Chapter 9
A small meeting room at inside the depths of Emberstand's Aerodome, it isn't much, table, chairs, view out over the Giza Plains and the river. But it is quiet, secure and a quiet place to be meeting. Outside a massive passenger airship can be seen lifting up out of its cradle, engine props turning, a stately if unwieldy mess of metal and wood lifting into the air.
Vazkor stands silent, gazing out at the airship as it is being prepped, the tall, dark swashbuckler's arms crossed over his chest, and his expression kept carefully neutral. Ready for adventure in his tailor made leather armor, and his two lightning infused swords at his side, he waits for everyone else to get organized so they may finally leave on this quest. Planning to let Raziel do most the needed talking, and set whatever bounderies he has decided on for the newcomers in regards to the Stellazio coins they already retrieved previously.
The sound of old, creaky leather boots on the polished stone floor is heard at the entrance to the meeting room, as Silmeria wanders in. Her step is remarkably light, considering the bulging pack strapped across her back, with her simple Gunblade secured beneath. Bobbing her head toward Vazkor, she crosses to one of the chairs, leaning over its back rather than sit down. "You know... of all the things I see on my travels, I do have to say I love the airship lanes most of all."
A light commotion might be heard from outside the room only briefly after a few moments, the angry muttering of some annoyed Aerodome employee before quiet falls once again. The cause of such soon becomes apparent as the door swings open, revealing Thaylorn in his own light leather armor along with a rather heavy looking pack strung over his back and a smaller satchel slung over his chest. “Oh dear, those folks don't even like seeing an Imp around by themselves.” He remarks nonchalantly as he steps within, a smile showing on his face as he looks about to the others within. “Hope I'm not too late! Just had a few last minute preparations to make.” He adds with a swift nod.
Raziel is a quiet fixture in the room. His back to the wall beside the door leading into the meeting room makes it so that he's not the first thing to be seen upon entering the room. One arm is corssed over his chest while it's twin is lifted and his thumb is pressed to his lips in thought. Looking up as the door opens and Silmeria wanders in followed by the attention grabbing Thaylorn the man lets his eyes swing once more to the door then back. "Other fellow got held up? Well time and airships wait on no man." The man pushes off the wall then and reaches for his pack while he comments to Silmeria, "I doubt they will like our company so much with this group, but we've paid good coin to get us started on the first leg."
There is a polite knock at the door and a rather dashing moogle steps inside, he's dressed in a rather dapper blue uniform, a nifty hat with gold braid on the brim tucked under one arm. He raises his hand in greeting to everyone. "Just to let you know Master Raziel, we'll be good to push off in about twenty minute. When your're ready we are dock sixteen." He salutes, "I'm First Officer Schewe and I'll be looking after you on our voyage, I'll see you all aboard soon." he turns and shuts the door behind him leaving the impromptu party together.
Vazkor briefly glances over his shoulder as the others enter... And soon turns around to face them, smirking briefly at both Silmeria and Thaylorn, remarking to the first in his Rozarrian accented baritone, "I enjoy being a passenger considerably less than being the Captain, but alas, it can not be helped these days." Before shrugging and then adding towards Thaylorn, "And I welcome you regardless of your race, Imp." The man flashing a quick grin. Glancing at Raziel then, he nods some at him, but is soon distracted by the arrival of the Moogle... Nodding again after the First Officer, as he turns out to be, speaks.
Silmeria bobs her head toward the Officer, smiling brightly, then to Vazkor. "Perhaps, but, at least this way you've less to worry about... unless something terrible happens mid-flight, at least." Shrugging, she turns to Raziel, inclining her head. "I'm certain we'll see Lord Cullen before long, sir... But we needn't trouble ourselves on his account. He'll turn up before long. In the meantime, is there anything that must be known before we board?"
