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Menelcar stayed for a bit inside the cabin after Telumehtar had left, jotting down some notes in the record book. Or rather, he was attempting to do so. He might jot down a phrase or two but then find his own pen stilled. His thoughts were simply too scattered to attend to business. With a sigh, he closed the book and tucked it back in a pocket. There would be plenty of time to take care of it later.
Restlessly, he stood up and paced the small cabin a couple times but found the space too confining. With no particular destination in mind he left the quarters and found his feet taking him towards the bow of the ship. The decks were busy, with sailors heading here and there, but no one paid him much mind, for which he was glad. Upon reaching the foremost point of the ship, he stopped and leaned on the rail, noting the pleasant breeze that ruffled his hair and clothes. The sun was beginning to set, casting a soft golden light over the long sloping hills. The dark shadows created a sharp contrast that only enhanced the landscape. Menelcar smiled slightly at the beautiful sight, but he did not focus much on it.
After a few minutes, he took out a pen and book, but not this time the record book he had been using all day. This one was his personal journal. He wrote slowly and thoughtfully, recording most of what came to mind. Why Telumehtar enjoys traveling by ship so much I don’t think I’ll ever understand. The occasional military campaign is rather enjoyable; it breaks up the steady routine of life in the city, but I should much prefer to travel by horse, or even on foot as the case may be. There is little of any interest on these rolling, cramped ships, though it is of course unavoidable on this mission.
He continued with thoughts about the morning, then captain and ship. And then as his thoughts started to drift once more, so also did his pen. Eventually, his pen stilled and he simply enjoyed being alone for a bit. Long ago, when it was his brother who had been the friendly one and not the king, he had been envious of his easy way with people, but Menelcar had long since learned that there was little to be gained from such company – they never understood him, though he had quickly come to understand them, fickle and simple as they were. He had long since learned to make his own way, and now delighted times spent alone without being lonely. And he remained there for a while, watching the golden light fade as the sun set beyond the horizon.
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