Quest for the Celestial Hoard

Beneath the shimmering canopy of the Etherium Sky, the bustling hub of Starfall Station was alive with activity. Floating in the void among scattered nebulae, the station served as a crossroads for travelers, merchants, and wayward souls seeking fortune—or escape.

Amid the clamor of hawkers peddling goods and mechanics repairing battered ships, a striking figure wove through the crowd. Astrid Nightshade, Chronomancer and Eclipse Alchemist, moved with quiet determination. Their long, flowing coat sparkled faintly with aether-infused threads, catching the light from the station’s glowing orbs. With one hand, they carried a stack of neatly printed flyers, the edges shimmering faintly with the magical ink they crafted themselves.

They paused at a central bulletin board, cluttered with advertisements for bounty hunters, star maps, and cargo hauls. Astrid’s hand lingered momentarily before they pinned one of their flyers front and center. The text glittered in cosmic hues:

"SEEKING CREW FOR THE TEMPORAL ECLIPSE!
A chance to sail the Etherium Sky aboard a vessel like no other. Adventure, treasure, and discovery await! All skills are welcome. Leave no weakness untested and no courage unproven."

As the crowd ebbed and flowed, Astrid made their way to the open marketplace, where they began handing out flyers with a smile that didn’t quite reach their enigmatic golden eyes.

“You there,” they called to a cloaked figure lingering near an aether-crystal vendor. “Do you dream of more than trading scraps and watching the stars fade? The Temporal Eclipse might be your chance.”

Their voice carried a magnetic edge, drawing curious glances from passersby. A small gathering began to form, some reading the flyer they offered, others captivated by the mysterious alchemist themself.

A wiry human with a mechanical arm scoffed as he examined the flyer. “A crew, eh? It sounds like you’re short-handed already. What’s the catch?”

Astrid tilted their head, a glimmer of mischief in their gaze. “The catch is the sky’s limitless, and so is the danger. If that frightens you, this isn’t your ship.” The man murmured as he thought about it.

The crowd also murmured as their words hung in the air, the promise of peril and glory igniting sparks of curiosity in the hearts of those brave—or desperate—enough to seek more. Astrid turned to the next stranger, their mission clear. Somewhere in this sea of faces, the future crew of the Temporal Eclipse awaited.

~Navi Imai~


Looking at the vast array of different scrolls and books that where available at Starfall Station, the archivist let out a long sigh. The ones that where within their budget they already had seen before, the problem rather was those that they could not afford. Their robes cosmic ribbons swayed slightly as they had to walk away from the vendor they had been at. Looking at those scrolls for any moment longer would only lead to the urge to steal them. Deciding to wander further into the market they tried their best to weave between the crowd, only ending up accidentally running into a pole. "Well then ... this pole is now on the black list" They mumbled under their breath a little annoyed as they rubbed their forehead slightly. One of the passer-by's seemed to have heard the quiet comment and was starring at Navi with a bit of confusion as she had suddenly stopped right next to the Phantom. "What the!?" the Slyph exclaimed before Navi could dash away from her back into the crowd.

A captivating voice drew their attention further into the marketplace that seemed to flow above the rest of the noises of the crowd. Making them stop for a moment and think. They couldn't say that they weren't curious who that voice belonged too. So after a quick consideration the Phantom followed the voice, soon noticing a gathering around where the source seemed to come from. Shuffling around the group, Navi looked for a place where they could get a bit closer to see what was going on. But from what they could hear it was someone looking for a crew.

Seeing an opening as someone walked away, they slipped by and got quite far into the front, where they could peek at the person covered in tattoos surrounded by people. They listened for a while and started to ponder. It could be an opportunity to find rare literature ... and get paid for it. So in a moment where it was more quiet, their voice that sounded like a clear whisper rang out: "Do you need an Archivist for your crew?"

Shadow had been leaning casually against a nearby post, their dark cloak merging seamlessly with the station’s dimmer corners, their form almost forgotten by the bustling crowd. Their attention had been lazily flickering across the scene until the faint whisper of a voice pierced through the noise: "Do you need an Archivist for your crew?"

