Fantasy The Pub on the Edge of the World || IC

[Oreo Cookie]

Ama returned to her seat as the scene continued to unfold. The blonde man Silvette had pointed out earlier offered his own opinion on the matter, and even delivered his note to the elven male personally. She observed him closely. His movement and mannerisms were too sophisticated, reminding her of the upper class families she pilfered from in days past.

The crimson skinned boy delivered his note as well, his own movements revealing his nervousness. Whether he was nervous in general or nervous due to the situation, Ama cared not, but she couldn't help but sigh during his own little speech. Lectures of trust and cooperation, she had heard them a thousand times, and each one was more tiring than the last. She always associated such speeches with those who were naive about the real world.

The elf snapped his fingers, returning weapons to their holsters, and Ama raised an eyebrow. She had rarely seen magic in action, and when she did it looked as if even the simplest feats tired people out, but this man did so effortlessly. It raised another question, but she remained silent, listening to the elf's introduction and intentions.

An illusion enveloped the room, the sparkles of light crafting strange beast that prowled the room. Sty squawked in fright and cowered on his master's lap, but Ama was mostly unperturbed by the mystical display. A ferocious creature with many eyes strode by and she reached out to touch it. Her hand phased through the magical mirage as she expected. The scenery changed to strange plants with grasping vines and leaves, before finally settling to a simple forest and then disappearing altogether.

She leaned further back in her chair. Fey's answers to their inquires had only created more questions, but out of the hundreds of questions she had thought up, Ama only had one she wanted answered.

"What's the chance of us perishing on this adventure?"

 

[MuskyMuscovado]

As the reptilian warrior's sword forced its way back into it's sheath, Silvette became well aware that this situation was more than handled by their elven visitor.

Turning to him, his title made him raise her eyebrows. Either this mysterious wizard was completely insane and powerful, or truly a wonder that was one of a kind. Why would a man like this even need this ragtag bunch of adventurers if he obviously possessed great power to get this treasure himself?

The riches didn't interest her in the slightest...but she could find what she seeks? She wasn't quite sure what the elf meant.

Silvette's thoughts were interrupted as the glowing images began to dance around her. Smiling widely as others may have looked on with worry, she could only find excitement at the thought of learning about and recording the beasts and dangerous flora that they would encounter on their quest. She was completely in for the ride.

Ama's quest made her smirk as she looked over at Fey."I could care less about the dangers and risk of death. I accept your offer!," she said, excited.

 

[Sammv]

The promises of adventure entices Torik. He takes a moment to plan his words and states "Magic elf, I join you for adventure too," as he quickly raises from his seat while keeping a hand covered on the cracked skull on his belt. His hopes were achieved, a new story and a new group both wrapped into one.

Still at a his table across the pub, Torik holds up the letter to show the elf keeping it in his hand before approaching the clique that formed. Within arms length, he gives another glance at the others involved. Besides the ones he already noted, a new one appeared, a red human-like creature. Out of all the others, Torik can smell the fear coming off of him.

Torik places his letter on the table while trying to piece together the conversation currently going on. He decides to remain reserved slightly further away from the green skin while clutching his skull on his belt.

 

[Ignie]

When the elf did his magic trick, returning the weapons from where they came from, Albaran’s eyes narrowed. He was impressed, as he never seen a demonstration of magic before. He was either impressed and scarred by this thing he has never seen before, but heard about a countless time before. Then, the elf introduced himself, as « Fey, Finder of Worlds and Keeper of Knowledge », an amusing nickname, the Terebrian thought to himself.

As Fey kept talking, Albaran felt something was different and soon realized his vision was changing, as the elf was talking. Terrifying creatures, dangerous flora, and finally, a beautiful forrest. Albaran stayed silent the whole time, subjuged by what he was seeing, and scared, too. The flora and the creatures reminded him some stories his father told him beofre going to bed. Proud Terebrians fighting nightmares in order to protect their home and family. When Albaran was small, it scarred him to no end, he made nightmares the whole night, and his mother finally lectured him and his father about how this was the worse idea ever, to tell such tales to a so small boy. However, when he grew up, he got used to it, but still, the fear of those creatures stayed deep down his heart.

But the calling of adventure is stronger than any dangers that lies ahead for Albaran. He will never be the same ? Fine, he’ll come home not as a « fragile boy » but as a man, a proud, and strong Terebrian, for sure.

