[IC]Clockwork Voyage

[Luna Pixu]

Central Market - Jefferson, Skylands Republic

---

Miriah began to lightly giggle as she listened to Troy's words. But contrary to what one may believe, Miriah did not giggle out of immaturity nor ignorance. Miriah instead was giggling as a sign that she liked the conversation the two were having. If anyone knew Miriah, it would be known that it was not an uncommon thing to see her giggle in the middle of conversation regardless of it were informal or somewhat formal. But as Troy continued his words and Miriah began to think harder on what he was saying, she began to have slight doubts in her mind about the idea of a true companion. A ship mate, yes. But someone who would travel with her to the end of the world and back? To travel Ravendale, Esteracre, and every land or sea in between? Either that was true dedication and commitment or simply madness. In this slight train of thought, Miriah's giggle stopped and her smile began to fade.

"Possibly." Miriah returned to Troy with more sombre tome to her voice. "I... I never really have considered a pet. And while I do like the concept of it, I'm unsure as to how, say, a cat would behave aboard a ship. What if it fell off or had some kind of fear of heights? And I don't really have much in the way of a home except for a dingy little apartment so it wouldn't be the best of places to keep one. But that doesn't really matter because I'm always flying. I wouldn't have time to... take care of it..." In that moment, Miriah's voice trailed off and she fell a state of near deep thought over Troy's words. A companion? Someone that would stick with throughout every journey one takes. To be by one's side. And for one to be by theirs. As far as Miriah knew, she had no-one who fit that role. Her work in the Air Force meant that she had to constantly change crew and stationed city. Never on the same ship for too long. Never long enough to truly get to know anyone out in the open skies. And when Miriah truly thought about it, she really didn't have a person as a companion. And why should that be the case? Business is nice. Right? But as Miriah thought about all of this, she moved her right arm over her jacket. Once reaching the area of her jacket, Miriah felt the solid formation of the one thing never left her side. Her gun. Her only companion. The Maverequs.

As Miriah sombrely contemplated her current state, she began to notice that the duo were no longer in the streets. They had arrived at the Central Market of Jefferson. Miriah slowly perked her head up and began to look around the surrounding area in hopes of finding the one man she needed. If everything was still as Miriah left it a fortnight ago, Miriah could find the stall and get Troy to where he needed to be. And from there, Miriah's plan would commence.
"Well," Miriah stated giving out a sigh of relief, "looks like we're finally in the market. Now, we just need to find this one stand. Sells antiques and other stuff. Pots, paintings, jewels. Those things. If you see a stand like that, tell me." Miriah asked of Troy as she began her search for the stand. Specifically, a stand belonging to man named Kaiden Brandt.

(RP Note: Apologies for any slight overpost. Kinda need to get the story rolling.)

[SUSTIC]

Airspace

Mard stumbled back and forth as the battle between the airships began to commence. "Things are getting hectic in here! I suppose I should help, but I have no way to aid my fellow shipmates unless the enemy boards us. Hmm... what to do..." Mard said as he leaned against the wall of the ship, contemplating about what he could possibly help with.



Drake's Workshop - Clockwork Town

Drake simply glared at Carina as he turned to look at the shelf. "Hmm... I doubt that was the case, but I guess I will humor you just this- Oh wait it is here... Sorry about that Carina. I must apologize for my rude behavior that time. Though please do not move my supplies without asking." Drake said as he quickly got the parts he needed. Now that he has all the parts to finish his rifle, Drake simply nodded to Carina before leaving the storeroom.

[wonderweiss]

Wolf Den

---

As Kathryn went further down, there was one room at the lowest level of the ship. A room with a sign that read 'Prohibited Access; Captain Only.' It was guarded with a set of laser traps at the door. They were red and obvious to show that it was a restricted area with room for none but the captain.

Only a mere challenge for the curious...

