If it were not for the airship sitting in a field just outside the Academy, one would think it was just a busy day at the Academy, some kind of celebration or large meeting. Obviously, the presence of the airship meant that this was a much more serious ordeal, with many of the students at the Academy out gawking at the ship sometimes, before sometimes being chastised by a Master or Weaver to continue about their business. Usually they were being told to leave by a selection of Weavers who had been specifically assigned to watch the airship itself, as the Masters of the Academy knew better than to simply trust the students, especially when it was made abundantly clear that any attempt to improperly board or 'retrieve' technology from them would be met with a single penalty: death.

While anyone else would hesitate making such declarations against an Academy, Raven Hayes had no such room for hesitation, and not because of the Airship Dead Iron bristling with crossbows, cannons, and a team of mechanized warriors and typical airship crew. It was more because the gravity of the situation that he had come here to collect mages for left no room to worry about their technology being stolen. He had no such time for distractions, so a firm objective needed to bet set.

Leaning over the railing, Commander Hayes took what seemed like the thousandth gaze over the Academy on the bright and sunny day. While his metal armor, gauntlets, and even steel mask were likely unnecessary in dealing with the mages, he kept them handy all the same. Besides, just because people were afraid of mages and them didn't mean some idiot wouldn't think a crossbow could solve all their problems.

"Commander, everything is prepared. We go as soon as everything is accounted for." Raven Hayes turned to the mechanical troop. A man who had dedicated himself to the Prime Minister, with the armor encasing him granting him more strength and utility than most knights could only dream of.

"Very well. See to it that only our guests get on the ship, and then we shall be on our way, as planned." Raven replied, going back to looking over the arriving mages. Specifically selected by the Prime Minister after a lengthy discussion with the Masters of this Academy. Some were taken easily, others got more than a few eyebrow raises. It even eventually got to one of the other Masters would be coming along as well.

"See to it that they come to the deck as was instructed. I want to see each one of them and go over the plan in more detail once they are on board." Raven instructed, pulling his mask free for the moment. With a sword at his side, crossbow mounted to his arm, and standing tall at 6'4", Raven was imposing not only because of his height, but also his steely nature. He had seen more than his share of battles, and had not been chosen for this mission simply because he had gotten to this rank.

Orders or no, if the mages are late I shall leave them behind. I do not have time to wait, and frankly the rest of the land does not either. We will make due with what we have as always.

For now, Raven waited for the mages to arrive so they could get going properly, and he could get away from this Academy. While some of the individuals were interesting, he would be more than happy to be back in the sky. Being away from the Academy would be a bonus. Looking down at the ramp, then up to the sky, he hoped that these particular mages would not sleep in long.

"I wish you wouldn't go, Mira." Marcus Alamar said as he clapped his eldest daughter on her shoulder. "I feel this is more dangerous than you realize."

"Requested by name, Dad." She gave him a lopsided smile. "I'm not thrilled about it either, but at least I can keep an eye on the others. Don't worry about me, I'll be back before you know it." She hugged him tightly, grunting and lifting him an inch or so off the ground. He patted her back as she did, groaning.

"Aw, don't hurt your ol' Dad..." She set him down and pretended not to notice the tears running down his face. "You come back safely, you hear? Worry your mother sick." He sniffled and looked away. "I'll make sure the academy doesn't go up in flames while I'm away."

"Just don't be the one to set it on fire, Dad." She said gently.

"Got something for you. Somewhere around here." He reached into his pockets, pulling out a wad of lint, a small knife, and a key. "No, not that..." He checked the myriad of other pockets until he slapped his forehead and pulled it off from around his neck. "Stupid of me, put it there so I wouldn't forget it."

Hanging from a silver chain was a small disc of steel engraved with the symbols of all six Elements, the work incredibly minute and fine. She gave her Dad a raised eyebrow, and he shrugged. "Just something to remember this crazy family by. All six elements together. Maybe help bring you home."

She took it and slid it around her neck with a smile. "You mean the Alamars, or the Academy?"