"I didn't see anyone else heading off this way, sorry Raziel, just us for the time less they're running super late." Thaylorn offers towards Raziel as he comments, his attention quickly caught though by the arrival of the first officer to whom he gives a small thoughtful nod. There's plenty that could be done in that time, but the Imp is much more interested in finding out more about their trip as he looks back to the others. Smiling towards Vazkor for a moment at his comment and giving a nod of approval, the Imp speaks up again after Silmeria does "I'm curious about what we're actually going after here." He states simply as he looks between the others.
Raziel nods to the moogle then considers for a few moments as he looks back towards the rest of the group. "There was something strange about hi- ahh yes, never mind. He just didn't kupo." He shakes his head a little bit and looks back and forth before exhaling, "Thaylorn your here because we'll need someone to help us breath below the water which we'll need to do to get Leo. The spirit we spoke to last told us that he sank when Hermia was destroyed. According to her Cancer and Leo sank, but since Cancer swept south and was found we will have to seek Leo on a northern sea bed." He pauses for a moment and looks at Silmeria before sighing, "the coins each has a clue on it. So far this is what we've collected.." He doesn't pull out the coins, but he does pull out a scroll where he's copied down their words so far.."
The 11 Zodiacs pondered. How best to catch Virgo's heart? Aries headed east.
Taurus had an idea. He would give Virgo a gift. Through the forest and over the mountain, he found a star
Gemini thought by the river, 'I will sing her a song.
Cancer headed to the cape where Virgo waited. The sun was setting into the ocean. Would he finally see her?
Vazkor settles down to listen to Raziel explain their goal, and recite part of the coin's myth. Afterwards he nods, and glances at the other two, to see what their reaction might be, though he suspects most of it isn't new to Silmeria atleast. His expression isn't entirely pleased anymore either, the man having developed a slight frown when Raziel mentioned having to submerge into the ocean to gather one of the coins. And he soon speaks up in that regard, looking at Thaylorn, "I hope your magics will not fail us within those deep waters. There is a reason I chose the air over the oceans in my former life. I do not particulary care for oceans miles deep, dark and sheltering who knows what sort of monsters."
Silmeria nods slowly, listening to the lines of poetry with the careful attention of one who has not, indeed, heard them before but understands their import. Clearing her throat, she pulls a matte black scroll from her knitting bag, partially unrolling it. "In case Thaylorn isn't familiar with what all this means... we seek the lost Stellazzio coins. Named for the symbols the Great Spirit Andromeda uses to weave her auguries, legends weave themseves around those who search for them. But, um... I have more information you all will want to hear... We're not the only ones on this hunt. Something else seeks Leo, the agent of 'a dark enemy, a lingering and unidentified spirit.'" Looking up from the scroll, she lifts a shoulder helplessly. "So... we all must keep sharp watch. There's more, but best not to waste time here, when we could be on our way."
“Kal and myself have made something up that should help a good deal, but we'll have to be mindful on how long we remain in the water.” Thaylorn offers in return to Raziel's first statement before nodding thoughtfully. “But how will we find such a small thing amongst the whole sea floor, even a ship could be hard to find, less you know about where it might have fallen exactly? If this Hermia is even a ship...I've never heard of it before now.” He adds with a slight shake of his head “Finding something like this underwater is probably going to be much more difficult than others that might be on land.” He probably doesn't need to say something like that, it already being known by the others most likely. As Silmeria explains further the Imp offers her a thankful nod, indeed not truly understanding what the group is seeking after “Well, we should hurry then if there are others besides us looking then.” He adds in agreement as he glances back behind him towards the door.
Raziel tilts his head towards Silmeria, considering for a few moments before he comments, "your right our time is short, however I think that I'd like to see what else is in the scroll Silmeria. You didn't show it to me before other than to see you had it." He looks to Thaylorn then and frowns with a brief nod as he shoulder shis pack. "Difficult if not impossible, I know, unfortunately we'll have to hope we find more to go on as we go. Come the ship will be leaving soon." He spares Vazkor a quick look, an understanding one at that, before starting towards the door.
