The guests of Alexander Lightfoot missed the usual chaos of breakfast by oversleeping that morning. For Tasha, this was due to spending the previous day touring all over Abu Dhabi with the Karnors, going to the Vanderat racetrack and eventually bar-hopping. Layth and the does simply exhausted themselves until past midnight and weren't about to get up without at least a few hours of rest. And Aaron… well, the buck looked as if he'd passed out in front of a tavern and been used as a doormat.

Alexander's third wife, Hana, thoughtfully kept some food set aside for the guests and began to place it out on the table as they all began to arrive.

"You look as I feel," Layth mutters to the disheveled Aaron as he finally makes his way into the main hall to get some rather late breakfast. "Did women run over you too?"

Having taken to wearing Rephidimite 'Summer wear,' Tasha's dressed in a sun dress and straw hat, to better keep the day's worth of sun out of her eyes. She walks beside Gabriel Akkers, talking animatedly about the race track as they enter. "Oi, I didn' know those lil' critters coul' run so fast! They're like teeth wit' feet. An' I 'ad no idea there were such big gamblin' places like tha'; in Rephidim it was always the Friend's places an' the surroundin' businesses tha' were the big gamblin' scenes," she tells him.

"No," Aaron moans. "Paperwork, bureaucracy and the Port Authority."

"That last casino I visited was on Terra," Akkers replies. "It was huge and gaudy and was like a small city inside. Drove me nuts."

"Ah, then not as bad. Your pain won't linger," Layth somehow manages to quip as he picks up some food, then finds a place to sit and eat. "And Tasha looks entirely too perky, I suggest we call the guard on her."

Calligenia and Aisha stick close to Layth, looking like Khattas who caught canaries.

Pausing, Tasha gives the two men a wave. "Looks like you two los' worse than Three Spans Runner in the third race," she remarks. To Akkers, she smiles and says, "You don' seem like the type o' man to enjoy glitz and glamor, or the type to spend all 'is money on cards an' … Well, I 'ope you spend your money on women." She grins toothily.

"I spent my money on my family, back then," Akkers notes. The other two, Remiel and Eli, have the looks of men who lost their paychecks at the track and are trying to think of good lies to tell their wives.

"I looked over Kensington's ship. It's the scariest thing I've seen in some time," Aaron notes. "The Port Authority thought so too. It's impounded while they give it a top-to-bottom inspection for contraband." The buck sounds… defeated.

"I 'ope you do in the future too – nothin' good 'appens to men who spen' all their money away," says Tasha. She shifts so she can cast a knowing look past Akkers to Remiel and Eli, making her look entirely too motherly for someone so young. The big toothy grin shortly ruins the effect, and she wags to show she doesn't mind.

"Ah, I'm not for eating," Layth remarks to the two does who are huddled close. So … he offers them some of his fruit, "Here." The buck then sighs at Aaron's news. "That does not bode well. I assume we are, as they say, grounded here indefinitely, then?"

"I'd give my left… ahem… I'd give a lot for some bacon," Eli says, as he picks up a muffin.

Turning from the Karnors, Tasha walks over and pats Aaron on the shoulder, showing she was actually listening and not permanently dazzled by her alien men entourage. "I'm sure you tried your 'ardest. We'll jus' 'ave to make due with wha' we can get," she tells him, comfortingly.

"Well, I could try to get us on into… " Aaron starts to say, only to be interrupted by a gray-green blur that runs into the room, skids to a halt, and then falls wheezing to its knees. "Oh… gods… you're… still… here… " Spring Meadow gasps, one hand held to her chest as if trying to keep her heart from escaping through her ribcage.

Layth can't help but blink. "Ah, you are going to exhaust yourself, Spring Meadow," the buck says as he sets his plate aside and gets to his feet to go and help the girl. "Why so excited? Were you selected for the ruling Harem?"

"Bunnies is always worked up, 'cpet Layth who is always underworked," Tasha remarks, knowingly.

"Guh," the Earth Mage exhales, trying to calm her breathing. "Latania!" she yelps. "Coming. Abaddon. Big expedition. Something weird happened… "

"Well, he wasn't underworked last night," Aisha mutters with a sly grin.

Aaron decides to shut Meadow up for a moment by bringing her a glass of water. The gray doe guzzles it down, and seems to relax a bit.

"Calm down, breathe, then explain," Layth instructs Spring Meadow. He then taps the doe on the nose, adding, "And pardon me… " He turns around, snatches a muffin, and tosses it at Aisha (gently).

Aisha raises her hands, but it's Calligenia who snatches the projectile from the air and starts nibbling on it.

"'E looks bland as usual – you're no' pushin' 'im 'ard enough," Tasha insists to Aisha. To Spring Meadow, she asks, "Latania? I'm a little foggy from all the 'eat, 'as somethin' 'appened with Amazonia or Abaddon-side?" Meadow takes a few deep breaths, and then starts talking in a more understandable way. "I went to the Guild Hall last night to check in. This morning, there was a message for me, sent by magical courier, from Mage Latania. She said she was arriving today in Abu Dhabi, and that I was to report to the airfield before sunset, along with a few other mages. Also, if you were still around – that is, you and the Karnors – I was to try and bring you too. She didn't say more than that, but the buzz I got from the others at the Guild is that something big has happened on Abaddon, and that somehow a few of the governments are ticked off at Caroban. I think Latania is being sent to smooth things over, and bringing the Karnors back is probably a convenient peace-offering."

