Ser Something, Not One of the Twelve Guys

And he never will. c:

Accomplished adventurer and friend to Ishgard, I look forward to facing her in the Ul Cup!

(bonus hug:

🔪

“It’s after us!”“I know.” Handeloup felt cold sweat rise on his brow. The airship was approaching the city at maximum speed, the dragon right at its trail.“We have to slow down! We can’t land going this fast!”

But slowing down would mean the dragon catching up, and clearing the airship fro the sky and ito the abyss below. Handeloup gripped the railing, eyes on the dragon, thinking. Fast.

“Keep the speed. We’ll have time to slow down after the wards. Be prepared to pull-”

The dragon drew breath.

“To the left, now!”

The men abroad struggled to hold; someone fell over and tumbled across the board. Handeloup’s own knuckles were white as he gripped the railing, the ball of fire passing them and slamming into the magicked wards.

“Up! As sharp as we can!”

Nobody stumbled this time, everyone holding fast; the knight gripping the steering wheel dug his heels into the boards. The fireball left the ship’s tail a little blackened, but nothing caught fire. Nothing broke. Thank the Fury. Now once more...

“To the right!”

The dragon had to give chase again, drawing deep breaths having given the airship some headway. It closed in-

“...and dive! Full speed! Keep the course until we’re past the wards! Those who can still hold a bow, shoot!”

He knew full well the ride had been too rough for most if any of the remaining knights to be able to hold a bow, let alone aim. Eyes still on the dragon, he was amazed to watch arrows fly in the direction of its wings. They did not hit, but the dragon’s wings were just slightly out of optimal pace. It stopped, it drew breath...

O Halone,the hand that holds your spear has grown weary, take me in Your halls and let me rest...

It exhaled.

...comfort mine wife in her grief, and let her child see the sky that need not be feared...

There was a swoosh as the ship dove through the wards, and the dragon’s last fireball dissipated a hair’s width after the ship’s tail.

“To the right, pull up! Lose the speed, circle the city clockwise.” His eyes were still on the retreating dragon.

“We can’t clear the bridge!”

“Dive under!”

The airship scraped the top of the stone arch as it passed under it. “For Fury’s sake, can you slow down?!”

“Doing my utmost, ser!”

Handeloup’s hand trembled as he detached it from the railing he’d gripped, to press on his linkpearl. “If you didn’t see us come in, you missed out,” he spoke, “clear us a landing area- no, ours don’t need a medic, if aught we need to sit down on solid ground. And pray warn Gibrillont we are in need of hot stew.” Click. “Alright, lads- we’re home! Halone be praised, we made it home!”