« Count me in. » Albaran said to Fey. « I’ll follow you. »

 

[Lixy]

The human woman's comment does nothing to calm Va-Heda down, only causing her to clench her free fist and grind her teeth. "Why I am here is none of your business," he says stonily, taking a half step away from the elf and towards the human.

Before Va-Heda can do any more or make another move after the woman backs down slightly, her sword is yanked out of her fingers and back into its sheath. She whirls around to look back at the elf, eyes narrowed dangerously. The man looks as pleasant and calm as ever, and that only makes her expression sour even more. "I would not recommend doing that again," she says lowly, barely stopping herself from trying to grab at his elegant clothing and tossing him across the room. Despite all of Va's training being no match for magics, she refuses to be pushed around, jutting out her chin and letting the elf know this.

Thankfully, before things can escalate, the elf explains.

In amongst the light show, as the stranger explained what dangers and treasures they'd find, she spots the flowers mentioned in her letter, and her expression falls a little, and she looks up to the man, aggression melting away. She didn't like it, but in order to get her hands on those flowers, she'd have to trust him, or at least go along with what he wanted. She glances over at him, catching his eye momentarily.

By the time the show-boating was over, Va had physically backed away, folding her arms over her chest, staying silent for the moment and lost in her own thoughts.

 

[Mystikelh]

Delastarh watched Va-Heda take an angry step toward him, but he did not move. He wasn't scared of her big meanie act. She didn't have any time to do something that the elf intervened. Fey made his speech, using his powers to show them images of thing they would have to prepare for. The blond man watched the illusions move around him with the biggest grin in the world. He tried to touch some kind of beast that walked by, but it just fazed through him. As the lights disappeared, Delastarh turned to him.

"I am ready for this adventure," he said, confident, after the others. "There is no way that I will give up now that I am here."

He wasn't scared of the danger to come. If they were careful and prepared, they would be able to pass through anything. He looked a bit around, already forming up some kind of plan for their teamwork. The angry lizard woman, the elf lady, the redhead human were equipped with a bow, similar to himself with his crossbow. This wouldn't do. So he should probably prepare his sword and daggers, instead. The giant clearly would be the muscle of the group, so he wasn't scared of getting too much overwhelmed with him around. The devil... not too sure what was his specialty, but he felt like he would have to keep an eye on him. He didn't look as ready to go on this adventure as everyone else.

He clapped his hands together once his mental preparations were ready. "So then, what is our goal and when do we depart?" he asked Fey.

 

[boo.]

"I suppose it all depends on how badly you want to reach the end." Fey tilted his head in Ama's direction, addressing her question. His lips quirked and studied the face of the elf - or at least what he could see of it. She wore an odd mask, which wasn't uncommon for one of her profession. She also had a companion, a raven, which seemed somewhat trained. Fey liked that, individuality.

Next was Silvette, who quickly affirmed her wishes to join. After her was Torik, followed by Albaran and Delastarh. The lattermost followed up his confirmation with a question, to which Fey promptly replied, "Immediately, friend. Pack what you need and meet me outside, by the cliff. It is there that we make our departure."

The only one who had not responded was Va-Heda, who had backed away from the group, appearing to be brooding. As he left the others to gather their things, Fey approached Va, but remained a respectable distance away from her as he murmured, "I need no magic to see how dear your mistress is to you. This journey will change you, no doubt, but for better or worse is up to you." The male bowed and added, "I wish dearly to see you in my party." Fey turned and left the pub, entering into the cool air that hinted of early afternoon. His grin returned to his lips as he caught sight of the transportation they would be using in order to enter the forest.

Four huge multicolored balloons stretched high into the air, casting rainbows of patterned light onto the nearby pub. A soft glimmer surrounded them, as if they were radiating a glittering dust. They were each attached to their own baskets which were woven from thick blue fibers and tied to several posts in the ground to keep them from floating away. The baskets were extravagantly decorated, with painted patterns swirling around the corners and golden bars surrounding the edges. Each had a golden gate through which to enter the basket, and along the short inside edges were padded benches upon which to sit.

Fey laughed aloud as he gazed at the balloons, marveling once again at the spectacular sight they made. The moderate winds that raced along the cliffs caused the balloons to sway and bounce merrily, and the small tinkling bells that hung from the bottom edges rung sweetly.

A shrill whistle rang out from Fey's lips, and the blue baskets settled themselves on the ground, now able to be accessed by his companions. One basket was slightly larger than the rest, which Fey had specially prepared for his larger friend, lined up with the others to form a straight line across the lawn.

