The Invierna is officially classed a light battleship, with wings, hull and various outer details shaped of pure unmelting ice and moonsilver. Much like her distant single-pilot cousin, the warbird, her most common shape (shared by her sister-ships, the Blackbird and the Blood Lance) is that of a proud raptor bird, worked in exquisite detail right down to the last tailfeather. Also like the warbird, the wings do not flap through the air, but rather glide through it silently, buoyed by an invisible field.

Unlike her older siblings, the Invierna is capable of limited shapeshifting capabilities, allowing for various cosmetic alterations and an array of close-combat weaponry to support its rarely used Essence artillery. So far she is also capable of taking on a seafaring form and even diving underwater, though the limits of this have yet to be fully tested.

The main limitation to the shapeshifting capability is, of course, the ship's interior. Boarding her is an odd experience, as the Invierna appears to have no obvious hatches or openings. Instead, an individual cleared for entry can step right through designated portions of the hull and into the body of the ship, the moonsilver alloy briefly sublimating to allow passage. Rather than providing stationary windows, a large area of the ship's surface (particularly in the head, the back and the viewing rooms below the wings) can function as a one-way mirror of sorts, allowing crew and passengers to look outward with a high degree of visibility while outsiders see only a glistening, opaque silver surface.

Given Anansi's tendency to impress, the Invierna's cabins are fully carpeted and decorated in exotic woods, precious metals and marble, even touches of jade. White, silver, blue and contrasting black are the primary color themes. Plush seating, marble counters and tables (attached securely to the floor for safety) are available in the areas reserved for officers and guests, along with a fully stocked bar and kitchen.

(from Festival of Journeys - Aerial Pavilion)

Anansi personally guides his Exalted guests (Thalia, Evident Truth, Peregrine, Lilith, Rana and Keo if they wish) in boarding the ship. The unmelting ice and moonsilver alloy is chilling to pass through, but leaves a warm and pleasant after-tingle. He passes sparing but precise directions to the crew and officers, indicating that they will be watching the races from the Panorama Suite, the largest viewing room of the ship incorporating a sky view as well as a full 360 degree side view.

Once there, beverages and appetizers are happily provided to those that desire them, along with lenses fitted with a Dragonfly's Ranging Eye for those wanting an even closer look. A series of luxurious pillow-strewn couches are arranged facing outward, so that one can view the Festival and Races in comfort.

"Anything you ask, I'll do my best to provide, though acts of miracle are on a premium," Anansi quips with a boyish grin.

"It certainly is a fantastically built vessel Lord-Captain."

 Truth passes by the elder Lunar after the compliment, stepping toward the great viewing area, though he does not seat himself, instead choosing to stand by the one way mirror surface with his hands folded in front.

"Greetings Invierna", she addressed the intelligent spirit of the vessel.  "I do hope the Lord-Captain and his crew are taking good care of you," she spoke with warmth for one of her larger creations, resting her hand on the wall as she did.

When they reached the viewing room, Thalia picked up a glass of sparkling wine as she took a seat on the couches.  She slipped out of her shoes, and then curled her feet under her on the couch, exposing a long stocking clad leg as she did.

"So, who is it we are cheering for?" she asked, whimsically.

"I imagine anyone who catches our fancy...after all...I think the fan favorite has a very interested party already on board."

 Truth did not turn when he responded to Thalia. He watched the unfolding deployment of airships and smaller vessels as they began to settle into lazy orbits or courses intent on catching the race.

"Oh, my, my.... Anansi Madeen. Whereever did you get this kind of ship?" Behind her, her parasol obediently rose and sheathed itself in air, slowly vanishing from view. "No doors, no windows... and now this? Why, now, I do believe I need to take a glance or two at today's airship designs. It does only seem such a little while... and yet..." The wall ripples under her touch, golden trails chasing her every fingertip. "I hope you don't mind if I take a closer look here, now, do you, Anansi dear? You can't possibly introduce me to such a thing, and yet expect me to stand aside. It'd be positively cruel, and I know full well that you're a gentle man."

