Steampunk AU

[sliceitwithwind]

It was a nice inn, a crossroads of many people where it wouldn't be unusual to see a Chinese courtesan sitting next to an English trader, or a Katzu warrior chatting with an Olia scientist.

It was a little less likely to see a Katzu scientist chattering excitedly with what looked like an Olia pirate, but...not enough that the majority of the patrons to bat more than an eye. The Katzu in question had goggles shoved up on his dreads, and a leather apron over his slightly charred clothing, leather gloves, and an expression of purest glee. The Olia had a missing eye, a gentleman's clothing, and an expression of long-suffering camaraderie.

"And that's when I realised that by adding another boiler I could get triple the power, which was when the automaton stumbled into the table but the point is that it spoke! Words I hadn't given it yet!"

Comments

[mitochondriaaya]

"Yes, but you use your fear." And as much as he liked his friend, Jerrig let fear use him. "You two won't mind a woman on board?"

[sliceitwithwind]

"Of course not." Braig said, waving a hand, "Some of the crew are women."

[mitochondriaaya]

"Some people we've traveled with have drawn odd lines between crew and ladies," Nevada chuckled. "I had to check since we haven't traveled with you since Aya has been accompanying me."

[sliceitwithwind]

"So long as she doesn't wander about having vapours or whatever we'll be fine." Braig said dryly, "She didn't look the type."

[mitochondriaaya]

"Most assuredly not. The vapours are an incredibly foolish thing to encourage in anyone." And Nevada had had a hand in raising her. "You're more likely to find her asking about the engines than fainting away."

[sliceitwithwind]

"Then we'll be fine." Braig said. Then he tilted his head and rubbed at his patched eye, "So long as she makes it very clear to Pierce that she isn't interested in him. He gets hopeful."

[mitochondriaaya]

"If she takes an interest in the boy I won't object, he is a good child." Just saying. "But I will warn her not to raise his hopes otherwise. She simply enjoys learning."

[sliceitwithwind]

"If she distracts Pierce the engines stop. If the engines stop, we fall out of the sky." Braig said dryly, "If she wants to court him she can do that when we're all home."

[mitochondriaaya]

Blink. "I did not realize flight was that reliant on Pierce. Perhaps we could have her dress as a lad if she's going to see the engines?" He didn't see how it would help really. "Or perhaps she can tour the engines when he is on his rest day and someone else can explain them."

[sliceitwithwind]

"...Nevada. You have looked at the girl since she hit puberty? Dressing her in trousers would make the problem exponentially worse. Dilan can show her around while Pierce is asleep."

[mitochondriaaya]

"I try not to look overly much," he admitted. "There have already been some rather rude rumors I've had to settle." Painfully in fact. Alas, pants and binding may not be the best option. "An off-day tour would be the best option then, if she is that potentially distracting."

[sliceitwithwind]

"Trust me." Braig said wryly, "Her days of being able to pass as a boy are long over. She could cause riots in a pair of trousers and a shirt. Your niece, Nevada, is stunning."

[mitochondriaaya]

"Oh dear," that was not really what he wanted to hear! "That would explain the last...ah, never mind." He sighed and ran a hand up over his head. "It escapes me why I was granted a girl child to raise, Braig. Your fates have an odd sense of humor."

[sliceitwithwind]

"I don't know, my friend." he said, laughing quietly, "Perhaps to help you grow? Or in some other lifetime you did something terrible."

[mitochondriaaya]

"I have grown, I believe. And I must have done truly terrible things. Perhaps I was a Hun?" he mused softly. "Come, help me with trunks you pirate. I am a mostly retired gentleman and shouldn't be lifting too many things." Yes, he'd play that card!

[sliceitwithwind]

Braig snorted at him, "Yes, yes, you humans and your short lives." he grabbed a set of luggage and started on his way to the ship.

[mitochondriaaya]

"Yes, unfortunately so, and when you raise your own child at some point you'll feel the years as well," he grabbed another set and followed, not showing the strain in the least.

[sliceitwithwind]

"So my parents inform me. Right before informing me to get on with it. Dilan and I are looking for the right woman. Someone who can love both of us."

[mitochondriaaya]

"And when you have children I will laugh and buy you a drink. Braig. You know I don't have the slightest idea of what to recommend to you for women," it wasn't his forte and Aya would be inheriting his own estate. "In your class no doubt there are tolerate heiresses?"

[sliceitwithwind]

"Ones who can tolerate me, yes. Ones who can tolerate Dilan...a few. Ones who can tolerate our relationship? Not so far. And we want more than just tolerance; we want love."

[mitochondriaaya]

"Many might feel they are intruding," he pointed out, trying to reason things through. "And you must admit love at all in your social standing is rare, much less love of two."

[sliceitwithwind]

"Perhaps. We'll keep looking, though."

[mitochondriaaya]

"Good luck among the peerage," he did wish them luck if they were really looking for that. "Ah, here yes? It's as I remember." The connecting rooms were certainly spacious enough!

[sliceitwithwind]

"Hmph. As though I would limit myself to that? No, we are looking into the middle-class as well. My mother, after all, is of the middle class." He set the trunks down and gestured, "We did some remodelling, what do you think?"

[mitochondriaaya]

"The peerage would expect it after your father's marriage," only so many generations could be allowed to wed downward after all. "But that does wonders to widen the possibilities." And the middle-class often showed remarkably strong minded in some things! He should know.

"You've added true windows in here," rather than the previous port holes. "And the decorating?" he hazarded. Room details were not always something he remembered! "Regardless, they seem more open and it will suit Aya."