After his lecture, Warius caught sight of Allana's delicate figure waiting for him outside the classroom. Her auburn hair was swept back into an intricate bun, and her green eyes gleamed in the streaked sunlight coursing from the lecture hall’s windows.
"Professor Warius," she began, her voice soft yet resolute, "I've been giving our previous conversation some thought, and I've decided I would like to take you up on your offer. Please, escort me to Eyrica so that I can help my sister."
"Ah, Princess Allana," Warius replied, rubbing his stubbled chin, "I'm flattered, truly. Unfortunately, my zeppelin is currently out of commission for maintenance, and we wouldn't be able to leave on such short notice."
"Is that all?" A sly smile played at the corners of her mouth. "Fear not, Professor, for I have arranged for a zeppelin of my own." She paused for effect, her eyes dancing with excitement. "One led by none other than Koe'ul, leader of the Skyseekers."
Warius arched an eyebrow, skepticism etched across his weathered face. He knew Koe’ul personally, based on some dealings in his previous life. These past dealings with Koe'ul did not end particularly well, and had left him wary. At the same time, Allana knew how to keep him intrigued — perhaps this journey held more promise than he initially thought.
"Princess," Warius said slowly, weighing his options, "while I am skeptical of your choice of… zeppelin captain, I must admit the prospect of working alongside you once again is too irresistible." He glanced around the emptying lecture hall, the last remnants of his old life fading before him. He sighed, a nostalgic yearning for adventure stirring within him.
"Very well," he continued, his voice steady and determined, "I shall accompany you to Eyrica."
"Excellent," Allana replied, her eyes gleaming with satisfaction. She extended her hand, which Warius took in kind. Together, they walked towards the airship docks, their steps echoing off the cobbled streets as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows on their path ahead.