Beginning the Shepherd's Life

The long-awaited day has arrived at last. My twenty-first birthday was yesterday, and after the celebration (that lasted well into the night), I completed my packing and fell asleep in my comfortable palace bed for the last time in who knows how many years. I slept surprisingly well, all things considered. Malath warned that the nerves would keep me awake, but I went to sleep shortly after completing my packing and woke with the sun.
 
Peret helped me carry my trunk to the stables. He didn't say much as we loaded the trunk onto the small wagon that had been assigned to me, beyond reminding me that the wagon was mine to use throughout my time in the fields. We were silent still as I guided Baldur out of his stall and hitched him to the wagon. But then, I expected nothing less. Peret is always quiet when he doesn't wish to show emotion.
but
Our goodbye was nothing more than a mutual clap on the shoulder. Peret wished me good luck, reminded me that I was expected back for all the major festivals, and then headed back inside. I turned my face to the west, where my new plot of land lay. Excitement stirred within me, drowning out any trepidation I might have felt. I have waited for this day for as long as I can remember. It is hard to believe that it is finally here.
 
I arrived at my land about three hours after sunrise. It is a beautiful place, rolling hills covered in emerald grass providing sustenance to nearly a hundred sheep. Simple stone walls keep the sheep from wandering too far; slick moss grows along the walls, a darker green than the grass and remarkably soft and spongy to the touch.
 
My cottage is no more than thirty nelphiin from the sheep pen. Should any danger come to the sheep, I will be aware of it instantly. The cottage is small, with one door opening into a square room holding a woodstove, a two-person table, and a single bed against the far wall. There is just room under the bed for my trunk. I am considering rearranging the furniture and making the trunk a sort of extra table. It seems a waste of space to have it just sitting there.
 
Already this place feels more like home than the palace ever has. Perhaps that is because it is mine, and mine alone. I have not experienced this before, and it is exciting. But more than that, this feels... right. I am meant to be here. Now that I am here, I am more excited than before. Many warned me that I would be lonely and that these would be difficult years, but somehow I do not think so.
 
And I am not quite alone. There are the sheep, of course, and there is also a dog to keep me company. He looks to be about four years old and is well seasoned in his task of guarding the sheep. He seemed to know who I was, coming up to me with a pleasant wag of his tail and submitting to having his head rubbed. There was nothing to tell me his name, so I am calling him "Boy" until I know his personality better.
 
Quill will come every now and then with messages from my father. Honestly, I am not nearly as removed from the city as I might have liked. I can easily ride back in whenever I please. Without the cart, Baldur can make the journey in less than two hours. But I shall not avail myself of that option. I am here until such time as I ascend to the throne, and I will do all I can to make this into my home. This is my task now, and I will not allow myself to become distracted.