Shadow's gaze snapped toward the speaker, their sharp eyes locking onto the figure that had spoken—a Phantom, their translucent form shimmering faintly like starlight caught in a drifting mist. The faint glow of their cosmic ribbons danced subtly as they stood near the tattooed figure at the center of the gathering.

Interesting, Shadow thought, stepping away from the post and weaving through the throng with their usual uncanny grace. As they closed the distance, the murmurs of the crowd faded into the background, leaving only the stillness of their approach.

“I didn’t think Phantoms were ones to ask,” Shadow said, their voice smooth and quiet, cutting through the air like a blade through silk. They stopped within the Phantom’s peripheral vision, their head tilted slightly as though appraising them. “Usually, you lot just... take what you need.”

There was no malice in their words—only observation, a faint curl of amusement at the edge of their lips. Shadow shifted their weight, their dark cloak settling around them like a living shadow.

“An Archivist, you say?” They let the words hang in the air for a moment, their dark eyes glinting faintly with intrigue. “You’d have your work cut out for you. Sailing the Etherium isn’t for the faint-hearted—or the bookish.” They gestured vaguely toward the tattooed speaker, a faint smirk crossing their face. “But if it’s knowledge you’re after, there’s plenty to be found out there. More than any scroll or tome could hold.”

Taking a step back, their presence folding again into the dim light around them. “You’ll need a sturdy resolve, though. Knowledge always comes with a price. Let’s see if you’re willing to pay it.” And with that, Shadow melted back into the periphery of the crowd, a fleeting figure, leaving Navi with a lingering sense of being watched—and maybe just a touch of curiosity.

~Navi Imai~

Waiting for a reply the Phantom almost stood unmoving besides their ribbons drifting around them, gliding on what seemed to be aether currents. At the strangers words that pierced through the air their blinding gaze turned towards the speaker cloaked in shadows. Moving their head a bit to the side left the cascade of navy curls behind them shifting, making the light that they emitted dance around on the surrounding crowd. "This one is not able to just take a job like that- It is up to you if you hire me ... you belong to the crew right?" As they spoke in whispers their voice was a little uneasy at the strangers presence, seemingly not expecting to be questioned why they would be interested in a job like this.

Their long ears that seemed constantly fragmented into parts being visible and invisible twitched slightly. Shadow was not wrong about it being dangerous. But that danger made it more than anything worth it. "If I didn't know that I wouldn't have offered, there are tomes, scrolls and even just experiences that money cannot buy-" Their gaze shifted back towards the one they had approached first. "Sitting around in libraries will not grant me that." Navi shook their head slightly with determination and then looked back at Shadow before the other disappeared back into the crowd again. "Some tomes come into my hands covered in blood and with the stench of gunfire. I know the price of those lives lost to recover them well enough."

As Shadow had disappeared again, they let out a light sigh, running one of their hands through their curls to calm them a bit. Navi got a bit too serious there at the later part. They could still feel shadows gaze on them, but they chose to ignore it for now. Returning their attention back to the tattooed person, they asked them: "Is there a place written on the flyer, where I should go to if I want to join? This crowd is not that great for further discussions."

Astrid’s piercing golden gaze, sharp as a blade, flickered toward the Phantom as they spoke. A faint smile tugged at their lips, their tattooed arms crossed casually over their chest as they observed Navi with interest. Their shimmering form and the conviction in their words set them apart from the usual rabble that approached them—another seeker, though driven by something deeper than gold.

“Not one for idle chats in a crowd, eh?” they said, their voice smooth but with a playful edge. They stepped closer, the light of their golden tattoos pulsing faintly with the movement. “I respect that. Starfall can be... distracting.” Their gaze swept briefly over the bustling station, full of overlapping voices and shifting colors, before landing back on Navi.

Astrid unfolded their arms, pulling one of the remaining flyers from the pouch. They held it up, tapping the bold crest of the Temporal Eclipse emblazoned at the top. “The location’s marked here,” they said, pointing to some coordinates scrawled beneath the elegant lettering. “Dock 17, lower tier. Look for the ship with black sails trimmed in gold—you won’t miss it.”

They paused, tilting their head as they studied Navi with curiosity. “You’ve got the look of someone who’s seen the rough side of seeking knowledge. Blood-stained tomes, lives lost for words... it’s not just books you’re after, is it?”