[Kristia]

Airspace

Noticing that the rain of lead lessened to only some shots, Lia smirked "Classic tactic working" she said to herself making a clockwise turn, the ship went fast through the skies as the cables connected to the harpoons slowly but surely started holding both pirate ships together as if an anaconda was gripping them with its body

[Major Mario]

Central Market - Jefferson, Skylands Republic - ((@TRXD))

---

Troy was grateful that he had Miriah's company, and even more was how she seemed to be enjoying the conversation. An easy-going attitude like that would get her far and keep her away from that blasted suffering that was an ever-present factor in our daily lives. She did, however, seem to falter when the prospect of a companion finally sank in. It wasn't Troy's intention to bring her down to Earth, and it showed in the young woman's features how she stopped smiling and how her tone changed to something more somber. Surely even a woman who flew through the skies could have enough time to take care of a small feline, right?

Miriah's voice trailed off and gave cause for concern for Troy. Perhaps she didn't have many companions, let alone friends. If that was true, wouldn't she have a family in the city or the republic who could fulfill the role of a companion? And if not, there was solace in one unshakable truth. The Galests had a saying, "There will always be a person who wears their heart on their sleeve in this world, and you can see that heart as plain as day when they offer you their arm for you to hold, support yourself with, or dry your tears with". There was always someone in the world who would listen and follow; there was no mistaking it.

The monk had his lips set in a firm line until he noticed the Central Market of Jefferson. No matter the conversation or mood before, the sight of all the people, food, produce, and crafts immediately put a smile on Troy's face. He couldn't help but quicken his pace to outstep Miriah and glance around. There was a stall dedicated to fine wine and drinks, one for handyman's tools, and another for a newfounded yard game among others. With so many people walking here and there and so many items to examine, Troy figured he was in a prime spot to purchase himself a souvenir. He had just gotten a good look at a stall that sold goat's milk soap when Miriah's voice cut through the cacophony of market sounds.

"Antiques? Well, yes, I'll keep a lookout for such a stall." Troy rubbed his chin and grinned. "I may be very, very distracted though, Miriah," he warned in his lighthearted tone.

And he meant it. Given the monk's foreign status and unfamiliarity to Jefferson, he wouldn't find that specific stall in a timely manner. Troy seemed more concerned with taking in all the sights, sounds, and smells around him. There was a heckling guitarist playing a jive tune, a couple parading exotic perfume, and even the overwhelming sensation of a bakery stall to take in. How could anyone blame the poor monk for wanting to explore? Yet, as Troy lingered around the few produce stalls like a sore thumb, he made a point to at least try to look for that antique stall. Miriah didn't seem to be in a hurry, but still, better safe than sorry.

[Luna Pixu]

Central Market - Jefferson, Skylands Republic

---

The sights of the Central Market were of those to behold. A large central area of the city dedicated solely to trading and crafts. With stalls and stores lining every wall and street that made up the market, one could easily find bountiful amounts of goods to purchase. Antiques, books, weapons, crafting materials. If you sought after a specific item or certain kind of material, the merchants present in the Central Market most certainly have it. That is assuming that the item is not a one of a kind or extremely hard to acquire. Miriah, herself, could confirm this very fact. During her visits to the market, Miriah had been successful in acquiring new weaponry and some additional ammo. The most prominent kinds of weapons available being those of commercial grade or those second hand. And amongst those, Miriah usually only found either old rifles, muskets, or revolvers.

