Chapter Text
In the early hours, sun barely peeking over the horizon, the ancient port is already bustling with life. Vendors loudly offer their wares as carriages roll by. A stern looking woman is going from stall to stall with three children in tow. She’s making light conversation with a fish vendor while her youngest wanders off towards the river.
The child’s feet, a little too big for their hand-me-down shoes, make little noise on the cobblestone street. Standing by the riverbank, they watch with fascination as all kinds of naval vessels dock, from the smallest dinghy to the grandest fortress of a ship. Of the latter, one in particular stands out; a large war-vessel, aptly painted in the gaudiest crimson. The kid can’t help but feel reluctant admiration for the owner’s blatant display of wealth, having the means to waste such a precious pigment on the hull of a ship.
Just as they’re about to return to their mother and siblings, the child’s eyes catch someone disembarking the obnoxiously red vessel. A tall woman with dark curls and tanned skin, a sword on her hip and a confident look in her eyes. Gold jewelry glinting in the morning sun as she casually strolls along the port.
The child breaks out of their awe, looking down at their patchwork clothing and worn leather shoes in dismay. They sigh, shoulders sagging, before hurrying back to their family.