Chapter Ten

The Lindblum Castle was filled with all kinds of airships. The colors were a great parade across the sky and the children climbed trellises and ladders to get a view of the long steady line awaiting access to the dock. Balloons filled the city and shops offered discounts on merchandise in honor of the engineering team of Lindblum that they felt kept them safe and their economy ever-moving. Crowds gathered on the bridge, like with every festivity, to watch the airships soar above. No matter how usual a sight it was in Lindblum, people seemingly never got over the joy of flight. They brought binoculars and the children ran up and down the breezeway as if they were fast powered machines.

"That one right there is Treno, with the dark purples," A grandfather told his grandson. The young boy peered excitedly through a pair of binoculars. "Right behind it is none other than Burmecia. Notice in the bottom corner, the flag of Cleyra is there, too?"

The boy nodded, turning his binoculars across the sky. "Look, Pop-Pop! It's Alexandria!" He lowered the binoculars and looked to his grandfather. "Mom got me all the Royal Action Figures in the Alexandrian collection."

"Hmm," The old man stroked his beard. "But what about the Lindblum Action Figures?"

"Regent Cid's really hard to find," The boy pursed his lips. "My favorite, though, is the General Beatrix Action Figure! She's so cool with her eye patch!"

"Well, son, we have to make a stop at the toy store on the way home," He said, placing a hand to his shoulder. The grandson grinned widely and looked through his binoculars again.

Just beside the duo, standing at the fine stone railing, were three slender girls watching the sky. "Finally… it's time," One with inky raven hair said. Her dark eyes and bold brow were set upon an olive heart shaped face. She looked to the other girls, pursing her ruby red lips. "All those months of working those horrid events for not even a glance or a little secret… well, it's all paid off."

A girl with tanned skin glanced at her. "And you're certain Queen Garnet is on the ship?"

"Of course," The dark haired girl replied, looking back towards the crest of Alexandria. "She'll be dangling on the arm of the lead engineer of the Blue Rose."

"Well then…" The petite blond girl shrugged. "Let's get to the castle and put our server uniforms on."

The olive skinned girl smiled deviously, looking to her companions. "It's pay day, girls."

…

When Garnet emerged from her airship, the docking area was crowded with rich noble people shaking hands and greeting each other before funneling down the stairs towards the ballroom. Voices and laughter echoed upwards. Journalists stood ready, scribbling name after name of arrivals. When the Queen of Alexandria was spotted, however, in a fashionable powder pink ball gown glittering with gems, the journalists surged forward. "Your Majesty! Your Majesty! Will you confront Regent Cid over the growing tensions in the fashion and tailoring world?" They called out. "What is the relationship between you and Sir Liam Winters?" Came another. "Does Alexandria have intentions of expanding state lines?"

Steiner was quick to shoo them back, escorting Garnet onto the wide platform, which seemed small in the luxuriously grand high ceiling room. Many nobles glanced to Garnet, casting smiles and dainty waves. Garnet looked to Steiner. "You never escort me to these kinds of events. You think they're all gaudy and a waste of time. Isn't this Beatrix's job?"

"I wanted Beatrix to whip my soldiers into shape," Steiner told her. "When they get off shift, they'll have a mighty physical to contend with."

"Oh, those poor souls."

Because she was to be escorted down the stairs, Garnet was directed towards a corridor to a room filled with everyone she knew. Her fluffy skirt ballooned through the door and in the next moment, Lady Hilda squealed in an octave unknown to human kind. Eiko winced at the familiar sound, glancing to Vivi who only watched with his wide golden eyes. Lady Hilda herself was dressed in a skirt that was fluffier than the human body was accustomed to. Her sweet blond hair was braided eccentrically in wraps around her head. She reached for Garnet's slender hands, smiling widely.

"Oh, darling, you make Charlton and Co look so divine. Liam's matching tie is absolutely splendid. All eyes will be on the both of you."

"That's exactly what I don't want," Garnet told her coolly. Steiner detached from her side to greet Vivi with great vigor. "This gala is about the airship engineers. It has nothing to do with me."

"Sweetheart, I swear, I don't understand where you get this modest attitude," Hilda placed her hands on her hips. "I understand traveling is a humble experience, but you have every reason to be in the spotlight. Especially since a lead engineer fancies you. I imagine you and Liam will have quite the magical evening."