Layth frowns. "I do not approve of being used as political pawns. She swore she would keep them secret, not to mention how much money she was paid too," the buck remarks.

Tasha's brows slowly raise as Spring Meadow relates the situation, then suddenly narrow at the mention of using the Karnors as a 'peace offering.' "The Karnors are no' Caroban's bargainin' chip," she says, flatly. "I 'ope she isn' up to somethin' under'anded; what's the whole situation? I don' 'ave a feel of 'er mood on this, is she goin' to drag us into this if we like it or no'?"

"I doubt she's told anyone. After all, she contacted Spring Meadow instead of trying to contact us directly," Aaron notes. "Being part of a Collegia expedition would let us bypass all of the identity checks and other hassles though – not to mention providing us transport."

"I couldn't tell her mood," Meadow says. "The message system was text only. Shadow-courier, so nobody else but me would have seen it."

"It coul' also land us in 'ot water, bu' … " Tasha shakes her head, then glances at the Karnors behind her. "It depends jus' who we're dealin' wit', which Abaddonian governmen', doesn' it?"

"There's only one that would matter," Aaron notes. "The Expedition, at New Zion. That's where we were going, anyway."

"Then I suppose we can at least hear her offer," Layth suggests and glances towards Tasha. "But, we should be wary. This is suspicious." "Well, alrigh'. We're in a 'ard way if she decides to do this by force. We're just a few people agains' the Guild if it comes to tha', an' she knows our secrets an' 'as mos' o' our money. We can' just sell wha' we found without bein' found quick, either. If we try an' flee it'll be 'ard, even if I can reach The Rake some'ow," says Tasha, who then breathes a sigh. She reaches up and rubs her head, tilting her hat. "We'll jus' 'ave to go an' see. We've been in worse scrapes, righ'?"

"No, I think this is worse," Layth offers in that ever so comforting way of his. "But what happens is as of yet unknown. Perhaps we are worrying needlessly."

"I wish I could tell you more, but all I've got are rumors from people returning through the Gateway," Spring Meadow notes. "Do you want me to go see if Latania will meet you somewhere?"

Tasha gives Layth an odd look, ears askew. "Worse than the gian' evil crystal ship brain an' the metal gian' tha' tried to char us?" She shifts her gaze to Spring Meadow and nods. "We ought an' see to this then. I'd suggest weapons bu' I don' thin' it'll do any good if things go badly. Let's jus' 'ope she's a woman o' character, 'owever 'ard to get along with she migh' be."

"Yes, the guild can kill us slowly. The others wished to do so quickly," Layth points out.

"If she comes here alone – which given the secrecy of things she should be willing to do – then I think that would be best," Aaron offers. "She's a Life Mage, not a combat mage."

"Fair enough," Layth agrees. "It would also show good faith."

"The Guild isn' qui' tha' ruthless … I don' think? I mean, it 'as Spring Meadow, it can' be tha' bad," Tasha insists. She nods to Aaron, then. "It woul' be bes'. My feelin' is tha' any danger 'ere is political, an' tha' they migh' need us as much as we need then. Wha' good would it do them to 'and us over, if they rubbed us wron'? Well, unless this Expedition is nothin' like we expect an' wants its ancients back at any cos'. Hmm." The woman twists her muzzle at the idea.

"I don't know that there's any regular contact at all between New Zion and Caroban," Aaron points out. "Since the Pit of Himar lost its magic, there isn't much point in dealing with mages on Abaddon."

"We will not know until Latania tells us what is going on. Speculation will only cause more fear, I suspect. So, please have her come here, Spring Meadow," Layth says as he pushes back his lop ears. The buck pauses there and scratches at one of his ears. "Hm, that's a thought… "

"I'll go try to fetch her back then?" Spring Meadow asks. "She may have landed by now."

"Hold on," Aaron says, and gets up. "We can send a Shadow messenger from here. It'll get to her even if she hasn't landed yet."

"Tasha, a moment," Layth says and goes to speak quietly to the woman. "Just a theory, based on what Aaron just said; Abaddon has no magic, so what would the purpose of mages be? Why would they be needed now? Think on that."

"I'll be right back, just need to talk to Layla," Aaron notes, and heads off deeper into the sprawling house.

The Vartan woman leans in to listen to Layth, nodding several times. "I don' know wha' it means. It sounds like mages 'ave been active on Abaddon for some time, bu' I don' know for wha'. Coul' be anythin'; mages need metals too af'er all, an' a foreign place ought an' 'ave rare magic whats-its. Bu' you migh' 'ave somethin' there, maybe it's more than trade contracts an' learnin' trips," she says after listening. "Thing is, Layth; I don' know much – no' abou' the Guild, Abaddonia, trade, or wha' 'ave you. I jus' don' know enough 'ere to tell you. I wish I did – it's makin' me hackles poof, it is."

