Journal 3 - Day 1 in Beaumont pt. 1

I never expected for the outside world to be what daddy warned me of. Vicious and full of too many deceitful dangers. Perhaps my eyes were too hungry to set sights on such a wild, wretched monster. Alas, quitters never gain. Besides I have no bridge to cross to take me back home. I incinerated that bridge beyond repair I reckon. Mutilating my body, in daddy's words, and leaving in the dead of night with nothing more than my big dreams and half of the antiques daddy had acquired would do that. I took Princess Toad and we travelled under the sea, where Denna shielded us from prying eye. It was the longest travel we ever got to take together and I wanted to see just was Princess Toad could really do. I had had him all my life and daddy only let me use his sneak boat abilities twice in all that time! Had I known about how fast he was I maybe would have left sooner. I miscalculated just how far our fun took us off course but I think that the fates had wanted me here. Even if it was week under the sea, I seem to arrive places on time.
 
The first breach of Princess Toad, my first sight of people, falling like haunting shooting stars that have burned a brand into my mind. Perhaps for as long as time goes on. The first airship I get to see in real life in so many years, exploded before I could admire the technology. Bursting, hurling fire charred bodies from its wreckage. Escape pods on a course of meaningless effort, with not a body among their contents. All but one, no; two. Such a tragic sight to behold, so many grievous deaths. May Erishkigal have mercy on their souls.
There was regrettably, nothing I could do to help... Princess Toad activated his flight simulators so we could find any sign of life stirring. No one was alive. Nobody's screams made it more than 15ft from the airship and only two of the many escape pods had any intelligence to their flight patterns. A brief feeling of Hope in seeing that first one take off with such incredible precision. Straight out of the falling Star and off in seconds going North, to my right as I was looking West at the carnage. We continued to search for any signs of life when the airship exploded with ear splitting fright and such force the second pod came careening towards Princess Toad and myself. It would have been the end of us; a quick--painful death I'd assume. But, luck was on our side and with impeccable timing the device erupted with a black cloth that gently floated to the sea down below.
 
After the ships final flight found it in watery grave, there was only the solemn sound of waves splashing, and lapping against the useless metal vessels unused. The sea looked like it had strange flowers strewn over the diamond waters. A strange but invited death tribute to the countless who loss their lives in such a brutal way. Princess Toad was getting extra hot and the flight mechanisms were getting worn out we followed the last added flower to the sea, the only to hold living souls. In my desire to help, I completely forgot about the warnings daddy gave me countless amount of times because I thought it was such an incredibly silly notion. I scared these poor survivors with the persona I wanted to carry to Peagor when I broke out as the next singer of choice. When I saw only three souls peer out of the pod they looked at me like I was the goddess of death herself. They must have hit their heads hard as they went straight to The Peace Keepers lore and the end of times. I hate to admit that daddy was right, but he may have been right when he warned me that people wouldn't get my whole "thing" and would assume I was there to fulfill the logical prophecy. I, am a stubborn girl and firmly believe that the criteria doesn't fit from the books I've read in our library. Either way, I wasn't going to wait any longer. If the world wa--s going to burn then I wouldn't be held captive another day, I was going to live a life! Everyone will bow down and secede the silly stories of old as being truth. And, besides if the world is going to burn, I'd bet money it wasn't the gods but an inside job. Daddy always did teach me that business was ruthless and to never underestimate the lengths people would go to feel powerful in getting what they want. The quality time I got with him, teachings and trainings. Thanks, father!
 
I digress. The three survivors had been through an ordeal unlike any should endure and I didn't achieve the helping hand I had hoped to extend in the first place, but I was lucky to get a second chance. It took a good amount of talk and silly pinches later before they realized that I was telling them the truth about the altering surgery and they were in fact, still alive. Compliments to the surgeon, his work fooled them but gained more warnings like a broken record echoing over the continent in my fathers words from these strangers mouths. Needless to say, I will be keeping them hidden. For now. I am not stubborn enough to ignore self preservation. I will keep my future props in their case. Sadly it appears that I will have an up-hill battle to make Beaumont realize my vision for the image I want to portrait for my debut. Ah, anyway. After a little convincing to take them with us to safer shores despite my death bringers of feathery doom, I secured the three of them on top of Princess Toad. The three were smart enough to accept my help at least even if the young elf girl is still unconvinced of her untimely un-demise. Nor was she convinced I wasn't the real deal Averial. Xhoya, is her name. She can't be more than a teenager, maybe even a preteen. From the features I was allowed to see, she must come from elven decent and her ears were another good hint. However, her beautiful dark skin reminded me of Sanctuary herself. How unique a girl she must be, I can't say I have seen any her like. She looked on the edge of breaking and I noticed that the more she convinced herself that beautiful death came to collect her the more she calmed down. She is to green to harbor such heavy thoughts and bags under eyes. I couldn't help but nestle her closest to me while we travelled via Princess Toad together. Something in my core wanted me to protect her and let her know she would be okay, to have Hope.
 
The second female to board was also an Eladrin. Another rarity among the party which is rather exciting! Gidget is her name and she is every bit true to a carefree dutiful oximoron. She struggled with mortality differently upon meeting me. Unlike the inconvincible Xhoya. Gidget really struggled with the idea that her time was finished on these lands. She needed the most convincing that I was not her death nor her doomsday bringer. I know bringing Princess Toad along was bound to cause troubles but how could I leave him behind? He is one of my only friends and was my best option to escape. Besides that, after multiple pinches and pleads I could see her mind was one of a wise woman. With logic and expertise she could clearly see the masterpiece of my newest addition. Asking me impossible questions about their creation. When reason kicked in, she was easy to trust and clearly a woman of a proud tinkers guild. She must have known the third survivor because the banter between the two flowed like old friends and their minds worked easily together, against my apparent bogus story. I should have know I would pass as a wild nomad of a crazy old coo'k of a father.
 
