After Arno and Yuno studied the map, Arno replied, "I will be able to make a frame for this map in a few days. I will also talk to Tavho in the Printing Press to have a copy of the map made for you if you would like."
"That would be great! Thank you! I was hoping to get a few copies of the map made to sell to the merchants. I also have an idea for puzzles. They are pieces of thick paper or wood with a picture that becomes clearer as you assemble the pieces in their correct place." I explained to them.
Al looked surprised by my new idea. He had not heard of puzzles before, but found the idea interesting. If they were anything like the board games, they would definitely sell in high demand. This world was sorely lacking entertainment, and people craved anything to help pass the time.
"That sounds great! We can talk to Katie and Abby later about the map and puzzles. I'm sure that they will love them. Now, let's go look at the hot air balloon." Al spoke enthusiastically.
Yuno remembered something and spoke up, "Our newest apprentice should be here any minute. He had warrior training this morning, but it should be done by now."
Arno nodded, "Yes, let's wait a few minutes. If he is not here soon, we will leave a note for him to meet us later." He was impatient to see the hot air balloon that he had heard so much about.
Luckily, we didn't have to wait that long. A few minutes later, the doorbell rang again as a familiar baby-faced young man with black hair and grey eyes walked into the craftsman shop. He stopped mid-step when his eyes met mine. I smiled and waved at him.
"Today must be my lucky day! We meet again, Alisa." Tobin greeted me charismatically. Then, he noticed Al was also in the shop, "Oh, hi there, Al."
Al chuckled lightly and offered, "Hey, kid, we were just about to go look at the hot air balloon that Alisa and Second Lieutenant Zed flew across the ocean. Want to go with us?"
Tobin's eyes widened like an excited child on Christmas morning. "Definitely! Let's go!"
We all walked across town towards the hot air balloon near Al's house. The balloon was deflated since we didn't want to waste resources to keep the brazier lit. It was the beginning of winter, and wood and coal were needed to keep everyone warm. Zed had folded the balloon part and placed it inside the basket. It took up almost half of the basket.
I approached the basket and told them, "Here it is. The balloon looks a lot bigger when it is full, but it can be folded and stored when it's not in use. What do you think? I also have a few items that I brought with me from Stanarussi that you may be able to replicate."
They all looked at me in surprise. Arno finally broke the silence after what felt like five minutes, but was probably only thirty seconds. "So, this flying machine carried you and the warrior across the ocean, and up the mountains?" He asked in disbelief.
"Ha, yes, it was a little tricky at first, and we did have a little trouble steering it across the ocean, but it got us both here," I replied lightly. Their faces were so amusing that I struggled to keep from laughing. I could imagine their faces as the Star-struck emoji with star eyes.
Arno asked reverently as he hesitated to move closer to the basket, "May I touch it?"
I couldn't hold back the laughter anymore and replied through my chuckles, "Of course, you can touch it! You guys and the blacksmiths are going to replicate it. It would be hard to study it without touching it.
Tobin broke out of his stunned silence and went closer to touch the balloon. Arno slapped his hand, "She said that I could touch it. As the more experienced craftsman, I should get to examine it first."
Al and I laughed as Tobin shook his hand. Yuno whispered to him, "You should know that Arno likes to be the first to inspect something new." Tobin just looked away, embarrassed that he had been scolded in front of his crush and the clan leader.
I tried not to laugh and bruise the poor kid's ego even more. I went closer to Arno and explained, "The balloon is like a quilt with many different patches sewn together. The basket is woven together with wicker around a metal frame. The floor is made from wood. The ropes are woven tightly like a net and attach the balloon to the basket."
As I explained the basics of the hot air balloon, all the men got closer and examined the basket and fabric, similar to the way men inspect a new car on Earth. They were clearly interested in this new mode of transportation.
Tobin spoke up first, "Wow! My father and brother are going to love this! This is amazing! Maybe my mom can help with the sewing."
I looked confused for a second, and Al helpfully explained, "Tobin's father is Riktor, the head blacksmith, and his brother is Kirin. Their mother, Leyla, makes quilts and sells them to the merchants. She is very skilled with a needle and thread."
Now that I looked closer at Tobin, he did look similar to Riktor and Kirin; the main difference was the baby fat on his chubby cheeks. "Oh, that's great! You can all work together." I exclaimed.
I knew that the Kanta clan was a tight-knit community, but I didn't know how close everyone was to one another. A part of me was excited to get to know more about Kirin. Maybe this group project will bring us closer together. I thought hopefully.
Al caught my wistful gaze and snickered. He would definitely tease me later after dinner. I rolled my eyes and stuck my tongue out at him, which only made him laugh louder.