Airship Dock

@დ Kang Daesung Her soft eyes, glowing faintly from the distant city lights above, flickered with the warmth of flames as she gazed down at the locket Daesung had given her. She glanced up at him, then back to the delicate object in her hands. With a tender release, she unlocked it, her fingers brushing the small button. The locket felt fragile, as if it might shatter at any moment. Inside, two women stared back at her—one older, the other a blend of both Daesung and the older woman. A realization struck her—he was married and had a child. Given the sorrow in Daesung’s eyes, Lisa guessed they must have died long ago in a raid, perhaps the same one that had taken her family. The shifter’s land was now nothing but gray ash, a forest of burnt villages that once held life and warmth. She had taken that warmth for granted.

With a soft sigh, Lisa closed the locket carefully and handed it back to Daesung. There were so many mysteries she longed to uncover, but now was not the time. Instead, she stepped in front of the tall mute. Her heels clicked softly against the airship’s floor as she moved. Without a word, she wrapped her arms around him in a firm embrace.

There was no need for words—just a moment of holding on.

Then, in the silence that followed, a loud bang shattered the stillness. Lisa pulled away from the embrace, eyes wide. “What was that?” she murmured. A ship shouldn’t make such a sound. Whether on sea or air, the noise was unsettling. Suddenly, everything went black.

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@დ Kang Daesung The way his cheeks redden makes her grin shyly. Nicole knew there would be a time when she'll have to be forward, but for now, she'll enjoy the journey with her good friend. "To many more wonders then? Some that you'll let me fund for us to go on as well so that you remember to take a break from your work." Always the hardworking person, Nicole wanted to make sure Daesung remembers that life is much more fun when you remember breaks in between.

The announcement made her a little worried. She was not afraid of height. She's been shape-shifting into many flying creatures. But man made flying machine seems...scary. Nicole grabbed on to Daesung's arm as the aircraft started to rise. "Okay." She breathed out trying to steady herself heart rate, watching the ground slowly but surely disappeared from sight. "It's just like flying." She repeated over and over again as she squeezed Daesung hand. "This is safe, right?" She asked nervously, looking up at him, wondering why they didn't travel by shifting.

@დ Lalisa Manobal The stars glittered, impossibly close, but Daesung felt far from them. His hand instinctively reaching into his pocket, retrieving a small mechanical locket. The intricate gears along its edges click softly as he opens it. Inside is a worn miniature portrait: his wife, his daughters, all smiling.
The weight in his chest tightens. He forces a smile, though no one is there to see it. The smile comes easily – too easily. A reflex, not a choice.

“It’s beautiful, isn’t it?”
Noticing your soft smile, the shifter’s gaze fell upon you. His stomach clenched as he watched your amber eyes shimmer in the dim light. Your intense stare made him question whether you could detect the cracks in his facade, see the real him.

Daesung’s breath caught in his throat at your sound offer. Doubt clouded his mind as he considered his willingness to confide on this initial date. Reaching in his coat pocket, Daesung felt for the locket turn into an anchor in his palm. Slowly, almost reluctantly, he offers it to you. His fingers tremble as they release it. Daesung feels a pang in his chest—part relief, part fear. Long-absent fear gripped Daesung. His hands clench the railing, his knuckles white. He yearned explanation, to share his hurting smile, his voicelessness. Instead, a broader grin twists his face, betraying the underlying ache.

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@დ Kang Daesung Daesung bounced on his heels, his eyes wide with wonder as he pointed to the sky, where the rare Dance of the Morningstar painted the night with hues of pink, lavender, and teal. The spectacle was breathtaking, and his childlike excitement was contagious. Lisa, standing beside him, couldn’t help but smile at his genuine awe. She hadn’t known him long, but in this moment, his silence felt more alive than words ever could.

As the colors swirled above, Daesung gently tapped her arm, his hands moving in graceful gestures of sign language. “It’s beautiful, isn’t it?” She spoke, her gaze shifting between the lights and him. There was something about him—an unspoken depth that she couldn’t quite place. She wondered what lay behind those dark eyes, but she sensed that, like her own, his past was something he chose not to share.

She reached out, lightly brushing her fingers against his arm in a simple, unspoken gesture. She wanted him to know she was here, that she was interested—not just in the stars, but in him, in the quiet mystery that surrounded him.

