The sun rises over a dewy spring morning in the coastal town of New Fronio. A large ship floats in the harbor, its crew busily making preparations to depart. It will be a long voyage lasting days, as the vessel will be headed east across the Great Ocean to the city of Fairport. Or at least, that's the plan.
The oceanic scent of brine and seaweed drifts in the air, mixed with that of raw potatoes and spring vegetation. A chilly breeze blows through the harbor, as a flock of seagulls flutter through the skies, cawing at a distance. The ship's captain is merrily humming his own tune, a worn yet fancy tricorne atop his head as he hops about the deck making his chiefly inspections.
Some passengers have already arrived, while others are still on their way. A noble lady stands at the side of the ship watching the horizon, her two guards nearby. She wears a pensive expression, occasionally glancing back uneasily towards the town. An elderly man with graying hair and neat linens rests on a stool watching the sea, while a younger roguish fellow with a wide-brimmed hat surveys the rest of the ship with the hint of a smile.
Below deck, the main area is occupied by rows of sleeping hammocks, for both crew and passengers. Several rooms along the side offer slightly greater space and privacy, reserved for the wealthier travelers able to afford their comforts. Adjacent to the main room is a large dining room, with the kitchen area further back, rife with the smell of fresh fish and raw vegetables. At the other end of the ship is the captain's quarters, its doors closed at the moment. Near the hammocks huddles a family of three - a man, woman, and their small daughter - whispering hushed words among each other and shooting wary glances at the crewmates as the latter go about their work.
On the docks, near the ship's boarding entrance, the burly first mate stands, inspecting and collecting tickets from newly arriving passengers. Meanwhile, the captain's cheerful chirping can be heard ringing out from on deck. "Welcome, welcome! Make yourselves at home! 'Tis a fine day as any to sail into the magnificent blue!" he hollers in a richly accented voice to the arriving passengers, an enthusiastic smile on his face. The ship is set to leave in about half an hour, as the gentle winds continue blowing, whispering stories from faraway places. But where the ship would ultimately be headed, even the winds themselves could not yet say...