Their tone softened slightly, less probing and more thoughtful. “There’s something different about the way you talk. Like the stars have whispered secrets to you and you’re chasing the echoes. That kind of drive can take you far—or it can burn you out. Either way...” They stepped back, the flyer extended toward Navi. “If you’re serious, show up. We set sail soon, and I don’t wait for stragglers.”

Astrid’s smirk returned, playful but edged with sincerity. “But fair warning—you join this crew, you’d better be ready for more than just tomes and scrolls. The Etherium doesn’t let anyone come back unchanged.”

They slipped the flyer into Navi’s hand, giving them a nod before returning to the crowd, their presence as magnetic as ever. "I’ll see you there... if you’re bold enough to show."

From a shadowy alcove at the edge of the crowd, Shadow watched the exchange with quiet intensity. They’d seen Astrid in action before—their charisma was magnetic, their words carrying just the right balance of challenge and opportunity. Most people wilted or faltered under their sharp gaze, but the Phantom held their ground, their determination clear even in the way their ribbons moved as if propelled by unseen resolve.

Shadow let the moment linger before stepping forward once more, their presence like a wisp of smoke emerging from the ether. “Well, it seems you’ve caught the captain’s attention,” they murmured, their voice low, the faintest edge of amusement curling around the words.

They glanced at the flyer now clutched in Navi’s hand, their dark eyes flickering with something unreadable. “Dock 17,” they repeated softly as if testing the weight of the words. “A good place to decide if you’re ready to step into a world where every choice could be your last—or your most rewarding.”

Shadow tilted their head, studying Navi’s fragmented ears and determined gaze. “You talk about the price of knowledge like it’s something you’ve already paid,” they said, their tone a mixture of curiosity and something almost... approving. “But knowing the cost and carrying the weight are two different things. Are you ready to take on more of that weight, Phantom? Because the Etherium doesn’t care about your resolve—it’ll test you all the same.”

Their gaze flicked briefly toward Astrid, who was now addressing another curious onlooker, before returning to Navi. “If you’re still standing after what she puts you through, you might find what you’re looking for. But if you hesitate—just for a second—you’ll be left behind.” Shadow stepped back, their form already folding into the crowd as their voice lingered. “See you at Dock 17... if you make it.” And then, like a wisp of smoke caught in a breeze, Shadow was gone, and this time completely, as they went back to the boat.

~Navi Imai~

"Not really... I am too much used to the quiet of the libraries." They smiled slightly at Astrid as the other approached. Now seeing them closer, the tattoos where almost mesmerizing, gleaming slightly. In the back of their mind they recall reading about those tattoo like markings before, the species name being on the tip of their tongue but Navi did not recall in that moment in time.

Following Astrids movements with their eyes as they pulled out a flyer, Navi stepped a little closer to inspect it. It sure was attention grabbing, a lot of work had been put into it. Skimming over the coordinates they roughly knew where the ship was located. The phantom hadn't been to docks that often. "Should be doable." They responded with a slight smile.

"Don't get me wrong, they are one of the main motivators. It is extremely dangerous, seen it on deck during an expedition before and from all the fragmented crews I had to receive after they completed their missions. I don't want anymore people to die to bring me the knowledge I seek." Their voice had a hint of pain in it. Remembering all those people they had seen never return. But yet there was a steel resolve their words where almost dripping with.

The flyer that Astrid held in front of them, they gazed at with conviction. "I will not let it burn out." Then Navi took the flyer from their hand. "I will show up." Their bright white eyes had fixed on Astrid. There was no going back for them. Not anymore.

After Astrid had returned to the people they looked back down at the paper in their transparent hands. Navi wouldn't be surprised if the other had made them. Feeling the presence of Shadow again, they turned towards them. "It seems like it." Seeing Shadow also look over at the flyer they hummed slightly. "While my people do not fear to return to the aether, you should always make the most of it. Don't you agree?"

Chuckling slightly at the comment they responded with a sombre tone. "I have looked death in the eye among the stars before , I have seen the eyes of those who have lost everything." Before their tone shifted back to a more serious note. "Either I will die for knowledge or living would not be worth it. You don't look like you would enjoy a quiet life either. No offence but you look like you would wither away in an office job." Navi was not really joking about the last part.