He barked a little laugh. "I hope I mean the Alamars, the Academy's a little too dysfunctional for my taste. I'll miss you, little one."

"Dad, I'm taller than you."

"You'll always be my little one."

* * * *

Mira dried her tears as she walked the rest of the way to the airship alone. She approached the ramp, noting that she was the first to arrive, and nodded. As it should be. She sat on the grass and raised her gaze to the sun, drawing strength from the warm rays that fell across her body.

Alexander had just finished readying himself for the day. Writing one last letter to his family after the further twenty or so he had written to various patients and provinces informing them of what to do while he would be gone. He supposed he may actually be one of few mages relatively well liked outside the academy, it had taken most of his life to achieve this acceptance and welcome in some small portion of the world, but it was something. His family had been busy during his years at the academy, four other children all adults now, and a business which was thriving under his father's skill and mother's watchful eye. As he folded the paper and sealed it with the wax emblem of his office, an emblem he had created to make sure those he wrote to knew who was doing so quickly, he leaned back and looked out the window to the open area before him. It was always nice to view the outside world over the interior courtyard of the academy, helped him remember where he needed to be.

"Well hopefully I won't be too terribly late." Alexander said as he stood up. Throwing on the robes with the metal suns still attached as always. His father's teachings had helped maintain them since he was an adolescent, the years leaving them looking relatively brand new. The polishing and maintenance of the symbols almost a ritual in its own right. Grabbing his usual pack of items for travel he walked out the door and to the waiting airship. He still remembered the day of the airship's arrival, and the arduous discussions before the thing arrived. As a master he had learned much of this journey beforehand, and had been a guiding force in the recommendations put forth. Of course, these men had done their homework and knew mostly what they wanted, but their correspondence had been very important nonetheless.

As he arrived to the field he noted Mira already waiting by the ship, a smile settling into place. She had been at the top of both Illuminate master's lists of potential candidates. A weaver of remarkable ability and an attitude which would be sorely needed on the mission.

"Good day Mira, not slacking off on this of all days are you?" He asked jokingly at the clearly prepared woman.

Iridessa's First Breath

Iridessa took a deep breath, slamming the doors open and walking into the small training hall. It was one of the Academy's older ones, no longer used for official lessons, but always open for those who wished to train on their own. This one was fire-specific, meaning its walls, floor and ceiling were far more resistant to charring and less likely to catch fire, although it was rumoured a Master could send it up in flames with a snap of his fingers. She dropped her satchel at the entrance.

She strode to the centre of the room, her heavy boots creating resounding thuds with every step. Many of the Firestorms she knew preferred to practice barefoot or with lighter footwear, allowing for nimbler and faster movement, but she preferred the forceful effect her boots gave her. She wasn't sure if they aided her skills in any way- although she wished they did, she needed all the boosts she could get right now- but she felt like they did. Coming to a stop, she took another breath, dropping and sending her leg out in a wide sweep, a trail of fire left behind her as she did so. She rose again and moved through most of her preferred forms swiftly, conjuring ribbons of fire that only surrounded her with a tickling warmth. Showy displays like this were what Iridessa liked best, but they weren't much use in fights, which were what she liked second best.

She moved onto the more offensive tactics in her arsenal, searing and destructive blasts of heat, that, although effective, hadn't done much to advance her skill. She couldn't control them, which was a significant part of her problem. She could hear one of the Masters going on about it now, It is just as important to control whatever you unleash, blah blah blah. Her method worked just as well, didn't it? She'd won many a fight with it, and it was apparently good enough that she'd been selected for the special mission to Juria. Still, the lack of any meaningful progress stung, and her movements became progressively more aggressive until she had practically engulfed the room with fire. Panting, she stopped, then tried to create a whirlwind of fire like she'd seen a Weaver do. As usual, she had no luck with it. Scowling and not at all relaxed from her practice session like she'd intended, she grabbed her satchel and stormed out of the room. She had to get to the airship anyway, she'd heard Commander Hayes was in charge. A notorious hardass, she didn't doubt he'd leave her behind without batting an eyelid if she wasn't there on time.

