for lastvoyages: Journal Entry 21 [video]
[Dracula is broadcasting linked footage of a particularly lovely (and gigantic) flowering vine from his jungle adventure. The vine is arm-thick in spots and covered in lush leaves, and everywhere on it hang large peach-orange-red trumpetvine flowers. The vine has taken over half of the tree’s lower canopy, and the viewpoint slowly rises up into it, tracing the vine’s growth, and turns until all that can be seen are the clusters of bells].
[Next comes what looks like an extended dolly shot of the camera swooping through the massive trees, then along a flowered cliffside and right through a small waterfall. A splash. Rasping laughter. The camera refocuses on gigantic lilies and their pads dotting the pond at the base of the waterfall, then hovers out over the pond and examines the spreading flowers more closely. Then it backs away, lifting up to take in the whole scene: trumpetvines pouring over the edge of the cliff, waterfall, lilies.]
It is strange to find beauty in such a savage place. But I find that the contrast makes it all the more captivating.
[It’s not entirely clear if he’s speaking of the Port, or the Barge.]
[Back to the present. Dracula, at his desk, has a scrap of black wool and is diligently polishing something within its folds. He actually has a faint smile on his face.]
Brief poll. Who aboard would be interested in the regular use of an extended obstacle course for training? The CES could be converted to different courses for this purpose for perhaps a few hours a day. If the Wardens find this feasible, of course.
[Friends Filter]
Is anyone laid up? How did you all fare?
[Private to Petronilla]
Are you all right? I have an idea that might perhaps put a smile on your face.
[Private to Persephone]
I have many more images to show you. I thought you might enjoy them for nostalgia's sake, or perhaps as inspiration.
[Private to Aleera]
You were right! ...I suppose I should put an "of course" in front of that. [Just slightly sheepish.]
I have something for you. A trophy of sorts. I must finish polishing them first, however.