"Brother, did you prepare everything?" Effie's small voice rang out across the docks, sharp against the cool morning air.
The sky above was pale, streaked with thin gray clouds, and the scent of salt clung to the wind blowing from the endless sea.
The snow that had blanketed the land for so long had thinned a bit, leaving the air brisk but not suffocating.
Effie's crimson eyes were wide as she looked up at her brother, standing tall in front of the massive ship that loomed like a beast ready to take flight.
Behind him, the vessel groaned under the weight of crates and barrels being loaded by the last of the sailors.
The crew bustled about, stronger and surer than when they had first arrived months ago.
Their shirts stretched across muscular arms, their laughter carried easily on the wind.
She wanted so badly to follow.
