Sitting behind a desk for any length of time, or even being inside one building for an entirety of a work day chaffed Ewan's natural instincts. He was an active man by nature. The few hours he spent touring Yearling Brook and working out with the recruits and fighters billeted there in the morning did not compensate for the length of time he spent in the warehouse of his cousin.

With Gaerwyn away, Hudson lost to the seas, and the coming of Spring trade, Ewan had taken up a position at the warehouse. Master Rhys had heartily welcomed the aid. Age and the burden of long years at service were weighing upon the man with each passing season. Ewan made it a purpose to speak with Gaerwyn about seeing the man's keeping in a useful but less strenuous position. Right at the moment, though, Ewan needed Rhys around as much as Rhys needed him. They worked with Eva on the accounts as the first inklings of the busy season arrived.

That day, however, was a quieter day. Most of the work done by the noon hour. The workers were given option of taking the half day off with half pay or continue to work their normal hours spent cleaning the warehouse and doing the bi-weekly review of the equipment they used. It was fare to say half had stayed and half had left. Still, the voices were lively with jokes and bursts of singing to help in the passing of the time and the focus of their work.

Ewan, too, was trying to focus on his work. There was on more page of the ledger to review, and then he was determined to lend a hand to the workers in climbing the scaffolding and rafters to check pulleys and harnesses. He hoped they would not get that far before he was done. His feet bounced toe to heel and back again, aggravated by his prolonged stationary condition.

"Be careful of that arm, lad," Rhys poked his head into the office. The old man knew Ewan's nature well enough, perhaps even recognized the ticks and twitches of hands tired of tallying and aching to achieve some physical challenge.

Ewan had, in point of fact, forgotten about his ribs and arm. "Aye, of course, Rhys. I will not be pressing them past their endurance. You off for the day then?"

"That I am, lad, that I am. See you tomorrow?" If the words could have been printed across the man's face they would not have been more clear. His appreciation and hope for Ewan's help and the sorrow at the losses suffered that brought on the need for it. Rhys missed Hudson, and if Ewan had to name it, he would say he had a fatherly fondness for the man.

"I will be here in the afternoon. First the trip to Yearling Brook. I will take these dispatches for the Guild in Yransea."

"Thank you. Good day!" The heavy shuffling thump of the man's gait down the stairs to the warehouse floor were almost muffled by the calls of the other men.

Ewan realized that as much as he was willing to help out his cousin, there was no sensible way he could maintain a position there day after day. He would take his few days pay, half of what would have been owed Hudson for the same work, and find something that suited his disposition. Something as close as he could get and still serve the Yransea household without restraint. Serve his family as well, without too much absence. It was all a balance, much like the ledgers, taking stock, making trade, and holding on to what was valued most.

With a smile, he closed the book and decided to call it a day as well. There was his family to better spend his energies on that afternoon.