Chapter 2

 Aeda privately admits that if it were not for their Angarde escort, Kit and her would be nowhere closer to the airship. The Angarde is everywhere rounding off their victims, pillaging enriching valuables, or simply acting as sentries on key paths and bridges. 

 The woman is able to bypass every checkpoint or suspicious patrol by saying that they're here on Angarde business. One of them was generous to even offer a freezing Aeda an elegant jacket, for which she feigns gratitude after returning the rough cloak to Kit.

 "I suppose I should thank you for not hauling me off to wherever you store people you don't like?" Aeda quips nimbly changing out of her shirt while covering herself with her new coat. 

 The elf does not look amused.

 "We are grateful for the help." Kit says diplomatically. "Once we're in Gierrox, my friend will be in better spirits, I assure you."

 "Yes, well my sour mood didn't appear by chance, I assure you." Aeda. "It's the company I keep."

 "Are all humans unbearable such as you?" The elf asks in annoyance. 

 Aeda shrugs. "Some more than me, I assure you. To me, everyone is unbearable. Besides, you work with humans in that social club do you?"

 "Doesn't mean I engage in a conversation with them."

 "Why?" Kit asks. "They can be quite amusing once you manage to get underneath those hairy exteriors."

 Aeda's cheeks flush. "Uh, pardon?"

 The elf brushes Kit's humor aside. "Just because we have the same goals doesn't mean we're immediately dear comrades." 

 "Very practical of you." Kit muses. 

 "When I want to be, fortunately for you two." 

 "Be serious, what do you mean 'hairy exterior'? You're just referring to my hair, right?" Aeda presses.

 "Shh! Hush!" The elf hisses. 

 It's the distant voices not far from where they are that silences Aeda though. However, the rancid smell nearly causes her to groan in disgust. 

 "That's fish." Kit concludes the stench. "We're close to the docks. Hopefully there's still a boat we can borrow?"

 "And if there's not?" Aeda asks. 

 "Well, you can demonstrate your superior skills underwater then." Kit remarks. 

 "Yeah, maybe my tits will freeze off me this time." 

 "Well put that on hold for now." The woman says. "We have a more immediate problem right now."

 Peeping from behind a colored wall lays the docks that look towards a huge body of water. Aeda's nostrils twitches from the strong odor originating from the nets and baskets containing schools of colorful fish that have long since suffocated from their exposure to dry land. 

 And the dock's stewards are some rugged looking individuals with stained clothing that are dangerously armed with splintered rifles. Aeda can see through their intimidating appearances with the anxious glares and twitchy movements every time they hear the tiniest of sounds. 

 "Seems they're on the run." Aeda assumes.

 The other two are skeptical of that line of thinking. 

 "Unlikely." Kit says. "It's more likely that they're on guard."

 "For what?" Aeda asks. "The only thing I can see them protecting are those scaly monsters."

 "Ahh Void…" Kit curses. "Shame they're not guarding a boat."

 Aeda quickly realizes that he's right, there are no boats docked on the deck. 

 "Seems I'll be freezing my tits off after all." Aeda unpleasantly whispers. 

 "Could she be any less vulgar?" The elf snaps. "And how will frost eat away at you with that carpet wrapped around you?

 "Actually, she can." Kit answers. "Though it's a rare occurrence sadly."

 "That was rhetorical!"

 "Did you hear that?" An unsettled voice calls out. "Hello! Anyone there?"

 "Quiet, you fool!" Another seethes. "Do you want to give ourselves away to the Angarde?"

 An uneasy silence cuts through the air as one of the disheveled men slowly steps down the road, his rifle trembling.

 "Are you daft? Get back here!"

 "Shut it! The boat will be here soon, so calm yourself!"

 "Argh! Bleeding Void!" The second sentry breathes. "Angarde are everywhere and each passing minute we waste here is more a chance for those bastards to swarm us."

 "Will you just shut it?" His partner snarls. "We survived them before, we'll do it again." 

