Caira

After what seemed like an endless stretch of ocean, finally, a thin strip of land began to reveal itself over the blue horizon on the thirteenth day.

At first, there was seemingly nothing, just the vast expanse of the ocean meeting the sky in a seamless blend of azure hues.

But then, like a mere whisper on the canvas of the sea, a smudge perhaps came to appear in the gradient where the cerulean waves meet the boundless sky. 

And as time unfurled and the ship got closer and closer, the ephemeral illusion started to give way to undeniable reality, taking form and substance.

The faraway horizon transformed into a distinct outline, and Alexander was able to soon spot evidence of human civilization in the distant land- a rugged coastline etched against the backdrop of the endless ocean populated with black dots that were constantly moving and shifting.