Storm King's Thunder

Up top in the dark and cold air, Delsephine waves a hand at Flint’s request. “It’s all yours, if you like. We’re at your disposal,” she says in a dismissive tone. 

The stars tonight are bright, the night sky clear at this altitude. Wispy clouds sometimes breeze by, and even directly over, the airship. The wind eventually dies down a bit, and you can tell thar you’re making good time as the ship is propelled by elemental forces. 

Meanwhile, belowdeck, the halfling children Kara and Rooney are in fitful sleep, murmuring and tossing unconsciously. A couple crewmembers are playing a quiet game of dragonchess, trying not to rouse the sleepers.

At one point before dawn, Rip turns to see Rooney sitting up in his cot, looking directly at him as if lost in thought.

Rip will cast detect thoughts, "Hey kiddo, couldn't sleep?"

Rooney’s mind is a little on guard at the moment. He is thinking of home, and one word just repeats over and over, like an echo on the surface of his mind: please... please... please...

The little boy looks to his father, and Rip can see that his son as aged—not just physically, but in his soul.

Mustering himself, Rooney straightens his shoulders and says in a steady voice, “I made up my mind. I‘m going to be really good, and really helpful at home,” he says to Rip. “Once we get back together with mama, I’ll help her, and I’ll be a good brother to Kara. I’ll even find a job and earn some money.” He nods seriously and looks at his father, as if waiting for something.

"You already are a good son and brother, you do what you feel you need to do for the family Rooney. I'll be needing you to be brave until I finish this business with the giants and things are safe again.  It's okay to be afraid, I am every time I get in a fight."

“It’s just...” Rooney sighs, and then says in a very small voice, barely audible, “I though that maybe if I was better, then you would want to stay with us.” 

Kara meanwhile, sleeps soundly next to her brother, and has stopped turning in the cot.

“We’ll be at the river Mirar in under an hour,” calls  to you all. “We’ll dock near the city. I’ll take a sleep while you do whatever you need to do, so just let us know when you’re wanting to take to the skies again.”

"It was never you, or your mother or anyone else. I had a thirst for adventure, but not anymore. I can't stay just yet though..." Rip pauses for a moment "I have to finish this business with the giants, or we will never be safe, truly safe." Tears begin flowing from his eyes "I'm sorry I wasn't there, that I couldn't protect you... that I wasn't able to save you... that... that I couldn't save grammy. I have to set things right with the world, then I can begin making things right with our family." Rip holds his son close "you and Kara, you are the greatest adventure a halfling could ever want or need. I know this now, I know my purpose, to be a father. When this is over I'll be the one to be better."

Quote from Awaypturwpn >>

“We’ll be at the river Mirar in under an hour,” calls  to you all. “We’ll dock near the city. I’ll take a sleep while you do whatever you need to do, so just let us know when you’re wanting to take to the skies again.”

 "Docking outside the city is fine," replies Ink, "We wouldn't want any unwanted attention. We have a few things to do in the city. We'll better know how long it'll take once we're there. Need any resupply?" 

“You’re the boss,” says Delsephine. “How far upstream?”

Quote from Awaypturwpn >>

“You’re the boss,” says Delsephine. “How far outside?”

 "Your ship," replies Ink, "We're just passengers you've been compelled to carry. Given your... status... with the city-states, I'm guessing you have a better idea on how far out to land."

Belowdeck, Rooney nods at Rip’s words. “Okay,” the little halfling says, held close in Rip’s arms. “I love you, dad.” 

Kara wakes up and, seeing Rip with his arm around Rooney, rouses quickly. She makes to clamber onto Rip’s lap and join in the hug.

“Keeping our distance, burn not too distant,” Delsephine nods to the navigator. As you descend, you can make out the campfires set for the many mine sentries dotting the hills north of Mirabar. The small city itself is lit by forges that you can see from about a mile out.

The airship touches down on the river in the predawn light with a muted splash. One of the crew cuts down the heat from the furnace and you glide downstream along the wide, placid river Mirar. A bracing mist hits your face.

Once you come within a half mile or so to the city, Delsephine gives orders to the crew to drop the anchor and secure the ship. She then bids you farewell and goes to turn in for some sleep. The crew extend the rope ladder on the shallow side, in a nook just outside of Thebes river’s current. The river bank slopes gently up here, wet and frosty with the morning dew.

// You are a half mile from the city Mirabar, and your options are in front of you. Let me know what you’d like to do and we’ll go from there! I’d like to take downtime as a group if at all possible, but just let me know how you guys want to handle it. //

"Guys, I have news from Goldenfields. Looks like the hill giants have allied with the goblins and hobgoblins and are forcing farmers in the surrounding areas out of their homes. Goldenfields is where all the refugees are headed." He pauses when everyone inevitably looks at him. "I just thought you'd want to know."

"News? When'd'ye  hear that?"

After much discussion, the party with Rip's children among them reach Mirabar.

It's decided that Crownsguard, Flint and Marav will stay in Mirabar, seeing about the armor and weapons order, among other things. Besides the order at the smith, the trio will be addressing desires they've been meaning to tackle lately, but haven't had the chance given the frantic pace of travel as of late. 

Rip and Ink escort the children to Yartar. Ink and Rip agree it's best to take the kids to Yartar via teleportation circle and, once safely with their mother, return to Mirabar and use the air ship to travel directly to Calling Horns, where they will collect Jib and the twins and take them to Yartar  as well. Rip expressed an interest to stay in Yartar after that for a tenday to set his family up with a residence, and take time for himself. Ink will be left to his own devices.

On reaching the city, Flint will secure boarding for Crownsguard, Marav  and himself then check in on the armorer.

Marav looks at Flint, he holds up a small polished stone. "Pim told me." As thought that explains everything.

Crownsguard will summon Dog once more. More company never hurt. However, as it seems like Flint and Marav are about to talk about something, Crownsguard will speak up, “I will go check the room.” He’ll awkwardly slide away from... whatever this is.