Parallel doesn't know of any particular ship fitting the vague description, but as a child he heard whispers of ships in the mist. Unfortunately, despite any prodding, no one could provide further detail and until this day, such tales might have been thought mere fancy. With a mixture of fascination and, perhaps, trepidation, the halfling strains to see and hear the coming of an approaching vessel. Yet there is only silence, save for the quiet lap of waves against the Red Cutter.
Golwen's owl returns to the mainmast, perching without a sound above the crow's nest. Rhevia turns her head to the port side like a faithful hound directing your gaze.
There is nothing at first. Then through the mist, approximately 120 feet away, the faint silhouette of another boat begins to emerge. A black bowsprit slips into view, piercing the cloudy haze to herald the appearance of the dark, rotting figurehead in the shape of a nude woman in flight with arms stretched behind. As more of the vessel is revealed, three tall masts lift tattered and windless sail like wisps of spiderweb. The hull and deck are draped in a spattered canvas of algae and seaweed, lending a dark and sickly green to the black timber. Even the figurehead is stained in similar manner, like a trail of emerald tears from pupil-less eyes, like bile oozing from open and down-turned lips.
No movement can be seen on the deck of the far vessel, which appears clear of anything you might expect on a seafaring ship. Only the shredded sail sway, like diaphanous curtains in an open window. The figurehead pulls at the timber like dragging a heavy cloth as the ship slowly drifts forward.
Captain Yokgrumli and the crew of the Red Cutter are silent. They do not address any of you, eyes fixed on the boat beyond, not moving from where they stand. In fact, they go so far as to ignore you, their own breath caught in their lips. Each crewman's expression seems rigid, a mix of wonder, fear, and concern. The veterans, including Yokgrumli, appear focused in intense determination. It is as though no one is willing to break the silence and invite attention to themselves.
Soon you will pass, with some distance of seawater between.