 With his weapon raised closed to his cheek, he pivots forward passed the wall and aims ahead with heavy breaths filling the air. Sniffling reaches his ears and notices Aeda down on the floor, her back against the wall and her legs close to her chest. 

 When her big tear glistening eyes making contact with his over-alert ones, a short pause follows with the soft gust of brisk wind blowing through the streets. 

 Finally, the man is the one to speak first.

 "This is the wrong place to weep, love." He tells her. 

 Aeda sniffles. "I know." She whimpers. "But… I know not what else to do."

 "You from 'roun here?" The man questions. "You don' look like some posh girl from where I'm standin'."

Aeda shakes her head quickly taking note dark blue shirt and beige trousers. "Bleeding Angarde is to thank." She spins a story. "They robbed my best clothes and threw me into a river. I only acquire this coat from my... oh goddess..."

 The man frowns and then glances left and right for any danger. "Best not talk about it here, girl. Come quickly. The docks are just around this corner and a boat will be here to lead us to safety."

 Aeda nods. "Bless you, sir."

 Despite her kind words of gratitude, Aeda grows uneasy as she's going to be under the protection of two less than desirable looking individuals. Her mind races with fears of them holding her captive, or even violating and killing her, planting doubts in her part of the plan. But she knows that it's preferable if she's caught compared to either Kit or that Angarde elf. 

 As she follows the man to the docks, she sees his comrade relax glancing at her, but she can see his expression scornfully telling her that she should not be here. Her instincts tell her that she should not trust these men, but for good or ill, disregards those unsettling feelings remembering her part of the plan. 

 "Fret not." Her new escort calls out. "Just some poor soul that's fortunate enough to escape the horde."

 "So, I see." The sentry says lowly as he rests his rear on the deck with his rifle laying on his lap. "Long as she doesn't cause trouble."

 "Hah! Doubt she even can even if she tried." 

 Encouraging her to sit with them, Aeda claims her spot close to the edge of the deck with one leg dangling over the ocean. She dares not break away from the two men that she's now under their protection, or their captivity. 

 Aeda desperately hopes that the former is true. 

 She decides to take the initiative and speak. "I trust I'm not being held prisoner or held for ransom?"

 Her escort snickers while his partner grunts and looks away.

 "You must forgive first impressions. But I assure you that we would never stoop so low. Our Lieutenant would have our hides if we ever did, Goddess embrace his soul."

 "Lieutenant?" Aeda repeats. "Wait…are you two with the army?"

 "Aye… what's left of it from the looks of it." The sullen man mutters. 

 Aeda can't help but let out a laugh a relief. "Even if it's just the two of you, the Army is a welcoming sight."

 Her words seem to have brightened both of their spirits.

 "Very kind o' you, love."

 Aeda nods and hangs her head. She feels uncomfortable of the next question she has, but she does not want to lose the initiative. 

 Biting her lip, she decides to risk the gamble. "Forgive me, but the Capital was to be nigh-impregnable what happened?"

 Aeda expected the mood to be sullen, but the dreadful silence from these two men makes the wait all the more dreadful. 

 Finally, the salty man of the two speaks up.

 "What happened, is that everything that could go wrong, bleeding went wrong!" He bitterly mutters. "Word of advice? You ever by some luck become an officer; don't drown your army in the damn cities. They'll get swallowed up and spit out, like bad ale."

 The more thoughtful soldier chimes in. "Soon as the gates threw themselves open, tits were swinging in all directions. Mates turnin' coat, meek folk now out to skin ya, nothin' we coulda done but flee."

 "Goddess…" Aeda gasps. 

 "Oh, aye. And thas'how we found ourselves 'ere, two lovers waiting for our romantic escape to brighter shores."

 Aeda suppresses her stifled laugh figuring the sour soldier is her favorite out of the two. Shame that he's old enough for the grey in his hair to be showing. 

 "Wha' abou' you, love?" The first soldier intercepts the conversation. "Wha' brings you 'round here? No offense, but a girl at your age and your status shouldn't be wanderin' around Emerald."