Dock Sixteen is a bustling place, crew-moogles hurrying back and forth, Stevdores loading the last supplies but First Officer Schewe is there to greet you at the entrance to the ship and salutes you all finely. "Welcome aboard, the captain sends his greetings but he is on the bridge preparing for our departure. Mr Raziel he would like to see you once you are settled in he wants to make sure he has your requested destination down right. Now if you all follow me I'll show you to your state-rooms." He leads you throgh the ship and to the aft end, there is a large central cabin with large windows looking out onto the Aerodome building and six other rooms off it. Four bedrooms, a bathroom and a private dinning room. He then salutes and smiles, "If you need anything kupo, just summon the steward, I'll be on the bridge and we will be underway soon."
Vazkor nods at Silmeria... And comments, "This comes as no surprise. We were harried by a thief, another Aegyl, on our previous trip. One who was obviously working for an unseen foe... I managed to injure her, but she yet survived, and I doubt we've seen the last of her, or at the very least her ilk." He shrugs then, and makes to follow Raziel out the door, briefly pausing to pick up a pack that he set on the floor when he first arrived, and glancing at the others before he steps out.
Once the party is shown to the stateroom, Silmeria gasps, eyes widening at the sheer amount of luxury on display... evidently not used to the idea of having access to what amounts to a flying inn. "Oh... This is *wonderful* sir, thank you!" Turning, she beams at the first officer, bobbing her head deeply. "Tell your Captain that it's truly a pleasure to fly in such fine rooms, and our dearest thanks to him." Shedding her pack by one of the walls, she takes a moment to wander the cabin, only turning to face the party once the door is closed. "...So... yes. The scroll. I'd've given it to you before to read, master Raziel... but I wasn't terribly sure if the words within were for my eyes alone. That's been cleared up, of course, and now's as good a time as any." So saying, she pulls the black scroll out, unrolling it fully and handing it about to be read.
My dearest Daughter,
This message is sent with a heavy heart for I fear the path it will lead you down will be very dark before the end. But needs must and our hands our tied, through our mortal representatives we must act in this matter for it impinges around the edge of ancient agreements between the plains that I cannot and will not break.
It has come to the attention of the Greater Court of the King that the Stelazzio coins once more are surfacing across the world. This would usually be a time of great rejoicing, a symbol that Virgo stirs and good tidings will soon bless the world as the ancient love story is once more played out for all.
However a dark enemy has arisen, the lingering and unidentified spirit who escaped the attention of my eyes during our recent troubles. Her agent is moving through the world, a great and terrible beast and the auguries and whispered words of the starlight point toward the Leo as its target.
You must join forces with the Aegyl Raziel, the Swordmaster Vazkor, the Water Servant Thaylorn and strike out for the location of the Leo at once. It's location is known by the Aegyl and his companion and as loathe as I am for you to have to deal with our wayward and mischievious servitors the imp will be required. You may also need the aid of some diverse others but their names are hidden to our eyes.
You must journey with all speed to the location of the Leo, it will be a hard journey and our insights lead us to believe it will be protected by ancient machines from an age long ago. You must be prepared to beat back the enemies minions and somewhere, in the resting place of ancient folly the coin of Leo can be found. Remember also that the coins are not merely medallions, they are objects of power. Use them wisely, beseech their aid and through the proscribed means they can offer insight to you and aid you in finding what you see next. You must merely learn how to listen to them.
With fondest affection,
Hades
Vinco Nex , Satraps Vorago
"Flying above the area you think it is may show more to us, so hopefully that's the case. And I doubt an Aegyl would be able to follow us under water without magical aid, less we end up with something else chasing us." Thaylorn murmurs softly as he follows the others off towards Dock Sixteen and to the ship contained within. The Imp seems rather shocked at the room the group will be staying in, it probably being one of the better he has been within. As the letter is read though, the Imp falls silent as he listens to the letter calling out his name in particular which brings a rather curious, yet slightly grim expression as he listens.
