Finally they arrived in Oublie, and Fei made a beeline for the coast. Drew and Fei's parents had a house right next to the docks, since they had to sail in and out of the city frequently. The house itself wasn't enormous since it wasn't on an estate, but it was pretty sizable. Their father came out to meet them as soon as they came in the gate.

"Drew, Fei! We weren't expecting to see you so soon!" Their father was a sailor before he was a merchant, and in fact was still more of a sailor. It was their mother that handled all the buying and selling. He was tall, with tanned skin, brown hair, and deep, blue eyes like his children. "You should have told us!" he laughed. "We would have cleaned out all the rooms. I see you brought friends..." He raised an eyebrow in good humor. It wasn't often that the aloof Drew or shy Fei brought visitors.

Cindy nodded, obviously satisfied with the answer for the moment. Before beginning to walk off though, she spoke again.

"A fair warning, Nydia. You do not simply be a big sister. It has to happen as such. It probably doesn't make much sense now, but I imagine that it will when the time comes. Good luck, and have a nice visit with your family." Cindy said, and with that, walked along back to the Academy, leaving Nydia at the gates.

Seth grinned, obviously pleased with himself and already having a bunch of ideas rolling around to perhaps fix this little issue. As Gabriel spoke, his expression did not change in the slightest.

"No worries Gabe. I have a distinct feeling that I will be able to do something to get you to speak to her. I can only wonder how you will react when I do make you speak to her. It is going to be some sort of legend or something when you do, and you will probably....heh...Well, you will see." Seth said, noting that Fei and Drew's father had come out to greet them.

Upon seeing the gesture from Drew, he calmly walked over and took a seat near Drew, not really sure how to present himself as he was introduced. Despite having come to the city multiple times, he had not made a habit of visiting random persons, and wouldn't know that this was their father in the first place.

"A pleasure, sir." Seth said, managing as best he could.

The house was filled with souvenirs from different lands: from the ceiling was a large snake skeleton, on the tables were jeweled sculptures and settings, on the walls were dresses, suits, and robes. "It's nice to see that they have some friends." he joked. "As for your mother..." He looked to the stairs, a smile lingering on his face. "Katriana! Your children are here!"

A couple minutes later a petite woman flew down the stairs, crushing Fei in a hug. "Oh, Fei, Drew, my children! I haven't seen you in so long, you must come around more often!" She had an elegant accent. It was clear where the two got their height from, Katriana was short, with wavy black hair and gold eyes. "Are you okay? Eating well?" She pinched Fei's cheeks. "You're getting to be so beautiful," she beamed. "You should stay here with us, I have so many nice dresses and jewelry I've gotten for you..."
"Really?" Fei's eyes were sparkling. "Can I see them? Are they in my room?" If there was one thing her mother used to keep her around longer, it was presents.

"Ah, nothing new. We've been getting good business, the seas have been calm... only thing we have to worry about are you and your sister." There were few walls in the house, so they were able to watch him as he went over to the kitchen area, looking for something to offer the guests. "You get the last package we sent you? Figured you would like another relic to disassemble. We got it from another merchant who was selling a small armory... maybe you want to go see if he has more?" There was more noise as he moved pots and pans out of the way. "Ah, we have just enough ingredients here for dinner. You'll be staying to eat with your old parents, won't you?" he grinned.

As Seth listened, he found himself quickly running the numbers in his head as to how much they could afford. He knew well enough that the one guard wanted them back somewhat early, noon at the latest. It was a bit of a walk here. Nothing too long, fortunately, but....doing that early morning might be a bit much. Still, it seemed they would have to. Maybe some horses would be in order?

Seth stood, and after contemplating a moment, tugged on Gabriel as well. He had a plan, and while it was a little early, he might as well give it a shot now. Maybe things would be better for it.

"C'mon. We should go see Fei's new toys. She can't take all of them on the trip, I'm sure. So she might as well enjoy them now." Seth said, turning towards were Fei and Katriana had wandered off to, and proceeded to follow. Besides, this sounded somewhat like father-son business, and Seth knew better than to stick around for that.

