Nell Vane

Nell Vane runs Balloons Aloft aboard the Orbiting Market. Once a skyship rigger, she can secure a balloon with one hand while explaining why its color is exactly what your day needs. Her plum coat and mustard sash are cheerful declarations of taste. She enjoys a flourish, but the careful knot beneath it matters just as much. Nervous visitors get a patient demonstration and a ribbon they can comfortably hold.

Nell collects pennants, sorts ribbons by the light they catch, and reads with cinnamon tea after closing. Her Purple Luneth, Pennant, settles near the shaded lantern rather than chasing the bright balloons. Nell prefers plum and warm gold together and has a soft spot for cloud-shaped souvenirs.

Bram Keel is an old crewmate and a trusted friend. Nell repairs his sash while he checks her reels, each pretending the other needs supervision. When the market is docked, she enjoys comparing fabric colors with Pearl at Cloudloft Threads.