Board Thread:Roleplay/@comment-28718853-20200820153125/@comment-28358106-20200823031312

Some distance from the castle, out across the bay, the water is smooth as glass. The pale, octarine glow of the night sky is reflected on its surface, undisturbed.

The air shimmers. The stars on the surface of the water shimmer, then disappear as a blast of wind forms a wall of mist, the column flashing with white. Snow bursts from the maelstrom, growing, as two dark shapes lurch from its epicenterand glide across the surface, leaving a crested wake.

The howling fades, and the snow flutters away. Huge chunks of ice bob in the water and are bumped aside as the two huge longships slow their speed, the friction of the water checking their momentum. For a few seconds, the air is again silent, the only noise the gentle murmur of the parting water beneath the prows of the ships.

"Well done, Cirelle! Ha haa!"

The voice, clear in the night air, comes from a boy, standing at the prow on the lead longship. His hand rests on the dragon that is the figurehead of the ship, as if he is touching an old friend, or possibly a pet.

"Your words flatter me, your highness." A Glacies, standing atop the mast, lowers her arms as she speaks, the glittering magic fading from her hands. She hops off and floats down, a sparkling trail following her as she comes to rest just behind him.

"The port should be just ahead, my Prince. With any amount of luck, they saw us arrive through the portal,and should know of our approach."

"Indeed. What say you, Arlmar?"

Another youth, this one older, loosens his grip on the rigging rope he is holding. "Erm...not as bad as a tempest, at least..."

He casts a look sideways at a young Yeti, who is shakily leaning against the siderail, between two shields. He grins. "...Moki might not think so, though."

"Hrblrgblblbb..."

The yeti doesn't bother looking up as she mumbles.

Prince Finn turns his attention back to the port, the lights of which are now easily apparent in the darkness. "How do you think Hyngwar and Gustav are faring?"

"Their drakkar is still right behind us. Bann Hyngwar has seen enough for many lifetimes, I am sure.  A portal would likely do little to surprise her."

"I am glad she asked to come," Arlmar says, approaching the pair. "It only seems right."

"Mind yourself!" Cirelle suddenly turns and looks at him harshly.

"No, no, it's all right, Cirelle. Arl is correct.  On this engagement, I  represent my father, and you represent mother.  But in a way, Bann Hyngwar represents all of us, back to the beginning.  We owe her much."

Finn reaches over and pats Cirelle on the shoulder as he steps by. "Let's not quarrel before we've even arrived! Come on, Moki."

"Blurk. Yes, lording..." Slightly green, the Yeti follows.

By now the crew is stirring, making ready for dock. The sail is furled, lashings are released. Guards, servants, and sailors move about as the two ships creak their way landward.