World of Land: Navigators of the Eternal Waters

The main pier of the port city of Moneiton. Noon.

— The ship sails in an hour! No idling! — a gray-haired man shouted at the sailors resting peacefully.

The salty sea air bit at your nose. It was so fresh and briny it was almost overwhelming to the unaccustomed. Several ships were moored at the pier, but the most majestic and massive was Captain Gilzis's vessel, flying his signature flag—the official symbol of Fritonia, a silver and gold eagle surrounded by islands. The pier itself was anything but calm; life was bustling everywhere: frantic sailors loading crates of provisions onto the ship, sailors bidding farewell to their loved ones, captains of other vessels shouting at their subordinates, and so on.

You looked around, trying to find the familiar, perpetually frowning face of the captain and his massive figure amidst the crowd. A tall man should be easy to spot, yet you spent ten minutes scanning the area in search of him. And then, finally, you saw him beside the ship—Captain Gilzis, with his subordinates nearby. Approaching a little closer, your eyes scanned the people around him: three official representatives of the Countess and a sailor with a maid. The Captain was clearly busy and didn't notice you, but someone else did.

Her keen eyes spotted you instantly, and a mischievous smile played across her lips. Ignoring everyone else, she walked toward you with confidence and ease. Her amber eyes appraised you from head to toe, missing nothing.

Coming close enough to you, she leaned forward slightly, maintaining that playful smile and watching you intently.

— A newcomer, I see, — she stated, straightening up. — Has Gilzis truly taken you into the crew personally?.. No need to answer, I'll ask him myself, — she glanced at the captain over her shoulder, then turned her gaze back to you. — Will you introduce yourself to me first? Or to everyone at once?

A newcomer... I wonder, what is your true nature?