Her eyes filling with golds and greys, Peregrine freezes for a moment, head cocked and listening. "Oh, and speaking of interested parties... what is your name, dear? With the veils and the mask? One couldn't help but notice you looking at our favourite general, and old ladies like me really can't help but stick their noses into every little thing." Her smile was whimsical, and, in a way, somehow absent. "That, or it's just one of those Twilight things; Thalia, dear, I don't suppose you'd be interested, as well?"

"Evident Truth, former citizen of the tributary known as the Nation of Masks, ma'am. I'm sure that Professor Thalia will get to know me better once the Academy classes begin anew."

 Again speaking without turning, the Lunar either had fabulous self control, or was rather fixated on something outside..but Horizon had already fled from view on the back of that terrible engine of war, so surely it could not be that...

"Oh, that little place? How... delightfully different." Her smile was, slowly, becoming more real. "Why, then, I do suppose I'm very happy to meet you, Mr... Evident? Goodness. I think I shall just call you Truth for now, and be done with it. At my age, you really start to get impatient with all those silly little titles; why, if people really merited respect, they should carry it on their names. I don't suppose you'll mind, will you, dear? I'd shake your hand, but as you can see, I'm being somewhat... occupied." Her fingertips appeared to have vanished into the wall. Or possibly not. "Although, by the looks of it, as are you. Is the mask merely a distraction, Truth, dear, or is there something more interesting more in the distance?"

The Invierna answers Thalia personally, pleased that she has come. The voice is feminine and pleasant. "Thank you for visiting me, Creator. Master Anansi is always good to me, and he brings me to many interesting locales."

"Always, see?" Anansi emphasizes with a note of pride in his voice. "Invierna has plenty of my love. She's second to none. Okay... second to few, but still."

He grins knowingly at Thalia as Peregrine starts to marvel over the vessel's unique construction. "Oh, go right ahead and touch her, Lady Peregrine. She's happy to be admired. I think she's inherited a little bit of the vanity of her creator, in fact. Lady Thalia is the one who came up with the liquid alloy frame and the windows, among other innovations, though the ship itself is based on a previous design."

"Invierna is a one of a kind Anthegenian creation, and technically still in testing stages, but I think she's holding up well, if I may say so. She's not been tested in heavy warfare, but honestly... all of us here hope that will never be necessary." The Lord-Captain seems eager to speak about the ship, engrossed to the point of hardly even paying attention to the race contestants... or the fact that Peregrine's already distracted by Truth.

Upon entering, Lilith also gives polite compliments concerning the Invierna's construction and decor, but is largely uninterested in discussing it further. Perhaps one whose illustrious spouse is so familiar with Bright Shattered Ice is difficult to impress with magitech innovations. She doesn't even bat an eyelash at the 'fan favorite' comment from Evident Truth.

Like Truth, the Lunar in crystal-sparkling white does not sit, nor does she accept any sort of refreshment. She just gazes out at the Expert track, waiting and watching raptly. Lilith represents such an odd dichotomy: a proud, powerful warrior in her own right, yet her devotion to Desus is near-obsessive, even to those who wish her well.
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:28, Fri 16 Oct 2009.

"My garb is a cultural tradition as is the mask. I choose to honor those traditions even exiled from my homeland."

 He turns somewhat, feet still planted forward, displaying marvelous flexibility as his torso is mostly bent facing toward the others behind him.

"There isn't anything out there just yet that might hold my interest for terribly long. Having spent most of my schooling as a Celestial in the White City has had a....desensitizing effect."

"Good.  I am happy for you," she says back to the Invierna.

As Peregrine Altair glances over to Thalia, she finds the other Twilight is radiating quiet satisfaction at ... something.  Possibly the compliments being paid to her handiwork.  Yes, that might explain it.  That might explain it very well indeed.  "Vanity comes from having no purpose," she gently corrected the Lord Captain.  "Which simply isn't true of the Invierna" she said with a smile.