"See you there oh shadowy stranger~" They called after Shadow as they left.

Shadow lingered at the edge of the market square, their form half-shrouded in the soft haze of an aetheric light spilling from a nearby vendor's booth. The Phantom’s words drifted to them, carrying a mix of determination and a touch of dark humor that brought the faintest smirk to their lips.

"You’re not wrong," Shadow murmured as they stepped closer, their voice low but clear, like a whisper carried on the wind. "A desk job would kill me faster than the Etherium ever could." No offense was taken, only the quiet amusement of someone who knew themselves too well.

They studied Navi, their dark eyes flickering with curiosity and something sharper—recognition, perhaps. "You speak like someone who’s already lived through a thousand endings," they said, their tone more serious now. "But the stars don’t care how much you’ve seen or lost. They’ll still demand more of you. The question is, how much do you have left to give?"

Shadow’s gaze shifted briefly to the flyer in Navi’s hand. "You say your people don’t fear returning to the aether. Maybe that’s why you’re here—because you’re still looking for a reason to stay out of it a little longer." Their tone softened, losing its edge but not its weight. "Make the most of it? Sure. But don’t let that drive blind you. The Etherium takes as much as it gives... if not more."

They began to step back, their movements fluid, almost invisible as the crowd seemed to absorb them. But before they fully disappeared, they paused, their voice drifting back to Navi with a faint chuckle. "See you at Dock 17, stargazer. Try not to burn out before we even get started."

And with that, Shadow vanished into the ebb and flow of the bustling marketplace, leaving only the faint impression of their presence behind. They head to one of the taverns in town before setting off.

The Etherium Sky buzzed with activity as Astrid weaved their way through the throngs at Starfall Station, their sharp eyes scanning the eclectic mix of travelers, traders, and wanderers. The flyers in their hands, carefully inked with the coordinates to the Temporal Eclipse, felt heavier with each passing moment. It wasn’t just paper; it was the weight of their mission, the potential for something great—or catastrophic.

“Looking for adventurers!” Astrid’s voice rang out, commanding attention amidst the cacophony of the market. They held up a flyer, their tattoos glinting like miniature constellations in the aetherlight. “If you’ve got skills, courage, and a willingness to risk it all, the Temporal Eclipse might be the ship for you!”

A few curious eyes turned their way, but most of the crowd continued about their business. Astrid didn’t let it deter them. They approached merchants, wandering scholars, and even a burly Star-Seeker who looked like they could wrestle a nebula. Each received a flyer with a firm nod and a measured explanation.

“You’ve got the look of someone who’s seen things,” Astrid told a passing Voidling, handing them a flyer. “We need people like you. Think about it.”

After hours of pacing the bustling station, Astrid’s feet ached, and the weight of their task bore down heavily on their shoulders. They glanced at the remaining stack of flyers, tucked them into their satchel, and exhaled a breath they didn’t realize they’d been holding.

“That’s enough for now,” they muttered, heading toward a familiar neon sign that glowed warmly in the distance.

The Starfall Saloon was a beacon of reprieve amid the chaos of the station. Its warm lighting and low hum of chatter offered a sanctuary to weary travelers and troublemakers alike. Astrid pushed the door open, the scent of spiced rum and something fried greeting them like an old friend.

Sliding onto a stool at the bar, they leaned back slightly, letting the tension in their shoulders ease. “The usual,” they said with a tired but genuine smile to the bartender, a Lumina whose crystalline form shimmered faintly under the soft lights.

As their drink was set in front of them—a deep amber liquid that sparkled faintly with aetheric energy—Astrid let out a long, contented sigh. The saloon was a crossroads of stories, and tonight, they hoped to hear a few. After all, the best crew members weren’t always found in the marketplace. Sometimes, they were the ones nursing a drink, their pasts written in the lines of their faces and the way they carried themselves.

Astrid took a sip, their gaze sweeping the room. The hunt for the right crew wasn’t over—not yet—but for now, they’d enjoy the calm before the next storm.

~Navi Imai~

The Phantom chuckled slightly at Shadows words, so they weren't wrong about it. "I have enough and that is all that matters." Navi shrugged, words laced with nonchalance. "It it ends up being too much ... at least I will flicker out surrounded by starlight."


