Separation from his family constantly haunted Emiyn. The young Matori had always been dearly close to his grandparents and despite his misgivings about his mother’s situation the boy held a place for her in his heart as well. Just the very thought of losing them had kept him up so many nights, his eyes burning with unshed tears as he tossed and turned with worry. Needless to say, going from Oba to Belrea did not help the matter but Emiyn knew he had to do something to help provide for his poor grandparents. At least he could sleep easier at night knowing he had sent them packages, even more so now that he had a paying job which also earned him bonuses based on whatever their ship was carrying, and Emiyn was finding it easier to accept his fears as he embraced the company of others. Loneliness had made him snappy and perhaps a bit bitter but things were easing up the more he understood that warmth and friendliness could exist outside of his small family unit back in Matori.

Dear Grandmother and Grandfather,

I hope that everything is going well back in the village in Matori. We’ve been at sea for a few months now and I’ve gotten accustomed to the rolling waves beneath my feet. The creaking is almost like a lullaby that helps me to sleep at night, nothing close to the local songs you would sing when I was a youngling of course but still. The next shipment of medicine should arrive with this letter along with a few other gifts for you. Hopefully you all enjoy everything and can write back to me soon. I’ve enclosed instructions and an address to direct any mailings to in the future. I’ll always check once we arrive at the port for any packages as it is the one we dock at the most often.

As it is the evening grows late and I bid you all good health and luck.

Love,

Emiyn

The letters helped to ease with his concerns. Eventually Emiyn hoped that he would be receiving a constant supply of letters from his grandparents and his mother as well. Except when they went into the further out territories like Kahikina he figured that he could keep a good flow of updates going back and forth with his family. Emiyn had even spoken with Ephrym while learning the routes and realized that they would visit Matori at least once a year when trading with a certain group of merchants. Oban silks and spices along with Matori minerals seemed to be popular in Belrea and the crew would make good profit out of it after they had their fill of Kahikana. It had been amazing seeing the whole route and Emiyn found his fear slowly slipping away as he occupied himself with work. Sleep became easier and there was far less tossing and turning at night since he easily passed out once he finally hit the pillows of his cabin bed in the late hours of the night.

Admittedly he didn’t get the fullest sleep but what was one to expect when they were so busy helping to direct the crew? Navigation had its perks, cabin included, but it also took up a large chunk of his time especially when he had to direct the winds and study the stars. Even now Emiyn was taking out some maps, his inks ready for his work as he placed everything into a satchel so that he could carry it to the top deck. Work kept his mind busy and wore his body down so that he could easily avoid any anxiety about whatever life held in store for him. Emiyn let out a soft sigh as he locked his door behind him and started up the stairs that twisted towards the front of the deck. Out here he could study the ocean and landmarks of the islands lit by the late rays of the evening sun. Soon the stars would come out and he could pinpoint the landscapes by the northern star’s location, a great help in night traveling which he hoped could help make their route easier over time once he grew more acquainted with the new area.

Now to just hope that their trip to Kahikana would be fairly easy and not full of dangers and disasters. He wanted to get back to Belrea soon so that he could check on his letters and then in the near future go back to Matori to visit his family in person. That way his heart would be settled and his fear of separation from his family could continue staying far away.

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