Garnet's stomach constricted at the thought and she turned her eyes away, spotting Freya and Sir Fratley posted up beside a tall wall-length window. Garnet didn't want to have a magical evening with anybody but Zidane. It only made her heart wrench even more. It would be impossible, she told herself. She would never get that chance again to sit beneath an open night sky beside him, listening to him tell her tales of the world. She would never again have the moment to roll her eyes at his charming, yet misplaced, remarks. She had no one to dart to when things went wrong. She was missing the safety of having someone who would always show up at the right moment. Garnet felt like she was missing something entirely crucial.

"If you'll excuse me, I'd like to make my rounds with my friends," Garnet told Hilda with somewhat of a strained voice. Quietly, she parted from her aunt, who placed her hands on her hips and watched the stiff girl go. Garnet went towards Freya, who was dressed in a long white silky dress. It flowed around her slender and rigid body, accompanied by a flower crown with her ashen hair pooling out from beneath. Freya was taking a sip of a fizzling drink, but stopped and greeted Garnet with a smile. The Queen, however, hugged her. The two held each other for a few beats and tenderly, Freya ran her hand up and down Garnet's back. "It's good to see you," Garnet said, as they finally parted.

"The same to you," Freya nodded, pushing a lock of hair from her startling blue eyes. "It's amazing to realize we're really an entire year out from the whole ordeal now… This event is a very sobering thought since we're all being honored."

"Yes," Garnet replied, glancing towards the beautiful day outside that was beginning to wane into evening. "It's quite the feat. Though, I wish I wasn't being honored."

"Why not?" Freya shook her head. "You did the most for your kingdom. We each had our own identity to protect."

Garnet shrugged, rather uselessly. "I suppose I should be grateful. I guess I don't really want to be here."

Freya gave her glass a small swirl, peaking at Garnet through her ashen bangs. "Because of Zidane, right? I get it, Dagger. We all probably feel the same as you. Why should we be honored when the leader of our group didn't even come back?" Freya sighed and glanced towards Sir Fratley. "It's a long road to recovery. But… we'll get there someday. Just as Burmecia will be whole again, too. We'll find our happiness and perhaps our peace, too."

Garnet stood beside Freya, scanning her eyes against the thin group of honored guests. The airship engineers in their crisp navy blue blazers with golden tassels and buttons were beginning to trickle in. "I don't think I'll ever stop blaming myself."

Freya crossed her arms over her chest, joining Garnet in the people watching. "You say that now… but with time. You know that," Freya threw a fleeting glance her direction. "How's the memorial coming? Did the blacksmith accept my design?"

"I'm sorry, I've been meaning to write," Garnet told her, cocking her head back to look at the tall Dragoon. "Yes, your design was accepted. It's been raining, however, so the blacksmith hasn't made a start quite yet. He's predicting it to be finished by the end of spring."

"Hm," Freya grinned. "I should just send a Burmecian blacksmith to do the job. We know how to work in the rain." Garnet and Freya shared a smile between the two of them.

In the next moment, Eiko flounced over in a dark purple gown with a black velvet waistband. Her long purple hair had been confined into a braid down the nape of her neck, a black headband accenting the amazing color. Her big blue eyes glanced over her shoulder as she pressed her hand to Garnet's waist, nodding her head. "Is that him, Dagger?" Garnet looked towards where Eiko was gesturing, feeling her insides grow cold. There was Liam in his freshly pressed engineer uniform. He had several more golden stars and enamel pins than the other's. His black boots were shiny as they peaked out beneath his navy slacks with a dark black ribbon running down the sides. As usual, his brown hair was disheveled, clawing across his bold brow.

"Yes, that's Liam," Garnet nodded.

"Your date?" Freya arched her eyebrows.

"Escort," Garnet corrected her. "I had no choice in the say. It's all a publicity stunt for Aunt Hilda. Liam is the son of one of her closest friends."

"Sounds to me like you're being arranged," Freya commented, taking another sip of her drink.

"I won't let that happen," Garnet shook her head. "He's nice but… I do not wish to marry him in the least."

"And what princess ever gets to marry for love?" Eiko crossed her arms over her chest. "You have to learn to love them. Mum already told me I'll wed a dashing man. Maybe tall, dark, and handsome, like Liam." Garnet and Freya exchanged exasperated, yet amused, looks before Eiko gasped sharply, tugging at Garnet's elbow. "He's coming this way, Dagger."