"My knowledge of the political landscape of Abaddon is a bit dated, I'm afraid," Akkers offers.

"Remember how our artifacts reacted to magic? Remember how we were told that was unusual?" Layth continues, "What if the experimenting caused … hm, resonance I think the phrase is, with crystals elsewhere? Would that possibly mean magic was done in a place where it should not be? A wild guess, but with our limited knowledge it is my best guess."

"I bet she just wants the Karnors to carry a message to the Expedition government," Aisha offers. "If they aren't happy with mages for some reason, then who better bring an offer of… well, whatever?"

"Gabriel said the artifacts didn' work elsewhere, an' 'e was on Abaddon, so 'e ought to know. Tha' was a lon' time ago though, an' maybe they don' wan' the Karnors, they wan' the artifacts, like you 'int at. As for them actin' to trigger somethin', we won' know until we do – those things are beyon' any o' us. If i' comes down to it, I'll surren'er them if it means protectin' the Karnors, all o' them 'cept the memories," the Vartan tells Layth. She glances to Aisha and bites her lip, then nods. "Maybe. The Karnors are so ol' I don' know if anyone woul' believe they are wha' they are – I know I still 'ave a 'ard time believin' it. Bu', I gues we'll know soon enoug'. Should we change?"

A moment later, Aaron returns to report, "Layla is sending an invitation – from me – to Latania. She knows Latania, so it'll get to her and bring back a reply without anyone else intercepting it."

"I suggest that we all pack under the assumption that we will be going. Knowing the mage of unpleasant attitude, she will likely wish to leave immediately and be angered of she has to wait for us to pack," Layth suggests. "It also gives us something to do to avoid worrying."

"Good idea," Aaron agrees. "Plus, I need to take a bath or something. Maybe Barika can help me – Alexander always boasts how she's a great groomer… "

"Tha's why you're my num'er one bunny," Tasha remarks, reaching over to fuzzle Layth's ears. "We ough' an' dress to travel too. I don' thin' wearing me outtin' dress is goin' to give the righ' firs' impression, an' Abaddon sounds 'ard on the fur." She then smiles at the Karnors and says, "Well, bes' ge' ready you three. I'll 'elp, bu' jus' in case, better get one good las' look at Sinai. We migh' no' see it for a long time."

"Ah, yes. She will do wonders for waking you up … and parts of you up," Layth comments with an amused grin. "I wonder if Alexander would sell her… "

"He just married her," Aaron notes, while Aisha pinches Layth for the suggestion.

"What? It would inspire you to be better," Layth teases Aisha. "Anyroad, let's pack and dress for travel. I suspect long and unpleasant days ahead."

"Back to dressn' like I 'ave no class," Tasha says cheerily. She reaches over and grabs Gabriel's hand, then hauls him off to get ready.

---

Reflection Parlor – Lightfoot Estate
A separate building set within the gardens, the parlor has open walls draped in gauze and loosely woven Zolk to keep out the bugs. There are small tables, cushions to sit on, a few water pipes and a large central pool to keep things cool (or perhaps to take a bath in if needed).

There is plenty of time for the travelers to get ready. Clothing and goods are packed, outfits changed and bathrooms visited. It is already after noon by the time Layla escorts the white Cervani Life Mage to the parlor. As soon as Latania steps in, the Lapi Shadow Mage casts some sort of privacy veil over the room before bowing and returning to the villa. Meadow also Lapi-whispers to the others, "Latania is holding some spells… "

"So good of you to join us, Latania," Aaron offers, kissing the back of the Mage's hand and escorting her to a seat. "Of course it is," the Cervani mutters. "But first things first – I want to check my patients' health."

"What kind?" Layth returns the whisper to Meadow. To Latania, he asks, "Forgive me for asking, but what brings the renewed interest in our friends?"

Tasha's muzzle twitches when she hears the mage is prepared. "Well, I never met a mage tha' couldn' be punched," she mutters. Apparently realizing Gabriel may have overheard her, she suddenly smiles at the man and adds, "No' tha' I'd consider it! Unless I 'ad to! Or she was rubbin' my fur wrong! I'm tryin'." She then turns to watch the mage's approach with a brow-raised, skeptical air.

Meadow shrugs to Layth, while Latania says, "They're my patients, I want to make sure they aren't having any relapses. After that, I'll tell you the other reason I wanted to see you."

Layth doesn't look entirely convinced by the claim, but nods his head anyway. "As you like," he says and steps back, then sweeps his arm towards Tasha and the Karnors.

"It was our shinin' personality, wasn' it," says the Vartan woman. She steps beside Gabriel as the mage approaches, making it fairly clear she's going to be right there as the mage examines him. "This is unusual, innit? Jus' wha' 'appened over there?"

"With your permissions?" the Mage asks Akkers, Caravelli and Zerachial. The wolves to look to one another, and then Akkers gives them each a little nod. "We're ready," he tells Latania.

