Janatheil almost asked. He opened his mouth for half a moment, curious at Asi’wi’s sudden silence. But then, he reconsidered, and let it rest. He was leaving, after all, and clearly the boy hadn’t objected or he would have said so — or acted to that effect — so, while it was curious and a touch discouraging that he had nothing to say at all, Jana supposed that was his business. They likely would not see each other to discuss it for much time, in any case, and by then, whatever was turbulent in the boy’s mind now would likely be long gone.

By the time he made it downstairs with his things, his aunt was ready. Last minute preparations were seen to, and then they were making their way out, saying their farewells to those who would remain in the house and afterward moving to the city gates with the company of those who saw them to that point.

Once out, mounted atop his hastar and saddled for the trip to the port, his boat, and his home beyond, Janatheil glanced back only once. In that glance, his eyes strayed to land and focus on Asi’wi before he flashed a single grin, winked, blew a kiss into the winter winds, and then turned forward. He did not turn again until the city was left so far behind that it was only a blur of distant white amidst the rest, and as the coastline came into view, he felt his chest swell with anticipation.

Soon, he would be home.