 His question catches Aeda off guard. She knows where this man is getting at: this is an interrogation. 

 A chill runs down Aeda's spine and her skin becomes prickly, fearing that these two men, soldiers of the Royal Army, could arrest her at best, or kill her at worst for treason. The gears in her mind rapidly accelerate as she does her best to come up with a story, and through the crammed milliseconds, the fabricated result pours out of her mouth. 

 "Like I said, some Angarde pricks threw me into the water an-"

 "The truth." The man repeats, then ominously adds. "If you lie to us again, I have no choice but mark you as a spy an' a traitor to 'Is Majesty, King Jeon, an' possibly sentence you to death on the spot."

 Aeda jerks back and the second man rising to his feet and menacingly towards her with his rifle held close. 

 But Aeda, refusing to be intimidated, furrows her brows and finds her composure. "Are you two daft? After what I'm seeing the in the bleeding streets, I prefer keeping my distance from those animals."

 Her response is being encircled and rifles aimed at her face. 

 "Last chance." The second soldiers growls. "Or you may 'as well pray for the Goddess to embrace you."

 Aeda purses her lips, more irritated than frightened. "Bleeding Void! I'm Bleeding Aeda Lutinisa!" She reaches underneath her shirt and yanks out a clay model of a decaying white Griffin. "Bear witness to bloodline's seal! My father dare not desert! He's still loyal! Him and my Aunt! They're both loyal to His Majesty!"

 Aeda didn't know what gave the larger effect, her crest, or her cries about her father and aunt, but either way, the two men's hardened faces softened and their rifles slowly lowered. 

 "Goddess's plump arse… a bleedin' Lutinisa 'ere in the Capital?"

 "Korday's kin? Here of all places? That's a welcoming surprise!"

 The first soldier falls to his knee and hangs his head. "My mos' sincere pardon, Your Grace. Please forgive us!" 

 "Can't blame us, though. With how events are transpiring and all."

 Aeda takes a few heavy breaths, calming herself. "Korday? You know of my Aunt?"

 "Oh, aye! Not personally, but we escorted her to Von Graf's estate via trusted mariner." 

 "'es alrigh' for a Junker, but the only good Junker is a dead Junker, I still say."

 "Wait…" Aeda pauses a second to process what she's been told. "Is that where my Aunt is at right now?"

 "She is. From wha' I 'eard, she's one o' the few good folk in this Voidhole thas' plottin' for 'Is Majesty."

 "Once the boat arrives, we'll take you straight to her, we will."

 Aeda nods. "Much gratitude, gentlemen."

 "'Is day jus' keeps looking brighter by the hour! Another Lutinisa in service to the Crown! We defin- CEEEARRGH!"

 "What th- Oh shit!" 

 The second soldier falls flat to the floor after a metal stick throws him off balance, leaving his comrade to be strangled by Kit, who is soaking wet. 

 With a raspy breath, the first soldier falls to the floor barely conscious. 

 Aeda lets out a shaky breath, shocked to see the brutality from Kit and the elf before her eyes. 

 "I didn't pick you as a brawler, Kit." Aeda confesses. "Or is it something you just lea-"

 Aeda is cut off when the elf woman savagely shoves her to the ground. "What in Void's taint?!"

 "Woawoah, what's gotten into you?" Kit rushes forward to Aeda's aid. 

 "Step back, Kit!" The elf hisses menacingly. "For your own safety, I suggest you have a very convincing argument, or your wits will be bludgeoned out of you!"

 "She's not one of them!" Kit desperately says putting himself between Aeda and a bloody beating. "She's never been to any conspirator meetings! I made sure of it!"

 "You made sure?" She hotly repeats. 

 "I made sure to occupy her time every time she steps out of her house! Which is nestled within the Lower Quarters!" Kit answers with heavy breaths between words.

 "It's true!" Aeda affirms. "To be frank, that's the reason why I'm heading to Gierrox in the first place! If my family wants be involve with conspirators, I want nothing to do with it!"

 The elf scoffs. "Really? Then why are you here in the heart of the hornet's nest?" 