Heaven knows how Fey was able to maneuver all four balloons onto the lawn without a soul seeing, but wasn't that all part of the magic?

~~~

Margie could tell that the journey was about to begin. Fey had stepped outside, which likely meant everyone was to get their belongings and meet him there. The girl was completely determined not to be left behind, so she she raced to her room and got together what little she had. Wrapping the frightfully scant belongings in a large cloth, she threw it over her shoulder and peered down the stairs from her room, which was in one of the attics. Seeing no one that would cause her trouble, she flew back down the stairs and out the back door, edging around the large pub until she came into view of the spectacular balloons. Her jaw dropped, and she stared until she felt like her eyes would pop out. She had never seen anything more amazing.


Ignie Mystikelh Lixy Sammv MuskyMuscovado Oreo Cookie

 

[Lixy]

Fey had already seemingly earned the trust of the rest of the group, the various people dispersing to gather their things, leaving Va to hang behind, still debating on whether the chance to get her claws on those flowers was worth following this group of madmen into a dangerous and unknown landscape.

Before she makes a decision either way, the elf approaches her once more, keeping a polite distance between them. Whether that was because he was taking her threats seriously, or he was treating her like a spooked animal, she was begrudgingly grateful either way. Though his voice was quiet, she still heard it loud and clear, as if he was speaking directly into her ear.
He says his piece, and, in a surprising show of respect, he bows to her, adding that he hoped she would join them. She folds an arm behind her back and bows in return, not breaking eye contact until he turns to leave. As he heads towards the door to reconvene with the others, she calls out to him, straightening up once more.

"I may not be magically inclined, but any man will die with a blade 'tween his shoulder blades. You'd be wise to hold up your end of your bargain, Fey." With that, she makes the conscious decision to follow the elf into the unknown, nodding at him solemnly, knowing he'd understand her silent choice.
He knew more than she, and while she hated being left in the dark for any reason, she knew power when she saw it. For now, at least, he was her biggest lead, and to turn away now would leave her full of regret.

Va-Heda picks up her pack at her feet, slinging it over a shoulder and following the others outside.

At first, she is not sure what she's looking at. A line of baskets rest on the ground, a tangle of ropes pooling at their bases, tied to stakes in the dirt. Soon, though, she cranes her neck, realising how they were to travel, and her heart drops to her stomach. Just when she'd decided to take on this job, this adventure, she was already being faced with something that made her want to turn back.
Despite her apprehension, she keeps her mouth shut. Protesting wouldn't change anything. If this was how they were to travel, unnaturally flying without wings, she would have to fly.

"Give me strength," she grumbles, to no god in particular, adjusting her pack on her shoulder and striding over to the nearest balloon.

Before Va stepped into the unnatural thing, her ears pick up the sounds of shuffling feet behind her. Her and Fey having been the last to exit, she throws a glance over her shoulder, spotting a small and young-looking human girl. She angles her body to look at her, eyes narrowing, saying nothing.

 

[Ignie]

Departing immediatly ? Wow, that was quick !

Albraran smiled and nodded to Fay, before going back to his table. He didn’t have a lot of stuff, honestly. His backpack, filled with rations, and basic survival stuff, and his weapon, that could be described as a simple sword. It was the one his father used in numerous battle, or that’s what he always told him, and the Terebrian dreamed of the day he could finally use this sword in adventures too. Looked like it will soon be the case.

Once he backed all the stuff he had, the Terebrian rushed to the exit, excited to go, and his jaw dropped at the sight of their transportation.

« Woah ! » He shouted, « That’s amazing ! It looks like it’s just been out of a fairy tail ! Or a dream ! » His exitement grew stronger as he approached the mysterious engine, a big childlish smile on his face. How could he have guessed he could see so many things after departing from his childhood home ?

As he got near the strange things, he turned around looking at his companion, and his golden eyes focused on Va-Heda. She seemed to look at something, and Albaran followed her gaze, just to see a human girl. Was she a companion too, that was late, just like he thought he was ?

The Terebrian smiled and waved at the human.

« Hello ! » He said happily, « You are coming for the adventure too ? »

 

[Mystikelh]

