I have made even more headway into the reading of the manuscript. I have several pieces of parchment dedicated to the various research stations, and my notes on each are coming along nicely. By the end of the week, I may even be able to finish my first reading of our translation. That would give me at least two weeks to analyze and cross reference data; a week or so outline, draft, and finalize the paper; and a week to review and submit the paper. If I can stick to this schedule, the whole undertaking ought to proceed without incident.
Despite my enthusiasm, I cannot help but feel a bit melancholic, however. Today was the day that Ulrich and the others were to leave Artemesia. My heart wrenches at the thought of how it might have felt for Ulrich to leave Artemesia without the two of us being able to properly say goodbye. I was too busy attempting to gain a strong start to my research to realize that the day had come. To say that I am saddened and ashamed is to understate my feelings on the matter. I wish we could have stolen away more time together, but I do not have the luxury for such things at the moment. Not when there is work to be done. I just hope that he does not think ill of me for my selfishness, and that this bittersweet ending of our time together will not sour the the memories we share.