 "At the time, I had no idea! I was never given an explanation" Aeda answers truthfully. "I traveled here with my Aunt from our home, but she told me nothing. Her and my father! I assume my father would heed the call, but my Aunt?" Aeda pauses contemplating for a moment before finishing. "I always thought we came here to book passage to Aeter, or the Imperium, Goddess forgive me. Now I see she has no plans to leave at all…"

 "That's why she's been keeping herself out of trouble!" Kit adds as Aeda retreats into her own thoughts. "See reason! If she really was conspiring with the Crown, then why did her own blood fail to reveal it to her?" 

 Aeda watches the woman's expression, and she can see the malice burning in her eyes. She sees those flames fizzling out and her face simmers down to a mild scowl. But in her eyes, Aeda notices them glancing down as if they show shame or remorse. 

 That is her assumption.

 "Technically, you're no longer qualify as a posh sort, so I can't place you in custody." The elf declares. "Still, don't assume that you're clear of any suspicion. Having that crest alone renders you a potential threat."

 Aeda just shakes her head and throws her hands up. 

 The elf continues. "So to clear you of all suspicion, I will accompany you to Gierrox to ensure you remain there! Besides, I still aim to claim that airship!

 "Exile? To Gierrox?" Aeda laughs. "Truly a kindness no one can match."

 "But right now, that Crest is going to make our way much easier." Kit reasons. "If Von Graf is really collaborating with The Crown, Aeda will be allowed to walk through unmolested."

 Aeda churns from his words. "Delightful way to phrase that, you Daft Tit!"

 But the elf's vigilant gaze does not falter. "You're placing a lot of trust in this woman. Who's to say that she won't just confess that we're planning to rob the Comte!"

 "First, because it's not your Angarde's airship, it's our passage to Gierrox, and second, Aeda's no fool. If anyone in that estate found out she's been consorting with elves like us, fate would not be kind to her, to put it mildly. So, trust me it's not in her interest to betray us."

 Aeda purses her lips. Even if she didn't even know Kit, she knows that she would likely face severe punishment for even consorting with elves, one of those elves being apart of the Angarde at that. 

 "Satisfied, Your Paranoidness?" Aeda dryly asks.

 The woman purses her lips and a sharp exhale from her nostrils follows. Aeda can see that she's still distrustful of her and her royal ties. 

 "Just." She says coldly. "And never butcher your words. It's ill suiting for the likes of you."

 Kit gazes out at the water and his eyes widen. "Better get rid of these two. Looks like our transport is arriving."

 "Leave them." The elf tells them before turning to Aeda. "Play along."

*

Kiere steers his boat across the stream as he approaches the docks of the Emerald District. Although impossible to see from his bird's eye view, the mingling cries and roars from afar is a cold reminder that the Angarde is still roaming the streets, kidnapping, beating, and looting everyone and everything they come across. 

 At this rate, there may not be much of an Emerald District to return to.

 Kiere considers himself lucky that the enemy is foolish enough to overlook the docks. Even if those two are Royal soldiers, Ecton and Fori couldn't take on a mob of those crazed maroon armband ruffians.

 "Those two better be grateful for finally getting their arses out of the city." The seasoned boatman chuckles to himself. 

 As the boat comes in close proximity with the docks, Kiere becomes paralyzed from the sight the lays before him: Ecton and Fori are lying on the grounds of the docks without even a motion. But what's even more unnerving is the sight of two elves in the same battered conditions and positions as the boatman's allies. The only one remaining conscious is a girl at the center of the bodies with a hung head and a gaze devoted to the ground. 

 Kiere sucks in a breath and regains his composure, before whispering a prayer, "Goddess guide me." 

 Kiere commands the boat to push on, deciding to brave the horrid sight. If only for the girl's sake. 

 Even with nerves getting to him, Kiere skillfully parks his boat close to the docks that the two barely touch. The engine goes silent, fearing it's rowdy racket will likely attract the Angarde to his location, and nimbly leaps from his small vessel to walks to the girl's aid. 

