Much to my surprise, Lore doesn't press about my abrupt hugging. I'd like to think it's because he has the capability to understand that it's a matter I am not ready to discuss. But honestly, he's probably going to hold this incident against me to use at a later date. There is nothing more Lore than that.

He doesn't bring up the hug for the rest of the evening or the following day either. I'm able to visit Trinia again where I say hello to the trainees. Their eager expressions once brought me joy. I thought it to be an honor to receive their attention, to be told that they admire me, but now I wish they wouldn't. That they weren't here, that they were far away. But I force a smile because I can't help myself, let alone them. And I don't know what I want for myself, so I can't imagine what to tell them.

I also manage to ask around about Jakoby. A priestess informs me that he did arrive early, although she doesn't recall the church ever requesting anyone to arrive early for training. Perhaps I was misinformed? Regardless, he is no longer at Trinia or in the capital. He, along with some other priests in training, are traveling the countryside. I'll have to stop again once we return from Vexsis to see if he has returned.

Finally, the morning to take the airship to Vexsis arrives. Most of it goes by too quickly to recall. I remember waking up, eating breakfast but not tasting a bit of it, then we're standing in front of the airship station.

I thought Nosa's station was bad, but Rhamie's is even worse. People hurry past one another in a rush. Steam billows from the iron pipes, casting a heavy fog overhead. One woman stomps right past a whistling pipe threatening to burst without a care. She has a destination set in her mind and not even the threat of explosive heat in her face can stop her.

Then we arrive at the platform to gaze upon airships I've only seen from afar. Unlike airships created by mortals, the pure artistry of vampire technology is indescribable. The airship hovers without whirling propellers that kick up debris and noise. They're completely silent with sheen silver sides that reflect the surroundings. In the sky, they're perfectly camouflage. But if you look at one from above, you'd see the overgrowth of trees and vines interwoven into the metal sheets as if the two have always been one in the same. A priest from Trinia once told me that vampire airships are actually fueled by the trees and running water onboard, but I couldn't possibly comprehend how. This, of itself, feels like magic.

Cyan shatters the moment with a quick question; "Suppose they would let me tear the airship apart?"

"Absolutely not," Lore answers.

Cyan whines. I've never seen someone fall in love at first sight until today. There may actually be hearts in Cyan's eyes. He's actually a little wobbly. Draven has to keep a firm grip on the sleeve of Cyan's jacket to keep the mad scientist from bolting in a desperate attempt to get his hands on the wiring of our ship. Cyan gazes upon the technology like a new found lover whom he wishes to dance with under the starlight. Draven might end up getting a bit jealous of a piece of machinery.

A bell chimes signaling we may board. The crowd surges forward. Cyan walks behind Lore and me with Draven at the back, keeping a watchful eye on any who dare get too close to Cyan. Maybe Cyan would be blushing about that if he weren't so transfixed on the airship. I think a bit of drool leaks out of his parted lips.

"Don't let the beauty fool you," Lore whispers. He has leaned towards me so his breath tickles my cheek. "There are many enemies within and even more waiting for us in Vexsis."

"I am well aware. You've reminded me at least a dozen times now." And that's only counting today. Lore has repeated the threat as if he believes it would ward off evil. I'm of the belief that it'd merely cause that threat to come to life.

"I only hope that by mentioning it, you will remember the chaperones to come. That there may be laws in place to prevent us from harming one another, but that does not guarantee our safety. Vampires, particularly those of Vexsis, are rather tricky when they need to be."

"Showing me so much concern, I'm flattered, but I will now remind you that I am perfectly capable of handling myself."

"I know. I simply can't help but to take care of my..." Lore glances at me for a brief moment, though still long enough to make my mouth run dry. "Partner."

It feels like he wanted to say something else. Something more. And I stupidly wish he would have...

The wall of the airship opens. Lore rests a hand on my back when I almost stumble back in surprise. I didn't even know there was a door! The doors are so seamless that they... well, there aren't any seams!

I whistle as we pass through the entrance of the ship that makes our last look like the inside of a dumpster. The halls move like water, lacking pointed corners by replacing them with rounded bends. Slightly curved columns mimicking curves in a stream lift up a rounded ceiling where heavenly light filters in from above. Vines twist along the ceiling where flowers bloom and trees reach across open walkways. It doesn't feel like a ship. It feels like a pristine, white cottage nestled in nature.

The initial comfort dissipates when I take in the other passengers. Though Draven guides us through the halls to first find our rooms, others do the same making the halls a bit of a mess. I see them; vampires and dhampir in droves. The opposite of our last airship where the majority were mortal. There's a level of uneasiness, a cold sensation at the back of my neck.

"Here we are," Draven announces upon the arrival to our rooms. Then he glances left to right. "Where'd Cyan go?"

Lore pinches the bridge of his nose. "I told him that we're meant to stay together."

"I will search for him. He's likely picking apart the wall to see how this place ti--"

"I'll have you know!" Cyan interjects, appearing beside me. "That I was admiring some fine craftsmanship right at the end of the hall. I wasn't even out of sight, you worrying dingbats."

"If we didn't see you then you were out of sight," Draven counters.

Cyan shrugs. "Or you're going blind in your old age." His gaze drifts to Lore's suddenly very pointed stare. "I... uh... take that back and deeply apologize for daring to imply something so audacious, Your Grace."

"Good decision," Lore says when stepping into our room. Cyan clears his throat and follows Draven into their room.

