It was a warm spring day in the East Blue.
On Astrea Isle, the seagulls soared high above the clouds, singing their songs of summer, which was rapidly approaching. On Astrea, there was a young man, out at the dock. He was talking with some of the shipwrights who have been building a ship for him. It has taken over a year since they last had begun to work on it but now it was complete. Astrea had some of the finest shipwrights in all of the East Blue.
"It's coming along nicely, Theo, I was wavering in my faith but you managed to get it done. It's beautiful."
"Oh Lysander, you've always doubted my expertise even though I prove you wrong time, and time again." Theo and Lysander shook hands as they gave a cheerful laugh. Theo was an older man in his late 50s who was a lead shipwright on Astrea. He had long flowing grey hair with a big burly build."
"What do you call this fine piece of architecture?" Lysander said, walking along the dock, brushing his hand along the side of the dark oak wood ship. "It's called Galaxy Voyager," Theo said, throwing his hands up in the air with a grandiose gesture. Lysander smiled as he was walked toward the front of the ship.
The Galaxy Voyager was a beautiful-looking ship, its hull was painted with a beautiful dark brown with accents of black reflecting off of the bright sun. Theo told Lysander that the color represented the night sky and would allow him to travel across the vast sea in camouflage when nightfall approached. The ship's sails are a brilliant white, adorned with a blue stylized compass rose and stars, symbolizing Lysander's pursuit of the world's mysteries. The mainmast is crowned with a crow's nest that resembles a small observatory, complete with a high-quality telescope for stargazing and scouting the surrounding area.
Theo then escorted Lysander onto the deck of the ship. The deck was dressed with a beautiful blue turf material, it was soft beneath the feet, Lysander said "It's like walking on a cloud," they then moved bellow deck where Theo would show his true expertise.
"Galaxy Voyager is designed to accommodate a sizable crew sir, with comfortable living quarters and ample space for provisions and supplies. The captain's quarters, where you would be staying are decorated with a Astrea feel, with various navigational tools, maps, and artifacts you will feel right at home, even if you travel as far as Elbaf. The ship also features a well-stocked library, filled with books and scrolls on various subjects, including history, astronomy, and navigation." Theo said.
Walking around the different rooms of the ship Lysander couldn't help but gawk in awe. "Woah this sure is something Theo, this was much worth the wait."
"You haven't seen anything yet, follow me." Theo began to walk down a hallway that seemed to lead to a dead end. At the end of the Hall was the same symbol on the sail, a compass rose. Theo then told Lysander to turn the compass rose clockwise until north was south. Lysander did as instructed, a burst of loose air then escaped a hidden chamber behind a wall.
"Come with me Northstar, I think you'll like this," Theo said leading him into the hidden room.
This is my proudest design on this ship I call it the "Celestial Chamber," a room equipped with a state-of-the-art astrolabe, with a massive globe of the earth among other navigational instruments. This chamber serves as a hub for planning and strategizing, allowing you and your crew to chart their course through the treacherous waters. But my favorite part is this," Theo flipped a switch which darkened the room. Beautiful lights began to project outward from the astrolabe and lit the ceiling. The roof was now covered in a projected image of the night sky.
"This is amazing," Lysander said, looking around the now-lit room. For a moment they both shared a moment of silence before Theo showed Lysander out.
"Well, you've truly outdone yourself Theo, thank you. From the bottom of my heart thank you, money enough won't be enough to repay you back."
"Speaking of money Mr. Northstar this ship did cost a pretty penny to build. You are lucky however your since the last payment for the ship had been received."
"The final amount was paid for? By whom? My father said that I would have to make the final payment myself."
"I paid it Lysander." He was shocked at Theo's words. "Why would you?" Lysander said in disbelief. "I have built many ships for the Northstar family, for many years, each one getting better than the last. The Northstar name helped me in more ways than you could imagine, especially your mother and father. For that, I owe them a great deal and this is the least I can do."
Lysander and Theo shook hands once more, "Thank you, Theo, I will repay you when I get back."
"Don't worry about paying me back, just focus on being great... that will be payback enough."
Lysander would wave goodbye to Theo as he exited the dock and walked towards New Haven, which was the town he grew up in. Lysander would reflect on his younger days in New Haven. Memories flowed like a river, flooding his consciousness. Lysander would laugh to himself about them and he would get a little emotional about it. Even a small tear fell from his face as he laughed. Walking down the long dirt road, the town's children would play about, running around in a crazed frenzy.
The children were very fond of Lysander, maybe because of his playful nature at heart. They would always greet him when he would leave or arrive in town. It would get to a point where they would follow him around town like he was their leader. They called him "King Lysander." Lysander had a very good relationship with one of the children, her name was Veronica. Veronica was a 13-year-old small brunette girl with missing teeth and freckles across her face. She wore a light blue dress with some opened-toed sandals. She was also an orphan, who lived with a nun at the town church.
Lysander played an older brother's role in her life, and she played his little sister. They both shared a special bond and often Lysander would bring her to events at town festivals, or parties. He protected her from harm and those who would try to abuse her in any way. They would eat lunch together, and Veronica would often try to tag along on any adventure Lysander would get himself into.