 "Are you hurt? What happened here?" Kiere rapidly queries, kneeling by the girl's side. 

 There is no response from her, aside from the soft sniffles and whimpers that follow after. 

 "Chin up, love." Kiere encourages while keeping uneasy glances past the docks, fearing the arrival of more Angarde. "As long as you're here, we're both still in danger."

 At that, she looks up with her face more steeled than he expects. "I'm Aeda Lutinisa, daughter of Viscount Lutinisa. Words cannot express my gratitude for your arrival, good sir!"

 Kiere is taken aback at the girl's colorful use of her language, too rancid for someone for someone of noble birth. But what she revealed to him shocks him.

 The girl claiming that Veon is the former Viscount Lutinisa would have Kiere easily disregard her as a liar and an opportunist, but to mention Korday? 

 This has to be Aeda Lutinisa!

 "M-My Lady!" Kiere's voice trembles and bows his head. "My pardon for an improper greeting! Please! Hurry and climb aboard! Korday will be overjoyed that you're safe and in good health!"

 Aeda's jaw tightens hearing that name. "I'm sure she'll be surprised..."

 Kiere hastily helps Aeda to her feet and guides her to his rocking boat, carefully setting her aboard and taking great care that she won't fall overboard from poor balance. 

 "There we are, My Lady!" Kiere cheers. "Please hold on tight! The sooner we're away from this dreadful qua-"

 An ear-churning bash causes Kiere to be silenced. All Aeda can do is watch him stand there paralyzed, his eyes wide as saucers as his trembling hand reaches to he back of his head. His mouth trembles as he brings his hand up front and quietly gasps at the sight of his own blood. He then limps his way onto the boat but staggers and falls in leaving a blood cold Aeda to merely watch as the two elves quickly board the boat. 

 The elf woman throws her bloodied weapon onto the boat with a primal anger flaming in her. Aeda impulsively scurries to the back as she watches her Angarde escort violently seizing Kiere by his shoulders, flipping him on his back and towering over him with her hands squeezing his baggy cheeks. 

 "Long time, Kiere." Her menacing whisper is more than enough for Aeda to freeze in place. 

 "D-Dot?" The man spatters, revealing the woman's name. "You're here?"

 She lets out an angry laugh. "So you do recall me?"

 His eyes dare break contact from her face and darts to her shoulder. "Ahh… your beauty remains as true as ever… Thank the goddess you're unharmed." Kiere cries through his pinched cheeks, "Dot… oh, Dot… I does my heart well that-"

 Dot responds by slamming her metal club down on his face, drenching it with blood. Kiere reels back from the strike and lays on the edge of the front, barely moving. 

 "Don't touch me you snake! Die! DIE!" She shrieks continuing bludgeoning him. "You will... defile... NO MORE!"

 Aeda and Kit watch with wide eyes as the man's face beaten to the point that it's unrecognizable. Dot's eyes are fuming with primal rage her breathing grows heavy through her clenched teeth.

 Dot's attacks falter and she rests over the body, panting labored breathes as her arms slouch and her weapon slides out of her hand. 

 Aeda watches as the elf woman then flutters through his shirt searching for something until she collects what appears to be shimmering pearls formed into a necklace.

Kit steps aboard, scurrying past the savaged corpse to inspect the beating heart of their newly acquired boat.

 "The... design is of the gnomes, fortune bless us" Kit notes with a shaky voice, stepping aboard. "Which means it'll be simple to understand shortly."

 "And if the engine is of dwarven nature?" Dot dully queries slumping down.

 Kit glances back at her somewhat annoyed. "Then it'll be a stark contrast of simple, just like everything conceived by the dwarves."

 "Heh, fair enough." Aeda says lightly-heartedly. "Well then, Dot is it? I will say if things do go wrong, which I highly doubt they will, I trust we can rely on your… well… blunt approach to solving problems?"

 Dot lets out a humorless chuckle. "Oh, so you deem me your henchmen now, right?"