The Cervani doe raises her staff, and recites a few words. Three vaporous wisps stream from it and form halos above the heads of the Karnors, which slowly descend and go through a number of color changes along the way, until they finally vanish into the floor.

"Mmmm," goes Tasha, which almost sounds like a growl.

"Good," Latania notes. "No abnormalities or magical rejection," she reports, and then takes her seat again. "Do you still intend to travel to Abaddon and New Zion?" she asks.

"We do," Layth says and nods. He does not mention that their current transport has been impounded, however.

Tasha's suspicious, ears back stance eases somewhat as the mage declares the Karnors healthy and withdraws. She nods. "Aye, we 'ave business there."

"Things are a bit chaotic there, according to our most recent reports," Latania explains. "The Celestial Empire's city – their 'life dome' – has been destroyed by some sort of plant, and magic may have been involved. Magic has definitely manifested on Abaddon, at about the same strength as is available on Rephidim or Caroban."

Aaron blinks at this, and Meadow is just flabbergasted. "How is that even possible?" the Earth Mage asks.

Layth's brow arches as he gives a look to Tasha. "And on another point, was their dome critical to their survival? If it has been destroyed were many killed?" he asks.

Tasha's ears shoot up at the news, and she blinks several times. "By a magic plant? Oi, I 'eard of a magical plan' tha' people used in Un'erside bu' … Well. Isn' tha' unusual? I always though' the other planets 'ad magic jus' like ours until recen'ly – did Caroban do somethin," the woman inquires, leaning forward a bit.

"How it happened isn't critical," Latania claims. "How we deal with it is. The population was forced to evacuate, and by some miracle the other powers decided not to attack them – probably because they didn't know what was going on either. Of all of the explored worlds of the Gateway, only Sinai has possessed magic. Unfortunately, our first representative on the scene is notoriously undiplomatic. He's accused two major governments of harboring a rogue mage and has been scrying on them. I wouldn't put it past him to have issued threats."

"I beg to differ. How it happened is critical," Layth argues, "Because it could happen to others. Understanding the root cause is paramount to dealing with anything. Otherwise you are just trying to bandage a festering wound."

"Sounds li' a 'ot'ead. You don' wan' someone li' tha' leadin'," the Vartan agrees, obliviously. She glances at Layth and says, "An' don' look at me, I don' think we did this. Even if the Skoll some'ow got there it wasn' magic. Maybe it was someone or thing else – oi, maybe they did it to themselves some'ow." She returns her gaze to the mage, and asks, "So 'ow do we fit into all this?"

"Layth, was it?" Latania asks, turning her attention to the buck. "We mages can be quite powerful, but even if we all worked together on a massive ritual – there is no way we could 'turn on' magic for an entire world. Whatever the cause, it is beyond us. My mission is to handle what we can. Repair strained relations and show Abaddon that Caroban is an ally. We will be setting up a hospital to attempt to treat some of the more vicious diseases that plague that world, and doing what he can to contain or understand whatever has happened to the Imperial life dome. As for the troublemaker; he isn't even an actual mage." This last is spoken with a bit of venom.

Layth nods at that. "A fair answer," he concedes, "Who is this troublemaker you speak of, then? And how do we play into this?"

"Than wha' is 'e?" Tasha prompts. "Some kind o' mage functionary?"

"Ra Shrikendune, member of the Caroban Watch," Latania notes. "A witch-hunter. He has no magical ability, but can sense magic. I think he harbors a hatred for all mages, but can only take it out on the hedge-wizards. His latest quest is a ridiculous waste of resources, and has proven his incompetence if nothing else. The rogue he accuses the Expedition and the Celestial Empire of harboring is another troublemaker, but one which both of those governments like."

"If the Council had listened to me in the first place," the deer grumbles, "neither of those two would have been allowed into the Guild and none of this mess would be in my lap now."

"Sounds like you ough' an' jus' let 'im go, bu' tha's your business." The Vartan woman leans back and scratches at an ear in thought. "So you wan' us to 'elp this some'ow? The Karnors an' us? Is i' because the Karnors are connected an' you think they migh' take a shine to 'avin' their ancients return, or is it somethin' more?"

"Mm," Layth mutters. "I still do not see how we fit into this."

"The Karnors are living proof of what Caroban has to offer Abaddon by way of medical magic," Latania notes. "I also assume the artifacts you carry will operate on Abaddon now as they did on Rephidim, but that's your problem."

"To be blunt: helping you return to New Zion helps my mission," Latania says.

"There is something more they offer," Layth remarks and holds up a finger. "One of them is a doctor by his own right. You spoke of diseases there; he may be able to assist in dealing with them."

"Oi, it is," Tasha agrees, if somewhat defensively in tone. "I see wha' you mean, though. It's no small thing to 'ave 'ealed men ol' as Rephidim. If tha's all i' is, then we don' mind. Bu' if it's more, … Well, let's jus' leave it at tha'." Tasha licks her teeth a moment, then bites her lip. She glances at the others, then nods. "Do you 'ave any idea 'ow they'll react to 'avin' the Karnors back? It's been ages, an' things 'ave changed. Amazonia though' they were gods, wha' will the Expedition think?"

