<div class="floatright">(https://elliquiy.com/elluiki/images/7/7d/B8c37200a214e470b8f4201c77081530.jpg)</div><strong>Captain Ramalan Fire-Orchid (Prophet of Human Potential)</strong>(https://docs.google.com/document/d/1YCZK28uvV0ugmN-Xfu2OMUoV6TRcCFezKKmL6pbN7K0/edit)<br/><br/>Ramaln stood on the prow of the Fire Orchid where it had run aground during the storm last night.  The handsome young captain was of medium build—almost slender—but tall with thick limbs and nicely toned muscles.   He wore a dark tunic and trousers with gold buckles.  His similarly colored long coat was similar, with especially brilliant gold on the buttons and cuffs.  Though subtle, ti was in fact an armored buff jacket.  The saber sheathed in his belt was longer and wider than most slashing swords.<br/><br/>Davalran glanced down the beach to one of his two escort vessels—a bireme with a fire cannon mounted at fore.  He turned to look out over the sea.  Then he glanced down across the storm tossed mess of his own ship—one of the largest merchant vessels made in the modern erra.  His eyes came to rest on a comely fire haired girl with light, freckled skin who was mixing and mashing together a few powders.<br/><br/><div class="floatleft">(https://elliquiy.com/elluiki/images/9/95/52745e95b101322f85f2512ecc267a79.jpg)</div><strong>Hearts Ablaze Abarami</strong>(https://docs.google.com/document/d/1HIsIRVzBisiu7Q4C65lYZwSXxqHIqdxFg0ZcXGKigJQ/ed<br/>it)<br/><br/>“Blaze,” he called, “How is that flare powder coming?"  Heart's Ablaze Abarami was more than just his concubine—she was an engineer, and alchemist, and a skilled gunner.<br/><br/>“It will be ready within the hour, master,” she called.  “A brilliant red-gold flare visible for several miles out to sea.  If the other bireme has survived the storm, there's a good chance they'll see it, and I'm preparing enough for five shots.”<br/><br/>“Excellent, little one,” he replied, then glanced up the island.   “But who else will see?”<br/><br/>Ramalan glanced to the right, at a companion so valued that she was one of a very few welcomed aboard his ship despite being of the fairer sex and not being one of his submissives.  “What do you think, Cynthia.  Was it a random storm?  Or Storm Mother mischief?”