 "No! Nononono!" Aeda quickly answers. "We're all allies. Dafty here is the one with the wit and strategy. You are known for well… smashing things…"

 "And what of you?" Dot nudges to Aeda who's nestled up by the corner. 

 Aeda brows furrow responding with silence. 

 Dot just sighs and shakes her head. "You know, I will say, for someone of posh blood, you seem well-adjusted."

 "Sorry to dash your hopes and dreams." Aeda wryly replies. "But in case you haven't notice, I don't even know the man. Not to mention, this isn't my first time seeing some poor sod being bludgeoned to a pulp!"

 "Still," Dot presses. "I guess I was hoping of more of a reaction for me butchering a man unarmed. Or daresay queries on how I know?"

 Kit's skin grows pale in terror. If Dot is looking to get some sort of satisfaction of watching Aeda explode into a tantrum, she's horribly mistaken. Aeda's reaction is far more frightening for him.

 "Let me throw you a little wisdom, dear lady," She starts chillingly cool. "Who I was before the Angarde drew it's first breath is not any of your bleeding business, but I will say that after my Aunt and quite possibly my father harbored secrets of Royal conspiracies from me, conniving with the Imperium, bare witnessing the heart of the kingdom fall so decisively to a madman and his rabble, two soldiers nearly blasting my bleeding head off, and watching you smiting some poor sod's face off, Gierrox, Void below, even the realm of Ilroint sounds like a welcoming change for me seeing that I'll be residing in civilized parts away from all this." She pauses before continuing. "In conclusion: you expect me to cower 'neath all this chaos? This chaos has been my whore!" She then flashes a more cheerful exterior and speaks again with the voice of an adorable child. "Besides, I've been looking forward to seeing this cinema that the gnomes boasted about and I'm NOT about to miss out on this grand opportunity!"

 The whole boat is silent for half a minute as the air around them become heavy with anticipation of what Dot may do next. But with Aeda looking as if she's not intimidated by Dot, Kit is the only one who appears that he's fearful of what the Angarde elf might do next. 

 He was ready to throw himself upon Dot to save Aeda's life if it comes to that, despite being at a disadvantage of having no arms of his own. But Dot just curves a small smirk and scoffs. 

 "I don't know what to make of you, but were it not for the Angarde, you would've been flogged for treason and crude words."

 Aeda rolls her eyes. "Oh truly blessed am I…" She mumbles lowly.

 Kit approaches Aeda and takes his seat not far from her. "She raises a sound point, you know."

 "Not you, too!" Aeda hisses. "If it weren't for the Angarde, I would have at least had some peace and quiet from your idiocy."

 Kit stretches a foolish grin. "No, our paths would converge regardless."

 "Truly cursed I am, then…" Aeda hangs her head.

 "It's done!" Dot declares proudly. "Like I said, anything involving the gnomes is easy to solve."

 The boat begins to rumble mildly, catching Aeda off guard and resting a hand on her heart.

 "Hope you know how to steer this thing?" Kit says.

 "Wow… she may be right. You really are daft." Dot belittles him. 

 "What?" Kit is at a lost. 

 "Everything involving the gnomes is so simple, a witless imbecile can sail this thing." Dot tells him. 

 "You should listen to what people have to say." Aeda jests. "I know exactly what she's talking about, because I was listening her."

 "Quiet, you!" Kit shoves an amused Aeda. 

 With Dot in control of the small vessel, she carefully tests the speed and steering first. It does not take her long for her to figure out how to perform a sharp turn and with the right speed, she thrusts the boat ahead at full speed, nearly throwing Kit overboard. Thankfully, Aeda is quick enough to catch him and keep him aboard. 

 Dot quickly reduces their speed, softening the engine's loud rumbling. 

 The trio settle into the boat as it sails across the Roieux Vein, far away from the chaos that is brewing in the Capital. 

 Aeda scoots over to Kit's side and whispers, "Why don't we just throw her overboard and we can sail to Gierrox?" She jests. "It's practically along the same river."

