It is a sunny morning, and the scent of sea air surrounded the docks of Vicona. The sound of the waves reaching the shore, as well as the bickering of the local sailors could be heard throughout the district. Dozens of large ships were docked in the city, and many taverns were filled to the brim with sailors from these ships. The docks of Vicona belonged to the Kingdom of Novoforte, a small coastal nation with one of the largest navies the world has ever seen.
From one of the taverns emerged two young sailors who were a part of this grand navy. They were brothers, twins even, sons of the renowned explorer Dom Vasco Afonso Remanza. The first one to leave the tavern was Emilio, a young sailor with hazel eyes, somewhat short light brown hair, and a hint of stubble around his chin and lips. His brother was Emanuel, who shared most of Emilio's physical attributes, and would be easily confused for Emilio if not for his longer hair put in a little ponytail and his clean-shaven face.
The young brothers shared a smile on their faces, for today was the day they began their expedition into the lands their father had discovered years ago. For the glory of their family and the glory of Novoforte, they were to sail to these exotic lands and venture into them to bring back converts, territory, and of course, gold.
The brothers approached their ship, the Balcahau Salgado, a humble ship in appearance, yet built to withstand whatever storm the seas of the west ocean dared to throw at them. There their father Vasco waited for them. He was not too old to no longer sail, however he would not be able to go with them due to the King wanting his presence in the nation for advice, as well as his need to manage his lordship, the county of Corcantão.
"Emilio, Emanuel," he spoke, "I am proud of you. I trust you will be able to handle yourselves without me this time?"
"Of course, father." Emilio responded, "Thanks to you, sailing is in our blood now!"
Emanuel would shrug, feeling slightly less optimistic than Emilio.
"Something wrong, Emanuel?" Emilio would enquire, which Emanuel responded with a sigh,
"It's not the sailing I'm worried about, it's going into these uncharted lands that bothers me.."
"I'm sure we'll handle the land as well as we do the sea, brother. I've no doubt that the creatures and people that dwell in these lands are any different from the people that dwell here."
Emanuel would mutter under his breath, "That's the problem.."
"What was that, brother?"
"Oh, nothing, brother. I am still eager to see the sights!"
Dom Vasco would merrily laugh, "Emilio, Emanuel, I am sure you two will be just fine. Just remember everything I taught you."
"Yes, father." They would both respond in a bored monotone sound way.
"Very good, is your crew ready?"
"We've woken all the sailors and crew in each tavern." Emilio would respond. "The Balcahau Salgado will be ready to sail in an hour or so."
"Good, good. Your fate belongs now to the great Sea King. May he watch over your ship.. I will make sure the king hears of your deeds when you come back."
"If we come back.." Emanuel muttered again before looking around hastily to hear if his brother or father heard.
"Farewell, my sons, and good luck." Dom Vasco said as he took his leave. The two would happily wave at him, for this would be the last they would see of him for months or maybe even years. Emilio turn to Emanuel, with a grin on his face.
"Well, here we are! We're commanding the Balcahau Salgado on our own this time. Brother, remind me of our plans.."
"Well, Emilio, our first destination is.."