"I'm sure I will," she said to the strange Lunar.  "Although unless I am remembering incorrectly, you arn't actually signed up for any craft classes."

"I am afraid my talents run toward simple weaving and carpentry Professor..I've no talent for more esoteric arts befitting the Chosen...though I imagine I should take advantage of your expertise regardless of my reservations...Creation has enough warriors at this point..perhaps a few more makers would be more useful."

"O-ho, and there's the star of the show," Anansi remarks to the small party in the Invierna when he sees Desus emerge from his ship in a rather blingy looking ride. "You know, there's a way to overdo the gold and white. But it's Desus, he could be wearing a paper bag and people wou... er, heh heh, sorry, Lilith." He raises a hand appeasingly when the dark-haired Lunar shoots a glance his way, and gives her his best I didn't mean it, and I'm trustworthy! smile.

"Looks like we're going to see some action soon. Nice to see some ballsy students in the Academy taking their part. Even if they don't win, at least they gave it a shot." His amber eye focuses on Wave in particular, not for any personal interest so much, but because it'd be much more entertaining if she won the Expert races than if Desus did. Not that he would say that out loud.

"Oh those two will be a handful won't they....."

 Truth seems to be watching the expert race with somewhat more interest than he'd been before, as Wave fearlessly blasts through several near collisions without pause, her form now a red-gold work of art in motion...and equally so as the other new student, cutting through the air like a razor, danced with her for the 'relative' second place. Marek and Desus were so far ahead it was almost comical....but such was th distinction between elders and the young...no amount of determination could eclipse that power that came with age and adventure.

"A wager Lord Captain? Not on Marek and Desus of course..that might be unseemly given their relative station...but on the two behind them...they want so badly to win they'll accept second or third place if it means they beat the others involved...."

 Truth glanced back at Madeen, his voice as calm and measured as it was during his introduction.

"An interesting prospect, young sir," Anansi replies, peering down at the two younger racers braving a course meant for experienced Exalts. "Though I admit it is difficult to decide who to give my vote of confidence to. The lady Solar looks as if she might split the rocks themselves for daring to get in her way. And the lady Lunar maneuvers her way through the canyon like a sailfish in the water. I hear she is from Tamar-Kas, one of their airborne hunters."

Then Anansi catches sight of a figure glowing silver among the balcony crowd, rallying the crowd into a frenzy of excitement. "Oh ho. Now what's he up to?" He rubs his stubbly chin, deep in thought as the Invierna banks to keep up with the progress of the racers.

"Hmm... I'm tempted to support my fellow Chosen, but I find myself attracted to the underdog cause. So I will wager on the Warrior Queen, Wave of Ashanti to finish... oh, let's say second. Why not. I've no hard coin on me, but I'll happily wager you a single favor from me, within reason. Perhaps a Salary boost or a choice of artifact from my vaults, if you like?"

"It's good to see exposure to his Solar Mate hasn't dulled his sense of enthusiasm for spectacle. Or his inability to control himself. I think I will have to be careful in Sifu's class with him."

 Truth glanced over at Mattel's cheering, and then looked back at Madeen more seriously now.

"I've little use for riches or toys Lord-Captain. Perhaps a hint on the odd script on the back of your card would be more...valuable to me. As for my own stakes..hm...I imagine an equally intangible form of currency would be appropriate. Your choice Lord-Captain.I of course will support my fellow Lunar Exalt and her fine little sliver of flying death."

Anansi chuckles, pleasantly astonished by Truth's request. "You are a shrewd man, and I like that. Very well. I will give you the meaning of the card should I lose."

"I will reserve the details of what I'll ask you for when... if I win. Suffice it to say it may involve some service. But do not worry, it will not interfere with your studies. The Headmaster would be most unhappy with me otherwise." With that smile on his handsome face, it's uncertain whether Anansi thinks the Headmaster's displeasure an entirely bad thing.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:58, Sun 18 Oct 2009.

Lilith makes some sort of sound, a muffled snort, and shrugs her shoulders in a way that ruffles the feathers of her gown.