Looking up at the sky above them left alone in the crowd now they held up the flyer, light reflecting from the shiny ink. They knew that this would be an adventure that they could learn much about. But first they needed to get ready. Taking out their notebook they started to scribble down what just happened and noting what they still needed to get before the archivist went to the docks.

First note on that list was to get their belongings from the inn and the second was to visit the small local academy that they had visited during their stay here so far to exchange research papers. They should notify staff that they would probably not be visiting any time soon. Maybe get some supplies on the way too. Navi should not be underprepared for this.

~Ceibo Timir~

As the voidling passed the marketplace Ceibo decided to stop by the bulletin board to see if there where any new postings. Looking for a job hadn't been easy lately. He only skimmed over some of the new postings, as it was clear that they where looking for soldiers or deckhands. He was not interested in those.

One of the top most flyers seemed to have been crafted immaculately, written with a beautiful handwriting. They where looking for a crew. Ceibo let out a deep huff. All skills? Maybe they where in need of someone for their comms. He had done them on ships when he was just starting out. But with his age he preferred stationary ones. Alas he was running out of money. Drumming his fingers along his metal bracers he thought for a while, deciding to think a bit on it while walking he moved on.

As he made his way through the crowd a voice spoke to him. The shorter tattooed fella handed him a flyer. Looking over it, he recognized it from the board. With a nod he took it. "Will do." Voice low and rumbly. He folded it neatly as he walked further and put it in his bag. He certainly was considering it. It would be like his younger days once more.


The officer slid into the saloon hours later. His wanders to think hadn't produced any results so far, still unsure of if he should set foot on a ship again. Wandering towards the bar he noticed a familiar cloak that stood out from the rest of the patrons. A cloak that he had seen earlier today. As he walked closer the sigh from the one at the marketplace rang in his ears. "Doesn't sound like a successful crew hunt." Slowly sitting down a stool between them he looked over at the alchemist. "Still have that flyer you gave me earlier." His silver eyes studied Astrid as he ordered a bottle of mead. The bartender nodded and swiftly brought Ceibo his order.

Astrid glanced up from their drink, their navy blue eyes meeting the officer’s silver gaze with a mix of mild surprise and faint amusement. They recognized him immediately—his sharp presence had stood out earlier in the chaos of the marketplace, even if he hadn't seemed entirely sold on the pitch.

“Still mulling it over, are we?” Astrid said, their tone light but tinged with curiosity. They took a slow sip of their drink, the faint shimmer of their tattoos catching the dim light of the saloon. “Or are you here to tell me it’s a hard pass?”

Their gaze dropped briefly to the bottle of mead as it was set in front of him, then flicked back up to meet his. The corners of their mouth tugged into a small, knowing smile. “I’ll admit, it’s been slow going. Starfall Station’s full of people looking for their next adventure, but not all are ready to commit to a ship like mine.”

Astrid leaned back slightly on their stool, their posture casual but attentive. “But you,” they continued, their voice taking on a more thoughtful tone, “you’ve got the look of someone who’s seen their fair share of the Etherium. That kind of experience doesn’t come easy. Or without a cost.”

They set their drink down gently, the faint clink of glass against wood filling the small space between them. “So, what is it? Are you here because you’re curious? Or because you’re still trying to convince yourself not to take the leap?”

The vibrant chaos of Starfall Station stretched before Shadow as they strode through its lively streets. The hum of activity was constant, a blend of bartering voices, clinking tools, and distant laughter. Their path led first to the bustling marketplace, a labyrinth of stalls showcasing everything from aether-fueled contraptions to exotic treasures pulled from the farthest reaches of the Etherium Sky.

Their boots clicked softly against the cobblestones as they approached a grizzled vendor surrounded by jars of rare herbs and vials of luminous liquid. Without a word, Shadow selected a few choice items, sliding the required payment across the counter with an efficiency that spoke of familiarity.

Next, they found themselves at an armory. Rows of finely crafted weapons gleamed under the vendor’s watchful gaze. Shadow’s eyes lingered on a set of expertly forged throwing knives before settling on a sturdy belt to better secure their current arsenal.

