[⯈] A Leatherbound Journal Ch. 1

Kyrran sits at his desk idly wiggling a pen between his fingers. He sighs heavily, leans forward, and begins to write.

I didn't start my life in a traditional home. I don't know what happened to my parents, who they are, or why they left me. I like to think they had a good reason, but I will likely never know. I've tried to make peace with this since it is nothing I can change.

I grew up an orphan in Gridania. I was one among many displaced children. Some children were abandoned, like myself, others had their parents killed. The orphanage wasn't a happy place, and it most certainly wasn't home. It was a place to stay, a place to wait.

The Matron was a kind, but firm elderly Elezen. She ensured we got enough of an education to not be ignorant, and enough food to not be starving.

Kyrran looks up from his writing and thinks for a moment. He leans back in his chair and yells out to the other room,"Saka! Do you know the address of the orphanage in Gridania?"

There's a moment of silence before Kyrran hears Sakamae's footsteps nearing. Kyrran smiles and leans his head back. Sakamae enters the study wearing paint stained coveralls and wiping her hands on a cloth. She pulls Kyrran's head back and gives his forehead a kiss while accidentally smudging a tiny bit of paint on his cheek.

They stare into each other's eyes for a bit before Saka says thoughtfully, "You know, I think a postmoogle would be able to deliver it decently well if you just addressed it 'Gridania Orphanage'." Her eyes scrunch up into a smile.

Kyrran smiles back and lets out a soft chuckle as he mutters, "You have a point."

Saka bonks Kyrran's forehead with her own as she asks, "Why? What are you thinking?"

Kyrran closes his eyes and tilts his head back and forth before saying, "I was just writing about my time there and I realised that I never went back. I never thanked her or... anything really."

Sakamae stands up straight and gives Kyrran a stern look, "You're not sending that woman a letter. We're going to go visit Gridania and you're going to talk to her, update her, and thank her properly."

Kyrran smiles sheepishly, "I guess I should... I doubt she even remembers me. You're right, though, of course."

Sakamae smiles warmly at Kyrran and squeezes his shoulder, "Okay, good. Now finish up what you were writing then come help me paint this room. I saved the entire top part for you and your long elfy arms!"

"I think you mean my elegantly elongated Elezen extendo-hands!" Kyrran flails his arms about and pulls Saka close for a quick kiss before she scurries off to continue painting.

The smile lingers on Kyrran's face as he leans back over his journal and sets pen to paper once more.

It was while in the care of this orphanage that I met my first best friend. We met while playing at the Acorn Orchard near the Carpenter's Guild. It was here that I first met Kainen Valemont.