When he heard that they were leaving immediately, Delastarh went to his table to grab his stuff - making sure nothing was missing - and walked to the door. They were going into the forest at the bottom of the cliff, right? He wondered how they were going to-- ...Oh.

The blond man looked up at the balloons, open-mouthed. He had never seen something like that. This was incredible! Without waiting for any longer, he walked to one of the baskets, looking inside it.

"We are going to fly down there with those things?" he asked aloud, to no one in particular.

He dropped his bag inside and jumped into it, looking up at the floating balloon over his head. If only Metaralis was here to see that! Oh, that reminded him! The man quickly grabbed his journal in his backpack, tearing off a page. Taking a pencil, he quickly wrote a letter to his friend explaining everything with excitement. A little "If I do not come back, I am counting on you to come and save me again, my friend!" He quickly folded the paper, writing on it where to find his friend, and sealed it by using his seal stamp and candle.

He waved the letter toward the innkeeper. "Is it possible to send a letter from here?"

 

[Oreo Cookie]

"Reach end!" Declared Sty, partially mimicking Fey's response.

Ama considered the elf's answer for a moment. It was acceptable by her standards, even if it required some self awareness on her part. Her willingness to reach the end was largely unknown to herself. She supposed it would become clear once they started this adventure, which apparently was starting sooner rather than later.

She looked around at her new traveling partners, her eyes on their various belongings. Upon looking back at herself, it became clear she was packing lightly. Just her bow, which she took in hand, and quiver, which was promptly slung over her back. With her belongings collected, she hastily headed to the door. She clicked her tongue as she stepped through the foyer, prompting Sty to stop pecking at what little crumbs were left and instead follow the elf to the outside.

Ama's head tilted to side as she viewed their magical form of transportation. Balloons weren't even on the list of things she was expecting. She slowly strode over to their ride while Sty flew tight circles above the balloons. The glimmer the balloons radiated was certainly attractive to a raven's eye.

The female elf chose one of the unoccupied baskets to climb into. She couldn't help but admire the intricate textures and designs, her eyes scanning every inch of the basket's interior.

"Looks like we're travel'n in style, Sty." She says as she makes herself comfortable in one of the available benches.

 

[Sammv]

Before leaving the pub, Torik paced back towards the kitchen and eyed the food being shifted out for the patrons of this pub. Spotting a plate holding two turkey legs, he quickly snatches one for the road and leaves a single copper coin with the face of crown . He obtained that coin along with a few others in a small bag attached at the belt from a partner of his previous group.

Carrying his gear and his turkey leg, he steps outside to mysterious transport, something he haven't seen before. Noticing the others getting into the baskets attached to these things. Skeptic at its reliability, he moves to the nearest basket. It was holding the blond man waving a paper around. Torik gave an uneasy look towards him about the balloon transport before looking around and seeing the female elf in another basket, the red-horned man in a third basket, and the green skin in a fourth.

Gripping the basket looking at the blond, "never fly," Torik muttered as he slighty moved it back and forth. A little sweat forms around his hands as his anxiety builds from the thought of flight. He can barely imagine it and yet it's something that frightens him. Taking a glance at the cliff that leads to the forest, he lets out another deep breath to calm himself.

 

[MuskyMuscovado]

Flinging her leather pack onto her back along with her quiver of handmade arrows, Silvette grabbed her bow and began to file outside with the others, but not before she exclaimed "Oh!" and turned, going back to her table to lay a silver coin on her table. She really appreciated the hospitality of the barkeep and his staff, who Silvette waved to as she joined the others outside.

Nothing could prepare her for what she saw. These giant, magnificent balls with baskets attached sat, bobbing gently in the breeze."I believe I've gone mad," she whispered, walking towards the basket where Ama and Sty sat.

"These...things! Will they carry us through the air?," she inquired, stepping into the elf's basket gingerly and looking up to see a bright flame burning, keeping the ball filled with air.

 

[boo.]

"Ah - Lemme take care o' that fer ye." Talin, who had finally gone outside to try and figure out just how this party would get down the cliffs, had been standing in awe of the balloons before Delastarh's call pulled him out of his daydream. He edged closer to the monstrous things, as if he was afraid they were alive, and took the letter from the man. "Gimme two copper pieces, and our carrier birds'll send it to the nearest village."