While this fact did bother Miriah on several occasions, she knew several reasons as to why higher grade firearms were not available nor were any other types of powder weaponry. One, high grade weapons* were highly sought after during the Ravendale-Wolfholt war. This meant that most engineers were occupied supplying tools for war and most pre-existing high grade firearms were immediately bought out. Despite the war since clearing up, most of the weapons have yet to return to circulation. Two, it is hard to obtain new high grade weapons without having direct contact to an engineer or being in a military force. Both of which are not that feasible in the world of trading. The former being due to time spent waiting for a new weapon when a merchant can simply just buy new stock. The latter due to ethical reasons. Three, it is highly frowned upon to sell and/or buy military equipment. To possess a military-grade weapon without being in the military implies that you have either stolen the weapon from the military, illegally traded for it, or taken it from a dead soldier's hands in combat. And while it is not illegal to possess a military-grade weapon in the Skylands; it does deem the owner highly suspicious of theft, murder, and/or interaction and association with a black market or pirates. Fortunately, Miriah was in the Air Force. So acquiring any military grade weapons was not a problem. But it was the simple fact that Miriah believed in variety over professionalism that Miriah found herself in stores and workshops rather than at a military base.

Before long, Miriah noticed Troy taking a close look at all the sights and stalls that were present in the market. To Miriah, she simply thought of the market the same way as she always did. A place to simply acquire new weapons and hopefully find someone to have a chat with. But for Troy, it was uncertain as to what he thought of the market. On one hand, it was simply a market like any other. The only difference was its location and its incorporation of Skylands culture. But on the other hand, Miriah did not know at all as to whatever flew through Troy's mind. Surely an exotic man like Troy had exotic thoughts. Ones that only one who had travelled the world could understand. To Miriah, anything was possible. And seeking into and inquiring about the unknown was the best kind of adventure.
"Bally hell, Troy, you really do love seeing your sights." Miriah commented with a giggle as she continued her search for Brandt's stall. "But I can't really blame you. This market is rather nice place. You can almost any items you can think of here. Well, as long it's not illegal or taboo, of course. Whenever I'm in this city, I tend to spend my fair share of time in this place alone. Make some good trade, get some fine weaponry out of it." Miriah explained.

"You see this rifle?" Miriah asked and she pointed to her back. If one were to look at Miriah's back, one would clearly see the rifle strapped to her back. "This thing isn't exactly the most accurate of rifles. Probably something went wrong with it during manufacturing. I'm hoping to get this thing replaced with something new. It's a thing I do often. More often that not, I always replace my equipment. Get something different. If I like it, I keep it. Should something happen to it, I get it repaired or I simply replace it. Always changing weapons. So, once we find what we're looking for, I'm going to find myself a new firearm." Miriah concluded. "You got your eyes on anything here so far, Troy? Or are you still looking?"

*(RP Note: If anyone dare say 'Strange' or 'Unusual' instead of high grade, I will be obliged to bash you with my pickaxe.)

[Major Mario]

Central Market - Jefferson, Skylands Republic - ((@TRXD))

---

Back in Namishima there were such things as produce stalls and farmers markets, but they couldn't compare to something of this size here in Jefferson. Troy was floored to see so many arts and crafts amongst common foods. Surely Jefferson was much better off than many of the villages in Namishima if the citizens were able to hawk their crafts and other services other than produce. The monk picked up a few tomatoes and checked their size before moving over to other vegetables like zucchini, squash, and beans. For some reason it seemed like the produce here was of a poorer quality than those of Namishima, although that wasn't saying much. The fruit and vegetables here were extraordinary, but Troy couldn't help but feel like they didn't get as much attention as a person's hobbies, arts and crafts.

Perhaps he just had a bias for his home country and the commodities that hailed from there.

"I've heard that these sky islands have good irrigation systems for their crops. With all the scientists and scholars here, I'd be surprised if there hadn't been any breakthroughs in agriculture!" Troy exclaimed.

Miriah was absolutely right. The monk had an insatiable desire to see new things and experience many things that a new location had to offer. Where better of a place to spend your time than in a market? It wasn't until Miriah pointed to her rifle and explained something about accuracy did the monk take notice the weapon on her back. Troy looked bemused at the idea of carrying a dangerous weapon on your back. It seemed very strange to do that; what if someone approached you from behind and took the weapon? Then again, Troy did not have a good idea as to how the military, mercenaries, or riflemen operated, so perhaps holstering your weapon on your back was as normal as the sun rising every morning.

