90 Searing 121
The twins met Torin Kilvin early at the Skyharbour. The Blue Star, owned by their family, had arrived the day previous and divested itself of cargo, then reloaded before dark. The captain had remained until morning for the young Lord and Lady's convenience, and the crew was happy for an evening in the big city before their return flight. Nobody seemed too much the worse for wear. Kaus had remained on the deck, the wind whipping at his platinum hair and mottled feathers, while Kala took Torin down below to give him a proper tour of the airship, though she had, in fact, noticed he was a bit on edge up above—perhaps nerves about the height. She explained how the airship was the main line of transportation and communication with Starfall. The small city was largely independent and self-sustaining, so it was rare an outside merchant would foot the bill to get to and from what was seen by outsiders as a provinicial settlement with little investment value.
And so the zaibatsu was in charge of its own supply chain, which was all for the best.
The voyage took the better part of the day. Kala kept Torin occupied in a cabin where people came and went to eat. From time to time, they would have a fresh pot of tea laden with herbs that would keep his stomach settled if it was prone to upset when they hit the inevitable turbulence in the mountain air. When things were calm, though, she would point out some of the spectacular views through the portholes.
The sun was setting when they made port at Starfall's tiny harbor. It looked as though perhaps five airships could dock there, though only two seemed to be used with any frequency. They were greeted by stevedores and the dockmaster, as well as the Lady of Starfall and her heir. Akshara and Aquilios looked in many ways like adult-sized versions of Kala and Kaus, who were small for a human and an Avialae respectively.
Akshara's cheekbones were prominent, though that might have been due in part to how drawn she was. And her elder son was not unkind, but he did not have an ounce of Kaus' ebullience. All the same, they were gracious with Torin and affectionate enough with their kin.
"Not feeling well, Mama?" Kala murmured, her twin looking on in concern. The woman just smiled, strong despite chronic health issues. They walked together from the harbor to the keep. From the air, from the high point of the harbor, and from the ground as they walked, Torin could see that the keep was an ancient fortress and the city an expanse of buildings, mostly one- or two-storied, spreading out from the keep as if proximity was the same as safety.
There was no proper city wall. Their threats were not foreign armies but the wild things changed by the Dread Mists. But there was a sense that the place was safe. It was protected by a towering Avialae like Aquilios, after all, who looked as competent as any who defended Kalzasi, and Torin knew they were well equipped as they had a runesmith in town. Despite it yet being Searing, this far up and north was still quite chilly as the sun set, though the keep was warm and comfortable. It was fine, of course, and filled with fine things. But there was still the sense that this was a home, a safe haven, and not a place where one was meant to be overwhelmed by splendor and wealth.
Supper was hearty and delicious, the conversation trending heavily toward Torin's work, his new forge, and the like. Akshara asked cogent questions, and Aquilios seemed concerned that Torin was capable with weapons, but also more creative endeavors. The needs of their people were many. But while the elders dominated the conversation, Kala interjected herself frequently to make Torin more comfortable, and Kaus occasionally added a bit of levity. He made his mother and brother laugh from time to time.
As soon as the meal was finished, Akshara begged off. She once more bid him welcome, but was weary and ill and required her rest. Her children kissed her good night, and she departed. Aquilios stayed around for a warming nightcap and was a bit more personable with Torin. He was more relaxed with the business seen to; it was clear he took it all quite seriously, his broad shoulders already feeling the weight of responsibility. When he departed, claiming to have a bit of work to do before he could seek his bed, the twins saw Torin to his room.
His luggage had been put there already. The room wasn't palatial, but it was more space to himself than he had ever had before. A servant had hung up his clothes in the armoire, and the four-poster bed had thick curtains on it to block out the light or keep in the heat per his needs. There was a fire burning low in the hearth, though, so heat wouldn't likely be an issue. After telling him where to go if he needed anything in the night, they left him to his rest. Kala promised the view from his windows would be lovely when the sun rose.
91 Searing 121
Kala Leukos was as good as her word. When he woke at dawn, the sun was rising in the east, the mountainous skyline carving a smile into the face of Ysa. When he came down to break his fast, Kala was dressed and waiting at the table for him. It was a less formal affair now, Akshara taking breakfast in her rooms, and Aquilios had taken Kaus to train before they would get to eat.
A servant was laying out food for them: flaky pastries, fruit, cheese, eggs, sausages, bacon, juice, water, and coffee.
"Eat your fill," she said after thanking the servant. "I know it takes a great deal of fuel to keep a blacksmith running." She smiled, something impish about the way it changed her elfin features. "But I imagine you are eager to see the rest of Starfall."
