Trade Talks Begin

JP with Omni, Lorem and Winteroak:

Gonyaul soaked in the unique environment and details of the Atsigani people and their camp. The novelty of Arcadia was never ending. Around every turn were fascinating new people with interesting new ways.

He thanked them for the seat and water. When the man suddenly spoke in fluent Helian; however, he was shocked. While this would make conversing so much easier, it was unexpected. In addition, would this pose a problem for Voah. Was he wrong that this was a safe risk? He looked to Voah with a twinge of concern.

Gonyaul was the worst liar in the world, because he doesn’t do it. Voah may need to interject lest he divulge something she wished kept secret. He wasn’t trying to be difficult, or troublesome, for them. It just wasn’t in his nature and didn’t cross his mind to answer with guile.

Voah saw the anxiety in Gonyual’s eyes. Again she was surprised where perhaps she should not have been as this group of natives seemed to know the Helian tongue well.

The man had directed the question to Voah, so she considered herself bidden to speak for them both.

“We come from across the Sea of Storms, and our paths have taken us to the gate city... and now beyond.”

It wasn’t a lie but it was vague enough not to betray anything more of their alliances or the amount of time they had been in the city itself.

She wondered if the question was due to the differences in her and Gonyaul’s appearances and she doubted whether her answer would be a welcome one.

“We don’t want any trouble I assure you.” she urged.

The man nodded. "We have traded with some of your people before, but not many of you come so far this.ways." He said. "We are Atsigani." He continued. "The Walking People. Fellow travellers with no I'll intentions are always welcome at our camp." He said gesturing around him towards his people." He said raising his cup and drink the water.
"You wish to trade?"

Gonyaul inwardly sighed in relief. That is exactly what he wanted to hear. Why couldn’t more people have such views? There would be less blood shed and drama if others were more hospitable.

He raised his cup just a little and took a drink to show his approval.

Voah knew that it was best practice to be as amenable as possible to those whose caliber was uncertain or unscrupulous, in this case the former, especially when they are your acting hosts. She also wasn't armed sufficiently enough to put up much of a fight if this traveling party wished to subdue her and her fiance. Gonyaul had already partaken in the water, but she would wait to do so.

For now she bowed in thanks.

“I am Enustik and this is my husband Zovyan. “

She gestured to Gonyaul whose lips barely hid a cool smile.

“It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance and we thank you for the kindness of your reception.”

Voah questioned whether she was being too formal with her Helian, but she could tell that he understood thank you at least.

“Yes... We intend to travel further into Arcadia to make our home there. We wish to trade for survival supplies, information, or even an escort...“

Gonyaul nodded in confirmation to Voah’s words. They really could benefit from a boost. All he had at the present was Amu, sans saddle; skin of Pecammin, a third full; water skin also near empty. The broken Odsier tent, which Tiponi had made with tender loving care, had to be left in the plains. His original tent, Voah sent him away with, he had given to a bunch of the Odsier kids once he had the new one.

Of course Voah had many things she brought from Bootleggers Pier; however, they literally were about to venture into the unknown in the pursuit of establishing some semblance of settling down. While his survival skills, ingenuity, and resourcefulness were quiet capable, Gonyaul welcomed anything that would make the transition less difficult.

How things would proceed for them most likely was hinging on what the Atsigani man would say next.