Unfortunately, in the wake of the Crimson Fleet assault, numerous rumors have spread through Farshore. The death of Lavinia Vanderboren's brother Vanthus, his involvement with the Crimson Fleet, and his demonic nature are all tales that have been told and exaggerated again and again. Hearing these stories, some have come to question Lavinia's right to lead the people of the colony, and whispers of a hidden fiendish taint in her soul and ties to the Crimson Fleet grow stronger every week. This slander is fueled in large part by not-so-secret whispers from the Meravanchis, yet it still erodes Lavinia's authority in Farshore.
Vanderboren Manor is one of the largest and most lavishly appointed homes in Farshore. Rivaled only by Lord Meravanchi's Estate, the whitewashed mansion's two-story height is crowned by a small dome set with stained-glass windows that depict sailing ships. and fair seas. Within, much of the house remains unused, dusty gray sheets covering fine furniture and artwork in all the rooms except the kitchen, dining hall, Lavinia's quarters, and the room she's invited Grask to occupy. Having taken up the reins as Farshore's leader, Lavinia has spent little time seeing to her personal affairs.
It is still early in the morning one day and Lavinia ushers Daerith and Grask into the dining room for an early breakfast. Toast coffee, juice, fresh fruit, and turtle eggs lay spread out on the sideboard. She waves the two to take their food, as she does the same. Within a few moments, everyone is seated. The chapel bell can be heard ringing in the distance.
"As you know," she begins. "With the loss of Chanur, Fin, Wavedancer, and Berek, the Sea Wyverns are down to just you two. Worse yet, the Jade Ravens have broken up, depriving me of yet more help when I need it most. This cannot stand." Lavinia shakes her head. "To that end, Daerith and I have been seeing if any of the newcomers to Farshore would be suitable additions to your group. After much conversation, we think that there are three people that might serve. I've asked them all to come here for breakfast when the chapel bell rings the day in, so we'll all have a chance to meet them properly."
As she speaks, there is a knock on the door and her butler pokes his head in. "Milady, your guests have arrived."
"Very good, Emerson," she replies. "Please show them in."
A moment later, the butler returns with three people in tow, who stand arrayed just inside the door.
"Very good," Lavinia says. "Welcome to Vanderboren Manor. I'm Lavinia Vanderboren, as you all probably know. This is Daerith, and this is Grask. Please, get some food and introduce yourselves. We have much to discuss."