After following Desus' progress for a time, he and Marek disappear deep into the tunnel portion of the Expert track. Pulling her gaze away, she makes her way toward one of the plush chairs in the Panorama Suite, suddenly almost entirely lacking in interest.

"Amateurs," she says indifferently, sitting and crossing her shapely legs to reveal crystalline heeled shoes... with talons attached to the sole. "Lord Desus is just playing with them."

 Truths eyebrow raise is invisible beneath his mask at Lilith's unusual...but expected comment and he takes a few steps to the beautifully carved bar, and has one of the staff pour a tall, thin glass of chilled water with squeeze of some exotic fruit. A concession to his masked face it seems, was that he had to be careful in his choice of refreshments.

 He took a seat by Professor Thalia, folding himself into a lotus position with the same poise and dexterity he exhibited in the mirror walled classroom of his new Sifu.

"I'm afraid that my arrival was only shortly before your own, and I was not aware of your teaching schedule...however, upon reflection, I would like to attend your Elemental Crafting sessions. I am concerned however, with the arrangement of time...as I am now invested in an apprenticeship to Merciful Fist and her Martial Arts classes on the same day....any suggestions Professor?"

 Polite and direct, he gives the Professor his attention for her answer, though she can see his understandably splitting it somewhat for the race.

"Oh, I would hope so, Anansi dear. It'd devastate the heart of many a maiden if they ever learnt they could lose to a ship; although, of course, for a ship like this..." Pause. "No, no, I don't think they'd forgive you anyway. Unless, improbably, the ship had its own young, attractive, and virile form, and they were allowed to watch. I suppose you could always petition Thalia here for an upgrade like that; you wouldn't mind, would you, Thalia dear? It's all, after all, for a good cause, and I'm sure we could make a healthy profit thereafter."

But now the gold had all but drained from her eyes, and she lets her hand slip from the wall with a slow, satisfied sigh. "I do suppose this is my own fault for closeting myself, though. A few centuries, and they start building works of art and call them airships instead; I simply must congratulate you on this one, Thalia. Whatever led you to gift it to this lying, silver-tongued Lunar over here?" But her grin said she was teasing. Probably. "I do think I'll have to interrogate you later, though, but I've left all my implements at home. You don't mind pretending to scream when I turn the invisible rack?" There's a odd, loud clicking as she circles a hand in the air, and she winks.

And, in response to Lilith: "Oh, I think we know, dear, but it's interesting to see how he does it this time, isn't it? Like how the heroes always win in those wonderful little novels. Maybe he'll even let someone else win, and be all self-effacing thereafter; it's been a while, after all." And then, in a more distant voice: "But, oh, what is he doing over there? Ha. Clever, clever boy..."

"I am simply surprised that anyone would think Lord Desus cares about the outcome," Lilith says matter-of-factly. "Like the young, masked Lunar here, he has no need for the winning prize. He could ask Vanileth personally to favor him, and very likely that is exactly what would happen. His influence is inevitable, none could refuse him." Though she says this with unmistakable devotion in her voice, her gaze is distant and glassy, as if her mind is somewhere other than the Invierna.

"And if it were simply for ego, there are better opponents and better venues. But he may well be making a statement. No matter how far Anthegenia may drift from the status quo, there is still an order of dominance to be recognized and respected."

"Or it could just be for fun," Lilith concludes with another feathery shrug.

"Thank you," she acknowledged with a smile.  "You are thinking about things the wrong way, Peregrine," Thalia says.  "I built an airship.  I just see no reason why that precludes me from making her beautiful at the same time.  Form is important, but function is foremost," she explains further.  "As to how she ended up belonging to the Lord-Captain ... well ... a lady reserves the right to have some secrets."  Not that there was much secret about how she had come to make the Inveirna for him.  "I suppose I will consent to the interrogation, but only if you're being serious about the rack," she said with a straight face.

