The zeppelin lurches suddenly and I tumble forward, spilling my books on the deck. Peyton laughs sympathetically and holds out his hand.
"I know you're out of your element, Nicky," he says, as he helps me to my feet, "but try to go five minutes without falling over."
I feel myself blushing as I release his fingers. "I'm not used to air travel. I'll be better on the... ground."
His sensual lips broaden into a smile. "Not ground, perhaps, but sturdier purchase for sure."
I can see it ahead. Rising from the ocean. Just like Peyton, it's striking and tall and impossible.
A weird romance by C.E.J. Pacian
Release 2 / Serial number 110510 / Inform 7 build 6G60 (I6/v6.32 lib 6/12N)
[If this is your first visit to the tower, type ABOUT and press return.]
The vast windows of the gondola offer a commanding view of the ruddy sun as it sets into the darkening sea. The only landmark in sight is the great Gothic tower the airship is tethered to: an incredible stack of columns, arches and buttresses stretching far down into the roiling waves.
A narrow gangway leads down to the top of the tower.
The captain watches over the bridge - at least, what parts of it he can see over his ample, bushy beard. "The air is calm, sirs," he says. "We should be able to hold here 'til sunrise."
Peyton gazes out at the view, arms folded. "Thank you, captain. Trust that our mission is an important one, and your vessel shall soon return to the fight against the squidmen."
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