Sure enough, Liam had spied Garnet and began making his way through the crowd. Garnet noticed his pink tie, exactly like her dress. It looked sorely misplaced with his crisp uniform. However, Garnet noticed many of the airship engineers also had mismatched ties. She felt incredibly fidgety in that moment and looked to Freya, as if she could provide a way out. But Liam walked quickly, confidently, with his shoulders drawn back. "Your Majesty," He said with his deep velvety voice. "It's great to see you again. Always a pleasure to see your sweet face." Eiko tilted her head down in near embarrassment, wondering if someone would ever say those words to her. Freya turned towards Sir Fratley. Garnet's cheeks grew rosy despite her internal pleas to not react. "Hi Lady Eiko. Are you friends with Queen Garnet, too?"

"Yes, of course," Eiko's head snapped up and her headband was nearly flung from her stiff hair do. "Me and Dagger go way back!"

"Dagger?" Liam echoed, arching his eyebrows. Garnet glanced towards the window for a brief moment, wondering if there was a flag line she could sail away on. "Is that some kind of nickname? Seems a little harsh for a delicate person such as yourself."

"Oh," Garnet did her best to force a smile. "It's an inside joke, right, Broadsword?" Eiko flashed her a set of sassy eyes.

Liam laughed. "You two are funny. Say, Dagger, do you have a moment to get a drink with me before we're announced?"

Garnet gave Eiko a tense squeeze on the shoulder. "Of… of course. Sounds lovely." And with that she strode forward to follow Liam across the room.

…

When Zidane finished his last round of castle duty, he sighed as he clambered down the stairs to the grand foyer. He pulled his helmet from his head, his brown hair falling across his sweaty forehead. Even though being Garnet's bodyguard was a difficult task in the sense of containing himself, being a soldier who just muddled around all day aimlessly felt worse. Garnet had only departed that afternoon and already he felt himself pining after her. He cursed himself under his breath. What a muck he had made. But still, he told himself this was best. Everyone seemed to be progressing. And still, a mental block came over him like a haze of fog, a voice whispering in his head, that they didn't need him as much as he needed them. Still in the past weeks he had been a guard, he felt he had made no progress for himself. Zidane still reeled to ground himself, to find himself a sense of purpose. He didn't know who or what he wanted to be. Or who he needed to be. Zidane emerged from the castle into the dusk of evening. Lightning bugs were beginning to light up above the blossoming hedges. He was starting to take in a deep breath, when an awful retching noise reached his ears.

Zidane paused, furrowing his brow. Holding his helmet beneath his arms, he began to investigate the sound. Coming around the corner of a hedge, he found Beatrix collapsed on her knees, rubbing furiously at her face. "Beatrix, hey," Zidane rushed to her side, dropping his helmet and crouching beside her. "Are you alright? Are you light headed?"

Beatrix looked to him, somewhat relieved it was only Zidane. "I'm fine, I'm fine. I just… ate something bad, I suppose."

Zidane pressed a hand to her shoulder. "You don't have to lie to me, Beatrix. I know you're pregnant."

"That's absurd," Beatrix turned her head away. "A woman can be sick without being pregnant, Zidane."

Zidane pursed his lips. "Do you… want it?" He asked quietly. The two sat in silence for a few beats, only the chirping cicadas filling the void. Beatrix tilted her head down, staring at her knees.

"I don't know," Beatrix shook her head. "All I've ever known is ending lives. How could I possibly sustain one?" She paused for a moment, looking to Zidane with a furrowed brow. "How did you find out, anyway? Did Steiner tell you?"

"Lets just say I forced it out of him," Zidane shrugged with a gentle smile. "Does Dagger know?"

"Of course not," Beatrix stood now. Zidane scooped his helmet up. "There's no reason for a fuss to be made about this."

"Are you keeping it?" Zidane nodded towards her flat stomach.

"… Yes," Beatrix finally said. "Steiner wants it, naturally. He always was the caring type. I have no worries about Steiner being a good father. I'm more concerned about myself."

"Oh, come on," Zidane shook his head. "You're General Beatrix! You can do anything you put your mind to."

Beatrix lowered her eyes, uncertain of how to decipher the situation. For the past year, Beatrix hadn't eaten well, hadn't slept enough, and had mentally tormented herself with the idea of failing at anything. She had spent so many days, weeks, and months poring over maps and asking dozens of people the same questions over and over again. She had, in a way, become obsessed with the search of Zidane for the sake of ailing Queen Garnet. And yet, here they were together. He looked different, he acted different. And he had no idea how far she had traveled for him. Beatrix furrowed her brow, slowly looking to the knight. The pale moon was beginning to break over the mountain range.