Well, this is going to possibly be horribly direct and sloppy...I sure hope tomorrow doesn't follow suit.

Nydia tilted her head slightly, somewhat puzzled by Cindy's parting words. She was right, it didn't make much sense now but Nydia would have plenty of time to think about it. "I see... Thank you for the advice. And farewell Master Rotunz." Nydia said, bowing to Cindy as she left. Nydia figured farewell it was the proper choice of words since it was uncertain when the two of them would meet again.

After Cindy had vanished from sight, Nydia turned and walked through the gates towards her family estate. "Alright, time to see how my father and Joffrey are doing. Although, I suppose not much has changed in the last day or so."

As the mages continued their activities, visits, and family tasks, time passed by rather quickly for the Academy. Faster than one could blink, it seemed that the night had come and gone, and that it was now time to make the appointment, or be left behind at the academy never knowing what was to happen on the trip through the sky. So, around the late morning time, the group of mages had arrived at the large Airship that was beginning to spin, and a bustle was now going on around the ship and crews as they undid the anchor ropes, got the propellers spinning and working properly, and making sure everything and everyone was accounted for. Some glanced at the mages nearby who got closer than the others, as many mages had awakened early to see the leaving mages off, and to watch the strange visitors leaving in their strange ships.

With the families of those who were able nearby to see their leaving sons and daughters off, it was a somewhat awkward scene for many. While mages leaving wasn't a terribly rare happening, the movement of mages onto airships which none others had been on before was quite the feat.

Even the Masters, some normally busy making sure the Academy is running properly and students are performing their duties and getting ready for classes, all also made the appearance at the Airship as it began to ready to take off. They all seemed to watch many things, but what seemed to be a constant source of being watched were the few students who were very soon going to be leaving for an undisclosed amount of time, doing a task which wasn't trusted to be with many others, to a place that was much farther away to ride than it was to fly.

With many of the guards now on the ships and the crew ready to go, it was time to get on and get going with whatever bags that had been packed, items they deemed to take with them, and any possible pets that might be coming along for the ride.

Clearly, this was a moment of completion. A time where the Academy was going to be left behind, and the outside world would be seen and explored. It was time to go.

Fei was holding her brother's sleeve nervously. It was one thing to think about leaving, another to actually have to step into the large ship. It reminded her of the ships she used to see when she lived with her parents, except it traveled in air instead of water. The bag she brought contained little more than a stash of sweets and a few of the newer dresses and robes she had.

"I'm scared Drew..."

Aden walked boldly towards the airship, showing no signs of the anxiety gnawing at his soul. He had brought little on this venture - the clothes on his back, and a small bag containing essentials - Jolen's Elemental Interactions, Popael's Unbound Inferno, and a blank book along with ink and a pen for writing. He'd considered bringing weapons, but that seemed folly - he was the weapon.

He could hear the nervous whisper of one of the young mages going on the journey, talking to her friend or maybe brother. The thought ran through his mind to say something to comfort her, but then again given his reputation and his hideous burned visage, he'd probably just freak her out more. He stepped up, beginning to board the ship, not giving the Humans the courtesy of even looking at them.

"The ship is so big... Oh look, it's Gabriel!" Still holding her brother's sleeve she waved frantically at Gabriel. "Gabriel! Gaaabrieeel! Over here!" She was excited to see him, still looking around for Seth as well. "Hi. Are you feeling better? You looked pretty sick last night at dinner. Mommy said you were throwing up in the bathroom. I'm sorry." she grinned, a smile still plastered to her face.

"Are you feeling better?"