"It would tell me the state of their medical science to see what they're dealing with," Dr. Caravelli admits. "The Expedition's medical resources couldn't have survived this long – the must have run out ages ago. But if magic can help to recreate some of it… "

"I expect that most denizens of Abaddon will have some resistance to Life Magic," Latania notes. "So anything that can speed diagnoses will be welcome."

"Well I'm all for 'elpin' people. Maybe it'll 'elp the doc to find 'is place in this worl'," Tasha says.

"So, we have gone from going to Abaddon to return memories and learn of the past to being a mission of mercy for the injured," Layth summarizes, "All in all, what you ask of us is a noble thing. I cannot refuse."

"My group is mostly Life and Earth based, as those seem to be the Spheres that are the most effective on Abaddon right now," Latania notes. "I don't have time to recall all of the mages stationed at the Earth Tower, so you'll have to do, Spring Meadow."

"Alright, when do we leave?" Aaron notes.

"Spring Meadow does quite well," Layth comments.

"I intend to launch as soon as all supplies are personnel are loaded aboard The Wandering Sylph," Latania notes.

"Should we take precautions with our artifacts? I have some concern that whatever triggered this plant may affect them," Layth notes.

"We have some Chaos Mages with us," the deer notes, pursing a lip. "They may be able to ward the cases, but I have no idea if those would survive the trip through the Gateway."

"Well, we were prepared for this, so we'll be ready when you are." Tasha glances at Gabriel, and tells him, "Looks li' we're goin' to Abaddon sooner rather than later. You bes' try an' remember wha'ever you can abou' Abaddon, an' if there's anythin' you'd like to see or do before we go, we'd bes' get to that." The woman's gaze passes to the Karnors near their captain, and she nods to them as well. "Same for you all, looks like we're abou' to be busy."

"Then we should have them ward the cases. Better to be over-prepared than under," Layth offers. "I will help transport our gear to the ship. Aaron, will you as well? Aisha? Calligenia?"

"I've got everything I need to bring," Akkers notes, resting a hand on Tasha's leg. The other two Karnors nod as well. "We've got work to do, finally," Caravelli says. Zerachiel looks expectant as well… probably at the notion that his precious artifacts will actually work in a place were he can really study them.

"You want me to carry stuff?" Aisha asks.

"I'll arrange a carriage," Aaron notes.

"I'm wearing my armor," Calligenia states.

Tasha beams at Akkers, and may actually be blushing – it's hard to tell when she's already red furred to begin with. "W-well, I s'pose I'm ready t-too then."

"Yes, I will be sure to leave the heaviest stuff for you, Aisha," Layth comments as he pats the doe on the back. "Which I believe is your travel case."

"I will attend to my other business in town then," Latania says, standing up. Aaron hops to his feet to offer escort. "Thank you for coming along. I expect I will need all of the help I can get. Especially if Ra's impossible paranoid fantasy turns out to be true."

"Before you go … just what is this fantasy?" Layth asks.

"That a crazy, brain-damaged 10-year-old Exile is behind it all," the woman says, shaking her head. "And that he doesn't show the least bit of shame at having somehow been outwitted by her if he's right."

"Wha' a nut. E' needs a girl," Tasha says, shaking her head.

"No, that would make him worse," Layth remarks to Tasha. He can't help but grin slightly.

"The Guild used to be respectable," Latania mutters as she steps through the privacy screen with Aaron. Whatever else she mutters is blocked from even the ears of Lapi.

"'Ey!" Tasha steps towards Layth, but once she notices Gabriel's hand slipping, she pauses and returns to his side. "I'd whack you one iffin' you weren' over there."

"Are you saying we are a bad influence on you, Layth?" Calligenia asks the buck, making big innocent eyes at him.

"Yes you are," Layth says with a perfectly straight face. As for Tasha, well, she could swear the buck just stuck his tongue out at her.

Tasha blinks, mouth parting in surprise! "Oi, I think I've rubbed off on 'im, an' 'e on me. Soon, 'e'll be tha' bad one," she murmurs to Gabriel. "C'mon, let's go."

---

Abu Dhabi Airfield
Due to the winds along the coastline, the airship field for the city of Abu Dhabi is actually at the edge of the desert, on the opposite side from the harbor. Warehouses, customs and other port services exist in duplicate, although specialized for dealing with air freight. The flat field bristles with tall mooring towers and anchoring pylons, with the recent edition of iron rails to facilitate the movement of cargo. Several huge enclosed hangars (giant tents, really) house the Emir's own air fleet.

Moored near the center of the field a fantastical looking airship, all golden-and-amber in color and streamlined like a seabird. It's translucent envelope swirls with multicolored luminous gasses, and it bears emblems of all the runes of the Spheres of Magic, as well as the Chart of Spheres, marking it as a craft aligned with Caroban; the College Esoterica. Two elegant, if short, wings curl to form cylindrical nacelles, which seem to be filled with fire-lit miniature storms, turned on their sides. There are no sails or propellers to be seen on the craft, however.