"Oh, I'm still looking, Miriah. Everything looks wonderful so far, I couldn't possibly..."

Then, something caught Troy's eye. He leaned over a bit to get a better look at a stall nearby and noticed it was filled with old pots, paintings, jewels, and other knick-knacks. Troy wasn't concerned with the antique-looking pots or paintings as much as he was intrigued by something glimmering on the counter. It looked like a jewel to him, but there was a dull sheen to it. Curious, the man approached the stall and picked up a small brass locket with a lotus flower motif etched into it. Out of all the things he could have picked out, it was something very modest.

"Strange... This locket looks like it was made in Namishima, or perhaps one of the bordering islands," Troy mumbled. He turned the locket over and checked inside to see a small recession built for a personal picture. "I think my sister would enjoy this..." Acting on whim, the monk turned to the shopkeep and asked, "Excuse me. How much for this little trinket?"

[Katrix]

Oceanside, Ravendale - The Wolf Den

Once Kathryn was under deck, there was many places to go. Most of them were personal rooms for the crew of the ship most likely. There weren't too much interesting in most of them, although she did find a nice crystal pendant in one of the rooms that she kept for herself. Other than that, what seemed to be the most prevalent thing that she encountered were a few gold coins here and there, but she didn't take any as she already had enough. Kathryn also took a round around the kitchen to see if there was any good food that she could fill her stomach with, but she walked out without anything. Seemed like they didn't eat anything interesting aboard the ship.

Right as Kathryn was about to head out again, she saw a door with a large sign saying "Prohibited Access; Captain Only" in big, red letters. Kathryn couldn't really believe what she saw, was the room asking to be checked out? It couldn't be any more tempting at least, she was sure of that. Before Kathryn opened the door, she looked around for any kind of trap that could have been set up. For all Kathryn knew, it could very well be a trap to stop people like her. After a moment of examination, she decided she couldn't see any and checked the lock on the door to see that it was locked.

Kathryn was just about to pick the lock when she remembered and episode from back home. There was this man that she always used to pick the lock to and steal some food from. One day he placed a poisoned needle in the lock so than any unsuspecting person tring to unlock the lock would poison them self. Of course, Kathryn not knowing about the needle, walked right into the trap. It wasn't deadly poison, but she did have to lie in bed for weeks before she could travel around in the city again. Kathryn decided from that date on to not steal from that man again.

Just before moving in to pick the lock, Kathryn jerked her hand away as fast as she could. After checking if she had been stung, which she had not been, she checked the lock, and just as she tough, a needle was placed there to stop any attempts of lock picking. After removing the needle, she picked the lock just like normal. There didn't seem to be any more traps either.

Once Kathryn was inside the room, she looked around to see if there was anything interesting. What caught her eyes almost immediately was a big journal lying on the table together with an map of most of the world. Kathryn only read a few words in the journal, but it was enough to peak her interest. "...pirate lord... Captain Verdelion...biggest treasure ever...". Kathryn also took the map, as in was far more expansive than the one she already had. Once she had the hournal and the map, she began moving out if the ship again. She had already spent far to much time aboard it.

[wonderweiss]

Wolf's Den

---

Right as she was about to leave...

"This is the part where you freeze."

There he was, at the door. Captain Gale Winters. A most notorious pirate captain in the land, but nowhere near that of Captain Verdelion. He was holding one of his swords pointed at the theif. But... Had the other sword the wrong way in the other hand near his mouth as if he were ready to drink from it. What's more, there was a bottle of rum in the sheath where the other sword should belong. The sheath was dripping with leftover rum from his drunken mistake.

"How impolite. You go through all the trouble of getting in and you didn't even stop to say hello? Luckily, there was one trap you overlooked: a laser sensor at the door. If activated, a small machine in my shirt pocket begins to rumble and flash. I woke up when it turned on, and when I assessed the situation, I rushed here and here we are. Now then, we're going to do things the right way. Or else you die. First, greetings. Hello, miss. How are you this fine evening?"

