Chapter 2: Arrival at Aeloria Skyhold
Scene 1: Approaching Aeloria
The floating island of Aeloria rose ahead, its towering structures shimmering in the sunlight like a crown of steel and glass atop a verdant throne. The edges of the island were jagged and uneven, as though torn from the earth itself, yet softened by cascading greenery that spilled over its cliffs. A network of docks jutted out from its base, cradling a fleet of airships that buzzed like bees around a hive.
The Starlance glided through the bustling airspace, its twin engines purring steadily. Kael Rivenwood relaxed slightly at the controls, his practiced hands steadying the ship as they entered the controlled chaos of Aeloria’s skies. The hum of activity was palpable even from the cockpit—the shouts of dockworkers, the hiss of steam valves, and the distant clang of machinery melding into a symphony of industry and trade.
Kael’s gaze swept over the scene, taking in the organized chaos with a faint smirk. Aeloria always felt like a contradiction to him—a place teeming with life yet detached from the politics and conflicts that plagued the skies beyond. Its neutrality was both a blessing and a mask for its deeper intrigues.
From his perch on Kael’s shoulder, Jack let out a sharp chuff, its wings stretching briefly as though it were preparing to take flight. The creature’s eyes sparkled with curiosity as it surveyed the commotion below.
“Don’t get any ideas,” Kael said, glancing sideways at his companion. His tone was light but carried an undercurrent of fatigue. “We’re not staying long.”
Jack chuffed again, softer this time, and folded its wings neatly.
Kael allowed himself a moment to savor the view. Aeloria was a place where one could get lost—whether in its maze of markets or the deals brokered behind closed doors. Kael had spent enough time here to know the lay of the land, but he never lingered longer than necessary. The longer you stayed, the deeper the threads that tied you to its tangled web of alliances and secrets.
He adjusted the controls, angling the Starlance toward an open dock near the center of the island. The ship descended smoothly, the sunlight glinting off its polished frame as the engines shifted into a low, steady hum.
Jack chuffed once more, its gaze locked on the dockworkers below who waved lazily at the approaching airship.
“Don’t even think about it,” Kael warned, a hint of amusement in his voice. “You cause enough trouble as it is.”
The Starlance glided into position, its landing smooth and precise—a testament to Kael’s skill. As the engines powered down, the noise of the bustling docks enveloped them fully, the vibrant energy of Aeloria a stark contrast to the quiet skies they’d left behind.
Kael leaned back in his seat, letting out a soft sigh. “Home sweet home,” he muttered dryly.
Jack chuffed in agreement, leaping down from Kael’s shoulder as if eager to explore.
But even as Kael unbuckled himself and prepared to disembark, a nagging feeling tugged at the back of his mind. Aeloria’s beauty and vibrancy were undeniable, but so too were the shadows that lurked beneath its gleaming surface.
----------------------------------------
----------------------------------------
Scene 2: Docking the Starlance
The Starlance eased into the docking bay, its polished hull catching the sunlight as it glided gracefully to a stop. The ship’s engines powered down with a low, steady whine, leaving a faint trail of steam in the air. Dockworkers glanced up from their tasks, a few offering brief waves of recognition before returning to their busywork.
Kael descended the ramp with practiced ease, his boots clicking softly against the metal platform. The hum of the docks surrounded him—an orchestra of clanging metal, hissing valves, and shouted orders. The energy was infectious, a testament to Aeloria’s role as a bustling hub of trade and travel.
“About time you got back!”
The familiar voice came from Tovrin “Tov” Gearsmith, who emerged from behind a stack of crates, wiping his grease-streaked hands on a rag. His perpetually tousled hair and oil-smeared overalls made him look as though he’d just crawled out of an engine compartment—which, to be fair, he usually had.
“Nice to see you too, Tov,” Kael replied, a grin tugging at the corner of his mouth.
Tov wasted no time launching into his usual complaints. “You’ve been pushing her too hard again, haven’t you? I can hear it in the engines. She’s got strain written all over her. And don’t get me started on that portside thruster! It’s a miracle it hasn’t given out completely.”
Kael waved a hand dismissively. “Relax, Tov. She’s fine. Just needs a little TLC, as always.”
“Little TLC?” Tov repeated incredulously. “You’re gonna work that ship into an early grave at this rate!”
Before Kael could respond, Jack glided down from the ramp, its bat-like wings catching the breeze as it landed gracefully beside Tov. The creature chuffed playfully, tilting its head as if mocking the engineer’s tirade.
“And you!” Tov said, pointing a grease-streaked finger at Jack. “Don’t think I’ve forgotten about you chewing through those wires last week! This flying furball will be the death of me.”
Jack responded by swiping at the rag dangling from Tov’s pocket, earning a string of muttered curses as the engineer snatched it back.