Just like a few days ago, Nydia was awakened in her old room by the sunlight streaming in through her window at sunrise. Just like a few days ago, she got up with a yawn, put her glasses on and changed into her finest robes. But this day was different in one major way. Today, she would be embarking on what would likely be the most important journey of her life. She had been busy spending last night enjoying what time she had left with her father, so she spent the first few hours of her morning packing up what she wanted to take with her. She picked out a few of her nicer robes, a few decent ones, and even a dress she had never worn before should the occasion call for it. For accessories, she took a few earrings, a lovely gold necklace, some perfume, and a spare pair of glasses just in case. Her father had given her leave to take any books from his collection which so she chose a few tomes regarding Lightdweller magic, a journal to take notes and organize her thoughts on her journey, and a book on foreign mannerisms so she would have a better idea of what to expect, though the author would probably have little knowledge of Kerbones. She couldn't take too many for the sake of keeping her bag light enough to carry, but it would keep her busy.

Once her bag was packed, she moved downstairs to where Joffrey had prepared a wonderful farewell breakfast for her and before she knew it, it was time to leave. Her father and Joffrey saw her to the door. She could tell they were hesitant to say goodbye, and so was she to be honest, but it had to be done. "Joffrey, thank you for the wonderful meals and your assistance to our family thus far. I hope you will take good care of my father in my absence. Father... I will miss you dearly, and write often. Please stay well until I can return. Thank you for everything and... I love you." She hugged her father tightly, trying to hold back tears threatening to come out at the thought that she might not see him again.

Nathanial returned her hug and kissed her on the cheek with a fond smile. "My dearest Nydia... Do not worry about me. This is an important time for you. Go forth and do not look back. I will certainly be here when you return. Just be sure to bring back some rare books from Kerbones for me, alright?"

His assurances brought a small smile to Nydia's face. "As you wish, Father. I'll not worry and find you as many books as I can carry. I will still write you often though." She said as she picked up her bag and opened the door. "Farewell..." She turned back one last time and waved goodbye before leaving for the airship.

As she approached the airship, she couldn't help but be in awe of it despite having already seen it yesterday. The thought that something man made could fly without magic was wondrous indeed. Once she had gotten closer and finished admiring it, she noticed that a few others had already arrived. Right... I'll need to look out for them as Master Rotunz requested. Be a big sister.... But how do I do that? Nydia still hadn't worked it all out, but thankfully there was a long journey ahead of her to figure it out.

Seth had taken a small detour from the others as they had returned to the Academy. He had gone to his room to collect a few bits of clothing, some equipment, and a few snacks. He was no stranger to having to travel....at least, he hadn't been before.

"You need to pack lighter when we go on trips. Slows ya down." Seth's father seemed to echo in his head as the thought passed him by.

"Well, here we go. Here is to hoping that things don't go crazy just cause I look like...this." Seth muttered to himself, heading to the area with the airships. He had dressed in full garb today. While the tales of War Mages were considered to be mostly old tales of ages long past, Seth found them to be some of the best stories around. Elementals who could not only bend the world to their whim, but fight one on one without their powers all the same.

Giving himself a look over, with his sword at his side, his robes wrapped about himself, and the pack on his back, he was ready to go on an adventure. Grinning to himself, he got to walking to the airships, stepping forward and noting the large crowd. Some mages looked upon him disapprovingly, but he noted with particular joy that Marcus gave him a look that could only be considered encouraging. The former knight knew the uses of a sword, and had even seen fit to train him some in its use.

Approaching what he assumed to be the front, he noted the others that had arrived. He looked over the front, also noting that Aden was already making his way on board, and couldn't help but chuckle. A fearless pyromancer if he ever knew one. Though, the closest person he noticed was a lost-in-thought Nydia, seeming to look over the other students that were gathering with one another. He walked over, lightly tapping her on the shoulder.

"Hey, you awake in there?" Seth asked, instantly curious as to what that kind of look was about.

(posting may be a rare thing for a bit with finals coming. Sorry I haven't been around much.)

Alexander had packed up his things, which wasn't much. He joined the others in front of the airships with some clothes, books, and his family letters. He has already sent a letter after his last informing them of where he would be and that he would tell them how to reach him as soon as possible. He would also have to send one to the post office at the school to forward any mail that may already have gotten there to him. For now though he was a bit more anxious as he joined the others.