Silas Alerson, a tabaxi who works for the BlackAxel and is much more perceptive than I'd hoped. Between the three of them, they guessed quickly that I was a higher up's daughter run away. Xhoya still clearly hit her head the hardest because she remains stead in her beliefs about me. It must be his training; and, I will admit my nerves betrayed my ability to paint myself in innocence. Bringing my ties into this would only complicate things. Even with Gidget kindly slowing the rapid fire of questions being flung at me it did little to stop Silas from calling me out.
 
Some would probably agree with my fathers opinion; that my actions could fall poorly upon my father and his reputation all because I am a spoiled "princess" bored of her want for nothing life. Off to search for the attention she's crying in tantrum for, but they haven't lived my 72 years. (Even if the words my father said may hit the mark a little to closely in ways to painful to face right now.) Once I reassured them that daddy would not be coming for anyone but me and that I would make sure of their safety they agreed to protect me too, in return. The questions finally stopped and we made the rest of the journey in our own thoughts.
 
Princess Toad brought us all safely to shore. On the grounds known as, Scorpion Point. I had seen a few pictures of this place but there are no words. Books are great but adventures seem to bring fulfilled understanding. Maybe I will make it out here without daddy's help because making it one night in the dead of winter in that climate was enough to test the strongest willed persons resolve. We huddled together for warmth closer than complete strangers would have liked but winters bite, sharpened by the pin-needle winds gave very little option around it. We hugged around a quickly made fire that did very little to heat. I answered a few more of their concerns about how powerful my father was and I successfully avoided having to admit another part to my story. Painful to tell people you don't know the need not worry because I was disowned. No one would be looking for me, meaning, no would find them. I should have thought a little harder before leaving in a huff with only the silly puffed up image of my famous self in my head and the antiques that would only solidify that silly notion. I doubt daddy will appreciate when he finds his library raided of the ancient things. Another reason I wouldn't be going back home.
 
I had satisfied their questions and was able to pry a little of these new companions. Young Xhoya was only able to stay up for so long before the days events got the best of her. She laid rest some of my own concerns. I found out she was alone, and separated from her parents at the moment, the poor dear. Luckily there weren't aboard the airship, but I still hate the thought of her going through so much alone and so young. She retreated many times into her oversized cloaking clothing and not all because of the cold I think. Maybe she is more similar to me than I think! It is to bad she feels the need to hide away such lovely feature from Kaida. I pray she will find safety and confidence to open up to the world. I'd love to see the full Xhoya under the shadows. She comes off as a smarty pants and I believe I would have a rather riveting conversation with her.
 
Gidget, a gorgeous fair skinned, pink haired Eladrin elf. Spring themed if I had to guess. Her vibrancy of her hair color matched her personality. She is clearly a quick in the moment thinker. Watching her jump from and land on conclusions was both fun and fascinating; if not a little tiring. She spoke her opinions and good intentions without fear, taking a good hearted leader vibe. She was not quiet about her blame towards Silas either. She was delivering highly precious cargo on the airship and losing it meant she would be losing her promotion. A shipment of brand newly developed arms. She said Silas was the one that helped bring the ship down. A very large decree to through around. She also lamented the loss of her friend taken by the horrible disaster. Mat. May he rest peacefully with the blessing of Erishkigal.
My heart felt her pain as she let the nights events really sink into her present timeline. And what that would truly mean for her future. If anything could be said from a stranger on first impressions, I found Gidget to be delightful. Extremely prod of her family and of the guild they belonged to. She subconsciously kept fidgeting and rubbing the patch she wore that must be her guilds crest. I may have even spied a tattoo. That is dedication. It takes one to know another kindred spirit that would do anything for their craft.
 
Leaving Silas. An adorable oversized housecat of a tabaxi. His grey fur was slightly singed along with the white whiskers protruding from his cute little nose. if it weren't for the expensive tailored suit and all the fancy gadgets he carried with professional responsibility I would have adopted him as my kitty mascot. Captain Crunkles! Sorry Silas if for some reason you see this! Back to my useful observations. His take on everything they experienced was also, quite different from the other two. He was calm and collected. A rational thinker who thinks in the future. The story he told, accompanied by the exact, non-cholent way he went over what had happened at ground zero left little room for doubt that his intentions and recants were truthful and trustworthy. But I can't help but still feel a little need to hide myself from him. Even with his promise to help me and keep my secret. His ties to the military and training as an agent within their operation could be good indicators for my desire to be cautious. That was another thing daddy was keen to inform and warn about. All military and powerful positions were to be questioned and watched closely for your own hide. He explained that he was to escort a captured prisoner to their Paegor headquarters for interrogation purposes. He and Gidget explained he was an advanced warforged robot named The Gazelle. He was far to advanced to belong to any military, a single plasma slit in his face, sleek smooth featureless machine with long clawed like fingertips. The description alone was enough to be frightened but knowing that Silas had his own theories as to its true intentions was what made this escapee terrifying. All the innocent lives it claimed in the name of starting war.
 
All and all be had, I think luck was rather generous to me this night. Silas spoke of taking us to Copper Coast Commons where we could regroup at his headquarters. He was urgent but collected in his need to get the information back to his cartel. He snuggled in with eerie last words of impending war. Goodnight new friends, thank you for the plethora of things to ponder.