~~~

Margie knew she was in trouble. Talin hadn't seen her yet, but two of the stranger's had, and they happened to be the ones that looked different. There was the rather frightening green lady, and then there was the red horned boy, one who looked friendlier, but whom the girl was still timid of. It then came rushing to her the absurdity of her own plan. How exactly had she been planning to get on the floating things without anyone seeing her? And what made her think that Fey stranger wouldn't just throw her off once he discovered her? Margie made as if to leave, her skin blanching to an even paler, but it was too late.

"Hey there - Yes, you. Come here, little girl."

It was Fey, Margie was sure of it. She gulped and turned, shaking visibly, to face the man she had wondered in. Now, she was just afraid of what he would do, what with her sneaking about his ships and the like. She knew it was useless to try and run, but there was no way she would walk right out into the open, not now that Talin was here. After Fey was done with her, she would be scrubbing pots for a month, she was sure of it. She was glued to the spot, her indecision waging a war on her face.

Fey looked over his shoulder for a moment, trying to see what Margie was looking at, and an idea crossed his face. He turned back to Margie, stepping a bit closer, and winked. The girl's eyes widened as he neared, and she began to back off, so much so that she was out of everyone's line of sight but Fey's.

"G - get away! I don't want nothin' to do with you! I was just lookin', honest!"

Fey grinned and snapped his fingers, and Margie could see the air shimmering in an unnatural way. "I knew I liked you. A bit timid, but I can fix that."

The man waved his hand, sparkling somethings shooting off from it, and Margie could feel something happening within her. She clutched at her stomach, dropping her sack on the ground as she let out a groan. She felt awful, as if her stomach had shrunken like a prune inside her. Her limbs felt like jelly, and even her skin could feel pinpricks like needles on them.

All at once, the girl fell to the ground, but was unable to make a sound as her face began to shift and shrink, things like feathers sprouting all over her body as it shrink and twisted as well. There was little to no pain, really, but Margie could feel her mind slipping away from the mere shock of it all.

~~~

A few moments passed before Fey stepped back to the balloons, a furry and feathered bundle in his arms. "Look - Come see what I've found.


"'Tis a good omen to see these before a journey. They're called Owlgriffs, and they're extremely rare." Fey proudly scratched the head of the creature, which was about the size of a large cat. It had begun to stir slightly, but looked extremely sleepy.

"Here, Silvette. I'd like you to take care of her. They're difficult to train, but make lifelong companions." Fey handed over the creature to the human, looking lovingly down on the Owlgriff.

The male looked up to the balloons, his own ingenious inventions still amazing him. "Indeed... These fine crafts will carry us far, but will have much of the journey to make on foot."

Fey bowed once more to Talin, who had approached and was gazing at the Owlgriff with wonder. "Thank you for your hospitality, friend. We'll be on our way."

The innkeeper was staring at the sleeping creature with wonder. "Pretty little thing... S'funny, I feel like I've seen it before."

"Don't be daft! And don't get too close, she might be feigning sleep just so she can get at you." Fey winked with a grin towards Silvette as he pushed the startled innkeeper away.

"Farewell! I hope to visit you again, Talin!"

The innkeeper have a confused wave and turned back to his pub. He needed another drink.

~~~

"Right now, time to get moving. Fey stood before the party, his hands on his hips. Moving quickly, he led Albaran and Va into one basket, and Torik into the large one. Silvette and Ama were already in one together, so that left... Delastarh and him would ride together.

Climbing into the basket beside the human male, Fey snapped his fingers yet again, and the Golden gate of the baskets snapped shut. "Hold tight; I've never taken off with other people before." Fey seemed to concentrate as he raised his hands into the air, and the knobs that were on the silver aylinders that held the flames twisted and turned baskets began to lift up. The ropes which held them tethered fell slack as they detached, and soon the balloons were free, climbing higher and higher into the blue.

Ignie Mystikelh Lixy Sammv MuskyMuscovado Oreo Cookie

 

[Ignie]

The girl looked afraid! Oh, she was quickly gone, Albaran pouted. Too bad, she looked nice, it would have been nice to have her as a companion. His attention wandered somewhere else, until Fay came back, a strange creature in his arms. His eyes lightened.

«Oh, dear, what a nice thing! With a nice name!» He smiled as Fay explained what thing it was. How cute it looked! He smiled, happy to discover a new creature. The only animals he knew were the one back at the farm. Nothing too original. But this, this was amazing!

Fey led him into a basket, alongside Va. He smiled to her companion politely. They will travel together, better start on an good basis, right? He approched the gate, looking at the strange device starting floating into the air, smiling.

For a 29 year old Terebrian, Albaran sure stayed a child in the inside.

 

[Mystikelh]

Delastarh lifted his eyes toward the giant that was looking at him rather nervously. He looked like he was about to have a panic attack.

"Do not worry, my friend. This powerful magician will not let anything happen to us on our way down, I am sure," he said, putting a hand - that looked rather small in comparison - on one of the giant's. "You will see, it will be done faster than you can say my full name: Delastarh Ichiro Demetrius Nagahoshi, second son of the union of the clan of the Eternal Star and the Deverick family," he added with a confident smile.

