Yellow Chrysanthemum

"What are you thinking about, captain?" Ezra questioned. seated opposite from Alaric at a circular table. They had even requested permission from the Antares chief for this journey as their preparations for their journey were nearly complete. The chief finally agreed after some persuasion because Antares is a merchant land and everyone is free to move about. That was the benefit of residing on the small island; even though there was no king or queen in charge, everyone coexisted peacefully. It is understandable why this country produced such wealth.

"Just a few things." Alaric exhaled heavily and turned to face Ezra. "I can't believe we are now so close to our goal." Ezra chuckled a little while nodding.

"Just another month and we'll be on our way to the sea." He took a brief minute to reflect. Alaric grinned briefly, but then his smile faded and he began to think again.

"Do you think I'm fit to lead all of you?"

"Captain, your objective and goal just provided us with a goal. Prior to it, we followed a regimen and lived to work. That's not terrible, but that's not how life works. And as for me, I've found a reason to be helpful and am more than willing to help you."

"You're being far too cordial."

"Who is being kind?" Hermes muttered as he turned to sit next to Alaric, and Jonah followed. As they set some warm food on the table, they could smell salad and squid that had just been grilled. "Ralf and Rufus were unable to join us since they had to make sure the ship was in good condition." Alaric joined his hands while nodding, and others did the same.

"The gods up there, bless us with this food and guide us through the day and the days that are coming, for whoever it reaches." Alaric made a habit out of praying after learning about the elementals. The original inhabitants of the land they currently inhabit, and perhaps during his journey he will learn about the shredded pages of that yellow book. He offered a brief prayer, and then they began to eat. " I have to see Amalia and Ralf after lunch."

"Why? Captain."

"There's something I need to talk about."

Alaric traveled to the town after lunch to see Ralf, as he had previously stated. The streets were bustling with people exploring the markets, and there were a few children running around. Everything appeared to be fine and as usual, despite the shouting of the sellers and merchants to promote their products. Alaric walked slowly down the street. Hermes insisted on accompanying him, but Alaric refused and instead sent him with Ezra to assist him with the maps. Since then, the team has developed. Ezra learned how to read maps from Hermes, as well as several other fundamental skills that would enable him to survive in a diverse location. Jonah worked as usual in his depot, preparing a list of the goods he would require on this journey, while Ralf and Rufus studied the ship and made sure nothing went wrong. Alaric felt ineffective because everyone else appeared to be working. He is not in a mental state to assist with the journey, and his sword strategies and combat techniques won't help them. "I sincerely hope all is well there." As he patted his pockets, he murmured to himself.

'Uncle Mikael' Amalia yelled when she spotted Alaric approaching the home. She finished dusting the window sill with a brush and put it down before leaving. "My father and I were just discussing the trip."

"I came to see him. I have a few things I want to talk about." He was well-heard by Amalia, who remarked, 'Oh'. Her face fell as she realized that Alaric and Hermes had never actually met her since the group had first come together to talk about the journey. Like anyone would, she felt alone. She moved a little and invited him inside. "With you both." As soon as she heard the word 'both' her eyes lit up.

Since he was feeling under the weather, Ralf had quickly left the work and was now recuperating at home with Amalia. Amalia suggested that Alaric take a seat on the chair that was situated next to the bed, where Ralf was resting his head on the headboard. "I'm a little under the weather today, captain. I apologize." Alaric shook his head and stated that was alright and that it wasn't his fault. "Amalia, go bring him a drink of water." After giving a quick nod, Amalia went to the kitchen to grab some water. "Captain, what is it? You appear a little frazzled." Ralf noted the frown on Alaric's face, and the fact that Alaric didn't try to hide it indicated that he was indeed anxious about something. Alaric exhaled heavily before clearing his throat.

"I've come to thank you."

Amalia returned carrying a glass of water, which she set down next to Alaric on the small stool. She sat down at the edge of the bed and watched him finish his sentence. "Thank me?" Ralf enquired.

You've helped me and Hermes through everything ever since the day I arrived in Antares, ever since we first met aboard the ship. You and your family found us a place to live and a job, and you are now supporting me on this journey." He fumbled with his fingers, searching for the right phrase. "I want to thank you and Amalia for this; you've been a wonderful assistance."

"The journey is not over, captain. I still have a lot of work to do for you. We still have a path ahead of us, but I appreciate that I've been helpful. Captain, you may thank me later."

"Ralf, you have a lovely family, a devoted wife, and a lovely daughter." Alaric smiled while glancing at Amalia.

"What is the point, Captain?"

Alaric sighed after he swallowed water all at once. He looked at Ralf, who was sitting bewildered and not resting on the headboard, and wiped his lips with his sleeves. "I can't let you go on the journey with me." Alaric blurted out as rapidly as he could. He spoke with trembling lips. Everything fell silent for a split second. Alaric sat there holding back his emotions while Amalia and Ralf continued to look at him without saying a word.

"Don't joke, captain; I have to come. Yes, I'll go."

"No, I've decided you won't join us on this expedition."

"But why?" With a shaky grip, Ralf fisted the bedsheets. "I'm unwell, is that why it is, or what? "I have a slight cold, captain. In a week I'll be OK."

"No, Ralf, you're not sick. How do I phrase this?" Ralf kept looking at Alaric with a hint of dissatisfaction on his face as he ran his fingers through his hair. Amalia remained silent throughout. She appeared to be attempting to read Alaric's face as she fixed her attention on him. "Ralph, you —" Alaric struggled to finish his sentence and choked on his words.

