Parting Gifts

JP with Omni and Lorem

Dorgarag had full intentions to use his gifts to create a disorienting landscape that would throw the oncoming attackers off course. What he could do, was far more noticeable and effective than what could be done with horse and rider.

Gonyaul thought is best not to translate what voah said. Instead, he said that they, including Voah, would pray for their safety and well-being to Erewhon. The only word Voah would be able to recognize was Erewhon.

Dorgarag looked sternly at Voah and nodded. Then he, and the other man, gave a respectful Odsier bow from horse top to Gonyaul. Gonyaul returned the bow, though not at deep to avoid falling over.

Gonyaul then spoke up before Dorgarag could turn and leave. “Dorgarag … churay Tiponi allichu.” Gonyaul removed his Odsier necklace he made and handed it out to the man.

Dorgarag rode next to him and took the necklace with a knowing look. He said something back in reply while placing his hand on Gonyaul’s shoulder.

Voah was stunned and speechless as she watched the exchange. This was an impressive and admirable feat to behold. In such a short time Gonyaul had forged a kinship with these people and could use a considerable amount of their language, as well as non-verbal communication. The bonecaster that Gonyaul referred to as Dorgarag, a man who had once used his magikal ability to attack them both, now seemed like a brother as he left Gonyaul with a amicable farewell. And he said that he was not good enough?

The riders left them and spurred on the others to move along. Voah turned to Gonyaul with that same look of incredulity she had when they first met. Who was he? He was like some kind of blessed celestial. "Ajantii... You are incredible..."

Gonyaul watched as the riders departed and witnessed the Odsier travel line morphing. Gonyaul looked to Voah with a small smile, but there was more of a softness to it than from earlier. His eyes were a little less laden with sadness.

Before they had time to decide what to do next, Gonyaul heard his named being called by a young lad. There was a horse and rider speeding towards them from the tribe.

It was Tiponi’s younger brother. He quickly drew up next to Gonyaul and likewise put his hand on the man’s shoulder. In his other hand he handed over a decorative red sleeve to Gonyaul and shared a message before turning and speeding back.

While Gonyaul listened, it was like a damn burst and a smile came rushing through for a moment.

Apparently, when the warriors returned to the main travel line with the warning, Tiponi discovered from one of the men that Gonyaul was there warning of a lethal threat hunting them. She quickly found her nicest outfit and tore off the red sleeve that covered her missing arm. Then she charged her brother to deliver it in haste.

As Tiponi looked off in the direction of Gonyaul she cried happy tears. She wondered if Erewhon needed Gonyaul to leave so that he could bring back this warning to save her peoples lives? She didn’t understand it, she didn’t want it to be this way, but Erewhon was good. She made a mental note that perhaps she shouldn’t hold this against her father and extended the olive branch of forgiveness.

Later Tiponi would receive Gonyaul’s necklace and it would become a cherished accessory she would not be seen without henceforth. Likewise, Gonyaul would end up when he had the chance, ripping his right sleeve off his Arisha Ikeburer and sewing this one on in its place.

Voah noticed that the outfit he was wearing was the same one she left him in, but now instead of the white and pastel blue, it was a tannish brown. While with the Odsier, he must have dyed it to hide all the stains and discolorations. Examining it, she could see that he reinforced the Luger claw rip in the back with leather. He was also still adorning Voah's mother's jade comb securely braided into his hair.

Observing Gonyaul's demeanor, a sudden realization came to Voah then... he was heartbroken again. Somewhere in that tribe was another woman he had taken to... and quickly. Where there once would have been a bitter jealousy, there was suddenly a feeling of confusion and embarrassment, as if she was standing in the middle of two lovers trying to say goodbye. She replaced her mask to hide any feelings that might find their way to her face.