Thankfully, she made it there early, her bad mood somewhat abated. She acknowledged the two people who were already there, sitting on the grass a few meters away and performing little parlour tricks with fire to amuse herself.

"Two spare sets of clothes, hat, textbooks, box of vials, bag of silver, ingredients belt, vial belt... portable alembic, mortar and pestle, silver knife, three standard autoquivers, one poison autoquiver... do I need anything else?" Ling had packed everything she normally needed when travelling outside the Academy. The request from the Kingdom of Jurai seemed to be more than a simple excursion, though, so she wanted to be prepared for as much as she could be.

"I think we're good to go. C'mon, Kei." Ling grabbed the aforementioned crossbow and its holster, fitting the four autoquivers to their spaces in the straps before slinging the whole getup over her right shoulder as always. The belt of filled vials went over the left shoulder. When taking her backpack into account, Ling's preferred method of carrying her weapons of choice was rather unwieldy, but she managed it all the same. She had to make a good first impression on these people and their fancy armed-to-the-teeth airship. After all, it wasn't every day that a pile of strangers turned up and asked for you, specifically, to join them on some grand adventure.

With everything sorted for the journey, Ling strode out of her laboratory and into the hall where most of the Alchemists had their lodgings and workstations. Some of the Elementals scattered across the room waved as she passed, and Ling returned the gesture. No sense in being a social pariah despite your unusual methods.

Outside the Alchemists' Chambers, the airship was rather hard to miss in the sunlight. Ling picked out the name Dead Iron emblazoned on the hull. A rather ominous moniker. Still, it was good that it had a name, she mused as she crossed the Academy grounds. Already several mages had gathered: presumably, they had been summoned to the ship just as she was.

"Good day to you all... fine day for travelling aboard an airship, now that I think about it," Ling noted with a short laugh.

As the few slivers of morning sunshine slipped their way past the blinds of one Hydromancer's living quarters, a pair of intermingled bodies began to stir, one more actively than the other. "MMmmhey, don't you have some thing to do today? That thing with the airship...?" One of the bare bodies groggily queried the other, shaking the other awake. The browner, scarred body groaned and rolled towards the awake one. "Couldn't it wait a few more hours?" He asked in between a yawn. His eyes fluttered awake to the sight of this voluptuous long haired water weaver...whose name he couldn't immediately recall.

"I dunno Joey, you said they approached you personally, right? It's probably important." She replied, sort of underplaying the appearance and relevance of the highly weaponized airship occupying the Academy grounds. Seemed like she knew more about the job than he did. The dusty Earthshaper chuckled, a free finger tracing a nude curve along the girl's body.

"Why do you sound so right?" He sighed. "I'd rather just stay here all day." The girl took a liking to his words, and ran a hand through his curly locks. "Aww, i'll still be here when you get back~" She cooed. He sat up, meeting her at eye level. "Well, when you put it that way..." He leaned, closing in for a long lock. One of his hands began to explore under the covers. She pulled away ever so slowly. "Mmm, don't get too excited, boulder boy. You should get dressed." Joey smiled a thin grin. "You're right, you're right." He rose out of bed, retrieving clothes scattered about the floor. "You should look into some new clothes. I'm friends with one of the tailors, maybe we can get you fitted for a new robe." The Hydromancer suggested as she watched him dress.

"Maybe...i've seen some'a the ones you guys wear...I dunno. They look a little thick for my tastes. Gimme ol' shawl any day." He added, draping the article over his shoulders, clasping it together at the front. "I could use a new shirt though. That's a pretty good idea Allison, i'll keep that in mind." He looked back at her with a smile. She, on the other hand, looked as if he'd just insulted her. Which, he kinda did.

"Who? My name is Alexi, ya kidney stone." She spat. Joey began edging towards the door. "That's what I said, luv. A-Alexi!"

