An ostentatious fanfare of trumpets suddenly filled the air in the dock's boarding area, as a nobleman dressed in showy rich blue garments marched toward the boarding platform.

"Greetings, humble mariners and wayfarers! Apologies for my lateness, but I'm sure the grace of my presence now more than makes up for it," the man announced with a dignified smile as he stepped aboard the ship, a young exhausted-looking page in accompaniment behind him, carrying a large gold-studded luggage with both hands.

The captain noted the man's entrance, making a polite bow. "Welcome aboard, Sir Landon! Your accommodations have all been prepared below deck. Now that everyone has arrived, we should be able to set off in a jiffy!"

Sir Landon inspected the ship, stroking his lightly stubbled chin, his feathered hat fluttering in the wind as he signaled to his page. "Go on then Luca, get my things prepared," he spoke in his posh tone as his young assistant huffed and dragged the sizable suitcase along, struggling down the creaky stairs.

Sir Landon then turned to the captain, giving a nod of mild approval. "My thanks, captain. I do hope we will be able to make good time on our trip? It would be an absolute disaster if I were late to my good sister's wedding banquet in Fairport. The Duke would [i]not[/i] be pleased!" he continued, entitlement dripping with every word.

The captain gave a hesitant smile and a nod. "Not to worry Sir, this wooden lassie here's as quick and reliable as they get. With the expected winds we should be able to make the trip within three or four days, barring any unforeseen events."

Sir Landon gave a tentative "hmm", looking judicially towards the sea. "I do hope so, captain," he replied in a tone of finality, before pacing towards the stairs. "Please get us moving as soon as possible then, captain," the nobleman turned to lightly tip his hat before proceeding downstairs, calling for his page Luca.

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And so with all expected passengers aboard, the captain soon made the final announcement to depart, a high pitched whistle that set the rest of the crew in motion with their last preparations. Untying the dock lines, the ship soon pushed out of the harbor and began its wavy journey into the oceanic horizon.

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