@დ Jung Nicole A bright pink bloom flushed his face upon feeling the soft kiss she bestowed up on. Daesung’s eyes widened, scanning from side to side to figure out how to act naturally around a lady. The tinker, for the first time ever, felt grateful for his curse of muteness, as he worried his voice would sound weaker than a mouse’s. He elected to small and wave his hand in your direction. He turned to reach into his satchel to retrieve his old sketch pad. “Expenses are of no great import. This voyage, funded by years of saving and a substantial amount of gold, is finally happening. And its should be me. Thank you for accompanying me.” His usual smile radiating pure warmth to offer reassurance. “I couldn’t think of a better person to explore the wonders of world with.”

‘Hi there, ladies, gents, and folks. We are now departing from Grand Central Station heading to our first time Crystal Citadel, and the next stop will be Materia highlands. Please find you approach seat and prepare for liftoff. Dirigible wait staff will come around to take orders for refreshment. If you need immediate service, please pull the chroma lever above. Once again, thank you for riding the Central Coin Bullet train.’

@დ Kang Daesung The shifter tilt her head away from the other, hiding a small laugh after watching the way he was trying to process the gift. "No need to thank me, silly." She's not even sure when she'll ever get a chance to gift him something this thoughtful in the future. Instead of trying to remind herself that he may have a special lady friend soon, Nicole nudge him in the arm. "Maybe you can thank me in another way." An excited grin plaster on her face as she finally got a better view of their transportations. It was a true wonder for her seeing how ones idea become life-size. Ducking around everything and everyone, she careful navigate with her friend, thankful for his patience and guidance. Now that she thought about it, Nicole jumped in on the adventure but haven't asked him plans and what she can help him with on cost.

She pressed against the wall to squeeze between the other travelers and Daesung only to stop looked at their seats in the private cabins. She turned just enough stopping in her tracks looking up at him squinting her eyes at him before sliding into the less noisy area, letting out a long breath. "Goodness. You got to let me help you with cost for this trip, Daesung." She tucked her smaller between the wall and her before handing him another pack. "Thank you for inviting me again." She press a quick kiss to his cheek before looking out in awe from the small window view.

@დ Jung Nicole Two mismatched purple and chestnut brown eyes shifted from the gift to your joyful expression. The shafter took to process the exchange. Suddenly feeling foolish for preparing no departure gift for in exchange for accompanying him on his voyage. A bashful smile plastered on his lips, he reached for the leather-bound notebook, inspecting it closely. The scent of fresh leather and parchment smooth him like balm over a fresh wound. Daesung offered you an appreciative smile, gesturing his thanks in the common tongue of the shifter mutes. With the notebook tucked under his arm, Daesung stepped assigned, making room from you to board and walked with you to find their seats.

Travellers, filled with anxiety, boarded the packed aircraft. At this time of year, air shipping docks are constantly filled with passengers trying to get to their destination before the winter storms begin. Numerous travelers exceeded vessel capacity. Daesung transformed into a source of strength as he guided you to their private cabin seats. The passenger packed in like a flock of sheep in a pin but made sure to leave ample space for you to enter the cabin safely. Impatient travelers who got too close were gently reminded of being patient by his muscular build. Once you were inside safely, Daesung made himself smaller to navigate through the crowd, like walking on a tightrope in a space much smaller than before. He felt relieved to be with you behind the cabin’s closed doors, sighing in contentment. Daesung collapsed into his seat after putting their belongings in the overhead bin.

@დ Kang Daesung Her heart jumped out of her chest when she felt a hand, but upon seeing him and his toothy smile, Nicole giggle
"Hello to you too, Daesung." She grabbed a freshly made notebook for him. A little gift to document their trip away from their norm. She was nervous to say the least but nevertheless, excited to see what else is out there. And seeing how excited he was, that was more than enough for her. Afterall, he did ask her to go with him. "A little gift for the amazing Daesung. To your development and to our journey." She jumped excitedly. "Ready to fly? Yes. And to see what else i can learn along the way. Soo many recipes to take back home to the diner and the cafe." She gasp looking at him. "We can try so many food and then I can make it for you to try and as well." Nicole tugged at his shirt sleeve before guiding them to thw boarding door. "Come on. Let's gooo." Now that it's something she can use towards her store, it's definitely gonna be extra special. Special with him.

