Day 2 of Summer in 515 AV
Sunlight peeked through the half concealed window of a small room that dwelt inside the Grotto’s End Inn, no less than nine bells in the morning. Sounds from the docks could be heard faintly through the thin glass that made up the window, seagulls squawking harshly in the breeze, captains bellowing orders to their crew and carts rumbling loudly down the streets, all filtered into the room.
A sleeping form sat huddled under a thin blanket on a bed that pressed up against the wall, his chest rising and falling peacefully as slumber held him gently; a soft sigh coming from his lips when he exhaled. But just as a candle flares up as it is suddenly lit, Lem Free’s eyes snapped open as he woke and two words instantly sprung from his lips in excitement.
“The docks!”
After fifteen years of experiencing nothing but farm land, the boy was finally able to go visit the ocean for the first time in his life. Having lived on the outskirts of Syliras in Mirahil’s Outpost with his Father, he never had the opportunity to visit the massive body of water that stretched out as far as the eye could see. But now here he was in Zeltiva, on a grand adventure of his own and the first thing he wanted to do was see the vast gleaming body of water where so many legends were told of.
Lem threw back the blanket excitedly, his gangly torso exposed to the cool morning air as he leaped out of bed. His curly hair lay flat on one side where he slept and stuck up crazily on the other but he paid no mind to it. The adolescent quickly threw on his tunic and began staggering around the room as he tried slipping his boots on without sitting down.
Having dressed himself hastily, the boy nearly darted out of the room when he suddenly remembered something. He came to an abrupt halt and turned around, withdrawing his hand that was half way to the doorknob. Lem hurried back to his bag and rummaged around for a few ticks before finally pulling out a thick, leather covered journal.
He gently stroked the cover, a small smile tugging at his lips, admiring the soft leather under his touch. His Father had given him the journal the night before he left on his grand adventure telling him not to open it until his first day in Zeltiva. The old man said it contained letters of wisdom, advice, encouragement and hope. Lem didn’t quite understand what his Papa meant by hope, but maybe when he started reading it, it would make sense.
Lem plopped down on the small bed, lounging on it lazily as he gently set the book down in front of him on the mattress. He untied the string that wrapped around it and gently opened the cover, revealing the first page. His brown eyes soaked in the familiar hand writing as he began to read the journal.
"Dear Son,
Today marks the first day of your 'grand adventure' as you have dubbed it. I can already imagine the excitement bubbling up in you right now, already restless and wanting to go explore as you read this. I knew I couldn’t keep you to myself for long and knew that one day you would go out to see the world.
You know how much I love you. The day I found you sitting on my doorstep, all alone and abandoned, I knew you were a gift. You stared up at me with you wide, brown eyes, so innocent and full of trust. You didn’t even cry as you sat there, gazing up at the world around you.
But like all gifts that are freely given, there comes a time when that gift must be passed on. I could not keep you to myself. You have too much to offer to the people around you to keep you from them. The world needs more people like you in it.
So remember who you are. Never let go of the innocence that you have. Pure hearts are rare in this world, show the people what you have, let them see your joy and show them they can have the same thing. I love you dearly my Son, stay safe.
Thinking of you always,
Your Papa"
Lem stared lovingly at the handwriting that sprawled around the parchment, a warm feeling blossoming in his chest. The two had a profound relationship with one another, one that Lem would never trade the world for.
With a snap, Lem shut the book and sprung up from the bed. He snatched his prized, fingerless gloves from the table beside his bed and slipped them on, eager to get outside. He opened the door to his room and slammed it shut behind him, racing down the stairs recklessly and through the Inn’s Common Room before darting out into the streets of Zeltiva.
He stopped in front of the door and looked around eagerly, his face lit up excitedly with anticipation. He spied two men talking adamantly with one another a few paces away and he pranced over to them.
"Hi guys! And good morning on this great day!"
Lem looked up at them happily, interrupting their conversation, causing them both to scowl at the fifteen year old boy.
"Can't you see we are in the middle of something?"
One of the men growled at him irritated. Lem managed to look sheepish and smiled apologetically at them.
"Oh. Uhh, I am sorry, sir. You see, it's just that I'm new to the city and all and was wondering where you would suggest I should visit."
Lem beamed up at the man who towered over him. The second man sighed, annoyed, clearly not wanting to interact with the youth.
"Why don't you go try East Street. I'm sure you'd fit right in over there. It's a lovely place. Now beat it."
The first man laughed and slapped the second one as they turned and walked away, picking up where they left off before Lem interrupted them.
Lem Free waved at them happily as they left.
"Thank you so much for your help! Have a nice day!"
And without wasting another moment, the adolescent headed down the road towards the direction the man had indicated to docks completely forgetting for the time being, arms swinging loosely by his sides.
Lem Free hummed cheerfully to himself as he half skipped, half walked towards East Street. His grand adventure finally awaited him.
NoteHey guys! Excited to thread with you all! This is my first thread and want to invite anyone who is interested to join in! Lem is going to East street and being the ignorant/naive youth that he is, will probably get into trouble. So you can either save him or get him deeper into trouble. Can't wait to write with you all!
