Crisis

When the morning dawned clear and bright, the sun cast a golden sheen over the restless waves. 

Aeliana stood at the edge of her ship's deck, her veil in place, her posture poised and steady as she surveyed the vast expanse of the sea. Despite the stillness of the morning, the anticipation in the air was palpable. 

She had spent the previous night poring over reports from the attendants she had sent to investigate the enigmatic swordsman named Luca. The findings were sparse, to her frustration. He had no notable affiliations, no recognized ties to guilds or noble houses, and no established reputation beyond this expedition. Yet, his skill was undeniable, a clear anomaly amidst the sea of adventurers. 

'Who are you, really?' Aeliana thought, her gaze drifting toward the distant platforms where the day's battles would soon unfold. 'No one fights like that without a story.'