Jefferson Docks, Skylands Republic

---

A few days ago...

"Take care of yourself, Troy," his sister said as she held the man in her arms. She looked up at him and smiled. "Could you bring me back a book or two?"

Troy smiled back and patted his younger sister's back. She was no child, but since she was still in her teens, she was considered a child in the eyes of the village. Troy enjoyed spending time with her and teaching her what he knew, and if there was anyone he truly trusted other than his parents, it was his sister.

"I'll be sure to do that," Troy replied. When the hug ended, the man turned to grab his pack and hat. "I hope I am not gone too long. I'll write as much as I can. Now, while I'm gone I'll need you to take care of mother and father."

"Both of them?" Lara scratched her head and sighed. "Alright. I'll do my best."

"Thank you."

The trip was scheduled for another day, but the trip to the port would take a few hours. Troy wanted to be prepared so he made sure that he packed a few provisions for the journey along with much of his money. He was gambling on his journey. The treasure might not even be there, but Troy wouldn't let that stop him. The adventure was what mattered. After making sure that he had everything all set, the man turned to his sister and gave her a friendly pat on the head.

"Take care of yourself, and please keep up with your studies while I'm gone."

"You're no fun," Lara said with a pout.

---

Troy figured Lara would have loved to see Jefferson. It really was a sight to see with all the modern architecture and steam powered machinery. Plus with all the students walking about it seemed that this was a fine place to learn a new craft. It filled Troy with satisfaction and hope to see so many people eager to learn, to acquire wisdom. Ah, but knowledge was meaningless unless it was used properly. These students didn't have anything to fear, so they would be just fine.

The breeze shook Troy back to the present. He spared another few glances at the universities in the distance before disposing of his styrofoam cup and slinging his pack over his shoulder. Time waits for no man. He descended a flight of stairs leading from the commercial district to the docks and gazed up at the massive airships docked there. Public transportation could only transport him so far, and to get to the more specific locations and cities, he needed to enlist the help of a pilot. Plus, Troy hoped that they had some bit of information on this Captain's treasure.

It seemed that most, if not all of the airships docked there were not equipped for simple travelers. They looked like cargo ships from a distance, but on closer inspection it looked like the ships belonged to the navy... Or Air Force. Troy had no idea how the military worked, after all, and it showed for others looking on. Already the monk had attracted a few odd looks from the 'sailors' moving equipment. No-one bothered the monk and he didn't bother them other than getting in their path every now and then.

The docks weren't exactly wide enough for people to pass each other comfortably, after all.


Sent from my iPhone

[WriggleRid3r]

The Hogbacks - Olympus Plaza - Piltover, Skylands Republic

---

"Doc, you there?" Caitlyn asked as she opened an unlocked door at the second floor of the Hogbacks. Sure enough, there he was.

Doc was an old man, even older than Dolkey the bartender. He always smelled of strong rum, cigarette, and saltwater. He wore an old white shirt with worn out edges with ugly olive vest. Under that he wore beige cotton trouser. Doc lived as a veteran seafarer with modest price, but his base of operation is so shady and unapproached by the citizens of Piltover he hardly is able to earn enough money for the amount of alcohol he consumes.

"Huh wha?" Doc rustled as he got up from the bed he was sleeping on to find Caitlyn. Her ravishing beauty in fact startled Doc to the point he jumped up and fell back down. "Wh- is that you, Cait?"

"Yes, it's me." Caitlyn placed her rifle leaning to the wall, closed the door behind, and sat down. Doc readjusted his position to a sitting position on the bed. "Been 9 years, Doc."

"You grew up into a sexy woman, Cait. What led you here?" Doc squeezed his temples with his right hand. His left hand reached out to a table for a bottle of scotch.

"I was going to get my rifle upgraded, and figured I'll stop by to tell you something that'll interest you."

Doc sat upright. "And what'll that be...?"

Caitlyn's lips curled up to a smile. "Verdelion's log is found."

[Kristia]

Moroz Drakon


As mard and Thomas walked around the ship, Lia was looking at them through the cameras on the piloting room (Best inveestment on this thing") she thought smiling and got close to a microphone "Just to let you know guys, we are leaving in 2 minutes, I suggest you to either take a seat and strap yourselves or go to one of the bedrooms and same idea" she said as she started the engines fo the Sky Fox

[Luna Pixu]

Jefferson North Dock, Skylands Republic

---

"We have docked, sir!" The pilot called out as the Heisenberg steadied itself and docked itself at Jefferson's North Dock. Miriah gave a sigh of relief and wiped her face with her hand as she heard the pilot announce the ship's arrival. As Miriah gazed upon the docks before leaving the ship, she could see that the docks of Jefferson hadn't changed one bit. While it did have small walkways and wasn't the finest of places, it was a place that was designed well enough to house a good number of the Air Force's ships. The Heisenberg being one of them. Along the walkways, Miriah could spy crewmembers and dock workers moving cargo and supplies to and from the ships. Some of them having ammunition swapped out, others being supplied with food and other stocks, and others being used for whatever purposes those ships were assigned to.

"Listen up, you scrawny crew!" The captain shouted out once more. "This fortnight was a mixed one! We have had a couple of our regular incidents and we have had our sights! We have protected the skies of Jefferson once more! But in between our fights and our patrols, I saw examples of what I had to say was the worst behaviour from a crew I have ever seen! Laziness, rowdiness, lollygagging, and general chit-chat are amongst the numerous examples! This, ladies and gentlemen, is the Heisenberg! This is not a cruise ship nor one of the ships that you read in novels! The skies are filled with danger and pirates! And we need to be on! The! Lookout! Recruit or not, talented or lame, famous or infamous, you DO NOT have the right to sleep on the job! If the President, nay President Jefferson, saw this crew, he would be ashamed! What good is a crew that cannot even keep on its best behaviour?! Some of you, I will give another chance aboard my ship! But to some..." The captain lowered his volume and glared his eyes at several crewmembers. Miriah being the most frequent receiver of the glares. "... I will not forgive. I will send my report of this mission promptly! For now, you are all free to go about your typical duties! You are dismissed!"

Hearing the roaring tirade from the captain, Miriah did not know what to think. While Miriah could agree on not always being so serious on the job and taking the time to read or socialise, Miriah had little other option. In her 4 years, Miriah had learned not to take patrol duty too seriously. Especially around a city like Jefferson. While it did have its fair share of people and its renowned university, it was not necessarily trade-focused or as industrialised as other cities. So one couldn't really expect as much trouble as other Skyland cities. Furthermore, Miriah's job wasn't the same as the other crew. And despite her "polite conversations" with the captain, he refused to listen. How could Miriah explain her position or situation if the captain wouldn't even give a second to listen. Miriah was divided when it came down to this man. He berated his crew for laziness and threw a hidden insult to Miriah but at the same time, Miriah could understand his views. The crew itself may not have lived to his standards and it was rather more rowdy than serious. But it was all in a fortnight's worth of work. Surely, just getting the job done was all that was needed. It wasn't as if patrol duty was like engaging in a war or escorting the President. If the Heisenberg were in either situation, despite its contradictory build, then Miriah could understand.

Hoping to put the miserable crew of the Heisenberg behind her, Miriah stepped off the Heisenberg and began her long walk down the docks. Whatever awaited her here or in the city of Jefferson, Miriah didn't have much of a clue.