"Captain's" Log, Seventh Entry

We're flying in one of the most beautiful machines I've ever seen. She's called the Nebesny tantsor, she's a skydancer, and she's immaculate, exciting, brilliant. There's so many things I can say about her, I don't know where to start. Gods, it sounds like I'm some lovestruck fool going on about a new flame. Maybe I am.
 
I should start with her designer, pilot and captain, an older air genasi by the name of Alexei Molniya. The man is a damned genius, but if I ever say as much to his face I fear his head would inflate so much he'd float away. He reminds me a bit of my old captain, colossal arrogance and all, but this one's actually earned the right to have an ego. I have to say, there's something inspiring about his confidence in his own creation. I wish I had the skill and cunning to devise a beauty like this!
 
Speaking of, the tantsor is propelled through the sky by means of a powerful spell - a thunderstep, I think it was called. The captain flies her into a storm, and she harnesses its power and jumps forward hundreds of miles at a time, riding the lightning. The sensation is phenomenal. You can feel the power coursing through her as it happens, and I'm not just talking about the turbulence. I've seen a great many things during my relatively short span of years in the sky, but I've rarely felt the sense of awe I do now.
 
I get the sense my friends don't feel the same way. Chuck seems to be feeling something approaching skysickness, and I could feel Caeli glaring daggers into the back of my head the first time the tantsor jumped. The poor panther is scared beyond reason. Maybe I should have considered that. Despite my near-constant state of wonder about the whole situation, I can't help but be sad they're not faring well. The sky is full of wonders, and maybe this isn't the best way for most to experience them. One day, I hope to show them that the wild blue yonder is no more fearful than the sea.
 
Nonetheless, I don't regret my choice. We needed speed, and Molniya and his skydancer have provided that, and then some. She's state-of-the-art, revolutionary, and if the Sky Queen smiles on us, she'll get us to Geldris and Birb's sister in one piece. I only hope we find her just as quickly when we get there.