Year of the Boar. Seventh Month. Day 9.

It is as if a huge weight has been lifted from my shoulders.  Since the Chief's offer of transport up the coast, I have felt almost... giddy. I stopped feeling tired and ill almost the very moment I accepted. I half wish Taiji and Aki were here to see the ships; I am sure Aki would love them. Half wish. Of course, after everything they have done and will almost certainly be doing in my absence... I have no wish to see either of them again. I must put them from my mind and enjoy these moments for what they are... I am so excited. I cannot wait to set foot on the wooden decks and explore the ships but I am told that I must wait. First the men must conclude their business and then the vessels must be checked to ensure they are seaworthy. Then, of course, we must pack away the camp and stow everything in the cargo holds, only then will I try travelling by ship for the first time!
The day after tomorrow cannot come soon enough...