V
Airship



Zal had not slept a single wink that night. Cool night air a sharp reminder of how alone he felt. He glanced outside his window, dawn slowly making its approach. He got dressed and headed downstairs. His mind was lost in contemplation of life’s’ little memories each more vivid then the next. As he reached the kitchen, Jeddrik and Calandra were both up preparing food to break the nights fast. Carabean brew lingered on the air, “Well look at that, dawn barely cracking and the dead has arisen. Sit yourself down Zal, I'll have you leave without one more wholesome meal” Calandra ushered him to sit. Jeddrik poured large amounts of the steaming brew for, including Sierra who, grumbling came into the kitchen. “She's awake, a blue moon tonight then!” Jeddrik tossed Zal a wink both stifling a chuckle at her suspense. Sierra sat at the table, threw her father a dark and foreboding look which caused him to take another long pull from his mug,
“At least I have one morning of normality before I leave” Zal thought to himself. Calandra passed out plates of bacon, eggs sausages and blood pudding and the sat herself down. Sierra eyes grew large and began to ravish the food. Zal looked up before beginning to eat and notice his mother weeping silently to herself. Their eyes met and she said “I want each of you to cherish today. This is the last morning we have as a family for a very long time. I love you all so much.” She paused taking a deep sigh, the tables eyes focused solely on her. As she regained her composure she continued on “Zal leaves for his apprenticeship today, Sierra only has two years left in her journeyman position. Myself and your father are so very proud of you both. No matter what the future has in store this will always be your home.” she stopped again rocked by another sob, Mood somber they as one turned back to the meal. The air was thick with emotion.
* * *
The rest of the mourning was a blur. Breakfast finished in silence and the chaos ensued as they made ready to leave for the Air docks. The journey into town and to the dock was uneventful with a few jokes cracked from Jeddrik to lighten the mood, nothing more was said. Darius and his parents were already at the docks, dressed in informal cloths coming from the temple making silent prayers to their faith to bless Darius on his journey and asking for the technomancers to watch and guide him. They made final farewells. “A booming voice came from behind Zals mother. “AH! There you are Zal. I was beginning to wonder if you would arrive: The family as one turned and greeted by the grower ambassador Alec. “Make haste your goodbye, the ship waits for no man and leaves in just under twenty minutes.” With that he waved goodbye and hastened to the glass doors of the machine which would carry him to the towers top. Zals family joined with Darius.
“You boys be careful, and study hard. Send word once you have arrived in Altoria and have settled in” Jeddrik shook Darius's hand and gave Zal a lingering hug while whispering softly in his ear “ I love you son, believe in yourself and what your about to do and remember, you'll always find love and a home back here.” Zal looked up as the disengaged their embrace. Jeddrik eyes were blinking fast and furiously to stay the tears unbidden to his eyes. Darius parents made their farewells, prostrate with grief and joy. Sierra followed, not one for goodbyes it was short and to the point. Calandra braced Darius telling him to behave and encouraging him to do well. And the she stood in front of her son. Tears flowed unchecked from her eyes. She reached into her pocket and handed Zal a small marble box. “Don't open it until your onboard and settled into your cabin.” With that Zal gave her a long, loving tight bear hug. “I love you Zal, your becoming a man, to fast for this mother. With that she let go “Now both of you hurry” Darius and Zal turned away and walked towards the glass doors. “Jeddrik, they'll be ok, won't they?” Saying nothing for fear of his emotion overwhelming him, Jeddrik nodded and stared ahead. Zal looked through the glass doors, a last glimpse of his family. The morning sun giving away the fresh tears on their faces. The machine slowly began to pull them up.
As the doors opened behind them to the top of the plaza the two boys walked out and were greeted by Jhorna. “Well, there you are, about time you got here”
“Jhorna, what are you doing here? Don't you have a shop to run? Darius said “Of course. But business calls me to the Capitol for the week, besides; I think your families will sleep better knowing someone familiar travels with you. Oh! Before I forget” Jhorna stopped and made a short whistle and from no where flipped appeared jumping onto Zals shoulder. “Flip, I can't believe I forgot you!!”
“Understandable, with the morning. Sierra gave him to me last night to find a new diet. Considering, there’s not many bitterwheat bugs in Altoria. Here take this bag. It contains dried fruit, insects and wheat to last awhile plus I drew up a list of what he can, can't and refuses to eat. Funny though, he responds to whistles. More to these little guys then meets the eye. Now just around this pillar you'll see the ship. Not much time left so let’s be quick and board.”
As they rounded the pillar, the two young men took in a breath as the surveyed the craft which would carrier them to Altoria. Outwardly at a glance it could be seen as crude, but with more scrutinized inspection it was majestic in detail. The ship was massive in size. A dark wood trimmed in gold with accents of silver. Four rows of windows aligned the side. Intricate patterns of art could be made out. Large ropes of steel taunt not bowing to the flexibility held the massive balloon which kept the ship afloat. Stairs lead to the large wide doors where people where people were boarding. “Enough gawking, we need to board and we can get a tour later.” Jhorna lead them to the entrance. A porter stood with a list “Names Sir;”
“Jhorna [insert formal name here] on guild business in Altoria and these two” pointing at Zal and Darius “are Zal [ insert formal name here] and Darius [ insert formal name here] reroute to begin their apprenticeships.” The porter checked off each name and said “You’re rooms are first level twelve a b and c. Welcome aboard the Altorian Star.”
They quickly boarded and were met by another porter whom showed them where their rooms were situated. “Alright then, let’s get settled and met on the observation deck in fifteen minutes. We can watch the pullout.” At that Jhorna entered his room with Darius and Zal doing the same. Zal gazed around the suite. A homely surrounding. A simple bed, night stand and lamp. A window allowing rays of light to flood the room. He wandered around opening the privy and closet. He set flip on the bed, who, made enthusiastic chirps and settled down to sleep on the soft covers. Zal sat and took out the small box which his mother gave him. Inside was a black sphere as well as a letter. Zal settled to read it.

