The winds were blowing harshly and the rain was pouring down in thick sheets. The lightning flashed, illuminating the outline of the forest just ahead. "Keep the ship steady and on course!" Yumi barked at her crew. The ship was headed to the port town on the he other side of the forest. Looking out across the land and watching the lightning flash dangerously close to the crow's nest, brought back an unpleasant memory. She recalled in vivid detail the night of the storm that took her father from her. Returning to reality, Yumi called out more orders, "Keep those lines steady! Tilt the sails at an angle so we don't run unto those trees ahead! Prepare to descend!"

The storm continued to rage wildly as the ship began its descent. The ship was nearing the start of the forest now. Yumi needed to know how much space was between her ship and the tree tops, "Oy, Lookout! How much space is beneath us?"

Yen, the lookout, peered over the edge of the Violet Dragon. The rain was not helping him see, but he could make it out better than any other man because his eyes allowed to see in the dark and at great distances. "We have the length of three men between the tree tops and the bottom of the ship," he shouted down to his captain, "but nary more and we're running the risk of colliding with some of the bigger trees." He turned to look down at the helmsman at the wheel. "Two coming to starboard and one on port. 1 o'clock, 2:15 and 9:45," he hurled his voice down to the helm hoping he would catch all that over the roar of the storm. His voice was not as powerful as the captain's but he did what he could and braced himself for the worst.

"Alright! Captain, ye orders!" Called the pirate at the wheel, indicating that he had heard the lookout.

"Keep her steady, bring her up about one more foot so that we don't hit those tall trees! Then turn those sails so we hit the big gust of wind coming up from behind!" Yumi called to her crew and her men all hurried to follow out the instructions. Her wolf ears were sharp, so she had no trouble hearing Yen.

The ship was nearing the middle of the forest now and would be starting to come into view of the town. They needed to land at the edge of the town, the only large open space available to harbor her ship since the town was completely surrounded by the forest. The ship needed some supplies, so there was no chance of passing by the town. Yumi was eager to see if this town offered any possible new recruits. She knew that her ship would cause some commotion, but that would only increase her fame. Yumi smiled as she thought of this, more eager to reach the town.

The storm seemed to be hitting only around the forest, not reaching the town, almost as if by magic.

The ship made a gentle landing in a clearing. The three story inn was just a few yards away.

Yumi addressed the crew, "Alright, time to stock up on supplies! Get a move on! Meet at that inn when you are done." She pointed at the inn as she said the last command. Her crew hurried to make their way off the ship and onto the street. Each crew member headed off to a different shop while others who had no orders to get supplies followed their captain to the inn. A few of her crew stayed aboard to guard it. Yumi had assigned shifts to them so that they would be able to relax in the inn later. Yumi's pet dragon, Dracilia followed close to Yumi.

Yumi glanced up at the sign Red Rose Inn before entering. She paused for a dramatic effect in the doorway with Dracilia beside her and a few of her crew behind her.

She took a seat at a corner table. Her crew chatted amongst themselves and laughed loudly, but she remained quiet to take everything in.