The marketplace buzzed with life as Shadow continued their rounds, moving purposefully but never in haste. Their sharp ears caught fragments of conversation—rumors of treasure, whispers of danger, and the occasional tale of impossible wonder. Supplies were critical, but Shadow understood Etherium’s golden rule: knowledge was the most valuable resource of all. Opportunities often emerged from the most unexpected corners, and they intended to be ready for whatever came next.

With their shopping complete, Shadow set their sights on their next destination—the Starfall Saloon—for a well-earned drink and a chance to let the evening unfold.

~Ceibo Timir~

He saw Astrid's surprised look and gave them a slight smile. "Still mulling. Do not know if I am not too old already to go back to adventuring." His fingers traced the fine engraved lines of the metal on his arms, some of them where recognizable as the voidling script. Giving the Lumina a nod as he received his mead, he stopped tracing his bracers to draw the bottle closer to him, inspecting the label first before taking a sip.

He let out a low huff at their words. "The younger ones should revel to get the chance of being on such ship. I did when I was young." Taking another slow sip from his bottle he set it down again to resume his fingers gliding over the lines. Some of his claws left small *tink* sounds as they slipped into the grooves.

"Was in the military. Have been on some ships in my youth, manning the comms on them. Later got stationed in the harbours." Ceibo paused for a moment before resuming to tell his employment history to Astrid. "Left recently. New management that is running things into the ground. Don't want to be caught in the crossfire if it finally implodes. Have seen it before. Things are gonna get messy. They will step over bodies to get back order, after things calm down." It was clear from the tone of his voice that he distained those that where responsible for the downfall. But he did not specify why exactly that was beside them creating unrest.

Looking back at Astrid after thinking for a moment about their question he replied. "I actually would like to know how you run your ship. That would make the decision a lot easier if I accept this job."

Astrid listened intently, their eyes fixed on Ceibo as he spoke. They leaned back slightly, arms resting on the edge of the table, the faint glow of their tattoos pulsing gently in time with their breathing. His words carried the weight of experience, of battles fought both on ships and within systems—a depth Astrid couldn’t help but respect.

"You’re not too old," they said, their tone carrying a quiet certainty. "Experience like yours is priceless. The younger ones might have fire in their hearts, but it’s the steady hands that keep the ship from burning down mid-flight. Plus, that would also make me old and that I am not." They said with a soft nod and small smile tugging at the corners of their mouth.

They took a slow sip from their drink, the glass catching the dim light of the tavern. "I run my crew with fairness, but I don’t tolerate recklessness. Everyone has a role, and everyone contributes. That said," they smirked slightly, "I’m not here to play the tyrant. A ship like the Temporal Eclipse thrives on trust and adaptability. We’re not just a crew—we’re a collective. When challenges arise, I listen to my crew’s input before making a call."

Astrid leaned forward, their voice dropping slightly, becoming more earnest. "This isn’t about power or glory. It’s about the journey—about finding what’s out there, in the Etherium. If someone’s looking for personal gain at the expense of others, they won’t last long. But if they’re willing to face the unknown and have the backs of those beside them, they’ll find their place here."

Their gaze lingered on Ceibo’s hands as he traced the voidling script etched into his bracers. "You’ve seen enough to know the risks, and it sounds like you’ve already made sacrifices for the sake of duty. But here’s the difference: this crew isn’t about a chain of command that forgets your name. We stand together, or not at all."

They raised their glass slightly in a subtle toast. "So, what do you think? Are you ready to chart a new course and leave that mess in the harbors behind?"

~Ceibo Timir~

He also smiled their comment about his age. In comparison to humans at the same age he was not an old man yet, quite far from it. Having been around a lot of humans lately it always made it seem that he was a lot older.

Reaching for his bottle again he grasped it and just held it in his hand for a while as he listened to how Astrid spoke about how they ran their crew. Nodding along as he listened. It was different from how military ships where run for sure but it did not sound half bad. "Sounds like ya are a just captain. I like that." There was a pleased hum along side his words. There wasn't always trust between the different ranks of the military. Most trusted their own rank more than their superiors.

