Magic, Pirates, and The Woods

Chapter 4

The Emerie began to slowly lift off the ground, a cacophony of shouts could be heard as Kalista made her way down to the lower deck. As she peered over the edge she watched the grassy field they had landed in become more visible. The ship seemed to hover momentarily before loud creaks could be heard and the vessel shifted its direction towards the southern mountain range.

"Ready to depart! Everyone head below!" Yelled Cecile from the quarterdeck.

Kalista shivered as a burst of wind rushed over her. From the corner of her eyes, she saw the branches shift and the leaves that made up the sails billow from the surge of air. Looking down, she watched as tiny vines snaked their way up her legs to help stabilize her for the change in wind conditions as they ascended.

The ship gained speed as it climbed towards the clouds. She looked around to notice that all non-crucial crew members had made their way below. From behind her she heard Fin's heavy footsteps and his gruff voice, "You need to head below. It uses too much mana for the tree to sustain so many up on deck." She nodded and took one last look at the sight around her. The moon shone brightly and the clouds glided past, the breeze of being so high up was rough against her skin. The night seemed so peaceful as the Emerie sailed through the sky.

As she walked into the hull, she headed towards hers and Fin's quarters. Located in the center of everything, it contained the heart of the magical tree that carried the ship. Upon entering the room, the steady pulse of the tree sent static vibrations through the air. A sense of calm washed over her, and she strode to the bright light. Blue reflected onto her skin and swirls of purple danced in the core. Branches were weaved around it as a shield of protection to its most vital point. "Many greetings, I see you're well today." she said tenderly as she stroked one of the branches covering the core. The beating seemed to quicken slightly at her interaction, and she smiled. "It looks like we're going home, but what a fantastic trip this has been. We got to see new ground this time around, much farther out than we've been previously."

Despite only traveling for roughly 50 years, they were just now making it to the far side of Sendia. Their people had been cautious, but recently they were becoming braver in their movements and actions. Kalista worried about what this would mean for future missions. Deciding after the taxing day she had, it would not do to dwell on matters that she couldn't control. Removing her tunic and leather breeches, she placed them on the small stand that stood beside Fin's large armor rack. After a quick wash up, she climbed into the large bed that was draped in vines and dark shaded leaves. Her lids became heavy, and she soon drifted off to sleep.