The young Vartan woman has been staring at the airship for some time, scratching her head. "I'm no' sure wha' to think o' it," she remarks to no one in particular. "It's pretty," she offers, "bu' it's almos' too pretty for an airship, all magic an wha' no'. S'like a Kujaku: A fop-airship. I thin' me crew would be embarrassed, bu' it looks fas'. I jus' don' know wha' to say." She shakes her head, then remembers she's supposed to be carrying things to the airship, not staring at it.

Layth considers the airship as the menagerie approaches it. "Forgive me, but I must say that is one of the most garish ships I have ever seen. The Khatta now no longer hold the market on the overly decorative," he remarks. There's a pause and the buck concludes with, "And alas with our luck, we will have rooms in the hold near the privies. We will fear two forms of gas explosions."

"Are you both kidding?" Spring Meadow exclaims, and then makes a sweeping gesture with one arm towards the ship. "That's The Wandering Sylph! Except for the Intimidator, it's the most advanced airship in the world! And after its refit, maybe even the fastest!" the doe claims. "See those tubes? Those are the new Elemental Vortex Engines!"

"Magical turbojets," Akkers mutters, shaking his head in disbelief.

"That doesn't make it look any less ridiculous," Layth comments to Spring Meadow.

The Earth Mage just flaps her arms in frustration. "It's cool!" she finally says. "I've always wanted to ride on it!"

"I dunno," Tasha says, sounding skeptical. She heaves a crate containing one of the artifacts onto her shoulder, showing that despite her switch to a more feminine wardrobe she's still an ex-sailor and quite capable of hauling cargo. Gabriel's offer to carry her things was met with amused rejection. "Those vortex what-nots soun' fas', bu' it's jus' so pretty." Shaking her head, she starts towards the ship with her precious crate. "I jus' don' know wha' to do wit' a ship tha' flies by magic an' doesn' 'ave pteras, or sails, or even engines."

"Hmmm, I wonder if they sacrifice passengers to the engines," Aaron says as the coach stops with a hundred feet still to go. The Dromodons refuse to go any closer, it seems.

"And I do hope it isn't going through the Gateway too. It would make quite an impressive crater when it fell from the sky," Layth comments as he hops off the wagon and walks around to pull off one of the large trunks.

"You guys have no respect for magic," Spring Meadow sniffs, as she picks up her own travel bag.

"I respect it enough to stay well clear of those tubes," Aisha says. Calligenia's hackles are even raised. This close, it's easy to hear the ominous, predatory growl of those Elementals.

"I respect you. I just think the ship is overdone," Layth points out. "It is … like men who puff up their chests and strut."

"I'm a science sort 'o Vartan," Tasha insists, wagging her tail. "Me mum always said magic will steal your soul." She grins, and doesn't sound like she really believes it if the light tone of her voice is any indication. "When I get to the Expedition, I'm goin' to learn 'ow to pilot a ship, or maybe even a titan."

"You've never been to Caroban," Meadow notes. "The Sylph is a symbol of our power. It's beautiful," the doe mutters defensively. "It's not like we use it to haul cargo… "

Once aboard the craft, it turns out much of the space has been given over to hauling cargo.

"This mus' all be ego," Tasha remarks as she spots all the cargo lining the deck.

"No. You're beautiful. It is just a ship," Layth tells Spring Meadow as he insists on taking her travel pack.

The deck itself is fairly crowded, with over two dozen mages of various ranks, from Apprentices to Masters. Some of them look a bit queasy.

"Wow, I recognize some of these faces from the Journeyman's ball," Aaron notes. "Three Masters, not including Latania. A dozen Apprentices. Not a huge amount of experience here – no offense, Meadow."

"Tasha has enough 'experience' for all of them," Layth mutters, grinning.

Tasha puts her crate down on the deck gently, then puts her butt down on the crate, ensuring no one will move it without moving her first. She looks back over the side of the ship, checking if Gabriel and the others Karnors are keeping up. Her scan is soon interrupted by Layth's quip, but she can only glare at him, not wanting to leave the crate.

Layth just waves and smiles to Tasha.

With the last of the cargo and passengers loaded aboard, a Jupani Air Mage stands up on the navigation deck and waves his arms. "Attention!" he calls out, his voice amplified by an Air spell. "For those of you just arrived, please note that we will be launching momentarily, and expect to arrive at Gateway in four hours. Please take one of the airsickness bags being handed around, just in case, and please sit on something or someone sturdy. Do not attempt to walk around until I give you the all clear, and do not lean over the railing or look into the engine mouths!"

"I've heard that before," Zerachiel notes, and sits on the deck with his back to one of the crates. Apprentices of Air are circulating with airsickness bags while other are drawing ropes across the deck for additional handholds.

"This is the leas' tough crew I 'ave ever seen," Tasha murmurs disapprovingly to Layth as the Air Mage speaks. "Oi, sickness bags? Pssh, we jus' threw up over the side an' then the cap'n made us clean it later – sometimes wit' a small brush!" She does listen to the mage, though; she stands just long enough to sit in Gabriel's lap. "You look sturdy," she tells him, looking up.

"You'd think they'd put us below decks," Aaron notes. "I bet Latania is sitting in the lounge."