He turned around to grab two copper pieces from his bags and handed them to Talin at the same time as the letter for his friend. He thanked him with a smile and went back sitting on the bench in the basket. With all that, he didn't see the whole commotion that happened with Margie, but he did saw the magician coming back with a very beautiful feathered beast. He watched the small animal with wonder, telling himself that he needed to sketch this beauty in his book once they were resting somewhere.

When the elf climbed in the same basket as him, the blond man quickly pulled his belongings to his feet. He grabbed the bench with his two hands as Fey told them to hold tight and prepared himself for the take-off. This was exciting!

He felt his stomach bounce in his belly as they took off. The blond man let out a small nervous giggle, looking down to the slowly shrinking ground.

 

[MuskyMuscovado]

Lost in amazement at their mode of transportation, Silvette turned when she heard her name. Just outside of her and Ama's basket stood Fey, holding one the most adorable creatures the woodswoman had ever seen in her life. Her face instantly lit up, a huge smile beaming on her suntanned skin as Fey explained that he felt she should keep this magnificent animal. This was definitely a creature the young scholar had never encountered in her travels, no, this beast was something special.

Outstretching her arms, the Owlgriff was placed gently into Silvette's arms. The animal seemed to radiate purity and light, instantly filling the woman with warmth. Chriping inquisitively up at her, the Owlgriff sleepily settled into her new companion's arms, studying Silvette's features as its eyes flitted open and closed, readying itself for sleep. Whether or not the Owlgriff would bond to her or not, Silvette instantly fell in love.

"Fey...I can't thank you enough," she whispered, settling down onto the seat of the balloon, holding her napping pet close.

Her Owlgriff barely stirred as the balloon took off, but Silvette was astounded as they rose. She had never been so far off the ground! The magificent tavern began to grow smaller beneath them, the landscape stretching beyond the tavern becoming more in view, illuminated by the Sun high in the sky.

If this was a dream, Silvette didn't want to wake up.

 

[Sammv]

Torik took solace in the blond's reassurance. His confidence in the elf magician fed Torik's own lack of bravery against flying machines, giving him a slight sense of comfort before takeoff. Taking a seat on the floor of the basket, he intentionally kept his head lower then the walls that surrounded them to try to avoid the nauseous effects of flight. Torik chuckled at Delastarh's full name and quickly replied "Torik, I Torik"

During takeoff, Torik continued to try to pronounce Delastarh's name, mumbling "De-la-star, Delastarh, De-la-star" as he feels the swinging of basket in the air. Realizing he still had his turkey leg in hand, he bit a considerable chunk out it. Smiling while chewing, he continued to devour it before tossing it out of the basket. With a fuller stomach then before, Torik rested his back against a wall and closed his eyes to listen to the sound of the flying machine fighting the wind.

While resting, the memories of previous travels crept into his mind. Torik recalled the different ways he traveled, this being a new one. He used everything from a carriage to a boat to now a flying machine. This is something to etch into one of his skulls for sure.

 

[Oreo Cookie]

Ama could have marveled at these intricate balloons for centuries to come. With their unique method of transportation and extravagant design, it was no wonder she could feel butterflies flitting in her stomach. Sty had returned to the basket and croaked once at the approaching elf, or at the feathery beast he carried. Returning from the land of daydreams, Ama turned her attention to Fey as well.

She had never laid eyes, nor heard of an Owlgriff, so she could only curiously gaze upon the drowsy creature that was given to Silvette. Her raven did the same, his head tilting this way and that, unsure on whether the Owlgriff was a bird or something else. He took a couple cautious steps forward, and called again, louder this time.

"Oh hush." Scolded Ama, her voice kept low so she wouldn't wake the creature.

The raven did so reluctantly, taking to the air once more as the balloons rose into the sky. The ground grew distant while the clouds came closer, and Ama gave one last look to the shrinking pub. So this is what they mean by a birds-eye view. It was a unique perspective she would never forget.

 

[boo.]

Fey let out a whoop of joy as they rose higher, with the small bells that hung from the baskets only accentuating it. The fluffy white herds of clouds above them seemed close enough to touch, and small flocks of birds circled them, curious as to their strange new companions. The world was open and free; they could go anywhere they pleased, even into the forest that yawned below, which somehow seemed slightly less ominous.

The first hour of the trip was actually quite enjoyable. The breeze was not terribly strong, and yet the baskets danced at a steady pace across the great abyss that stretched between the high cliff where the pub sat and the forest far below. While they seemed to be going fast, it was not until after this hour passed that it was clear they were above the forest itself.