"Get out of my room." She was fairly close to sending a volley of icicles at his face. Horatio kicked up dust as he made his hasty retreat.

---

"Where the hell even am I...?" He mumbled as he traversed the many halls of the Academy. Being there only a week hadn't given him much time to really figure out how the place operated. "Shouldn't be too hard to find an exit..." He continued, patting himself down to make sure he had all of his items.

"Gots me dagger, sack, and..." Reaching into a pocket, he quickly brandished a singular gold shilling. "Hmph. The things some people just leave out in the open." He scoffed and grinned as he made the coin dance along his fingers. He remember nicking it from some vagabond roaming through the town he'd been to before reaching the Academy. A weird looking piece unlike any of the local currency. "Wonder how much it'd go for..." As he thought, the sound of general commotion and loud droning engine noises got his attention.

Finding the nearest exit, he could easily spot the airship located all the way across the field. He had to squint at the bright sun, mumbling an incomprehensible string of expletives at the time of day. He was almost beginning to regret committing to this job, though as he neared closer to the ship, and his eyes began to adjust to the blinding rays of light, he could notice the small collection of individuals chatting at the ramp. Some old guy and some fine, determined looked females. "And each one a different flavor. Yum." He let on his most inviting smile as he approached his fellow mages.

"Ladies, gentlemen. Wonderful day, ain't it?" He interjected the conversation with his own cheery greeting.

Eve walked silently through the halls, chilling the air slightly in her wake. Most people either moved away from her or ignored her as she passed, but she didn't care. She had heard that she was supposed to go on the airship only a little while ago, but seeing as she didn't really need to do anything special to prepare to leave she was ready within minutes.

Just because she was ready to go didn't mean she was going to go straight there however. She preferred to stick to her normal routine as much as possible until the moment she had to leave. She still had a good amount of time left, so she walked around the edges of the Academy, looking out at the rest of the world outside their walls. She often did this before leaving for somewhere, it helped her clear her mind and plan ahead.

From the highest point on the wall one could see almost all of the Academy, and it was easy to see the airship in an outdoor courtyard not too far away. Eve jumped from the wall to the ground below, making a thin slide out of ice to slow her descent, melting back into the air in seconds. She landed gracefully on the roof of the hall leading to the courtyard, and walked the rest of the way to the airship, doing the same ice slide trick to get to the ground below.

She walked up to the group already assembled there and nodded a greeting. "Eve Celeste. Guess we're stuck with each other for a while, s'pose it'll be a good adventure though."

Nina had made sure she'd be there to say farewell to her daughter, while Timothy had unfortunately needed to be at the market today of all days, but he had asked Nina to relay his farewells to her, which she of course did. There was no question about her doing so.

"You be careful now, Silvana. I wouldn't be able to rest easy if I knew of you hurt somewhere with me unable to get to you." she said as she hugged her daughter tightly.

"You don't need to worry about me, mother. I'm a big girl now, I can take care of myself. Even if I am just an Adept." Silvana said back while hugging back tightly. Both women were muscular enough to not be able to crush each other with their hugs, but still making sure that they didn't crush Silvana's pendant.

"Being an Adept isn't something to say that about. You might not be as powerful as a Weaver or a Master, but Adepts are still powerful enough in their own rights." Nina said, smiling towards her as she slowly let go of Silvana.

"But..." Silvana still wanted to become a Weaver like her mother, but it would take more time until she could become one. She simply wanted to make her parents proud of her, even though they were proud enough that she got into the Academy.

"No buts, dear. Now, have you prepared all that you need for the journey?" Nina had gone over what to bring with her the day before to make sure she was ready for today.

"Yes, mother. It's all in my bag." Silvana turned sideways to show her mother the bag hanging from her back. Nina nodded and smiled, pulling her daughter back into her arms for a final hug.

"We're going to miss you so much." she said, tears slowly crawling down her cheeks.

"And I'll miss both of you." Silvana replied, crying silently with her mother.

"We love you." Nina said, letting go after a while so that Silvana could go and join the others on the airship.

