"Yeah, that's our ship," the more older of the two guards answered, crossing his arms over his chest. "The solar rails finally gave out and the aura generator hasn't turned on in years. We coasted for miles to make it here and survive."
"That's quite an astounding feat for an older model airship." Katherine said with a genuinely impressed tone. The crew may be living up to the rumors and legends after all to sail a powerless, more ship than air vessel and make a... controlled landing.
The man motioned for Katherine to follow him as he continued walking toward Krukow. "Would you happen to know any mechanics or people who know a thing or two about generators?" he asked as the party exited the woods and began crossing a grassy field. "I can pay, though sadly not much. Thankfully it isn't a rush job."
"Oh sadly I can't help you there. You see, much like you and your group, I am not a native of these lands. I'm simply a wandering pilot, seeing what the world has to offer."
As the three walked through the field, the man stopped and looked to his left as if he heard something. Katherine tilted her head slightly, pondering what he may have heard. For a few seconds he continued staring at the ground several meters away but soon relented and continued walking. "As I was saying, we aren't under any pressure to-" The sound of a distant gunshot echoed across the field. It was hard to hear, given the distance from Krukow, but the low ambience let it carry easily. The man paused when he heard it and looked to Katherine. "That came from the town," he commented. "Is everything okay here?"
Katherine gave a nervous shrug. "I wouldn't know. It was quiet when I left the place... There was a sleek looking airship coming in for a landing while I was heading towards you guys..."
One of the younger guards who had remained relatively quiet the whole walk volunteered to scout ahead. Almost right as he left did her pet, Ava, return, flustered and distraught. "Ava! Calm down, calm down. What's up?" The panicked Kulca motioned and pushed Katherine in the direction of her plane, now somewhat visible as they neared the outskirts of the town. "Uh oh... Um sir, usually when my friend here wants me to get to my plane as soon as possible, we can safely assume that something terrible has moved into town. I'm gonna go get my plane started if you don't mind! Wish I could help, but I'm no good with aura engines bigger than a dog, so best of luck!" With that, Katherine gave a short wave and began to jog towards her aircraft in a field next to the town. She now had a better view of the airship parked over the town and her eyes began to widen. "The Crucible...."she muttered aloud, staring blankly at the airship as she ran towards her own aircraft. "Dammit! I really need to get the hell out of here!" she thought, now sprinting towards her craft.