"Morning eveyone. Guess I will see you on board." He said as he passed by and followed the pyromancer onto the ship.

Let's hope this mission won't be too bad. he thought as he stepped up the ramp.

"Soooo? Aren't you excited? Or scared? I'm scared too. But I'll be okay with Drew here." She didn't seem to notice his nervousness, straightening out her robe again. "Do you think it'll be like being in a normal ship? I don't get seasick, but maybe I'll be airsick... Drew can make me fly a little, but I don't think it'll be anything compared to this. Oh well..."

In her arms she was carrying a small feline doll, tugging at its ears. Her parents had given it to her before they left. She took the liberty of naming it "Mimi", and it hadn't left her side since. I wish I could have a pet. Maybe they have cute ones in Kerbones... I need to ask someone. Maybe I can have a pet! "Gabriel, do you think they would be mad if I got a pet on the airship?"

Nydia's mind raced as she looked out at the airship and her soon-to-be traveling companions. I suppose I should say hello and introduce myself... But they do look to be in the middle of a conversation of their own. It would be somewhat rude to interrupt... As she pondered her next move, she didn't even notice Seth until he tapped her on the shoulder. Suddenly realizing she wasn't alone startled her, making her jump slightly. Once she recovered from the shock, she quickly remembered her manners and bowed slightly. "Ah, a pleasure to see you again Seth! My apologies, I always seem to be so absent-minded when we meet. I promise I'm not always like this." Nydia smiled as she greeted Seth, glad to see a familiar face today.

As she looked at Seth she couldn't help but notice he had a sword like yesterday, but tried to avoid staring at it. He was coming prepared for battle it seemed, which made her realize that she had mostly brought nice clothes and jewelry. Granted, a mage needed no weapons but it was clear they both had different ideas about what this journey would be like and perhaps she was being naive to think fancy clothes were important. "So... Are you excited to go to Kerbones?" Nydia inquired, wondering what Seth thought of all this. "I must confess, I'm a bit nervous myself... It's my first time leaving this island and traveling with others after all."

Seth gave a slight bow in return, quickly remembering that Nydia was much more...proper than he was, and had a few customs that needed to be followed. He quickly also thought that perhaps he should have put his blade upon his backpack rather that at his side, so it wouldn't be so obvious. Too late now.

"Apologies are all mine, Nydia. Didn't mean to startle you." Seth apologized, not realizing that perhaps she had been quite lost in thought.

"Excited? Absolutely. I'm hoping that I get to meet a few more of these soldier fellows. Maybe they have some things around there I could do to better my skills...." Seth paused, realizing that Nydia probably hadn't really ever needed to leave the Academy, or perhaps even had much experience outside of it.

"Well, if you need some help with travelling, I can kind of help with that. I lived far outside these walls before, and I didn't survive to this point without some knowledge. If we are going to travel though, I think we better get on!" Seth said with a grin, reinvigorating his step as he made his way onto the airship.

It seemed that just about everything was ready to go now, and for the mages to get on board, and ready to go. Aaron looked over the side, watching as the first few stepped onto the ship. The first, unsurprising to Aaron, was Aden, who showed no fear and carried quite little. Just as expected.

"Welcome aboard. If you are looking for a place to put your things, it is one level down. Just walk forward to the stairs, and then choose any of the twenty or so rooms there. They are reserved for you folks." Aaron said to those already making their way on-board.

"Ah, how kind of you Seth! Well, should I encounter any problems I'll be certain to seek your advice. I think a ride on an airship is simple enough for me to handle for now though." Nydia smiled as well as she followed Seth onto the airship. Looks like I was right about Seth. He does seem like the older brother sort. I think with him around, I won't need to worry so much about the others. Nydia thought with relief as she boarded the ship.