"And I love you both." Silvana said back to her mother before turning around to go towards the airship. Her mother stood there, watching her child leave before returning to her duties at the Academy.

---

Having dried off her tears, Silvana approached the airship where a few other mages had already made their way towards. She smiled towards them as she got closer, making sure her bag was firmly held onto her back.

"Ah, such a nice day today, isn't it? And so exciting to be traveling by airship." she said, addressing no one in particular. She grabbed her pendant for a moment, which was hanging outside her robes at the moment, holding it in her hand as she looked up at the sky.

"Do you think they have big monsters over there? Or maybe they ride robots instead. OH! What if they ride robot monsters? I mean, they obviously need something smaller than an airship to get around if they have to do something alone, and they're too advanced to just walk." The energetic voice of Fei Hidalgo was the only thing Drew could hear at this point. She was bouncing around and circling him as she asked question after question about Jurai. "Wait, I got it! Maybe they have wing! Y'know, like fake wing things they put on. That way they could fly instead of jut walk!"

Drew laughed softly and spoke to her in a calm tone. "Well, I'll find out. If they have wing suits or something like that, I'll be sure to bring some back to you." The pair walked slowly, since Drew was in no rush to get to his destination. He had plenty of time and he knew most of the academy like the back of his hand, so he knew he wouldn't be late. He stopped to get a quick bite to eat, though he had already finished his breakfast while Fei had only taken a few nibbles since she was so busy asking him questions.

This whole thing was still puzzling to the Hydromancer. Why ask for him? Sure, he had good grades and was friendly with the instructors, but he wasn't that extraordinary. His skill set was uneven compared to the average Elemental and he wasn't exactly known around the academy, except maybe as "that guy who sits at the side of the room". Maybe they heard about his recent attempt to get promoted to Weaver, but since he failed, that just made the decision stranger. Sure, Fei insisted it was because they knew what an awesome elemental he was, but there were better choices.

They got as close they were allowed to the airship before they had to depart. Drew hugged his sister, putting on a brave face for her. "Don't fall behind in your studies just because I'm not there to help you. I don't want to come back and discover you're failing." He said jokingly. He knew she'd be fine, this was mostly to try and leave on a happier note. For all he knew, he wasn't coming back at all. Something this important likely meant danger ahead. Still, with all the other mages joining him, he might just be able to get through this.

He walked ahead, turning back to wave one last time before he joined his fellow elementals. He was content to just stay in the back quietly, seeing just who was accompanying him. He could recognize at least one familiar face from class, though he didn't actually know who it was. He also recognized one of the Masters, but the rest were all new to him. He also could have sworn there were supposed to be more arrivals. He stepped aside so they could come in without running into him. He took a deep breath, waiting for something to happen.

Rummaging through his bag to make sure he had everything, Tobias rubbed his eyes tiredly. He'd stayed up far too long the night before, and was regretting that choice now. He'd forgotten that he'd had to pack and was now sure that he would forgetting something in the rush. Muttering essential ingredients under his breath, he tied his belt of potions around his waist, making sure each was corked properly. Wouldn't do to have a sudden explosion inside the ship. Or worse.

Satisfied that he had all that he needed, he did one last scan around the room, before turning on his heel and walking swiftly out the door. Suppressing a yawn as he strode through the hall towards the courtyard, he saw groups of students-Mages and Adepts-hurrying in the same direction, eager to get a glimpse of the airship. His lips curved in a faint smile as a girl hurtled past him, shouting at someone to wait and looking much like a bedraggled cat.

Not slowing down, he quickly ducked into the library, nodding in greeting to the librarian before locating a couple of books to take with him on the journey. Just three, as he didn't want to overload too much, but then again didn't want to be left reading one over and over again. Finding them quickly and checking them out equally as fast, he slid them into his bag. Finally considering himself ready, he started walking towards where the airship was landed.

Getting closer to the formidable vehicle, he saw the other Elementals standing around waiting. Walking up to them, he nodded curtly in the direction of Ling, and greeted them, trying not to look too annoyed. He didn't want to seem too offputting.
"Well then. Any more of us on the way?"