@დ Lalisa Manobal Daesung made a polite gesture with his hand to show that he was mentally present with you. Long ago, he made the decision to prevent memories from the past from continuing on in his current life. He had come to terms with the fact that the past would always haunt him in different ways, but he was determined not to let it control his future. For that is where it belonged in the past. There was no need to burden anyone with his trauma and what good would it do him he thought? The sympathy wouldn’t bring his family back. ‘I’m doing fine.’

He told himself every time the memories threatened to resurface.

The northern inky black sky caught his attention as pale pink, lavender, and teals created rippling waves among the stars. With his mouth agape, he observed the light swirling above them, creating exquisite patterns that stretched towards the horizon. The dance of Morningstar, the old wise tales called it. Daesung recalled a fragment of text from an ancient Fae scroll he read in the library, a rare event that occurs every century. He couldn’t contain his childlike excitement, repeatedly tapping your forearm, bouncing on his heels, and pointing to the breathtaking display.

@დ Kang Daesung Lisa recongized the silent language and only smiled warmly. A simple small chuckle airly left through her nostrils as she took his hand into hers. Fingers laced with the mute's then looked onto the lit up city of central. Maybe one day, she would take a small ship from a dock and have Daesung join her in sea next time as she enjoyed the air with him. Her free hand patted on top of Daesung's before she let go only to commuicate in the silent langauge that Daesung displayed.

She she spoke, her hands followed the appropriate gesture. "What's on your mind? I noticed you were gone there for a minute." Eyes were trained on physical expression as it was her duty to detect deceit while fighting for the throneless kingdom. It was a gift more or less. If Lisa had the power to mind read.. well, she would be unstoppable. Emotions were good enough. She then grinned at Daesung.

"You're not the first mute or deaf person I've had the opportunity to meet." She communicated once more and reached up to brush a few strans of hair away from Daesung's face.

@დ Lalisa Manobal The tinker’s eyes were trained on the cityscape down below. It was a view he was accostumed to seeing fromt he window of his ship. The sight he saw was quite lovely. It was pleasant, but not the usual content of Daesung’s fantasies. Whenever he saw the gas lamps in midtown central, he would be reminded of catching fireflies with his daughters in the rainforest. The memory of his first kiss with his wife as a teenager is tied to the sound of the waterfall outside their village, instead of the usual horse hoofs on cobblestone. He envisioned the aroma of bustling motor oil and copper ivory being replaced by the refreshing fragrance of freshly baked berry pies cooling near the windows of the village bakery, ready to be bought. A long measured breathe escaped him before turning his attention back to you.

With a smile, he concealed the pain of memories, his only way to hold onto his emotions. The view wasn’t ideal, but this impulsive decision will suffice for evening entertainment. It wasn’t long before his forced smile turned genuine as you offered your gratitude. Pleased with himself, his eyes transformed into small crescent moons as he realized his impulsive plan had succeeded, unaware he had such courage within him. The man’s satisfaction stemmed from his adherence to order, science, facts, and plans. It was not part of his plan to meet you today. Daesung reached out to you in CSL, a form of communication for the mute and deaf, to show appreciation.

@დ Kang Daesung Lisa followed Daesung around until she was ushered into the gondola. Here, she looked upon the light up central much more clearer. This was probably the only thing good that someone was doing for her and really, she could get used to this. This is a different view. Living life on the sea, she didn't get to see much and when they arrived on land, it was only fighting for you life then returning to the ocean for their next raid.

Daesung sat in front of Lisa when they settled down into the gondola. But her eyes were more occupied on the city below them. When she had of enough of it, her attention went back to the mute. "I'm really lucky to have run into you today. I'm having the time of my life so thank you for agreeing to my spontaneous adventure."

@დ Lalisa Manobal His features flushed, painting his cheeks into a rose shade of pink, glancing down at their conjoined hands. Butterflies rampaged in his stomach at the near strangeness of the sensitive. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d shared physical contact with anyone. Definitely not from a woman’s touch. He only realized your question after you had been talking to him for a while. A silent internal conflict raged inside him as he needed to reach into his chest pocket to write in his notebook, but that meant dropping your hand. Despite the anxious knot in his throat, he swallowed and decided to shake his head, confirming he was a frequent flyer.