My Sweet boy,
My Heart warms to know I've sent you off to become
a man. You've grown s fast and only days ago it
seemed as if you were but a child. This is the first
Sphere you ever craved. I labored last night
to engrave the family insignia to remind you
no matter where you are your family loves
you and is with you.
Be safe and be careful,
Love you Mother.

Zal smiled the letter touching his heart and he picked up the sphere. Turning it he saw the insignia. Smooth to perfection, a wheat scythe and chisel with the family name underneath. A slight rasp came from the door, flip awaking and chirping at being disturbed. Zal opened the door to find Jhorna and Darius. “Come on Zal, we’re about to pullout. We'll fly right over Stonefield” overly excited Darius exclaimed “Come on lets hurry to the observation deck. The three men climbed the stairs onto the deck. Crowds of passengers had already gathered at the rails. Darius grabbed Zal and the two raced to the side. It slowly withdrew from the port. Zal saw the sailors slowly and meticously pull on rigging which lead to weight distribution. They began to gain altitude. “There’s my house Zal! And yours! Everything looks so small. LOOK! Stonefield city. It seems alive with life.” Zal and Darius stood fascinated. “Well you two, your time is your own. We should reach Altoria the day after tomorrow. Although you won't listen, I would suggest rest, as the next several days are going to be mind taxing.” chided Jhorna. “Let’s explore the ship Zal”
“You go, I need to feed flip and go threw a few things.”
“Suit you then” Darius turned and headed into the ships interior while Zal feeling strain from the last few days made his way to his room.
Flip was chirped his hello as Zal entered the cabin. Opening the food bag. Zal took out a few morsels of grain which Flip ate in three single bites. Laying his head down, Zal drifted to sleep and in the first time in many months his sleep was dreamless.
* * *

Zal opened his eyes to rays of golden sunlight pouring through the window and onto his face. Disorientated, his concept of time had completely disappeared. Flip was content to stay asleep on the bed while Zal made his way to the dinning hall realizing he was famished. Reaching the dining hall he saw Jhorna and Alec were in conversation. “Well, Good morning. Talk about taking a long sleep. Neither Darius nor the dead could wake you last night. “Jhorna said cutting off Alec in mid sentence.
“Sorry, I guess the week caught up with me. Where’s Darius? Zal said scowering the room for his friend. “That young fellow is presently engaged in a losing debate with a fine young lady on the observation deck. Feel free to help him or join us with breakfast.” Alec chuckled as he gobbled down another slice of mourning ham. “I'll join you. I learnt that, if in debate with a girl, best not to argue!” Breakfast was hearty Zal said a farewell leaving the two men in conversation while he hastily made his retreat to his room.

Zal got to his room and sat at the vanity desk and began to jot a letter to his Father. Flip was chirping and happily running around Zals feet playing some unknown game. Zal pondered what to write and began to absently minded to play with the black orb. “My future begins tomorrow, oh what am I doing. Nightmares. That’s all. Nervous nightmares, nothing more.” A shadow passed Zals window and Zals eyes trailed after it. “Oh how wonderful it must be to be free. Like a bird in this world no care, no worry and go where ever the wind currents may lead you. Zals gaze focused intently on the window and to the beyond of the sky. His mind began to wonder as a slow note started to play within in the room. The note was familiar in ways as if he heard it before. Zals mind drifted as if soaring on the wind. He was both aware and unaware of his surroundings. The note gained intensity. Its harmony filled the room. Zal turned towards the reflecting glass his eyes shimmering grey and white. Calmness ensued his mind. Then he noticed it. He turned to the orb. Perfectly round, spinning in the air, swirls of dazzling light patterns all round it. The note became steady, long utterly beautiful.
Zal attention was fully immersed in the moment. Unaware of the presence that had entered his room.
“Merciful light! Zal what are you doing?” a voice thick with fear cried out. Immediately the orb fell, the light patterns ceased and the note faded out. Zal turned to the intruder. His eyes still shimmering wispful grays. His look defiant “Zal what's going on?” A frightful voice from Darius gasped. “I don't know Darius, but you can't tell anyone!” Zals voice was thick in plea. Darius sat on the bed looked into Zals eyes which changed back to brown. “How did you do that? Have you invented a new machine? Zal took in a breath and looked at his life long friend and with quiet reserve he sighed “make yourself comfortable then”
Zal began at the beginning explaining the dreams and the experience of the urgency and force when he ignored them. Dusk rose on the horizon. Darius's facial expression was blank, a look that Zal thought impossible for the animated young man.
“So I'm going to Altoria to seek out my dreams meaning” finished a dry mouthed Zal. Darius let out a though provoking sigh, “I won't presume to understand any of this Zal, but, what I witnessed today my eyes can scary believe. I've always been your friend, always will. This changes nothing. My lips are sealed” Darius looked upon his friend in a strong and brotherly fashion. The time chimed the hour for dinner. Darius face immediately brightened up “I do believe us dinner time and I have a certain fine young lady to met for dinner. Care to join?”
“I'm going to dine with Jhorna and Alec, at least tonight before Altoria.” With that both boys made their way to the dinning hall enjoying new friendships and old companionships. Night came in fast and before Zal went to sleep for the night he glanced out his window. In the distance shone a magnificent light. The dock beacon of Altoria. Sleep was hard fast to find Zal that night as anxiety and nerves made root in every fiber of his being.

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