"As to your other suggestion, I hardly think the Lord-Captain needs more help breaking hearts."  It had been intended as a joke, but it wasn't delivered quite as lightly as it should be for that.  She moved quickly on, turning her attention to the youngster in the room, who so far seemed to be respectful although not intimidated by the power in the room.  It spoke highly of him.  "I'm sure something could be arranged for your tuition in Elemental Crafting.  I have a relatively light teaching schedule and it may well end up being rearranged.  I am not the only new professor starting this week.  Might I enquire as to the reason for this change in opinion?"  The question was asked simply out of curiosity.  After she asked it, her attention flicked out once more to the races, impressed by the spectacle all were putting on.

"It is correct that I have not YET registered for  classes..I recognized that the Festival may be an excellent time to meet socially with prospective teachers and feel them out a bit.On early Onesday, I will register for the classes I can work in around the apprenticeship. As I said....I only just arrived a week ago to the city from Meru Professor. I also recognize that while my talent with domestic mundane crafts may not seem fit for one of Luna's warriors, it is something I've gained some skill in, and I see no reason to let that talent lay unrecognized."
This message was last edited by the player at 16:27, Mon 19 Oct 2009.

 As the races ended, Truth actually gave a low whistle, though his attention had been further split by the incident with Pebbles.

"Well..thats fortunate. I would not have wanted to attend the funeral of a fellow student this soon."

 His head swiveled back toward Anansi, and he bowed slightly in the strange, twisted posture he had forced himself into.

"The Lord-Captain chose wisely...as it often is, the Chosen of the Sun prevail in all things."

"Indeed, all's well that ends well," says Anansi as he turns away from the spectacle below, smiling bemusedly. "Even Lilith can be happy Desus is done with his playtime without ruffling his reputation!" he quips, and winces in a comical, mock-hurt way when Lilith glares back. "However, Idiori was certainly close enough that I do not feel completely well pressing you into service, Evident Truth."

"Ah, well... a deal is a deal. But I am not a difficult man, so I will not call upon you immediately. Suffice it to say you will know when you are needed. Perhaps you may still learn more about the cipher after all... if only in an indirect fashion," the Lord-Captain remarks mysteriously.

"In any case, my friends," Anansi claps his gloved hands once, addressing the four guests seated or standing in the Panorama Suite. "The Invierna will soon be escorting my lovely wife on the White Queen, shall I assume you will all be attending the banquet? I will drop you off wherever you need to be, or take you there with me personally."

Thalia had winced a little at the crash, having left off her conversation to watch the thrilling conclusion to the race.  "That would have been very unfortunate, though I'm sure she'll get the best of care.  There are a great many worse places to be injured than Anthegenia."  The latter is spoken from a certain amount of experience it seems, although it is hard to imagine the elegant professor in any place where she might have gotten hurt...

"My congratulations to your son, Peregrine, and to your mate, Lilith," she says, nodding to both.

"There is nothing to be ashamed about not wanting to construct elaborate pieces of magitech, Truth," Thalia returns to that conversation.  "Things of beauty and purpose can be created without it, with or without power."

"Well, I'm sure you'd know best, Lilith dear. I can hardly profess myself to know the man better than his faithful wife." But after that, her attention seems... rather absorbed by the races below, her eyes barely flickering away to the conversations around her. Pebbles' sudden accident draws forth a tch from her lips, and, finally, a small wry grin when Goldfinch streaks past the finish--and at the blur of arrows thereafter.

Her reverie, however, is broken by Thalia's congratulations; "Hm? Oh. Why, I do thank you, Thalia dear. I always knew he'd learn to make something of himself, although what that thing will be, I think, still remains to be seen. Anthegenia seems to have been good to him, really." She glances back down towards the racegrounds, her expression.. cryptic. "Well, it does seem that I've made the correct choice for now; it seems like a few years on the road and a few weeks with his peers have made him positively enthusiastic about things. One hopes he'll soon evolve past flash into substance; but, well, that's what youth is about, isn't it, my dears?" And Anansi gets a very, very discreet wink.

