Desdem Deal Done

JP with Winteroak, Omni and Lorem:

Later that evening as the Atsigani made their camp on tye edges of the village a group of men came and visit them. You quickly realised the are the elders of the village. Zargari welcomes them much in the same way he did you a few weeks ago over a long rug and sharing water with his guests. They are obviously trading and discussing terms for the stay of the Walking People.

It goes on for a while before one of the men points in your direction, gesticulating to you.
Zargari calls you both over.
"They want to know who you are and what you want in Desdem."

Gonyaul and Voah had discussed in more detail their needs and wants, clearly demarcating the former from the latter, during the early afternoon. As they talked they did invite the fantasy that two options lay before them; stay or keep going. While there were significant advantages to Desdem for settling, and the next three days could increase those pros, there was still the undeniable threat in pursuit of Voah which made being anywhere near the origin point of the Salos imperialism dangerous.

They stayed with the Atsigani, taking to heart their words of caution and request that they represent them well. They had successfully setup their tent, now quite adept at it, and were helping with a few more chores around the campsite.

When Zargani called over to them, Gonyaul was the first to hear. He quickly gathered Voah and the two of them joined the important meeting. Gonyaul cordially greeted them in the formal Vauxian way.

“I Zovyan and my beloved Enustik.” He introduced Voah to them with a gesture of admiration and then continued signing as he talked.

“We searching for place to call home and would like trade for supplies. I am farmer that work with bettering crops in dry, or hard, places. If pleases you, would much like show you practices in case make good for you village.”

Voah was impressed and satisfied by Gonyaul's succinct response. It was a vague truth that didn't specifically reveal or infer too much.

The eldest of the men listen to Zargani and replied. The patriarch of the Atsigani replied.
"What do you want to trade for and what do you have to trade?"

Voah opened her personal bundle and laid out an array of small items. It felt insignificant.

Two pearls, her last vial of clove oil perfume, an ivory torq from the Grey Mouth tribe, holy incense, and a small ornate box of Mizaran make, fashioned of wood and laquer, in which she usually stowed her personal items.

Gonyaul waited patiently with a friendly shine. He listened to Zargani; however, continued to keep eye contact with the men from Desdem thinking it polite.

It was eye opening how little they had to their names, after seeing it displayed all in one place. He took the two pearls, Voah had given him, and added them to the trade items.

“We like trade for more proper clothing for travel in desert and camp supplies for storing and cooking.”

Gonyaul looked to Voah and made a gesture that she also had something to add.

"Pardon. If it is possible, I would like to purchase bolts of lightweight cloth and sewing materials."

These she wanted to fashion a new Arisha Ikeburer for Gonyaul and if she could afford enough, she would make one for herself as well.

She also held onto an odd request for alcohol. She wanted it for part of the wedding ritual, but did not expect that a bottle would survive the harsh traveling conditions of the desert. She would either have to wait until they reached Gra'akast, or wait to see if they would be welcome to stay in Desdem.

Zargani translated once more." The can offer you the utensils you want, plus a robe and a couple of scarves for the desert. 10 yards of wool. They want 2 pearls in return. They have no need for any other of the items." He said.

It seemed like a fair trade to Gonyaul. A robe, couple of scarves, 10 yards of wool, and the few small items to make cooking and eating easier. He looked to Voah’s eyes for confirmation. Vauxians didn’t use money or barter systems, so the concept was something he had to learn. He understood how it worked and it’s important value others held of it, but he didn’t understand why people enslave themselves to it; or worse, willingly pursue vices over virtues in order to acquire more of it in comparison to others.

Voah was already hot wearing her black silent flock garb beneath the outer Arisha, and the thought of wearing wool in the hot sun just made her itchy. But what did she know about desert travel? Gonyaul seemed pleased with the arrangement.

“It is a deal. Light or bright colors if you could please.”

She wiped the beads of sweat from her brow.

Zargari passed the two pearls to the elder. "They will deliver the goods tomorrow." He said bowing his head. Another of the elders pointed at the two. Zargari translated.
"Why are your people killing the tribes and taking land?"