Layth takes a few of the airsickness bags when one of the distributors passes by. His brow arches briefly, then snorts. He turns it and shows Tasha the front. It reads: 'Your Friendly Air Sickness Companion!'. It even has flowers on it. He tucks those away and asks the does, "So, you're going to sit on me, aren't you?"

"Dibs!" Calligenia calls, and claims Layth's lap. Aisha looks like she's about to say something, then just snorts and grabs hold of Layth's left arm.

Tasha glances at the bag, then starts laughing, her voice carrying over even the engine roar. "I shoul' save on o' those for Cap'n Eyeshine, an' ask 'im to make 'em a part o' his ship. 'E'd either laugh 'is beak off or sob tha' such things exist on a real ship."

A whistle blows, and the pilot announces, "Activating Gravity Spell!" Suddenly, everyone feels twice as heavy as normal! "Glad I went to the bathroom before we left," Aaron says.

"No kidding," Layth has to agree. He actually looks slightly uncomfortable with the doubly weighted Calligenia on his lap, sitting on his unmentionables.

"This is different," Akkers notes, as Tasha presses into his lap. "Magical version of inertial dampening?"

"Oi, I feel fat," Tasha complains as she squishes Gabriel's lap more than she normally does. "I'm likin' magic ships less an' less. At leas' if I botched a takeoff we just crashed into the pier an' everyone fell over."

"You know I don' know your science words yet," Tasha tells Gabriel, looking up again. "You'll teach me righ'?"

"Aerospike initiated," announces the pilot, and there is a brief burst of lightning beyond the prow of the ship. "Anchors released!" And with that, The Wandering Sylph begins to rise into the warm Himaatian afternoon.

"Sure," Gabriel says. "Just… not right now."

"This feels overly dangerous," Layth mutters.

"What makes you say that?" Aaron asks. "Was it the lightning?"

Tasha nods understandingly, dropping her head back against the man's chest. "I'd jus' yell 'ya,'" she complains.

"That's one of the reasons. It also sounds like the ship is hungry," Layth answers.

The Vortex Engines begin to come to life next, with a bowel-loosening growl as if two dragons were strapped to the sides of the fuselage. The entire deck vibrates.

"See?" Layth points out. "Dangerous!"

"Are we goin' to die," Tasha inquires of no one in particular.

"Well… I mean, there is the possibility of the Elementals breaking loose and eating us," Spring Meadow says, looking strained by the extra weight. "But… that's what Chaos Mages are for. To prevent that, or… well, they'd be the first to be eaten… "

For a single silent moment, the crushing weight seems to vanish as the Sylph lunges forward. And then it's back to horrible vibration and screaming demonic monsters as the ship accelerates to top speed.

"The Pteras never tried to eat me … Jus' Blackfeather an' tha' Rhain who grabbed me bum," continues Tasha, who's ears have flattened. "This ship is noisy an' pretty."

Remarkably, a Rhian mare in the robes of an Air Mage stands at the front of the deck, facing everyone. If the air-shield were to rupture, her robes would probably be torn off of her… along with her skin. "In the event of a loss of the pressure envelope," she recites, "please curl up into the fetal position… "

"Blurg!" goes Layth. "My ears hurt! Too loud!"

"Maybe me mum was righ'," reconsiders Tasha aloud.

The raucous, horrific acceleration goes on for a few more minutes, and then tapers off. The gravity field returns to normal, and the engines settle down to a growl that is not entirely horrifying.

Ears ringing, the Lapis are still able to hear the pilot give the 'you may now move around safely' notice.

"Can I throw Latania off the ship for not warning us about the noise?" Layth asks Aaron as he holds his still hurting ears down against his head.

"What?" Aaron asks. He's got crumpled up airsickness bags stuffed into his ears.

Tasha suddenly hops to her feet, then shakes herself out. "Oi! Les' never do tha' again. Let's jus' crash if landin' is tha' bad." The shaking leaves her fur poofy, which she quickly goes about patting down. When she's done, she blinks at the Lapi, then her ears splay! "Oi, you poor buns, tha' mus' 'ave been even worse for you. This why I li' ol' fashioned airships."

Layth reaches over and yanks out the bags with his free hand. "I'll throw you over later, too," he grumbles. To Tasha he says, "It feels like someone jabbed spikes in my ears, yes. Ugh."

"Wasn' tha' bad for me, bu' I didn' li' feelin' preggo all o' a sudden, an' all this flash an' bother feels like they're tryin' to show me up. 'Course, my take-offs are almos' noiseless an' it don' make your fat double, so I thin' I win," she tells Layth.

"I'm impressed, Tasha," Aaron says, rubbing his ears after the bags have been yanked out. "I was sure your shirt wouldn't take the strain of the extra weight, but it did! Zolk underwear?"

There is a moderate rush of people heading for the bathrooms belowdeck, while a few brave individuals risk looking over the railing.

Tasha's muzzle drops, unable to find the words to respond to Aaron's quip. Instead, she walks over to him, and tries to grab him in a headlock. "I'll 'elp unclog your ears!"

