Rising to a new day, a slight sense of apprehension came at the upcoming voyage. Passage had been secured on the Cinnamon Wind, a swan ship captained by Quhuru Mo, a fellow islander. Quhuru worked as a merchant, trading precious materials and cargo in ports all across the known world. His understanding of the different places was second to none on the isles and father felt that I could learn much from him during the journey that would make my time in Westeros easier. Their home port had always been our town and Quhuru was well known to the older generation including my father as a consummate professional, alleviating much of my parents worries. The nature of his work made it difficult to predict when he would next arrive, but his usual pattern had been at least once every other year. My father decided to deliberately delay my journey by a month in the hope that we would catch him and was rewarded for it. Since then two more weeks had gone by as their precious cargo was unloaded and the specialities of the Summer Isles stowed instead. The port hands took responsibility for that and repairing the ship for its next voyage, giving the tired sailors some precious time with their families.

Their time of rest had come to an end though, as today was the day we were set to embark. Scanning my room in a melancholic fashion, I noted the emptiness of it devoid of any personal objects. The Citadel boasts the greatest collection of literature in the known world and any one of those books could contain the information I need to understand my visions. To truly understand my dreams, the time I would need to spend in the Citadel is extensive, nominally I have told my parents I will return in two years’ time. This led to my mother’s decision to donate my courtyard to a new couple just branching out from their parents, a good deed but I can’t help the suspicion it has given the journey a feeling of finality. For ease of travel, I kept my possessions to an absolute minimum only bringing my weapons and chronicle with me both of which had already been placed on the ship. In terms of the funds I would utilise during my stay, precious gemstones had been added to the vessels cargo which would be sold by Quhuru when we reached our destination. The funds would then be invested into the Bank of Oldtown under my name, so I could withdraw the money at my leisure.

Sporting my guard uniform for the journey and my signature outfit already being loaded onto the boat, I set off for the vessel. Still early in the morning, the harbour was already a hub of activity. An over eager port hand almost running into me due to hurrying with his cargo. Families mingled about around the port saying their final farewells, their young children still attempting to rub the sleep out of their eyes.

“About time.” I hear a sullen voice grumble from behind me.

Turning around I’m met with the entirety of my extended family, in which I’ve come to include mentor and his son. The expressions on their faces telling a thousand stories. My father has that understated pride a parent feels when their child shows them they have grown up and they feel like they’re truly seeing their child for the first time. Initially against this journey of mine due to my age, the time I spent with the sea guard convinced him about my capabilities and ever since then he’s been nothing but supportive. Mentor’s face is unreadable as always, another quality they share as Jahi stares at me blank faced, his earlier comment the only thing giving away his impatience. A small part of me is starting to think this journey isn’t just about repaying a debt for him. Connecting the dots, I start to wonder if Jahi has always wanted to follow in his father’s footsteps and see the world. Saving that as a future discussion topic, I move on to my attendant Niyar who lips are pursed in a clear show of dissatisfaction.

“Not my fault, someone didn’t wake me up, almost as if they wanted me to oversleep.” Heavily hinting in her direction.

Niyar had always been supportive of my journey to Oldtown, but only because she assumed as my attendant she would naturally be going. The chance to explore a foreign country was too tempting for her so she had always been my ally in persuading my parents. It took a lot of effort to placate her when I finally had to come clean. Effort that was completely undone when she found out a few weeks ago, that Jahi was coming as well. A strong stance was the only option as though Jahi was able to protect himself, Niyar would be a liability in Westeros.

The more worrying reaction to my journey was my mother. Though her facial expression gave nothing away her chapped lips, puffy eyes and chewed nails told an entirely different story. Her appearance felt like a dagger through the heart and made me want to call this entire trip off. If the stakes off this journey weren’t so high, its even possible I would have but without me potentially many people could be killed so I harden my heart. I embrace my mother, whispering to her that I will keep myself safe and to expect me back in just two years. I even request an adorable little sister, as I’m aware my parents have begun trying again which causes her to laugh out loud. The atmosphere a lot more relaxed, I turn around to board the boat accompanied by Jahi. Only for slender hands to wrap around my abdomen and hold me tight.

“Be careful” a silky unmistakeable voice whispers into my back.

“I always am” I reply, confidently striding onto the boat, hoping the last impression I give my family is a powerful one.

Boat preparations ran as expected, while I made myself scarce in a corner of the deck watching the island that I grew up on. As the call to hoist the sails was raised, those early apprehensions returned with a vengeance. A small part in the back of my mind wondering if I got off this boat now would I be able to avoid the storm that’s coming. Content in my corner of the world, would I dismiss my visions as products of childish fantasy. Growing old accompanied with my wife and children, or would I come to regret my decision and eternally hate myself for it. Looking over the horizon, I make a solemn promise that regardless of outcome I will see this out to its completion. I owe myself that at least.