The sun had begun its descent over the East Blue, painting the waters in streaks of gold and orange. A small, sturdy vessel carried Maris and her few initial crewmates—Selene, Lyra, Brina, and Maeve—toward a series of islands, each holding a potential member for her growing crew.
Maris stood at the bow, dark blue eyes sharp as she surveyed the horizon. "Next," she said calmly, "we need precision, creativity, and skill. Each member we recruit will strengthen the crew… and prepare us for the day we have a ship worthy of our ambitions."
Selene smirked. "A swordswoman, a navigator, two cooks, and a sniper already. You're not settling for ordinary."
Lyra nodded. "Strength alone isn't enough. Each addition must complement the rest."
The first target was a small industrial harbor on a rocky island. Timber, metal, and sawdust filled the air.
At the edge of the docks, a muscular woman with short chestnut hair worked with a hammer, repairing a hull with precise, powerful strikes.
Maris approached with Selene and Lyra. "I'm Maris D. Luna," she said. "Your skill, strength, and precision are exactly what we need. Join us as our shipwright."
Tessa crossed her arms, considering them. "I'll join. But I do things my way—and I expect our ship to be maintained properly when we have one."
"Perfect," Maris replied, shaking her hand. "Welcome to the Gale Serpents, Tessa Ironwood."
Next, the crew approached a quiet village filled with herbs and flowers. Selia Bloom, petite with long lavender hair, carefully mixed potions in a small garden.
Maris stepped forward. "I'm forming a crew capable of surviving the East Blue—and beyond. Your skill with medicine, herbs, and precision is exactly what we need. Join us."
Selia studied them, then smiled faintly. "I'll join. But I work my way—and the crew's safety must come first."
Maris nodded. "I wouldn't have it any other way. Welcome aboard, Selia Bloom."
At the next island, Maris' eyes fell on a small boat expertly guided through narrow channels. Lean, confident, and agile, Namiya Wave maneuvered it flawlessly.
"I'm Maris D. Luna," Maris said. "Your skill as a helmsman is unmatched. Join us to guide our future voyages."
Namiya smirked. "I'll join. But I steer my own way—and anyone who interferes with the ship will regret it."
"Excellent," Maris said. "Welcome to the Gale Serpents, Namiya Wave."
Finally, a small artistic village echoed with the soft, enchanting notes of a harp. Lyric Sonnet, tall with pastel pink hair, played with focus and grace.
Maris approached. "Your music, skill, and precision can inspire and protect our crew. Join us as our first musician."
Lyric studied them, then nodded. "I'll join. But I play my way."
"Welcome aboard," Maris said. "The Gale Serpents are stronger with you."
The crew had grown steadily. With each member, the bonds of trust, skill, and loyalty grew stronger. They didn't yet have a grand ship, but the day they would build The Whispering Wind was coming—and with it, a vessel worthy of their unity, ambition, and freedom.
The journey across the East Blue was far from over.