 "That is assuming the depths take her before she swims ashore and stirs up the hornet's nest. We keep our guest aboard" Kit tells her. "Besides, the engine on the boat is experimental. Meaning that it's too risky for that sort of great distance."

 Aeda raises a brow. "What do you mean, 'experimental'?" 

 "Well when was the last time you've witnessed a boat of gnome design?" Dot rudely butts in. 

 Aeda's response did not require much thought. "None." She plainly replies. "Gnomes are mostly content in residing in Gierrox."

 "Mostly." Kit emphasizes. "Also bear witness at the design of the engine? What do you notice about it?"

 Aeda, not particular willing to move from her spot, leans forward and squints her eyes to scan the engine. She does her best to thoroughly scan anything that would indicate that it is a prototype, but nothing seemed out of the ordinary from whirring gears she sees. 

 That's when she discovers the answer, and it's as clear as day.

 "The gears are showing." She answers in a softened voice, feeling the stigma of possibly saying her piece incorrectly. 

 Thankfully for her, Kit nods. "They are. Word of advice: The purpose of prototypes are to see if they work. And if they do, that's when they're improved upon."

 "And you know all this how, dear mentor?" Aeda teases. 

 "What did you think I did before I ever came to the Capital?" 

 Dot and Aeda cast curious glares at Kit. 

 "You lived in Gierrox?!" Dot burst out surprised.

 Kit nods proudly and opens his mouth beginning to speak. Then something stops him before sound could be produced and his expression darkens. 

 Aeda casts him a worried look but her speculative mind keeps her from asking him if he's well. She quickly comes to the conclusion that Kit is from Gierrox, but a horrible event transpired forcing him to leave. 

 At least that's what she assumes

 "I've been an Inzin Apprentice for some time until fate brought me here." Kit finally says. "It will be my first time back there in forty-six years."

 Aeda merely nods unsure of what to say.

 "A what?" Dot queries. 

 "An Inzin." Kit repeats. "You kin would compare them to a designer or a tinkerer of machinery."

 "I envy you." Dot lowly admits. "So why in Void's Taint did you decide to come over to the Capital then?" She speaks. 

 Kit answers without missing a beat. "Winds of fate." He turns to Aeda. "Once we're on board the airship, I might indulge that question more."

 Aeda knows the subtle message that Kit is trying to convey her: He'd rather not talk about it. 

 "What about you, love?" Aeda directs her attention to Dot. "Care to share why you bashed my hero witless in before throwing him to the depths?"

 The way she phrased her question, it's not so much that Aeda was genuinely curious, but more of wanting to annoy her. 

 And from the offended glare Dot is giving off, Aeda knows she has pierced a nerve. 

 "Ask me that again when I tolerate you." She coldly replies before shifting the subject. "So, what's our strategy? I doubt they'll kindly let us dock at the Junker's estate. Especially when that boat has two elves in tow."

 Kit's mood immediately brightens, as if he's never been gloomy seconds ago. 

 "Luckily for us, we won't need to. We simply need to be just on the outskirts of the estate." He then turns to Aeda. "That's where you play your part."

 Aeda's shoots her brows up and shakes her head wondering if she heard that right. "Uhh… come again?" 

 "Earlier you gloated rather sourly that you were scheming on breaking your record. Now's your chance."

 Aeda's eyes grow like saucers. "You don't mean…"

 "Oh, I do, my remarkable human colleague." Kit smirks. "Our only way into the estate is underwater. So I hope you're up to the challenge, Aeda."

 Aeda glares at the water and starts shivering before entering it. "Kit, I feel the urge to throw myself into the warmth of your dead carcass."

 Kit clears his throat. "Pardon me? I'm clearing passage to Gierrox for you! For that bleeding cinema no less!"

 "And that proves to be your saving grace." Aeda responds in a sing song voice. 

 Kit, at a loss, begins to protest to Aeda arguing that he has done much more for her than she lets out and that should be more thankful, while his human partner playfully disregards him like a small child with a smug attitude.

 All while Dot mutters to herself. "Please tell me not all humans are unbearable as that one."