His sword was pulsating with a strong wind aura.

"If you do this correctly, you might live without a scratch on your pretty little face. Otherwise you might get hurt. Or die."

[SereneGrace]

Central Market - Jefferson, Skylands Republic

Kaiden was at his stand in the market, almost about to doze off due to the lack of customers. However the immediate sound of someone directly asking him about one of the "trinkets" at his little stand snapped him awake. The young trader looked at Troy, and the small locket he held in his hand. At first Kaiden was unsure of how much he should sell it for, but since he is a man of the trade he should first find out what the man will be willing to offer. "Well that depends my good sir... How much are you willing to pay? I did go through a lot of trouble to get it. Oh boy the negotiating I had to go through... so long and boring, but it was worth it. I got it for a pretty reasonable price, and it truly is a nice little piece of art now isn't it? So ornate, yet awfully simple. I will be willing to negotiate a price with you depending on how much you are willing to offer. Oh and don't worry, I'm not some sort of scam-artist that will try and make you pay a hefty price for it. Just tell me how much you feel it is worth, and maybe I will be willing to give it to you for that price. Don't make the price too low though got it? I still need to make some money to help pay for supplies for my next big trip." Kaiden had replied as he leaned forward a bit, resting his chin in his hand as he looked at Troy.

"Also I might give you a special discount on it since you are one of the first people to actually pay attention to my stand all day."

[Major Mario]

Central Market - Jefferson, Skylands Republic - ((@TRXD/Serene))

---

Troy found it hard to believe that a stall selling antiques would go neglected by the people of Jefferson, even if the stall owner claimed otherwise. He looked like the type to schmooze and talk your ear off, but he seemed like a jolly good fellow. Even he had to find a way to earn some money. Troy felt pressured to turn down the locket and look for something else, but he very much wanted it as a gift for his sister or relatives. Hardly anything else on this antique stall would fit the bill quite so well as a personalized locket.

The problem here wasn't that Troy had cold feet, it was that as a monk of Namishima he had very little currency to utilize. He wondered if he or his sister really needed this locket. Still, it didn't hurt to at least try to barter with the shopkeeper.

"I'm afraid I don't have much to offer, friend," Troy remarked. He fished around for his coinpurse and pulled out a few shillings and other coins from Namishima. "It's not much, but what do you say to... Thirty shillings?"

In the back of Troy's mind he wondered if this was the stall Miriah had told him to look out for...

[SereneGrace]

Central Market - Jefferson, Skylands Republic - ((@Major))

Kaiden looked at the various foreign coins he saw Troy lay out, along with the rest of the money that Troy brought out. The young trader looked at the money Troy was offering, and thought deeply about Troy's offer. After all it did seem like a pretty fair offer considering for how much Kaiden originally got the locket for. "You know... Since you seem like a really nice, and friendly guy I will take it for Twenty Five shillings. I got this locket for about 18 shillings back when I was in Baratone. Ah that place was pretty eerie. Ya know that place is pretty much lawless? Oh but the treasures there are amazing if you can find them! I got that locket from a trader back in Baratone, and it took some negotiating but I eventually g ot it for about 18 shillings. Well anyways I thank you for your business sir, you may take the locket for 25 shillings, and you can keep the change." Kaiden said as he swiped just enough of the shillings from the stand, afterwards he put the money in a small brown wooden case.

With a tilt of his hat Kaiden held his hand out for a handshake. "I seriously must thank you. Normally I do not get a lot of customers at first, but when people see at least a few people stopping by my stand, that is when I start getting some business."

[Luna Pixu]

Central Market - Jefferson, Skylands Republic

---

Without much of a second thought, Miriah let Troy continue his browse through the market in search of some goods. After all, what harm was there in letting a man get some sights of the place while searching for Brandt? If anything, it could mean that Troy could find the stall sooner than Miriah and reduce the search time greatly. And while Troy was at it, he could find something nice to buy. Assuming he had the money or goods, of course. Without something to trade, one's visit into the market would not last long at all. The best one could do would be to pan-handle or simply take in the sights. But even if Troy didn't have the money, Miriah was certain that Troy would something of great interest.