"I would not step onto a ship for glory anymore. That is something that the younger ones do as a way to prove themselves. That is why I wanted to know how you run your ship. I would want to be on a ship where I can depend on my fellow crew. Ranks and Titles are unimportant for such things." He took a large sip from his bottle, afterward he turned to meet Astrid's gaze again. "I like how it sounds. Might know a little friend of mine that also might join ya on your adventure. Crazy and loud but one of the best pilots that the military was stupid enough to fire. Would prefer to work alongside them again. So if they take you up on the offer you get a double deal." A smirk formed on his face and extended his hand towards Astrid.. "The name's Ceibo Timir. We can leave out the officer title, it is not that important anymore."

Astrid's smile softened as Ceibo spoke, the sincerity in his words resonating deeply with them. They had heard the same desire for camaraderie from many, but hearing it from someone with Ceibo's history added a weight to it that couldn’t be ignored. They reached for their drink, taking a small sip before placing the glass down, their fingers lightly tracing the rim.

"Sounds like we’re on the same page then," Astrid said, nodding in agreement. "A ship’s only as strong as the bond between its crew. Titles don’t mean much when it’s a matter of trust. I won’t have a team that’s divided by rank or ego." They leaned forward slightly, their voice lowering just a touch. "You’ll find that with us, you won’t have to look over your shoulder. What matters is the work we do together, not the orders we give or receive."

Astrid’s golden eyes sparkled as Ceibo mentioned his friend. They chuckled lightly, a smile curling at the corner of their lips. "I like the sound of that. A good pilot is worth their weight in gold—and it sounds like they know how to get things done." They grasped Ceibo’s hand, their grip firm but friendly. "Astrid Nightshade at your service. Ceibo Timir, it’s a pleasure. I’m looking forward to having you aboard."

They leaned back, letting the quiet hum of the tavern fill the space for a moment. "And if your friend joins, we’ll make sure they have a place too. The more hands, the better. It sounds like we’ll be heading into some stormy skies, but I think we’ll weather them just fine."

~Ceibo Timir~

"The pleasure is mine Astrid." Ceibo's grip was quite strong but not to the point that he would hurt someone, as one would probably expect from a former military officer. Letting go of the hand he took one last long gulp of his mead to empty it. Sighing comfortably he spun around on his stool so his back was leaning against the bar, he leaned on it. Looking over the busy saloon, he looked towards the stage where some musicians where filling the air with some music that was mostly drowned out by the chatter of the other patrons.

"Glad to hear that you also would welcome them. From the last transmission I received from Auriga I can say that they yearn for the stars. Can imagine them bolting here just by me mentioning it." He chuckled at the thought. Ceibo hadn't seen the celestial in a few months, they where likely not on Starfall Station. "No idea where they are right now though, but I'll send a message later."

Looking back over to Astrid he asked. "How many beside me have been interested so far?" He turned a little more to the side so he could see them better and not hurt his neck. "Can't be that many from the sounds of it."

"OPFOR last man standing" A hooded young man called out as he dashed past Ceibo. OPFOR? That's terminology for military organizations. If Ceibo and the rest of the party caught a glimpse of him, he was wearing some sort of lightweight black armor beneath that dark cloak of his. A sigil of some sorts could be seen to the right of his chest but he ran quickly enough so that the party would not be able to see it. He ran towards another hooded figure and successfully immobilized him temporarily with a drop kick. He lifted his hood, teeth baring. He looked infuriated, he looked like someone with a rage-driven bloodlust, yet the rest of his face was slightly stoic.

"Where..." He paused and caught his breath "Are the rest of the Treasoners?"

"Couldn't even tell you" his captive coughed "You know your kind. Why bother rebelling against an entire merc group you once called family?"

"Viper's dead 'cause of you, cause I fell in line."

He let go of the man, but not before spitting on his face.

"It's always young'uns like you that have an attitude!"

The young man raised a pistol at him. It resembled a revolver from earth, one that was no longer in use. That was a signal to not taunt him any longer
So, the older man left slowly. Yet, there was an air of mystery around it. There was more to this archaic relic from the past than it would seem. Then, another voice spoke. This one was feminine. Another figure, shorter and more vulpine, appeared before the party. She wore some sort of hat one would see in a fantasy oriented film and, if any of them were human, they would most likely notice she wore an eastern dress known as a kimono, the majority of the robe dyed in a dark violet with some orange on the obi.