"Well, then; I do suppose traveling in comfort would be preferable to traveling alone, so you have every permission to ferry us to the Banquet, Anansi dear. Try not to crash into anything, please; the ship's simply too delightful to endure that kind of thing." And with teasing grin, she settles gently next to Lilith, beckoning a drink over with a flutter of her hand. The glass immediately obeys. "Now, Lilith, I'm going to have words with your husband when I see him at dinner. One did, at the least, expect some sort of show..."

"Then I look forward to your class on Elemental Crafting Professor. It is however, time to prepare for the Banquet, and my festival attire is not appropriate for this evening."

 Finishing off his glass of water, he rises, and bows to each of the Exalts in turn.

"The gesture is appreciated but unnecessary. I may not have participated in the races today, but I to wish to enjoy the feeling of wind beneath my limbs before the day is done."

 Stepping back, his feet traced a backwards path till his motion carried him beyond the quicksilver barrier of the ship, and he dropped into free fall, and his form exploded into that of a great white strix, angling towards the border of the city in a great sweeping arc.

Thalia nods as Evident Truth departs.  "I hope that you enjoy it,".

"Now I too shall take my leave," she announces to those on the Invierna.  "I have my own mate to find before the banquet, and well," she extends one of her wings with feathers made from flame.  "It would be a shame not to fly with these some more on a day like today.  I shall see you all later, I am sure.  Thank you for your company during the race."

"Thank you too, Invierna, for bearing me."

Then she too spills out into the air, the flames making their own thermals to keep her aloft as she wings away toward home.

"As much as you may well miss my company," Lilith says with a hard smile at Anansi, "It would be most inappropriate for me to arrive at the banquet with anyone but my bonded husband."

She does bow deeply for Peregrine, though. "If you would excuse me, Lawgiver. I must be away. Thank you for inviting me along."

Straightening, she walks toward the Invierna's hull and steps through, snow-white wings emerging from her back to carry her to the First Rule of Conquest, where she and Desus will be reunited.

Anansi is not particularly surprised to see the other guests depart. "Very well, we shall meet again at the Banquet." He sees each of them off with a friendly salute for Truth, an elegant bow for Thalia and a polite nod for Lilith.

When the Panorama Suite has... mostly emptied, Anansi turns to Peregrine. "Well, look at that, they all ran away so swiftly," the silver-haired Lunar comments with a typically bemused smile, gauging her reaction as he steps close enough to touch. She is, after all, his senior, though not by an exponential amount. "Though I and the Invierna would be most honored to escort you, Lady Peregrine. There is plenty of room in the cabins below to freshen up for the banquet, if you need."

"Goodness. Are you sure you didn't plan this, my dear Lord-Captain? I'm quite sure I've given my word; and yet, now, alas! I'm trapped here alone with a famed philanderer and seducer, with no one else to guard my fragile virtue." The fan suddenly makes its long-anticipated reappearance, flaring into a golden arc between her face and his smile. "I do suppose I'll have to make the best of things, then, and try not to let myself go too easily before the banquet starts. It'll be, as the Lady Lilith says... most inappropirate."

The fan snap shuts, and she lets it tap, once, twice, thrice against his cheek. "But then, I've never been one for excessive propriety."

Anansi's smile broadens. He doesn't even flinch when the fan pats his cheeks, his amber eyes gleaming with boyish mischief. He'd let her shape the rules of this engagement, if she wished; it has never come to mind that he ought to feel ashamed for respecting his elders, whether in conflict or in play.

Only after the third 'pat' does Anansi grasp the fan, gently, not to control it but to stroke it gently down, down, down toward Lady Peregrine's hand. "Oh dear, it seems I've been caught in the midst of a most dastardly plan. I must apologize profusely for being so forward, even I myself had not foreseen the consequences."

"Invierna, privacy mode." The lights dim ever so slightly, the view of the evening sky and the slowly emptying Festival grounds turning partially opaque. "Let us tread the thin ice between companionship and intimacy then... shall we."

On autopilot, the Invierna makes its way to join its sister ships, leaving the pair at their leisure to prepare for the banquet however which way they please.