"What about you? Feeling anymore like yourself?"

"Not really," Zidane shrugged. "Every time I see Dagger I just… it's easier to be Zeke than it is to be me sometimes."

Beatrix gestured for him to follow her and they began to weave through the garden, towards her barrack. "I still don't quite understand, Zidane. You see what Her Majesty is doing in your honor. Why would you leave her so broken hearted? Yourself included. Don't you love her?" Beatrix opened the door to her living quarters and beckoned Zidane in. He seated himself at the small table rather stiffly as Beatrix worked at getting peppermint tea boiling. Zidane stared at the knots running through the grain of the table.

Of course he loved her, he wanted to say. But it felt so wrong. How could he convince himself he was any good for her? All he would do is drag her down, he was certain. Zidane didn't have what it took to be a king. He didn't know if he even wanted to entertain the idea. How would the people of Alexandria react? Zidane was a good for nothing peasant. An instrument of catastrophe. His insides tossed and turned as he weighed Beatrix's question. Beatrix cast a glance over her shoulder as she poured the hot water.

"You know what you're doing to yourself isn't any good?" Beatrix said, briefly looking out the window at the waning evening. She wondered how Steiner was holding up at the gala. "You're lying to yourself, Zidane." She set a tea cup and a bag of tea in front of the young soldier, who looked miserable beneath his dark bangs.

Slowly, he peered at her as she seated herself, dunking her tea bag into the steaming water. "Couldn't you say the same thing about yourself, Beatrix?"

The General paused a moment, watching the dark tea diffuse. "I suppose we could all take our own advice." She gazed across the table at him. "But you didn't answer my question."

Zidane crossed his arms over his chest, leaving his tea untouched. "It doesn't matter. There's loving someone and then there's being wrong."

"What is wrong about being in love with someone?" Beatrix furrowed her brow, lowering her tea cup from her lips. "I know it's never easy to understand, but the heart wants what it wants, Zidane."

"I'm no good for her."

"Says who?"

"Says me," Zidane shot back, sitting against the back of his chair, straight like an arrow. "Do you know how many times she was placed into a dangerous situation because of me? All the times I failed to protect her… all the times she cried and was hit and was bruised- I didn't stop any of it. It's all I thought about when I was dreaming. It was just me watching her muck through the misery I stew everywhere I go. Now I know why it all happened. Now I understand why every city I visited went up in flames. I reap the destruction and the sorrow. And until I somehow magically stop doing that, I'll stay right here, under my helmet."

Beatrix let out a sigh, shaking her head. Her lips were drawn back tightly as she took the time to have her tea. "You're wrong, Zidane," She said, simply.

"What?"

"None of that was you. If anything, you were the hardest working person on this planet trying to stop it," Beatrix told him. "You may have found out where you really came from, but you were not someone else's pawn. You were the opposing player, who placed it all under a checkmate. You may not be able to change your origin, but you, right now, Zidane, are in control of who you can really be."

Zidane was quiet as he sat forward on his elbows now, dipping his tea bag into the water as a means to distract himself. His eyes slowly looked over his scuffed arm bracers in need of a desperate polish. He was in so deep. He might as well have buried his head, too. He shifted in his seat. "How did you know you really loved Steiner?"

Beatrix was surprised by the question, arching her eyebrows. Beneath the table, she set her hand to her abdomen. "Well…" Beatrix looked out the window, spotting a flock of bats breaking across the purple and black sky. "After the destruction of Alexandria, when Steiner and I had fought with our backs again each other, and then separated… I kept thinking after that how desperate I was to see him. I felt this grand desire to protect him and keep him alive. That night of terror showed me that life is truly fleeting. People don't just die on war grounds, Zidane. They can drop in a moments notice. And when we were together, I felt like we had a true reason to fight: for each other. And I suppose that's what keeps my love for him alight. That we need each other and that's okay."

"You know…" Zidane lifted his eyes from his tea. "It's kind of hard to imagine there will be a little Steiner running around here soon. Steiner's got a big head, too. You prepared for that?"

Beatrix smiled crookedly. "I don't even know what to prepare for. But… I do hope it's like Steiner."

Zidane laughed lightly. "I know you'll be a good mom, Beatrix."

