[u][b]The Toubres Empire[/b][/u]

Empress Maia Bastos closed her eyes, feeling the warmth of the sun on her face, hearing the purr of the engines beneath her, and smelling the salt in the air as the modest ship cut through the ocean. For the last three years, Maia had spent much of her time in the cluster of islands collectively known as the Toubrian Cyraxis’, and her skin had been bronzed by long days in the sun. She had not returned to the Empire’s homeland, to Amzores for long months, growing sick of the corruption that had begun to fester there under her father, the Emperor Adriano. But now her father was dead, and she was returning as an Empress. 

Opening her eyes, Maia looked out across the water. In the distance, she could make out the winding coastline of her homeland, and she felt a slight shiver run down her spine. A shout from the starboard of the ship caught her attention, and she turned to see a Toubrian warship pull alongside her own vessel, the two crews hailing each other. She shook her head, turning away slightly to watch the coastline draw closer, her attention focussed on the dark shape of Amzores, built in a natural bay. Another Toubrian warship detached itself from the handful docked in the grand harbour of the city and steamed towards them. When she would enter the city, it would be with an honour guard fitting of her new position and title. 

Sensing a presence at her shoulder, Maia turned to see that Vicenti Queiros had joined her at the ships rail. A weathered man, his skin hardened by long years under the sun, and on the sea, the young Empress had refused to leave the Cyraxis’ without him. He had been a tutor to her at first, but he had soon become like a father, and was her truest friend, and one of the few people she allowed herself to trust. 
In return, he had come to love her as a daughter, swearing his service to her. Feeling her looking at him, Vicenti turned and nodded in respect. Maia waved away his courtesy with one hand before frowning slightly. 

[i]“I do not have fond memories of Amzores, Vicenti.”[/i]

The older man was silent for a moment, turning back to watch the city as they continued to draw closer to it. 

[i]“Neither do I, Maia. But now you have power at your back.”[/i]

A smile crept across Maia’s pretty face. 

[i]“And I plan to use it.”[/i]

[b]OOC: +1 to all actions.[/b]