For once, sleep didn't linger for very long on the body of the 26 year old woman in the room painted a dazzling icy blue. Usually she would enjoy the naturally chilled temperature of her room as long as possible and then drag herself out of the room to go to the classes. Sure there was an uptick in willingness to go early to class in recent months with the rumors that a promotion to Weaver was on the horizon, but she still preferred to stay in her room. Today though, today was not like any other day, and Nataly Andrade was rife with anticipation.

She had heard rumors from some of the Adepts that the Masters were looking at people to head to the North. For what? No one knew. But it was closer to home than Nataly had been in nine years, and she wanted to go. Surely there were other students with greater talents who were going to be looked at, but Nataly was determined to get a slot on the expedition. Maybe she could even sneak a trip back home, to try and show her mom what she had done with her time in the Academy. There was almost no contact with Gran Helada during her time here, so the least she could do is try and get a message up to her remaining family. So when she got called into the Master's office alongside Eve, she was ecstatic.

Nataly threw on the clothes she had chosen for the trip that didn't hit the suitcase and threw on her robes. It was still going to be a bit warm for them, but she wanted to make a good first impression on the Northern party. At least look like someone who was ready to freeze up a storm...well, close enough to it. Maybe someday... She shook her head. She grabbed some more last minute toiletries and did one last sweep of her room. I think that's everything...Not like I can't buy stuff I guess...The markets up North may be barren but they have some things... She looked out the window of her room and saw how high the sun was hanging. "Shit! How am I late?"

Nataly quickly grabbed her bag and dashed out of her room, deftly managing to hook her feet into her sandals as she ran. The urge to just slide down some iced over stairs was tempting, but she didn't need to risk smashing into a wall on the way down. Still she did everything short of that to get out of the residence quick as she could. Luckily it appeared no one was clogging up the hallways with meaningless shenanigans, no doubt still hungover from the pre-trip celebrations the students through. Any excuse for a night free of studying. Nataly was thankful she didn't go too overboard now.

Running out into the open fields outside the Academy, it was clear why there were no students in the corridors. They were all out here gawking at the massive ship. Great. Good work Nataly... She kept silently cursing herself for mucking up already as she moved through the crowds toward the ship. As she neared, she could see the crowd of adepts already there, including Eve, as well as one of the Light masters. A name wasn't coming to mind. Damn it...guess I gotta play this off...

The Blizzard specialist gave a wave as she approached the group, flicking the robe back to reveal the light blue hair "Hey! What's going on, everyone? You all weren't waiting for me, were you? I'm sorry it took me so..." Nataly was distracted by the presence of someone she did remember from last night. She pointed at the guy seemingly covered in a layer of dust...or dirt...what was it? "Wait, weren't you Alexi's flavor of the hour at the party last night? Don't tell me she tossed you out this early?" She shook her head, laughing. "You must have done something really stupid. She'll usually take a guy for all he's worth!"

Since before dawn, a fire had been burning in one of the forges. Vanahara Pike was a common sight in the smithy, a far enough distance away from the main buildings that the smoke wouldn’t bother any of the nattering academics, and this morning was no different. Metalworking was a balm to her nerves—not that anyone else would believe she had nerves—and today was certainly a day that made her nervous. An airship to Juria with a bundle of other mages; mission specifics no one could tell her. She’d been honored to be selected, but she was a little unsure of what she was going to face.

As the sun came up over the Academy, Vana was still working away. It wasn’t even a class project, just some filigree work to keep her fingers nimble, and she didn’t even really need the forge anymore, but it was soothing to her, reminiscent of a simpler time. She glanced out of the tiny, high windows of the smithy every so often, checking the time methodically. It wouldn’t do to be late to such an important assignment.