Raziel inclines his head to Schewe and frowns faintly to himself for a brief moment before following into the state rooms, his brows lifting a little bit before he nods in agreement with the responce that Silmeria is giving and at the same time he accepts the scroll to read over it. After a few long moments he passes it onto the next person and considers before turning back to the First Officer, "alright, lets go and speak with the captain then Mister Schewe."
Vazkor looks... Not at all surprised by the luxurious surroundings of the ship, or even at all impressed. Just treating it as if it's a normal, every day thing as he takes a moment to seek out his room to leave his pack in, his expression unchanged from before and barely giving anything a glance. Afterwards, he joins the others, and watches as Silmeria pulls out the scroll and hands it to them to read... Awaiting his turn, and quietly immersing himself in the message as it's passed on. Frowning a bit then, he looks up at the others, and remarks, "It figures our foe seems to be dangerous enough to attract the attention of your father, among others. Nothing is ever easy, hm?"
"The dangers of walking on the trail of legend," Silmeria says, spreading her hands. "I fear that until this is over, nothing will any longer be simple, let alone easy. But we all must play our parts as we are called, and play them as best we may."
"Suppose I should be taking this as seriously as possible, with how dire of a situation this seemingly is now...And here I thought it'd be a nice relaxing vacation." Thaylorn remarks, mostly to himself as he moves to set down his own pack and then the satchel he had over his shoulder. He nods and returns his attention to the others once more "Just let me know how I can help and I'll do anything in my power to do so."
"Actually give me a moment to store my things," Raziel offers the officer before he slips into the room he and Vazkor will share to drop his own pack as well. The man takes a few moments longer though and soon enough quiet mumbling can be heard coming from the open door.
Raziel's Mumbling continues for a few minutes, heard vaguely through the wall of the cabin and the door to the room he picked. First Officer Schewe waits patiently in the corridor, out of ear shot letting you talk amongst yourself. He perks up however as there is a loud noise from inside Raziel's cabin along with a rather loud "Zzzzrrrrrop" noise and then a chorus of voices boom out. "Insolent one!" zzzzzorrrrch "Beseech our Power all at once will you!" Krck-kooooom "MORTAL FOOLS! Have thee become so addled ye have forgotten the tenannts!" Hreeeeeeeeeee and then a calm, quiet, dignified voice, "Five days North-East of Mog's Home on the Mortal Realm, set thee down on the sea and travel directly down, you will see what you need to see, Your wings are waiting, the guardian has them you need but only ask her. Oh and dear next time only ask one coin at a time...." There is a wet thud... and the door to Raziel's stateroom dissolves into dust and a very naked Raziel is left standing in a stateroom that has had all its organic furnishings dissolved into dust... bed, drapes, carpets, cabinets..... it is just bulkhead and porthole now... Raziel's pack at least is untouched, thankfully and the Four Stellazio coins settling gently, and quietly back to the cabin floor.....
Vazkor watches Raziel enter his room... But doesn't pay much more attention to the fact afterwards. That is, until the sudden loud noises and voices seem to mildly startle him, and make him instinctively move towards the cabin right afterwards. The swashbuckler about the yank open the door and barge in to see what's going on, only to grasp at it just as it disintegrates right before him... Causing him to pause and blink, only to find himself facing a naked Raziel within the suddenly bare room. Blinking again, the only thing he can manage is, "What the devil happened?"
Silmeria whirls around as the voices thunder out of Raziel's cabin, eyes wide. "...Wait no don't--!" But her warning comes *far* too late, and the disintegrating door makes her catch her breath. "MASTER RAZIEL!" she cries, pelting towards the cabin. "ARE YOU O--eep" Somehow, she manages to skid to a halt and spin back around, doing her very best to allow Raziel his dignity. What few ragged scraps, at least, may remain after the summary destruction of every last piece of furniture in the room. "....Um. Yes. Well. I think I'll get settled in... Master Thaylorn, you probably want to as well."
