The meeting ended not with applause, nor with grand declarations, but with quiet movement. Chairs shifted. Papers were gathered. Lanterns swayed gently as people stepped out of the tent one by one, their conversations low and thoughtful. Some spoke about supplies, others about watch rotations, while a few simply walked in silence, letting the weight of tomorrow settle naturally into their thoughts.
Soon, the once-crowded tent began to empty.
Captain Elric left alongside several crew members, already discussing sail adjustments for the morning tide. The researchers followed shortly after, arms filled with parchments they intended to review one last time before sleep. Outside, the cavern echoed with distant footsteps and the soft rhythm of waves brushing against the harbour walls.
Before long, only three figures remained.