"And I know you would be good for Her Majesty, Zidane," Beatrix leaned in towards him. "I'm taking my own leap into the unknown. What about you?"

…

The pint glass, empty and foamy, slammed against the table, followed by a belch. The true event was due to start any moment. Honored guests and nobles from all over the continent were gathered, chatting and having casual drinks at the numerous large round tables. Tantalus had their own table near the large decadent stairs where the more important people were to be announced. Beyond the windows, it was completely dark now and the large moon and stars glowed through the illuminated ballroom. Everyone was too preoccupied with the enthusiasm of the most awaited event of the year, however. The Tantalus table was cluttered in empty glasses of beer. But majority of them sat gathered in front of Blank. It had been a task convincing him to dress somewhat decently and come out to the gala. The open bar had been a good incentive suggested by Marcus. But now, they all watched him quietly as he finished his sixth beer and snapped his fingers at a nearby waitress who had olive skin and long inky dark hair. "Two more." He demanded, leaning back in his chair. The waitress was pensive as she walked away with the command.

"Sheesh, Blank, slow down," Cinna said, shaking his head. "They haven't even announced Dagger yet. You'll be passed out long before that at this rate."

"You're the one who wanted me here," Blank tilted his head back. A thick lock of his red hair crumpled against his temple. "So, here I am, just tryin' to make it through the night."

"But, sug, this is no way for Dagger to see you," Ruby insisted from across the table. She had dressed in a saucy red cocktail dress, her ashen hair piled atop her head. Fake diamonds studded her ears, a prop she had swiped from her playhouse.

"Well, did you stop to think I didn't want to see her?" Blank threw his hands up in a woozy fashion. From beside him, Baku eyed him tentatively. "She told me she was gonna make arrangements to go back out and look for Zidane. She won't even write me back. She's turned her back on Zidane just to be wooed by some hotshot engineer."

"Sug, that ain't fair," Ruby clucked.

"Yeah, man, she's the Queen," Cinna shook is head. "You know how much she's gotta do every day? She's probably getting around to it."

"Just be nice to her," Marcus said with his elbow on the table. "She's suffered, too."

"I don't wanna hear it," Blank sighed. "You're ruinin' my buzz…"

From across the room, the dark haired waitress approached the bar where her tanned companion was serving drinks. She leaned up against the glossy dark chestnut counter, placing her hands flat to the surface. "Two more beers for table loser, please." The bartender glanced towards the rather rag tag group of companions before setting about pouring the golden ale.

"Who comes to the most esteemed event of the year just to get so washed out?" The tanned girl crinkled her nose as she began filling the glasses. "Where's Queen Garnet? Is everything going to plan, Astrid?"

"Yeah," Astrid nodded, glancing around the room. Her dark hair framed her heart shaped face. "She's about to be announced with Sir Liam Winters. As soon as we set eyes on her bodyguard, we'll be set. Where's Felicia?"

"Over there, serving pastries," The bartender said, using her head to nod towards the pale girl working diligently at a table.

"Good," Astrid grinned as she was handed two foamy topped off beers. "Watch for my signal, Delta."

"Got it," She replied, gliding down the bar to serve an awaiting guest.

Just above the ballroom, Garnet found herself seated on a couch with Liam, glasses of sweet white wine in both their hands. He had been telling her all the nitty gritty details of being an engineer and discussed the problems with development of the Blue Rose. Garnet listened mindlessly, nodding her head. It was a welcome distraction. Finally, though, Liam paused, taking a sip of his wine. "I've been talking your ear off this whole time. What about you, Garnet? What are you interested in?"

"Oh," Garnet straightened her shoulders. "Well, I suppose you could say I'm very interested in local law. I deal with it practically every day."

"You know, I think what you do is amazing," Liam grinned. "It's an immense task to take on by yourself. Sometimes I worry about you."

"You… you think about me?" Garnet asked, her heart pounding in her chest at the thought.

"Well, yeah," Liam sheepishly rubbed the nape of his neck. "To be honest, Your Majesty… I'm quite smitten by you. You're charming and smart and graceful. A guy could get used to a girl like you."