It was then that a strange metallic smell filled the air, and a bank of clouds that had drifted over the horizon made their way across the sun, dimming the atmosphere. The aura of the travelers took on a tense, cautious tone, and Fey, who had been previously chatting away, grew quiet.

Truth be told, he hadn't been expecting her until much later, but fate had a funny way of messing with him. Fey would have shook his finger at her, a mischievous grin on his face, had the circumstances not been so dire.

As if in response, a rumble, almost like thunder, rattled the baskets and their passengers. The metallic tang in the air slowly grew into a sulfuric one, and the temperature began to rise dramatically. It was clear that something was about to happen, but it was too late to turn back now. All that could be seen of the pub was a speck in the distance and a thin line of smoke.

~~~

Margie had never felt so exhausted. As her drowsy mind began to slowly awake, she began to recall what had happened earlier. First Fey, then... Nothing. She must have fallen asleep. But how? She hadn't been tired. What had that horrible magician done?

Realizing that something terrible might have happened, Margie blinked her eyes slowly open, stretching her limbs, a soft purr rumbling from her throat.

... Purr?

It was unmistakable. Margie knew what it was, yet couldn't explain it. She quickly realized she was in fact being held, most likely by some kind of giant, judging by how large the person was. In alarm, she swung her head upwards, a squeak leaving her as she recognized the human. She had been in the pub, but wasn't a giant.

Margie was just small.

It was then that Margie began to truly panic. In a flurry of fur and feathers, she scrambled from her captor's arms, stumbling on her four new paws. She began to turn around herself in the seat of the basket, looking at her new body. Her eyes were wide as she spotted a tail, wings, and talons. "Wha- What happened? Where am I? What did ya do ta me?"

Margie quickly realized two things. One: Fey was not in this basket, which she recognized as she ones that had been previously docked at the pub. Two: The sounds she was emitting were not words, but rather a mixture of shrieks and yowls, not at all what she was used to speaking.

Margie looked up at Silvette, her large new eyes seeing more clearly than ever before. What she wanted to do was use these talons of hers to get out of here, but before she could, a new atmosphere quickly brought her to realize two more details about her surroundings.

First, they were airborne.

Second, a long green something was winding in the air some distance away from them, staying aloft with wings that beat the air fiercely, and it became apparent that it was much larger than them, and was approaching quickly.

Margie felt faint again.

Ignie Mystikelh Lixy Sammv MuskyMuscovado Oreo Cookie​

 

[Ignie]

From the beginning of the flight until now, Albaran didn't stopped from looking at all of what surrounded him. The sky, the landscape. The sight was amazing. The Terebrian never thought he could seen such beautiful and impressivethings in his live until now. He could only imagine them from the tales he heard and read, and even, his imagination couldn't create as fantastic pictures than the one he was witnessing right now, at this precise moment.

He didn't know exactly how many time passed, but after a while, they found themself above a big forest. Albaran leaned over the basket to see the landscape batter, his mouth formed a big "O" shape, as he whispered "How amazing" in his breath.

But it didn't stayed "amazing" for a long time, as suddently, the atmosphere was getting... heavier all of a sudden. Cautiously, Albaran took a step away from the basket, just before it began to rumble. how convenient and lucky this gesture was. If he was still leaning over the basket when it started moving, he would have fall by now, and farewell, Albaran.

TheTerebiran fell on the ground of the basket, as he felt the temperature becoming warmer, hotter than usual, to the point he started sweating dramaticly.

"W-What is this?" He asked, to the other passenger that was with him in the basket. However he didn't had to wait for the answer, as he saw a giant, green creature rushing to them. His yellow eyes widened, as he rushed to his backpack and took his sword. he didn't know if the creature was dangerous or not, but one thing was certain, he didn't wanted to die here, not at the very beginning of his adventure!

 

[Mystikelh]

Delastarh would lie if he said he hadn't been scared when the balloon started to fly high in the sky. He was holding to the basket so tightly that his knuckles were turning white. But slowly, the fear dissipated, replaced by a sense of wonder as he looked at the world from a new angle. Everything seemed so beautiful from up here. No wonder birds were always soaring into the sky.

The young man had taken his journal, a nice looking book with a leather cover, and a pen to sketch the landscape. His journal was full of those kinds of drawings. He was quite skilled in the art of drawing. More landscapes, creatures, paragraphs of thoughts, everything detailing his adventures. He still needed to take a better look to that Owlgriff so he could add it to his collection of drawings.