Kael chuckled, clapping Tov on the shoulder. “Come on, don’t be so hard on him. Jack’s just keeping you on your toes.”
Tov grumbled something unintelligible before gesturing toward the ship. “Fine, but you’d better let me do a full diagnostic this time. No shortcuts.”
“Wouldn’t dream of it,” Kael said, his grin widening.
As Tov stomped off toward the Starlance, muttering about lazy captains and high-maintenance ships, Kael took a moment to soak in the atmosphere of the docks. Aeloria’s energy was as vibrant as ever, a chaotic blend of industry and camaraderie that felt both comforting and overwhelming.
Jack chuffed softly at his side, nudging Kael’s leg with its head.
“Alright, alright,” Kael said, scratching behind Jack’s ears. “Let’s see if we can grab a drink before Tov finds something else to yell about.”
This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.
With a last glance at the Starlance, Kael turned toward the bustling heart of the dockyard, the lively hum of Aeloria guiding him forward.
----------------------------------------
----------------------------------------
Scene 3: The Skyhold Tavern
The Skyhold Tavern was alive with noise and energy, its warm, inviting glow spilling out into the streets of Aeloria. Inside, the space was a whirlwind of movement and sound—patrons laughed and shouted over mugs of frothy ale, merchants haggled in hushed tones over shadowy deals, and the clinking of glassware formed a constant backdrop to the chaos.
Kael pushed open the heavy wooden door, stepping inside with Jack perched confidently on his shoulder. The tavern was just as he remembered: bustling, loud, and filled with the kind of people who lived on the edge of the law. Banners of vibrant colors hung from the wooden beams above, and aetherium-powered lanterns cast a warm, flickering light across the polished tables.
Behind the bar stood Davin Solrune, the tavern’s proprietor and self-proclaimed keeper of secrets. Dressed in a sharp waistcoat and sporting a neatly trimmed beard, Davin had an air of effortless charm that seemed to draw people to him. He was wiping a glass with practiced ease when his sharp eyes caught sight of Kael.
“Well, if it isn’t Captain Rivenwood,” Davin said, setting the glass down with a flourish. “Another day, another daring escape, I presume?”
Kael smirked, weaving through the crowd to the bar. “Just another Tuesday.”
Davin chuckled, reaching beneath the bar and producing a glass of amber liquid. “On the house. Consider it hazard pay.”
Kael took the drink with a nod of thanks, leaning casually against the bar. Jack leapt from his shoulder to the countertop, chuffing softly as it eyed the various bottles behind Davin.
“No, you don’t,” Kael said, gently nudging the creature aside. “I’m not paying for another broken bottle.”
Davin tilted his head, regarding Jack with amusement. “Your winged menace seems to have grown bolder.”
“That’s one way to put it,” Kael replied, taking a sip of his drink.
The tavern’s lively atmosphere hummed around them, conversations blending into an unintelligible murmur punctuated by bursts of laughter and occasional shouting matches. Kael found himself relaxing slightly, the tension of the day’s chase fading into the background.
“Busy night,” Kael remarked, gesturing toward the packed tables.
“Always is,” Davin said, his tone casual but his eyes sharp. “Aeloria’s got a way of attracting all sorts. Travelers, traders, spies... You know how it is.”
Kael met Davin’s gaze, a flicker of understanding passing between them. The Skyhold Tavern was more than just a watering hole—it was a hub of information, a place where secrets were traded as freely as drinks.
“You hear anything I should know about?” Kael asked, his voice low.
Davin gave a slight smile, leaning in closer. “Let’s just say the winds are shifting. The Eryndor Empire’s been busy, and not in a way that benefits folks like us. Watch your back, Captain.”
Before Kael could respond, a hush fell over the room as the lights dimmed slightly. All eyes turned toward the small stage at the far end of the tavern, where a figure stepped into the spotlight.
----------------------------------------
----------------------------------------
Scene 4: Sierra Takes the Stage
The room fell into an expectant silence as Sierra Marlowe stepped onto the small wooden stage, the glow of the aetherium lanterns casting her in a warm, golden light. She moved with the kind of grace that drew attention effortlessly, her crimson dress flowing like liquid fire as she took her place at the microphone.
Kael leaned back against the bar, his drink forgotten in his hand. He’d seen Sierra perform before, but every time, she managed to captivate the room as if it were her first appearance.
Her voice, low and smoky, filled the tavern with the opening notes of a haunting melody. It wasn’t a song of joy or revelry, but one of longing and mystery, each word weaving a spell over the crowd. Conversations ceased entirely, the only sound the soft hum of the aetherium lanterns punctuating her soulful performance.
Even Jack seemed mesmerized, its glowing eyes fixed on the stage as it chuffed quietly. Kael smirked, leaning closer to the creature. “You’re not immune either, huh?”