Garnet's face felt incredibly warm and she looked to her wine. "Thank you for the kind words, Liam," She finally managed to say. "I think you're quite lovely, as well." Inside, however, Garnet was screaming. This was all wrong, she told herself. She had had her chance at love and she blew it. In the next moment, however, the group of honored guests were arranged to be announced. Garnet kept her eyes forward as she lined up beside Liam. As Hilda passed her, she gave her a quick squeeze on her arm. Garnet's stomach rumbled and twisted as they began in their formation down the hall. She didn't want to be here. She didn't want to be doing this. Liam offered his elbow to her and Garnet was hesitant to link arms. It was if she was sealing her fate. This wasn't how it was supposed to happen. A years worth of anguish and torment washed over her as the absence of Zidane hit her full force again. He should have been the one appearing before all those noble guests, receiving thunderous applause for his valor.

"Don't be nervous," Liam's hot breath fell against her neck and she nearly leapt. "I got you."

It's not you who is supposed to be saying that to me…

…

The droning applause and hoots and hollers from the crowd seemed to never end as person after person was announced. The glamorous debutantes hung from the engineers arms like no more than a fluffy light pillow. Lady Hilda was smoldering as she came down the stairs with Regent Cid at her side. From the back of the room, Astrid poised herself, watching every extravagant person make their appearance. To everyone else, they saw luxury and desires. But all Astrid saw was vainness and disproportion. Steiner and Vivi appeared at the stairs and Cinna let out a loud whoop. That's him, Astrid told herself, watching Steiner closely. As the duo made it to the base of the stairs, they showed themselves to a long table designated for esteemed guests.

"And now, for the guests of honor tonight," The announcer projected from the landing at the top of the stairs. "Queen Garnet til Alexandros XVII, escorted by Sir Liam Winters, head engineer of Lindblum Air Industry." The applause was so loud, Astrid was certain the windows would shatter. Her dark eyes watched pensively as Garnet and a tall, dark, and handsome man appeared at the top of the stairs. Garnet looked like a balloon of delicate cotton candy, her long dark hair falling over her shoulders. Astrid ground her teeth together. Finally, after so much time, Astrid was finally in the same room as Queen Garnet. But not for long. Amongst the chaos of celebrating, Astrid lifted her hand, rotating it clockwise.

It only took a moment for red headed Felicia and slender dark skinned Delta to join her at her side. Together, the three waitresses let themselves out through the kitchen where the staff darted about like madmen, perfecting each and every dish with a cloth. With force, Astrid blazed through the next door, into the narrow corridor reserved for the help of the castle. As the girl's walked, they slowly unbuttoned their red vests, undid their ties, and removed their aprons, revealing their tunics and slacks beneath. They followed the determined Astrid, who walked with her shoulders straight, her chin tilted up. She had always been so in charge, just like her mother. Together, the three girls piled into the lift and Astrid flipped the switch over. Immediately, the elevator lurched and began dropping.

"You're certain no one's down there keeping an eye on all the airships?" Delta asked, crossing her arms over her chest.

"Of course," Astrid said, watching the floors whiz by. "They're all on the main floor. The lives up there are worth far more than the airships down here."

"What will we do once we get to Alexandria?" Felicia looked to Astrid.

"Simple," Astrid shrugged. "Join Squad Beatrix. They'll never suspect a guard."

"But when will you make your move?" Delta shook her head. "How long and elaborate does this plan have to be, Astrid?"

Astrid turned towards Delta. Behind her, the lights of the hallway flashed against the frame of her voluminous dark hair. "This is the biggest thing we've ever done," She said, seriously and stony. "This isn't robbin' some mom and pop store blind or getting away with petty crime. Everything is about to change for us once I get exactly where I want to be. I've been doing a lot of digging and snooping. I know what I'm doing. My mom would want me to do this."

"We're with you, Astrid," Felicia nodded. "We'll get you what you deserve."

The lifted began to shudder as it came to a careening stop at a dimly lit, large industrious room. A fleet of airships sat before them, each of magnificent size and majestic formations. Slowly, the three young girls weaved through them, gawking at their elaborate designs. Delta scoffed, looking to an engraving of a mermaid. "Even Tantalus had a nice ship. Why didn't Molly ever buy us one?"

Astrid pursed her lips. "We never made money like Tantalus. Scum. They just sing and dance themselves through a situation. They're tacky and cowards."

"Well," Felicia said as she wandered by to check the next airship. "I hear they're pretty much done since one of their members disappeared off the face of the planet."

"They didn't even recognize me," Astrid told them. "They're drunken fools."

"Here it is," Felicia pointed, heading down an aisle. "The Alexandrian Airship."

"Good," Astrid placed her hands to her hips. "Let's get to the cargo hold."