"Did you let him go, just as I asked?" She smiled at Ren

"Yeah, yeah, Azumi" Ren groaned "Got some intel from him and scouted this place out. No other 'connections'"

The pair completely ignored the party. Or rather, Ren ignored Ceibo and the others, while it only took Azumi a few moments to realize there were witnesses to their current operation.

"Oh dear" Azumi giggled "It would seem we must explain ourselves"

"I am Azumi and this is Ren." The short one smiled "Ask away and we shall answer!"


((Okay, I hope these two characters are allowed . Obviously, since Ren is one of the existing races in this setting, he's not much of an outlier as Azumi is. I saw that this was posted in the fantasy forums, which would suggest some form of magic or similar is involved. Of course, I will not force Azumi into the setting as a fox spirit, she can be any of the races that could possibly suit her inorganic nature as a spirit with a body made entirely of magic! Just gotta adjust her if it's needed. I do this for all my characters in any given RP, but if you don't mind a yokai in the party, I'm more than happy to do so ))

((Also make them scouts, or whatever suits them more as story goes on . Just suggesting that since that's how I used them in a previous RP group))

((This is Azumi's profile))

Astrid leaned back slightly, their arms resting on the counter, fingers drumming a steady rhythm on the polished wood as they returned Ceibo’s firm handshake with a confident smile. “Auriga, huh? Sounds like someone who’d fit right in. We’re all yearning for something out there, aren’t we? The stars have a way of calling the restless ones.”

They followed Ceibo’s gaze over the bustling saloon, where faint strains of music threaded through the murmur of voices. The lively atmosphere didn’t faze Astrid; if anything, they seemed to thrive on the chaos, their energy subtly rising to meet it.

When Ceibo asked about the crew, Astrid let out a soft chuckle. “You’d be surprised. A handful so far. Some are as solid as aether steel, like yourself. Others…” They shrugged with a knowing smile. “Well, let’s just say I’m not in the business of turning away potential unless it’s necessary. Everyone has a role to play, even if it’s not clear at first.”

They tilted their head toward Ceibo, a glint of humor in their gaze. “But you’re right—it’s not a flood. Guess the promise of adventure doesn’t shine as bright when the risks are laid bare. Still, quality over quantity, yeah? And from what I’ve seen, I’ve got no doubt you’ll pull your weight and then some.”

Pausing, Astrid reached for their drink, taking a slow sip before adding, “Once you’ve sent that message, let me know what your friend says. Something tells me they’ll be just as stubbornly good at what they do as you are.”

Their conversation paused when the tension in the saloon shifted. Astrid’s gaze narrowed, catching sight of the hooded young man—Ren—moving with a fighter’s sharp precision. His dropkick and the venom in his words painted a picture of someone driven by deep-seated anger. His companion, Azumi, seemed the opposite: calm and poised, her violet kimono and cheerful demeanor standing out in stark contrast.

As Azumi turned her attention to the party, offering introductions with surprising cheer, Astrid straightened and got up, stepping forward with calm deliberation. Their tattoos caught the dim light, their glow lending an otherworldly air to their movements.

“Well, Azumi, Ren,” Astrid began, their tone steady but firm, “it’s not every day you stumble into a tavern to find someone delivering dropkicks and pointing revolvers. I’d say that warrants more than just pleasantries.”

They gestured lightly toward Ren, their gaze unflinching as they addressed him. “Mercenaries, treason, vendettas—you’ve got an interesting way of airing grievances. But this isn’t random. What brings your business here?” Since Astrid was a regular here and prevented a robbery, they became the tavern's guard from any threats.

Their attention shifted to Azumi, and their expression softened, though their tone retained a hint of scrutiny. “And you—what’s your part in all this? You seem too at ease for someone tangled in this kind of conflict." They eyed Azumi up and down as if trying to see behind her mask

Resting a hand on the hilt of their blade—a measured signal rather than a threat—Astrid met their gazes evenly. They felt in their gut these two were worth keeping in her crew and proposed an opportunity with a slight cost to their personal affairs. “We’re gathering a crew, not looking for a fight. If there’s more to your story, and others start coming towards us with your affairs, now’s the time to share it. Otherwise, we might have a problem.”

((Please let me know if this makes sense lol. Can't find my glasses so a bit blind and going off of muscle memory xD))