Planet Zar: Nexus

⦿ Elwis is dragged to his quarters to recover from his spell. The crew manage to bring The Shining Star to Vacillate's port without any further issues. Cargo is unloaded while Tombe and Vico make arrangements to have the ship repaired. They're expected to have a few weeks of shore leave anyway, what with the captain hopping off world to collect a dragon.

⦿ Once Elwis is feeling tiptop he disembarks from the ship to enjoy the island until his ride to Lantessama shows up.

⦿ The Imperfect Oyster is his favorite tavern at the port town of Saltend Landing. It's quite raucous all hours of the day but especially so when evening nears. The food is perhaps not the most delectable, but it's fair enough and Elwis enjoys the colorful characters that inhabit it.

⦿ A mug of beer goes flying across the room as Elwis enters. He ducks to avoid it and pats the foam specks from his overcoat. The bar smells like fish, spice, and alcohol tacky to unwashed surfaces. Elwis smiles brightly as he meanders to a table.

⦿ It's not long before people gather around, eager to hear tales of his recent exploits. Elwis has always had a way of animating stories to draw a crowd. There are gasps and hollers as he recounts the Horrible Green Beast.

⦿ Then silence when he reveals meeting the Black Serpent.

⦿ The silence quickly turns to laughter and disbelief.

⦿ Elwis colors and sinks into his seat. There are a couple crew members of The Shining Star present but their word won't help sway the crowd. There's not much Elwis can do by grimace and wait for everyone to wander back to their seats.

⦿ A voice pops up from the crowd, smoky and hard as gravel: "I believe him."

⦿ Some of the titters stop.

⦿ Elwis perks up. The speaker shoulders his way to Elwis' table and plops down next to him, spilling beer. He's a bearded fellow with coal-black eyes, dressed head to toe in the most impractical leather. 

⦿ He's very handsome, Elwis thinks. He feels his face burn at the thought.

⦿ " 'm Korgym," says the stranger. "What's your name, then?"

⦿ "E-Elwis," Elwis squeaks. "Captain Elwis. Have you been to the Oyster before?"

⦿ "Never been." Korgym leans in close. His eyes are fiery, kohl-lined, and intense: "How did this encounter with the Black Serpent go, then?"

⦿ Elwis recovers, very certain he's blushing up a storm, but manages to dive back into the story. Korgym remains rapt, interjecting with questions. He lights up as Elwis tells his story. The other patrons roll their eyes and wander off for more drink and better entertainment, but Korgym doesn't budge an inch.

⦿ Korgym: Pretty daft of you to go after that beastie like that, don'tcha think?

⦿ Elwis: Oh, well, perhaps, but one must do one's duty

⦿ Korgym laughs. It's lovely.

⦿ Korgym: Isn't that spot on, mate! How long are you staying on Vacillate for?

⦿ Elwis: Not more than a couple days, I think.

⦿ He leans in conspiratorially, lowering his voice to a whisper.

⦿ Elwis: I'm actually heading off world. I'm going to bond a dragon!

⦿ Korgym's eyebrows fly to his hairline.

⦿ Korgym: Is that so?

⦿ He drains the rest of his beer and wipes the foam from his beard. He pauses, quiet, tapping his boot noisily under the table. He jerks forward suddenly, startling Elwis.

⦿ Korgym: D'you think I could come along for that? Never been off world before.

⦿ Elwis: I don't see why not! It would be lovely to have some company while I'm in Lantessama. It can't be too hard to bring along a second person, hm?

⦿ He reaches to link arms with Korgym. Oh dear, perhaps he's a bit tipsy himself. Korgym stares at their linked arms, his face stony serious for a moment. Elwis begins to pull away but Korgym barks out a laugh and pats Elwis' knuckles.

⦿ Korgym: Sounds like a plan, my man

⦿ After an early breakfast of teacakes and oranges, Elwis wanders out to the docks to await his ride. He's dressed in his best with a suitcase in tow - extra outfits and other essentials one might need for meeting a dragon. He bounces on the balls of his feet, using his hand to shade his eyes from the sun as he watches the sky for any sign of a friendly dragon.

⦿ Korgym: Glad I didn't miss ya

⦿ Elwis jumps and whirls around to face Korgym.

⦿ Elwis: Gosh, I didn't even hear you!

⦿ Korgym grins, all teeth.

⦿ Korgym: I'm quiet as a cat

⦿ Elwis: Are you all packed?

⦿ He's very aware Korgym isn't carrying any bags. He's dressed in the same clothes he wore the night before and the tangled mess of his bushy black hair appears much the same as it had the last time Elwis saw him. Despite the bedraggled appearance, he's still ridiculously handsome.

⦿ Korgym shrugs.

⦿ Korgym: Got everything I need

⦿ Elwis: We might be gone for a few weeks. There's no knowing how long before the eggs hatch.

⦿ Korgym: Cool. Lots of time to explore a new place. D'you think they've got good treasure in Lantessama?

⦿ Elwis: I honestly haven't thought about it. A dragon is the best sort of treasure, after all

⦿ Korgym falls quiet, considering.

⦿ Sunset hues flash into view before Korgym collects his thoughts.

⦿ Elwis: Ah, here we are!

⦿ Elwis steps down the dock and waves.

⦿ The sunset colors drift closer, becoming an obvious dragon-like shape. Webbed flame-patterned wings tuck close as the dragon dives for land, lilting up at the last moment for an elegant landing. A dark-haired woman slips off the dragon's neck and approaches Elwis with a tight frown. This is Draca, a searchrider from Lantessama.

⦿ Draca: You're Elwis?

⦿ Elwis grins and skips toward her.

⦿ Elwis: I am indeed! And this is my new friend Korgym who was hoping to tag along with us?

⦿ Draca's eyes snap to Korgym and her frown deepens.

⦿ Elwis stops, wringing his hands. Maybe should have messaged ahead? It would be so uncouth to turn Korgym away now. Elwis reached into his pocket, prepared to offer Draca a bit of coin to ease things along.

⦿ Draca: Huh. Guess you make this more worth my while.

⦿ She's speaking to Korgym. Elwis is confused but it's no matter as long as things are happily sorted out.

⦿ Draca jerks her head toward her dragon.

⦿ Draca: Hop on Ryuen and we'll get going.

⦿ Elwis and Korgym exchange excited grins as they clamber up the dragon's back.