Lysander knew it would be hard to face the children as they were dear to him, and he knew that the news of him leaving Astrea. Unfortunately, that time would come sooner rather than later. The children called to him "King Compass is here, King Lysander," The children screamed as they all ran toward him, hugging his legs. "Is it true that you're leaving us Lysander," one child said. "Please don't go Lysander you're our king, who will protect us when you're gone," another child said wiping their snot-nosed faces into his clothes.
"Yes, it is true I do set sail later today, but do not cry little ones, I will be back soon," Lysander spoke embracing the teary-eyed kids. While they all piled onto him, each child tried to snuggle their way closer and closer. Off in the distance, he could see Veronica standing alone, holding the stuffed teddy bear she always kept with her. Lysander couldn't help but cry as he stared at her. He had seen the other children off and began to head toward Veronica. She stood there with a strong expression of anger on her face as Lysander got closer and closer.
"Veronica, where have you been, you missed lunch with me today and you didn't get to see my new ship." She gave a sour glance at Lysander, popping out her bottom lip.
"I'm not talking to you Lys," she said turning her head away from Lysanders eyes.
"Come on Veronica, don't act like this, I'm going to be leaving very soon, come let's go get some ice cream."
"I don't understand why you have to leave."
Lysander chuckled as he bent down on one knee, becoming parallel height with Veronica.
"Because I need to go out on my own, and create a new life for myself."
"But why Lysander, you have a life here, you are supposed to protect me and grow old here, you want to leave me and your family for a life of piracy and treasure," Veronica shouted, a stream of tears began to pour down her freckle covered cheeks.
" Veronica listen to me, my dreams go beyond treasure and triumph. I wish to shoot past the stars that I've been studying my whole life. My future Crew and I will sail the seas and finish our journey at the pinnacle of the world. That is my Dream, and that is why I'm leaving, I've got to do this."
Veronica's face filled with anger and sadness, and out of emotional stress, she yelled "I HATE YOU NORTHSTAR LYSANDER!" slapping him in the face, running off with the other children.
Lysander's face was low as tears flowed from his eyes, he looked off toward the children running off into the distance. Quickly he gathered himself together and continued on through his hometown. He would stop off at all the places he would spend time during his youth. First was the Astrea library, then the local farmers he used to work for. Lastly, he visited his favorite bar and proceed to have his final drink.
"Lowry-san, I'm going to miss your peach ale brews. Nothing quite hits the spot like these, If anything I might have to stop by sooner than expected." Lysander said laughing. The rest of the bar all toasted their drinks to Lysander's last day on the island.
"Lysander I have a gift for you before you depart." Lowry the one-legged owner of the owner of the bar, quickly hobbled his way into the back, rustling around. The noises sounded like he was moving some type of furniture or large objects. "You ok Lowry? Do you need help back there old man?" Lysander said burping up some carbonated ale, "No I don't need help, I'm still as strong as an ox, I might have only one good leg, but I'm not a pushover Northstar." Lowry walked out of the back room, caring a massive barrel of peach ale. "I've brewed this barrel just for you, I have another barrel for your mother as well, I know she's a crackhead for this stuff for this too."
Lysander launched into the air as he wrapped his body around Lowry, kissing his head, thanking him for this precious gift. After spending the rest of the day in the bar day drinking and celebrating with the townspeople, the Sun was setting on the East blue sea, turning the sky a beautiful tinge of orange and red. Lysander had waved off his parents prior and had said goodbye to the towns before departing.
He stood at the edge of the dock, with Theo and his employees, running the last of the supplies onto Galaxy Voyager. "I'm going to miss the view here," Lysander said to Theo as they both stared off into the distance admiring the sunset.
"Yes I'm told the East blue sea is the most beautiful," he said putting his arm around Lysander. "Lysander," Theo said gripping him tightly, "Be safe on your travels, I hope you find what you are seeking out there in the New World."
Lysander threw his right arm around Theo embracing him, "I hope I do too, Theo san. Don't worry I will come back when I've made a name for myself, anyways I can't stay away too long, I'm addicted to Lowry's peach ale ha ha." They shook hands embracing each other with brotherly love. "Goodbye, Theo." Lysander then stepped onto his new ship.
The Galaxy Voyager was now embarking on its first voyage. Lysander looked back onto his home Island smiling as he sailed further, and further away.
Meanwhile, Veronica had been running through the town she burst into the bar, in search of Lysander. "Lowry san! Where is Lysander?"
"Huh? He is gone, the ship just took off about 15 minutes ago."
Veronica quickly ran out of the bar and down to the dock. Tears and snot streamed from her face. As she got closer to the dock she could see the ship off in the distance. She tried to get Lysanders attention from the dock, but he did not notice. She then ran across the coast of the Island toward a cliffside where she would be high enough for her voice to protect against the water.
She took a deep breath before shouting out onto the sea.
"YOU BETTER COME BACK NORTHSTAR LYSANDER! YOU BETTER BE THE BEST PIRATE IN THE WORLD FOR LEAVING ME!"
She was weeping and wheezing, an emotional mess she was. Off in the distance, Lysander would smile hearing the muffled words of Veronica.
"Don't worry Veronica, I will be great for you, and maybe one day, we can sail the seas together." He said whispering to himself before facing the vast sea. "It's time to conquer the world. First I need to find a right hand"...
Veronica watched from the cliffside, as Lysander and the Galaxy Voyager drifted away getting smaller and smaller, disappearing into the setting sun, until she could not see them anymore.