Once she was on board she was greeted by the man who had been at the meeting yesterday and given directions to some rooms she could use. "Ah, thank you for your assistance and hospitality... Aaron, correct?" She said to the man with a bow before heading downstairs to choose herself a room. The rooms looked more or less the same, so Nydia simply chose the first one she saw. She set her somewhat heavy bag on the bed and moved over to the window. She looked outside and wondered what the view would look like from high up in the air. An Airshifter would know it well likely, but it would be the first of many entirely new experiences for Nydia.

Cale was one of the first to rise,from what he could see. Mentally prepared and ready a day ahead he was led into the airship until a familiar voice sent him looking behind him. To no surprise Deanae came prancing about.

"Wishing me Goodby-" Deanae planted her lips on his cheek and ran back away. Cale nearly dropped his pack from the velocity she hit him with her lips. Cale took back his imbalance after planting a foot on his waning side. Blood flushed his face and he stood there, with one arm catching a falling backpack and the other hanging in the wind. He brushed his frizzled hair and went up to the airship.

After being led in by the guards that called to him earlier and Aaron he took a bunk. It looked like any of the other rooms from the outside but he didn't bother to complain. It would be a new adventure, a new window opening. Of course he missed the familiar earth beneath his feet but with this metal floors he felt trace amounts of what it used to be. He set his pack down next to the bed and began unpacking his necessary things not noticing a red mark left on his face. It was red clay, marking the creases of Deanae's lips imprinted on him. The feeling of earth on his skin is nearly lost among a sensory overload of excitement flooding over him.

Phebe woke up, kind of late for her, since she was usually up before dawn. She got out of bed and grabbed a bag in which she planned on bringing a few belongings, for the journey. She put a couple of books down, some fruits and a clean set of clothes. She didn't feel like she needed to bring more, even the bed still felt a bit luxurious after all these years.

Phebe put on her black and red robe, rolling the sleeves up to her shoulders, like she always wore it. Her dark skin adorned with the white tribal tattoos, was a badge of honor, reminding her of her roots.

She shook her blonde hair loose, making some of it fall in front of her face. She moved it with her hand, just enough to be able to see. She picked up the bag and went over to the door, where she had placed her bow. She had no arrows at the moment. It didn't matter. She was supposed to be an elemental, not a huntress.

It didn't mean she'd leave it behind though. She hung it over her shoulder, opened the door and made her way down to the airship. There was a crowd there and some turned to look at her.

She towered over most of them, as she walked with her head held high onto the airship. Someone told her and the others to go down one level. Phebe simply nodded and went down to take her room. She laid her bag and bow down on her bed, then she sat down on the floor with her back against the wall.

I wonder what it's like to fly...

"Wooow this room is nice~"

Fei followed Drew into his room, jumping on the bed. "This bed is soft, like the ones in mama and dad's house! Look, there's a window! We can watch the airship fly!" Noticing he looked tired, she crossed her legs, looking up at him as he came in. "Are you going to sleep? Can I stay in your room with you... I don't want to stay in my room by myself..."

If he wasn't going to let her stay, she thought about any other mages she could stay with. Maybe one that wasn't going to sleep the whole ride.

Alexander chose a small room and placed his bag of clothes down on the spartan floor. He figured there was no reason to unpack yet, not knowing how long it would take to leave or complete the journey. He stepped back outside his room minus his luggage.

"So is there anything planned or are we free to walk so long as we don't enter certain areas?" He asked as he stood next to his closed door.

"Can we practice some of the lightning?" she smiled. It was exciting for her when they used it. It felt different from when she used her water powers. "Or I could practice some of the hydromancy myself..." She thought about making ice again. Maybe there were some other hydromancers on the trip that knew how to do it. I could ask Gabriel if he knows! He was in most of my classes... he should be about my rank too then.

Fei's disappointment was short-lived. As soon as her brother disappeared, the nervous hydromancer Gabriel appeared. "Gaaabriel!~" She skipped over to the mage, stopping short to look over his clothing. It was odd to her to see a mage in something other than robes. "Oooh Gabriel! You look nice! Like a normal merchant's kid~" She was bouncing up and down with excitement. "Can you use ice Gabriel? I need to learn it to become an Adept!"