The hot air balloon ride was exhilarating. Tarra sat with her back to the wall of the basket, holding tight to Valkyrie’s leg, but Val stared out at the wide ocean and looked down on Captain tailwater’s ship far below as they ascended to the clouds.
The Luna Marra now floated at around 500 feet off the surface of the ocean. It had slowly continued to descend even as their balloon rose up to meet it. A guide rope appeared as they reached the final 200 feet and crewmen tied it of to the basket.
As the balloon rose above the surface of the floating island, Valkyrie realized this as not just a floating island sized ship, but a city unto itself! In the middle, a large tower glistened with sunlight and morning due. It looked to be at least ten stories high. The surrounding buildings were often two or three floors each.
Wide areas of green grass and even a few trees could be seen around the main tower. It reminded Valkyrie of a lord’s estate.
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Black tendrils shot up the silver chain and wrapped around Val’s arm. Val felt dark, evil thoughts press into her mind as a malevolent presence assaulted her consciousness, fighting for control.[RESIST!!!] came Lilith’s internal scream. [ WE are stronger. We are many!]Val felt Lilith throwing up mental wards, the spark coming to life as it had never before.Val’s body writhed in pain as the tendrils of obsidian darkness burned her skin. She was vaguely aware of the water Scath thrashing in the pool as it tried to escape and men running towards her, but her mind was consumed with the internal battle.Suddenly she found her consciousness thrust into the meadow of her subconscious as blackness began to blot out the stars above.Lilith stood beside her, sword in hand.“You are about to face the darkest fight you have yet endured. Prepare to unleash every crystal you have, girl.” Lilith said.“What is
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Val stood very still, looking hard at the man, “Rank and job, sailor?”“Names Tim, ma’am. I be the gunner master of the Marauders Corsair. Being short has its advantages. Me and mine can cram three more guns where others wouldn’t dream of fitt’n.”“Master Tim, What would it take to convince you of my victory?”Gunnery master Tim looked back at her seriously for a moment before busting out in laughter, “You had me going there, Lass. Short of commanding the sea herself, I doubt there is much you could do. It’s the Black Fleet, Lass. Nothing going to get through to that fort.”Val considered her options. Here, now, she had to win the minds of at least some of these men. She signaled the barkeep and a drink was set before her shortly. when she went to grab for it, a small puddle on the counter caught her attention.{Think the lesser can put on a show?}[Only know if you ask]
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