The Odsier Welcome the Vaux

It had been four days since he had parted ways with Voah.

Day One
Gonyaul had returned to the slaughtered Odsier tribe in search of potential supplies. He was hoping that he would find solutions to his present survival problems. Instead he found something far greater, the opportunity to show support and kindness to the Odsier Bonecaster he had freed the night before. Gonyaul, through gesture and observation, aided and learned of the Odsier above ground burial rites. It was a memorable experience. While sad and solemn, he was grateful that he could be there for a stranger in their time of need. That stranger gave him not only a bow of respect in the end, but also invitation to journey into the plains. To Gonyaul such things were worth more than gold. As they went forward, the two men traded names; Gonyaul'vaux for Dorgarag.

Day Two
The overwhelming majority of the day was spent traveling northward. Dorgarag seemed confident in his sense of direction, while Gonyaul simply followed without question. Gonyaul and Dorgarag took turns riding Amu. Occasionally, Gonyaul would ride while Dorgarag rode the earth. From trial and error, Gonyaul figured out that as long as he stayed more than 15 feet away from the man he seemed to be able to perform his miraculous feats on the terrain.

They didn't speak to each other much; however, both got to bare witness to the other's customs when they took breaks. Dorgarag saw Gonyaul meditating and Vauxian dancing, always ending with a prayer using reoccurring words such as Hoi, Cambena and Voah. Likewise, Gonyaul got to see Dorgarag performing worship to Erewhon. After they had made camp for the night Gonyaul tried his best to engage in conversation about Erewhon. While they didn't converse well or reach any form of understanding, Dorgarag did permit Gonyaul to follow along with him in worship of 'Wonderland'.

Day Three
By noon, Dorgarag was pleased to deliver them both into the presence of a group of Odsier warriors hunting a traveling caribou herd. Gonyaul could tell they were Odsier because they were small in stature with light tanned skin like his new acquaintance. They wore tanned hides and spoke like Dorgarag in a quick tweeting language. Small bones and colored leather strands were braided into their long hair and parts of their faces had been painted.

The warriors seemed welcoming of Dorgarag; however, unwelcoming of Gonyaul. That was until Dorgarag spoke with them. Whatever Dorgarag said must have meant something to them, because afterwards their demeanor transformed and seemed inviting. Gonyaul had several things being said to him as they gathered around. He could discern that it was respectful and friendly based on their tones and body language; however, he did not know what they were actually saying. Gonyaul returned their inclusion with Vauxian greetings.

The Odsier warriors finished their hunt, another privilege for Gonyaul to observe, and then led the way back to their nomadic tribe's temporary encampment. They all reached the tents, which looked strong and sturdy, late into the evening.

Dorgarag handed Gonyaul over to the care of several women upon arrival. He then departed. Gonyaul assumed based on his observation, that Dorgarag had important matters to discuss with those in authority of the tribe. Gonyaul was hospitably given one of their tents to lay his head for the night. They tended his horse Amu and gave him something to drink.

Once again, Gonyaul didn't say much instead using Vauxian sign language and friendly expressions. He was taking everything in. The sights, sounds, smells, textures, and tastes; each of his five senses were getting an educational glimpse into the life of the Odsier. He took rest, exhausted not just by the travels but also from saying thank you so many times, and was seated quietly outside his tent watching.

The camp was large. The sturdy tents were arranged in semi circular patterns, around makeshift fires. Everywhere there was activity. Men, women, children, and dogs were moving about in synchronized harmony of their social norms and tasks. Not a single eye didn't transfix itself on the strange Vaux as people would pass by, and the children afford both eyes repeatedly. Eventually Gonyaul was retrieved by one of the women and taken to a communal meal. It was delicious and he was so happy to see how warmly they interacted with one another and was appreciative of the kindness they were showing him. It reminded him of the haven he, Alexis, Islana and Boyce were making for themselves back at the Greyriver lands.

When it was time to sleep, it took awhile for him to fall asleep since he was trying to replay all the input he had experienced and was teaming with questions. He would need to make an effort to overcome the language barrier.

Day Four
Gonyaul woke early as always and performed his Vauxian routines. While the rest of the Odsier were about their day as well, they couldn't help stare at the novelty of Gonyaul; his different appearance, behaviors, attire, communication, etc... The women he was assigned to checked in on him early and Gonyaul was able to convince them to let him help with their chores. And so he set to work helping as much as they would allow and learning as much as they would patiently teach.

He had not seen Dorgarag all day. It didn't concern him, he was having a great time.