The Tinker led you over toward the ticket of admission, not wanting to waste time and risk another potentially awkward encounter. Swiftly, he plunged his hand into his pockets to retrieve gold for the purchase of two tickets to a midnight Central cruise. Privately rented, they spent one hour soaring high in the glittering sky, just him and her. A smile decorated his lips before opening the cabin door that led to the ship gondola ushering you in with an extended hand and giving you a polite bow as if saying ‘ladies first.’

@დ Kang Daesung Lisa was excited to see what exactly Daesung had in store for them both. She waited outside for the mute to join her. Hands claspsed behind her back as she stood stright and looked up towards the falling night's sky. The air was warm. Nothing that Lisa couldn't handle. If it turned chilly well, there was a nice man that Lisa was sure he would warm her up if needed. She watched how Daesung hailed a carriage. Fancy. She never been in one actually. Only feet or horseback. Granted she could turn into a raven and fly away but that was very limited power. Ravens aren't her main shift anyhow. Lisa scooted and settled with Daesung's help into the carriage with with him on the side of her. Only the clomping of hoofves agains the stones and creeking of the wheels sounded through her canals as they rode on into the mysterous location.

Curious, Lisa got got upon arrival. With the gudience of course she had boarded the airship. There was no second thought to it. Lisa sat next to the mute as the ship took to the sky. And yes, Lisa couldn't just stay still. Her wondering mind had let her get up when the ship steady itself in the air. Eyes were drawn on the giant window looking out to Heleo. "Wow.." Lisa advanced to Daesung, taking his hand to tug him towards the window. "Do you take the airship often just to have this view? I've always just been at sea so all I see was just the ocean. Masses and masses of ocean. Nothing like this."

@დ Jung Nicole His hand clapped down upon your shoulder gently turning you towards him. A silent greeting accompanied by a toothy smile was gifted your way. Daesung the tinker had been looking forward to this day for many many years. He'd always dreamed of traveling as a free creature across the great sea and visiting the various nations throughout Heleo. Not only would the landscape be a sight to behold but, the culture rich with knowledge, traditions, and history, and a wealth of discovery. All the techniques and tools he could and would use to develop his inventions. Not to mention the possibility of discovering some secret or some science to get the one thing that would give him his ultimate freedom, his voice. It was a tremendous task and diving head first into the unknown a disabled stranger was rather intimidating but traveling along with his favorite companion put him at ease. " Hi there Nicole! You ready to hit the skies?" He gestured with his fingers.

@დ Kang Daesung Nicole wished nothing but abundances to the witch that made her travel bags. Just a glance and the back pack and you couldn't tell that Nicole had more than enough clothes for a weeks worth of travel or the herbs for food along the way and heck, even some dried out goodies. No one would even be able to guess that her small cross over bag have more than enough healing, posion, resting, and many other potions that will come in handy. She stared at the airship ahead of her as a wave of nervousness washed over her. She spent so many years running away and now this was finally something she chooses to travel along with someone she love and care for. "Nicole, deep breath. We got everything." She mentally went down her list again. The Cafe is with someone she trust. The Diner is safe with Bang. He's gotten that covered as he said. She'll check in every week by raven. "Yes. It'll be fine." A smile finally takes over the worried look of her face. She begins to scan the crowd for her fellow travel buddy.

@♆ Karina Yooa smiled at the other as she looked Karina. "Oh good, I don't like making people wait for me," Yooa told her. She followed the other into the airship. "Ah, really? I've never been there before! I bet it will super amazing since you found it," Yooa smiled as she was helped inside. She plopped down into a seat as Rui landed himself in her lap. Yooa tilited her head to the side as she shook her head. "No, I haven't before - I mean I've seen them before at the academy but never met them before," She glanced at the other. "Have you?" She asked

@❇︎ Yooa ¥✔ "I didn't, you're just in time." Karina smiled and she starts walking inside the airship, "We're going to Marteria Highlands, I found something beautiful there." She told Yooa before she helps her get in with Rui and Uki, climbs over to the demon's shoulder, "Have you met any humans before?" She asked the fairy as the airship starts to float in the air and flies in a gradual speed towards Marteria Highlands.

