The small fishing vessel dropped and reefed its sails, drifing closer to the massive vessel, as the captain watched two of the five crewman tie mooring ropes to the rails to keep the two vessels close together.

The waters near these island chains to the north of Kerendor were often placid, the warmth of the long dormant volcanoes diverting the winds and the seas further east towards the desert wastes of the continent. No one really claimed these small bits of land officially, but long had clan Windstar used it for clan meetings, when it wanted to be sure of a lack of eyes.

“Taloryian, get up the nets and report to the Nautical Sacrifice’s master. Tell them we are here, if they are too sea-blind to not have noticed.”

“Aye, Aye, my wise and masterful Captain,” replied the young, tanned elf.

“Better not report like that,” replied Loricare. “Oh, and put on your damn shirt.”

“Your wish is my desire, dear cousin,” laughed Taloryian, before scrambling below deck to quickly dress in more appropriate attire.

Within moments he was back on deck, scrambling up the ropes to the far larger vessel anchored nearby.

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A knock on the main cabin door rang briefly, before the door opened, and Windmaster Solrania stepped in. “There is a messenger from the Sea Crawler to see you Captain.”

“Send him in, Solrania.”

“Of course, Captain.”

The young, tanned, elf with sun bleached silver hair walked in, as the Windmaster shut the door behind him. He spoke formally, “Captain Ketheria, Captain Loricare’s compliments, the Sea Crawler and her crew report all is well and ready to assist in the clan’s activities.”

Nodding, the captain of Nature’s Sacrifice walked forward, to stand in front of the young sailor, before replying. “I would assume nothing less, Taloryian. When you return, inform Captain Loricare that he is invited to dinner this evening. The rest of the clan will be arriving over the next few days. The ritual rendering will not begin for another seven-day.”

“As you wish, Captain.”

Ketheria stood a moment more, as if inspecting the young sailor’s relatively worn and ragged attire before stepping forward and embracing him tightly. “It is very good to see you, my son. Sit, and tell me everything you have learned over this past year about the sea from your Captain.”

A knock rang briefly on the cabin before Jasteria, her valet walked in. “Wine and fruit, Captain, for you and your guest,” and the young elven apprentice smiled briefly at Tolaryian, her bright blue eyes flashing in humor.

“Thank you, Jasteria, you are most thoughtful.”

The afternoon passed quickly in conversation between the mother and son as the calm seas barely rocked the massive whaling vessel.