Guidance of the Stars

Under the vast expanse of the night sky, the merchant vessel Seapearl sailed smoothly across the tranquil waters, heading towards the bustling ports of the southern continent. The crew, in high spirits, filled the air with laughter and chatter. Amidst this lively scene, a solitary figure sat on the deck, captivated by the celestial spectacle above.

This man, with a mop of curly hair, retrieved a wooden box from his bag. Just as the ship glided effortlessly over the ocean, his hands gracefully opened the box to reveal paints and brushes. Though a painter by profession, he wasn't painting for work this time; he sought inspiration from the heavens above.

With masterful strokes, he began to recreate the constellations that adorned the night sky on a canvas hidden beneath his coat. His brush glided smoothly, capturing the essence of the stars and forming intricate patterns. Each star represented a deity worshipped by the people of Elmrior, and he paid homage to them with reverence and skill.

As he painted, a passing cloud momentarily obscured his view, allowing him a moment to breathe in the salty sea air. To him, the scent was refreshing, comforting even. Soon, the cloud moved on, revealing a new constellation: the twins, representing duality. It was the largest of all constellations, each star telling a story from the Vresari tales of two brothers with differing goals.

Lost in his art, the painter felt a connection to the stars, drawing inspiration not just from the celestial heavens but from his own memories. He recalled the nurturing and love he received at the orphanage in Ordell, where the mothers and brothers and sisters had filled the void in his heart.

But his reverie was interrupted by a violent lurch as the ship was hit by an unseen force. Panic spread across the deck as the crew scrambled to stabilize the vessel. A low, ominous rumble echoed from the depths below, sending chills down the painter's spine. The ship was under attack, and chaos ensued.

Amidst the turmoil, the painter clung to his art, finding solace in his brushstrokes even as the ship was torn apart. With a leap of faith, he positioned himself between two wooden beams, clutching only an empty canvas and his painting kit. As the ship's destruction continued, he began to repaint the night sky, letting his brush guide him.

Above the screams and crashing waves, the captain's voice rang out, urging everyone to the lifeboats. With the ship sinking rapidly, the painter was pulled into a lifeboat by the captain. As they drifted away from the sinking Seapearl, the painter clutched his completed artwork, mourning the loss of the ship and its cargo.

Hours passed, and the night grew calm once more. The two remaining lifeboats kept drifting for a long time together, the survivors sharing stories and hopes for a swift rescue. The painter, lost in thought, stared at his artwork, pondering the similarities between his serene and troubled brushstrokes.

Suddenly, he interrupted the captain's conversation, lifting his painting for all to see. It was a replica of his first celestial artwork, featuring the Kraken, the Anvil, the Twins, and the Lady. Recognizing the Lady's southernmost star as a guiding light, the captain declared, "Lads, we're going home!"

In Phillip Jouvessier's hands, they held a heavenly compass, a map guided by the stars, leading them towards hope and home. This in all its magnanimity was all the assurance that the crew needed in a long while. And all from the power of the Divine.