Lore grabs a pamphlet from the bedside table to begin listing off the available options on the airship. Although I remind him that we aren't on vacation, he continues treating it as one. Waltzing back out the door, we meet up with Cyan and Draven to begin our leisurely day aboard the ship. More time is spent watching Cyan frantically examine every nook and cranny. I never thought I'd find watching a mad man amusing, yet here we are.

Cyan picks and prods, even stopping some who appear to be workers on the vessel to make inquiries. Draven has to drag him away by the shirt collar like a hound to get him to stop. By lunch, we've barely seen much of the ship. Except Cyan. He managed to shimmy his way into an air duct--I don't know how he found it-- that Draven had to rip him out of. That one really is a firecracker.

Later in the day, we step into the dining area. Cyan and I come to an abrupt halt to gaze upward at the... floating water?

"It's an anti-gravity mechanism," Lore explains, which is no explanation at all.

"Divinity?" I inquire.

"Science, it's--"

"Fucking brilliant!" Cyan gapes, almost stumbling down the steps leading to the center of the dining room. He stands at the center, gazing upward. His neck has to hurt at the angle. "I always knew we were behind vampire technology by leaps and bounds, but this is a whole other level. We don't have any form of gravitational tech."

"We have divinity, which can do that," I say, pointing above. Once I realized it isn't divinity, it isn't as impressive, but Cyan gives me the death glare.

"Not everyone is capable of magic, but anyone can be a part of this," he argues. "If we have technology that anyone can use, isn't that better than limiting it to those lucky enough to be born with magic?"

"I suppose... that's true."

"This is incredible, this... this..." Cyan squeaks when Draven taps his shoulder.

"This is not something they will share with you," Draven says, causing the enthusiastic scientist to pout. "And this is a dining hall. Take a seat and get something to eat."

"I am eating. Eating knowledge." Cyan snickers while following us to a table.

I barely had time to sit down before Lore says, "Excuse me. I'll be right back."

"Where are you..." The words fall short as I watch Lore leave to approach a man at the bar across the room. Music playing from the nearby band echoes in the room, making it impossible to hear what they're saying. They clearly know one another, offering enthusiastic greetings including a friendly hug that lasts longer than necessary. Not that I'm counting how long they hug for. That'd totally be weird.

"Do you know who that is?" I ask Draven, who lifts his gaze from Cyan's menu. I didn't even notice he was helping Cyan pick something to eat.

Draven glances at Lore and the stranger, who rests his hand on Lore's atop the bar. "I believe that's Lord Phaeron. They attended college classes together in Vexsis and have quite a few business ventures together. It's good we've run into him. His Grace wanted to have a meeting before this incident."

Oh, are they just business partners then, is a question that crosses my mind but doesn't pass my lips. Regardless, the question seems to have been answered based on Lore and Phaeron's demeanor towards each other. Phaeron has slipped his fingers between Lore's and he listens intently with a seductive smile. What is with this damn dhampir and having relations with everyone we're happening to run into?!

I veer away with a determined clear of my throat. Ignoring Cyan and Draven's gazes, I focus on the menu that makes me momentarily gag. This is primarily a vampire and dhampir vessel meaning the menu consists mostly of bloody beverages and meals. Pigs marinated in blood wine or raw versions of meat topped in steamed vegetables. This must be why Draven was assisting Cyan. I don't know what's safe to eat until I reach the back of the menu where there are a total of five meals available under Mortal Menu. Which sounds more like mortals are on the menu than what we can eat.

Moments later, a waiter takes our orders. Lore has yet to return. I gaze over my shoulder, scowling upon catching Phaeron now standing and leaning awfully close to Lore. The lord happens to catch my gaze. His lips twitch back into a grin. He nods towards me. I barely turn away in time to prevent Lore from catching me staring. Unfortunately, I didn't stop Cyan or Draven from noticing. Cyan sits across from me, lips twisted into an exaggerated frown.

"What?" I hiss.

Cyan rests his arm on the table. "You might as well walk over and slap Lord Phaeron in the face. It'd be less obvious."

"Less obvious?" I mock. "Don't speak to me about being less obvious when you and Draven can't keep yourselves from ogling each other when the other's back is turned. You might as well kiss him square on the mouth so we all can stop pretending that we don't notice."

Both gape. Then Cyan barks out a perturbed hey when I stand.

I'm not up for this continuous stress. First there's the church, my never ending back and forth between what I want, what I need, and what I'm meant to do. Then I'm surrounded by enemies and on my way to the most dangerous place for someone like me. And now Cyan's trying to point out my... my fucking affections for Lore! Damn it all. I don't need that right now. Fuck!

I storm off, heading through the halls with no clear destination, unaware of who follows until minutes later. He presses a firm hand against my shoulder. "You can't go off alone," Draven states.

"We're on a fucking airship--"

"And two priests were killed on the last one."

"Oh how marvelously observant of you." I snap, pivoting on my heel to glare up at him. "Why must I remind you lot that I'm a paladin? Those on board this ship are in far more danger than I am. And right now, this very dangerous paladin wishes to be alone."

Draven offers a sinister smile that makes his orange eyes crinkle. "That's unfortunate because I have orders that you aren't allowed to be alone."

This rotten bastard is really testing my patience.

- - ┈┈∘┈˃̶༒˂̶┈∘┈┈ - -

Our group has almost made it to Vexsis. Writing a jealous Seren is a lot of fun tbh lol What do you think about the difference of technology between humans and vampires? How fun is it to see these fools call each other out? xD