Sierra’s gaze swept across the room, pausing briefly on Kael. It wasn’t a lingering look—just a flicker of recognition before she moved on, her eyes scanning the crowd like a hawk. Kael felt the weight of it nonetheless, a subtle reminder that she saw more than she let on.
As the song built to its crescendo, Kael noticed subtle movements at the edges of the room. Shadowy figures exchanged quiet words in the farthest corners, their attention split between the performance and each other. Their presence wasn’t unusual in a place like the Skyhold Tavern, but something about the way they occasionally glanced toward Sierra and, more importantly, toward Kael, set his instincts on edge.
“Trouble brewing,” Kael muttered under his breath.
Davin, who had been leaning casually against the bar, followed Kael’s gaze and gave a slight nod. “Always is. She’s got a way of stirring the pot, doesn’t she?”
Kael said nothing, his attention drifting back to Sierra as she brought the song to a gentle, lingering close. The final note hung in the air like a thread of aetherium energy, vibrating softly before fading into silence.
The room erupted into applause, the crowd breaking free of her spell. Sierra dipped her head in acknowledgment, her smile warm but tinged with something deeper—something calculated.
Kael’s smirk returned. “She doesn’t miss a beat.”
Davin chuckled, sliding another drink across the bar. “You’ve got no idea.”
As Sierra stepped off the stage, Kael tracked her movements briefly before turning his attention back to his drink. The tension in the room had shifted—subtle, but present. Sierra wasn’t just here to perform, and whatever her reasons, they were bound to intersect with his before the night was over.
----------------------------------------
----------------------------------------
Scene 5: Foreshadowing Trouble
The applause faded, and the tavern’s lively chatter resumed, but the air was different now—a quiet tension lingered, like the calm before a storm. Kael remained at the bar, his drink untouched as he watched Sierra glide through the crowd, offering polite smiles and brief exchanges with patrons.
“She’s got the whole room wrapped around her finger,” Davin remarked, his voice low as he leaned closer to Kael.
Kael chuckled, though it lacked humor. “You say that like it’s a good thing.”
Davin shrugged, his sharp eyes scanning the crowd. “Depends on whose side she’s on, doesn’t it?”
The words hung in the air, heavy with meaning. Kael followed Davin’s gaze to the shadowy figures in the far corner of the tavern. They were huddled together, their faces obscured by the dim lighting, but their movements were deliberate. One of them glanced briefly in Kael’s direction before turning back to the group, murmuring something that drew a nod from the others.
Kael’s fingers tightened around his glass. “You know who they are?”
Davin’s smile was thin, his tone measured. “Let’s just say they don’t come here for the drinks.” He straightened, grabbing another glass from behind the bar. “Eryndor’s been busy. Shadowborn Syndicate too. Lots of folks looking for an edge these days.”
Kael frowned, his unease growing. “And where does Sierra fit into all this?”
Davin chuckled softly, pouring himself a drink. “Now, that’s the question, isn’t it? She’s a smart one, though. Doesn’t play her cards unless she’s sure she’ll win.”
Kael sighed, setting his glass down with a little more force than he intended. “Great. So, I’m stuck in the middle of another game I didn’t sign up for.”
“Seems to be your specialty,” Davin said with a smirk, raising his glass in a mock toast.
Kael leaned back against the bar, his gaze drifting to the tavern’s entrance. The growing activity of the Eryndor Empire and the Shadowborn Syndicate wasn’t new to him, but the stakes felt higher now. Aeloria’s neutral ground was becoming less certain, and the players in the game were more dangerous than ever.
Jack chuffed softly from its perch on the bar, drawing Kael’s attention. The creature’s glowing eyes fixed on him as if sensing his unease.
“Yeah, I know,” Kael muttered, scratching behind Jack’s ears. “This isn’t going to end well.”
As the crowd shifted around him, Kael’s focus returned to Sierra. She was seated now, her posture relaxed but her attention sharp as she listened to a merchant at her table. Whatever she was after, it was clear she was playing a long game.
Davin’s voice broke Kael’s thoughts. “Word of advice, Captain—keep your head down. The winds are shifting, and not in your favor.”
Kael met Davin’s gaze, a flicker of determination in his eyes. “I’ve been through worse.”
Davin raised an eyebrow, his smile faint. “Let’s hope that luck of yours doesn’t run out.”
Kael pushed off the bar, tossing a few coins onto the counter. “Thanks for the drink. And the warning.”
Davin gave a slight nod, watching as Kael headed toward the door, Jack leaping gracefully to his shoulder.
As Kael stepped out into the cool night air, the distant hum of airship engines filled the silence. He took a deep breath, his mind already turning to what lay ahead. Trouble was brewing, that much was certain. The only question was how deep he’d be dragged into it before the storm hit.