The loud voices from within Raziel's room cause Thaylorn to come to with a start, there sure shouldn't be those sort of noises coming from the Aegyl's room, and as the others move to investigate the Imp surely does in turn, pondering what has the power to vaporize the room's door.
The loud voices from within Raziel's room cause Thaylorn to come to with a start, there sure shouldn't be those sort of noises coming from the Aegyl's room, and as the others move to investigate the Imp surely does in turn, pondering what has the power to vaporize the room's door. "Oh dear...Is this what those coins can do? Or did Raziel learn some new spell to blast everything away..." He begins as he looks, and chuckles lightly for a moment before turning off to gather his bags and satchel once more. "Aye, I suppose...Since we know where we're supposed to go now right? Need to make sure the potions are still okay."
Raziel's back is to the door and he merely blinks for a few long moments before coughing. "Could one of you see if the First Officer heard the directions and see if he'll relay those to the captain. If not could they go with him to do that. I.. don't think I'm going anywhere for a few moments." He quietly crouches down, picks up the coins and then he starts to dig clothes out of his pack. Much like the ones that were just vaporized.. simple pants and one of Vazkor's shirts, since his aren't made for humans. Then ever so calmly, really TOO calmsly, he notes to Vazkor, "I think perhaps we will take a different room. Might want to apologize to the captain too.."
First Officer Schewe is watching all this with an amused grin, he shakes his head "I might suggest kupo the remaining room gentleman? I'll tell the captain to get us underway... and if I may request... you refrain kupo from ah... upsetting your magical friends. I'll inform the captain and we can settle up the bill for that room later kupo" He salutes and puts his hat on and shuts the door to the suite and heads off and a few minutes later the engines can be heard to start up as the ship prepares to take off.
Vazkor shakes his head in mild consternation, though it's soon tinged with some amusement, as is only appropiate in such a situation that didn't result in death or injury, but merely a naked mage. Glancing over his shoulder at Silmeria and Thaylorn, he's even more amused by the former's chaste reaction, before he nods at Raziel, "Aye... And better not do that again anytime soon." The man in turn distracted soon afterwards by Schewe's voice. At which he responds, "I'll pay for the damages, of course. I should write up a letter to be delivered by your Captain to my banker."
"I'll be back out in a moment," Silmeria calls from her room, emerging a few moments later sans pack, knitting-bag off her hip. "So, um... I guess we wait for the Captain to finish his duties? ...Oh and um... just as a note, for the future... objects of legend... well... they tend to have personalities of their own. As... well... we just rediscovered. So even if they *are* only coins... um... sort of might be preferable to treat them as beings worthy of respect."
"Just be lucky it wasn't something more important like armor or the like, it'd be bad to lose something that we might need soon." Thaylorn offers before he heads off to his room to settle his things before reappearing once again "So, some of the coins might not do things, but others will? Is this one we're going after magical like those that Raziel was using out there?" He asks of Silmeria curiously.
"The moogle saw my bare... nevermind.." Raziel shakes his head and dresses by the time that Silmeria steps back out. Grabbing both the packs then he tosses them into another, more furnished, room before turning around and nodding to Thaylorn, "it would be.. I imagine all of them are like that." And then his eyes sweep towards Silmeria before he nods, "my intent was to ask them at once as each is aligned with a direction and I thought it would be best to have them all work together. My mistake." Really maybe it's good he isn't a summoner. "That and I didn't want to get one jealous over another being called.." His eyes flick towards Vazkor then and then he lets out a sigh and finds himself a seat.
The ship lurches and rises up.. the engines spinning up to speed as the ship launches into the sky and starts to sale North-East toward Baguba port, leaving Emberstrand behind them. With only a minor wardrobe malfunction they are on their way!
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