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Day 1.
Today we have started on the long journey from my hometown of Ephesus, a wonderful city that is full of life, to travel to a city in the east by the name of Kashgar. I know little of this city, for my father never feels to tell me of it. You see, my father was a wonderful merchant. He had fleets so large that they could sail around the world and hit every place. My mother, as well, was a princess of a small kingdom, but it meant nothing in the end. She died years ago, so it was me and my father. We had money and we were happy enough, never needing anything. But, sadly, that all changed when he hit some economic trouble.
We lost our grand house, opting to move to a smaller and cheaper home. My father continued to look for work in every corner of the city, no job being too low. He eventually landed upon the job of traveling to the east to trade. It is a dangerous journey, one that most would not dare to undertake, but my father, in pure desperation, agreed.
Today, we set off early in the morning and traveled throughout the day. The sun was barely up when we left, and now the sun has long set when we stop for our rest. My father had not wanted me to come with him on this grand adventure, but I had begged and pleaded for I did not feel like staying home wondering what happened to him on his travels.
He told me it would be too dangerous, better than simply resting at home, but I demanded he brings me with him. If I lose my life on this trip, then the gods save me. But it would be a greater sin to remain idle at home while others risked their lives to bring the goods I had once taken for granted.
Thankfully, he finally relented and we began the long, awful walk that will take up hours of our time. Thank Zeus we do not have to go by water. It may be faster, but I have a dread of the water that I cannot quite understand.
At least we are not traveling alone, there are others at our party. A few older men called the guides, and a few younger ones as well. I am the only girl, though I expected no different.
There are three older men in their fifties, leading our crew of mighty misfits. They will not share their name for any reason. I suspect they have gotten into quite a bit of trouble before. They are courteous enough towards me, though sometimes they let their veil slip and I worry that something may go wrong.
There is also a young man by the name of Quintus. A roman, he says. He was from the Roman city of Pompei. The city that burnt down. He is a few years older than me, something around two and twenty or so. He is quite cute. With dark black hair and olive skin, he is handsome, but he knows it. And, because of this, he is a cocky annoying person. His need to see the world is not so great that any of us want him here.
There is also his awful companion, whose name I do not feel inclined in the least to learn.
Well, I am going to turn it in. I fear I shall never fall asleep now. The mens’ snores are quite loud. I wonder how they ever sleep.
Good night and good luck,
Y/n, 94 AD
Day 40
Dear gods!
We have been walking for what feels like ages! I should never have come! A warm, comfortable room back in Ephesus couldn’t be worse than this! This is awful! My whole body hurts and the men we are traveling with are worse than annoying! We’ve had to climb over mountains, trek over flatlands, and we have not even once walked in a place of flat terrain! May the gods help us.
At least now I may finally rest. We reached what the older men call a midpoint, the city of Samarkand, at midday. The men immediately went to trade, while I rushed to the city well for water. The people here are nice enough but very different from back home. A woman has offered me shelter in exchange for my help.
I am seriously considering it. When I think of the many, many more miles left, I want to throw up. I expect that my father will not care if I stop here, as long as I am safe. All my previous courage and excitement have drained away.
It would be nice to get away from everyone on the trip, as well. Quintus keeps telling stories of his youth in great Pompei. While the older men simply whisper amongst themselves of great riches in store in the east. They say they are going to break off from the group to continue on east. I would not be surprised if they try to sack the eastern leader himself. Dear gods this trip has been awful.
I am going to ask my father now.
Y/n
Day 100
What. Just. Happened!
Today we were on the road, we were walking and then something awful happened.
Quintus kissed me!
And the worst part is, I liked it!
I think this road is making me go crazy.
I think I’m going to throw up. I don’t even know what to think!
Day 150
I think I’ve lost my mind. I spent the whole rest day with Quintus. He was talking about his plan for the future. He wants to go back to Rome and become a senator.
The whole time, I was praying to any god who would listen that he would ask me to come with him.
I think I’ve completely lost my mind.
I don’t even have anyone to talk to this about. I think I’m going to cry. Dear gods, save me now. I’m too deep to turn out now.
Day 200
We arrived back in Ephesus today. It has been a long trip, one that I will never, ever redo. Along our way back, we ran into this funny man who told me about the trees.
“Look at the trees!” He waved his hands around. “Look how they change colors for me!” He laughed aloud. The man was crazed, and we spoke of him the whole time. He tried to convert us as well, a missionary for himself. “I’m a god!” He told us as he walked up to our fire. “I can talk to the trees and the rocks shift under me!” Crazed, I say.
As for Samarkand, I don’t know why the men called it a midpoint. We were practically there. If we didn’t have to stop to restock then we could have gotten there in a few days at least. It was beautiful, on the way back–my father not letting me stay–we came to town just in time for a grand festival. They played all sorts of musical instruments. I wish we had music like that back home.
Quintus’ companion–Clemens, I believe his name is–died of dysentery on the way back. Quintus was very upset about that, which kind of surprised me. He and his slave seemed to be very close together.
I want to feel bad, but I couldn’t help but feel jealous of Clemens.
Anyway, Quintus has been begging me to come to Rome with him. I hate the idea of leaving my father, but I want to go with him.
I do not know what to do.
Day 201
I know what I want.
I’m going to go with Quintus.
We’ll start a life in Rome together.
We can be happy.
I know we can.