Young Writers Society

"I was introduced to my faithful captain, a fellow from the South by the name of J'Nor Lan. He's very charming but has yet to crack a smile, which I will attempt to remedy during our voyage. Despite this, he has a kindness about him that convinces me to place my trust in him--" Emery paused, chuckling. "--and I hope we will come to be great companions on this journey.
"The snow started falling the moment we set out, and it has not stopped since. The sea is irritated by the blizzard and has thrown us this way and that all night. My son has become sick overboard more than once, and now he lies in fever on the other side of the roon, cursing the waves and praying for land. I'm afraid I cannot relate to his discomfort; my stomach is strong and my appetite for travel even more so."

Well, it seemed Perseus didn’t have a stick up his ass, unlike the current Lord Ash. “Who was his son?”

"That would be Armand Ash." Emery hesitated. "Not to spoil the ending but I believe he died the same year this account ends. Only eight years old."

“That’s tragic,” Aleth said. “I take it Perseus had other sons, then?”

"A daughter named Liesel. She became the Lady of House Ash after Perseus's death. I'm told she was a just Lady."

“Ah,” Aleth said. “That’s good at least.”

"For certain. The Ashes have had some rough patches, but nobody can doubt Lady Liesel. They still sing songs about her."

“Is that so?” Aleth asked, delighted that Emery was offering so much information so freely.

"Oh, certainly." Emery settled the book in his lap. "Shall I go on?"

“Please.” Aleth gestured encouragingly.

"I have read previous accounts of other Lords and even our King traversing the lands beyond our Realms. They were woefully lacking in detail, speaking only of savages and wild beasts. I believe there is something more to the people of these other lands. I want to learn their ways, to hear their stories."

Well, that would be interesting to hear about if he actually succeeded in that mission. And lived to write about it.

"My son stirs and asks if I will take him to the rail again. I must attend to my duties as a father, but I will write more on the morrow." Emery turned the page. "Next entry. Your turn."

Aleth took the book and flipped to the next page. He made sure to go slow and stumble over his words and ask for help periodically (but I am too lazy to write that so just imagine lol)

“The night was long and restless for my son, and, by extension, me as well. I fear I may have made a mistake by bringing him along on this excursion. For the sake of his constitution as well as my sanity, I hope that he adapts to the trials at sea quickly.

“The captain tells me today seems to be another taxing day on the water, the wind and the waves against us at every turn. I’ve yet to earn a smile from the stoic man, but I believe I am slowly beginning to make it past his detached civility. He told me this morning a story of passionate affection for a girl from his younger years, and I think there is more personality to him than he’d like to admit.”

Emery raised an eyebrow. "Ooh, interesting. You know, I think I may have read this one before. A long time ago when I was just starting out?"