He felt the sudden change in the overall ambiance around them. Delastarh lifted his head from his journal, closing it at the same time. He smelled the air.

"Is it me, or something smell like iron?" he asked.

Probably before he could get any response, he heard the rumble. The man looked around as the awful smell was becoming more intense and the air was getting warmer. He squinted as he was something in the distance, flying toward them.

He looked at Fey that was sitting across from him in the basket. "What in the world is that thing?!"

 

[MuskyMuscovado]

Silvette was completely at peace, stroking her new feathered companion behind its ear as she stared out around her, taking note of the beautiful lush greenery below her. She pondered how different her life could've been if she bypassed the pub, ignoring her letter, and continuing on to find herself in that very forest working on her field notes. How different and ordinary that route would've been compared to floating in the skybasket with her mysterious elven acquaintance, an Owlgriff, and a very well trained raven.

She drew in air and her eyebrows wrinkled, an unfamiliar scent wafting over her and leading into a more recognizable one, a smell she had encountered as she traveled in the western lands through a hot spring. The air began to feel as the hot spring's did, humid and muggy. Confused, Silvette looked down, trying to see if they were over a spring, but the greenery was all she could assess until her Owlgriff's alarmed shriek startled her, making Silvette jump in surprise as her companion jumped from her lap, clearly distressed as its chest heaved and the creature swung itself around in alarm.

"Now, now, its alright, little one! We're in the sky, a natural habitat for the likes of you!", she spoke soothingly to the Owlgriff, but its eyes were focused on the horizon, its ears pricked and alert.

Gazing upwards, Silvette's breath caught in her throat at the sight of the green creature."I thought...they were myths," she breathed aloud, barely a whisper. The first thing her brain went to was grabbing her field notebook, but at the pace this creature was moving towards them, this wasn't a time to take notes.

Silvette rose to her knee in the basket, pulling the Owlgriff gently towards her to keep it safe as she grabbed her bow. It was more for reassurance if anything, firing upon this beautiful beast was the last thing she wished to do.

Snapping her head over, she called out to Fey, "A little advice?!"

 

[Sammv]

After a while of flight, Torik rose above the walls of the basket to stretch out his back and legs before queasiness took over. Keeping his head up, Torik refused to see how high they are and kept a firm grip on one of the walls as he stood. He would rather have a solid footing fighting some gigantic creature then to remain in this basket floating across the landscape. He looks around at the others and felt a little reassurance, at least he wasn't alone in this thing.

After a while, Torik felt the air become hotter as a bead of sweat falls from his chin. The sudden change caused a pit in his stomach to form, the hotter the air became the more uneasy Torik felt. The smell of iron began to follow and Torik quickly realized the possible situation that the group can encounter. "No, just forest fire, Yes?" Torik muttered to himself, trying to remain calm and hope, "just fire, no more."

But as Torik was about to sit back down, the others point out the thing he hoped they wouldn't encounter. The green creature in the distance, majestic in flight and size, sent a shot of shock into Torik as his eyes lit up. He yelled out "We sitting ducks in basket," before gripping the wall with both his hands, staring at the beast. No sure footing in these things and we might still be fighting a gigantic creature, a pitiful day indeed.

 

[Oreo Cookie]

Ama sat in the corner of the basket, her arms crossed and her mask tilted toward the landscape below. Motionless and quiet, one could have assumed she was napping, but instead she was simply awestruck. The view was breathtaking, and her sights settled on the sprawling forest that awaited them below, then to the endless expanse of sky above. Even the fluffy clouds that floated by grabbed her attention, and she had to resist the childlike urge to reach out and touch them. Occasionally she would glance over her shoulder to check on Sty. The raven had managed to keep up with the basket's pace while periodically interacting with the birds they encountered.

Her sense of wonderment began to fade as clouds darkened the sky. A thunderous boom shook the basket, and the elf gripped the sides of it to keep balance. The elf would have assumed they were flying into a storm, but she's never been in a storm that got this unbearably hot, the sudden heatwave making her clothes uncomfortably sticky.

She slowly stood as the owlgriff awoke in a frightened fit. She intended to comment on its liveliness, but was left speechless at the sight of the verdant beast the flew toward them, its massive size making even their giant companion seem tiny. Sty was a blur of feathers as he landed in the basket, saving his master the trouble of calling him.

The elf quickly grabbed her bow just as her companion had done, and even readied an arrow as a precautionary measure. Still, she awaited Fey's words as to whether this beast was friend or foe.