@♆ Karina Yooa was rocking back and forth on the heels as she was waiting for Karina. She was amazingly excited about their adventure. "I hope that she gets here soon so that our adventure can start," She looked at Rui floating next to her. She jumped in her spot as she whipped her head around, smiling at Karina as she spoke to her. "I did! Did I make you wait long? I am really sorry if you had to wait a long time!" Yooa dipped her head with a small frown before it turned back into a smile seeing the tanuki. "He is so cute! I hope that he and Rui can be friends like us!" Yooa bounced her spot. "Should we get going?" She asked

@❇︎ Yooa ¥✔ Karina went to the Airship Dock after she ate a lunch from a nearby restaurant, sniffing in the air she could smell the familiar sent of flowers. It lead her to Yooa, who is waiting for her by the waiting area, the demon smiled a bit before walking closer to her. "You finally came, with Rui too." She greeted before a tanuki pops up from her backpack, "This is Uki, he's a friend from Kirin Peaks." She introduced her friend to Yooa. "He couldn't stop following me when I last visited the peak, so I took him along throughout my travels."

@♆ Karina Yooa tightened the straps on her backpack as she was carrying Rui in her arms. She smiled as she was excited to go on an adventure with a friend. It had been a while since she had gone on an adventure since she had been helping with taking care of the school. She stood around as she waited for Karina. Some people would think that she wouldn't have gone on this trip since Karina was a demon, and Yooa was usually afraid of them. But, at the same time - she had gotten to know the girl and she was simply just another person. She let go of Rui as she let him fly around. "Are you excited to go on an adventure Rui? It will be fun, I hope," Yooa smiled to the robotic dragon.

(PAYROLL DONE!)

@❖ Koda Kumi ¥ An eye of reflected ruby eyes emerged from the shadows of the pit. It watched the shape of the woman's back for some time, knowing this woman was prohibited from this sacred area. Hell, the creature knew they were rarely even permitted to be on this ship without clearance from the captain. The animal scuddled around, getting closer and closer to the strange dragon. Its claws latched on the walls, crawling its way up the cockpit's metals and baring its fangs with a lower growl. When it was hanging upside down directly above you, it hissed with a flash of teeth and hair raised from the creature's back. When the beast leaped down on the pilot's panel hissing out a warning retreat, it completely ignored that the active anchor and the engine's boiler came to life.

@☾ Kwon Jiyong Despite the captian's wishes of having a woman onboard, Kumi found herself slithering on deck with stealth. With a pleased hum, the dragon started to port the airship not really caring if the captian was on or not. Commandeering if you will. Where was her first adventure? Kumi just wanted to see the world. Going towards the cockpit, she settled at the wheel studing all the buttons and gears. She touched a few of them mentalling taking note on what does what. Once the dragon got comfortable, she rubbed her hands together and started the ship. Time to go~!

@♆ Huang Mi Ni I heard the shouts of the market guards as they chased me, furry red bandit of a son, through the muddy cobblestone streets of the Central. Their armor gave away their position as the metal plates clanged together, and their boots fell heavy on the stones. I stood up from my knelt position on the airship cargo deck to snap a gaze at all the commotion. My hand dove into my pocket, fishing for my telescope. Pressing one curious eye to it, my mouth fell agape when I realized the source of the commotion.
“There!” a guard said.

My eyes narrowed on the fleeing red panda, followed by my alert brow as he dove under a peddler’s table, scattering rugs and crates as the woman hissed at Wonjin to run faster. I couldn’t deny the victorious grin on my lips when I realized the woman was rooting for my pet to get away. The guards came to a sudden halt when they realized the creature was now out of their reach, finally ending the vain pursuit ultimately. It wasn’t long before Wonjin arrived on my airship. The red panda came bounding to me, crawling up my leg and into my specialized hip saddle designed just for him. “Well, well, my boy, that way, one hell of an escape,” I say, looking at the furry companion taking the mechanical part from him. “Just what Daddy asked for and free of charge.”

[hope you don't mind me poppin in]

/on my weekly travels I find myself back here, hoping to catch a glimpse of a certain handsome fairy

@☾ Kwon Jiyong <you have been paid for the month of Jan. Sorry that it took so long. Thank you for being active in your job and paying citizen tax. ~love, Emily>