[center] [color=2e3192][h2]East Docks, Velor Harbor: Sea Stalker[/h2][/color] [img]https://i.pinimg.com/564x/b0/3b/b4/b03bb48486d63764870a923c94bc51c4.jpg[/img] [@Kalleth][@ManoftheNorth][@71452K][@Spriggs27][@InkIsDorian][@InkIsDorian][@Rekaigan][/center] [hr] [color=6ecff6]"Are the contracts signed?" [/color] To the left of the captain stood his first mate, Jefford Juneprey. The second of the ship was a lanky fellow with a dirty grey shirt and dark pants. The only thing separating him from the other sailors on the ship that went unarmored was the well tailored leather gloves and boots, a simple sailors Tricorne adorning his head. The second saluted his captain and stood at attention, [color=f7976a]"Yes Captain Ironwave. The Virtuous company already has a dozen of its lesser members on board awaiting command to set sail. They've been asked to stay in the underbelly of the ship until we arrive at the drop zone. The upper members are arriving shortly, sir. Reports say they have stopped across the town to gather last minute supplies from the vendors." [/color] Ironwave stood taller than anyone aboard the ship. A gray beard hanging down past his chest displayed his age, but the icy blue eyes leering from his sockets betrayed his hidden strength. Even at the ripe age of 55 the captain was an impressive figure, dressed in royal finery from head to toe. A stylish Tricorne and a long gold-blue coat embroidered with the Councils coat of arms, pristine white undershirt and a silk sash serving as his belt over worn black pants and pristine leather boots and gloves like that of his second. The handle of the curved blade resting at his hips was worn out, telling of its heavy use. Above all else the Captain was a soldier. [color=6ecff6]"We make for the lightless the moment all Virtuous officers board deck. This is Council business. I want every crew member to be aware of the situation and aware of the plan from step one until completion. Anyone steps out of line they feed the sharks, no exceptions. Have I made myself clear Mr.Juneprey?"[/color] Thadeus glanced at his second from the corner of his eye as he finished giving orders. Still saluting, [color=f7976a]"Crystal, Sir. Every crew member knows our orders and destination to the letter, and I'll see to it we get another reminder before we arrive." [/color] Thadeus nodded to his second before dismissing him with a wave. From the wheel the smaller man makes the rounds in practiced efficiency, shouting orders for food and drink to be put away on the double. No matter how the events went down the Virtuous company would arrive on schedule. The tricky part was getting them off the ship without arousing suspicion from the watching natives. If the Sea Stalker landed on the shores there would be hell to pay on both sides. Not that Thadeus cared for the dead but if the ship was unable to sail back it would mean doom for them all. Glancing out over the stretching blue seas glistening in the fading light of the afternoon sun, Thadeus reached up to touch the embroidered councils coat of arms with a feeling of reverence, duty, and a mind full of doubts. With a gruff snort he whispered out to the breeze, [color=6ecff6]"For the Council."[/color] [hr] On the docks waiting for Virtuous members of higher rank, the ones granted freedom of choice for their loyalty, waited a familiar sight. The Slaughtered Elk Inn was run by an elderly man in his early fifties sporting a frail physique and a well maintained mustache with a balding head. His clothing was the same as he wore at the bar, from the simple boots to the white apron. It had always been his way to dress this way but rarely did he ever wander from the tavern without just reason. A letter had arrived late from the Grandmaster of the Virtuous Company explaining the situation. Every member was given an identical letter with their orders and serving rank. For this mission to the Lightless realm the leaders of the group were as follows: Acting Captain; Reignald 'The Old'. Vice-Captains; Ricardo de Vigil / Fiers Hartwine [i][color=0054a6]To my Children, Blessed be the Virtuous, To traverse the Lightless realm is a daunting task. One I expect will cost lives for its completion. We are the swift hand of the Ruling Council charged to the task of eliminating the threats to our home and country alike. Together you can overcome any obstacle this land will throw at you, no matter how seemingly impossible. Those with the most experience on the frontline are given command over the Company in this dark place for better or worse. Many of you are hesitant to allow Fiers leadership given past experiences, but you will put aside personal grudges or distrust in the name of success. Listen to the commands of your battlebrothers and sisters if you must fight your way through this cursed land. Those who are trusted with leadership carry the weight of our name and together you will cut a path of golden light through this darkness. Sincerely, Grandmaster Elidren[/color][/i]