"Uncle Mikael is worried about us." Ralf and Alaric cast glances at Amalia. If something were to happen to you. What would he say to us? Right Uncle Mikael?"

"Captain!"

"It's true," As soon as Alaric said that, Ralf hissed. "You must realize that I cannot put your life in danger. You are not by yourself. You have a family."

"Captain, you have a family as well."

"Ralf, I can't take you with me because I know someone will be waiting for you. I cannot separate a daughter from her father. I cannot break a family. What will occur on this expedition is unknown to us. I don't want anything awful to happen, but if it does, I won't be able to continue with the weight of guilt hanging over me. I'm afraid of falling short of all of your expectations." Ralf was speechless and just sat there staring at Alaric; he couldn't respond. "Amalia is like my daughter. She reminds me of my own daughter." He gave Amalia a tender gaze. "My daughter is waiting for me at home. I don't want Amalia and you to endure the same pain. Therefore, if you could only agree with me. This is a request." Alaric got up from his chair and made his way outside. Amalia and Ralf did nothing to stop him. They realized that Alaric was experiencing an emotional breakdown.

Alaric refrained from chit-chatting with anyone that evening. An envelope was pressing into the palm of his hand while his hands were resting on the desk in front of him. He stayed in his seat. Hermes and Ezra just exchanged a few glances, but they were wise enough to avoid upsetting Alaric at this time. Alaric sighed as he repeatedly opened and shut the envelope. Eventually, he did so fully. the package he received during the cargo ship's long voyage back from the land of fire. Alaric received the envelope from Levin, according to the trusty man of the chief, who was tasked with deliver a letter to Levin. There wasn't any letter. Sending a letter with Alaric's name on it would be a problem, therefore he avoided it. However, a yellow chrysanthemum blossom was present. The flower had withered and now resembled a crisp. The message was clear to Alaric: his daughter Aura was secure, an adult, and prepared to ascend to the kingdom. He smiled to himself while wiping away a tear of sadness. It was now obvious how long he had been gone from the family; it had been more than ten years, and he felt terrible.

"The dinner is ready, captain." Ezra called out to Alaric with a timid voice. Alaric wiped away any remaining tears from his face and reinserted the chrysanthemum inside the package. He placed the envelope into the closet and nodded before rising from his chair. They avoided talking to one another at dinner. Though they didn't inquire, Ezra and Hermes were perplexed by what transpired when Alaric went to meet Ralf.

Every preparation had been made. The ship was successfully loaded with the food and drinks. Next, the fuel barrels were prepped for loading, and all other necessary supplies for maintenance or repairs were also ready. The month had finally begun, and the enormous ship was brought into the harbor. Everyone had already reported to the port because it was still early in the morning. Alaric was thrilled to see that they were voluntarily participating in this since their eyes were full with enthusiasm and determination. Things between Alaric and Ralf have soured since his last conversation with him a month ago, and they have avoided each other in public. Alaric, though, desired to meet his friend today before leaving. What if this was his final trip here? To make sure everything was in order and the stalks were loaded, Jonah entered the ship first. Before entering the boat, Rufus also greased the chains and the anchor. The gasoline supplies were being looked after by Edgar and Jonathan, who were also keeping track of the number of barrels. Before the ship moved, Ben was hard repairing the rigging and chains. Being a brilliant quartermaster, Hermes meticulously recorded everything. Alaric and the medic were watching other people at work from a vantage point at the dock.

"You are feeling guilt." The doctor stated this without addressing Alaric directly.

"You're not looking at me at all." Alaric made a little chuckle.

"However, I can sense it."

"I am, I really am. Every time I try to do things correctly, I goof up and damage everyone. I have no idea how this happens." Alaric said in a dejected manner.

"Why do you try to do things correctly, then?"

"What do you mean?"

"Allow things to unfold as they may; avoid making assumptions about the future and ignoring the now that is right in front of you. Whatever you do, if something is going to happen, it will." He gave Alaric a sympathetic gaze. "All you can do is get ready for that." Alaric sadly nodded.

After a brief period of silence, they continued to watch the other people as they worked. "So, let's board the ship and let fate make the final decision. The final passengers to board are us. Let's leave." Alaric and the doctor got up from the bench they were seated on and dusted themselves off. Hermes signaled their arrival by waving his hand.

"Wait for us."

When Alaric and the doctor turned to gaze behind them, their eyes grew wide. Ralf was coming toward them with the chief's most dependable man. Ralf had a smile on his face. But why did he come here? Alaric pondered. Did he arrive to say goodbye to them?

"Without us, you cannot leave."

"Us?"

"Ceaser and I." Ralf made a stern look and pointed at the man. "I am aware that you asked me not to come, but we are the family captain. I find it impossible to live in peace knowing that I could have done something but chose to stay at home and spend time with my family. My daughter is brave, and I learnt it from you. She even sent us some food along with a card. Captain, I'm not going to desert you. Let me in, please." His eyes were determined and imploring. Alaric smiled in response to Ralf's nod. Alaric waited for the man next to him to introduce himself as he fixed his attention on him. "Oh, he offered up his services. They'll leave without us if we don't leave now."

Maybe it's not always awful to let things be up to chance. Alaric boarded the ship without any guilt hanging over him. He would not rob his team of their rights because he was aware of how persistent they were.