#1: Dear Diary
Dear Diary,
It’s my birthday tomorrow! Which means that it’s time to start my Wandering. I’ve been looking forward to this for months, but now that the time is here… well, I’m nervous.
I’m going to be alone.
Just me.
Doing what I want.
For the first time, ever.
I spoke with the Elders about it and Matron Nehma said ‘You’re never alone if you’ve got someone to talk to’, which is where you come in Dear Diary. Apparently talking to you will help me focus my thoughts, and will make me feel less lonely. Are you up to the task?
Well if you’re to be my new best friend than I suppose that you should know a little bit about me.
Who are you?
My name is Besh. I’m a Ysoki, from the Harbor Street colony in Escadar.
How old are you?
I’m 11 right now. I will be 12 tomorrow. Officially an adult!
What is your Wandering?
Upon the day of their reaching maturity all colony members will be sent upon their Wandering so as to experience life amongst the other races and to learn from them. That is what the Elders tell us, at every meet. On the day of their 12th birthday every Ysoki is sent away from the colony and told to experience the world. We aren’t allowed back for two years!
Why are you nervous?
I’ve lived in this colony my whole life! There are Ysoki everywhere. The colony is packed, there’s always people about. There are dozens of my brothers and sisters in this room with me right now. But tomorrow morning I’ll be sent off into the world, alone. I’ve been outside, of course. Plenty of times! But always knowing what I’m doing or where I’m going, and always knowing I’ll be home when I’m finished. Tomorrow I won’t have a home to come back to.
Okay well fat help you’ve been, diary. You started off well, but now I’m thinking about being alone again.
Time to try to sleep, I suppose. Can’t think about things while you’re asleep.
Good night, diary.