Aflia Cencin was a bit sad to be leaving Aris, but she didn't mind missing the festival. Such events drew gawkers and awkward staring from uneducated peasants. Sometimes they brought out street-preachers and doomsayers who latched onto her race as a portent of or target for their ranting.

Altheim, being an island nation, could only be reached by ship. Certain high-ranking wizards and Agents did have access to teleportation as well, but Afila was neither of those. So she was going to take a ship. But to reach Sapphire, she had two routes. One was to sail all the way from Althiem to Sapphire, the other was to sail to Chedal and walk the rest of the way. It would take longer, but may be safer than risking a long journey by ship. Complicating this decision was the natural distrust that sailors have to women on their ships. It had been bad enough for Aflia as an escorted child, but it would be worse now as an unescorted adult with another female companion in tow. Mul seemed unconcerned, but she wasn't concerned by much at all.

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And then there was what awaited her at the end of her journey: an encounter with one of the enigmatic SiDabolos. More than just an encounter, she had to ask about the Lady SiDabolo's personal library for her research and about fishing on Sapphire Bay. Moreover, Lady SiDabolo was probably the only boat owner willing to take her out to Armageddon Reef. Which meant that she would need to spend even more time in her presence. Aflia flicked her tail nervously. At least Mul would be with her the entire time, assuming that anyone could pry her nose out of the books! As Aflia approached the docks to begin looking for a ship, Mul tapped her on the shoulder.

"I know of a faster way to get to Sapphire, If you are willing to trust me."