"Ack!" the buck gasps as he struggles.

"I was holding them up from beneath," Akkers claims.

"You asked for that one, Aaron," Layth laughs. Instead of watching Aaron suffer his deserved fate, he checks on the does. "Are you all okay? Do you need care?" he asks.

Aisha and Calli both get to their feet as soon as possible, and Aisha does a little dance to prove to herself that she's light again. Calligenia looks wobbly though, and avoids looking anywhere near the railing.

Tasha sits down and proceeds to hold Aaron in a bent forward position, idly using her free hand to make his ears dance around. "See, Gabriel knows 'ow to treat a lad- … " The Vartan blinks, then eyes the Karnor. "I'll get you later when we're alone," she promises.

"Hehehe," the old wolf chuckles.

Layth dutifully hands Calligenia one of the airsickness bags. "He knows how to treat a woman and he knows how to treat you, Tasha," Layth quips.

"I don' 'ave enough 'ands to deal with all these men," Tasha laments, then she makes Aaron's ears duel with each other.

Spring Meadow stretches a bit, and says, "The hull must be packed with magical batteries to keep the pressure envelope up at this altitude. We're flying above Sky Island height."

Lightfoot tries to retaliate by grabbing for Tasha's tail.

"Remind me to teach you some of the things Tasha really likes. You can get her to … squeal," Layth confides to Akkers as he stands and stretches now too. "What is a magical battery?" he asks Meadow.

"Wha' 'appens if there's no magic then? can the ship still lan', an' no explode, withou' magic," inquires the Vartan, who is now seeing how fast Aaron's ears straighten after being squished. When he tries to grab her tail, she rubs up his hair. "Don' think you're sneaky, you've been chasin' me tail since I knew you."

"Usually big stones or crystals that have been charged up by Apprentices for a few days," Meadow notes. Then to Tasha, she says, "Oh, don't worry. If the magic runs out, we'll never know it!"

"'Cause we'll be dead?" Tasha flicks her tail away from Aaron, and finally releases him.

"Probably," Layth agrees.

Zerachiel returns from the railing, with a big grin on his face. "Amazing! I'd estimate we are at 20,000 feet, and going well over 150 knots," he says. "In a balloon!"

"We'll have enough trouble getting them to believe us back at base," Akkers notes. "So let's just leave this part out of our report, okay?"

"Caroban is taking this Abaddon business seriously," Meadow says. "This trip is costing a fortune. You could buy another airship for the cost of the magic fueling this run."

"I could pilot a ship to let pteras eat Washuu," insists the Vartan, apparently feeling outshown. She sits up and takes a moment to stretch. "At leas' I'm in the air again. I don' know abou' you all, bu' I always feel funny on the groun'. Mum says I was born on an' airship."

"It must have been terribly tempting to feed you to the Pteras then," Aaron comments with a smirk, and then scoots out of reach.

"Does that mean there are aspects they still haven't told us?" Layth asks Meadow.

Tasha tries to grab Aaron again, but he's already gone by the time she starts. "He's learnin'," she says, consideringly. So instead, she walks back over to Gabriel and sits down next to him.

"A whole new world just got magic," Meadow says. "That means there will be people there able to work with it. And that means new students, and a lot of demand for mages."

"Ah, in the end it is always about the Shekel," Layth says with a knowing nod. "I'm more concerned with how it got magic. This could be the harbinger of something far worse."

Akkers puts an arm around Tasha's shoulders, and tells her, "I flew an open-cockpit airplane during my military training. It was exhilarating. Almost a shame we can't feel the wind on this thing."

"Could just be a cycle, like how magic has gotten stronger or weaker throughout history," Meadow notes. "It's not like we know where magic comes from, after all."

"That was gradual, though, was it not? This is instantaneous," Layth notes, "It is worrying."

"Open cockpit? An' I know! It's no' right to no' feel the wind while on an' airship deck. At leas' in the Themis Skoll there was the feelin' of movemen' an' so much to do, this is jus' unnatural," she agrees with the man, shifting to lean her head against him. "Mum says magic comes from demons and warlocks, I think she's righ' after seein' this ship," she mock-whispers to the Karnor.

"I heard that!" Spring Meadow calls to Tasha. "It's demons and warlocks that come from magic!"

Tasha's brows raise. "So you're more wicked than demons an' warlocks?" To Layth, she says, "I knew it. Jus' look at 'er – she's like Dagh 'imself."

"And you haven't even had her in bed," Layth adds to that, "A positive terror."

"Hey!" Meadow complains. The other does go to hug her.

Tasha stands up and tugs on Gabriel's arm. "Le's go look aroun', we 'ave a ways to go an' might as well enjoy the peace. Maybe we'll find a pit of fiends an' … Or maybe a succubi," she tells him, before winking and flapping her wings a little.

And Layth goes to hug the does. All of them. At the same time. Very firmly. "We just pick on you because you're part of the harem! Er, family," the buck says with a small grin. "We need to have fun while we can, because I expect jokes and humor will be in short supply once we reach Abaddon. I expect to see something akin to the aftermath of a battle; a lot of pain and chaos."