Year of the Boar, Eighth Month, Day 13.

I cannot say how much relief it is with which I am able to write that the ship will arrive on Dying Crane's land within the next day. If the wind picks up, we may even make it before dark. A day. It has taken me such a long time to get here and now, my arrival at Dying Crane is imminent. I can scarcely believe it. I have spent the past few sticks sorting out my pack. The servants clothes I wore to escape from Pale Twilight are in reasonably good condition and will be more practical to wear than the attire I have been wearing while I have been with the Traders. I shall have to ask for some more ink blocks and a new brush or two I think but I cannot see Kyung-Ah or Hyun-Jae wishing me to go without those. I think they will also send me on my way with some soap and enough food and water to last the few days it will take me to get to the House and some candles for the lantern I brought with me. It is a little bit ripped but I think it will suffice. I see no need to travel at night now that it is unlikely anyone would be searching for me this far north but it is as well to be prepared  just in case I do feel that travelling by day is too dangerous.
I felt violently ill this morning so I decided to venture onto the deck for some air. It was cold but the sky was clear and blue. I noticed after a while that the deck hands seemed to be disappearing below and that I was alone. I felt uncomfortable at that; I felt I would be safer in my cabin if the weather turned but as I was about to return there, the Chief appeared behind me. He stood directly behind me, pressing me into the rail against which I stood.

"I hurt you." The understatement of the year but I was not about to argue with him. "I would not wish to cause you lasting pain... Forgive me."

I almost choked upon my own tongue such was my shock at an apology from the Chief. I tried to turn but he would not allow it. I felt his arm snake around my waist and his lips brush my neck; his free hand slipping to settle at my collar bone.
I leant back against him, sighing softly, aware that this would be our last time together. He held me tightly, leaning his chin on my shoulder and we talked at length about what had passed between us. He does not want me to go. I have told him that I must but I have also told him everything that I feel for him and about him. He told me that his feelings are the same. When at last we coupled on a blanket on the deck, he was gentle and considerate.
It will be difficult to say goodbye but I cannot stay with the Traders indefinitely; I have imposed on their hospitality and kindness for too long; even were that not the case, I must get to the House of Dying Crane.