An Agreement is Struck

JP with Omni, Lorem and Winteroak

The three man looked one another and spoke quickly in their language that sounded nothing like Odsier nor Odonine.

Zargari looked at Voah and back at Gonyaul. Seemed that women and men could speak for one another. Which was fine with him just the Atsigani always wanted to know how to act with different cultures.
Of course the fact they the couple wanted an escort to whatever destination might mean they were running away from something.

"We are travelling to a small village at the edge of the Great Desert of Skulls. Desdem." He said. "It's about 1 week away. We are selling our wares to a caravan that will leave towards the Holy City of Gra'akast." He could tell the names meant little to the two.
"You could join us until we reach Desdem." He offered calculating a fee.

Gonyual didn’t have much of a poker face. His face livened with enthusiasm as he made eye contact with Voah. His eyes widening eagerly as if to say, that sounded like a great offer. His week among the Odsier was life changing, and he could only imagine that it could be the same with the Atsigani.

Now they were getting somewhere. The Atsigani spoke in a balanced and even manner between both she and Gonyaul. They must not share the same belief as the Odonine that regarded men in higher esteem than their counterparts. That was a small comfort.

She was not familiar with the names of either of the locations, in fact she had heard of little more than the Odsier plains and Fang, but she may have glimpse a desert on the Duke’s map. As long as their path continued south or west Voah had no problem.

It came as a relief to hear that the Atsigani were willing to allow their accompaniment for even a week. She was desperate, Gonyaul not so much, but her excitement was contained. Instead she showed her gratitude as she awaited his price.

“That would be most welcoming.”

The patriarch nodded at her words. "Three pearls and your saddle will buy your safe passage with us. Food and drink." He offered. "You will be required to help around the camp as well.

Voah’s judgement told her never to take the first offer but they were hardly in a position to negotiate having no frame of reference for dealing with these people.

The Atsigani would find pearls more useful once they made their way back to trade in Fang. The saddle was probably one of the most highly valuable items she was willing to offer.

The sound of a desert and a holy city sounded both daunting and intriguing to Voah, but it was far from the war and the Inquisition.

“For that price… would you be willing to make an arrangement for us to join the caravan to Gra’Akast?”

Zargari considered the request seriously. "Your horses. They will be of very little value to you if you are wishing to travel to the city on the Great Oasis." He offered sure that he could get them passage in one of the few caravans going into the heart of the Desert.

Bringing up the horses was more than a piece of advice, it meant they wanted her to sweeten the deal if she was asking for more.

Although she had become rather fond of Litany, she supposed she might have to part with the horse eventually. Gonyaul would have to agree to this offer as well so she turned her gaze back on him, unsure if he understood that Amu would be part of the deal.

Gonyaul did understand and he nodded with a reluctant grimace. Always thinking of others before himself, Gonyaul was always willing to give, and in this case, if it was the price for his and Voah’s safety and future, he was willing to pay it.

Voah looked back to Zargari, “Add a tent to the offer and we have an accord.”

Gonyaul was so glad Voah was there to help with the negotiations. He was sure if it was just him he would have settled for a much less favorable deal and thought he came out the winner. He smiled at Voah, just appreciative in the moment for her tactfulness.

Zargari nodded. "As my word is my bond, we have an agreement..." He said with a smile clapping his hands together loudly to signify they had closed a deal.