When the sun was approaching its zenith, she put the tools down and stretched, her fingertips nearly reaching the ceiling. Carefully putting each tiny hammer and set of calipers back in their proper places, Vana pressed her palm into the delicate ironwork she’d created. Pressing down steadily, with a slight furrow in her brow, the iron melted down slowly into a puddle. Drawing upward with her fingers pinched together, the metal re-solidified into a block, ready for someone to use it for an actual project.

Vanahara left the smithy exactly as she had left it, belt once more slung around her hips and wiping sweat from the back of her neck. She’d have to move it to make it back to the courtyard on time, but it wasn’t like she had much to pack. When she reached her small, sparse room, her travel bag was waiting for her on her bed. She changed quickly into fresh clothes—her leather vest and bracers were most definitely coming with her—and after triple-checking that she had everything, she finally left her room behind, locked securely behind her. If she was being honest, she was looking forward to the trip, at least—airships were modern marvels of engineering, and she couldn’t wait to get a hand on some of the mechanics.

She strode across the courtyard, sun gleaming on her skin. Vana’s steps paused for only a moment as she took in the group standing at the bottom of the ramp into the airship, and she sighed internally. She didn’t know any of them. They’d probably call her ‘small town’ just like everyone else here, just because she didn’t grow up in an Academy—but she’d just ignore them like usual. As she approached, Vana came to a stop on the edge of the little circle, giving a respectful nod to the man in Master’s robe she spotted, but otherwise she stayed quiet, listening to the chatter without joining in.

Soon after the third male arrived, the scenario was beginning to look less and less like Joey's personal harem fantasy. "Ah well. Quite a few people were called for this mission, huh?" He pondered as he scanned faces. Between the one girl with the impressively sized sword, and another showing up in a billowing robe, Horatio wondered just how common blue hair was among mages. He could never recall seeing such a peculiar color amongst the humans he's interacted with. So seeing two separate girls wearing it was a bit of a sight for the Earthshaper. "Maybe they're sisters? I mean, they kinda look alike..." Then, the girl with the short cut addressed him. Seemed she remembered him from the night before.

"Wait, weren't you Alexi's flavor of the hour at the party last night?" She started. Joey looked genuinely bewildered at her mention. "Alexi? I thought her name was Allison..." He mumbled in his mind. She was laughing now, something she else she said, about getting kicked out. "You must have done something really stupid. She'll usually take a guy for all he's worth!" Joey smiled back. "Well, I ain't think this job was stupid, but we all have our opinions, yeah?" He dusted off one of his tape wrapped hands, stretching it towards her. "Horatio Dunst. Call me Joey, if ya like. Pleasure to make your acquaintance, m'lady." He smirked.

Raven continued to watch for a while as more mages arrived. He could not claim to know or recognize any of them except for the Master, as they had not really been formally introduced, which was something he needed to rectify before they started this trip. He figured most mages didn't like to be called by their element, especially since he knew there was more than one of each coming along for the ride.

"Guess its time to get to knowing what I'll....mostly be dealing with." Raven muttered, and left the railing to make his way to the ramp, leaving the top decks to greet the mages. From what he saw they were already a very colorful group. Especially knowing that there was that celebration after meeting with them of all individuals, though then he imagined the mages were much like that village of warriors who...partied over absolutely everything. He couldn't recall the name, but the thought alone made him grin as he finally made his way down the ramp to the grass where the mages stood and sat.

As he approached, he realized that with his additional armor, he seemed even larger than many of the mages they were bringing along. It might just be the armor, but....he hoped that their elemental powers were not limited by their size. Without his iron mask, Raven's black hair and red eyes were typically an intimidating factor to go with the height and built frame that a constant amount of fighting brings. He kept clean shaven, as some appearance of civility was needed for his rank, but that was typically the most he would give. With a small wave, it was his turn to introduce to the mages.

"Greetings, Master Smith. On time, and with many mages in tow as expected." Raven began with the Master, as he figured the highest would be best greeted first. "Before boarding I figured I should get to know who I am to be taking on board my Dead Iron." Raven paused, looking over each of the mages with a small and somewhat obvious measurement of each mage, noting any particular features or weapons that were on the mages.