Before long, Miriah heard the chatter between Troy and a merchant over some manner of antique. A locket in particular. But as Miriah listened closer and looked over to Troy's location, Miriah promptly realised as to whose voice it was. Standing behind the antique stall was none other than the very man Miriah was looking for. A sharp yet youthful face. Short, bleach blonde hair with black highlights. Golden eyes that were near identical to those of Miriah's. Miriah was certain that this was who she and Troy needed to see. Kaiden Brandt. Recognising the man, Miriah face promptly lit up. For all she knew, both herself and Troy could have been searching for hours to find Brandt. But to not only find him so early but also without trouble added to Miriah's little moment of joy.
"Well isn't this a surprise." Miriah merrily called out to Kaiden as she swiftly moved over to Brandt's stall. "Kaiden, it's nice to see you again. How are you doing?"

[SereneGrace]

Central Market - Jefferson, Skylands Republic

Kaiden was about to quickly get to cleaning, and making sure everything else at his stand were in peak condition. However the moment he heard a familiar, distinct, and even downright beautiful female voice from behind him, he immediately turned to look at Miriah. Seeing her in all her beauty once again, after what felt like an eternity, was refreshing and even heartwarming to him. "Miriah! I'm so glad to see you!" Kaiden said as he quickly ran out from behind his stall, and right up to Miriah, giving her a warm and friendly hug.

"I've been doing great Miriah! I travelled to so many different areas over the past few months, got so many new trearues, and met so much nice people on my travels!" He said as he quickly released her from his embrace. "Now how have you been girl? Has the airforce or whatever been treating you well?"

[Katrix]

Oceanside, Ravendale - The Wolf Den

Right as Kathryn was about to leave, a man stopped her by the door. "Crap" she said for herself as she looked over the man. This was not what she had planned at all, had the man woken up during his sleep, how did he know she was here? There were so many questions swarming about in Kathryn's head making it hard to think of a way to get out of the situation. It didn't take long before she got most of her answers tough. "Well, I'm so sorry for not saying hello. I was planning to when I got out again, but I guess it will be a little easier now that you're here. As for traps, I don't know what in the world you are talking about, but tell you this, I won't make the same mistake twice" she said with a tone suggesting she already had something planned out. She didn't have any plan tough, not yet at least, and if she were to get out of here alive, it had to be a good one too.

First of she went over all the fact she knew that maybe could prove useful for her. She was on a ship, she was in the captain's room, the captain was here, he was drunk, he had a sword placed by his mouth instead of a bottle, his sword seemed to be magical, she could use her magic, and so on. After going trough all that she knew of the situation, she formulated a plan she she hoped would work.

First of, she tried looking behind the captain. "Crap, not another one" she said, hoping to turn the captain's attention the other way. After all, he was drunk and probably didn't have the best judgement on things. After all, it was just a bluff to get him to look away to make the next step a little easier. She then picked up three gold coins, in addition to her dagger that she was carrying with her. The first coin she threw towards the blade that he held close to his mouth, making him cut himself along his chin. She didn't want to kill him, but she didn't have anything against giving him a scratch or two. The next coin she threw into his mouth that was most likely open by now from the shock. She then waited a tiny bit, until she tough he would have moved his arm closer to the bottle. She then threw the third gold coin at the bottle, cracking it open. There weren't much left, but the little liquor that was left spilled out on the floor just as she had hoped. A few sparks later from her magic, and it had begun to catch fire. Then finally, she threw hid dagger towards her side. She made sure to use some time on the throw, so the captain would see where it would hit and dodge it. Trough the hole that he would make when dodging she jumped trough. From there she was on the other side. She quickly found her dagger and ran out of the ship.