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Johanne had read many books. Thick volumes on the history of Ingenii, articles over whatever current scandal was in the news, lofty adventure novels that let him sail around the world in the comfort of his own workspace. His mind was an alcove for those inkstained pages. But never, in all of...

"Aye, I suppose their smarter than I give them credit for." As two approached the village, their words were proven true by the jumble of panicked activity stirring throughout. Mules and carts were already being packed with supplies. Some gathered families could be heard squabbling on what to...

Surprise flashed in Johanne's eyes at the sudden change in demeanor. A prickle crawled up his spine as he eyed Natalie warily. What had happened to her 'business first' attitude? Were mercenaries meant to look that...elegant? All too quickly, she seemed more likely to hold a banquet than venture...

The amenities prepared were to be accommodating at best, with luxury an option reserved for those that had the coin. But to a boy who had spent near his entire life in the grinding shadows of churning gears and with oil staining every available space black, this might as well have been first...

How had she...? What...? Johanne's eyes widened. His hands slowly moved to his pockets, patting them down carefully to confirm what he was seeing. Screws, lint, crumbled pages he'd forgotten to throw away -- everything but the tool comfortably held out in Natalie's hands. Johanne faltered. He...

As Tamara watched patrons file into her little eatery, she couldn't help but smile a bit. The diner was lively that morning, much to her pleasant surprise, and Tamara had found herself cheerily trotting about as more and more customers found their way inside. Activity buzzed between tables as...

By the time the two had reached the end of the path, Cheronis had breathed enough smoke than was good for him. Coughing violently, he muffled his mouth and nose with his hand as he stumbled down the steep rocks. His mouth was dull with the taste of ash. Underfoot, the earth continued to moan in...

Johanne flushed deep with embarrassment at Natalie's words, his grip on the box loosening slightly. He wasn't used to this. Any of this. Not walking around crowds, not boarding across fancy airships, and most certainly not carrying valuables crammed into small boxes. Speaking of, he paused to...

"That makes the two of us then," Johanne softly grumbled, bitterness seeping into his voice. So she knew as much as him, if not less. That made sense, he supposed, but that did little to ease the nervous flutter in stomach as he boarded the airship. "No, I suppose that's it. Also, drop the...

The Lucky Shoe was Tamara William's pride and joy. A little spot nestled in the quiet section of Morgan Avenue, the diner was a cozy establishment with wide windows, open doors, and the constant smell of something good perfuming the premises. It's ceiling was raised high and it walls adorned...

Cheronis carefully stashed the feathers into a special pocket in his pouch, wary of any damages caused on the fragile remnants. These were their ticket to a better life. One with castles and fine wine and everything they could ask for, instead of chasing after legends and constantly wondering...

-+- Johanne had long ago learned never to question his mentor's antics. Karius was a strange man, but not without reason. He saw something in the world, something in people and places and things. Motion where there was stillness, cogs where there were sinew, and potential in things that...

The moment the land grew quiet, Cheronis knew something was wrong. He clutched his sword tightly, his body coated with sweat and blood. Ash and dust dyed his tanned skin a mottled grey. The weary fighter's breath came in labored gasps as the full weight of his burns came into full effect...

"I am from many places, my good man. Varsonia just happens to be one of them." Lysero let out a chuckle and raised his own glass before downing the rest of the liquor. "Lyesro Kolmenova. The pleasure is all mine." His eyes wandered the tents, distracted despite his jovial position. The wine...

"I have seen many great parties," Lysero spoke as his gaze swept around the room, "but this, my good man, is among the greatest." The atmosphere was like that of a brothel -- sexual and secretive -- and a bit more sureal, like Lysero was just stepping into a dream. His eyes skimmed over the...

"Duly noted," Doc radioed as she stared warily at the rat corpse. "I'll see what we can find." She gave Viktor a small nod of thanks, tucking away her rifle as her metal hand reaching for her machete. If the gunshots hadn't scared away any nearby vermin, then she had a better shot chopping...

Doc recoiled as she set foot in the waste pool, a part of her thankful the stale air in her suit blocked most of the stench. She could only imagine the acridness of the smell, especially with what had died in it. Or, a disturbing thought flashed into her mind, who. With a shake of her head, Doc...

Doc stared out into the burnt landscape, swaying with the movement of the vehicle. Nervous wasn't the right word for how she felt. Nervous would imply she was unprepared. Scared, even. Years of managing to survive had taught her that, if you had a good gun and a sense of wit, giant rats were the...

A few drinks, a couple songs, and a couple of pretty faces later, Lysero was completely swept away. At some point in time, he had found himself leaning against a table with a lovely lady draped over his shoulder in drunken stupor as he sang along to a song he barely knew. His hair had gone wild...

There was nothing Lysero loved more than a good card game. Except, of course, for a beautiful lass or two at his side with a bottle of aged wine, but who wouldn't fancy that? Cards, however, held a challenge Lysero was never one to refuse. A challenge of who was clever, and who was drunk. And...