Warius sighed as he wiped the chalk dust from his hands, his mind lingering on the mechanics seminar he had left to do in the day. The long shadows of the Floutin Expeditionary Association's grand hall stretched across the lecture room, a testament to the waning afternoon light.
"Professor Warius!" Captain Calpon's voice boomed across the room, shaking Warius from his contemplative state. The aging captain strode toward him, his footsteps echoing through the empty hall.
"Ah, Captain," Warius greeted his old mentor, feigning enthusiasm. "What brings you here?"
Calpon stopped in front of Warius, his stern expression signaling that this was no casual visit. "I have a request."
"A request?" Warius echoed back, raising an eyebrow.
"Certainly you've heard of Princess Allana of Acadia," Calpon continued. "She'll need to be transported to Enthia via zeppelin for a diplomatic meeting. The association has been entrusted with the task." Calpon's gaze bore into Warius' eyes. "I want you to fly her there, Warius."
Warius hesitated, feeling a pang of nostalgia for his flying days. But of course, this was about diplomacy, not adventure. And it also wasn't as if he had much of a choice.
"Fine," he agreed reluctantly, brushing off the last of the chalk from the board in his classroom. "When do I leave?"
"Right now," Captain Calpon replied, turning on his heel. "They're waiting for you at the docks."
"N-now?! What about my seminar?"
"I'll take it over for you. Besides, you never did seem like much of a seminar person... am I wrong?"
Warius took a deep breath in. And, perhaps surprising even himself, he smiled.
"Let me get my pack then," he replied, eagerly exiting the classroom. Calpon smirked, seeing his once docile pupil once again vibrate with life.