The Ruination of Hope

::22 Years Ago::
 
James headed out to the Mast and Anchor tavern. The building was large, and situated very near the docks. It was known to cater to all types, from the lowest deck hand to the most noble of captains. Between the hours of the lunch rush and dinner, James entered, looking for the man he wanted to meet. Given descriptions he’d been given, finding the man proved no difficulty at all. In the middle of the place, at a large table sat Conde Oscar Rosa Tudela Criado de Medina Sidonia. He was dressed in, what on anyone else would be, the most outlandish, and even foppish style. However on him it just seemed right. His clothes were of the richest fabrics, and the brightest colors. The smile on his lips shined brighter than the sun off the water.
 
James approached the table, and the Captain regarded him. “Conde Oscar Rosa Tudela Criado de Medina Sidonia?”
 
If it was possible, the mans smile became even brighter. “That’s me lad! But please, Conde Criado is fine for now.” He looked James over, taking in everything about him. “I get the feeling you’d like to discuss business. Just so happens that is what the rest of these fine people are here for as well, so please, sit, and let’s talk!” He motioned to an unoccupied chair.
 
“Thank you Conde Criado.” James said as he took his seat. The others at the table were all smiling as well, and James’s seat was right next to a particularly attractive Half-Elven woman. “And you’re correct. I’ve heard that you’re looking to take on more crew, and I find myself desiring to be out on the sea again.”
 
“I am indeed! Needing some fine sailors, and even a few greenhorns for a long voyage, eventually to end up in the western isles on the other side of the Lucetan Ocean. Does that sit fine with you?” The Conde asked, a clear tone of hope in his voice.
 
“That sits fine with me sir. Always wanted to see those Islands anyway, so why not get paid to do it, eh?” Polite chuckles and genuine nods happened all around the table.
 
“Now that right there is the right attitude. Always best to get paid to do what you wanted anyway. Of course there’s likely to be danger. Pirates, huge beasts, and worse stands in the way of our voyage. I hope none of you are put off by that?” Laughter and enthusiasm rang around the table. A few fists pounding into wood in exuberance and cries of “Let them try” were echoed. “And now that you’re all interested, let’s discuss pay.” The Conde says a number that’s more than double what he was earning before. And based on what James saw from everyone else, it was a similarly large number.
 
“If you’re still interested in the morning, come by my ship The Lady’s Kiss and we’ll get you signed on as crew and assigned. We’ll be leaving the day after with the morning tide.” Conde Criado stood up, and laid a bag of coins on the table. “You can consider this a taste of things to come. Divide that up, use it for drink, for food, for companionship, whatever you wish. But know, if you want more of that, I take care of my crew.” He grinned at all of them and headed out. They all opened the bag, gasping at the wealth inside. Each of them took an even share, and it was still more than they’d had at one time. For most of the evening they all stayed together, talking to each other and learning about their new companions.
 
James learned that they were just the latest group, that already several had been hired and they all were the last the ship needed. By the end of the night they’d all agreed that it was worth it. They’d all heard great things about this ship and it’s noble Captain. Even the most jaded among them felt that Conde Criando is one of the good ones. The next morning James find The Lady’s Kiss. On the dock was the ships bosun, a smiling, if brutal looking, half-orc. He looked up and saw a couple of the people from the night before on board already. James nodded, and signed his name in the ship’s book.
 
There was a quick introduction to the rest of the crew, and the ships officers. Everyone was smiling, and there was an air of joy and frivolity on the ship. They all got their assignments and agreed to be there early the next day before they sat sail. Most of the rest of the day was spent with everyone familiarizing themselves with the ship, and their sleeping locations. At night James came home to his family, absolutely ecstatic. He told them all what had happened, and that he was off again on a long haul trip that should easily see all of them set up for life when it was over. Over many laughs, smiles of pride, and more than a few tears, the family spent the evening, preparing.
 
Very early the next day James was up. It was still many hours before the ship was due to leave. Walking into the kitchen was his mama and papa, along with Yasmin, his eldest sister. They enjoyed a nice, early morning, home cooked breakfast. His mama making sure to feed him enough that he’d not have to eat for the next few months. After a few more laughs, and many long hugs and professing of love for each other, James made his way down to the ship. Others were arriving just as he was, but many were already aboard.
 
Once again, everyone was smiling, there was true joy coming from everyone and a boundless energy between all of them. They all stowed their gear and quickly went to task. Cargo was checked, dock lines released, sails unfurled. James looked back at the port city as they left. From high up on the mast he could easily see where his family now lived. He smiled in that way only those who have boundless hope can. He sent feelings of love back to his family as the ship picked up speed, and began it’s long voyage to the western islands.
 
Five days later, well away from land or any other ships, out among the truly vast and empty expanse of the ocean, is when things changed. None of them knew how bad it was going to become. The officers were all still smiling, but now it wasn’t for joy, but horrific lust. They’d all just sailed into the jaws of torment itself, and they’d done it willingly, with a smile on their faces.