"I assume it only fair I start myself. I am Commander Raven Hayes, of the Mechanized Irons Division of the Prime Minister's Guard. You may have heard of my victories against other cities, or sweeping actions along storm borders with bandit towns." Looking over the group once again, he gave a small shrug.

"Otherwise, I have nothing more other than I shall be the one taking you northward, past the storms. Likely accompanying you on the mission as well, the future staying what it is."

Not long after a few more mages arrived after Silvana, the commander of the airship approached them and greeted them as Raven Hayes. He was large and imposing in appearance, and he had eyes she'd never seen on anyone else. She was certain that she'd remember someone with red eyes other than him, but as she couldn't remember anyone else, he had to be the only one.

"Silvana Brendin, Pyromancer Firesmith Adept. I'm looking forward to the trip. I've never been on an airship before." she said with a soft smile after letting go of her pendant, leaving it hanging outside her robes. She was itching to get the trip started, but would wait until he'd instruct them to get on board.

"Hello to you as well Commander Hayes. A pleasure to see you again." Alexander replied polietly, turning to the other mages.

"Seeing as the introduction may be necessary. I am Alexander Smith, Illuminate Master specializing in healing and support magics." He said, not bothering to give out the full title of his station.

"I was apart of the group who chose you all for this particular mission and I'm to watch over you and report back on your progress to your various masters."

"Well, thank you Master Smith and Commander Hayes for choosing us." Eve spoke politely as she continued. "I am Eve Celeste, Hydromancer Blizzard Adept." She wanted to say more, to ask what exactly this mission was, but she decided to hold her tongue as it would probably be explained soon anyway. She paid attention to the rest of the introductions, as she didn't know some of the others already.

Iridessa stayed silent as the other mages arrived. She didn't know any of them, and she wished any of her Firestorm mates had come along. They would have made for a real party, and she'd missed the one last night. That kind of disappointed her. She'd have liked to be there, especially if all the men there had looked like the man who'd called himself Joey. He was cute, if not a little bedraggled. She didn't speak, instead continuing to perform little parlour tricks with a tiny flame to amuse herself.

The fire fizzled out as Iridessa saw the Commander approach. He cut an intimidating figure with his dark armour and red eyes, and Iridessa, brash as she was, would never want to cross him. She paid attention as he spoke, then looked at the three mages who stood up to introduce themselves. Once they were done, she got lightly to her feet, dusting herself off. "Iridessa Lancely. Firestorm Adept." She said briskly, looking round at the other mages then sitting down again.

"Introductions? All right then. I am Ling the Silver Vial, or just Ling if you're not big on titles." Ling sketched a short bow towards the Commander and Master Smith in equal measure. "Born of the Dragon Empire, I am an Alchemist, though not much of a Nightshade. Though that's probably for the best... I digress. If you're expecting trouble, I'll favour a combative role where I can fight from range. Kei does the talking in a fight, whether through bolts or catapulted vials." She lightly tapped the stock of her crossbow as she spoke.

"I've also packed my gear for providing potions and poisons as needed, though I only have a few of each on hand right now... will need to mix up some more later. Anyway, sorry. Rambling again."

"It's alright if you're nervous." Drew said to Ling, standing up straight and speaking out loud to show a bit of solidarity. "Gods know that any sane being would be." It was a simple gesture, but he thought it would at least be worth something. Or he hoped so. "Anyway, I guess that means I'm next. Drew Hidalgo. Storms Adept." With that, he returned to silence and slumped back down. He said what was needed, time to let the others get their introductions out of the way.

He now tried to get a better handle on who was here. There was the Nightshade girl, who seemed different than the others he had run across. He could recognize Eve and Nataly from the courses teaching the basics of their element, though he was unsure if they'd remember him. Of course he recognized the Master, but the rest were all new to him. Some of them seemed interesting, but he was going to avoid making any sort of judgement about them without actually getting to know them. He used to do that during his earlier years at the academy, and he was trying to stop doing that to be a little more sociable.