Spring Year 1 - The Gathering Storm.
Clar Karond Noble Quarter - Dusk
The City of Ships bristled with activity as the sun continued on its
inexorable journey towards the horizon, setting the harbour ablaze with
its glow. The baleful silhouettes of countless black masts crowded the
evening sky seemingly without end, the dark sails rippling in the bitter
wind that blew in from the Darkwine River. The last remnants of the
winters chill lingered, her icy grip over the Sea Of Chill coming to an
end as winter made way for spring. The splintered glaciers in the
harbour turned the river the deep crimson of freshly spilt blood as the
light faded on the horizon.
The haunting bass note of a horn rang clear on the night breeze. Its
final mournful howl fading as the sun finally dipped below the horizon
casting the city into darkness. The city transformed with the onset of
night - a city once at peace in the light of day became a city of murder
and intrigue. The screams of the damned echoing like the sweetest melody
of untold pleasures upon the wind. The docklands were a popular haunt
for those seeking an equal measure of both, where one would have to
watch not only their purse but their back too if they wished to see the
light of the new day.
A pall of smoke rose from amidst the crates that littered the quay, the
flickering light from the near by brazier casting the Captains features
into stark relief. The light played across his stern but noble
countenance, giving the fine lines of his angular features an almost
ethereal quality promising adventure and death. The dark orbs of his
eyes flittered over the passing crowds with mild interest, as he raised
a slender glass to his lips taking a large pull of the contents within
before setting it down on the crate beside him. He pulled his thick
cloak tighter around himself, letting out a deep growl of irritation as
the wind bit cruelly at his unprotected face.
He lounged there for a time listening to the rhythmic heartbeat of the
ship behind him, the Sirens Call a soothing lullaby for him and those
whose home lay on the open sea. With the ice beginning to thaw it would
not be long before his crew began to gather for yet another prosperous
year on the open sea, several of them already on board who he left to
their own preparations.