Eiji felt his heart race as he stood ready to join the crew, leaving the high, frozen walls of Tsutsumi Village.

“I’ve waited for so long. I can finally see what’s out there with my own eyes.”

Eiji breathed in the icy northern air, yet the sun seemed much brighter than on any day.

To sail the vastest ocean of Dylarus was to touch the horizon itself; he craved the taste of foreign spices, the hum of busy streets, strangers of many kinds, and the thrill of the unknown. Eiji could only imagine these things from the pages and words of his people who had journeyed the world before him.

Eiji was about to step on the gangplank when his younger brother pulled him aside,

“Hey, um… I know this has been your dream for as long as I could remember, and I’m happy for you, but please be safe.”

Fuyuki spoke softly with a strained smile. Eiji softened, placing a steadying hand on his brother’s head.

"Don’t worry, that storm that took ma and pa won’t find me anytime soon.”

His voice was firm against the cold, biting wind.

"I’ll be back with souvenirs in no time."

The voyage began with a rough start. Eiji spent his first few days battling a relentless seasickness, becoming the easy target of the crew’s laughter. But as his sea legs took hold, the world opened up in breathtaking color.

He marveled at sunsets that burned with warmth his frozen homeland had never known, witnessing the ocean’s waters under the light of the stars, watching dolphins dance as the morning sun climbed over the horizon, and exchanging silent waves with passing merchant ships from distant lands.

Finally, after nine weeks of smooth sailing through the waters, they arrived at the grand port of Aqmier, a sprawling, noisy melting pot of every race and culture under the sun.

Amidst the chaos of moving heavy boxes, Eiji collided squarely with a stranger.

“I’m so sorry, I didn’t see you passing by with this huge crate.” Eiji quickly put the heavy crate aside, “Let me help you,” and began collecting the man’s scattered belongings.

“I, um... no worries, it’s my fault, I was not watching my way.” The stranger was flustered and quickly helped Eiji.

“No, it’s my fault. Let me at least make it up to you.” Eiji spoke sincerely.

”No, really, it’s okay. With all these crates around, you’ll need all your time bringing these back to your ship.” The stranger politely refused.

”Please. I'd hate to leave such a bad impression of my people.”

Eiji insisted further.

”Well, um... If you say so. I don’t mind a drink or two.”

“You’re in luck! It’s my birthday today, and I am now officially allowed to drink!” Eiji lit up in excitement.

“We’re going to celebrate tonight somewhere in the city with my crewmates, but I’m not sure where, though,” He added.

“Well, I know just the right place.”

The stranger replied with the confidence of a man who had walked these streets countless times.

Eiji realized that this was his first time interacting with a human.

The stranger stared closely at the man he accidentally collided with.

And only then did Rowan notice the sharp, magenta eyes, grayish-blue coat of fur, dark stripes, and bluish-white undersides.

“By the way, my name’s Eiji. Tsutsumi Eiji of the Northern Winter Lands.” Eiji offered his hand to the stranger.

“My name’s Rowan Finch, from Ammallia.”

They shook hands.

“Oh, I see. So you’re also just visiting Aqmier?” Eiji beamed.

“Yep. But I’m no stranger here. I used to live in the city, but now I stay at Ammallia.” Rowan replied.

…

That very night, Eiji and Rowan, along with the others, went inside the largest and most popular tavern in the city.

The air was thick with the scent of ale and smoke. They did not wait long and started celebrating Eiji’s coming of age with drinks, grilled meats, and fresh siders.

The night went deeper, and the room was already filled with songs and cheers; some were dancing, some were already passed out for the night.

Eiji and Rowan sat huddled over their mugs.

“So, you just turned eighteen today, huh?” Rowan puts his mug down.

“Yup. But it’s a shame my lil’ brother couldn’t celebrate with me.” Eiji frowned slightly.

“Oh, but why is that?”

“He had his studies to deal with; the boy’s gifted with magic,”

“Oh, I see. I bet he’s one of those gifted children I hear now and then.” Rowan sipped his beer.

“He is! And aside from magic, he’s really good with books.” Eiji gulped down his beer.

“That’s amazing. I bet it runs in the family.” Rowan was curious.

Eiji looked down at his mug, and Rowan could see the shift of expression.

“What’s wrong?” Rowan asked.

“I don’t think that’s the case. I mean, I can write and read just like anyone else, but…”

Eiji shifted in his seat.

"I don't really excel at anything, and I haven't awakened some kind of mystical abilities."

Eiji scratched the back of his head with an awkward smile.

"I'm... just ordinary."

“You make it sound bad," Rowan spoke softly, "The world is full of gifted people. But it’s the ordinary like us, who keep the world going."

“Ordinary? You?” Eiji tilted his head, clearly unconvinced.

“Well, I can do a bit of magic, but not so much with academics. I’m just a simple farmer, living a simple life.” Rowan showed an easy smile.

“I knew it! Judging from the things you were carrying earlier, I think you’re an excellent farmer.” Eiji’s face lit up, “I wish I could watch and help you work,” He added.

“Well, why don't you come with me to Ammallia?” Rowan shifted. “I think you'd love the journey going there.”

A smile crossed Eiji's face, but it quickly faded.

“I really would. But we need to go back north, the day after tomorrow.”

Eiji took a sip from his mug.

”We need to bring back the traded supplies as soon as possible, though the trip would take us three whole months.”

Rowan nodded in understanding.

“I see… three months...” he murmured. “That's quite the journey.”

He smiled again.

“Well, if you ever find yourself in Ammallia, you're always welcome at my little farm.”

Eiji returned the smile.

“I'd like that.”

“You know what,” Rowan said, raising his mug,

“You still got one more day, right? I’ll show you around!”

Eiji's eyes lit up.

“Really?” A grin spread across his face.