Ed sat grumbling to himself, unable to relax in the luxurious cabin of the airship they had needed to book passage on to reach their destination. He had come to appreciate the gentle rocking of a seafaring vessel, having spent so much time between the two that were the beginnings of his fleet, when circumstances had forces him to travel to some gods forsaken mountain top in the middle of nowhere. Bad enough that he had to put his own plans on hold to do this, but he was also being forced to ride as a passenger, a passenger! Aboard another captain's airship. He had sworn that the next time he would set foot aboard an airship it would be one that belonged to him once more, yet here he was, repaying a favor and breaking his word to himself. If a man couldn't keep a promise to himself then what did his word mean, really? Nothing. He continued grumbling and moaning under his breath, completely ignored by the companions that had joined him on this journey.
Sat silently, as always, opposite him were the mage Twinkle, all bundled up in the robes that were six sizes too big for her, her faintly glowing green eyes the only thing visible within the shadows cast by the hood. Next to her was the sullen ranger, Fieri, another mute. He swore he heard the two of them talking to each other, deep within the hold at night while he was pacing the ship on watch. He knew it. Proving it was difficult, though, as they both seemed to have unnaturally sharp hearing. Fieri kept her brown hair in a short tail, and her green eyes were focused on the bow she was inspecting. The latest addition to their crew, a gnome golden eyes who was far too chipper to be okay in Ed's book, had made the bow for her. The girl's other bow, which she prized beyond anything, had been crafted by Twinkle who was really coming along with enchantments. That left Peabody in the seat beside him, eyes closed and head resting against the back of the seat, dozing away. Ed sighed, wishing he had brought Kamri along. The mage would have at least attempted awkward conversation with him. She had been adamant that she stay with the kobolds, though, aboard the other ship. The one that sent shivers up his spine. He wasn't going to be going back on on there, not for a long while. If it got him closer to his goal, though, then it would be worth it.
Somewhere aboard the ship was the dwarven lawyer, Stella Quartz. Another new addition to his crew and his only direct contact with Thrustbunion, who was the one calling in this favor. According to the information that had been provided to Ed, there was some kind of shindig going down in some cathedral on some mountain, and inside was some… thing… that he was meant to find and acquire. In return he would get a share of the profit and a dwarf off his back. Sounded easy enough. If things went well then maybe he'd be able to enjoy this party for a while. He looked out the window, seeing the clouds soar beneath, a sight that any other time would fill him with wonder. Tonight, though, it was just a bitter reminder of what he had lost.
Before long they were landing and Ed was pushing through the crowds to be one of the first off of the ship. He looked back at it in disgust, grateful that a different route had been arranged for him to leave by. It had been agreed that if all went sideways, he would need a quick getaway, and relying on a public transport wasn't the best way to do that. It would be like escaping a heist on a regular stagecoach. Ed spun in place, cape twirling magnificently as he did so, to gaze upon his companions.
Peabody, his manservant, was wearing full dress uniform from his time in the service. He looked respectable, as always, and at his side hung a rapier made from some insect's stinger, a trophy from a skirmish in the latest war. They hadn't been overly involved in that, just a couple of things here and there to do their part, but nothing substantial. After having just survived a demon attack and limping their way across the ocean on an undermanned vessel, there had been little they could do effectively. Fieri was dressed, as always, in the stained leather armor he had given her when they met. All attempts to find her more suitable wear was met with stony silence, save for the green cloak she now wore. Beside her was the diminutive form of Twinkle, the golem's features hidden beneath the robes she also refused to change. Then there was the dwarf, all dressed up in a granite coloured pantsuit, looking ready for business. Of all of them, only he and Peabody had made any kind of effort for this. Ed himself was wearing his "Job Suit". Bright yellow noble's clothing that was the height of fashion, along with his cape, gloves and the blank white mask. He wore the hood of the bright yellow cloak up over his shaved head. He knew how marvelous he looked, and didn't need anyone to tell him. After giving his companions the once over, he nodded to the mage and ranger and they slipped off to do their part. Leaving just the three of them to enjoy the ball, for now.
Luckily they had been set down close to the cathedral, which Ed had been told was housing the ball. He could already hear the sound of music, and it wasn't long before he heard voices murmuring. The cathedral came into sight, and despite everything Ed had seen on his travels across the continents, this was still something to behold. It was obvious from afar the time and care that had been put into the construction of such a masterpiece of architecture, providing a place to worship… The name was on the tip of his tongue, he knew it… And lost it. Well, whoever it was for, he was sure they deserved such honor. There were stained glass window, depicting scenes of… All kinds of people. He was sure there were stories to go with them, and if he cared to look then perhaps later he might find some time to visit the chapel and read up on them. Perhaps they had nice plaques set up. Ed liked a nice informative plaque as much as the next man.
Well, he could stand around admiring art all night or he could get on with enjoying himself before the job. He knew which he would rather do, so rubbing his gloved hands together, he headed towards the door. Entering the hall beside the cathedral he allowed the sights and sounds to wash over him like a gentle wave. Around the room people danced, or sat talking or eating. It looked mighty inviting. He strode into the room, eyes darting as he looked for some trouble to get into while he waited.
That doesn't go in there.